American Idol Season 6

What the hey?!

2007-05-30T16:59:00.000-05:00

As Jordin and Blake continue their whirlwind round of publicity tours, some unusually entertaining photos from their MTV appearance:

More at http://www.amny.com/news/local/photos/.

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Past 'Idol' hopefuls release new CDs

2007-05-29T11:01:00.000-05:00

In 'Idol' withdrawal since the season finale last week, Daniel Bubbeo and Ronnie Gill were enlisted to rate and review past 'Idol' hopefuls' recently released CDs for Newsday.

The rating system:
1. That was absolutely dreadful
2. It was a little karaoke
3. Song selection is so important
4. A little pitchy, but you're a star
5. Yo! You're in the dawg pound!

Here's a sampling of their thoughts on the new tunes...

CHRIS DAUGHTRY, "Daughtry"
He said: With more than 2.5 million copies of this disc sold, Daughtry is surely the valedictorian of last year's class. Staying true to his rocker roots was a smart move, and his gutsy vocals give muscle to the hit "It's Not Over" and the gritty "What I Want." Still, the disc also points up the problem I had with Daughtry on "Idol" - a failure to bring much distinction to his songs. But since the guy's disc has already gone platinum, does he really care what I think? 3.5

She said: The fourth-place finisher's debut effort is rock solid and likeable on the first listen. Daughtry's voice ranges from hard and loud on "What I Want" to honey-dripped on this season's "Idol" elimination ballad, "Home," and "What About Now," probably my favorite cut. It's no wonder that the CD's first release, "It's Not Over" quickly rose to No. 1. Yes, it is that good. Hard-rock purists might dismiss the entry as not distinctive enough, but I brand it near-perfect. 5

ELLIOTT YAMIN, "Elliott Yamin"
He said: Yamin channels his inner Donny Hathaway on this super debut. The funky "Movin' On" and the soulful "Wait for You" are made all the sweeter thanks to Yamin's honey-coated vocals. But dawg, what's with the words "train wreck" peppered throughout several of the track? 5

She said: Not being a big fan of vocal runs - it's like nails on a blackboard for me - I wasn't a supporter of Yamin's R&B "Idol" stylings. Still, I found his CD more likeable than expected. I wasn't enamored with his cover of Donny Hathaway's "A Song for You," but the upbeat "Alright" was a pleasant surprise, as was my other favorite cut, "Find a Way." 3

Read reviews on Katharine McPhee's latest and more right here.

Top ten Idol moments

2007-05-24T12:04:00.000-05:00

With American Idol done with a mostly-mediocore year, the moments that stick with me from Season Six:

-When Simon told the contestant with the big eyes, Kenneth Briggs, he looked like a'bush baby'. And then asked his rotund sidekick, Jonathan Jayne, 'Did you borrow Randy's trousers?'

-Sherman Pore, the 64-year-old who got a special exemption from Idol's age limit so he could sing 'You Belong to Me' for his deceased "lady love".

- Martik Manoukian, the panther guy from LA who told the judges "I'm the most exciting entertainer on planet earth" as he prowled around on the floor and flung his clothes off.

-Sarah Burgess, the teen from Ohio who secretly traveled to New York and couldn't stop crying as she told her dad not only wasn't she at her friend's house--she was on her way to Hollywood.

-When Jersey girl/Antonella buddy Amanda Coluccio said she made it past day one in Hollywood cause God likes good people. She got cut the next day. Maybe God was watching PBS that night?

-Sanjaya's sobbing 'fan'… who then repeated the same emotion for everyone else.

-Haley Scarnato's weekly battle to trade clothing for votes; and Antonella and her vibrant sundress.

-Sanjaya's consistent good humor and high entertainment value, intended and not. I still contend he's a great singer, when not nervous.

-Jordin Sparks, who rescued what could've been a disasterous season with her startling voice and impish humor. She's what Idol's all about--an unknown discovering in front of our eyes just how good she can be.

Jordin wins!

