American Idol: No Surprise There! (5/24/07)

After the nationwide vote (and over 70 million came in), Ryan announced the new American Idol ... Jordin Sparks! I love a good Cinderella story. Jordin actually dropped out of traditional high school & soon after, tried out for Idol in L.A. Producers rejected her & she never made it to the judges. Good thing Sparks was determined. She got herself to Seattle (also where Blake Lewis auditioned) and got a big "YES" for Hollywood from Simon, Randy, and Paula. Thus, an Idol was born.

Last night's 2 hour season finale actually moved along quite nicely thanks to tons of performances by: Kelly Clarkson, Reuben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Gwen Stefani, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Bebe & Cece Winans, and of course - your top 12. For a minute, I forgot that Brandon & Stephanie were in there. It was good to see the top 12 & I think that all of them sounded better last night than they ever did on the show. That's right, Haley. I'm talking to you.

Up next is the grueling pace of the Idols summer tour - they'll be doing over 50 shows! You can see all the tour dates HERE. It's a little pricey with the most expensive ticket around $70 ... too rich for my blood. If anyone is going to see it, email me if you'd like to do a review of the show & you could see your work here on the site!

Once again, congratulations to Jordin Sparks, our new American Idol!

For more Idol stories, info, and links - visit sirlinksalot.net

American Idol:

It's the final performance night of American Idol before a new winner is crowned tomorrow night. Blake vs. Jordin: The Entertainer vs. The Voice - who will win? It's going to be a tight race & I'm sure the votes will come in in record numbers.

Round 1
Blake reprises "You Give Love A Bad Name" by Bon Jovi, showing off his superior beatboxing skills. Randy gives him a 10 for beatboxing but says the vocals weren't all there which Simon agrees with. Paula said something about a nice tie - thanks, Paula. Jordin breaks out a new one, Christina Aguilera's "Fighter". While Randy & Paula gave her high marks, Simon didn't think her vocals were so great & gave round 1 to Blake.

Round 2
Blake breaks another Maroon 5 song (he has previously sung "This Love"), performing "She Will Be Loved". Randy compliments his vocals in this round which proves Blake has both the vocal & entertaining skills. Paula thought he sang with ease but Simon felt the song didn't have much of an impact. Jordin chooses a Martina McBride's "A Broken Wing" which she sang earlier in the season. The judges rave & it seems round 2 goes to Jordin.

Round 3
Blake & Jordin sing the winning song from the songwriting competition. Blake's song is called "This Is My Now" - the judges didn't love the vocals mostly because it's not in his genre. This is certainly not the king of song we would expect to hear from Blake. Jordin closes the show with the same song & I'm having flashbacks to Kelly/Justin & season 1's "A Moment Like This". The song was very skewed for Kelly to win & I worry producers are doing the same here. The judges feel Jordin deserves it all.

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Will Jordin win or will Blake upset? Tune in tomorrow night with the rest of America as we find out who the next Idol will be.

If you're voting tonight:

Blake 1-866-IDOLS-01, 1-866-IDOLS-03, 1-866-IDOLS-05

Jordin 1-866-IDOLS-02, 1-866-IDOLS-04, 1-866-IDOLS-06

American Idol: Simon Is Shocked! (5/16/07)

In a shocking results show last night, Melinda Doolittle was voted out 3rd and will not be in next week's finale as everyone predicted. I'm not totally surprised that Blake is in the finals - you know all those teen girls voted for him. If you missed it, here's the video:

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Why Idol Is Annoying

Thank you, AOL, for breaking down the annoying things that American Idol does. This article made me laugh out loud ... LITERALLY ... now you can enjoy it too. Which one annoys you the most? I choose "number fingers" as the one I could do without. Read the story here.

American Idol: All About The Threes (5/15/07)

Tonight was all about 3s – 3 finalists singing 3 songs with 3 phone numbers each so you can vote and 3 judges to give their feedback. Each judge picked a song for a contestant, each producer has picked a song for a contestant, and finally, each contestant chooses their third piece.

