'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 Wednesday, April 4, at 1 p.m. to answer your "Idol" questions.
The transcript follows.
Joanna_Weiss: Hi everyone! Looks like we have at least one Fanjaya in attendance:
NBRDogg10__Guest_: Fanjaya Nation!!!
Joanna_Weiss: I personally thought he wasn't quite as awful last night as in some previous weeks. He's picking up some attitude, which translates, strangely, into stage presence.
Joanna_Weiss: Ava was very disappointed by his hair, though. Not nearly funny enough for her taste. After the fauxhawk, she has high expectations.
Joanna_Weiss: But I do love the way the show has increasingly turned Sanjaya-centric. They know where their bread is buttered.
IdolFromRevere__Guest_: Hey Joanna, thanks for chatting again. I must say, I agree with Simon on TWO things last night: Sanjaya was, as always, incredible and Haley Scarnato has great legs. As a male viewer, I love to have Haley in this "competition." While last night's outfit (almost like yellow dress-McPhee) worked for me, is it going to turnoff other voters (i.e. women)??
Joanna_Weiss: I think Haley's outfits are precisely what has kept her safe for all of these weeks. It's certainly not her singing. I think that will keep her in the competition for awhile, but not forever.
laura_2__Guest_: Do you have a bottom three? My bottom 3 would be Phil, Haley & Gina.
Joanna_Weiss: That's exactly my bottom three this week, Laura. If I had to put money on it, I'd go with Phil. Gina seems to have a built-in base of rocker-lovers, Haley's outfits, as mentioned above, do her good. Phil's fan base seems a little more amorphous.
Joanna_Weiss: But Haley's sub-par singing will catch up with her soon. There are more tweens voting than, um, men who like good legs.
arter__Guest_: Why do you think the 3 judges didn't give Haley any poitive feedback last night ? I didn't think she sounded that bad.
Joanna_Weiss: She's not terrible, but she's nearly as good a singer as the other women. I think Simon, in particular, still wants to judge on vocal talent above all else.
laura_2__Guest_: As a female viewer, I am not put off by Haley's outfits; she does have great legs and I think she has had wear them to stay in the game.
Joanna_Weiss: As a female viewer and critic, I agree with you, Laura. Use what you've got. But it can also backfire. Last night, she was getting perilously close to looking like a wannabe stripper.
JasonHicks__Guest_: Is it just me, or has Melinda Dolittle's "act" grown increasingly boring. I'm tired of hearing sing the same genre over and over again without the judges warning her to stray from her comfort zone. I'm tired of seeing her "shocked" face everytime she receives positive feedback, and I'm tired of seeing her waddle around the with short little steps that make it look like somebody just stole her walker. Old soul? Definitely. But everything else about her screams, "old" too. Melinda on broadway? Sure. Melinda in a period piece movie, IE Dream Girls? Absolutely. Melinda as a pop idol?! No way.
Joanna_Weiss: Jason, I think you've hit on precisely the reason that Jordin is going from dark horse to fave. Melinda is an amazingly skilled singer, but Jordin has a youth and energy that are much more appealing.
boredwithgoodsingers__Guest_: is anyone bored with some of this? i mean melinda sings well every week, but its actually more entertaining to watch sanjaya...which is sad
Joanna_Weiss: It's not sad, bored! It's television! Again, what the "Idol" producers understand is that this is a TV show first, a singing competition second. That's why there's always an effort to set up the top 24 with a mix of genres and types, and some sacrificial lambs that everyone can hate.
IdolFromRevere__Guest_: Simon gave her positive feedback... just not about her vocal.
Joanna_Weiss: Right. Simon's sole comment to Haley was "You've got great legs." Which was highly backhanded, if you ask me.
laura_2__Guest_: Phil is so odd! I seem to think it'll be either Phil or Haley that goes tonight. I think Haley can sing but just not this forum. She' be perfect to sing the part of Disney princess-like character.
Joanna_Weiss: She's definitely got a future career at Disney World.
laura_2__Guest_: haha...i just read my post about Haley
laura_2__Guest_: about Haley's legs and wearing them....I meant wear the outfits!!!
Joanna_Weiss: Typos/malapropopisms are permitted in live chats!
Joanna_Weiss: Any thoughts on Gina, Chris R., Blake? I've seen some criticism out there of Blake's "Mack the Knife" rendition.
