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May 27 Thanks xThanks tons for visiting me on the American Idol Blog and for leaving your comments... I can't wait to get my teeth into Big Brother this year! It starts this Wednesday at 9pm, come and join me LIVE to chat as the housemates enter the house! The blog is 24-7 coverage this year, with live chat during all the evictions too (all by little me!) x Hugs - Selena x May 25 American Idol - The Final!
 Blake opened the first show with one of his favourite performances, Bon Jovi's You Give Love a Bad Name. I thought it was a great start and the crowd went wild, but the judges didn’t seem that impressed. From the get go they concentrated on Blake’s entertainment factor rather than his voice. Simon said "you're not the best singer in this competition. But you're the best entertainer I think we've had.” Jordin was up next with Christina Aguilera's Fighter. The judges were happy with the 'young' choice of song and both Randy and Paula said it was 'stella' but Simon thought she “shrieked it” and I have to agree! It’s a shame because if she’d taken her time rather than over sing, it could have been a showstopper. Whatever it was that Simon was looking for; he found it when Jordin sang Martina McBride's Broken Wing. Simon gushed…"Now, THAT was good." I have to agree, it was a cracking vocal and it’s probably won her the prize, but I get the feeling that Blake’s performances are being played down here, as far as the judges are concerned it’s Jordin all the way. The final performances showcased the winning song from the American Idol Songwriters competition. I was hoping for something a bit different, but it was a classic generic, cookie cutter, idolesque, competition winning, sticky ballad. Consequently, This Is My Now was not written for Blake Lewis (not in a million years!) It was far too gooey and not his style at all. I mean, you just can’t throw beat-boxing into a ballad, he looked so frustrated. Not good and unfair, this may have cost him the title. Why do the producers keep choosing ballads for every first release? It happens here too, ever single series! Simon said "I thought it was all a little odd. ... It's just not a song that you would normally sing." He even went so far as to say that Blake should be judged on his earlier performances (in other words it blew!). Considering this is the song that Blake would be releasing, the judges might as well sign Jordin’s contract now! Needless to say, Jordin took the stage and owned the song. It could have been written for her voice. She even teared up as she delivered the last line – talk about textbook final performance! Randy loved it, "you were the best singer tonight. You deserve it all, baby!" Simon said "You just wiped the floor with Blake," – Selena says…It’s obviously over already! After all the judges had gushed about Jordin, Simon tried to even the field "I would say the best individual performance of the night was Blake on the first song, but based on overall singing - Jordin." Yeah…whatever! In all honesty I don’t think Simon ever wanted this final, his heart doesn’t seem to be in it and we all know why. When speaking about the finalists his recent comments said it all, "I can understand why they both made it. But I would have happily swapped either of them for Melinda. They're nice kids, but I would have liked to have seen one of them up against the big singer." Nuff said!  JORDIN SPARKS!!! May 18 THE FINAL THREE!
 Jordin – Wishin’ On A Star – Rose Royce  Blake – Roxanne – Police
 Melinda – I Believe In You And Me – Whitney Houston Jordin – She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer The judges have spent all their time over the past 12 weeks comparing Melinda to a young Tina Turner. She didn’t let them down… It was nothing short of fantastic! She had the attitude, the grit and in homage to Tina she even gave a lil wiggle and a hair flick or two! Go on Mel... Bring it home! ALL the judges agreed that it was brilliant, Randy went so far as to say, two rounds to Melinda. Jordin – I Who Have Nothing (Jordin’s choice) Ryan asks the judges the million dollar question… The votes are in… May 15 OH MY GOD! THE WORLD HAS GONE MAD!!!I DON'T BELIEVE IT!
I JUST DON'T BELIEVE IT! ARE YOU READY FOR A RANT? HERE IT COMES... THE WORLD HAS GONE MAD, LAKISHA IS OUT OF AMERICAN IDOL!
THERE ARE ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT AND THE FINAL THREE PERFORMING BEFORE THE FINALE WILL BE BLAKE LEWIS, JORDIN SPARKS AND MELINDA DOLITTLE. WE SAY GOODBYE TO LAKISHA (I'M GUTTED!) FROM THE START I'VE TIPPED LAKISHA OR MELINDA TO TAKE THIS HOME AND NOW MY HOPES ARE RIDING ON MELINDA. DURING THE SHOW THERE SEEMED TO BE A FUNNY AIR AROUND LAKISHA, SHE WASN'T HERSELF AND I THINK SHE COULD SENSE IT WAS HER TIME TO GO. I WAS MORE CONCERNED BY THE FACT THAT SHE WAS TALKING TO HERSELF, THOUGH WHEN RYAN ASKED HER ABOUT IT SHE SAID SHE WAS ANALYSING HER OWN PERFORMANCE (I GUESS SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TO CRITICAL EH?) THE SONG CHOICE WAS THE TURNING POINT IN MY OPINION. STAYING ALIVE JUST DIDN'T SUIT HER VOICE. WHY WOULD YOU CHOOSE THAT SONG, IT'S SO HIGH! SIMON COWELL SAID IT ALL. AFTER KISSING LAKISHA LAST WEEK FOR HER BEST PERFORMANCE YET, SIMON TURNED ON HIS HEELS THIS WEEK AND SAID "NO KISS FOR YOU!" (OUCH!) I WAS MORTIFIIED WITH THE RESULTS! JORDIN SHOULD HAVE LEFT IN BON JOVI WEEK. IT'S A TRAVESTY FOR BOTH HER AND BLAKE TO GO THROUGH OVER LAKISHA - COME ON, SHE'S IN A DIFFERENT LEAGUE! MELINDA I CAN UNDERSTAND (SHE SINGS LIKE AN ANGEL) BUT EVEN SIMON SAID BLAKE WAS 'ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE', HE MUST HAVE GOT THE GIRLIE VOTE. PERSONALLY I JUST DON'T THINK HE'S ORIGINAL. DOES AMERICA REALLY NEED ANOTHER JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE WITH SLIGHTLY LONGER HAIR? I MEAN REALLY, HE DOESN'T HOLD A CANDLE TO JUSTIN AND I'M SORRY TO ALL THE 'BLAKETTES' BUT I DON'T FIND HIM SEXY AT ALL. MALE ACTS NEED BIT OF SEX APPEAL AND HE'S JUST TOO CHEESY FOR ME. I CAN ONLY HOPE THE FINAL THREE PULL OFF A BETTER SHOW NEXT WEEK. IT WAS SO DISSAPOINTING...
WHATEVER HAPPENS, LAKISHA HAS GONE AND SO HAS SOME OF THE SPARKLE! IT WON'T BE A 'REAL FINAL' WITHOUT HER. WE ALL KNOW IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE BATTLE OF THE DREAMGIRLS. LAKISHA AND MELINDA ALL THE WAY! FINGERS CROSSED MELINDA CAN STILL BRING IT HOME! GO ON GIRL!!!
JOIN ME LIVE ON FRIDAY FOR THE FINAL THREE
AND THEN NEXT WEEK FOR THE BIG FINALE! WOOHOO! AS ALWAYS X FEEL FREE TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS X
Selena Ledgerton Cooper MSN Official Reality TV Blogger May 04 JON BON JOVI IS STILL YUMMY!
I thought Lakisha rocked the casbah! Phil Stacey was up first with Blaze Of Glory. The vocal was fantastic throughout the first verse and I thought he was a sure thing to go through, but then he lost it in the chorus (gutted). He just looks too sweet to be a rocker. Simon said he sang like a bad actor, he could be going tonight. PS – Can the make up artist please do something to stop this poor man sweating from nowhere but his face! Jordin’s choice was ambitious to say the least. She sang Livin’ On A Prayer and I’m afraid it was just too much. She just couldn’t reach the notes. I found myself cringing in places and I really couldn’t watch. Simon described it as screechy and compared her look to someone from the Adams Family. Not my favourite performance from Jordin, but I think she’ll be back. Lakisha was next and WOW! What more can I say? I mean did you see her. This girl means business! She sang ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’ like she had been doing it for years. Paula said ‘the tone of your voice is money in your pocket’ and Simon jumped up and kissed her! Somehow I think Lakisha will be here one more week (at least) don’t you? Blake offered up You Give Love A Bad Name. I would love to say I was mesmerised or blown away, but I wasn’t. I was totally distracted by the hair! Who is he trying to be? Is it really a good idea to completely change your look in the middle of the competition? The answer..No! The vocal was good and all was going well, until Blake threw in some sort of improv’ beat box contest with a computer. It’s getting a bit old now mate! I think the judges were watching something else, they loved it. Paula said ‘this was your night’ and Randy was impressed. Simon commended him for taking a risk. ‘Half of the audience would hate it, half would love it, but this is what will keep you in the competition next week’. I think he will go through but I was definitely a member of the first group Simon referred to! Chris Richardson opted for ‘Dead Or Alive’ and I nearly died when he forgot the words in rehearsal infront of Jon Bon Jovi! Excuse me? Learn the words dude, this guy is a legend! Chris hit home when it counted though, he belted out that track like his life depended on it (though sometimes he was a bit shouty!) All in all it was a solid performance, but come on…some of the others are in a different league. Randy said he liked it as he made it his own, but Simon wasn’t sure if it was a performance that would keep him in. Ouch! Melinda brought the show home with her rendition of Have A Nice Day. It was a gutsy song choice as it’s a less ‘well known’ song, but it was no problem for Mel. Even Jon Bon Jovi offered her a place in the band - ‘You nailed it’. Tonight Melinda went from super sweet to rock chic extraordinaire! Go on girl! Paula said ‘how does it feel to be a rock star?’ and both Randy and Simon agreed she was like a young Tina Turner. Now THAT is a compliment! The votes are in… April 22 ALL ABOUT THE COWELL!SO THIS WEEK WASN'T REALLY ABOUT THE IDOLS... YOU GOTTIT GUYS, IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE COWELL!