First up is Simon who chooses “Wishing On A Star” for Jordin Sparks who receives (no surprise) rave reviews from the judges. Simon, however, wished for a different arrangement. Paula picked “Roxanne” for Blake Lewis who gave a solid performance despite having a tough song to sing with big shoes to fill. Randy decided on “I Believe In You & Me” (GREAT SONG) for Melinda Doolittle. I didn’t love it but who cares what I think? Judges all around gave it an A.

It’s time for the producers to choose for the contestants and Jordin’s up first with “She Works Hard For The Money”. I always have to remind myself she’s only 17 years old. Once again, Jordin does well & leaves the judges giddy. Blake goes next, singing “This Love” (nice choice, producers). I’m sick of the Blake cheese factor but he did a good job – the judges agree. Melinda is last this round performing “Nutbush City Limits”, showing her sassy side.

The final songs for each contestant each night are the ones they got to choose themselves. Jordin takes the stage with “I Who Have Nothing”. The judges are happy with it except Simon (of course) who calls the song & performance old fashioned. Blake is up and goes with “When I Get You Alone” who got mixed feedback from Simon, Randy, and Paula. Closing the show is Melinda who has chosen “I’m A Woman” who screws up the words in minute 1. I’m sorry – what was that, Melinda? Apparently, none of the judges want to bring it up. Eh, fine by me.

The love has been lost for Blake who spends way too much time trying to be a comedian (I’ll seriously never let that tuxedo t-shirt last week go). The guy absolutely should put out a Maroon 5 style album. In any case, I’m lookin for Melinda & Jordin in a hell of a showdown next week. I’ll keep my money on Jordin – I won’t waver. I'm gonna go dial in.

Wanna catch up or get some info before next week's finale? Get all your Idol links on sirlinksalot.net!

American Idol: WAHOO!!!! (5/9/07)

If you heard an ear-piercing cry of exuberance coming from the East Coast tonight at around 9:58pm EST, do not worry. That was just me standing on my couch belting out, "BYE BYE LAKISHA!" I didn't smile this much when Sanjaya & his ponyhawk were voted off. It's not that the girl doesn't have a good voice because she CAN sing ... but she's limited & her eyes are dead. There is no life, no passion in them. She looks almost bored at herself when she performs and, Kiki, I share your sentiment. No worries, we can see you in one of the 50 Idol shows you'll performing in on the tour (how long before someone collapses of exhaustion?) and I'm sure you'll get a mediocre record deal out of it. You might say I'm going to hell for having no heart for her exit tonight ... but I already knew I was goin'.

American Idol: Zzzzzzzz... (5/8/07)

Last night, the American Idol top 4 contestants were given 2 chances to impress the judges and America with songs by Barry Gibb. Let’s see how the Idols stacked up:

ROUND 1

Melinda – Love You Inside & Out: The judges are not wowed by what she did tonight & I have to agree. While her vocals are always 100%, she sometimes fails to bring intensity to her performance.

Blake – You Should Be Dancing: Usually, Blake’s beatboxin’ goes over well with the judges but tonight wasn’t his night. Comments ranged from “It didn’t work for me” to “That was terrible”. Ouch.

Lakisha – Stayin’ Alive: Where as Lakisha could’ve taken this to next level performance-wise, she continues to be reserved & passion-less. It’s just not a night to impress the judges.
Jordin – To Love Somebody: Jordin is so great, so marketable, and such a standout this season. I love her energy & what she brings each week to the stage. The judges love her as well, giving her rave reviews.

On a side note, a preview for my FAVORITE summer reality show came on during the commercial breaks – Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance”. New season begins Thursday, May 24th!

ROUND 2

Melinda – How Can You Mend A Broken Heart: She redeems herself with this song, winning the judges over again. They want to be surprised & wowed though. I agree.

