Why I voted for Melinda

Am I delusional? Stupid? A genius? Only the guy I see in the mirror each morning thinks the latter, but nonetheless, there is a reason I voted for Melinda Doolittle to get the boot.

Yes, she is a very good singer. Yes, there are at least 7 people who should go before her. But, she is not going to win. Nor should she. Here’s why:

1)I don’t believe her. I’m no Simon, but two weeks ago when she started crying, and the whole ‘I’ve never heard anything like that come out of my mouth’ routine, it was all an act. She has won enough singing contests in her past to know she can sing. She is playing us and I won’t stand for it.

2)She sounds like Aretha Franklin. While that is a compliment, it isn’t what the next American Idol should sound like. After the Taylor Hicks fiasco last season, this year’s winner will need to have a hipper, younger sound. Perhaps a Jordin Sparks.

3)It is too predictable. Remember when Chris Daughtry got the boot? It wasn’t right, but it made good TV. It is so obvious this year that there are three good singers (Melinda, Jordin and LaKisha), a bunch of kids with talent (Blake, Chris, and Chris), a weird bald guy and Sanjaya. There is no way Fox lets this play out without a twist.

That’s my theory anyway. In a few weeks if she is on stage with the balloons and Ryan, I was wrong. And I’m sure I will hear it from my fellow bloggers. In the meantime, I just may vote for her again next week.

Bye, bye Beyonce

So, back to the results. It's down to Stephanie Edwards and Chris Richardson. While I think Stephanie can sing, I don't think she's very original. That's the same complaint I have with Chris, actually. Stephanie tries too hard to be Beyonce and Chris tries too hard to be Justin Timberlake. So, like I said before, I won't be sorry either way, but this week, after 30 millions votes, it's....

Stephanie Edwards

Lulu rocks!!!

Lulu performs her big U.S. hit "To Sir, With Love." First off... WOW!!!! She looks beautiful - would have looked better as a dress, but that probably wouldn't be her style. The song is not familiar to me, but I love her voice and after last night, I doubt I would dislike anything she did - she was just so great with the girls. She's awesome. I have to say, I wasn't looking forward to the British Invasion week at all, but both Lulu and Peter Noone were so fantastic. I'd love to see if Jennifer Lopez and the others can top it.

Some goofing around

The Ford commercial this week is set to "Another Saturday Night" by, I think, Sam Cooke. It's cute - I like the song and the laundry concept was fun, but I'm still not sure what it had to do with Ford or selling Ford cars.

Ha... how funny. Brad Garrett shows up on stage, hiding among the contestants. But it won't keep Ryan from reading the results... and sending Brad home first...

OK now it's down to business...

Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle and Blake Lewis are asked to stand... they are all safe tonight.

Chris Sligh, LaKisha Jones and Jordin Sparks are next. They, too, are safe.

Sanjaya Malakar, Haley Scarnato and Gina Glocksen are next. They are also safe.

So, it's down to Chris Richardson and Stephanie Edwards. I can't say I'd be sorry to see either one of them go.

Walking down memory lane

Peter Noone starts off the show with "There's a Kind of Hush," a song made famous by Herman's Hermits in 1967.

OH!!! I love this song - I never knew what it was called or who it was by. I grew up listening to this - my parents used to play it all the time. Well, truth be told, I grew up listening to the Spanish version - the version they grew up listening to in Chile as teenagers. That version was called "Dulcemente" and was sung by Buddy Richard, (I just called my dad to ask) but the melody is the same and I'm just really excited to be hearing the original. It's just as pretty in English.

It's so funny how songs trigger images, thoughts, emotions. I can close my eyes right now and find myself a little girl again sitting in our old living room in Queens on a Saturday morning with my mom making breakfast and seeing my dad come in and dance with her in the kitchen to these songs.... ah, the memories.

Anyway, what a great way to start the show. I was thinking about how Lulu made such an impression last night with her tips for the girls but Peter Noone's performance was so great, it left an equally lasting impression, i think

Tears of joy, she says

For those of you who missed it, here's a clip of Ashley Ferl, 13, of Riverside, Calif., the mysterious crying girl from last night.

Eenie, meenie, miny...

Although our voting of who's out week-by-week is starting to look random (yes, our stats are that bad), I assure you, there is a lot of thought and debate that goes into these choices.

This week, three of us stand united, voting that Stephanie Edwards will get the boot:

Eileen Fredes (5 for 13)

Jamshid Mousavinezhad (4 for 13)

Anne Machalinski (4 for 13)

And the cheese stands alone:

Jonathan McCarthy (3 for 9)
-Melinda Doolittle

New season, new poll

Ah, the first day of spring. The sun is shining, there was no traffic on the LIE this morning and there's another 'Idol' elimination tonight. Tell me -- what could be better?

What's that? A new poll? Well, we've got you covered there too. Eureka!