USUALLY WHEN WE TALK ABOUT IDOL, SIMON COMES TO THE FORE BECAUSE OF HIS CUTTING COMMENTS. THIS TIME THOUGH, THE EYES HAD IT!
Unfortunately for Simon, he was allegedly caught on camera 'rolling his eyes' when contestant Chris Richardson paid tribute to those killed in the shooting at Virginia Tech. The crowd booed Simon like crazy and over in the U.S there has been uproar and speculation ever since.
Simon obviously felt obliged to set the record straight. He advised American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, "we must address this story that I rolled my eyes disrespectfully at Chris because he made the comment. The truth is that I had switched off at that point. I was saying to Paula, 'What does he mean that he was singing nasal on purpose?' I didn't understand what he was saying. So I hadn't even heard what he'd said afterwards. And my eye rolling was because of what I was saying to Paula. I have never heard so much rubbish. You know what, half of the time I can't hear what they are saying, and I don't think they can hear what I am saying."
Footage was shown from Idol on American T.V showing that Simon was speaking to Paula at the time. Ryan Seacrest supported Simon by adding, "Let's be honest, no human being would be that disrespectful to anybody involved in that awful tragedy." PERSONALLY I THINK SIMON IS FORTUNATE THAT THEY HAD TONS OF CAMERAS SCATTERED AROUND. IF THERE WAS NO WAY TO SHOW THAT HE WAS SPEAKING TO PAULA AND REALLY COULDN'T HEAR CHRIS, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A NIGHTMARE FOR HIM! THE SHOW:
WELL...WHAT CAN I SAY? I HATED IT, I'VE RANTED ON ABOUT SIMON FOR A WHILE TOO (SO I'M GONNA KEEP IT BRIEF!)
I DIDN'T LIKE ANY OF THE SONG CHOICES TONIGHT, EXCEPT MELINDA'S (SHE ROCKED!) - SHE HAD TONS OF ATTITUDE AND I AGREE WITH SIMON, SHE HAD A TOUCH OF TINA TURNER ABOUT HER. I'M BEGINNING TO THINK THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME, AS I ALSO AGREE WITH SIMON ABOUT CHRIS. THE WHOLE SONG WAS NASAL AND I THOUGHT HE WAS SO ARROGANT TO 'INFORM' SIMON THAT NASAL IS A TYPE OF SINGING (WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?) - SIMON IS GONNA BE ONE OF YOUR BOSSES IF YOU WIN CHRIS, SO BE NICE (DUH!) FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER I THOUGH LAKISHA'S SONG CHOICE WAS BLAND AND IT LACKED ALL THE 'UMPH' SHE USUALLY GIVES. BLAKE (WHO?) WAS DULL AS DISHWATER AND POOR PHIL STACEY LOOKED SO OUT OF PLACE TRYING TO JIGGLE ALONG WITH HIS NUMBER! THE WHOLE SHOW WAS A DISASTER!
AS ALWAYS SANJAYA TRIED HIS BEST, BUT IT'S GETTING TO THE POINT (WITH ALL THE HYPE) THAT I CAN'T EVEN LOOK AT HIM ANYMORE. THE OTHER CONTESTANTS ARE IN A DIFFERENT LEAGUE AND I THINK TONIGHT SHOULD BE HIS NIGHT TO GO.
IT'S A SHAME BECAUSE THROUGHOUT THE SERIES, I'VE LOVED ALL THE CONTESTANTS PERFORMANCES AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. THEY REALLY NEED TO RAISE THE BAR NEXT WEEK OR THOSE WE LOVE MAY WELL BE GONE! JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE BOTTOM THREE, THE PUBLIC IS VOTING FOR THE BEST ON THE NIGHT. SONG CHOICE REALLY COUNTS! LUCKILY THE SHOW WASN'T ALL BAD, MELINDA AND JORDIN LIFTED MY SPIRITS AND JORDIN'S HEARTFELT PERFORMANCE STOLE THE SHOW FOR ME. I HAVE TO SAY THOUGH, THE BEST PART OF THE SHOW WAS THE RESULTS... THEY WERE SNEAKY, CLEVER, BUT SO OUT OF ORDER...
WHEN THE VOTING WAS COMPLETE THE CONTESTANTS WERE SPLIT INTO TWO GROUPS OF THREE. ONE GROUP WAS THE TOP THREE AND ONE WAS THE BOTTOM. AS THE LAST CONTESTANT, POOR MELINDA DOLITTLE WAS TOLD THAT SHE MUST CHOOSE WHICH GROUP TO STAND WITH, THE BOTTOM OR THE TOP! SHE HAD NO CLUE WHICH WAS WHICH, SO IT MEANT SHE HAD TO AVOID WHO SHE THOUGHT WAS THE WORST - HOW EVIL IS THAT! NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE WAS HAVING NONE OF IT, SHE JUST PLONKED HERSELF DOWN IN PROTEST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STAGE AND REFUSED TO MOVE (GOOD FOR YOU MELINDA!)
HE-HE, RYAN WASN'T IMPRESSED THAT SHE WOULDN'T PLAY BALL AND I'M GUESSING THAT THE PRODUCERS WEREN'T EITHER. LOVE IT! THE VOTES COME IN AND THE BOTTOM THREE ARE...
LAKISHA (SHOCK!) BLAKE (MMMMM?) AND SANJAYA (BOUT' TIME!) HOORAH! THERE IS A GOD! LEAVING IDOL TONIGHT IS SANJAYA!
NEED I SAY MORE, I'LL LET YOU ALL GO OFF AND CELEBRATE HOWEVER YOU FANCY!
SEE YOU NEXT FRIDAY GUYS X AS ALWAYS LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS X
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SIMON FIASCO? HUGS X SELENA
Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger
IMAGES ITV2 / FOX April 14 DO YOU HAVE THAT J-LO GLOW?HOW ARE WE PEEPS? HOPE YOU'RE FAB!
IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM LEAVING A COMMENT,
EMAIL ME YOUR COMMENT TO AIBLOG@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
AS ALWAYS, I'LL PUBLISH THE BEST X
WELL THE TIDES HAVE TURNED AND FINALLY AMERICAN IDOL IS BACK ON FORM!
TONIGHT WE SEE JENNIFER LOPEZ AS GUEST COACH AND (UNLIKE LAST WEEK) I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT SHOW! ARE YOU READY FOR A LATIN TWIST?
 MELINDA - SWAY
Melinda's challenge this week is to be sexy! She admits that she has a problem turning on the charm but I can't see it! She shakes it like a pro and even throws in a latin booty wiggle for good measure. The vocal is smooth and sultry and she's on point. Randy says "that was another solid performance," Paula thought it was subtle and sexy but Simon didn't like it! He said it was lazy and wooden and not a WOW factor performance. Jeeze Simon, what were you watching?
 LAKISHA - CONGA
Lakisha got her groove on during some dance lessons with J-Lo, but I'm worried about her choice of song because this track is fast! Lakisha has latin rhythm in her soul (there's no doubting that), but she's tired and the vocal loses strength in places. It took a lot for her to keep up. Either way she still rocked and had a ball! Randy thought it was kickin' but Paula disagreed and said it was "safe." Lakisha disagreed, she thinks she went out of her comfort zone and moved around a lot more. Sadly Simon agreed with Paula, he didn't like the dancing and said Lakisha needs to raise the bar. This girl cannot go out tonight - vote, vote, vote!