Blake – This Is Where I Came In: Round 2 proves to be better for Blake as well but the judges are wearing tired of his beatbox skills. But remember earlier in the season, they said they missed it. Careful what you wish for...

Lakisha – Run To Me: Everyone does better in round 2 but the judges are still not jumping out of their seats over Lakisha. Simon thinks she & Blake are vulnerable to getting voted out.

Jordin – A Woman In Love: This time, the judges don’t so much love to Jordin. It’s not their favorite performance but I’m sure she’ll be back next week & make top 3 easily.

I'll go with Simon & say that Lakisha & Blake are in the bottom 2 tonight with Lakisha going home. FINALLY!!!

Sanjaya Loves New York?

In what may be the oddest Idol venture after getting the boot, rumors are flying around the internet that Sanjaya may be showing up on I Love New York 2 on VH1. Isn't he only 17 years old? By the time the taping would begin, I suppose Malakar would be of age. I'm hoping this isn't true but according to VH1.com, Sanjaya is the most popular guy with viewers to join the show. :::shudder:::

American Idol: Two Get The Boot (5/2/07)

I am not a happy camper. First, I had to relive the Simon/Lakisha kiss - yucktastic. Then, I had to watch some creepy guy sing a song I've never heard in his falsetto while skulking around the stage. (Skulk - SAT word. The only one I remember. To sneak around.) But then, Phil eats it instead of Lakisha. NO! Like I've said, Phil grew on me throughout this competition. Don't get me wrong, I didn't think Phil should be in the top 4, I just wanted him out before Kiki. Then, to no one's surprise, Chris left his best buddy Blake behind. But don't worry, guys, they're touring together ... for $85 a ticket. Sanjaya & Haley aren't worth my 85 cents. I like how, on Idol, they make people sing the very song that got them voted out. "Well, Chris, America thought you sucked but why don't you sing that piece of crap for us one more time? Remind everyone that they made the right decision!" I expect record deals for both so I think they'll be fine. Now hula dance your way over to Sanjaya & wait until you get to come back for the live finale singing "Wind Beneath My Wings" in 12 part harmony. Next week, Barry Gibb is the mentor - and I assume they're singing disco. Trying to highlight the girls much???

For more Idol links, visit sirlinksalot.net

American Idol: Two Must Go (5/1/07)

I have to admit, when I heard tonight was Bon Jovi night, I got scared. What the heck were these finalists going to sing (and sound good with)? We find out as the final 6 vie for the top 4 spots in the competition.

Phil – Blaze Of Glory: Guess what? I’ve turned into a little bit of a Phil fan. I thought he did well on country night 2 weeks ago & he was even better tonight. I think he’s the best male singer but the other two have more charisma & are better looking, so they stand out more. While Randy & Paula raved, Simon called him a bad actor & called it “okay”.

Jordin – Livin’ On A Prayer: I didn’t think the girls were going to fare well this week. That song didn’t do it for me. She looked like she was playing dress-up & the song wasn’t in a great key to really show off how awesome she is. The judges agree, saying it wasn’t her best. Yeah, I’d say! Hopefully, her fans bring her back next week.

Lakisha – This Ain’t A Love Song: Lakisha was able to do what Jordin couldn’t, pick a song that’s right for her voice. I’m not jumping on any Lakisha bandwagon anytime soon & I’m not sure she’s totally safe next week. It was a good song choice with a good vocal with a fair performance that kicked into gear 2/3 of the way in. The 3 judges raved mostly & Simon said he could kiss her … which he did! Did that just happen?! Her lip gloss is still lingering on his lips. :::shudder::::

Blake – You Give Love A Bad Name: Blake decides to change things up with both his look & the arrangement of the song. I’m not sure what the judges will say but I LOVE the arrangement. Judges too often complain about karaoke renditions of songs & I think Blake put his own flavor on it. This is really a great opportunity to highlight what he can do! I’m back to loving Blake. The judges raved – YAY!

