Oh shoot! I just researched further… that show is completely sold out, which is mind boggling because the tickets started at $78 and went all the way up to $258! Dang. Guess there are some hard core Moody Blues fans.

We’ve turned both of our kids onto Hall & Oates over the years – they both request to hear our mix CDs with their music. Funny thing – when they came out on the stage just now and Darryl Hall started singing, Aric goes, “I thought the singer was black. In fact, I thought the whole band was black.” HA! That just shows you right there, these boys got some serious soul.

For anyone who watched America’s Got Talent last year – Biana Ryan was the opening act for Hall & Oates tonight. She’s got a lot of talent for a 12 year old, but she definitely has some growing to do where her singing is concerned. Some parts of her performance were downright cringe-worthy.

Well, that’s how we’re spending our night of the 4th – at home in front of the TV. It’s been a laid back day here – Aric isn’t feeling well so the two of us stayed home while Rob and Connor went to my sister’s for a BBQ. So no BBQ or fireworks for me this 4th of July, but that’s okay. I’m perfectly content to be right where I am.

First of all, let’s get the judges out of the way. Paula supposedly broke her nose, but I don’t see any signs of it. Randy has on the most bizarre jacket I’ve ever seen – what is with those gold chains hanging off the side? Also, I have to tell you that I’m watching this on my broken TV, so I’m seeing red and in double. Maybe Randy’s jacket isn’t that bad? I suspect it is, though.

Ryan is flipping a coin to see who sings first. Blake wins the toss and decides to go first. I’d go first, too, if I had the choice. They have to be so nervous!

Blake’s first song was his rendition of “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi. He did it much like he did the first time he sang it, but with even more beat boxing. I thought the beat was a bit slow, but it was an excellent performance. I love watching him on that stage!

Jordin’s first song was “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera. She did a great job considering it’s a Christina song, but she is no Christina. I’m surprise Randy didn’t say something about her trying to tackle a song like this. If I had never heard the original, I probably would have thought Jordin did this beautifully, but I inevitably did the comparison.

I agree with Simon – first round goes to Blake.

Second round Blake sings “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 again. This is one of my favorite songs to sing along to – it’s going to take some restraint to not do that so I can listen to Blake sing. I’m glad I didn’t sing – I would have missed something really great. He sang it so pretty. However, I have to admit his version didn’t give me chills the way the original does when I listen to it on the radio.

Jordin’s second song was “A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride and while the beginning just about put me to sleep, it really picked up in the end and she gave me chills. She knocked Blake out of the park in this round.

The third round is a new song no one has heard before by people who win a song writing contest. The winning song is called “This Is My Now”, another slowish pop song.

Blake up first and I can see why he added the extra beat boxing to the first song now – he knew there was no place for it in the last two. I could totally see this song being a hit on the radio – it’s very catchy after only one listen. I wish Blake could have ended with something more dynamic and funky, though. And obviously Blake would have preferred to do something else, too! It doesn’t matter, he’ll have his own career once this is over and he knows it.

Jordin made this sound like a completely different song. Wow – was that really the same song? Incredible. This is obviously her genre and she once again out-performed Blake. If we’re judging the votes for who wins based solely on tonight – Jordin wins, hands down. She fits the stereotype more anyway.

I’ll be happy with whoever wins, but I think Jordin should win this thing. Looking forward to tomorrow night! I can’t believe the season is over already… but don’t you worry, these posts will soon be replaced by posts for So You Think You Can Dance! Woot!

It’s my man, Blake and my girl, Jordin!!!

You have no idea how thrilled I am that my two favorites have made it to the finale. This never happens! So, so, awesome! Also, I’m pretty damn proud of my predictions being right for so much of this competition. I rule! Hee!

Jordin Sparks is up first singing “Wishing On A Star” by Rose Royce, a song picked by Simon. I’m not familiar with this song, but Simon picked a good one. I liked it a lot. Simon says he wishes it wasn’t the jazzy version, I’d be interested to hear the original.