 CHRIS - SMOOTH
I love this song. I just hope Chris can do it justice. Jennifer thought it was too low for him, so she raised the key to give him something to reach for (fingers crossed!)
OUCH! Sorry Idol fans, I don't like it at all. It's off key and where's the sex? There's no umph. Chris seems to be concentrating more on the vocal than the words and this song is all about acting the lyrics. Randy thought is was cool and Paula said it was HOT! Are the judges listening tonight? I don't think so.
 HAYLEY - TURN THE BEAT AROUND
In a classic Idol moment J-Lo and Hayley needed a beat for their rehearsal, so they called on Blake! Our friendly neighbourhood beatboxer stepped in and the ladies were good to go! Jennifer seemed impressed with Hayley's vocal but she advised her to 'bite' the words to fit them all in. I thought the vocal was okay, but the dancing grated on me. It was like a beauty pageant talent section. Tons of cheesy smiles and swaggering about, all she needed was a crown on her head! Randy said it was cabaret and Simon commended her for wearing less to get the votes. "There is no way you can win this with your voice, so you have to get votes in other ways." That's gotta hurt!
 PHIL - MARIA MARIA
Much as Phil's vocals are top notch, I'm concerned that this song is too obscure for the Idol audience. I just hope he gets the votes, because GOD can he blow! He even gives it some attitude and as he belts the last few lines it's goosebump time. Randy didn't think it was his best and said he was missing some passion. Paula loved the vocal, but Simon thought it was flat. Phil advises Simon that his daughter has just bought a new cuddly toy, it's a cow and it's called Simon Cowell. KEEP HIM IN AND NEXT WEEK LET'S SEE THAT COW!!!
 JORDIN - RHYTHM IS GONNA GETCHA
Jordin seems nervous tonight and her vocal is shaking. I don't know about you but Idol should be investing in dance classes! Pretty much all the groovin' going on has been kak! If these kids are gonna hit the charts, surely they need to know how to dance. Sadly, tonight it didn't ring my bell. I just think of Gloria Estefan every time I hear that song. Sorry Jordin x
 BLAKE - I NEED TO KNOW
This is another song that the audience may not connect with. I needn't have worried though, as Blake's hat is enough to distract the audience from the song. What's that about? Will someone sack the stylist! I think Simon will be repeating himself tonight, this is another 'safe' performance (and quite boring). The judges are definately on another planet, they loved it. Simon even said it was the best song and best performance. The world's gone mad!
(NO IMAGE - I WON'T ENCOURAGE SANJAYA MANIA ANYMORE!)
SANJAYA - BESAME MUCHO
This is an authentic Spanish/Mexican song and it embodies the latin spirit. Jennifer is impressed with Sanjaya's rehearsal, she even thinks Simon may like it. He could be in another week people - watch out!
I hate to say it but I have to give him credit. It was a good performance. Sanjaya's vocals can't be compared to other singers in the competition, they're just too good. But he did give it his all and he sang in spanish for crying out loud (you have to give him props for that - if nothing else). Randy said "you are one of the smartest contestants I've met, that was really good!" Even Simon agreed, "It wasn't horrible!"
THE RESULTS ARE IN...
The bottom three tonight are Phil, Chris and Hayley.
I can't say I'm shocked by the result this week. Phil chose an obscure song, Chris didn't have the 'umph' and Hayley's performance was too sickly.
Leaving us tonight is Hayley Scarnato (boo!) - Sanjaya survives another week! What is the world coming too?
Next week Martin McBride is the guest coach, who goes?
Leave your comments.
See you next Friday night x
Hugs - Selena
Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger
IMAGES - ITV2 UK/FOX April 10 A SAD DAY...SO THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH LIVE SPACES AND I CAN'T POST ANY HTML OR IMAGES??? WHAT'S WITH THAT?
I HAVE TO KEEP IT SHORT AS FOR SOME REASON THE LIVE SPACE SET UP KEEPS BOMBING AND RESTARTING, SO WE'RE WINGING IT PEOPLE!
AS FAR AS NEWS AND GOSSIP GOES IT'S ALL ABOUT SANJAYA... HE'S STILL IN! (CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?) THE WEBSITES AND RADIO STATIONS SUPPORTING HIM SEEM TO BE DOING THE TRICK, ALTHOUGH SOME ARE NOW TRYING TO TURN THE TABLES. A LOCAL D.J. NAMED JUSTICE IS ACTUALLY CAMPING ON THE ROOF OF A RADIO STATION IN THE U.S. UNTIL SANJAYA IS CHUCKED OFF THE SHOW!
CHRIS RICHARDSON IS THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION AGAIN TOO. THE WORD ON THE GRAPEVINE WAS THAT HE WAS DATING A PREVIOUS CONTESTANT, BUT NOW THE RUMOURS ARE THAT CELEBRITY LINDSAY LOHAN OR HOLLYWOOD STARLET LAUREN CONRAD ARE IN THE PICTURE??? WE SHALL HAVE TO SEE PEEPS!
SO IT WAS A GREAT SHOW THIS WEEK WASN'T IT?
(NO IT WASN'T I KNOW - SORRY IDOL FANS!)
I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT I NEVER ENJOY TONY BENNET NIGHT, IT'S DATED AND I JUST DON'T LIKE THE GENRE. DON'T GET ME WRONG THE TUNES ARE CATCHY AND ALL THE CONTESTANTS HAD A GO, BUT IT WAS JUST TOO TWEE. IT'S GETTING TO A POINT NOW WHERE THE STARS OF THE SHOW ARE RISING TO THE SURFACE AND THE SAME NAMES BOB UP EVERY WEEK (MELINDA, LAKISHA AND CO). THE OTHER CONTESTANTS NEED TO START PROVING THEMSELVES. HOW CAN THEY DO THAT WHEN THEY CAN'T EVEN SING CURRENT SONGS. THEY'RE NOT GOING TO BE SINGING OLDIES WHEN THEY HIT THE CHARTS ARE THEY?
HERE'S WHAT THEY SANG...
BLAKE - MAC THE KNIFE
CHRIS - DONT GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE
SANJAYA - CHEEK TO CHEEK
HAYLEY - AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'
GINA - SMILE
PHIL - NIGHT AND DAY
JORDIN - ON A CLEAR DAY
MELINDA - I GOT RHYTHM
LAKISHA - STORMY WEATHER
FOR THE FIRST TIME ON IDOL RYAN REVEALED WHO THE TOP THREE ARE (SO FAR) WITH REGARD TO VOTES. THEY WERE LAKISHA, JORDIN AND MELINDA THIS WEEK! GO ON GIRLIES!!!
THE BOTTOM THREE HITTING THE STAGE WERE HAYLEY, PHIL AND GINA. I FELT FOR GINA, SHE WAS ONLY THERE BECAUSE THE SONG DIDN'T SUIT HER. THE SHOCKER WAS THAT AFTER PHIL AND HAYLEY HAD BEEN IN THE BOTTOM THREE MANY TIMES BEFORE, THEY DIDN'T GO!
IT WAS OUR GINA (BUMMER!)
AFTER DOING SO WELL LAST WEEK IT'S PANTS THAT SHE HAS TO LEAVE (BOO!) I LOVED GINA AND REALLY THOUGHT SHE WOULD GO FAR. IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT THE SANJAYA FARCE IS NOW CAUSING TALENTED INDIVIDUALS TO BE PUSHED OUT! IT'S SHOCKING. IDOL NEEDS TO CHANGE THE RULES TO THE X-FACTOR SYSTEM. THE PUBLIC CAN VOTE FOR THE BOTTOM THREE AND THEN THE JUDGES CHOOSE WHO GOES, IT MAKES FAR MORE SENSE. AT LEAST THAT WAY THE SANJAYA EFFECT CAN BE AVOIDED. CAN YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN EVEN BUY A SANJAYA DOLL ON EBAY! IT'S LUDICROUS THIS!
SADLY GINA DOESN'T AGREE WITH ME, AFTER THE SHOW SHE DEFENDED SANJAYA: “He’s just different. It’s not that he’s better or worse. He’s Sanjaya and Jordin is Jordin and Chris is Chris and Blake is Blake; America, I guess, was through with me, and that’s fine. I’m fine with it. I’m going to tour.”