Chris – Wanted Dead Or Alive: Let’s not forget Daughtry recorded this last year for the season album. Chris has got some cahones taking this on. I ended up fast forwarding through most of the song because I’m not a huge fan of his voice. The judges were semi-complimentary. They’re unsure of his fate tomorrow night. I think he’s silly.

Melinda – Have A Nice Day: This just isn’t a night for the girls. I have to say that there is no denying her voice but I just feel that Bon Jovi is ill suited for this group of contestants. I would have rather seen her pick one of his ballads. She did the best she could with the song. Randy called it not her best, Paula adds nothing (what else is new?), and Simon calls her a young Tina Turner.

President Bush just showed up on Idol, thanking the audience for Idol Gives Back but not before doing some shtick with Laura. That was stranger than the Simon/Lakisha kiss. Anyway, in my world, I’d see Chris & Lakisha going home tomorrow night. Votes from last week are combined with this week’s & 2 are headed home. Check out the Idol results tomorrow night on Fox at 9pm EST.

Idol "Shocker": No One Goes Home (4/25/07)

I'm going to have to be blunt here. I didn't like Idol Gives Back. Now before you start hating on me, this does not mean I don't like the charity work they did nor does it mean I did not find the footage moving. I did. I think that in most ways, their heart was in the right place. I even donated. So I'm not heartless because I didn't like Idol Gives Back. You're going to have to admit that Idol execs saw big-time ratings in their future when they conceptualized this night of music. Otherwise, they wouldn't have touted the "most shocking voting results in the history of Idol". What could be bigger than Jennifer Hudson or Chris Daughtry not making it to the finals? Melinda? Jordin? I had already decided one of them had to be going home. And that pissed me off.

None of the acts promoted (Il Divo, Kelly Clarkson, Annie Lennox) even performed on the Idol stage. They were somewhere else - at the Walt Disney Concert Hall - performing for an entirely different audience. I wanted Kelly back on the Idol stage ... didn't you? Celebrities asked for your donations in front of a green screen. Hey guys, don't show up though. You've got more important things to do then actually COME to the event. Thank you Jack Black & Seal for showing up. Are you telling me: Eric McCormack, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Hugh Laurie, Terri Hatcher, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, etc. were ALL busy? It's not like they phoned it in to the Hurricane Katrina telethon. They showed up.

Finally, the shocking Idol results. I didn't think they should have competed anyway. I didn't get how you mix charity with competition. I spent the entire night wondering what was going to happen. So, of course, instead of flipping around, I stuck with the show (exactly what they wanted us to do). And in the end, they let 17-year-old Jordin Sparks think she was going home before Ryan yelled, "You are also safe! None of you are going home tonight!" which left Jordin in confused, shocked, and I'm sure embarassed, in tears. You couldn't have picked ANYBODY else? I thought it was really tacky.

Overall, I did love the footage that they showed. I think it's important to make people more aware of the poverty that affects people in our own country & abroad. I think the footage showed a wonderful side of Simon (who I've always liked) as well as the others. It made me want to do something to help & I did. I certainly hope they raise a lot of money. I just wish tacky ratings ploys weren't part of their evening.

P.S. I could've written a whole other paragraph on the ridiculous Celine/Elvis Idol 1968 duet but I don't need to. WHY WASN'T SHE WEARING A 60s OUTFIT? Ok I'm done. Really.

Idol Gives Hope To Everyone ... Except One

Don't get me wrong, I think Idol Gives Back is a great idea. For those people who refuse to watch the show and/or just need an explanation, Idol Gives Back is a two-night charity special where big corporations donate money & an celebrities galore show up to give their support. I would have 100% loved the idea EXCEPT I didn't realize it was also competition week. Gotta say, in some ways, the AI juggernaut is loking for viewership besides trying to do something out of the goodness of their hearts. But that's just the girlish cynic in me.