Joanna_Weiss: Although what I like about him (less so this week) is the way he seems to always find an interesting arrangement.
Joanna_Weiss: I think maybe he should have brought out the beatbox last night. Though the judges probably wouldn't have liked it.
laura_2__Guest_: I am increasingly bored with the show week to week but more so I am amazed at how NONE of the contestants took ANY of Tony Bennett's advice about the way to sing the songs!!! If I recall correctly, none of them have taken any of the celebrities advice!
Joanna_Weiss: You're right, it was striking. I'm not sure all of his advice was brilliant (he told Chris R. to memorize the words) but he, like Gwen, seemed to be a fan of sticking to the melody, which is never bad advice.
JasonHicks__Guest_: I find it funny that Haley cranked up the "kitten" factor the second Antonella got the ax. "Gee, now that the other "hot" girl is gone I can crank up the sex factor."
Joanna_Weiss: I read an interview with an "Idol" stylist who said he encouraged her to wear sexier clothes. But she has obviously embraced the, um, use of them. I think someone (probably not Tony B.) has given her advice that she has taken to heart.
IdolFromRevere__Guest_: Beatboxing to Mack the Knife? THAT would have been a train wreck (not to mention, murder). I think Sanjaya is really overshadowing all the other guys in the competition...
Joanna_Weiss: OK, maybe beatboxing was a stretch. I'm just trying to think of ways to provide the unexpected. Which, as you say, is something Sanjaya has managed to so week to week.
Di__Guest_: I still think it would be really funny if Sanjaya won it all. Possible?
Joanna_Weiss: Definitely possible, Di. Not likely, but possible. And if so - I'll bet a lot of tweens would buy his album.
Joanna_Weiss: I like the idea because it would mean the fan base has taken control of the show. It would be a pretty broad-based coalition of support, from lovers and haters alike.
laura_2__Guest_: I thought it was too smooth - like Tony said, it's about a gangster...it should have been more clipped/staccato.
Joanna_Weiss: This is about Blake. Yes, Tony's advice was right on here.
arter__Guest_: I have liked Blake since the beginning ... except for the plaid pants .... anyone else dislike the way he dresses ?
Joanna_Weiss: I sort of thought the plaid was cute, myself! Anyone else?
JasonHicks__Guest_: Tony Bennett's cred went out the window the second he told Sanjaya he was, "a fan."
Joanna_Weiss: I think he was partly joking. On the other hand, I think he understands that Sanjaya, as Randy said, has become an entertainer. Intentionally or not.
JasonHicks__Guest_: Do you think Idol would ever consider actually having the judge's opinions count. I'm thinking more of a partial factor like they do on Dancing with the Stars.
Joanna_Weiss: I've heard a lot of people make similar suggestions, Jason. My sense, from hearing the producers talk, is that they're not inclined to mess with the formula.
laura_2__Guest_: I'm not a fan of Blake's fashion style but it kind of goes with his whole persona.
IdolFromRevere__Guest_: What's next week's theme?
Joanna_Weiss: Haven't heard yet (unless it was announced in the last moments of the show when my DVR kicked off). I'll look it up and post it on the blog.
Joanna_Weiss: Any other fashion thoughts? I like to see them struggling with how to dress Melinda.
Joanna_Weiss: And they've figured out how to make LaKisha look good.
JasonHicks__Guest_: In support hose and a house coat!!
Joanna_Weiss: Eek. The Melinda reference. But yes, I look at her and I have trouble remembering that she's under 30.
csw__Guest_: I thought Melinda looked awful last night.....maybe it was the hair
Joanna_Weiss: The haircut hasn't helped her, it's true. But where the stylists really messed up was with Gina, I think.
laura_2__Guest_: The judges seemed to really like Chris' performance last night but nobody in my office today liked it (me included). His voice still reminds me of the singing munchkins from Wizard of Oz!
Joanna_Weiss: I liked him better last night than I had before, because he sang the song straight and didn't overstuff it with runs. That's an "Idol" pet peeve of mine.
JasonHicks__Guest_: Gina looke like Megan Mul...whatever her last name is from Will & Grace.
Joanna_Weiss: Megan Mullally. Interesting - I hadn't thought of that. It would have to be Megan Mullally with a tongue ring.
laura_2__Guest_: Too bad somebody thought (could have been Gina, herself) should dress all in black for Smile. BTW, love the Robert Downey, Jr. version of that song!!!!
