Real Kato Blog: American Idol, Week 7

It's Tony Bennett night, so I guess we're watching Old Fogey Idol. (Didn't this used to be a pop singing competition?)

Blake: 8/10.
He sings "Mack the Knife". It's not my favorite from him; a little loungy and not very original. He might be taking last week's criticism about indulgence to heart. Randy says it's a good song choice; a few pitch problems, but a good funky jazz vibe. Paula says "pizzazz" and "hip cat". Simon says it's a good song and a good performance, but the band was a big part of why it was good.

Phil: 5/10.
He sings... oh, who cares what this is. It's pitchy and boring, and BLEH. Randy says it's an interesting choice, that he sang it well, but there was no connection or passion. Paula says he's reminiscent of a young Frank Sinatra, but he needs to warm his vocals up. Simon says "which Frank Sinatra are you referring to?" He says it has all the joy of a funeral parlor performance.

Melinda: 9/10.
She sings "I've Got Rhythm". It's on-key, energetic, and very professional. It's entertaining and it doesn't cross over into being cabaret. Randy says she gives everyone a lesson in singing, interpreting every lyric. Paula says she's a master class for everyone else. Simon says the start was a bit cabaret, but the last half was great.

Chris R: 10/10.
He sings "Don't Get Around Much Any More". This fits him well, and this is easily his best vocal performance. He really needs to get more consistency, because he's talented and charismatic, but he only pulls out stuff like this once in a while. Randy says it was one of his best performances of the whole season; it was cool, young, and hip. Paula says he didn't compromise, it was cool and hip, and his best performance bar none. Simon says it was very good, believable, and he worked it out well.

Jordin: 9/10.
She sings "On a Clear Day". It's not my favorite song but she's doing a lot with it. It's a warm and personable performance, and the vocals are really good. Randy says it was the bomb again, a controlled performance, and very professional for a 17-year-old. Paula says she's a magnet of joy, and "I'm so frickin' proud of you". Simon says she sang it very well, but didn't do what Chris did (make it young and current).

Gina: 9/10.
She sings "Smile". She looks really great tonight. It's a controlled and emotional performance. The vocals are good, and she makes the song sound pretty. Randy says it was a nice, controlled performance. Paula says it was flawless, understated, beautiful, and sentimental. Simon says he can't rave about the vocals because two girls before her outsang her.

Sanjaya: 5/10.
He sings "Dancing Cheek to Cheek". Why? Why? Why is he still here? It's pitchy, weak, and not at all believable. Simon has the only noteworthy comment: "Let's try a different tactic... incredible." (Sanjaya doesn't seem to get the irony.)

Haley: 6/10.
She sings "Ain't Misbehavin'". It starts OK, but there are a few shaky notes. And then the song takes a cabaret turn, which is entirely inappropriate for this song. She is still the reigning queen of cruise-ship performances. Randy says it's in her wheelhouse of songs. Paula says nothing useful. Simon says it's a good style of music for her, but it was pageant-y.

Lakisha: 7/10.
She sings "Stormy Weather". At the start, there are two low notes in there that are just bleated; it throws me off right away. And then she starts singing power-blues as if the song were "I Am Woman (Hear Me Roar)"; again, it's inappropriate for this song, which is supposed to be a sentimental ballad. Randy says it was pitchy at the start but really good at the end. Paula says she looks gorgeous and sounds beautiful. Simon says it was a sassy, great performance.

Standings: (Weighted running average)
Safe:
Gina 9.0
Melinda 9.0
Blake 8.7
Jordin 8.5
Chris R 8.3
Lakisha 7.5
----
At risk:
Haley 6.5
Phil 6.2
Sanjaya 4.0

Permalink 1 Comment

Posted by Ken in: television

Comments

Comment #1 from Ken (realkato)
2007 Apr 5 - 11:13 am : #

You gotta be kidding. Gina is out after two strong performances in a row, and Sanjaya isn't even in the bottom three? I think the people on VoteForTheWorst.com should really think about who they're punishing with their tactics.

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