Next up is Blake Lewis singing “Roxanne” by the Police, chosen by Paula. Excellent choice, Paula! Rob hated it, but I agree with the judges – it was good. You don’t come here to hear what Rob has to say anyway, do you? He’s listening from another room; I’m watching the screen and there’s a bunch of hotness emanating from my TV screen that Rob is just not aware of.

Wrapping up the judges’ choice round is Melinda Doolittle singing “I Believe In You and Me” by Whitney Houston picked by the captain of the Dawg Pound, Randy Jackson. I’m surprised he picked a Whitney Houston song since he is always the first one to say you can’t do the “big ones” like Whitney, but just like I suspected – he was testing her. I liked it, the vocal was very pretty, but it was kind of boring. I think it’s her stage presence.

Next round is producer’s choice.

First up is Jordin Sparks singing “She Works Hard For the Money” by Donna Summer. This girl has got some serious soul! Man, I loved that. The end was incredible with the run she did – gave me chills.

In the middle spot again is Blake Lewis singing “This Love” by Maroon 5. One of my favorite songs of recent years. I just knew he would fit the beat box in there on this song and he did not disappoint. He sang this beautifully – I’ve seen people say he is not that strong of a singer, but I disagree and this song just proves my belief.

Wrapping up our three for this round is Melinda Doolittle singing “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike & Tina Turner. She’s reminded us of Tina Turner a few times this season, so this song choice makes sense. You know what the thing is about Melinda? She is an excellent singer, but there is just something too controlled, too perfect about the way she sings. Almost like there is all training and not a lot of soul, but that’s not entirely true because she does have soul. So I’m not quite sure what I’m trying to say exactly. Aren’t you glad you read all that anyway?

Okay now is the last round – contestant’s choice.

Jordin Sparks is singing “I Who Have Nothing” by Shirley Bassey. She sang this during British Invasion week and did a knock out job then, and she did the same tonight. Beautiful job. I wish she picked a song she didn’t already do, though. I know the judges keep saying it, but it bears repeating – it is unbelievable this girl is only 17 years old. She is mind blowing.

OMG – Blake’s in between segment where he was beat boxing for Sir Mix A Lot? HOT!!!! Nice. Okay Blake’s final song of the night is “When I Get You Alone” by Robin Thicke. That kicked ass! I especially liked the end. Definitely picking up the phone for him tonight.

Ending the show for us is Melinda Doolittle singing “I’m A Woman” by Peggy Lee. Again with the repeat. I love that Blake was the only one to sing a new song for the artist’s choice. I think she did a good job with this, but again, she bores me. She just doesn’t do it for me.

I’m not sure if America will agree with me or not… my prediction is that Melinda’s going home tomorrow. It’ll be a shocker if she does because I’m sure everyone is expecting it to be Blake. We’ll see!

First up is Melinda Doolittle singing “Love You Inside Out” and I didn’t like it that much. It was pretty boring.

Second singer tonight is Blake Lewis singing “You Should Be Dancing”. He’s dressed totally funky, as usual and he’s also sporting blonde streaks in his hair. The stylists are having a good time with this guy. When he breaks out with that whole beat box thing… man! Chills! It doesn’t even sound like something that could come out of a human, it sounds completely synthesized. Incredible. The judges hated it, though! Oh well. I might be slightly prejudiced.

Next is LaKisha Jones singing “Staying Alive”. I’m expecting some major screaming with this. Girlfriend does not need to be wearing that outfit. Who told her it was okay to wear spandex pants on national television? Cruel. I do like what she did with the song, though – even though she did do some shouting. I liked the funky thing with the beat she did, I thought it worked, but the judges don’t agree with me.

Wrapping up the first of the performances is Jordin Sparks singing “Love Somebody”. She did such a great job with that. It was simply beautiful. And I agree with the judges on this one – she was the best so far.

Singing her second song of the night, Melinda chose “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”. She really needed to come out with something fun this time, but she didn’t. The beginning put me more to sleep than the first song did, but she finished it with a bang. It was good, but I still think she should have done something more dynamic.

