CD Giveaway - Sam Shrieve, "Bittersweet Lullabies"
Ends Nov 29, 2009
The current student at Berklee College of Music has a rock 'n' roll pedigree, but delivers a pleasing and diverse collection of soft pop on his debut record. Enter our contest for your chance to win!
The Twilight Saga: New Moon Prize Pack
Ends Nov 29, 2009
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This week it's Master Class with Tony Bennett, one of the original Vegas bad boys. With over fifty million album sales worldwide, the man is STILL going strong. While it's a dream come true for the Idols, will Tony's advice put them on the right path to stardom?
Blake Lewis "Mack the Knife
Tony Bennett was worried about Blake beat boxing through the song, but there was absolutely nothing to worry about. This was an incredible performance for Blake. He was smooth, he was hep, he was very VEGAS. I could easily see him hanging with the Rat Pack back in the glory days. He kept it simple and true, and he even looked the part. The scat at the end blended perfectly. My only gripe is that the jacket was a little too tight when it was buttoned up. Unbuttoned, it would have conveyed the relaxed look the song demanded. I'd like to say he'll be there next week, but I have no idea what America is thinking these days.
Phil Stacey "Night and Day"
Ok, I adore Phil, but tonight he looked like he should be an undertaker. But I found his performance to be very melodic and tonal (if that's a word). It allowed him to open up those big old vocal chords of his, and really shine. Despite the judges critique, I thought it was a great song for him. I disagree with Randy's comment about his lack of connection with the song - the problem was he was focusing on the love of his life, and not the audience as a whole. His lack of connection with the audience might be his downfall.
Melinda Doolittle "I've Got Rhythm"
WOW - this was a top performance. It was a great arrangement, with the three different styles showcasing exactly what this woman can do, and honey, that is IT ALL. I don't think there is a style of music she cannot handle, a song she cannot turn into gold. She looked gorgeous - the dress was so her, and whatever the stylists did with her hair, it was magic. Everyone can go home - we have a winner.
Chris Richardson "Don't Get Around Much Anymore"
After hearing Tony's concerns that Chris hadn't memorized the words, I think the whole audience was expecting a slip up. Well, it didn't happen. This was his best performance to date, and I think he put himself as a front runner right up there with Blake. He needs a little work on his lower registry, but I think this song finally let us hear his REAL voice, not that falsetto that he's been using the last few weeks. He had fun with it, made it a little more "today", and was completely comfortable up there.
Jordin Sparks "On A Clear Day"
I wasn't too crazy about this one for her. It was sung almost perfectly, and she walked on that stage like she owned it, but I wasn't feeling it from her. In my opinion, this must have been what Randy felt off of Phil. She was disconnected from the song itself, but connected with the audience. But it truly doesn't matter - she will be around next week. One mediocre week in a series of perfect ones does NOT an elimination make.
Gina Glockson "Smile"
Written by Charley Chaplin, this song always makes me want to kill myself. But Gina managed to make it real for me. She stayed true to herself with her outfit (I'm dying to find out where wardrobe got that shirt), and went a little different with the song. I agree with Paula - understated and controlled. She proved she can SING, and not just belt out tunes. But, as much as I love Gina, she had been outsung already by Melinda and Jordin. If she could combine the control we heard today with her outrageous rocker chick style, she could possibly make the finale.
Sanjaya Malakar "Dancing Cheek to Cheek"
Ok, I've said this before and I'll say it again - the kid CAN sing. That fact isn't even in question, because realistically, if he couldn't sing, he wouldn't have made it past Hollywood. But now this is bordering on cruelty to the kid. Yes, he's original and unique, yes, he has charisma, and yes, love him or hate him, we are all talking about him around the water cooler. We have to be realistic though. There are better singers in this competition, and they deserve to be there. Parents - I pray you locked up your phones for tonights voting.
Haley Scarnato "Ain't Misbehavin'"
Well, she at least learned that sex might be what keeps her there, so the legs were on display again tonight (hopefully she wore a bra this week). It was cutesy, it was fun. What it wasn't was a winning performance. It was too cabaret for my liking. It was a reasonably good vocal. But that's not going to get her through. I think this is it for her.
Lakisha Jones "Stormy Weather"
It started shaky, but once she got in the groove BABY she hit it good. She put all her heart and soul into it, and she owned it all. The pimp spot was rightfully assigned this week. That power note at the end was phenomenal. Between her & Melinda, this is one tough call.