HOPEFULLY LIVE SPACES WILL BE BACK UP TO PAR SOON... JOIN ME LIVE ON FRIDAY NIGHT FOR MY USUAL FULL COVERAGE X
IT'S LATIN TUNES AND JENNIFER LOPEZ THIS WEEK - SO BE SURE TO POP BACK FOR YOUR FIX OF PICS AND BITCHIN!
FEEL FREE TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AS AND WHEN AND DURING THE LIVE SHOW.
HUGS - SELENA
Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality Blogger March 30 THE FINAL TEN - LIVE!OKAY, SHALL WE START WITH SOME GOSSIP?
HOW ABOUT THREE JUICY TIT-BITS?
1. WORD ON THE GRAPVINE IS THAT CHRIS RICHARDSON AND ALAINA ALEXANDER MAY BE LOVED UP! THEY HAVE GROWN CLOSER AND CLOSER SINCE THE SHOW BEGAN AND ALAINA HAS BEEN SPOTTED VISITING CHRIS AFTER SHE WAS BOOTED OFF THE SHOW!
2. AMERICA HAS BEEN UP IN ARMS AFTER WEBSITES LIKE VOTEFORTHEWORST.COM AND HOWARD STERN'S RADIO SHOW HAVE ENCOURAGED THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT SANJAYA. THE GUY IS STILL ON THE SHOW AND THE JUDGES CAN'T BELIEVE THE POWER OF THE PUBLIC. THE QUESTION NOW IS, HOW FAR WILL SANJAYA GO?
3. HOT GOSSIP! IT'S RUMOURED THAT RANDY JACKSON HAS LANDED LOUIS WALSH'S JOB ON THE X FACTOR! ACCORDING TO LOUIS, SIMON COWELL INFORMED HIM BY PHONE THAT HE WAS OFF THE SHOW. I WONDER IF RANDY HAS HAD THE GOOD NEWS VIA HIS MOBILE YET?
SO BACK TO THE SHOW...
ARE YOU READY FOR A LIVE ONE?
TONIGHT GWEN STEFANI IS GUEST COACH. KNOWN FOR HER QUIRKY STYLE AND FANTASTIC VOCALS, I WONDER IF SHE WILL HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON THE CONTESTANTS TONIGHT? SONGS ARE FROM NO DOUBT, GWEN HERSELF AND BANDS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED HER.
 LAKISHA JONES - LAST DANCE (DONNA SUMMER)
When asked about Lakisha, Gwen Stefani said "I should be asking her for advice, she's amazing!"
It's refreshing to hear Lakisha do an up-tempo number. Although she seemed nervous and her voice was a little shaky (for the first time ever), she still carried it off like a trooper! Randy loved it, "you rocked, I love the boots and you look like a diva!" Paula agreed "Donna Summer is a hard act to pull off, great job." Simon was pleased to see the old Lakisha back. "Great vocal," he also loved the black leather FMB's.
 CHRIS SLIGH - EVERY LITTLE THING SHE DOES IS MAGIC (THE POLICE)
Chris has gone from one of my faves to a four out of ten. I guess it's because his humour seems to have turned to arrogance and I hate that! His timing is off again on this track (and Gwen warned him about it) so I'm not sure where he'll end up. I wish Chris would have kept his feet on the ground. Randy thought it was a good song choice but he wasn't happy with the tempo, 'it was a train wreck.' OUCH! Simon just thought it was a mess!  GINA GLOCKSEN - I'LL STAND BY YOU (THE PRETENDERS)
Wow - Loved it! Gina really held her own with this track. It was full of emotion, well controlled and she belted out those power notes - it was effortless! Randy and Paula thought it was the perfect song (and she's thrilled!) Simon said 'it wasn't one of your best performances, it was your BEST performance and the performance of the night!' GO GINA! (But change the dress hun, it's goppin!)  SANJAYA MALAKAR - BATHWATER (NO DOUBT)
I don't know what was worse, the mohawk from mars or that he forgot the words. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's time for him to go home. His vocal was controlled and he can sing but the others are in a different league. Simon said it all 'I don't think it matters what we say any more!'
 HALEY SCARNATO - TRUE COLOURS (CYNDI LAUPER)
Haley really gives her all to this performance and she has a sweet voice. She should stay in (that's for sure) but she just doesn't blow me away. The best thing about Haley is she takes direction. Gwen told her to tone it down and not do too many runs. That's just what she did. The judges thought it was a poor song choice, they are not unimpressed! Personally I didn't think it was that bad? I hope Haley isn't on her way out.
 PHIL STACEY - EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE (THE POLICE)
Gwen said she wasn't expecting Phil to be that good, and neither was I. He blew this song out of the park! It was controlled and as smooth as melted chocolate - I loved it. It's a great track and he gave it all the respect it deserves. Nice one Phil! The only thing Phil needs to do is sack the stylist. He looked like a hobo tonight! Randy agreed with me, 'that was solid.' Simon said it was a great choice of song and was surprised that he enjoyed it. Needless to say Phil was as happy as Captain Happy from the S.S Cheesy Grin.
 MELINDA DOOLITTLE - HEAVEN KNOWS (DONNA SUMMER)
Gwen said Melinda blew her away. 'I would say good luck but I don't think you need it!'
Great comments, I couldn't agree more - It was fab! That's it. FAB! Get me? The judges just couldn't say enough great things. Simon said it was 'outstanding' but he hated her outfit. What is going on with the styling tonight?
 BLAKE LEWIS - LOVE SONG (THE CURE)
This was one night that Blake was right to do without the beat-boxing. It was a hypnotic, eerie, fantastic performance and there was no need for the bing-bang-boom. Well done for taking Gwen's advice and leaving it out. Paula loved it and said it was contemporary and cool. Simon believes he's the best male performer, but he has to be careful not to alienate people by being too 'different'.
 JORDIN SPARKS - HEY BABY (GWEN STEFANI)
Sorry, didn't like it. I don't think you can do this kind of song without being compared to the original artist and what the hell was she wearing? Her vocal was bob on, but the dancing and the pointing, it was like watching a kid at a talent show - it just wasn't polished! Too twee for me. The judges agree that Jordin has improved the most vocally and I have to agree. I just didn't like tonight, a more professional performance next week please.
 CHRIS RICHARDSON - DON'T SPEAK (NO DOUBT)
Gwen advised Chris to avoid the 'vocal runs' he likes to sing, as the song just doesn't need it. I was gutted for him as he was obviously nervous and forgot the words, but he pulled it back, gave a great vocal and followed Gwen's advice. It was a sincere performance with an R n' B twist. Randy and Paula enjoyed the vocal and encouraged him to beleive in himself and perform the 'runs' if he wants to. Simon liked the arrangement but wasn't impressed by the vocal (BOO!)
THE RESULTS ARE IN...
THE BOTTOM THREE ARE HALEY, CHRIS AND PHIL!
LEAVING TONIGHT IS CHRIS SLIGH
THANK GOD PHIL DIDN'T GO. I GUESS THE PUBLIC WEREN'T IMPRESSED BY CHRIS SLIGH'S TIMING AND MISGUIDED ARROGANCE - IF THAT'S WHAT IT WAS. MAYBE POOR CHRIS WAS JUST MISUNDERSTOOD? ONE THING THAT'S FOR SURE IS HE CAN SING, SHOULD HE REALLY HAVE GONE BEFORE SANJAYA?
JOIN ME NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT FOR THE LIVE SHOW...AS ALWAYS POST YOUR COMMENTS X
HUGS - SELENA
Selena Ledgerton - Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger March 23 ELEVEN TO TEN!It’s time for a British Invasion!
Sadly for all involved at American Idol songs by The Beatles cost an absolute fortune, so don’t be expecting any Fab Four classics! There are a few crackers on the song list but I guess it all depends on what the contestants do with them.
Critiquing the wanabees progress tonight are ‘Hermans Hermits’ Peter Noone (what’s with all the clapping?) and Lulu (go on hun, sing shout!)
