'American Idol' chat
Are you caught up in this season of "American Idol"? Have you already picked a winner? The Boston Globe's Joanna Weiss was online March 21, at 1 p.m. to field your questions and comments about the Fox reality show.
Weiss is The Boston Globe's pop culture reporter and critic.
The transcript follows.
Joanna_Weiss: Hi everyone...Perhaps we should start by discussing Ashley, the Crying Girl.
Barb__Guest_: Why is this show no longer about Talent?
Joanna_Weiss: Hey Barb - I'm not sure the show was every purely about talent. Every season has had its duds.
Ozzie__Guest_: What do you think about Gina? I think her siging is good but her persanality is phoney.
Joanna_Weiss: I don't like Gina, Ozzie. There, I'm not afraid to say it. I have no problem with wanting to be a rocker girl, but I don't like the way she refuses to take criticism. She's not all that.
Miss_Cowell__Guest_: OMG, that was horrifying. She was crying for two people!
Joanna_Weiss: I know people cried that way for the Beatles, but this is not the Beatles, Miss C. That's why I have to wonder whether she was truly just a messed-up kid, exploited by the producers.
Angel525__Guest_: I just want to know why Sanjaya is still there. He should have gone and Sundance should have stayed.
Joanna_Weiss: Agreed, in terms of sheer singing. And Sundance would have gotten people talking a lot more than, say, dearly departed Brandon. But Sanjaya has given a lot of people reason to tune in and talk about Idol afterward, so I'm sure the producers don't mind having him around.
CJH__Guest_: I think the show is more about marketability
Joanna_Weiss: It's about ratings for awhile, and marketability in the long term.
SuzyQ_2__Guest_: When Ashley was crying over Sanjaya I thought I was going to pee my pants. It was the only Sanjaya performance I truly enjoyed.
Joanna_Weiss: I enjoyed watching Sanjaya much more than watching Ashley. She cried at the top of the show, too. She cried for Melinda. I think the kid cries a lot.
Miss_Cowell__Guest_: I think you can stop wondering.
Joanna_Weiss: I think you're right!
Ozzie__Guest_: I Loved Blake Lewis's version of the Zombies last night. I think it the most enjoyable song I have heardever on Idol. I replayed it several times this morning on Tivo and it gets better each time. I think he should win because of his immense talent and contemporary style
Joanna_Weiss: I'm so with you, Ozzie - my first instinct was to watch it again, right away, too. He's not the best singer in the contest, but he's done a great job with style. Better than anyone I can remember on the show.
secretidolviewer__Guest_: The crying kid has to be the worst moment in the series thus far. Total fake. Shame on the director for going back a 5th and 6th time. Awful. Oh yes and Sanjaya has to go. Not even close in the talent dept. to the others.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm with you. Although my expectations for Sanjaya have been so diminished that I was wholly entertained by his boppity-bop last night.
TheBrick__Guest_: I've never voted before last night. But I called in about 100 votes for Sanjaya because I want to see Simon cry when Sanjaya wins. Is there something wrong with me?
Joanna_Weiss: You are evil and brillaint. Is that wrong?
Angel525__Guest_: Is it me or does Melinda seem a bit fake? I like her voice but she seems to act a bit weird when given criticism
Joanna_Weiss: I have never gone for her humble-pie routine, myself. I think she plays it relatively safe, she knows quite well how good she is, and she feigns shock in a kind of icky way.
Miss_Cowell__Guest_: I think Peter Noone summed it up when he said it's not really a singing show (with Simon scowling in the backgroung).
Joanna_Weiss: He's a smart man. It has never been a singing show. Tell your friends.
peace__Guest_: What was up with that little girl bawling all over the place?
Joanna_Weiss: Disturbed child, mean producers.
Angel525__Guest_: I want Lakisha to win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joanna_Weiss: She's got a good shot, but Jordin is gaining.
Angel525__Guest_: Is it me or is Sanjaya turning into Michael Jackson's own Mini Me?