Last night, the remaining 6 sang songs of hope & inspiration. Though I thought they were pretty good (except you, Lakisha), I felt the judges were nicer than usual. You can't exactly be nasty during a fundraiser for Africa & Hurricane Katrina victims. Tonight, one person gets eliminated in the middle of this inspiring night of music. How does that, in any way, make sense? I don't know, Fox. You tell me. Since you insist we give as well as judge, I'll grade the idols on last night's performance.


Chris - Change The World - Better than last week. Nice improvement, I love the song & thought he did a good job with it. Grade: B

Melinda - There Will Come A Day - Another solid performance from Melinda. Not much else to say. You just come to expect it from her. Grade: A-

Blake - Imagine - I don't get what the judges liked about it. Though I like Blake, I love the song more & I had a hard time with it. So did he. Grade: B-

Lakisha - I Believe - Please, PLEASE, stop singing songs by former idols. I feel it's arrogant to try to take on Carrie & Fantasia 2 weeks in a row to show you're better. I'd almost rather see Sanjaya. Almost. Grade: C-

Phil - The Change - I think Phil does a nice job in this country genre though I think he was better last week. He can't win so he's doing the best he can. I'll give him credit. Grade: B

Jordin - You'll Never Walk Alone - Simon said it best. She took a 60-year-old song & made it sound like a hit record. I'm now rooting for her. Grade: A



Bottom 3 tonight? Lakisha, Phil, and ... this is tough to figure out ... Blake. I pray Lakisha goes home. I can't look or listen another week.

For more information on Idol Gives Back, visit the official page or their Myspace page.

American Idol: Sorry, Fanjayas (4/18/07)

Wow, was I way off about tonight's bottom 3. I called Phil, Chris, and Lakisha. I was only right about Lakisha (who I wish left, can't stand her). Tonight's bottom 3: Sanjaya, Lakisha, Blake. Chris should have been standing where Blake was but no worries, he was sent back to the couch leaving Kiki & Sanjaya to stand together, awaiting the results. In the end, Sanjaya got the boot and ya know what? I felt bad for the kid. He was put in the top 24 and then voted top 12. The country went crazy hating him & he's not THAT bad. He's certainly not the worst Idol has seen. (Do you hear me, Jon Stevens & Kevin Covais?)He's a decent singer without much personality or stage experience. He tried his best & I ended up feeling for him tonight. Yeah, I have a soul. I personally think that no matter what the votes were, Sanjaya was going tonight because Idol Gives Back is next week & they want it to be a worldwide media sensation. It was very clear Simon & other Idol execs wanted him out. Conspiracy? Eh, who cares? Farewell, Sanjaya. We'll miss you ... and your ponyhawk. I might buy the shirt - I can't help myself.http://www.spreadshirt.com/shop.php?op=article&article_id=2051558

Simon Cowell: "I Wasn't Listening"

It wasn't Simon's verbal beatings on the contestants that had viewers in a tizzy after last night's episode but his apparently eye-rolling while Chris Richardson sent out his support to the students of Virginia Tech. In an exclusive interview with TMZ.com today, Cowell says he didn't realize what had happened until he watched the tape back. He was rolling his eyes at Chris's explanation for the nasal singing. I have to say - I believe the guy.

American Idol: The Lucky Seven (4/17/07)

The show opens with a somber moment as Ryan, on behalf of Idol, expresses his condolences to the people of Virginia Tech. It was a quick, but nice, moment & I’m glad they acknowledged the tragedy that took place yesterday. Certainly, my heart goes out to everyone affected and I’m sure yours does as well. To remember & honor the victims of April 16, Virginia Tech has established the Holyoke Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process & generate financial support. Please visit & help if you can.