2007-05-24T11:45:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick video with the new 'American Idol':

I'm excited for her... and expect big things to come.

A Beatles tribute and finally, a winner

2007-05-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

Kelly Clarkson comes out one more time to sing The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," accompanied by Aerosmith's Joe Perry. it's pretty good - I love Kelly Clarkson's voice and how she can rock out like a superstar and then come back and sing a beautiful ballad as soft and sweet as needed. She's fantastic.

Taylor Hicks comes out again and he sings The Beatles' "A Day In the Life." He sings it much better than he sang his own song, I think.

The next one up is Carrie Underwood and the tribute to The Beatles continues as she sings "She's Leaving Home." Ruben Studdard comes out and sings "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds." Andthen finally, the top 12 finish it off by singing "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Finally. Beatles music on "American Idol." I hope this continues - I hope next season is filled with The Beatles - I hope they dedicate a whole week to it.

But can we please, please get to winner now???

OK here it is... After 74 million votes this week, the latest "American Idol" winner is.... Jordin Sparks.

And that's it. It's finally over.

BETTE MIDLER!!!!!!

2007-05-23T21:03:00.000-05:00

WOW!!! OK - I take back every bad thing I've said about "American Idol" in the past hour and a half. They've got BETTE MIDLER on the stage right now.

Oh my goodness and she's singing "Wind Beneath My Wings." I may cry - she's just unbelievable. I had the opportunity to see Celine Dion while I was in Vegas and I cried through most of that concert. I plan to see Bette Midler in that same theater when she takes over at Caesars and my feeling is that I will react in much the same way.

There's just something about watching someone so talented, so able to move an audience. It's incredible and touching and inspiring and a million other things.

This one song made my whole night - it made watching all this horrific filler worth it. I felt the same way last year when Prince took the stage and once again, "Idol" has topped itself. Bette Midler - geez, does it get any better?

Not sure how much more I can take

2007-05-23T20:44:00.000-05:00

The African Children's Choir comes out and performs and holy cow - they're so adorable and just so cheerful!!! I wish i knew what the song was about, what they were saying. It seems like a real happy song. Awesome.

Oh Good God... Sanjaya. He's back and performing live with Joe Perry from Aerosmith. He sings The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" and it's just as mediocre as it was the last time he did it. I can't believe Joe Perry would agree to accompany such a joke like Sanjaya. They must have offered him a ton of money.

Is anybody else out there falling asleep? I'm not sure I'm going to make it to the end. Well, that's not true - I have to make it since it's work, but I really don't want to watch any more filler... OK - I'm done with the whining for now.

Next is Green Day. They perform John Lennon's "Working Class Hero." It's an absolutely fantastic performance - I love Green Day, though, and who doesn't love John Lennon? I may be a bit biased.

Oh... so it looks like back-to-back performances... Taylor Hicks is singing his song, "Heaven Knows" now - I just don't like it. I may fast-forward him.

And now it's Jordin Sparks with Ruben Studdard singing Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need to Get By." I didn't watch the show when Ruben was on it, so it was nice to hear him sing - it's actually quite pretty. But really, can we get to the results? Please??? I'm so over all these performances - I feel like I'm watching Jerry Lewis' telethon

A real success story

2007-05-23T20:31:00.000-05:00

So, they play like a flashback of all the Ford commercials to Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and then Ryan hands Blake and Jordin keys to their very own brand-new Mustangs. Not bad - I'd be pretty excited to get a new car, especially if it was free.

Carrie Underwood is back again to sing The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You" and it makes me yearn for the time when "American Idol" was exciting. Carrie Underwood's season was exciting - there was so much talent that year - all of different genres and different sounds. This year has been so bland and dull - no one who really sparks any interest, at least not enough to make me buy a CD.

Clive Davis comes out to praise Chris Daughtry, saying that he has sold over 2.5 million albums. He thanks the judges for what they do and makes reference to other "Idol" successes like Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee. But hs real reason for being there is to present Carrie Underwood with a certified award for having sold 6 million albums just in the United States.