Joanna_Weiss: He's obviously going for it, given the hair and the gloves. It's a little frightening. But you know, I think Michael would like him. (Eek.)
ryanne__Guest_: diamonds are forever scared the %^&(^&* out of me
Joanna_Weiss: Redacted a bad word, Ryanne. But I'm with you on the sentiment. It's a creepy song, and the lighting last night made it even creepier.
peace__Guest_: Does anyone think that the first contestant, I'll call her "boob girl" was worse than Sanjaya?
Joanna_Weiss: Haley. Her name is Haley. She's not a great singer, but she knows her audience.
CJH__Guest_: As my husband put it however, do I really want to hear an entire album with Blake's beat-boxing?
Joanna_Weiss: Maybe not a whole album, but if you were out in a club, you wouldn't think twice.
peace__Guest_: It's because Melinda has no neck.
Joanna_Weiss: Hmmm. That could be the secret, too.
ryanne__Guest_: i'm sick of all the old songs ---- only blake has done anything fun and original and sanjaya reminds me of michal jackson - and that's scary
Joanna_Weiss: I disagree, Ryanne - I loved the old songs last night. They really showcased the singers, much more than last week. I think the guys had a really hard time finding their way through the Diana Ross catalogue.
TheBrick__Guest_: Who goes tonight? And you can't say Sanjaya. With Howard behind him, he's not leaving anytime soon.
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjaya is safe, I believe. My best guess is Stephanie. Maybe Gina, but probably Stephanie.
krispy__Guest_: who was that little girl?
Joanna_Weiss: I've heard a lot of questions about that. So far as I can tell, just a random girl in the audience, but I'll keep an ear out.
ryanne__Guest_: melinda's voice is outstanding - undeniably beautiful -- however, she looks like a cartoon & sings like an old woman - she can not be a pop idol by any means
Joanna_Weiss: She definitely looks about 20 years older than she is. The haircut last night didn't help. I think she'd be fabulous on Broadway. And she does keep choosing Broadway songs...
secretidolviewer__Guest_: My pick is Jordan to win. She has improved steadlily week to week and could be scary good by the end. Also Lakisha is starting to flex some self-confidece/pride/arrogance read:song choice last night...that could lead to a slip later.
Joanna_Weiss: Jordin was wonderful last night - the real showstopper performance. And you're right: LaKisha should have taken Lulu's advice.
Angel525__Guest_: Jordin is great to
Joanna_Weiss: What I loved about Jordin last night was the way she really seemed to feel the lyrics. When the song ended, you could tell she was in a zone.
ryanne__Guest_: would your husband buy a pop album to begin with? that's the thing - maybe it's not his taste, but it's still cool
ryanne__Guest_: & i bet melinda is either not that nice - or just really really boring
Joanna_Weiss: I turned on her the moment she dedicated a performance to her stylist and her vocal coach, and called them "My Gayles."
krispy__Guest_: I think Jordin Sparks is going to be the one to watch. Both Melinda and Lakisha are shy almost to the point of meekness.jordin is as "nice" as melinda, more out going than lakisha, and she's young and has a freshness about her.
Joanna_Weiss: I think her youthful exuberance will help her. And she's not scarily precocious, like Paris was last year.
ryanne__Guest_: i just think it has to be updated a bit ----- pop idols dont' sing old songs & the ballads are boring --- however the audience is an older demographic so maybe that's why
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's great to introduce younger viewers to older songs. They'll get to Top 40 later in the competition.
peace__Guest_: Melinda, Lakisha, Jordin, Stefanie, Chris, Blake. Everyone else should be booted en-mass.
Joanna_Weiss: But then who would we dish about?
TheBrick__Guest_: Can you please admit that there are no real top talents on this year's show. The good singers are not star material. No one stands out except for Blake and Sanjaya.
Joanna_Weiss: Disagree. I think Melinda, LaKisha, and Jordin are true talents, and Blake is a great personality with an appealing and marketable style. Every year has its duds. Bucky couldn't sing last year, and neither could Ace.
msh__Guest_: I think Jordin is the best singer this year
msh__Guest_: I think Jordin is the best singer this year
Patti__Guest_: I think Jordin has it all wrapped up!
