January seems so long ago, but in January May felt like forever away.
But THIS is American Idol.
Time goes quickly. And so does this show, as the last two standing battled it out in a triple songfest, each of them tackling the crappy winner's song, a redux of an earlier performance and one brand new, chosen on their own, number. They were a very evenly-matched duo, not the finest in the history of the show, as Paula suggested, certainly superior to last season's, but not quite up to Bo/Carrie.
Both Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis swam out of the Seattle auditions, the audition city that Simon slandered nearly a year ago. (Also home to faves Kenneth and Jonathan, who I expect we'll see tomorrow.) The winner, the first from a non-Southern state, will be crowned in the sixth Idol finale two-hour extravaganza Wednesday night at 8 p.m.
So, without any more embellishment or introduction, here they are, my early impressions, subject to review and revision and, as always, from worst to first:
Blake Lewis (This is My Now). Blake starts the song sitting in front of the large Idol oval, something I've never before seen, but even that isn't enough to salvage this song, which, while not close to the horrid songs of last year, just isn't a Blake song. I wish the guy, who looked uncomfortable throughout, had just beatboxed through the second half. The judges give him a pass on the song, which is obviously not suited for anyone not 17.
Blake Lewis (She Will Be Loved). I am not a fan of falsetto, and I'm not fond of Blake's. Simon questions his choice of song, speculating that it doesn't have impact enough for a finale. It ends well, but not strong enough to erase the weak beginning. Plus, I just don't like this song by Maroon 5 anyway, so I'm probably biased.
Jordin Sparks (This is My Now). Okay, so this song isn't My Destiny bad (I would link that reference, but can't bear to.) But it sounds like the clone of A Moment Like This Flying Without Wings Inside Your Heaven on a Night like This, I Believe. (Did I Make You Proud?) The 10 other Idols are each sitting in the audience, thanking their stars they're not up there trying to sing it, but Jordin does her best with it, crying through it, probably because, well, she's not fond of it either. Randy crowns her the Idol. Simon tells her she wiped the floor with her competition. That will either be her blessing or her curse.
Jordin Sparks (Fighter). Jordin is not Christina, but turns in a decent, if somewhat strident and rushed performance of this song. Simon reminds us that she's 17 (Thanks Simon; had forgotten) but calls her performance "shrieky," and says Blake edged her by a [straight and in her face] hair.
Blake Lewis (You Give Love a Bad Name). This was a hit with many during BonJovi night a few weeks ago, and I think Blake improved over that earlier effort, despite a rough vocal in spots. All three judges commend his performance prowess. Simon gives round one to him. I concur.
Jordin Sparks (A Broken Wing). Randy reminds us that Jordin is 17. (Thanks Randy; had forgotten.) Despite having difficulty understanding many of the lyrics, unlike her first round with this song, it really was terrific, better than the first time, but not quite better than the original, as Randy suggested. Round two is Jordin's most definitely.
So, who's getting covered in confetti? This season has been all about Jordin. She's been groomed, she's been pimped. And, though I think it's gonna be a close one, she's not going to disappoint the producers.
See you tomorrow. Who wins?