American Idol turns to country music tonight with Martina McBride as the mentor. I read in AOL interview with Haley that the contestants only get about 10 minutes with the mentor. I assumed they got more time … how much can you accomplish in 10 minutes? Country music has been good to previous Idol contestants but I’m not sure this is the right genre for this group. We’ll see…

Phil – “Where The Black Top Ends” – I don’t know what it is with Phil. I like the guy’s voice but not the guy. If I close my eyes, I’m alright with it. This was his best performance to date & country music really seems to be his thing. But enough to save him? I don’t know. Judges give an all-around thumbs up.

Jordin – “A Broken Wing” – Jordin turns out another great performance! I really underestimated her in the beginning but she has grown so much over the last 10 weeks. She has marketability written all over her. I’m calling her to go Final 2 and regardless of the outcome, she’ll get a record deal. The judges loved it … of course.

Sanjaya – “Somethin To Talk About” – Sanjaya is LITERALLY killing me. I died a little tonight. I was actually defending the guy in my radio interview last week but he was awful tonight. One word: RIDICULOUS … the hair, the outfit, the song, the performance, everything. I’ve had enough. Simon calls it “utterly horrendous”.

Lakisha – “Jesus Take The Wheel” – It was surprising that she chose a Carrie Underwood song and I don’t think it was a wise choice. She sounded pitchy & it wasn’t the right song for her kind of voice. She is YELLING. Judges side with Gina – thank you. I’m writing this in real time & let me just say – I’m amazing. Randy calls it pitchy, Paula says she’s yelling, Simon says the song doesn’t go with her. :::bowing:::

Chris – “Mayberry” – His stock has gone down in my book. Very early in the competition he did an amazing rendition of Jason Mraz’s “Geek In The Pink” & won me over. Slowly but surely, the love has been lost. Unless he can dance like JT, I’m not sure he has a big pop career ahead of him. He’s pitchy, too. Judges give it a big ehhhhhhh….

Melinda – “Trouble Is A Woman” – Kudos to her outfit tonight since last week she looked like somebody’s 40 year old mother. She’s also toned down the fake humility. Looks like somebody did a little research. HA HA! Simon just called her on her fakeness. All judges pleased with her performance, as am I.

Blake – “When The Stars Go Blue” – Blake, if you’re going to win this thing, you’re going to need to turn out solid performances week after week. Good song choice, good arrangement, good look. Everyone but Simon liked it.

Now, time for my bottom 3 predictions for tomorrow night. I was 3-3 last week so I’m feelin’ the pressure. This is tough. Of course, I want Sanjaya in there as much as you do but I don’t think it’s happening. I’m going with Phil, Chris, & Lakisha … scandalous!

P.S. Haven't you always wanted a Sanjaya bobblehead? This made me laugh:

American Idol Preview: Sanajya Won't Win

Sanjaya Malakar will not win American Idol, executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz says in this week’s Entertainment Weekly cover story. Apparently trying to bait those who think the show is rigged, she said, “It’s not gonna happen. Trust me. Eventually America gets it right. We’re not worried. We love Sanjaya, but he’s not going to win.”

For the entire story, check out RealityBlurred.

Bottom 3 Prediction

Hey everyone. Idol is about to start & I wanted to weigh in with my bottom 3 predictions. I'm going with Phil, Haley, annnnd ... it's tough. Chris? I'm sorry! Let's see if I'm right.

UPDATE: 10:30pm I predicted those 3 at about 8:50pm EST before the live votes result show. I stood up & yelled: "I AM AMAZING!" Not surprising at all. I think Phil will go next week, then Chris, then maybe Lakisha, THEN Sanjaya. I'm tellin you guys, I think he's gonna be around longer than you think ... or want.

American Idol: Thank You, Simon! (4/10/07)

Thank you, Simon! FINALLY … SOMEONE … says something negative about Melinda. I have to say it. I’m not a Melinda fan. I’m not saying she’s not a mega-talent because she certainly is. But I’m not jumping on your bandwagon, America. I don’t get why you would choose her as the winner. She looks like somebody’s mother up there (I’m somebody’s mother but that’s not the point). What can we do with her marketing-wise, America? Have her make an R&B album and have her tour with some backup dancers? Put the woman on Broadway … do not give her the title of American Idol.