Joanna_Weiss: That's two votes for Jordin (and one slip of a mouse for me.)
Angel525__Guest_: I feel Idol should change the way they do the voting. I feel they should do it the way the Grease show is doing it. the bottom 2 vote getters should have a sing off and the judges decide who goes. There are many times two faves are in the bottom 3
Joanna_Weiss: I'm sure there have been times this year when the judges have wished they had a vote. Sundance would still be in. But America wouldn't have it that way, I think.
jkf__Guest_: I think Stephanie is going home too... and I'm so sad about it. I didn't like her choice last night and she sounded VERY off. I loved Sabrina too so I guess I'm bad luck. Those 2 were a bit too alike to stand a chance any way. The whole "split vote" scenario will get you every time.
Joanna_Weiss: I think you're right. I loved Sabrina, too - much more talented than Haley - but there isn't enough room for the same kind of singer, once you get down to the final 12.
Angel525__Guest_: Chris Sligh (sp?) is a fave in my house to
Joanna_Weiss: Sligh started out with mass appeal, but I think he has chipped away at his fan base with obnoxious comments and poor song choices.
CJH__Guest_: I think Gina is underestimated - she has an edge, like Chris did last season. The "poppy" Pop-Idols don't make it as far, it's the one's with an edge, like Kelly Clarkson, that will actually have stamina in the market.
Joanna_Weiss: Funny you say that - I just heard Katharine McPhee's new single, and it sounds to me like a poor man's Kelly Clarkson. But Kelly can sing. Gina just shouts.
peace__Guest_: If Haley and Sanjaya stay and Stefanie goes, I'm boycotting.
Joanna_Weiss: You could go on a hunger strike, like that one woman has...
msh__Guest_: I think the show was way to long last night and fell asleep
Joanna_Weiss: I liked last night's show much better than the week before. It was much more unpredictable.
ryanne__Guest_: can we all agree that this season is alot more boring than the previous seasons? minus the sanjaya horror show, melinda's voice & blakes beat box
Joanna_Weiss: One problem has been the sense (promoted by the judges, for awhile) that Melinda and LaKisha are head and shoulders above the other contestants, in terms of talent. That's why I'm glad to see Jordin and Blake stepping up. And why I think the judges are getting a little more kind.
peace__Guest_: Sundance? Ugh. Sundance Head. That's worse that Peekaboo Street.
Joanna_Weiss: But you sure do remember the name, right?
Ozzie__Guest_: My list who should go in order.....Sanjaya,Gina,Chris,The Bald Guy,Haley,Stephanie,Chris,Jordin,Melinda,Lakisha, and the winner Blake
Joanna_Weiss: Blake definitely has a fan base. I'd get rid of bald Phil and Haley before you would, I think. At this point, I'm happy to have Sanjaya around, for the sheer entertainment value.
TheBrick__Guest_: WWWAAAAHHHH Sanjaya is ruining American Idol WWAAAAHHHHHH Stop crying like that total mess of a child last night
Joanna_Weiss: A voice of the people?
peace__Guest_: Paula needs a new writer. "Just stick to who you are..." How about, "That was god awful."
Joanna_Weiss: I love watching her struggle to say nice things! If she starts in on your outfit, you know you must have been awful.
peace__Guest_: It's a singing contest not a branding contest. Just because I remember his name doesn't mean I think he has talent.
Joanna_Weiss: See, here's where I disagree with you, Peace. A smart reality TV expert once told me to think of "Idol" as a giant focus group. People are looking for star power, not just singing ability. How else to explain the likes of Britney Spears? (in her heyday, I mean.)
Angel525__Guest_: Ozzie which Chris' where you talking about? Which sshould go first>?
Sanjaya_Malakar__Guest_: I am sad you do not consider me a viable contender. I will sing like Julie Andrews next week. Seriously, what's up Paula Abdul? I think I saw a flask under the judge's table last night.
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjaya, if you sing like Julie Andrews, I will pick up the phone and vote for you.
Joanna_Weiss: As for Paula, anyone think she's less coherent than usual? Or just as incoherent as usual?