HALEY SCARNATO - Tell Him
In training, Lulu advises Haley to find her place in the competition by being herself. I’m not sure if it’s the really Haley who performs tonight, she swapped her demure outfits for a pair of hot pants! If this is the real her, then it makes me wonder who the hell have we been watching for the past few weeks? The vocal is ‘alright’, though I’m more concerned that when she walks out into the crowd, they don’t seem to react? Oh, and the dancing does nothing for me (sorry!) Randy says she has the ‘yo factor’ while Simon was impressed by her sexy turnaround, ‘I think people will be talking about more than your singing tonght.’ Personally I think it was all a bit O.T.T! CHRIS RICHARDSON - Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying
Chris is accompanied by an acoustic guitar and a simple melody, it's fantastic until he gets a touch of the Marias and screeches a fair few bars. I wouldn’t mind so much if the judges didn’t say it every week, JUST SING THE MELODY! These guys have great voices and don’t need to add so many runs. Nevertherless the judges did’nt care (and neither did I), Paula said he was ‘very sexy’ and Simon thought it was his best performance! Nice one Chris! STEPHANIE EDWARDS
- You Don't Have to Say You Love Me I don’t know what’s up with these guys but they are not enjoying the British Invasion. Lulu said that she can’t wait to see Stephanie sing and she reminds her of Beyonce. Sadly I think the spirit of Destiny’s Child has legged it! Poor Stephanie, she's gradually being smothered by the endless pressure from the judges. They want her to keep up with the likes of Melinda and Lakisha, who can belt it out. She'e just more subtle that's all, is that a bad thing? Simon said it was caberet. ‘Your losing your edge.’ Not a good sign guys...she could be out tonight. BLAKE LEWIS - Time of the Season Tonight I wish Blake would have left the beatboxing and Timberlake dancing at home. Without those elements his performance would have been flawless! His vocals are top notch, smooth and soulful, I even noticed Nigel Lythgoe going wild in the crowd – now that is a good sign! Do I smell a record contract? LAKISHA JONES - Diamonds Are Forever
Well done Lakisha! Lulu pushed and pushed her not to go for this song, but she stood her ground and would not budge! She sparkles in the first minute (so I guess she made the right choice) but just as you start to think ‘WOW,’ she goes off the boil. What happenned? Simon said ‘this was Lakisha in 50 years' time,’ and the other judges are just as dismissive. Even I have to say it sounded pretty ancient. Great Diamonds though (Gimme, Gimme!) - I hope she hasn’t blown it. PHIL STACEY - Tobacco Road (Lose the dirty shirt!) Is Phil turning into Chris Daughtry or Bo Bice? Please just be Phil! Don't get me wrong, I love him and I think his vocals are fab, but I just wish he would do his own thing. He looks like a Chris wannabe when he rocks out and now he’s grabbing the microphone stand like Bo? His performance was believable but too aggressive (almost scary). The song just didn’t suit him. Randy said ‘It was pretty good’ but Simon thought there was no grit and he sounded like a bar singer – Uh Oh. JORDIN SPARKS - I Who Have Nothing
Jordin looks stunning and is so confident for a seventeen year old. Lulu thinks she has a great chance and after this performance, I agree. It’s emotional, heartfelt and sincere, without making me want to vomit like last week! This is a goo free zone Simon! Randy said ‘that is one of the best performances we’ll see tonight.’ Simon agrees she sang it beautifully but adds "I feel like jumping off a bridge, it was so gloomy." Don’t poo poo her Simon, it was ace! He’s such a grouch. Garbage can for Mr Cowell please! SANJAYA MALAKAR - You Really Got Me Are you kidding me with this? I mean come on, Sanjaya is a sweety pie but he shouldn’t be here anymore. He growls this Kinks classic and I’m speechless. Should he really stay in another week? It’s sweet that a little girl in the crowd loves him so much she’s in tears and reaches out to him, but should that keep him in the competition? Then again with this show it might! Randy and Paula commend him for ‘coming out of his shell,’ but Simon hated it, ‘I think the little girl's face says it all.’ Sadly it all gets a bit much when Sanjaya runs into the crowd to give her a hug! GINA GLOCKSEN - Paint It Black
Gina has a unique sense of style and a great personality, I love that ‘Pink’ attitude she has goin’ on. Sadly tonight, she's as pitchy as a bucket of coal. My heart goes out to her because she's the only contestant who acts the song all the way through. She really gets into it! Randy and Paula give middle of the road reviews, but Simon guts her when he says it was "torture". Poor Gina spends the rest of her interview fighting back the tears. Don't worry hun, I reckon you're through and we love ya! CHRIS SLIGH - She's Not There
Chris Sligh is not Moses! This is getting rediculous. Chris starts in the audience and I find myself cringing. He parts the crowd and then walks through, never once taking his eye from the camera. Unfortunately for Chris his vocals are on par with last week. He didn’t mess with the arrangement this week but the song seemed too big for him, he couldn’t reach the notes. Considering that this guy can really sing, it’s a shame he’s making errors with his song choices. Come on Chris, pull it back lad! MELINDA DOOLITTLE - As Long as He Needs Me
Simon thinks Melinda can take any song and make it sensational, but tonight I have to disagree. This girl should walk it to the final, but I have to say the performance was a little boring (the camera angles really didn't help!)
Melinda sings like an angel (no-one is disputing that) but she needs to be memorable so it encourages people to vote. I worry, because when you're consistently fabulous, people assume you're safe and don't bother voting. She still needs a hook on every show. That's what will make her or break her. I want her to stay. THE RESULTS ARE IN, THE BOTTOM TWO ARE...
CHRIS RICHARDSON AND STEPHANIE WHAT? SANJAYA IS SAFE AGAIN!
I GUESS THE LITTLE GIRL CRYING REALLY HELPED.
LEAVING IDOL TONIGHT IS.... STEPHANIE
JOIN ME ON FRIDAY FOR THE NEXT LIVE SHOW!
AS ALWAYS FEEL FREE TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS X HUGS - SELENA
Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger
March 17 THE FINAL 12 - LIVE!It’s Diana Ross Night! Each member of the top 12 must choose a Diana Ross classic to perform…  Brandon is first with You Can't Hurry Love. His voice is trembling to start with, but he recovers well and it's a smooth vocal until he forgets the words. The judges were not impressed. Randy said “it was like you had gone back to being a background singer. It was kinda boring, it's gotta be a lot better man.” Paula thought nerves played a big part tonight, “we don’t need to tell you what you did wrong but there are many things you do right, you’ll warm up to this.” Unfortunately Simon was not so forgiving, “what a let down. It was predictable, the dancing was terrible and you forgot the words. There was no star quality in that performance.” (OUCH!) Brandon said he felt fine until he lost the words, he said "I got caught up in this fantastic crowd, and it’s amazing"  There must be something in the water! As Hayley sings Missing You, she also fluffs her lines! Fortunately she covers it well and the vocal is both delicate and endearing, she means every word. Her power notes are phenomenal – Great come back! Hayley is gutted “I messed up and forgot the words like a shmuck. It's probably the worst performance I have ever given in my life.” This time it was the judges who were positive. Randy said, “it was a valiant effort. Your pitch was off, I think you were nervous tonight.” Simon didn’t think it was that bad! “To give you credit I think we will remember you now. The nerves got the better of you, but you have real presence. I liked it.”  Phil chose I'm Gonna Make You Love Me as his classic Diana track. I usually love Phil… but I was distracted by the lack of timing tonight. The verses were out all the way through, but the chorus was belting every time. I’m not sure about this one. Randy said the performance was a little boring, the vocals were a blast! Simon thought it was a good choice of song, but when Phil goes for the big notes he tends to shout. Don’t worry Phil, with that voice you can’t go out!    Fortunately for Blake, he succeeded with his adaptation. He chose Keep Me Hanging On and Diana was impressed by how he brought this 60's classic into the millennium. Overall it was a good performance, but I thought the start was cheesy. Blake has to be careful to not overdo the steps and spins, it can look a little stage school. Randy preferred the original melody, “you don’t have to 'Blakize' every song.” Paula said “there’s a difference between what you did and what Chris Sligh did. It was good to see you working it out.” Simon just didn’t get it.   Chris Richardson is up next with The Boss. This guy has such a distinctive tone, he uses his whole range on this track and in places it’s fantastic. As Chris steps off the stage to join the crowd there's uproar! They love him. Paula says he succeeded in bringing the song from the past to the present, “you played with the vocals and did a great job.” Simon hated it. “If you go on the vocals without your personality it was dreadful.” What does he know!  Sanjaya was one person who took Diana’s advice. She advised that if he was going to start the song on his own then he must be on point. Aint No Mountain High Enough was such a tough song, I was surprised he started so well. Unfortunately as he walked across the stage and hit the chorus, it weakened his voice and he didn’t recover. It was a great effort but it just didn’t have the ‘umph’ that this track requires. Randy said “that song was almost un-listenable to me. Thank God for the background singers.” Paula was constructive, “you are the sweetest soul and you warm people’s hearts, but you have to grab the audience. You have to explode with your vocals and that’s what you need work on.” No surprise, Simon was his usual tactful self, ‘”the only similarity to Diana Ross is the hairstyle. Diana is gonna freak when she hears it. You are very brave, I'll give you that.” Sanjaya is speechless (poor guy).  I know, I know, I’m just repeating myself. I can’t help it, Lakisha Rocks! She sings God Bless The Child and come on, you have to be pretty fabulous for Diana Ross to say she’s looking forward to your performance. This woman is Billy Holiday incarnate! She has all the class and attitude of the legendary divas. Randy said “WOW! That was unbelievable!” Paula gushed, “your heart comes through when you sing. That’s the most important thing you can possess as an artist.” Finally Simon came to the point. “You've either got it or you haven’t and you’ve got it! You are outstanding.”  I'm impressed! Jordan Sparks turned things around tonight, she delivered a great vocal. Singing If We Hold On Together, the entire performance was planned, on pitch and pristine. It was nothing short of fantastic. Randy said “with that performance it's not a two girl race anymore, it's a three girl race.” Simon thinks she may now have a chance at the final! Go on Jordan!  Ladies and Gentlemen…Once again Melinda Dolittle brings the house down! She sings Home and even Diana Ross said she has Goosebumps. PAULA IS IN TEARS! Randy thought it was “really really strong!” Paula can barely speak and Simon says “you made a boring song fantastic. You remind me of a young Gladys Knight.”