Talk about a step up

2007-05-23T20:15:00.000-05:00

After being too sick to perform during his mentor week, Tony Bennett comes out and performs "For Once In My Life." Now Tony Bennett is not really my cup of tea, but I have respect for his talent and how much people adore him. So, his performance isn't entirely entertaining for me, but I'm certain that there are millions out there who are loving every second of this.

Back to the awards - next one up is the Best Buddies award and it goes to Jonathan Jayne and Kenneth Briggs, one of whom Simon called a bush baby during auditions. Apparently they;ve been pretty busy - they've been on Jimmy Kimmell, the Grammys red carpet and some other stuff I can't remember. The bush baby guy forgive Simon for the comment because he says that if he hadn't said it, then he wouldn't be where he is now. I suppose that's true.

OK.... so they flash a picture of a real bush baby on the big screen. Is it really mean for me to say that he does kind of look like one? I feel terrible about it, I really do, but there is a similarity - his eyes are really, really big.

Next up, Melinda Doolittle gets to sing along with Bebe and Cece Winans, after having sung backup for them. I'm actually kind of emotional watching it - just because it's so clear that she deserved to win this competition. She's so much bigger, so much better than everyone else. It's really unbelievable that America got it so wrong this year.

Completely in sync

2007-05-23T19:52:00.000-05:00

Back from another commercial, Blake Lewis performs with Doug E. Fresh, who is credited as the first human beatbox. I bet Blake is probably freaking out to be on stage with such a big name.

It's a bit chaotic and the beginnig is hard to understand, but once they get into the actual beatboxing, it's fantastic and totally clear that this is the type of music Blake should be working on.

Well, back to the Golden Idol Awards... the next award is for Most Original Vocal, and it goes to Sholandric Stallworth, whom I barely remember from auditions and who really didn't do anything crazy or original. I don't know who's choosing the winners of these silly awards, but in my opinion, they're 0 for 2 right now.

They make him sing without a microphone to see if the theater can hear him, and they actually do.

Now the top six girls come out and sing. They start out with "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and Gina Glocksen got an awful haircut. I kow that has nothing to do with anything, but it's just not cute - she sounds great, though. Stephanie Edwards is still kind of bland in my book, and is anyone shocked that they put hayley Scarnato in a short, tight dress? She looks beautiful and sounds pretty good, until LaKisha conpletely blows her out of the water.

Holy cow - the names are getting bigger and bigger. They got Gladys Knight to perform. She comes out singing "I Feel a Song (In My Heart) and then "Midnight Train to Georgia." She sounds amazing and the top six girl are way better backup than the top six guys were. They're totally in harmony together - it sounds beautiful.

Please forgive me

2007-05-23T19:30:00.000-05:00

Ryan's giving out the "Golden Idol" awards next. The screen behind him says 2nd annual, but I don't remember this from last year - maybe I fast-forwarded through it.

The Best Presentation award goes to Margaret Fowler, the woman who showed up all dressed in yellow, who was way too old to be on the show, and who hid her contestant number under her shirt. In my opinion, X-Centric was robbed - he was hilarious. He better get some other award.

Oh my goodness - she plants a big old kiss on Ryan - it was actually uncomfortable to watch and then goes up to the pdium and puts on a bimbo act like I've never seen before. She reads a poem - have to admit, I'm really not listening to it. She reached my limit on annoying before she hit the stage, so I'm just ready to see her go already.

I'm not sure if there will be other awards, but Ryan's moved on to something else for now. The top six guys sing some arrangement by David Thomas and Sanjaya is sounding so good - I wish he had sung like this during his time on the show. Chris Richardson still annoys me - Chris Sligh is still awesome. Phil Stacey sounds great - and it looks like the Navy has allowed him to tour this summer. Smokey Robinson comes out and sings his song, "Being With You."

