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I forgot to post about this the other day. On Thursday night, Ryan Seacrest revealed several of the musical guests that will be appearing on American Idol this season: If I remember correctly, they include: - Gwen Stefani - Bon Jovi - Jennifer Lopez - Barry Gibb (from the Bee Gees) - Tony Bennett - Diana Ross - Martina McBride - A member of Herman's Hermits whose name I cannot recall. Sounds pretty great (and diverse)! Over the past few seasons, big-name musicians are finally starting to realize that being on American Idol gets them exposed to hundreds of thousands of potential new fans that otherwise may have never heard of them or forgotten about them. The band 'Live', that performed with Chris Daughtry on the season finale last season would be one of the last types of bands I'd expect to see on a "pop" show like American Idol, but as American Idol is staying popular year after year, I think the potential contestants are realizing that they can win without being a "pop singer", and bands/singers from every genre imaginable are realizing that they can get their newest album promoted to millions of people just by spending a day or two with the contestants. It's a win-win situation, and in the end, it just makes the show better than ever.
Well, my predictions are off to a good start. I successfully chose three of the four contestants voted off on Thursday night. I'm not sure I can keep that up every week, but it's definitely a good start to the voting season! Thursday night, we said goodbye to Paul Kim, Rudy Cardenas, Nicole Tranquillo, and Amy Krebs. I thought all of them did at least moderately well in their performing, but didn't measure up next to some of the other singers. The only surprise to me was Paul Kim. He did a decent job with his performance, and I thought his likability factor would keep him around for at least a few weeks. Maybe he wasn't as likable as I had thought. Overall, it's not a huge loss, since it didn't look like he was going to be the best singer of the 24, or even of the 12 guys. I just think it would have been nice to see a little bit more of him before he was sent home. In these early rounds, VoteForTheWorst.com can really affect the voting in a major way. Sundance and Antonella were given the "honor" of being chosen as the 'worst' contestants, and America seems to have responded. Although the rankings are kept secret, VFTW claims that Sundance got the most votes for the guys, and Antonella came in 2nd place for the girls this week. There were rumors of Antonella possibly being expelled from the competition for the sketchy photos of her circulating around the internet, but it seems that Idol isn't planning on doing anything about it, or they probably would have done so already. Next week: The final 20 square off again. Who will go home? Find out next Thursday.
Last night, the 12 guys sang for America. Tonight, it was the girls' turn. With the overall lackluster performance last night by the guys, it wasn't too hard for the girls to do better overall, and they definitely did. I think people are being far too quick to crown the girls as being superior though. It's very difficult to judge a person based on one 90-second song, and I think we'll need to see several more weeks of poor guy's performances and great girl's performances before we can truly say that the girls are better overall. The night certainly started off much better than Rudy's cheesy performance last night when 19-year-old Stephanie Edwards from Savannah, GA took the stage. Her voice was fantastic, she showed lots of emotion, and wore a very nice dress. A fantastic performance overall! Next was Amy Krebs, 22 of Seattle, WA, singin "I Can't Make You Love Me". She was off pitch for part of the song, but mostly she was just boring. It seems like so many contestants either choose songs that put the audience to sleep, or they try to bring fake energy to the stage like Rudy did last night. Both are receipes for disaster, as this performance showed. The Verdict:Randy: Pitchy, Boring.Paula: Boring.Simon: The personality of a candle.Buzz Score: 6Leslie Hunt, 24, from Chicgo, IL was next, singing "Natural Woman". She was lucky to perform right after Amy, since she her performance seemed exciting in comparison. Overall, her singing was good, if not incredibly inspiring. She loooked very uncomfortable on stage, and awkward as she danced. Perhaps that will get better as she gets more experience (provided she makes it to next week). The Verdict:Randy: The song was too big for her.Paula: Great!Simon: She looked embarassed and unnatural on stage.Buzz Score: 7Sabrina Sloan, 27, from Studio City, CA brought the show back from it's lull with a fantastic performance. Credit Sabrina with keeping viewers from changing the channel. She has ana amazing voice! Here voice is very big, and reminded me of Christina Aguilera. I expect her to go far in this competition. The Verdict:Randy: Yo! You're the one to beat!Paula: Standing ovation.Simon: The best performance so far.Buzz Score: 9Antonella Barba, a 20-year-old college student from Point Pleasant, NJ took on Aerosmith's hit, "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing". The performance wasn't great, but it sounded like something was strange with the sound. I don't know if there was a problem with her mike, or she was holding it strange, but the whole performance sounded very echo-ish, and really made it hard to assess her performance. Overall, I'd say it was still an average performance at best. The Verdict:Randy: Wasn't