Ozzie__Guest_: Chris Sligh
Joanna_Weiss: See, I'd get rid of Chris R. before Chris Sligh. Just because I find Chris R. kind of dull.
peace__Guest_: It's both but you can't have Simon saying "it's a singing contest" and then have Sanjaya take it all. You lose all credibility at that point and then NO ONE with talent will try out.
Joanna_Weiss: People will try out because they know it's an express-elevator ride to stardom. I don't think they have to worry.
TheBrick__Guest_: Paula needs a few things ... Some desensitivity training and a time machine that will take her back to 1990 ... Man has she hit the wall
Joanna_Weiss: I'd like it if she pushed her bangs away from her eyes, myself. I 'd like to see how much her pupils are dialated.
jkf__Guest_: Simon has said that he will leave the show if Sanjaya wins, hasn't he?
Joanna_Weiss: He has, but I'm not sure he was serious. Anyway, I doubt it will go that far.
Joanna_Weiss: Although, as I said in a chat last week, there IS a Sanjaya victory scenario...
BronxCheers__Guest_: Problem is that Sanjaya does sing like Julie Andrews--after her operation.
Joanna_Weiss: Ouch!
Undecided__Guest_: do lakisha or melinda have a chance at winning?
Joanna_Weiss: Definitely. If you believe Dialidol, Melinda shows up at the top of the voting every week.
peace__Guest_: Oh, and Britney Spears is HOT. Sanjaya is a skinny little "alternative lifestyle" boy. You have to have looks or talent.
Joanna_Weiss: I think some people (read: 8-year-old girls) really go for the Sanjaya look.
CJH__Guest_: I think the whole "American Idol" thing is getting a little old and they need consider doing something to re-vamp the show...
Joanna_Weiss: Ratings have slipped a wee wee bit, but it's still a juggernaut. Everyone in the TV industry wants to know how long this phenomenon will last.
TheBrick__Guest_: How far do YOU expect Sanjaya to last?
Joanna_Weiss: Hmmm. I'm going to predict now that he makes it to the top 7, then gets booted.
Ozzie__Guest_: Chris Sligh has an identity problem.... He is a christian singer trying to be hip singing rock. At least Chris Richardson is fairly contemporary and has some stage presence....though he thinks hes Justin Timberlake
Joanna_Weiss: Right, that's my problem with Chris R. But you're also right about Chris Sligh. I just find his dilemma a little more interesting to watch.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Melinda's problem is her perfectionism and Simon's continued drooling over her. She has frontrunner status and the pundits will want to drag her down.
Joanna_Weiss: Maybe the hairstylists are trying to bring her down, too. But I think it's also up to her to choose appealing songs and give up the false humility, which is starting to catch up with her.
jkf__Guest_: Top 7!? Oh no!!!!
Joanna_Weiss: He'll definitely be going on tour this summer...
jkf__Guest_: Maybe Stephanie will get lucky and Phil will get the boot.
Joanna_Weiss: Quite possible. Though once Simon told him he was in trouble last night, I knew his fans would be galvanized.
Angel525__Guest_: What parent is really letting their 8 yr old call up to vote? I think voting that young should not be allowed.
Joanna_Weiss: I guarantee you there are 8-year-olds voting for "Idol." Probably 7-year-olds, too.
cj__Guest_: I think that girl was just fighting with her mother or sister and the producers decided to take advantage of the situation. I cannot think of any other reason to be in such a sad shape!
Joanna_Weiss: Back to Ashley, the mystery of the night. She did not look well.
BronxCheers__Guest_: OK, Joanna, the last two guys to survive, who will they be?
Joanna_Weiss: Melinda and Jordin.
Undecided__Guest_: If he lasts that long I might have to stop watching. I'd rather have train horns to my ears than listen to Sanjaya sing.
Joanna_Weiss: Don't you want to tune in for his hairstyles?
peace__Guest_: Does anyone else think that makeup drew/glued on the peach fuzz on Sanjaya last night?
Joanna_Weiss: See? Yet another reason to keep watching him. The mysteries are endless.