Joanna_Weiss: It's a beautiful song, and I actually thought Gina sang it pretty well. She can't belt like Jordin and LaKisha but she has a nice voice. But the hair and makeup were distracting.
csw__Guest_: I also think they should let Jordin dress young, like she did the week that Gwen was there. She looked to "old" last night. What do you think?
Joanna_Weiss: I agree - they've tended to go too conservative. One thing I love about Jordin is that she's not a skinny waif, in the Christina Aguilera mode. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to dress her youthfully.
IdolFromRevere__Guest_: Gina looked abysmal. The hair was ridiculous and the fishnets just weren't working. I know it's her "style," but wrong for the song...
uhavgr8legs__Guest_: I think she looks like Cali from Grey anatomy
Joanna_Weiss: An interesting thought, Uhavgr8...Are you talking Gina or Jordin?
JasonHicks__Guest_: Speaking of fashion... what the heck was Randy wearing last night?!
Joanna_Weiss: He always finds something weird to wear. Though my husband always has more questions about where Simon finds his shirts.
uhavgr8legs__Guest_: both a little
Joanna_Weiss: An answer to the Callie question. I guess I'd say Gina reminds me more of Callie/Sara Ramirez.
csw__Guest_: Gina is a nice change from the "divas" I feel. Even if her voice is not as powerful.
Joanna_Weiss: I think that's what's keeping her alive. She appeals to a fan base that might not be so keen on belters.
laura_2__Guest_: I agree, Joanna - about all their overruns. It's not necessary if you have a voice.
Joanna_Weiss: Yes!
laura_2__Guest_: Gina's eyes were too overdone; I really don't mind the pink in her hair at all. Oh, the tongue ring bothers me, too.
Joanna_Weiss: I guess the tongue ring doesn't make it any harder to sing, though...
Ozzie__Guest_: Joanne, How accurate do you think Dialidol.com is? They have Lakeshia near the bottom
Joanna_Weiss: Dialidol has had some trouble in recent weeks, because the voting has seemed so close. LaKisha is near the bottom, but the margin of error is so close that only Melinda is predicted as safe this week.
gcc__Guest_: My prediction is Jordan Sparks the winner. She has the stage presence, looks, personality etc. But I do agree that Melinda D and Lakisha have great vocals, (any remote chance of Sanjaya winning depsite the feed back...your thoughts
Joanna_Weiss: As I've said and written, I think a Sanjaya win is possible, if the tweens stick with him and the haters come out in big enough numbers. It's not likely, because I think more "Idol" fans still want to vote for singing talent. But depending on which favorite is knocked off unexpectedly...
theresa__Guest_: Don't you think that all the busy signals cause a misrepresentation of actual number of votes each contestant could get?
Joanna_Weiss: I'm not exactly sure how the "Dialidol" program works, Theresa. Last season, when it got to the last batch of contestant, the site was extremely accurate. This season, there has seemed to be a lot more uncertainty.
theresa__Guest_: What's up with Melinda and her lack of a neck? Is she really hunching her shoulders or what?
Ozzie__Guest_: I am tired of Dolittle's act of being humbled by all the comments of her greatness. When Randy says she really feels the song and sells it means she is the best actress among the group
Joanna_Weiss: Maybe Melinda will be the favorite to go out first, given this sort of grumbling. Though her singing is always so flawless. That's what keeps her afloat, despite the neck and personality issues.
uhavgr8legs__Guest_: He should drop out, he is making a mockery of the entire show. If he gave it some effort maybe it would be so bad
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjaya, I presume. I actually think he's now trying, in his way. He knows what's being said about him, and he's attempting to be sassy about it. He can't quite pull it off. But on some level, I feel for him.
laura_2__Guest_: I would venture a guess that Jordin could win with Melinda in 2nd place, Blake 3rd, Lakisha 4th.
csw__Guest_: I agree...the final two will be Jordin and Blake
Joanna_Weiss: I think Jordin is fast becoming a favorite. I'm sure Blake does well every week. Sanjaya is really the wild card!
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Is it me or do a few Idol's [LaKisha especailly] tend to be week in the beginning of a song and then turn it on for the last few notes?
Joanna_Weiss: I think she's definitely a big-belter type who soars at the "money note" portion of the song. She's managed to pick a lot of the right songs to capitalize on her voice, though.
theresa__Guest_: I just feel like there is a wall of how many votes can get through, ala ruben and clay finale.