good. Pitchy.Paula: Wasn't bad, but pitch problems.Simon: It didn't work. The song was too big.Buzz Score: 6.5Up sixth on the night was Jordin Sparks, 17. A junior in high school, she is the youngest girl left in the competition. Her look and her voice both belie her young age. She sang Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason", whic I think wasn't the best choice. The song is very repetitive, and it's hard to show off your skill with that type of song. Even so, she managed to sing very well, and I think she showed off her voice as much as was possible given the limits of the song. Good performance! The Verdict:Randy: Challenge yourself. Good ending.Paula: Great song selection.Simon: Push yourself. Very good.Buzz Score: 8Nicole Tranquillo, 20, of Wernersville, PA was up next, with a very intereting song choice. Singing a Chaka Khan song, the performance seemed a bit bizarre, but she managed to work it out. She oversang a bit, but it's hard not to with that type of song. I think she might not get the votes tonight, not because her singing was bad, but because America didn't really connect with her performance. The Verdict:Randy: Didn't work. Rough. "Too Urban"Paula: You can sing!Simon: Indulgent, unnatural, over-rehearsed.Buzz Score: 7.5Celine Dion fan Haley Scarnato was up next. The 24-year-old from San Antonio, TX surprised no one by choosing a Celine tune, All Coming Back To Me Now". Whenever American Idol contestants try to sing a song by a well-known artist with a distinct and powerful voice, (Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross), they are often told by the judges that they shouldn't have picked the song because they aren't as good as the original artist. I'm not sure I agree with that line of thinking. Presumably, the original artist of just about any song that AI contestants sing would be better than the contestant at their own song. That doesn't necessarily mean the contestant didn't sing it well. In any case, the song was a little boring, but she hit the notes, and turned out a very good performance overall. She has a nice, powerful voice. The Verdict:Randy: Just okay. Broadway voice.Paula: Nice job.Simon: Sounded old. Good voice, but boring.Buzz Score: 8.5Former backup singer Melinda Doolittle, 29, of Brentwood, TN is one of the humblest contestants I've ever seen. Not only does it seem like she is truly surprised every time someone tells her that she's great, but she almost seems like she's embarrassed by all the attention she's getting. Some people like being in the background, and she seems like one of them. That said, she certainly belongs up front! Her performance was the best of the night, in my opinion. She sang "Since You've Been Gone" with a ton of energy, and really brought the house down. I think she will go very far in this competition. The Verdict:Randy: The bomb!Paula: Unbelievable. Big performance.Simon: Incredible singer.Buzz Score: 9.5Alaina Alexander said in the clip before her performance that she's 'sensitive and passionate'. Could the 24-year-old Redlands, CA native bring that passion to her singing? Not entirely. Like most of the girls, she sang well, with a few pitchy spots. Her voice was a little weak, and that was what brought her down the most. After her performance, Ryan Seacrest was trying to run the clock out a bit before the next commercial by asking the judges a few questions, prompting Simon to ask if Ryan was trying to date Alaina. Good times. The Verdict:Randy: Not very good.Paula: Didn't make the song your own.Simon: Not special.Buzz Score: 7.5Gina Glocksen had been to Hollywood week before, and it her experience finally paid off with a spot in the top 24. Singing "All By Myself", it looked to be another slow and boring song, but she really put some emotion into the song, and put out a good solid performance. It was far from the best performance of the night, but it should be enough to get her through to next week. The Verdict:Randy: Nice.Paula: The right song.Simon: Didn't nail it, but it was okay.Buzz Score: 8Performing last was La Kisha Jones, 27, of Flint, MI, singing "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going". This seems to be a favorite of American Idol auditions, as the performers sing to the judges that "you and you and you are gonna love me"! Love her they did, as she brought the house down with her performance. The judges fawned over her in their comments, and rightfully so, but I think Melinda had her edged out for best performance of the night. Overall, still a fintastic performance. I'm really looking forward to seeing her sing again and again over the next several weeks. The Verdict:Randy: Love her. Watch out Jennifer Hudson!Paula: This is where you belong.Simon: In a different league.Buzz Score: 9Voting Predictions:Again, America's votes are based on more than who the best singer is. So many factors come into play when Americans pick up their collective phones after the show and vote. Some people get votes based on their personality, their looks, their life story, and thanks to a very popular website, some contestants get votes based solely on the fact that they are "the worst". Based on the performances and past voting trends, here is my prediction on who will go home on Thursday night: - Nicole Tranquillo- Amy Krebs