I feel better now.

Jennifer Lopez was tonight’s guest as Idol tackled Latin night. I still have nightmares of Anthony Federov singing Jon Secada so I went into tonight’s episode with trepidation. I was right. Tonight’s performances didn’t wow me. Maybe because NOBODY IS SPANISH. Or maybe because the Top 8 were tired, out of their element, feeling the pressure, something. Whatever, let’s break it down.

Melinda: Sway – I didn’t love it. Thought it was a boring performance. Again, she can sing. But miles away from her best.

Lakisha: Conga – She shouldn’t have danced. Randy & Paula said she looked like she was having fun … but I missed it.

Chris: Smooth – Great choice of song. The minute I heard he was singing it, I thought – “YES!” It wasn’t his best but a good choice. The end made up for a shaky beginning.

Haley: Turn The Beat Around – Put some clothes on! Yes, Simon. Way to call out Haley for using sex appeal to stay in the competition. I thought it was one of her better nights but I think she’s on the chopping block again, rightfully so.

Phil: Maria, Maria – The judges hit it on the head. The guy has a great upper register but no passion. I wonder if he even wants to be there anymore because he doesn’t seem to want it as badly as the others.

Jordin: Rhythm Is Gonna Get You - She’ll go far. I fully expect Jordin to go at least top 3. She’s young, hip, fun, with talent to boot.

Blake: I Need To Know – Smart performance. Despite the guy kinda looks like a hobbit (maybe Dominic Mognahan’s long lost brother), I’m still pulling for him to win. Marketable, marketable, marketable.

Sanjaya: Besame Mucho - Surprising. I had read good buzz about his performance this week and like you, thought, "Yeah, right!" But lo & behold, I didn't think it was bad. I think Phil & Haley will be bottom 2 & our good friend Sanjaya will be hanging' around at least another week.

There ya have it, America. Do with it what you will. We'll be watching tomorrow night.

P.S. Simon is my favorite person ever for so many reasons.

American Idol: Enough With The Surprises! (4/4/07)

Just like that ... an emotional Gina is booted from the competition. And there's me - mouth on floor. Are you as confused as I am? Can Haley's nice legs really keep her in the competition? Do Sanjaya's hairstyles make a difference? I asked some radio DJs from around the country to sound-off & help unravel the mystery that is ... American Idol Elimination Night.

Today's panel:

Ty Bentli

103.5 KissFM - Chicago

Afternoons 4p-8p

Request line: (312)591-1035

Jordan
Kiss 95.7 FM - Hartford

Mornings 6a-10a

Request Line (860) 247-9570

Jonathan

Q95.1 FM - Meridian, MS

Nights 7p - 11p
Request Line (601) 483-9595

RC: Who did you see as being the most talented Idol this season?

Ty: I have a tough time saying 'talented' - Melinda and Lakisha obviously both have INCREDIBLE voices and emotion. I really think that Jordan has an amazing presence and voice (especially for her age). She will grow into one of the biggest stars to come from this competition Blake has an uncanny ability to contemporize and individualize his songs (and makes SMART choices for his performances).

Jordan: Obviously Lakisha, Melinda and Jordin are the best singers. However Blake, Chris Richardson and Haley may be the best performers. What I look for in contestants is who will be the one to get a record deal and make it in today’s business. The best singer may win this year…but that doesn’t guarantee they’re going to have the best career of the group. Just look at Taylor Hicks compared to Daughtry!

Jonathan: Jordin Sparks, by far. She's got an awesome voice and the fact that she's cute also helps out a ton. She'a also got the most drive out of any of the other contestants and that also goes a very long way in helping her stand out as a talent.