Although to some it may seem a bit generic, we're looking for who YOU think will win this season of 'American Idol.' Your top pick not in the mix? Write about it in the comments section.

And, not to leave that last poll hanging...

Looks like 41.3% of an incredible 4,532 votes think Melinda Doolittle has the goods to one day reach the success of 'Idol's' own Jennifer Hudson. But does that mean you think she'll win too?

Have an idea for an upcoming poll? Ask and you just may receive.

Don't forget to check back later for the picks of who we think is going home tonight. I know you're on the edge of your seat. Our accuracy has shown you all -- we are not psychics here at Newsday. Not at all.

AP Photo of Melinda Doolittle by Phil McCarten

Melinda kills it, but Lulu takes the prize

Chris Sligh sings "She's Not There" by the Zombies and Peter Noone tells him it's perfect. He tells Chris that if he can figure out what the song is about and make it his own song, the audience will be wowed by it.

I don't understand why he's coming out form the audience - it's weird. I definitely don't like the song, it's kind of boring and just like LaKisha, even his singing doesn't make it interesting for me. I still love his voice, but I just don't think his choice of song was right - he could have done much better with a different song, I think.

Randy actually thinks it was a good song for him, but that it started a little rough and he was a little ahead of the beat. Paula agrees, but says that he's dressing much nicer and that his vocals were really good. Simon tells him it was fun, that he showed personality and that it was a lot better than last week.


Melinda Doolittle cut her hair... I actually like it better than the way she had it before, but it's still not great. She sings "As Long As He Needs Me," from the musical, "Oliver!"

Lulu says that Melinda found herself in the song, that she feels it. She says that she's shining, big time.

I don't like the song - so dull, so slow, so totally putting me to sleep. But it's Melinda - she's just so awesome. I think she could have picked a better song, but she's still amazing.

Randy says the best vocal was saved for last... he tells her she's a pro up there. Paula tells her she's in her own league and Simon says that first part of the song was boring, but that she made the second part of the song absolutely sensational, that her vocal was impeccable.

I just need to say one last time how amazing I think Lulu is. She really jumped into the role of mentor and did what she could to improve the girls' performances. She was thoughtful and her suggestions were really for the good of each girl. You could tell that she really wanted each and every one of them to be her very best and I think she succeeded in improving on all of them. Lulu was the real star tonight, as far as I'm concerned and I hope that all the guests they have in the future take their role as seriously as she did.

As for tomorrow's cut, I think it should be Stephanie Edwards.

Sanjaya's hanging on

Sanjaya Malakar is up next and he is torn between two songs. He tries "You Really Got Me" first. Peter Noone says that he's cute but that he doesn't have the experience to sell what he's got. The other song is "I'm Into Something Good."

It was nice to hear Sanjaya admit that he knows he's not the best singer in the competition. He's definitely not and I think most of America can agree with that. But he's so likable - you can't help but enjoy watching him, even when it's a disaster.

Peter Noone tells him to sing the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" and really get into it.

Sanjaya takes his advice and it's actually better than previous weeks. Believe it or not, I think he may be safe this week. He's just giving it everything he's got - he's moving around and trying to dance. His voice still isn't great, but I think the song covers up any serious flaws in a way that his other choices haven't.

I can't believe it - I actually like it... I like that he left his hair alone - I like that he got into the song - he got a little gritty and raw with it. I didn't love it - but it was pretty good. I think we'll be seeing him on tour.

Randy tells him that he shocked him tonight - that he's usually so shy - that he came out of his shell and that it was his best performance to date. Paula tells him that's what they've been waiting for. Simon points to the girl who's been crying the whole show and says, "I think the little girls' face says it all." I guess Simon is still not convinced.

Gina Glocksen is singing the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" and I'm totally looking forward to it. She's just starting to get into the swing of things, just starting to find her niche, her sound. I think anything by the Stones will fit her just fine.

They cut her hair - it's OK - not crazy about it. I don't like the Alfalfa thing going on in the back.

Lulu is just awesome. She suggests that Gina take the key up a half step and just in the bit they show, it does sound better. She tells Gina to get the drama out of the song. She says that if Gina loses herself in the osng, she could do very, very well.

Oh it starts out rough. But I love Gina - I love that she offers a different sound than the other girls. There are some pitchy spots - she always seems to come just a half step away from being great. But still, I think it's better than Stephanie and Chris.

Randy says it was just all right, that it was pitchy in spots. Paula tells her it was miles better than last week and Simon tells her there were moments of complete torture in the vocal. Ouch... I definitely don't agree with that. He tells her she was off in the melody and that it was horrible.