American Idol is back, and again we, the audience, have the final say in who stays and who goes each week. Just like seasons 4 and 5, the judges have narrowed the pool down to 24 contestants, including 12 boys and 12 girls, and we will eliminate 2 of each for 3 weeks until we have our final 12 contestants. Tonight, the guys performed, and tomorrow night, the girls will follow suit. On Thursday night, we'll have our results show, and just like that, the field will be cut from 24 to 20. Five hours of American Idol per week can be exhausting, but that's what we're looking at for the next few weeks, so let's buckle down and get to voting. First up was Rudy Cardenas, 28, from North Hollywood, CA. He seems very likable, and he comes out performing "Free Ride". It seems like every year in the early rounds, there are a few contestants who try to go for 'energy' in the early rounds, and they come off sounding like they're in a karaoke bar. Unfortunately, this was one of those performances. His dance moves were awkward, and his singing was unimpressive. I was disappointed, because I really think he has a good chance at being in the top ten. Hopefully, he'll make it through to next week so he can show off what he's really capable of. The Verdict:Randy: CornyPaula: FantasticSimon: Not uniqueBuzz Score: 6.5After Rudy, Brandon Rogers hit the stage, singing "Rock With You". The 29-year-old Altadina, CA native has been a backup singer for Christina Aguilera and Usher. So far, his journey into the realm of lead singer has gone well, and it continues tonight. His rendition is a little uninspiring, but his voice is solid, and his dancing is the icing on the cake. When the judges gave their opinion, Paula said that Brandon sang too many runs, maybe since he was used to singing all those "background runs" as a backup singer. I don't know much about the music industry, but I don't recall ever hearing background singers singing runs, as they are improvisational by their very nature; not the kind of part a backup singer would normally have. Maybe I don't know enough about professional singing, but that didn't make any sense to me. The Verdict:Randy: Pitchy. Didn't like the runs.Paula: Didn't like the runs.Simon: Good singer, but he picked a safe song.Buzz Score: 7Next up was 28-year-old Sundance Head from Porter, TX. From his first audition, I really liked Sundance. He has a nice voice, and a fun personality. Through Hollywood week, and then into tonight, he seems to have regressed. His version of "Nights In White Satin" was alright, but his pitch was constantly wavering, and I feel like he sang the first half of the song through his nose. Mostly, it was just a boring choice of song. I don't know what criteria the contestants use to pick songs, but often times, it seems like the song they pick is the opposite of what would showcase their talent and draw voters to them. The Verdict:Randy: Pitchy all the way through.Paula: Picked the wrong song.Simon: Sounded like "A Dad at a wedding". Old fashioned and flat.Buzz Score: 6.5After Sundance came Paul Kim, the barefoot 25-year-old from San Jose, CA. As one might expect, Simon did not like the bare feet, and implored Mr. Kim to start wearing shoes. Jasmine Trias and her hair-flower comes to mind. She stood firm for several weeks, and if my memory serves me correctly, she wore the flower until close to the end of the show. We'll see if Paul relents, or if he keeps leaving his shoes in the dressing room. Of course, he'll have to make it to next week for it to even be an issue. His rendition of "Careless Whisper" started off far too low for his range, taking him way off pitch and making the song quite uninteresting. I assume he started off so low so he would be able to sing the higher part later in the song in his primary range, and if so, it worked. The bridge was very good, and he really brought it home at the end. The Verdict:Randy: He has a lot of promise.Paula: He oversang and was pitchy.Simon: Put your shoes on next week. Ordinary.Buzz Score: 722-year-old Chris Richardson of Chesapeake, VA was the fifth singer of the night, and the first to actually be interesting. Singing "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin DeGraw, he finally brought the crowd to their feet with his rendition. His Dad was in the audience, grooving more than anyone. Chris' bounce-dancing was a little silly, but the song was exciting, the falsetto was great, and he really 'made the song his own' as the judges would say. Very good performance. The Verdict:Randy: Good flavor.Paula: A lot of fun.Simon: Liked him, but his voice sounded small.Buzz Score: 8Next up: Nick Pedro, 25, of Taunton, MA singing "Now and Forever". Chris Richardson finally kicked off the excitement for the night, and then Nick went and put everyone back to sleep. His falsetto was good, but other than that, the performance was pitchy, boring, and most of all it simply lacked any emotion. I like Nick, and I hope he makes it through to next week because I think he's capable of much more. I'm also a fan of his request that people "Vote for Pedro". If he makes it to the top 12, I can see this being a slogan on more than one audience poster. The Verdict:Randy: BoringPaula: No magicSimon: No spark to the song, but pretty good overall.Buzz Score: 7Finally past the halfway mark of this two-hour marathon, beatboxer Blake Lewis, 25, of Seattle, WA take the stage. Blake was part of the group in Hollywood that brought the house down during the group round, thanks primarily to his beatboxing. He said in the intro that he worried about being typecast as a beatboxer, and unfortunately, that has happened. It's not all bad, though. I think he's interesting enough to get America's votes for at least a few rounds, even if his singing isn't the best. Fortunately, his singing wasn't too bad. I'm not sure what the judges were listening to, but