I got reamed big-time by Dorothy, my friend and most favorite person at work, when I commented about Barry Gibb and his Botox problems, so I'm almost afraid to say this, but it wouldn't be honest to keep it in. Smokey Robinson's eyebrows and forehead are frozen - they're not moving at all - now if that's not Botox, then I don't know what is. At least his teeth are not interfering with his performance the way Barry's did. (I know, Dorothy. You're gonna kill me. We'll discuss it tomorrow)

Oh how fun - they're doing "Tears of a Clown." I do enjoy this song and Smokey's eyebrows twitched just a smidgeon. Maybe the Botox is wearing off...

Clarkson's still got it!!

2007-05-23T19:18:00.000-05:00

Ooh... get out!!! Kelly Clarkson is back and she's singing her new single, "Never Again." There's been all this talk about how her label isn't happy with her new CD and how it almost got scrapped - I'm kind of curious to hear it.

I love it - love the tune, love the words, love it all! Of course, I'm a huge fan of Kelly Clarkson. Her last album was out of this world, and based on this song, I will most definitely be investing in her new one. The song is basically about a breakup and boy, is Kelly mad. And who can't relate to that?

"It was you
Who chose to end it like you did
I was the last to know.
you knew exactly what you would do
Don’t say
You simply lost your way
She may believe you
But I never will
Never again..."

I love it.

Beginning of the end

2007-05-23T19:01:00.000-05:00

So Ryan Seacrest makes a comment to Simon at the beginning of tonight's 100-hour-long finale about how he looks bored already. All I can say is that I feel his pain. I've been dreading tonight for weeks and now that it's here, I just pray it goes quickly. Two hours of nothing is just too much - it's too long to sit still, too long to stay focused. I wish I could just tune in during the last 5 minutes, but here I am, watching the entire thing and already hating, just as Simon is.

Badgely Mischka have designed some beautiful dresses for Jordin - she wore one of them last night - the black dress she wore at the end. I saw a picture of another design, which was even more beautiful - I think she'll be wearing that one at the very end of the show, although I'm not positive. talk about exciting - having big-time designers make dresses just for you. I can't imagine it gets any better than that.

But let's get on with the 116 or so minutes of filler, shall we? Jordin and Blake sing a duet, "I Saw Her Standing There," by the Beatles, the greatest band to ever live. It's cute - great song and it was nice to see the great relationship the two of them seem to have. As usual, Jordin looks beautiful - although I think her top would have worked better as a cute dress without the jeans.

Next up is Gwen Stefani, coming in live from her tour. She performs her new single, and her favorite song off her album, "Four in the Morning." I'm not even going to comment on how ridiculous she looks in whatever it is that she's wearing. I know people think she's really fashion-forward and stylish. I think she looks a fool half the time, personally. I mean, she's gorgeous - I'm just not a fan of her fashion sense, but that's just my personal taste. Her new song is actually nice - it has a soothing sound to it and some great lyrics - it's the kind of song you could find yourself crying to on a drive home, if the situation fits, of course.

Well, time for a commercial and then the top 12 return...

Easy prediction

2007-05-23T17:29:00.000-05:00

It's the final edition of 'Expert Predictions', and none too soon.

One thing's for sure: Next season, we're all gonna be replaced by trained monkeys wielding dartboards.

Eileen Fredes (8 for 22)
-Jordin

Anne Machalinski (7 for 22)
-Jordin

Jonathan McCarthy (6 for 17)
-Blake

Jamshid Mousavinezhad (7 for 22)
-Jordin

Jordin surges ahead - and may take it all

2007-05-22T20:15:00.001-05:00

So the last song is the winner of the song-writing competition, and ironically enough, the songwriters are from Seattle, the audition city of both Blake and Jordin. The song, "This Is My Now," was written by Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody.

Blake sings it first. It's a nice song - I'd listen to it if it came on the radio, although I have to be honest - maybe not if Blake was singing it. Let me explain - I like Blake a lot - but this is not his world. He's a dance music guy - techno beats, music you can move to. This kind of song - the slow kind with meaningful lyrics and all that - suits Jordin much better. But I haven't heard her version yet, so maybe I'm speaking too soon.