America should love Jordin

Phil Stacey sings "Tobacco Road" by The Nashville Teens. Peter Noone thinks he's great, so I'm guessing the performance should be pretty good. Although, have any of you noticed that Phil Stacey sounds way better if you're not actually watching? I think the fact that he's so pale and gaunt turns me off to him a bit - I love his voice when I'm typing away, but as soon as I stop to look up at the TV, it's not as good somehow. I wish they would force him into a tanning bed, at least for one week - bring some life into his face.

Ooh... his shirt is really distracting me - is he sweating or can you see the print of his T-shirt through his collared shirt? I can't figure it out and it's totally got my attention right now.

His voice sounds great tonight - it's a fun song and fits his range perfectly... but seriously, what's up with his shirt?

OK... Randy tells him it was a little pitchy but that it was pretty good. Paula likes the song choice and that it was a good performance. Simon says he wasn't crazy about it. He thought it was like a third-division bar band. Not sure what that means. he tells him that there was no grit in his voice and that that's what he needed to pull off a song like that. He then tells him he may have a problem tomorrow.

Not if people vote - and you should. He totally doesn't deserve to go home yet.


Jordin Sparks looks beautiful - again. Her dress is gorgeous - again. She is just so put together every week. I love her sense of style - not really crazy about the straightened hair - I love her curls. But still, she's stunning.

Lulu looks a little scared when Jordin tells her she's going to be singing "I Who Have Nothing," by Shirley Bassey. She says it's a big song, but that she loves it. She thinks Jordin is amazing and that the song is perfect for her.

Wow. What else can be said? Jordin is getting better every week. I was talking about Jordin to a colleague the other day and I was saying how I think Jordin may surprise everyone and win the competition. She sings just as beautifully as LaKisha and Melinda, but she's young and fresh and doesn't come across as matronly as they sometimes do. I'm a big Jordin fan - she's just fantastic.

Randy tells her it was a great performance, probably one of the best they'll see tonight. Paula she was wonderful and Simon tells her she sang it beautifully.

I still love Blake, arrogance and all

Blake Lewis takes on the Zombies. He sings, "Time of the Season". I hope he downplays some of the arrogance that came through last week. He's great and interesting and I so enjoyed him up until he started getting too cocky and trying too hard to upstage everyone else.

Peter Noone tells him not to get too crazy with the beatboxing - that it can mess up the phrasing and entrances. Do you think Blake will take his advice? I'm thinking no, but let's see.

Of course... he didn't listen - starts the song with beatboxing. But thank God - he's back to just singing. I love it!!! He sounds fantastic - even with the beatboxing, He manages to get back to the beautiful sound he achieved the first week when he sang Keane. I feel really torn about him because I think he's awesome, but the arrogance annoys me. This week, though, the singing outweighs the cockiness. It was incredible - he just knows himself so well - knows exactly what to sing, what will sound good. He's a smart cookie.

Randy tells him he put together a massive 'yo-factor' version of the song. He told he made the song really current, that it was brilliant. Paula says he has raised the bar and Simon says it was a million times better than last week because this week, he found a way to make the song contemporary without messing with the melody.

What a great lady Lulu is - she really took the mentor thing seriously and went out of her way to help and guide the girls this week. After LaKisha Jones tells her that she is leaning toward singing "Diamonds Are Forever," instead of "You're My World," they show Lulu being interviewed about it and in the middle of the interview, she decides that she think LaKisha should do "You're My World" instead. So, she leaves the interview and sings the song to LaKisha, trying to convince her that she can really make that song her own. I mean, that's just a great thing to do, and above and beyond what she had to do for them.

Unfortunately, LaKisha doesn't take Lulu's advice and chooses to sing Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever." Of course, she sings it beautifully, but I'm left wondering what she could have done with the other song. This one is kind of boring - too slow... and even the beauty of her voice doesn't make it interesting for me.

Randy tells her it wasn't his favorite - that there wasn't enough LaKisha in it. he says it was just all right for him. Paula thinks she picked the right song and talks about how she's wearing $1 million worth of diamonds. Simon says that they know she is a fantastic singer...however he thinks that the performance was Lakisha in 50 years - that it was too old fashioned.

Can we send two people home tomorrow?

Chris Richardson is up next and I'm praying, begging really for America to realize how completely unoriginal and forgettable he is. I don't know what it is about him that rubs me the wrong way, but i just can't get into him - I can't root for him in any way.

He says his goal for the week is to finally nail a song - I'm glad he's aware of the fact that he hasn't yet. He chooses "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" by Gerry and the Pacemakers. I love that even Peter Noone doesn't think he's got much of a voice. And he complains about how Chris doesn't even sing the melody of the song right. Please, please America - stop voting for him.

It's a sweet song - and believe it or not, I actually enjoyed his voice. I still don't believe he should win and I don't think it was a fantastic performance, but I will admit that it's probably the best he's done so far..