I thought I heard several parts where Blake completely screwed up. Keeping with the theme of the night, his rendition of "Somewhere Only We Know" was a little boring and pitchy. Overall, I would still say it was one of the best performances of the night. The Verdict:Randy: Loved it. Different.Paula: Vocals were spot on. Cool.Simon: Best performance of the night.Buzz Score: 7.5The eigth performer of the night was Sanjaya Malakar, 17, also from Seattle. His big story throughout the competition was that his sister also made it to Hollywood and then was cut after the last round. It makes a nice story, and it helps him seem like a very nice and family-oriented young man, which can only help him in the voting. Singing "Something 'Bout Your Love", he started off a bit rough, but really brought it home towards the end. Sanjaya has a great voice, and I think he has the potential to go far in the competition. The Verdict:Randy: Bad song choice.Paula: Washed more personality came through.Simon: Most dreary performance of the night.Buzz Score: 7.5Chris Sligh, 28, from Greenville, SC said he wants to be the next American Idol to make David Hasselhoff cry by performing at the finals in May. Tonight's performance likely brought him closer to that goal. Singing "Typical", he really brought a different and contemporary sound to the night's performances. His song was a nice respite from the mostly boring songs being chosen by other contestants. The Verdict:Randy: Loved it.Paula: Ahead of the chorus a little bit.Simon: Not an incredible performance. A 'student gig'.Buzz Score: 8We're into double-digits as Jared Cotter, 25, from Long Island, NY is the 10th contestant to take the stage tonight, singing "Back At One" by Brian McKnight. The brisge was a little off-pitch, but overall the vocals were solid and his falsetto was great. He didn't exactly bring the house down, but it may be the best performance of the night so far. The Verdict:Randy: Good.Paula: Good, but not unique.Simon: Nasally and unadventurous.Buzz Score: 8The first season of American Idol saw an E.J., an A.J. and an R.J. Fortunately, we've been mostly spared the onslaught of initials since then.... until now. A.J. Tabaldo, 22, of Santa Maria, CA brought some great energy to the stage with "Oh My Love". His vocals were on point and his energy was contagious. He even got Paula out of her seat and dancing (granted that's not too difficult to do). The Verdict:Randy: Pretty good vocally.Paula: You can definitely sing!Simon: Good, but not great. Theme park performance.Buzz Score: 8.5Finally, the last contestant of the night, which is good, because my fingers are getting very tired from all this typing. New dad Phil Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, FL found a place in our hearts when he missed the birth of his second daughter to audition for American Idol. The cameras followed him as he rushed home and America got to see him meet his hours-old daughter in the hospital. This feel-good story should sustain him through a few rough spots. Singing "Could Not Ask For More", Phil started off with his voice wavering. About 30 seconds into the performance, he seemed to find his voice, and the rest of the song was very good, if not overly unique. In a night of uninspiring music, Phil's performance definitely ranks in the top half. The Verdict:Randy: Started rough, but the best vocal of the night.Paula: Great. Right on pitch.Simon: Beginning was monstrous. The rest was okay.Buzz Score: 7.5Voting Predictions:Obviously, America's votes are based on more than who the best singer is. A lot of factors come into play when Americans pick up their collective phones after the show and vote. Some people get votes based on their personality, their looks, their life story, and thanks to a very popular website, some contestants get votes based solely on the fact that they are "the worst". It's hard for me to predict who will go home. I think Rudy has a very good chance of going home, but no other guy stands out to me as one that would pull in an inordinately small number of votes. Sundance was a possibility until I saw that VoteForTheWorst.com was pushing him. Now, it's almost impossible for him to lose this week. Based on the performances and past voting trends, here is my prediction on who will go home on Thursday night: - Rudy Cardenas- Jared Cotter
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Season Six of American Idol is upon us, and the judges have whittled down the contestants to 12 guys and 12 girls. It's now up to America to decide who gets to stay and who has to go. We here at The Idol Buzz do not take this responsibility lightly. We'll be reviewing each contestants performance every week, rating them, and offering predictions on who we think America will send home. We'll also update you on anything Idol-related, like juicy gossip, backstage drama, and more! Stay tuned throughout the season. This is...... The Idol Buzz! [Cue theme music]
LaKisha JonesHometown: Fort Meade, MD Results: Round of 24 - February 21st, 2007Song: And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going
Randy: Love her. Watch out Jennifer Hudson! Paula: This is where you belong. Simon: In a different league. Buzz Score: 9
Round of 20 - February 28th, 2007Song: Midnight Train To Georgia
Randy: That was hot. Started kinda rough, but ended great. Paula: I loved it, and I love you. Simon: Interesting dance at the end. Phenomenally good singer. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 16 - March 7th, 2007Song: I Have Nothing
Randy - Not your best performance, but great!
