'Idol:' The Black Turtleneck of Doom
Yes, there were some very good performances tonight by the girls, who continue to mop up the floor with the boys. But what made the biggest lingering impression was Ryan's outfit, which made him look as if he'd stepped off the set of "Love Story." Between that and Simon's decision to show some chest hair tonight, I was suitably distracted.
Maybe that's because, good as many of these women are, they're also fairly predictable by now; LaKisha will throw her great power into one of those dial-it-to-11 power ballads; Melinda will do the same, with more nuance; Gina will shriek out a song and then look exceedingly proud of herself. And so on, and so forth. If there is justice in the world, Antonella and Haley will go home. But we all know that, in general, this world is only half-just.
A few more specific thoughts (about the singers, not Ryan's clothes) after the jump.
1) Weird song choice for Jordin; at 17, she's a little too cherubic to be doing a credible Pat Benatar, and she seemed to always be rushing to catch up with the song.
2) I like Sabrina a lot, always have, and I think the judges are undercutting her a bit. I predict that, when we get to the genre songs, she'll be able to show more flexibility than some of the other favorites.
3) Antonella. Sigh. At least she had the good sense not to try another over-the-top pop ballad, though even on the modest "Put Your Records On," she couldn't hit the notes in the lower register.
Still, I give her credit for standing her ground when Simon told her, in the end, that she simply wasn't a good enough singer. (Wish he'd mentioned that at some point in the audition phase; the way these folks get buoyed with false praise is pretty sick.) What was she supposed to say? "You're right, I hereby forfeit my place"? On the other hand, if she knocks out Sabrina for the top 12 just because of those racy photos, I'm going to be hopping mad.
4) Haley's performance made me realize that she'd be the perfect singer for a "Disney Princesses on Ice" tour. Unequivocal proof: Ava seemed utterly transfixed.
5) I'm no expert on Chaka Khan, so I can't say whether Stephanie's performance was absolute mimicry, but it was damned good anyway.
6) LaKisha is LaKisha. Though I must say, Whitney Houston songs bore me.
7) Gina is Gina. Which, I suppose, is a good thing. But, girl, is that really what you wear at home every day?
8) Melinda is Melinda. But what will she sing on country week?
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