Blake doesn't blow me away - he's out of tune in a bunch of spots and if the judges don't mention it this time, I'm going to be really annoyed because it was impossible to miss.

Good... finally. Randy doesn't sound enthusiastic and tells him that this kind of song doesn't really suit his voice, but that he did a pretty good job, that it was all right. Paula said he did a great job and Simon said it was odd - that it wasn't a bad song, but not the type of song he would normally sing, so that people have to judge him tonight primarily on his first two performances because there's more than one song in the competition.

Jordin's up next, and of course, it's much better. She has a few spots out of tune, too, but she hits those big notes and it's like you forget any mistakes she's made. she gets emotional at the end and it's all very endearing.

Randy puts it all out there and tells her straight out that she was the best singer tonight and that she deserves it all, that she is what it's about. Paula tells her she has a lot to be proud of - that she's an angel. Simon says that last week he didn't think she was good enough to make the finals and that he wants to tell her publicly now that he was wrong because this is a singing competition and she just wiped the floor with Blake on that song.

So this week, instead of choosing the next one to go, I'm casting my vote for the winner - and I think it's fairly obvious - I choose Jordin Sparks.

Jordin fights back

2007-05-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

Blake's a smart guy - people loved his Maroon 5 performance last week, so he's sticking with that sound again and singing the band's, "She Will be Loved."

I hear a bunch of flat notes in there - I wonder if the judges will comment on it. This is not his best performance at all. He sounds nervous and even a little shaky - the song requires a certain control to his voice that he doesn't have. I think this performance may have helped Jordin out, especially if she chooses a great song next.

Randy says it's a great song choice and a very nice vocal - I wonder how he missed all the "pitchiness." He's usually on top of that. Anyway, Paula says he sounded relaxed and I don't know what else. Simon says it was good, it was safe, that it wasn't as good as his first performance, and that he wouldn't have chosen that song in the finals because it doesn't make that much of an impact.

Jordin chooses to sing "A Broken Wing," which she sang during Martina McBride week. It was the week Simon told her it was the first time since they'd met that he believed she could win the competition.

This is great choice for her - it's slower, really showcases her voice beautifully. She sounds much better than her last song, and much better than Blake's last song.
I'd say this round definitely goes to Jordin.

Randy tells her that he loved her from day one when she auditioned in Seattle, that he still believes she's the most talented 17-year-old singer he's ever seen. He says it was flawless, unbelievable, that its was better than the original. Paula tells her she's soaring. I think Paula is soaring, herself. She's gotta be on some painkillers, because she sounds really out of it. Anyway, Simon simply adds, "Well, that was good."

Blake may have a slight edge

2007-05-22T19:15:00.000-05:00

I had completely forgotten that Jordin had tried out in Seattle. They show clips of the tryouts and it's kind of cool to see it all again from the beginning. But what stood out for me was the guitar that Blake was playing with at the end... was that the guitar from the Guitar Hero video game? My friend at work is obsessed with that game and I just assumed that he was the only grown adult to be so into a kids' game, but apparently not. So, rock on Adam, you're not alone.

So Blake wins the coin toss and does the dumbest thing ever - he asks Jordin what her preference is. She says she doesn't want to go first, so he agrees to do it. He totally should have used that very slight advantage to be the last voice America hears before voting. We'll see tomorrow if it makes a difference, but if he does lose, I'll forever wonder if it's because he gave up the shot to sing last.

They have three songs again this week - one is their favorite of the season, another is a song they haven't sung on the show before and the last is the winner of the song-writing competition, a song called, "This Is My Now."

Blake starts with his Bon Jovi week song "You Give Love a Bad Name" - he couldn't have picked a worse song in my book. I think that's the week I was hardest on him because I hated how he ruined a classic. But, other people loved it, so maybe it's a smart move on his part. I still hate it - it's original and innovative - and it shows way more originality than Jordin has shown this season, but I still hate that he messed with Bon Jovi.