RC: Who is the most marketable Idol? Who would you play on your station tomorrow?

Ty: I think the two (sorry, I have a fear of commitment) most marketable talents to come out of this competition will be Jordan and Blake (although that JT version 2.0 could probably squeeze some moments of fame, too). Same reasons as above...Jordan is an upcoming superstar, and Blake is a smart artist.

Jordan: Chris Richardson, Blake, Jordin and Haley are the most marketable. Any of those four have the potential to come out with a hit that could be played on the radio. Blake is the one in this competition that has that element of surprise. Ya never really know what he’s going to do from week to week which is a good thing!

Jonathan: Again, I have to go with Jordin. She's got the most potential to have a hit record out of anyone on the show. That said, I would also play records by Blake. Gotta show that guy some love because he's always gone out of his way to stand out.

RC: What is the deal with Sanjaya? Why are people voting for him & how is he still in this competition?

Ty: People might be sick of American Idol...we realize that we are tired of it, but we can't quite tune out...its like a bad relationship...the only way out is to deal it a crushing blow...like having Sanjaya win...I think we've come to the point in our culture where we're willing to sink that ship. The people who hate IDOL are voting for him, cuz if he wins, it will just simply destroy IDOL's credibility forever...the people who are getting a little sick of the whole IDOL circus are voting for Sanjaya cuz its like a joke to them...and the little girls think he's got nice teeth and pretty eyes...

Jordan: Sanjaya is basically a national joke. He’s not going to win, but he’ll keep people talking about American Idol. He may make the top 5 but that’s probably where it will end for him. I honestly think he wants to be kicked off, he doesn’t look comfortable on stage at all and knows people are keeping him on just to mess with the show.

Jonathan: I have a few conspiracy theories but I'll save those for now. I think that it really boils down to is a combination of efforts of those such as Howard Stern and the people behind votefortheworst.com There are a lot of people who are fed up with what they see as a cookie-cutter pop star so it wouldn't surprise me if this was a sabotage job. Another factor is that Sanjaya's just a cute kid and people feel sorry for that kind of person.

RC: This is not the first year we've had sub-par finalists (like Sanjaya or Haley). Why do the judges put through people who clearly weren't the best of the tens of thousands who tried out?

Ty: I think Simon Cowell is one of the sharpest entertainers/manipulators on the planet, and would bet money that Exec Producers Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe are brilliant in their own right. Sanjaya (and Haley...although I would marry her tomorrow) are in there, because America needs diverse options...vote for Haley cuz she has nice legs (Simon was right)...vote for Sanjaya cuz its a phenomenon and he's hilariously weird...we have bad contestants, cuz they weren't in it for the music...they were in it to highlight the differences between themselves and the amazing talents in the competition. Can I still vote for Katherine McPhee??

Jordan: I think Sanjaya and especially Haley deserve to be there. The problem is Sanjaya doesn’t really have a style that fits what people today like. He seemed most comfortable when he sang an old classic the other night. Haley has a lot of potential, the look and charisma she just is apart of a very talented group of female singers!

Jonathan: Like any other TV show, Idol lives and dies by Nielsen. The judgets and producers (a lot of people don't realize how much they have to do with who makes it through) want to put on the people with talent but they also want to have someone who will generate a buzz (be it positive or negative; buzz is buzz) that will translate into ratings. Higher ratings=higher profits through advertising. It happened with William Hung and Sanjaya is this season's William Hung.

Thanks to all the DJs who participated.

Make sure you check them out on MySpace & their station websites.

It Wasn't Just Me!

In watching Michael Buble's performance last night, I kept saying to myself: a) Since when does he have an accent? and b) What the hell is so funny? He laughed & slurred his way through the entire song & then, made a weird comment to Ryan (obviously caught off guard) asking if he could vote for Antonella. Idol producer must be kicking themselves? For those of you who missed it, AOL put the video here. I knew I wasn't crazy!