Blake chose “This Is Where I Came In” for his second song. He’s back to his prep school boy look. Hmm. This song was pretty boring, too. I think he should have done something more well known. I didn’t love it and I think he might be in some serious danger tonight. Rut roh time for my baby.

The second song for LaKisha is “Run To Me”. I agree with Simon on this one – it wasn’t horrible, but it certainly wasn’t great, either. I can’t say it enough, though – her boobs are just freaking ginormous and distracting.

Closing the show, Jordin is singing “Woman In Love”. She’s going to put this competition in the bag with this, I think. Great song choice! She looks stunning tonight – I love her gown and earrings and her hair and makeup are fierce, too. I thought she sang the song beautifully, but the judges didn’t love it. It was a rough night for all four of them.

It is going to be a toss-up tomorrow to see who goes home. I hope since Blake is the only guy left, he’ll get plenty of the female votes. I’m going to say LaKisha goes home tomorrow night.

[tags]American Idol, reality television, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest[/tags]

Tell me he’s not one bad mother effer. Love him.

[tags]American Idol, Blake Lewis, Bon Jovi, You Give Love a Bad Name[/tags]

So, here we go. Man, Bon Jovi has aged well, hasn’t he? I see him fairly regularly since he owns the Philadelphia Soul AFL team – and I see he’s wearing their t-shirt tonight – but I’m always amazed at how good he looks for some reason. He’s just a cool guy.

And Phil Stacey is going first singing “Blaze of Glory”. No surprise there. Whoa. He gave me chills. More than once. This was damn good. I love how he made it his own, but didn’t stray too far from the original so you still know what song it is. He totally should have worn a cowboy hat, though. I mean, cover that dome up whenever possible, man. You’ve got the perfect excuse – singing a Bon Jovi song – use it! Ha! Randy had to get in that he recorded this song with Bon Jovi! Also, he hit the nail on the head when he said Phil was channeling Steve Perry. I see what Simon is saying about not making it until next week, but not based on this performance.

Jordin Sparks is singing “Livin’ On A Prayer” and she made me feel so old by saying her mom grew up on Bon Jovi. Egads! Love her wild and crazy hair! Check this girl out, decked out in black with bright yellow heels. I don’t think this was a very good song choice for her. I’m not sure what other song she could have sang, though… but those low registers are hard for her, she’s struggling. When she can belt it out, it’s good and she’s so totally cute it almost makes up for the surprisingly mediocre singing. Gotta put in some extra calls for her tonight since I don’t want her going home over one bad song.

And now we have LaKisha Jones singing “This Ain’t a Love Song” – a song I don’t know. Bon Jovi says he would bet she’s not going to go home after singing this song. We’ll be the judge of that, Mr. Bon Jovi. She looks sultry tonight, but that tube top/bustier combo…. dude. I guess she’s playing to the boob angle the way Gina played her body. I have to reluctantly admit that she gave me chills with this. Damn. I guess Simon got chills, too, since he gave her a kiss afterwards. He just wanted to get close to those succulent lips. HAHAH! He just told her he loves her lips – the look in his eyes said, “I love your DSLs, baby!” Nice.

Up next is Blake Lewis singing “You Give Love A Bad Name” in dark hair! Whoa! He’s going to put his spin on this song and Jon is worried about it. His mixture of beat-boxing and soulful singing just blows me away. I don’t care what anyone says, this guy has got what it takes to make it. He is just so unique and charismatic and original. LOVE HIM! Loved this song! Picking up the phone for him tonight for sure.

Chris Richardson is singing “Wanted Dead Or Alive” and he’s sporting his Members Only jacket again.
How embarrassing to not know all the words to the song in front of the original artist. And Chris gets the smoke backdrop. Maybe the producers are trying to distract from that jacket paired with the white belt. This song bored me. It wasn’t bad, and he seemed to hit all the notes and remember all the lyrics, but it was just blah. Nothing special about it.