Randy gives him a 10 out of 10 on the beatboxing - he says it was hot, but he says the singing was just all right. Paula says he outdid himself and Simon tells him he's not the best singer in the competition, but he is the best performer they've had. He says the performance was great, the energy amazing, but he says the singing was flat in the middle and that he was shouting, but he says he doesn't think it matters because it was his best performance three of four week ago and he was right to have chosen that song.

Jordin chooses to sing a song she hasn't done before first. She picks Christina Aguilera's "Fighter."

She looks stunning - her tops is gorgeous - just another one of her picks I wish was in my closet. And just as an aside, a note to the person who has recommended that I go to starstyle.com to get the fashions of the show, I have checked out the site, but they don't ever seem to have the exact item, it's always a lookalike or similar item. and what I'm looking for is the exact thing, not an imitation. So, I appreciate the suggestion, but it's not quite what I'm looking for. If anyone knows where I can get the exact item, please let me know, because I definitely want the top she's wearing tonight.

But on to her singing, I hate to say it's not her best and I wish so much she could have come out and made people forget Blake's performance, but unfortunately, she's coming up a bit short, I think. Her voice just doesn't lend itself to these faster songs - she should have stuck to a ballad. It's almost as if there's no strength in her voice and how can you sing a Christina Aguilera song without some power? She picks up a bit toward the end with those big notes, but still, I'm not sure it's enough to overshadow Blake. I don't know - maybe the judges will like it.

Randy says it wasn't her greatest entertainment thing, but that her voice was stellar, that she was brilliant and sounded amazing. Paula repeats that she was stellar and adds an awesome at the end. Simon says it's great that she chose a younger song because she's only 17. But he says he thinks the vocals were a bit shrieky in the middle. He says Round 1 goes to Blake. Paula says it's a tie and Randy says performance goes to Blake and vocals to Jordin.

Starting off with a chuckle

2007-05-22T19:01:00.000-05:00

And so the final week begins, the showdown between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, neither one really deserving to be in the finale instead of Melinda Doolittle, but both interesting and entertaining in their own way.

Will tonight's performances really make a difference? Can a wrong note or misstep really cost one of them the competition? I don't think so - I think America has already decided who they want and tonight is just filler for tomorrow's results. but I could be wrong - after all, the two remaining contestants are neck and neck. Jordin has the better voice, but Blake has the originality. I guess we'll soon see which trait America values more in its "American Idol."

First laugh of the night comes almost immediately when Ryan Seacrest introduces the judges - he starts by introducing Randy and he says "Say hi to the very dressed up.... in something... Randy Jackson." And then the camera pans to Randy, and you see that he's wearing this weird, chained up kind of decorative military looking blazer that's reminiscent of the bedazzled blazers Michael Jackson is so fond of. It cracked me up. then it gets better, he introduces Paula Abdul and both Simon and Randy are pointing to her nose, which she supposedly broke after tripping over her Chihuahua, and last but not least, he introduces Simon Cowell as Simon Cleavage, a reference to his infamous man-boobs. Just a funny start to what I hope is a great show tonight.

'Idol,' what's going down?

2007-05-21T11:45:00.000-05:00

As this glorious season of 'American Idol' draws to a close, Newsday's trusty TV guy (and Melinda Doolittle super fan), Verne Gay, writes on the Jordin vs. Blake showdown:

Ceremoniously dumped last week, Melinda Doolittle was the most brilliant performer on the show this - or any other - season.

But she'll do just fine. In the business, we call this "a given."

Blake Lewis, Mister Beat-boxer, is a nice kid and a terrific talent, too. Jordin Sparks has incredible screen presence, and is hugely appealing. Plus, she's only a kid. Just wonderful.

Either will make a perfectly respectable "Idol" victor. (They perform Tuesday at 8, with the winner being named Wednesday night at 8 on Fox/5.) The republic will endure, and so - of course - will "Idol."