Now Melinda is crying (bless her) I tell you what, I take it all back - she’s not a diva at all! She's a sweety! Well done hun.
 It’s a shame that someone has to go tonight. The votes are in and the bottom three are… PHIL, BRANDON AND SANJAYA It’s a tough call, some of the girls deserved to be there too. They will have to raise their game next week. BRANDON LEAVES TONIGHT. Join me on Friday night LIVE. Who’s out next? Leave your comments… Hugs – Selena x Selena Ledgerton Cooper MSN Reality TV Writer IMAGES - ITV/FOX March 09 16 BECOME 12 - FANCY A LIVE ONE?HI GUYS...
ARE YOU READY FOR ANOTHER FANTASTIC LIVE SHOW?
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.
HERE WE GO... First up is Blake Lewis. His vocal is a little shaky at the start but he turns it round with some cracking reggae beat boxing. The judges (like me) don't have a clue what the song is (All Mixed up) but they love it anyway. Paula and Randy agree that he's cool and unique. Simon commends Blake for his individuality and says he's 100% through to next week - I think that's up to the public Simon!
Sanjaya Malakar is back! Singing Waiting On The World To Change he's much improved from last week. I'm still not sure about his song choice but it was a more melodic performance. Randy doesn't think he's returned to form, "the magic is missing." Paula tries to encourage him (I think) but Simon interupts "It wasn't a very good vocal." Nuff said.
Next head on the block is Sundance (and I'm not kidding). I think he's in trouble tonight because it was all a bit shouty. Simon agreed, "it was indulgent and loud," but Randy and Paula liked his southern rock sound.
Chris Richardson turns away from funk this week and hits us with a ballad. It works! This guy seems to walk on water, he can sing pretty much anything! Randy said "you are in it to win it" and Paula said "you picked a great song." Simon thought it was nasal but "cutesy." Okay Simon - Whatever!
It was a rough ride for Jared Cotter last week, he took some tough comments. This time around he's hoping for change and I think he did well. Sadly Paula didn't agree. She thought his rendition of If You Really Love Me was colourless. She wants him to try different things and not shout. Simon can't believe he agrees with her.
Brandon Rogers was advised to 'bring it' last week and he gave it his all tonight. Singing I Just Wanna Celebrate he was on key and full of energy. The crowd loved it, he's raised his game. Randy said it was a solid performance and Paula thought he proved his worth. Simon was concerned and warned him that the song could be a problem as it wasn't memorable.
Holy ****! I know I'm rabbiting on and repeating myself, but Phil Stacey can really blow! I love him. Singing I Need You it wasn't as good as last week, but it was still strong. The judges were unsure about it too as they thought his lower register was weak. Simon was not impressed at all and gave it both barrels. Can you believe most of his critique was about Phil's eyes! What's all that about? (boooo!)
Closing the show for the boys is Chris Sligh with We All Wanna Be Loved. His voice is great (and I still love him) but the song does nothing for me. I can't put my finger on it - it's just not him? The judges are confused by the song too. Paula said it wasn't his best, it was middle of the road. "You need to build on what you've already done." Simon thought he struggled mid-song, but he has potential and will be through to next week.
After the performances the judges all agree that the boys were dissapointing. Let's hope the girls have more to offer!
Jordin Sparks is upfirst with Heartbreaker. I love this Pat Benatar number and Jordin belts it out. She's really turning from a sweet little crooner into a bit of a rock chick, what a fantastic start. Randy says it wasn't her best but it was still better than any of the boys. "It's like a different show when the girls come out!" Paula thinks she will go through to next week and Simon agrees.
Next up, Sabrina Sloan. Singing En Vogue's Don't Let Go, she pulls out all the stops and I'm impressed. She held her voice and the key was bob on, but Randy wasn't keen. He thought it was emotionless and Simon agreed. "It reminded me of a hotel resort singer." Paula thought they were both talking tot, she said "you can really sing!"
Antonella Barber sings Put Your Records On and I think I might! Sorry guys, but it isn't my bag. I don't think it was the song, I think the song was too big! Randy said it was just okay, Paula thought the lower notes were weak and Simon said she has gone as far as she can go. Someone's in trouble tonight...
Haley Scarnato chose If My Heart Had Wings and although I liked her performance the judges DID NOT! Randy said "It had no pizazz" and Simon had nothing nice to say at all. "I thought it was horrible. It was like a terrible high school musical performance. The worst thing is, I don't even know your name." Talk about kick a girl when she's down, give her a break guys!
Stephanie Edwards had a much better response. She raised the roof with a great performance of Sweet Thing by Chaka Khan. What a voice, she really commanded the stage. Paula thought she was "near flawless" and Simon warned her off sounding like the original. At the end of the day if you sound like Chaka Khan that's no bad thing!
Here's my girl! Lakisha Jones is singing Whitney as we speak and I have goosies! She floored the other girls with her rendition of I Have Nothing and all the judges agree. Randy said "another great performance by the great Lakisha," Paula went out on a limb, "you are going nowhere. You are gonna stay here and work on being the next idol." Simon gushed, "you brought talent, believability, everything we haven't seen and you look beautiful."
Gina Glocksen seemed right at home singing Evanescence's Call Me When Your Sober. She rocked out and the judges were happy to see the real her. With comments like "this is who you are and what I expect you to sing" and "I hope you are here next week" she's through to the top 12 if you ask me.
Last but not least is Melinda Dolittle. She sang Woman (W.O.M.A.N) and she raised the roof with all the sex appeal and vocal ability of a classic 50's singer! Simon loved it "you little Tiger, I thought you were a pussy cat. You are loving this and you are a million percent through to next week."
So who goes? I'll be back shortly for the result...
THE VOTES ARE IN AND LEAVING IDOL TONIGHT ARE... JARED, ANTONELLA, SABRINA AND SUNDANCE!
Sabrina shouldn't have gone this week, she deserved another chance. I mean come on, her performance was better than some!
Come back next Friday for another great show!