BronxCheers__Guest_: What fans for Phil? The Coneheads and the Make a Wish Foundation?
Joanna_Weiss: Double ouch.
CJH__Guest_: Has there ever been a study as to what effect the judges comments has on the voting?
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not sure about studies, but there are definite theories out there, among Idol-watchers and TV critics, that a diss from the judges helps a contestant much more than a lukewarm reception.
momom__Guest_: Hi Joanna. I have a hard time understanding what kind of music most of the contestants would record for an album. Except Chris Richardson and Blake Lewis.
Joanna_Weiss: That's the advantage of carving out a niche; according to my colleage Sarah Rodman, Katharine McPhee's new album is all over the place. LaKisha could work it with R&B, though. Jordin's a bigger question mark, but she can definitely sing.
TheBrick__Guest_: You wouldn't fall asleep when a train horn is coming through, but when Lakisha, Moesha, Darlisha, or Melinda are singing its NAP TIME
Joanna_Weiss: I'm starting to feel that way, too. Predictable=dull.
Angel525__Guest_: I did not notice last night, but my boss said Stern said during Sanjyas performance they didnt' show the phone number. Does anybody know if that was true? All we need is a voting issue to keep Sanjaya in or call for a revote.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not sure. Interesting theory; I'll have to go back and check my TiVo.
jkf__Guest_: I had already readied myself for Sanjaya being on the tour, which doesn't really effect me since I never have and do not plan on seeing American Idol live. I just feel bad for the poor kid at this point. I mean, he can't ignore all of the press he's getting. He MUST know that he is being outsung and outperformed by all of the rest.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not sure whether he's thick-skinned or obtuse, but he's putting on a very brave face.
momom__Guest_: Did you talk about Hayley yet? Her outfit was making me very uncomfortable last night. She looked like a high (or moderately) priced call girl.
Joanna_Weiss: Haley's hot pants won her immunity, as I said in the blog. The girl knows her audience. And the tweens probably liked the outfit, because it reminded them of Bratz.
Undecided__Guest_: Maybe Simon should should praise Sanjaya -- I'm desperate!
Joanna_Weiss: It would help your cause!
ericalina__Guest_: does anyone think that the producers will "vote off" sanjaya before they EVER would let him win??
Joanna_Weiss: Not a chance.
daughtryidol__Guest_: Does Chris R's singing remind anyone else of the Munchkins? Follow the yellow brick road.....
Joanna_Weiss: I didn't think he did a great job with the Zombies song last night. You're exactly right: Too bouncy.
momom__Guest_: Brave face? Cloying, obnoxious, dear-in-the-headlights face is more like it.
Joanna_Weiss: I think he might need some therapy, it's true. Maybe he and Ashley can have joint sessions.
she__Guest_: I think Lakisha is the only one with any talent
momom__Guest_: Lakisha was terrible last night. That song... oh dear. If that's any indication of the album she'd put out... What a snoozer.
Joanna_Weiss: There you have it...I actually think you both are right. In that she's talented, but last night was not a good showcase.
ericalina__Guest_: we never know what goes on behind the scenes
Undecided__Guest_: The shock on his face the two times he wasn't eliminated are proof enough that Sanjaya is in over his head.
Joanna_Weiss: All true re: Sanjaya. I'm happy to see that his mom is there, for that very reason.
kb__Guest_: Peter Noone vs Simon...what happened
Joanna_Weiss: Noone's mild dissing of Idol was entertaining. But he shouldn't bite the hand that feeds him, if he wants to come back next season.
Angel525__Guest_: My opinion is Sanjaya needs to step down and say listen the judges made a mistake. I need to go so Sundance can come back.
Billy__Guest_: when will sanjaya be voted off?
BronxCheers__Guest_: That hunger strike girl should help Sanjaya too. America will want to help her lose weight.
Billy__Guest_: Sanjaya is making me very uncomfortable
tmcg__Guest_: Who is voting for Sanjaya and WHY?!?!?! He can not sing!
Undecided__Guest_: I think that would be the end of the show. I definitely wouldn't let my youngster watch the show again if Sanjaya won.