Randy loves him - again. I don't know what it is about him that Randy loves so much, but at least this week, the performance merits a little bit of praise. Randy says the performance was beautiful - not sure I'd go that far, but whatever... Paula says it was a good song choice - that it was sexy and charming. Simon says it was his best performance yet.

Stephanie Edwards is another I can't seem to really get into. Everything she sings sound like a Beyonce knockoff and given that I'm not fond of Beyonce, you can imagine what I think of a mere imitation.

She sings Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me." But wait... oh GOOD LORD!!!!! Did Lulu actually tell her that she reminds her of Beyonce? Will this never end? I suppose I can understand if it's the first time you're hearing Stephanie sing, you'd be impressed, but week after week of the same sound, it gets old. At least it does for me.

And as expected, I'm listening to Beyonce sing what could have been a really good song. It's a shame, too, because I actually really like the song - just not coming from Stephanie.

Randy tells her it was pitchy. Paula tells her she likes what she's wearing, which is crazy, because it's actually not flattering at all. Simon asks her how she thinks she did. She says she thinks she did well. He answers by saying that she is losing her edge and her soul.

Haley making a comeback

So, it's British Invasion week - not really sure what to expect. I'm not really familiar with Lulu or Peter Noone, so I'm neither dreading nor looking forward to these performances. It would be great to hear some Beatles music - I had heard that they might have the rights to some songs, but who knows how true that is? If they did get the rights to some Beatles music, then you would think they'd have a week completely dedicated to that.

So looks like Lulu will be working with the girls and Peter Noone with the guys. they showed a clip of Lulu singing and wow, what a great voice she has - I may have to check out her music on iTunes tonight after work - never really heard her stuff before. (I know this is leaving me open to attack in the comments section, but so be it - like I've mentioned before, I like what I like, and until tonight, Lulu was not on the list.)

Haley Scarnato goes first - she plans to sing "Tell Him," by Billy Davis. Lulu gives her some advice on how to approach the song and really has some nice things to say about Haley - she probably really helped in Haley's confidence, because she tells her that there's been so much said about big voices, but that there's a place for everybody and that Haley has her own sound and that she, too, has a place in the competition, and that she should be proud and grounded in who she is. I hope Haley listens to her advice and brings some confidence to her performance tonight.

How cute - she comes out in hot pants and a halter top with her all done looking like from the 60s - very nice ... but did anyone get a look at her shoes? I'm in love - I can't stop looking at them!! I have to find out where she got them.

Anyway, back to her singing. I think she sounds great - better than previous weeks - I think this was a great song for her - there wasn't the pressure to sing the big notes or to blow anybody away - she seemed to just want to enjoy the song and sing it the way it was meant to be sung - nothing extravagant or crazy - just a sweet melody with a nice chorus. I really enjoyed it - I hope the judges liked the simplicity of it too.

Randy tells her it was the perfect song for her and that she's back in the competition. Paula says she's adorable and that it was great. Simon's first comment - "You naughty little thing." He then tells her it was fun and young, but that she got a little shrieky in the middle. He then tells her that people will be talking about a lot more than her singing - what a pervert he is.

Looks are a changin'

No, that's not a photo of Bob Dylan--it's Elliott Yamin, who was in NYC today to appear on MTV's Total Request Live.

At some point, we'll have to run a contest to see which past Idol contestant has had the most radical makeover since finding fame and fortune.

Right now, I'd say Elliott would give Kellie Pickler a run for her money.

Getty Images photo of Elliott by Evan Agostini.

Praising Jordin

Inspired by our TV critic Verne Gay’s startling 'A love song to Sanjaya' (has he gone soft?!), here’s my own ode to Idol's other 17-year-old--Jordin Sparks.

I've been on the Jordin bandwagon from the get-go, writing of her initial audition: "She has it, from the second you see her you know--the brightness and energy that plays well in any setting. Big voice and good poise."

There was just something about her that's very likeable, beyond the great voice. It makes me laugh when she plays off Ryan's height-insecurities by scrunching way down when they’re next to each other; and it's neat how she soaks up the audience’s applause and the judges' praise, without an ounce of arrogance or insincerity.

She reminds me a bit of my all-time favorite contestant, Paris—-both had tons of natural talent, and seemed to be having the time of their lives on the show, doing what they love to do and sharing it with us (in a goofy way).

So I was happy when Simon officially declared last week that Jordin's joined the big two of LaKisha and Melinda as contenders for the crown.

She doesn't quite have the voice of her more experienced contestants, at this stage. But precisely because she's younger and has more to learn, it's more fun watching her grow and get better from week to week.

There's even, of course, a New York connection, since her dad, Phillippi Sparks, used to play corner for the Giants.

So until Sanjaya finds his form and overcomes his nerves, I'm rooting for Jordin to win.

To me, this is what Idol's really all about: discovering someone young and promising, who's fun to watch and lacks the hard shell of a professional singer.