I'll be here LIVE! Hugs - Sel x Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger March 03 Heading for the final 16!Woohoo! Time for another live show! Can’t wait… This week the guest stars for this season have been confirmed. These include Diana Ross, Jon Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Tony Bennett, Martina McBride, Lulu, Peter Noone from Herman’s Hermits, and Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees. A great line up. I hope the guys and girls grab all the experience they can from this lot! So the top ten guys are up and they will really need to give it some ‘umph’ if they want to beat the girls this week. Simon slated them last week for not ‘bringing it’ – Hopefully they can turn it around. Wow! Phil Stacey is up first singing Missing You and I am sold! This guy is a hot tip from me for the final. I love him. He’s personable, quirky and (oh boy) this guy can sing! The judges loved the performance. Randy said he had the best vocals last week and this week he was fantastic. Paula says “I can hear you right now on the radio”. Simon must have been listening to something else as he said it was karaoke. What’s that about? He did add however that Phil is not going anywhere this week. I agree! I think Jared Cotter has his work cut out for him. Following Phil’s performance must be difficult, but he did well. Singing Let's Get It On his voice reminded me of Nicholas from X-Factor - Smooth. Jared is VERY popular with the ladies so I think he wanted to play on that. Randy said it was lil’ pitchy but cool. He liked the ‘lurve’ faces that Jared pulled during the song (they were hilarious – if you missed them be sure to catch the repeat). Paula thought the performance was a little forced, and Simon agreed. "It was a cabaret performance from the love boat". Jared replied “that would have been a great love boat man!” Nice one Jared. A.J. Tabaldo chose one of my favourite songs, Feelin' Good. I thought the performance was sincere but a little camp. I was distracted by the theatre style dancing. He shimmied about like something from Chicago and I missed some of the vocal. Randy said he was much better than last week and it was ‘nice’. Paula and Simon agreed that he has a great voice and showed off his personality - A good effort (C+). Whoa! Sanjaya Malakar gave a really strange performance. Singing Steppin' Out With My Baby, it was more spoken than melodic. Weird is the only thing I can say - I didn’t get it! The judges agreed. Randy said it was like a bad talent show and a bad idea to sing a song like that in the second week. Paula said she admired his 'old soul' and she loves songs from that genre. Simon asked “did you like him or not?” and Paula replied “I don’t like you!” (Go on girl!) Simon said it was weak. Sanjaya defended his performance, he said it was dedicated to his grandfather so he wanted to celebrate a classic old tune. Chris Sligh pulled off a great performance of Trouble. He dedicated it to his wife and happily added that he has no idea why she married him because she’s gorgeous (bless him). The vocal was strong as always and the judges loved it. Randy said he was great last week but even better this week. As always Chris was comical in his retort. “They say the chubby, funny guys always get the good looking girls. So that’s good for me!” I don’t think this guy is going anywhere. Oh no, another strange one…Why would a man choose to sing Fever? Nicholas Pedro tried his best but like Sanjaya’s performance it was a bit weird. It’s another spoken song and it really didn’t show off his voice. I mean this is known to be a seductive female song. All of the judges like his old school style but they had little to say about the vocal? Simon wants Nick to work on his charisma. He could be in trouble tonight. Ladies and gentlemen…Blake Lewis has just blown off the roof! Singing Virtual Insanity, he threw in some beat boxing, and vocal scratching to boot! Paula and Randy love, love, love it, but Simon thought it was a Jamiroquai copy. Ouch! I thought it was good, but you can’t help comparing the vocal to the original and no-one can do it like Jay Kay. I mean come on – the guy is a god and very yummy! Now here is a perfect example of a weird song sang well! Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time is a bizarre selection for a man, but Brandon Rogers really pulled it off. I thought it was fab! It was delicate, heartfelt and he acted out the song. Randy disagreed with me and didn’t really get it, but he liked that it was dedicated to Brandon’s grandma. Paula enjoyed it and commended him for not over singing the song. Simon rambled something about puppies and grandmas - Nuff said. Chris Richardson belts out Geek in the Pink and believe me this guy is a keeper. He will go far if he keeps pulling off performances like this. It was on pitch, on beat, pretty much faultless. He also has that cheeky mischievious look about him (which goes down great with the ladies). Randy says “Chris is in it to win it. That was hotter than the original!” Simon said it was the best tonight by a mile. Nice one Chris! As Sundance Head hits the big note on Mustang Sally I can’t help feeling it’s all a bit too much. I’m no expert but all his performances seem very over the top. The song felt like it went on for ages but I couldn't fault his voice. The judges agree with me on the vocals, they loved it. I think Sundance will stay in the competition, but will ride out before the final. So the guys did well (well better than last week anyway). I think the girls will be ready for them… Singing first is Gina Glocksen. I'm a fan and her performance of Alone did not disappoint! The track has a rock twist anyway, but Gina added an edge all of her own. She was a little shaky to begin with but soon settled and wow, out came those power notes. Randy agreed that it was pitchy in the beginning. Paula said “Man, you can really sing” and Simon liked it but was confused as to who she is as a singer - She needs an identity. I can understand that. In the first auditions she had a very ‘Pink’ vibe about her, I think Simon wants that back. He wants her edgier than a knife factory! Alaina Alexander followed with Not Ready To Make Nice. I’m not familiar with the song and it didn’t grab me. Randy thought the start of the song was good but then it was all over the place. Paula said the pitch was off and Simon said she ran out of steam. Uh oh! Alaina said she could not hear herself singing the song; there must have been sound problems. LaKisha Jones is up next (my personal favourite) and I’m looking forward to her rendition of Midnight Train To Georgia. As always it’s a show stopper! She reminds me of the old classic Motown singers, she's fantastic! Randy gushed that it was “HOT, HOT, HOT” and all Paula could say was she loved it. Simon said she is a phenomenally good singer. “You should start acting like a star!” I agree! I'm a little put off by Melinda Doolittle’s intro tape. The footage shows her talking about her vocal coach and stylist (you have one already?). She says she has them with her all the time and she even has a book telling her what to wear? What’s all that about? It’s funny how Simon told Lakisha to start acting like a star, yet it seems Melinda already is. Do we have a diva in out midst? Melinda chose to sing My Funny Valentine. I can’t fault the vocal (and neither could the judges) but I get the feeling all this is going to her head (Sorry Melinda fans!) Simon said it was incredible and he doesn't think Melinda would 'change' if she won. I guess we aren't looking at the same person. Ouch! Antonella Barber is not having a good night. She's trying her best to belt out Because You Love Me, but sadly it's totally off pitch from the start. It is so difficult to bring it back when you begin off key. Randy was unimpressed, "it was way too big and the pitch was all over the place". Paula said she has improved from last week but Simon disagreed, he said it was worse. She could be leaving tonight. Jordin Sparks has really improved from last week. In her rendition of Reflection she hits note-for-note and it’s a great vocal. It's just a shame her voice trembles toward the end. Randy enjoyed it and said she is unbelievable for a seventeen year old. Paula believes she will be around for a long time and Simon said "compared to some it was excellent, you have massive potential." I was gobsmacked when I heard Stephanie Edwards singing Dangerously In Love. There are so many words to fit in with the rhythm, but she pulled it off. The power notes were spot on and she raised the roof. Randy enjoyed it but was worried it was a bit ‘Beyonce’. Is that a bad thing? Simon and Paula disagreed. They said she was unique with her own sound. Go on Steph! Leslie Hunt chose to sing Feelin' Good. She had a fantastic start but it all went wrong from there. I thought she rescued the end with her skatting but Randy didn’t like it. He said it was just “alright”. Simon said she had been overshadowed by three other big performances. That's gotta hurt! I wasn’t convinced by Haley Scarnato’s Queen Of The Night. It was strange because she looked like a cheerleader and just didn’t have the attitude to match the song. Bad styling! Randy said she didn’t have the vocals for it and the song has more back up than lead. Simon said “that was why she chose it”. He also added that Haley wasn’t up to singing Whitney and she is vulnerable tonight. After those comments Sabrina Sloan must have been shaking in her boots. She was up next with another Whitney number, All The Man That I Need. Paula and Randy enjoyed it and said she had the voice to do a song like that. I agree, it was more convincing than Haley's performance. Simon repeated his previous critique "I wouldn't have picked that song, you will always be compared to Whitney", change the record Simon! I think with a little more control Sabrina could be a contender. She just needs to settle into her singing and not shout. My gold stars this week go to Lakisha, Chris and Blake. The results are in… From the boys we lose Nicholas and A.J. From the girls, Leslie and Alaina are out! It's a real shame, based on the performances I think Antonella should have gone tonight. Leslie should have got another chance, but it wasn't to be. I guess Feelin’ Good was a cursed song for her and A.J. Bye guys! So we're down to the final 16. Who will make the top ten? Leave your comments. The best comments will be published on the blog. Join me on Friday as the show airs and let me know your views. Selena Ledgerton Cooper MSN Guest Blogger February 24 THE LIVE SHOW!ARE YOU READY FOR A LIVE SHOW!!!
I will be here every Friday night covering American Idol LIVE and then I'll pop on through the week to give you all the goss! I'll answer questions, chat with everyone who comments and post the best points here - all while the show airs on ITV2! So come and let me know who you think flopped or flew!
The whole point of this blog is to give you updates and views on American Idol (as seen in the UK!) I hate logging on to the USA site and seeing who has gone out before we see it on UK TV - dont you? It spoils it! Plus there is absolutely nowhere for American Idol UK fans to go and comment! The answer... COME HERE TO ME!
So...LET'S GET GOING!
The final 12 boys were up first. This week 2 girls and 2 boys must leave the show.
Here's what I thought...
Rudy Cardenas sang Free Ride. It must have been difficult going first as Rudy looked petrified. Paula loved it but I thought it was a really corny performance. In some places you could hear the great tone Rudy has, but the rest of the time it was squeaky with a capital squee!
Brandon Rogers belted out Rock With You. This former backing singer has something special. Although he was obviously nervous he showed off the potential of his voice. The judges thought it was pitchy but they all agreed Brandon can really sing! I think he has done enough to stay in - he showed that he has potential.