Joanna_Weiss: That's how Dialidol works, loosely - it reads a busy signal as a "yes" vote and then somehow extrapolates.
laura_2__Guest_: At least Melinda's humbleness (word?) is becoming less of an issue to me. I think she can really internalize and related to the songs she picks.
Joanna_Weiss: She is, indeed, an excellent singer. And on some level, acting is part of singing. But then...
csw__Guest_: I agree ozzie! I don't like Melinda because she plays the modest card every single show. It has gotten old!!!
Gesualdo__Guest_: I can't believe you're all writing Melinda off! Why?
MilfordIdol__Guest_: And I think that is exaclty why I don't care for Kiki. I prefer an artist who gives me the whole song to listen to and love.
Joanna_Weiss: I find it interesting that Melinda is becoming increasingly controversial. Is it just that everyone's turning on the frontrunner?
csw__Guest_: I really don't think AI wants her to win. They made a mistake last year pushing Taylor on us all, and his album totally tanked. They want the next Kelly or Carrie and Jordin can do that.
Joanna_Weiss: I do think there has been a lot of internal promotion of Jordin. But I think that's partly because Jordin has surprised the producers and the judges by being so good.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: I don't anyon is writing off melinda but I think we are ready to see her sing something other than Motown or a 70's classic.
Joanna_Weiss: Good point. I've always wondered what she would do during, say, country week. (Which, if you remember, is what got Mandisa knocked off last year.)
csw__Guest_: I will say though I was actually surprised by how well most of them performed last night. I expected the show to be blah.
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's a function of the songs - a good song brings out the best in a good singer, and those songs are classics for a reason. I'm not sure No Doubt songs will hold up the same way.
laura_2__Guest_: Vocally Melinda's been the frontrunner but her personality has been an issue all along.
csw__Guest_: I never considered Melinda a front runner.....sure she can sing but she is just missing something.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: AND let's not forget how Marketable Jordin would be to those tweeners....
Joanna_Weiss: See - now you're watching the show as a TV event/personality contest/focus group, not just a singing competition.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: I think they got a free pass last week with Gwen but Latin week is coming next week so they won't be able to hid from it
Joanna_Weiss: That's right - apologies for my past mental slip. Next week is Jennifer Lopez week.
Ozzie__Guest_: A neck
theresa__Guest_: A neck?
Joanna_Weiss: Those are responses to csw's notion that Melinda is missing something. Boy, lack of a neck can really hurt you with the fan base!
Ozzie__Guest_: Jordan Sparks is a very marketable name....Could you imagine seeing the name Melinda Dolittle in lights?
Joanna_Weiss: Good point. Though who would have thought "Christina Aguilera" would be big?
Joanna_Weiss: Or "Justin Timberlake"?
theresa__Guest_: JLo - another "singer" who can't sing
Joanna_Weiss: True. Gwen Stefani can't belt it out like some of these contestants, either. But at least Gwen makes up for her vocal deficiencies with sass and attitude. I've never understood the J.Lo thing.
Gesualdo__Guest_: And don't people change their names?
Joanna_Weiss: Some of them, still. But increasingly, no.
theresa__Guest_: "taylor hicks"
Joanna_Weiss: That, I think, is a built-in lucky showbiz name. Short and snappy. But who knows.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: For me, Melinda, LaKisha, Hayley, Phil are all missing that Je-ne-sais-quoi...
laura_2__Guest_: I saw Jennifer Lopez on Ellen DeGeneres yesterday and she didn't know most of the contestants names. It was kind of funny since she'll be with them next week!!!
Joanna_Weiss: Eek. At least Gwen watched the show.
csw__Guest_: I am surprised that Phil is still around.
Joanna_Weiss: I think he's most likely to leave this week.
theresa__Guest_: Oh, really? I thought you had to get through for the vote to be counted.
Joanna_Weiss: This is an old "Dialidol" question. Dialidol helps you speed dial, but it also measures votes, based on the busy signals it receives. It assumes that a busy signal is a vote cast by someone else.
theresa__Guest_: When Gwen was on there with her 6 inch spikes and short asain girl posse, my boyfriend thought she sounded way different...I told him she was missing her synthesizor
Joanna_Weiss: A lot can be done in the studio. Which is why Sanjaya could have a recording career in his future.
theresa__Guest_: Yeah something about Phil is creepy. Are his eyes really that blue?