Paula - You've already made us love you.
Simon - You brought passion, talent, believability.
Buzz Score: 9
Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: God Bless the Child
Randy - Wow! Kiki's in the house. Perfect song choice for you. Unbelievable vocal. Sensational! Paula - You're a beautiful performer. Your heart comes through when you sing. Simon - You've got it! You and Melinda are in a different league than everyone else. Buzz Score: 9.5 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: Diamonds Are Forever
Randy: I don't know if it was my favorite performance. Not enough Lakisha. Paula: You picked the right song. Simon: You are a fantastic singer. However, this is Lakisha in 50 years. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Last Dance
Randy: It's the first time I've seen you do an uptempo joint. That was hot! Paula: Donna Summer's not an easy artist to start out with. You did her proud. Simon: Love the boots. Great! You're 30 years younger this week. Great vocal. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: Stormy Weather Randy: I love this. The perfect song for you. Paula: This is the most gorgeous you've ever looked. Simon: That was a sassy, great performance. Buzz Score: 9.5 -----
Melinda DoolittleHometown: Brentwood, TN Results: Round of 24 - February 21st, 2007Song: Since You've Been Gone
Randy: The bomb! Paula: Unbelievable. Big performance. Simon: Incredible singer. Buzz Score: 9.5
Round of 20 - February 28th, 2007Song: My Funny Valentine Randy: You came out here tonight to win it. The one to beat. Paula: Just astounding. Simon: Incredible. Without question, the best vocal of the season. Buzz Score: 9.5 Round of 16 - March 7th, 2007Song: I'm a Woman
Randy - Check it out. You are a consummate pro. You're ready to make a record!
Paula - You are so phenomenal. You're fantastic!
Simon - You little tiger. It is very nice that you are actually enjoying every second on this show.
Buzz Score: 10 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: Home
Randy - Really really strong. Girls - 1, Boys - 0 Paula - {While crying} I have goosebumps. I'm so excited for you. Simon - You made a very boring song fantastic. You remind me of a young Gladys Knight. Buzz Score: 9.5 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: As Long As He Needs Me
Randy: We saved the best vocal for last. you have great relative pitch. You are a pro up there. Paula: You are in your own league. Beautiful. Simon: Are you really as nice as you seem? A boring song, but you made it sensational. Buzz Score: 9.5 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Heaven Knows
Randy: The reason I called you the pro is because a pro does what you do every week. You are living the words. Paula: You have charisma from the word go. It's fun. You're so joyful when you're singing. Simon: Vocally, you were, as usual, outstanding. Hate the outfit. Buzz Score: 9.5 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: I Got Rythm Randy: You give everyone here a lesson in singing. This is how you do it, America. Paula: You're like a master class. Simon: I thought it was a bit cabaret, but I liked the second half of the song. Buzz Score: 9.5 -----
Haley ScarnatoHometown: San Antonio, TX Results: Round of 24 - February 21st, 2007Song: All Coming Back To Me Now
Randy: Just okay. Broadway voice. Paula: Nice job. Simon: Sounded old. Good voice, but boring. Buzz Score: 8.5
Round of 20 - February 28th, 2007Song: Queen of the Night
Randy: Wasn't great. Paula: Leaps and bounds better than last week. Simon: A for effort. Manic, verging on insane. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 16 - March 7th, 2007Song: If My Heart Had Wings
Randy - I wasn't jumping up and down. No pizazz. 'No like yo'.
Paula - That's a song that you sing well.
Simon - I thought it was horrible. Some terrible ghastly high school musical performance.