Sundance Head sang Nights in White Satin. It was just really old fashioned and croony for me. He sounded off key. The judges seemed dissapointed too and advised that if Sundance stays in he should return to his blues sound. Simon ended his critique with 'I don't like you tonight Sundance.' Charming!
Paul Kim was one of my favourites at the audition stage. He sang Careless Whisper but his breathy style seemed to smother the song. I loved his tone but he added so many 'Mariah' rolls, I got lost in all the ups and downs! Randy said Paul has one of the best voices in the competition but Paula disagreed, 'He over sang the song' and Simon agreed. Not the best comments Paul...
Maybe Chris Richardson can do better? He sang I Don't Want to Be, in the worst suit I have ever seen. Sack the stylist! The vocal was on key, but the performance looked a bit forced (desperate in places.) The judges were happy though and Paula said it was fun. Simon liked the soulful tone of his voice in the audition stages but said his voice seemed small with this song. Ouch!
Nicholas Pedro sang Now and Forever and I hoped he wouldn't forget his lines. He dropped out of Idol last year because he couldn't remember them. Although his voice trembled at the beginning Nick really pulled it off! No airs and graces, no fiddly bits, he just sang the song. I really liked it. Unfortunately Randy hated it - I was gobsmacked. Paula said it was flat, but Simon knocked them all for six when said he liked it! GO SIMON! What's going on, I'm agreeing with Simon this week!
How fab is Blake Lewis! Usually he is beat-boxin' like it's going out of fashion, he sang Somewhere Only We Know and personally I loved it! His voice is unusual and distinctive and he doesn't sound like anyone else. He proved he's not a one trick pony and the judges agreed. They said he has a contemporary vibe, sounded modern and fresh and pulled off the best performance. Nice one lad!
Sanjaya Malakar didn't blow me away in the audition stages. He sang Knocks Me Off My Feet and was VERY nervous to begin with. He settled down into it, but the line of the song that went 'I don't wanna bore you with this' spoke volumes. The judges said it was totally the wrong song and he could not pull off a Stevie Wonder number. Paula thought it was a shame that his personality didn't shine through and Simon said it was dull, dull, dull. I think the worse thing was that Sanjaya didn't really stand up for himself. He said 'he appreciated Simon's honesty'. WHAT? Say something fella - give it him back!
I was hoping that Chris Sligh would blow the judges away tonight because I really liked him in the auditions. He is always gutsy in his song choices and can really blow. He sang Typical and the song choice was a good one as he was anything but typical. Randy and Paula liked his rendition, though they agreed that he was rushing and missed the melody. Simon said it sounded like a student gig and Chris replied 'just because I don't sing El Divo or Tellytubbies it doesnt mean it's not right.' WHAT ARE YOU DOING CHRIS? Everyone should know by now - you don't annoy Simon. He will come after you!
Jared Cotter was relatively quiet in the auditions, but he belted out Back at One tonight. Although Simon thought it was nasal and Paula prefered his uptempo songs, I thought he stood out. He sang the song, he held his key and Randy agreed with me. He blamed the poor arrangement and not Jared's voice. Randy has taste!
A.J. Tabaldo has auditioned for Idol five times. He was bowled over when he got through to the final so I reckon he will give it everything he's got. He performed Never Too Much and the judges agreed he gave it his all (though Simon thought it was predictable) Last but not least Phil Stacey performed I Could Not Ask For More. He missed the birth of his baby to audition for Idol so this guy is dedicated with a capital D! Phil has a really distinct sound and as he calmly started the song you had no clue that it was about to explode! He brought it home! Not once was he off key - he obviously loved it. Randy said it was the best performance of the show but Simon disagreed. He compared Phil to Chris Daughtrey saying 'he used to nail every song like that'. I thought that was unfair. This is his first live performance Simon - give him a break!
On a scale of 1 to 10 I give the guys a 6. The girls really blew them all away in comparison, they get a 9! - Well most of them...
Stephanie Edwards was first and unlike Rudy's shakey start for the boys, she brought down the house! She sang How Come You Don't Call Me and dropped to her knees as she finished. The audience loved it! The judges were impressed (to say the least) and it is no surprise that Simon said the girls were setting the bar.
Having said that, I am concerned for both Alaina Alexander and Antonella Barba - I don't think they were included in Simon's complimentary circle. Alaina sang Brass In My Pocket and Antonella tried to belt I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing but the judges deemed them both pitchy and weak in comparison to the other contestants. Sorry ladies :(
Next up was Amy Krebs who impressed me in the auditions. Unfortunately I had to agree with the judges that her rendition of I Can't Make You Love Me was karaoke. She sang well but was just too nervous. I think she may be leaving us tonight.
I really like Gina Glocksen. She has that 'Pink' rock-chick thing going on and she can really blow. She sang All By Myself and although it was obviously a hard song, she gave it her best. She has a huge voice and chose a song to really show that off. Fab!
Haley Scarnato has a fantastic voice. She should stay in and has a real chance of getting to the finals, with the right song. Sadly It's All Coming Back to Me Now by Celine Dion wasn't it. Wet and boring - nuff said!
Jordin Sparks sang Gimme One Reason and she lifted the show with her sense of fun! It was a lighthearted performance that was admirable for a girl of 17. I think she will be sticking around - don't you?
Leslie Hunt sang Natural Woman and sadly it lacked the connection with the audience that the song requires. She sang quite well and I do think she will stay in, but I have to agree with Simon who said she seemed embarrassed to be there.
Melinda Doolittle blew my socks off with her version of Since You Been Gone. With lots of personality and confidence, she is definitely a frontrunner. Randy thought it was 'Da Bomb' and Simon said 'incredible'. WOW - Great comments hun!
Nicole Tranquillo's introduction tape demonstrated her love for singing in a group. She sang Stay by Chaka Khan and it seemed a little weak. Maybe she would be better suited to a group, rather than a lead. I am looking forward to seeing her sing again next week as this could just be first week nerves. Fingers crossed eh?
Sabrina Sloan sang Never Loved a Man the Way That I Love You by Aretha Franklin. Now that’s what they mean by “song choice.” It completely worked for her voice. She has to stay in! The judges agreed and commended her on her fantastic tone. The girls are putting the guys to shame!
Lakisha Jones may have sang last, but she was first class for me! She dedicated the song to her little girl who was celebrating her fourth birthday. She sang And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going - and she isn't! This performance obviously blew Simon away! 'You just won this competition with that performance!' He continued to say that both Lakisha and Melinda were by far the best. The boys should just pack up now. That's gotta hurt guys?
My GOLD STARS go to Melinda Dolittle and Lakisha Jones, well done girls!
The votes are in! Leaving the competition tonight are...
Rudy Cardenas, Paul Kim, Nicole Tranquillo and Amy Krebs! I think the public got it right this week, apart from Paul Kim. He deserved another chance. Everyone is gonna have to raise their game next week!
So what do you think? Do you disagree with me? Who do you think will win and who should get the boot?
Leave a comment and let me know - You know I love a good debate and the best comments will be posted here x
I'll be back through the week to give you any goss and back on Friday for the LIVE show!
Hugs - Selena x
Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Guest Blogger
February 21 HERE WE GO!Hi all!
I'm back! That was quick wasn't it?
I don't know about you, but I am well looking forward to the new season of American Idol.
With stars fighting for guest spots and Michael Jackson and J-Lo rumoured to be appearing, the show is gonna be BIG, BIG, BIG! Tune in every Friday night (ITV2) and join me for live commentary on who sung what, who soared and who bombed! You can tell me what you think as the show happens! I will even post the best comments. What more could you ask for? x
The best thing is you can come visit the blog to catch up (if you go out and get wasted on a Friday night!)
As always feel free to leave your comments, I love to hear what you have to say!
So... without further ado, lets meet who's up for the torture of Idol!
Ladies and Gentlemen... Here is your final 24!
 Alaina Alexander  Amy Krebs  AJ Tabaldo  Blake Lewis  Antonella Barba  Gina Glocksen  Brandon Rogers  Chris Richardson  Haley Scarnato  Jordin Sparks  Chris Sligh  Jared Cotter  Lakisha Jones  Leslie Hunt  Nicholas Pedro  Paul Kim  Melinda Doolittle  Nicole Tranquillo  Phil Stacey  Rudy Cardenas  Sabrina Sloan  Stephanie Edwards  Sanjaya Malakar  Sundance Head Who do you love? Who do you hate? Hugs - Selena x Selena Ledgerton Cooper |
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