Joanna_Weiss: I think it's the bald head that turns people off. Did you catch him in the Tony Bennett clip? It looked like some of his hair was growing in. He must shave the morning of the live show.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Do you think Hayley will make another week [or two]?
Joanna_Weiss: I think her green dress is likely to save her this week. (But I could be wrong.) I'm guessing she won't last too much longer, though.
Ozzie__Guest_: I have trouble watching Phil sing. He has a nice voice but is painful to look at
Joanna_Weiss: I didn't care for his performance this week. Thought Simon was right: totally joyless.
theresa__Guest_: And his ears
Joanna_Weiss: Right. We are all looks-ists. But that's showbiz.
Ozzie__Guest_: Sanjaya will be successful. He will get a record deal similiar to William Hung
Joanna_Weiss: He's a way better singer than William Hung. Sanjaya can carry a tune, most of the time. His problem is projection.
csw__Guest_: Blake or Chris? Who do you like more?
Joanna_Weiss: I like Blake, personally. I think he adds something different and usually unexpected. I like the beatboxing. Chris tends to sing too many runs and tries too hard to look like the aforementioned Justin Timberlake.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Could there be a Sanjaya + William Hung concert in our future?
Joanna_Weiss: Heaven help us, if so.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Oddly enough I didn't the green dress made her look THAT good.
Joanna_Weiss: I think she overdid it. I liked the halter top and hot pants look better.
csw__Guest_: Hayley is the only female "eye candy" on that show......they need her a bit longer.
Joanna_Weiss: That's what has kept her in so far. Which she must realize.
laura_2__Guest_: What's so creepy about Phil is he's soooo pastey white! Almost as if he's a chemotherapy patient. If he would just leave his head and facial hair "scruffy" he wouldn't look so bad!
Joanna_Weiss: See? Singing is barely a factor anymore...
theresa__Guest_: Aiken made it far!
Joanna_Weiss: And then got a total makeover, to the point that he is now unrecognizable. Elliot Yamin looks terrific now, too. I think he got his teeth fixed.
Charlie_Tuna__Guest_: He is young he will get better.
Joanna_Weiss: Is this Sanjaya? Yes, I think he can only improve with age and seasoning. I also think he is starting to enjoy himself, as opposed to just being frightened.
JasonHicks__Guest_: Though Sanjaya seemed to be going through spots where he just talked instead of sang last night.
Joanna_Weiss: It's a tough song, actually. I give him some degree of credit for trying.
theresa__Guest_: I wonder what Sanjaya really feels about all of his negative publicity at age 17.
Joanna_Weiss: I suspect that he's gone through stages. It would be hard at any age to face that sort of scrutiny. But I also think, as I said, that he's starting to see it as a big joke and a big opportunity.
theresa__Guest_: I would so buy that duet!
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjay and, um, William Hung? Or Phil and Elliott Yamin?
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Blake is my frontrunner this year - he seems to be able to adapt better than most of the group
Joanna_Weiss: He'll go far, though probably not as far as Jordin. But I'd say he has a decent shot at number 2, if the Melinda backlash continues.
laura_2__Guest_: We are looks-ists!! I was about to say if they really stood out vocally then thought about Melinda and it has to be a combo of vocals and personality
Joanna_Weiss: It always does. Star power has a lot to do with je-ne-sais-quoi. Again, I hold up Gwen Stefani: decent but not spectacular voice, marketable personality.
theresa__Guest_: She was totally girl next door looking until that other chick got the boot
Joanna_Weiss: Haley, you mean. Yes, she has embraced her position as resident "hot girl."
MilfordIdol__Guest_: I felt really bad for her this week since no 1 judge gave her singing feedback. she looked shocked
Joanna_Weiss: I think she considers herself a certain kind of singer, of the Celine Dion variety. Just like Gina considers herself a rocker. Neither is correct.
The_Brick__Guest_: Why doesn't Haley just strip while she sings and get it over with? She has a Playboy spread in her future (those 15 minutes of fame after she gets kicked off)
Joanna_Weiss: Right. It certainly looked, at a couple of points, like she was going there last night. Which is precisely why she shouldn't look surprised. Again, I think she understands that sex appeal is helping her stay afloat. But she still considers herself a diva-esque singer.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Signing is a factor - unless you look like the mutain biker from Weird Science...