Joanna_Weiss: This is my point exactly, folks. Sanjaya gets people all exercised. Anyone who thinks this is a dull season is wrong!
momom__Guest_: I totally dig Chris R. He works for me.
Joanna_Weiss: I think he's got a fan base. I personally found his performance last night to be a little dull.
Billy__Guest_: Dolittle will win if there is a god
Joanna_Weiss: She's still the frontrunner, for sure. But people are starting to get a little bored with her. And remember, Clay Aiken was a huge frontrunner in Season 2, and then Ruben pulled it out in the end. Not that it helped Ruben much.
M__Guest_: Blake truly talented - I would buy last night's single..... revitalized an old boring song
Joanna_Weiss: I don't think the old song was boring, but I agree that I loved Blake's take. I'm not sure he's the best beatboxer on earth, but he manages to bring something different to the show.
tmcg__Guest_: lakisha's lisp bothers me
Joanna_Weiss: I think she could play it right as one of her quirks. She's a very compelling figure on TV.
CJH__Guest_: I agree. i think Lakisha is a bit boring. So is Melinda... Chris S used to be interesting... maybe Synjia will win just b/c he's the most interesting to talk about...
Joanna_Weiss: My Sanjaya Victory scenario involves a coalition of snarky haters, tweens, and sympathetic grandma types.
ericalina__Guest_: joanna, i'm interested to know why you think they would let him win if they think most of the country is voting for "the worst" or to mock him/the show? reality shows are never always "real."
Joanna_Weiss: I think the intergrity of the voting process - no matter why people are voting - is very important to the success of the show.
Joanna_Weiss: People need to trust that their votes will count, or they'll be less engaged.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Aren't the contestants provided with a limited number of songs to choose from? Why, of all the James Bond themes, was "Diamonds Are Forever" included?
Joanna_Weiss: Well, it was clear that they weren't allowed to choose from the Beatles catalogue. (Thanks, Michael.) "Diamonds are Forever" is NOT my favorite Shirley Bassey song, that's for sure.
Undecided__Guest_: ANy indications of what the theme will be for next week's show?
Joanna_Weiss: I haven't heard yet...will update the blog when I do.
Undecided__Guest_: Dull in that it is the same each week? Or dull as in where's the personality?
Joanna_Weiss: Why Melinda comes across as dull? I suppose it's a combination of the two. Her performances and her reactions have both become utterly predictable.
momom__Guest_: Read an interview with Taylor Hicks recently. He said he thought he was popular with Idol voters but not so much with album buyers.
Joanna_Weiss: The record sales make that clear. I always thought Taylor was more of an entertaining live performer than he was a recording star.
Undecided__Guest_: Oh man, I got sucked right in, didn't I......
Joanna_Weiss: To Sanjaya fever? Or Melinda fever?
Billy__Guest_: It;s not dull at all....but Sanjaya is going to ber doing kiddie porn soon
Joanna_Weiss: Not certain of THAT. But I could see him doing a guest spot on the Disney Channel.
Billy__Guest_: It is so uncomfortable
Joanna_Weiss: I thought his snarling last night was weird, but in a strangely fascinating way.
Angel525__Guest_: As we talk Idol I am listening to Carrie's Before He Cheats on the radio. Is it me or is this good song getting VERY OVERPLAYED. I am starting to hate it cuz I hear it so much.
Joanna_Weiss: I think that's a problem with radio more than it is a problem with Carrie.
lorelei__Guest_: Didn't Lakisha pick that song so she could wear all the diamonds?
Joanna_Weiss: That was Paula's theory. And who knows; maybe it has some credence. I think she was going for the superdiva thing.
momom__Guest_: Maybe they keep Sanjaya in the running to get more votes for other contestants.
Joanna_Weiss: He is the ultimate watercooler topic. And they aren't concerned with his mental welfare.
w__Guest_: a testament to the hold the orignal howard stern has on its fans!
Joanna_Weiss: The pros and cons of terrestrial radio are a different subject altogether!!
Billy__Guest_: Joanna....is the voting really rigged by the producers?