Buzz Score: 8Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: Missing You
Randy - You gave a valiant effort. You sounded nervous when you started. A little surprised. Paula - You look lovely tonight. Forgettting the words is never a great thing to do. you're still adorable. Simon - I didn't think it was that bad. I think we will remember you. Your nerves got the best of you. Buzz Score: 7 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: Tell Him
Randy: That was the perfect song for you. Haley's back in the competition. Paula: You have this girlish quality about you. Adorable. Simon: You naughty little thing. Fun, young, a bit shrieky. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: True Colors
Randy: It started a little rough for me. It was just a'ight. Paula: It's a beautiful song that requires the melody. Aim to be more contemporary. Simon: Sweet, but forgettable. There was nothing to remember really. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: Ain't Misbehavin Randy: Didn't really say much, deferring to Simon, since Haley apparently respects him so much. Paula: Didn't really say much, deferring to Simon, since Haley apparently respects him so much. Simon: I think you've got gret legs. It was a good style of music for you. A bit pageanty. Buzz Score: 8 -----
Jordin SparksHometown: Glendale, AZ Results: Round of 24 - February 21st, 2007Song: Give Me One Reason To Stay Here
Randy: Challenge yourself. Good ending. Paula: Great song selection. Simon: Push yourself. Very good. Buzz Score: 8
Round of 20 - February 28th, 2007Song: Reflection
Randy: Pitchy moments, but can really sing. So impressed with her ability. Paula: Good human being., Good, talented girl. Simon: Wasn't your best, but comparatively excellent. Buzz Score: 7.5 Round of 16 - March 7th, 2007Song: Heartbreaker
Randy - That was hot. Way to start off the night.
Paula - I liked the performance.
Simon - A bit manic and shrieky. Not your strongest performance.
Buzz Score: 8 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: If We Hold On Together
Randy - I'm so very impressed with you. You just made it a three-girl race. Paula - You are a natural gift. You can sing your little heart out. Simon - A little bit gooey. Very very good vocal. You have a shot at making the finals. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: I (Who Have Nothing)
Randy: Very controlled. One of the best performances we'll see tonight. Paula: You're a good singer and a wonderful performer. Simon: You sang it beautifully, but I feel like jumping off a bridge. So gloomy. Buzz Score: 9 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Hey Baby
Randy: That was a very risky thing to do. You can literally ding anything. That was brilliant. Paula: You're adorable and hip and young. I love seeing you in this kind of mode. Simon: I think you are probably the most improved contestant. I'm seeing another side of you. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: On a Clear Day Randy: We got some heat up here. That was the bomb. Paula: You are this magnet of joy. You exude it when you walk on stage. Simon: You sang it very well, but you didn't achieve what Chris did. Buzz Score: 8 -----
Gina GlocksenHometown: Naperville, IL Results: Round of 24 - February 21st, 2007Song: All By Myself
Randy: Nice. Paula: The right song. Simon: Didn't nail it, but it was okay. Buzz Score: 8
Round of 20 - February 28th, 2007Song: Alone
Randy: Pitchy. Paula: Really Good. Simon: Vocals forced at the end. Confused as to who you are. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 16 - March 7th, 2007Song: Call Me When You're Sober
Randy - Finally, the real Gina comes out. This is who I always though that you were.
Paula - Don't oversing. This is the style that suits you best.
Simon - This is the first time I've seen you look comfortable. You deserve to be in the top twelve.
Buzz Score: 8 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: Love Child
Randy - Pitchy in spots. I didn't feel any excitement from you. Paula - I feel that you're much better than how you did tonight. At times, you were shouting. Simon - It was okay. It wasn't terrible, it wasn't fantastic. Good song for you. Buzz Score: 7.5 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: Painted Black
Randy: I love the edge vibe. It was just alright for me. Paula: I think it was miles better than last week. Simon: There were moments of complete torture. Off melody. Not very good. Style over content. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: I'll Stand By You
Randy: I thought this was one of your best performances ever. Paula: You're improving each week. The song allowed you to soar. Your best performance so far. Simon: It was your best performance. The right song. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: Smile Randy: A very nice controlled performance for the rocker girl. Paula: Flawless, understated, beautiful, and sentimental. Simon: I can't rave about the vocals. The two previous girls outsang you. Buzz Score: 8.5 Voted Off The Show on April 4th, 2007-----
Stephanie EdwardsHometown: Savannah, GA Results: Round of 24 - February 21st, 2007Song: How Come You Don't Call Me
Randy: Very good
Paula: I liked your style
Simon: Great performance
Round of 20 - February 28th, 2007Song: Dangerously In Love
Randy: Good, but too much like Beyonce Paula: Fantastic. Brilliant. Simon: Terrific performance. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 16 - March 7th, 2007Song: Sweet Thing
Randy - It was just okay for me.
Paula - I thought you were darn near flawless. Beautiful voice.
Simon - You're one of the best we've got. You have a copycat tendency.