Joanna_Weiss: It is a factor. But not the only factor.
laura_2__Guest_: I think Haley goes w/in the next 2 weeks. In no particular order I think the 3 to go next (starting tonight) will be Phil, Haley and (Gina or Chris)
Joanna_Weiss: I think that's a very good guess. I tend to agree.
theresa__Guest_: Yes he did. And they made him grow a bunch of facial hair
Joanna_Weiss: This is Elliot Yamin. Yes. I thought his style trajectory over last season was fascinating; as his hair grew out, he looked better and better.
Joanna_Weiss: "Idol" is a lot of fun to watch as a fashion show. I sort of think they should have a side competition for stylists.
JasonHicks__Guest_: Yamin = caps
Joanna_Weiss: Mm-hmm. And we care because...we're looks-ists.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: Melinda sings wonderfully but there seems to be some disconnect with the singing and the personality. She has none when she stands there listening to the judges comments.
Joanna_Weiss: Lots of backlash against Melinda tonight. I find it fascinating. And I suspect that means she's going to have a scary week, sometime soon.
laura_2__Guest_: Elliott on his album cover is totally unrecognizable!!!
Joanna_Weiss: I agree. I did a double-take.
theresa__Guest_: And, he had to dance with Paula.
Joanna_Weiss: Is this Sanjaya? Here's the thing - he has figured out how to ham it up a bit. Good for him, I say...
MilfordIdol__Guest_: Is Jason Hicks Taylor's brother?
Joanna_Weiss: I'll put this to you, Jason.
hpguy__Guest_: Do you think the Idol concept could be derailed by a large amount of people voting for someone like Sanjaya because they know he is the weakest constestant?
Joanna_Weiss: A lot of speculation about that in recent weeks, hpguy. In press interviews, the producers have downplayed that possibility, saying the number of votes are so vast that the renegade groups amount to a drop in the bucket.
Joanna_Weiss: They don't release vote demographics, and it would be hard to detect that for absolute sure. But I suspect they know pretty well what the show's core fan base is.
Charlie_Tuna__Guest_: Lakisha best American Idol singer ever?
Joanna_Weiss: I think you'd get some dissenters here, Charlie.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: but the white suit?!?!?!
Joanna_Weiss: Sanjaya's outfit. Thought it was a little mafioso, myself. But I remembered it. And I have no recollection of what Phil was wearing last night.
theresa__Guest_: Sanjaya + Hung
Joanna_Weiss: Theresa, you might be the only person on the planet to buy that album!
The_Brick__Guest_: I think Sanjaya was trying to pull off a Mafia-type look in anticipation of The Sopranos returning OR maybe Sanjaya is the GODFATHER
Joanna_Weiss: That is an "Idol" theory I haven't yet heard. But I kind of like it.
Ms__Fit__Guest_: I do hope that Sanjaya realizes it's a joke but he doesn't look sophisticated enough to really get it.
Joanna_Weiss: I think he's starting to get it. Which I'm happy about. Because for awhile, I was worried about him from a psychological standpoint.
laura_2__Guest_: Ya, I wasn't sure exactly how to take S's comment last night to Simon - "Thank you! Welcome to the Universe of Sanjaya!"
Joanna_Weiss: I think it was an attempt at self-aware sarcasm.
MilfordIdol__Guest_: I would agree but Jordin also has to pick better songs in order to win it all, a fw of her choices have been less than good.
Joanna_Weiss: This is on a potential Jordin win. The judges seem to be promoting her a lot, and I agree with readers who note that she is very marketable. But, again, she has demonstrated great range and ability as a singer. And I really don't think they expected that from her in the very beginning.
rich__Guest_: THe final five will be Blake, Jordin, Lakisha, Melinda and Sanjaya. Sanjaya will go, then Melinda and Lakisha will cancel each other out. Blake and Jordin in the final.
Joanna_Weiss: I'm going to keep this on file! It's as good a guess as any.
Joanna_Weiss: Guys, I'll leave you with another plea for comments on the "House" ads and the horror-show ad that turned up toward the end of the show. If you've got thoughts, e-mail me at weiss@globe.com
Joanna_Weiss: In the meantime, great thoughts on "Idol." I'm taking note of the Melinda dissatisfaction, and the fact that people seem less angry about Sanjaya than they did last week...
Joanna_Weiss: Thanks again for coming. Let's do it again next Wednesday. 