Joanna_Weiss: I think the votes are legit, but the producers do subtle and not-so-subtle things to influence the votes, such as determining which contestant goes last and which gets a fancy production number.
tmcg__Guest_: why did the judges even put Sanjaya into the top 24? I am sure there was another male singer better than him.
Joanna_Weiss: I get this question a lot. The calculation factors in singing, but also personality and buzz potential. And it's not the judges alone making the decision at that point. The producers surely weigh in.
kb__Guest_: why all the criticism of Lakisha? It takes a lot of brass to try singing Shirley Bassey, and she did very well..not everyone could pull that off
Joanna_Weiss: I think people assume, by now, that LaKisha and Melinda will sing impeccably. They're starting to pick apart the performances on another level: are they interesting enough, likable enough, etc.
BronxCheers__Guest_: Chris R. looks manufactured and his voice is thin. On the othe hand, Haley is growing on me--I thought she was terrific yesterday.
Joanna_Weiss: I didn't think she sang so well, myself, but I preferred that song to the Faith Hill ballads.
Undecided__Guest_: Would LaKeisha have fared better if she sang the other of the two songs? What was it again? I got all psyched for it.
Joanna_Weiss: I don't remember the name, but it was more upbeat and sassy. Lulu did a good job with her snippet of it. Would have made Simon say something like, "You naughty tiger."
tmcg__Guest_: I think Jordin Sparks was the best last night. I got chills when she sang.
Joanna_Weiss: Agreed that she had the top performance. Goes to show you that simple can be great, if you do the song right. (Memo to Chris Sligh)
momom__Guest_: Melinda may win the show but Blake or Chris R. will sell mor albums.
Joanna_Weiss: You're probably right there, too.
momom__Guest_: Lakisha's HAIR bothers me!
Joanna_Weiss: Maybe she should trade with Phil.
cj__Guest_: Melinda is just so "icky"... she has an undenialble talent, but there is nothing appealing about her as far as her being a pop star. And does she even want to be? That "aw shucks" style is better for broadway...
Joanna_Weiss: I think that's where she'll go. Perhaps, given her song choices, she's just using the show as a giant Broadway audition.
Joanna_Weiss: Guys, this has been great fun, and I hope you come back next week to do it again. Maybe we'll still have Sanjaya to kick around. Oh, and for early risers: I'll be talking "Idol" tomorrow -- at 7:15 a.m. or so -- on the "Matty in the Morning" show on Kiss 108.
Angel525__Guest_: How do we know they are really counting our votes and not basing it on what they want for them and the talk of the show?
Joanna_Weiss: Dialidol was a great predictor last year.
Elly__Guest_: I don't think VFTW has as much of an influence as most people think. I think it's the sympathy vote that has more of a factor. Every season there's been a person who stays too long, even before VFTW.
Joanna_Weiss: This, too, Angel525.
w__Guest_: what about the mental welfare of the crying 4th grader--where's the parents??
Go_Jordin__Guest_: I just got on so does anyone know what was up with the crying girl?
Joanna_Weiss: Once again, Ashley tops the news. Just an exploited audience member, far as I can tell, but I'll update the blog if I hear more.
Em__Guest_: What happened to Stephanie last night? She was holding back and looked scared. I'm afraid she might be done.
Joanna_Weiss: She's in trouble, without question. Maybe she got spooked by the LaKisha/Mandisa freight train.
ericalina__Guest_: i watch idol religiously, and i even have idol finale parties -- but i have never bought an idol album. a few singles here and there on itunes, but never an album. do you think most of the millions of viewers are like that?
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's clear, given the Daughtry/Underwood/Aiken/Clarkson record sales, that a lot of "Idol" viewers buy the records.
w__Guest_: Why did Simon defer his comments on sanyay to the litlle's expression--what do think Simon was thinking?
Joanna_Weiss: I think he might not have had a thing to say. Sometimes silence is best...
Joanna_Weiss: And with that, I must log off! Again, come back next Wednesday at 1, and tune in tomorrow morning at 7:15 to Kiss 108 FM. Happy watching...
