So here are my thoughts about the American Idol Top 10.
(First a note about Gwen Stephani: her stage persona seems to have nothing to do with the real Gwen. When she was interviewed and talking to the contestants, she seemed very down to earth, sweet, reserved and just darling. On stage, she jumps around with jerky movements, dresses very strangely, and her hair is always a bit out there -- plus her music is quite unique. I really liked her down to earth personality.)
1. LaKisha, LaKisha, LaKisha. What can I say? Excellent vocals as always. (Didn't love the dress though.)
2. Chris Sligh. Not a great performance tonight. I didn't think the song fit him very well and he needs to work on his stage presence. I've liked him from the beginning, but think he's at risk for going home.
3. Gina Glocksen. She's not my favorite performer but some of my nieces like her a lot so I know she has a fan base. She did well tonight but I thought looked a little bit awkward standing there -- not knowing what to do with her hands or something. She's a cute girl and I think will stay a few more weeks.
4. Sanjay Malakar. What??? UGH! Is he TRYING to be the obvious worst? I'm at a loss for words about the hair. And completely agreed with Simon that he's in his own universe. Starting to remind me of the wierdness of Michael Jackson. A bit scary.
5. Haley Scarnato. I really hope she'll go home tonight. It's painful to listen to, painful to watch. She's a darling girl, but I just can't take it anymore. I was wondering what Will Ferrell thought about her performance (he was on the Ellen show and gave advice to contestants and she did all of the things he told the American Idol contestants not to do.) -- See my previous blog for details.
6. Phil Stacey. The hat helps his look -- but now I think his eyebrows need help. Please someone thin them out a little bit! He has a great voice and I always enjoy listening to him sing. Just needs a bit of refining on his look and his staging.
7. Melinda Doolittle. She just brightens up the stage. I predict her as the final winner! I didn't like her shirt -- not flattering on her figure. With a shorter neck, she needs to elongate it with a v-neck. I'd like to see what a stylist will do with her. But she's hands-down the best!
8. Blake Lewis. Didn't like his outfit tonight -- kind of wierd. I didn't think his song choice was great but he sang it well. If he could work on some more genuine facial expressions and connect more with the song words and the audience, rather than just performing, that would be nice.
9. Jordin Sparks. She's just delightful and spunky. I didn't love the song choice or the outfit but she did a great job.
10. Chris Richardson. I've always liked him -- but have to say when the other 9 were done, I honestly couldn't remember who was left to perform. So, I hate to say that he might be at risk still. But perhaps it was a wakeup call last week and his fans will get busy voting for him and not taking it forgranted that he's safe. I didn't love the song tonight and kept thinking he would be awesome as the lead in a boy band (perhaps a throwback to the Justin Timberlake style). I still think he's a cute guy and deserves to go farther.
If it were down to talent then Sanjaya or Haley would be going home tonight. But I'm afraid those "vote for the worst" groups are doing their jobs. So I think Chris Sligh, Phil, and Chris Richardson are all at risk. We'll see what happens!