Buzz Score: 9 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: Love Hangover
Randy - It's been an interesting night as far as forgetting the words. Not a strong finish. Paula - Everyone was waiting for the strong finish. Strong vocals, but strive for better. Simon - You teased everybody with the good part, but failed to deliver. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
Randy: It was a little pitchy for me. Paula: I love what you're wearing. Some notes fell off. Start going back to having fun. Simon: I think you are losing your edge/your soul. That song wasn't you. Buzz Score: 7 Voted Off The Show on March 21st, 2007-----
Brandon RogersHometown: North Hollywood, CA Results: Round of 24 - February 20th, 2007Song: Rock With You
Randy: Pitchy. Didn't like the runs. Paula: Didn't like the runs. Simon: Good singer, but he picked a safe song. Buzz Score: 7
Round of 20 - February 27th, 2007Song: Time After Time
Randy: Didn't do enough for him. Vocally boring. Paula: Felt your heart. Didn't need to oversing. Simon: "Feeling the song" is nonsense. You need to show off your voice. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 16 - March 6th, 2007Song: Celebrate
Randy - I love that song. Gives him a rock edge. Solid though. Paula - I think it was pretty phenomenal. Simon - I don't think you've represented yourself well. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: Can't Hurry Love
Randy - Needs to be better than that. Paula - There are many things that you do right. Simon - That was a complete letdown. Predictable. Buzz Score: 7 Voted Off March 14th, 2007
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Blake LewisHometown: Seattle, WA Results: Round of 24 - February 20th, 2007Song: Somewhere Only We Know
Randy: Loved it. Different. Paula: Vocals were spot on. Cool. Simon: Best performance of the night. Buzz Score: 7.5
Round of 20 - February 27th, 2007Song: Virtual Insanity
Randy: So good to see you return to form. I like you, man! Paula: Smart choices, unique. Way to go! Simon: 1st part - Complete copycat. 2nd part - original. 3rd part - pitchy. Buzz Score: 9.5 Round of 16 - March 6th, 2007Song: All Mixed Up
Randy - That was hot! Paula - I was interested, even though I didn't know the song. Simon - You're making it current. You will still be here next week. Buzz Score: 7.5 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: You Keep Me Hangin' On
Randy - There were some good things about it. You don't have to Blake-ize every song. Paula - You could have a hit with that. [huh?] Simon - I didn't get that at all. Buzz Score: 7 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: Time of the Seasons
Randy: I'm a huge Blake fan. You made the song really current. Brilliant. Paula: You have raised the bar. Simon: A million times better than last week. You found a way to make the song contemporary without messing up the song. Storngest per formance so far. Buzz Score: 7.5 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Love Song
Randy: It's not my perfect song choice. I liked it. Paula: I love what you did with the song. Simon: You're the strongest guy in the competition. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: Mack the Knife Randy: A very good way to start off the evening. A couple pitch problems. I liked it. Paula: Tonight, you personified pizazz. You're just cool. Simon: Good choice of song. You performed it well. Buzz Score: 8 -----
Phil StaceyHometown: Jacksonville, FL Results: Round of 24 - February 20th, 2007Song: Could Not Ask For More
Randy: Started rough, but the best vocal of the night. Paula: Great. Right on pitch. Simon: Beginning was monstrous. The rest was okay. Buzz Score: 7.5
Round of 20 - February 27th, 2007Song: Missing You
Randy: Hot. Showing his power. Paula: Great tone. Can hear him on the radio. Simon: Nice guy. Unoriginal Voice. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 16 - March 6th, 2007Song: I Need You
Randy - Interesting song choice. A little weird. Not your best performance. Paula - Lower part of your register is off. Simon - I didn't get it. Very odd. Buzz Score: 6 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
Randy - It was boring, but the vocals were hot. Paula - Your vocals sound really good, but that song meeds to be more up-tempo. Simon - It was okay. Good choice of song. You have a tendency to shout. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: Tobacco Road
Randy: It was a pretty good performance. I like your upper register. Paula: Good choice of song. I feel like there were some parts that were pitchy. Simon: I wasn't crazy about it. A third division bar band performance. You need grit in your voice. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Every Breath You Take
Randy: I actually kind of liked that. Paula: That's a good choice. There's so much personality and color to your voice. Simon: I thought that was very good. Buzz Score: 9 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: Night and Day Randy: You sang it good, but I didn't feel any real connection/passion. Paula: You're reminiscent of a young Frank Sinatra, but I need you to have more joy. Simon: I think it had all the joy of somebody singing in a funeral parlor. Buzz Score: 8.5 ---
Chris SlighHometown: Greenville, SC Results: Round of 24 - February 20th, 2007Song: Typical
Randy: Loved it. Paula: Ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon: Not an incredible performance. A 'student gig'. Buzz Score: 8
Round of 20 - February 27th, 2007Song: Trouble