For Fox and for the most important show on TV, however, there are much larger issues than simply who's in/who's out, or who wins or who loses. As "Idol" ends its sixth and most abysmal season so far, the show has problems. Will Fox and the producers lift their veil of arrogance to fix them?

To read the full article, go here.

Don't forget in our poll. Who do you think will be the next 'Idol'?

I hate to say I told you so...

2007-05-16T21:45:00.000-05:00

... but I told you so. Remember why I voted for Melinda?

The Melinda Doolittle Catastrophe

2007-05-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

Here begins the outrage.

How could it happen? Why would it happen? Who's too blame? Why are "American Idol" voters such blithering idiots...?

Read more from Newsday's Verne Gay in hs TV Zone blog

Insanity

2007-05-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

So, after 56 minutes, we are getting to the results.

Jordin's first, so my guess is she's safe. Ryan says almost 60 million votes came in and he thinks she'll happy with them because she has made it through to next week's finale.

So, for me, this should be a no-brainer. Bye, bye Blake. But you know, this show has had some crazy results, so you never know...

Unbelievable - Melinda is off the show and Blake is going to the finale. I may seriously consider asking if I can boycott next week's finale. This is outrageously ridiculous. No one deserved to be in that finale like Melinda. So many words are flashing through my head right now, but none of them are printable. So, I'm out.

Filler, filler and more filler

2007-05-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

The Ford commercial tonight is set to "Everybody Wants You" by Billy Squier. Oh how cute that they had young Melinda in the afro puffs that she said she loved so much as a little girl. But other than that, I'd say this commercial was one of the worst ones of the season - not entertaining at all.

Melinda's trip home is next - they show her in Nashville, talking to the governor, then heading to Belmont University, where she went to school andthe to her church. I think Melinda's great - I love that she's always appreciative. While Jordin and Blake were surprised by all the attention and seemed to enjoy it, elinda really seemed touched by it and was sure to thank everyone and show them how much it meant to her. She really is just a humble woman.

Up next is Maroon 5 with their song, "Makes Me Wonder." It's OK - not one of my favorite song, but I can see why people have been all ga-ga about the lead singer. He's really quite delicious.

Elliot Yamin hits the stage

2007-05-16T20:37:00.000-05:00

Ooh, he looks kind of cute in that nerdy kind of way. I'm a big fan of the adorable dork and I have to say, his hair looks great - I love the disheveled curliness, and his smile is so beautiful. He's looking pretty good, I think. And let's not forget his voice. He sounds wonderful - it's almost embarrassing to compare him to this year's contestants. Blake can't compare, even Jordin pales in comparison, a bit. Melinda can hold her own, but really, it just shows the difference in quality from last year's batch to now.

Oh, and he's so sweet and genuine. He takes a minute to thank everyone for their love and support. He says he's had so many opportunities since being on the show and that he's very blessed. He tells the contestants to just have fun out there and he promises them that this is only the beginning.

Home videos

2007-05-16T20:18:00.000-05:00

Ryan is talking to the contestants now and Jordin talks about how busy their trips home were. They had a parade, she sang, then hit the mall for more appearances and then had to return to LA to shoot the Ford commercial and learn her songs. Sounds pretty busy.

I love that they showed a video of her going home - it just cemented for me what a great girl she really is. She's so gracious and together, while still remaining a teenager. She's adorable and sweet and young and refreshing and just fantastic.

Whoa.... what's going on? Are they really doing results right now? That must mean she's safe. They wouldn't have done her first is she was going home.

Of course... it was just more filler - they told her nothing. This show is ridiculous sometimes.

It's Blake's turn now. Ryan talks to Blake about performing with Sir Mix-a-Lot. Apparently he's performed with him before. They show footage of Blake going home to Washington and I have to say, the producers sure know how to pull at your heartstrings. Watching Blake's dad and how emotional he was, it almost had me crying, too. It must have been very special for Blake to see the pride and emotion on his dad's face for something he's achieved. the video was so touching, it almost made me forget that I hope he goes home tonight. Almost, but not quite.