Wrapping up the show, Melinda Doolittle is singing “Have A Nice Day”. This is a newer song that I like. I have no doubt that she’ll kick this song’s ass. Ha! As soon as the song started, Connor yelled out, “More cowbell!” Funny kid. Melinda looks hot tonight – love her outfit and hair. I want her hair. And I’ll take her voice, too, while you’re at it. I think she did a good job. It didn’t blow me away or anything, but it was good.

Oh my word. The President and First Lady have a clip thanking everyone for their donations. That was random.

So my favorites of the night were Blake and Phil.

Phone numbers:

Phil Stacey: 1-866-436-5701 & 5707
Jordin Sparks: 1-866-436-5702 & 5708
LaKisha Jones: 1-866-436-5703 & 5709
Blake Lewis: 1-866-436-5704 & 5710
Chris Richardson: 1-866-436-5705 & 5711
Melinda Doolittle: 1-866-436-5706 & 5712

Going home tomorrow night? Chris and Phil.

[tags]American Idol, Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Jon Bon Jovi[/tags]

Next week, all of the results for this week will be combined to vote off two contestants. Should be interesting!

[tags]American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Bono, charity[/tags]

Chris Richardson is singing “Change The World” by Eric Clapton. This is a great song, and I think might be a good song choice for him. Let’s see. Uh, well if he could sing in tune, it might have been a good song choice. Wow, he is all over the place with this! And wait a minute – where is the footage of Bono mentoring Chris? What the hell? The song got a little better once Chris stood up, but I still hated it. And the judges do not agree with me – even Simon. Oh well, I stand by my opinion. And what in the world happened to Simon’s shirt button? Who is he showing all that man cleavage to? Weirdo.

Melinda Doolittle is up next singing “There Will Come A Day” by Faith Hill. I tried something different tonight and listened to her from another room, not intentionally, but nevertheless – and she sounded just incredible, as usual. Once I got back in the room, I saw that she looked awesome, too! Way to go, girl. Oddly enough, the huge conglomerate of a necklace doesn’t draw attention to her lack of a neck, in fact, I think it does the opposite. Interesting. But, again, no Bono. I’m starting to get a little pissed now.

Next up is Blake Lewis (my honey!) singing “Imagine” by John Lennon. I bet Bono loved that he chose this song – ha! (Bono hates this song, for the record.) However, this is one of my favorite songs, so Blake sticks to being in tune with me. We are soul mates, I’m telling you, people. Blake just sat there and sang, and very prettily, I might add. He could have used the falsetto a bit more, I think he was weak in that area. Overall, I liked it, though. Still no Bono. I’m about to jump through my TV screen.

And now we have LaKisha Jones singing “I Believe” by Fantasia. I’m scared of her boobs. Seriously. I thought they were going to reach out and touch me. Her weird mouth thing is really starting to bug me, too. I need to leave the room and not watch her like I did with Melinda, maybe. I didn’t love it. And neither did the judges, even if Randy and Paula had a hard time expressing themselves. Again with the no Bono. Not even in the Africa clips and we all know how often he is over there – they couldn’t get him on film anywhere?

The scary headed Phil Stacey is now singing “The Change” by Garth Brooks. He got good reviews after singing country before, he could be smart to do it again this week. His voice started out pretty, and had some nice tones in the quiet moments. When he hit those big notes, though, he went horribly out of tune – like real scary out of tune. And apparently Randy and Paula are tone deaf tonight. And Simon is delusional because he thinks people like him. Eh. Do I even need to say it? No Bono.

Finishing up the show is Jordin Sparks singing the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. Wow. That blew me away. Damn, I love this girl. She looks great, she sounds great, she’s got the whole package. Love her. Didn’t love not seeing Bono. That was such a total sham. Why even mention he mentored them? Ugh!

My favorites tonight were Melinda, Jordin, and Blake, as usual. I think LaKisha is in real danger of going home tomorrow night.

[tags]American Idol, reality television, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Ryan Seacrest, Bono[/tags]