Randy: He's got skills. Better than last week. Paula: Watch your pitch. Real Awesome. Simon: Very good singer. Buzz Score: 9 Round of 16 - March 6th, 2007Song: We All Wanna Be Loved
Randy - Not my favorite song choice. Best performance of the night. Paula - Keep rising above. Middle of the road. Simon - Beginning was very good. Shouted in the middle. You have potential. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: Endless Love
Randy - Weird for me. Paula - Trying to hard to be ultra-hip Simon - I think you murdered the arrangement. Buzz Score: 7.5 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: She's Not There
Randy: It started off a little rough, but you wound up good. Paula: Your vocals were really good. Simon: I thought it was fun. Not the best vocal tonight, but still very good. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Randy: It was a good song for you. The biggest problem was your tempo. You were way ahead rushing. Paula: Stay in the pocket (huh?). Vocally, it sat really nice. Simon: Forgets pockets, timing, whatever. I thought it was a mess. Buzz Score: 7.5
Chris RichardsonHometown: Chesapeake, VA Results: Round of 24 - February 20th, 2007Song: I Don't Wanna Be
Randy: Good flavor. Paula: A lot of fun. Simon: Liked him, but his voice sounded small. Buzz Score: 8
Round of 20 - February 27th, 2007Song: Geek in the Pink Randy: In it to win it. Hotter than the original. Paula: Loved it. Simon: Best tonight by a male. Buzz Score: 9 Round of 16 - March 6th, 2007Song: Tonight I Wanna Cry
Randy - In it to win it! Paula - You've adapted well, and picked a great song. Simon - I'm not jumping out of my chair. It was good. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: The Boss
Randy - You overdid it a little bit. It was interesting for me. Paula - I think out of the guys, you nailed the blend of contemporary and old-fashioned. Great job. Simon - Vocals were dreadful. It was terrible. Buzz Score: 7.5 Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
Randy: That was another great performance. It showed a different side to you. One of your best vocals yet. Paula: It's all about being smart with your choices. Very sexy and charming. Simon: I think that was your best performance so far. Buzz Score: 8.5 Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Don't Speak
Randy: I liked your twist on it. I enjoy the runs. That was good. Paula: You're good, Chris. You're good. Simon: This was a much much better choice of song. I wasn't crazy about the vocal. Buzz Score: 8 Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: Don't Get Around Much Anymore Randy: I think this was one of your best performances of the whole season. Paula: True artistic integrity. Simon: I thought that was very good. Very believable. One of the strongest tonight. Buzz Score: 9
Sanjaya MalakarHometown: Seattle, WA Results: Round of 24 - February 20th, 2007Song: Something 'bout Your LoveRandy: Bad song choice.Paula: Washed more personality came through.Simon: Most dreary performance of the night.Buzz Score: 7.5
Round of 20 - February 27th, 2007Song: Steppin' OutRandy: Really weird. Bad high school talent show.Paula: Pick songs that sound great for you.Simon: Like a child dressing up and singing. Weak, weird.Buzz Score: 6.5Round of 16 - March 6th, 2007Song: Waiting For the World To Change
Randy - That wasn't really that great.Paula - I don't agree completely with Randy. Try to get out of your comfortzone. Keep trying.Simon - It wasn't as ghastly as last week. It wasn't a very good vocal.Buzz Score: 8Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007Song: Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Randy - It wasn't very good. Thank goodness for the background singers. The hair is rockin' though.Paula - I can understand why Diana said you're pure love. You have to explode with your vocal sound.Simon - When you hear a wail in Beverly Hills, that's where Diana Ross is watching the show.Buzz Score: 6.5Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007Song: You've Really Got Me
Randy: Usually, you're reserved, but you came out of your shell tonight. Best performance to date.Paula: You looked like you were having fun up there.Simon: The little girl's face says it all.Buzz Score: 6Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007Song: Bathwater
Randy: The hairdo is interesting. You can sing if you would just pull it out of there.Paula: If you had the gumption to really go for it, you could really do well.Simon: I don't think it matters anymore what we say. I think you are in your own universe.Buzz Score: 8Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007Song: Cheek To Cheek Randy: I can't even comment on the vocals anymore. You've turned into a great entertainer. Paula: I get why people love you. You're charming. Simon: Incredible. (with a bit of sarcasm) Buzz Score: 8.5
American Idol Recap: Round of 24 - Guys - February 20th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 24 - Girls - February 21st, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 20 - Guys - February 27th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 20 - Girls - February 28th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 16 - Guys - March 6th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 16 - Girls - March 7th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 12 - March 13th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 11 - March 20th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 10 - March 27th, 2007 American Idol Recap: Round of 9 - April 3rd, 2007
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