Real Kato Blog: American Idol, Week 8

Well, Gina getting voted out last week was a shocker for me. Let's see if I still have any credibility... or if this show still has any. It's Jennifer Lopez night, which somehow translates to a heavy dose of Miami Sound Machine.

Before we get to the performances, a couple of things. First of all, I think Gina was wronged last week, and her exit performance was heartbreaking. Second, Michael Buble totally sucked, and lots of people think he must have been drunk. Third, ohbejuan , I'm gonna keep on blogging about Idol, so get used to it. :P

Melinda: 7/10.
She sings "Sway". She looks like a schoolmarm and it's an old-fashioned performance. She sings it well but it sounds like a James Bond theme song. Randy says it's another solid performance; not her best, but solid. Paula says it's sultry, smooth, subtle, sexy, and beautiful. Simon didn't like it; he says it was lounge-y and cabaret and lazy and wooden.

Lakisha: 6/10.
She sings "Conga". Ugh, I hate this song. Her performance is pretty karaoke-ish; it's not a challenging song, and it doesn't showcase her talent. Yuk. Randy says she was having fun and making the song her own. Paula says it was a safe performance, at a time she needs to be bringing out her very best. Simon says it's not a singer's song; she was having fun but he's not sure everyone at home was.

Chris R: 7/10.
He sings "Smooth". It's a weird, horrible start. Is this the wrong key for him, or is there just an entire range of notes that he can't sing at all? It's shaky until the chorus, which is bearable. Randy says he did a good job, he found himself, and it was cool. Paula says it was hot and sexy. Simon says it wasn't the best vocal, but it felt contemporary, and it was a good performance.

Haley: 7/10.
She sings "Turn the Beat Around". (Is Gloria Estefan the only choice tonight?) Surprisingly, I don't hate this performance. It suits her, and it's pretty contemporary. Her ad-libbing is horrible but it's not the worst we've seen from her. Randy says it's very karaoke. Paula says it's not a singer's song, but it's fun. Simon says she's using the right tactic: to wear the least amount of clothes possible and to have fun, because she's not going to outsing the others.

Phil: 7/10.
He sings "Maria Maria". He looks and sounds like death warmed over... again. He's just got a gloomy air about him. It's vocally pretty good, except when his voice cracks (twice). But it's dull. Randy says it's not his best, he didn't connect, and his voice cracked. Paula says it was a real good vocal except for the end when his voice cracked. Simon says he's a nice guy but there's no originality, and the performance was flat and lifeless.

Jordin: 6/10.
She sings "Rhythm is Gonna Get You". Bleah. This again isn't a singer's song: what's the matter with everyone, choosing this Miami Sound Machine crap? It's very karaoke, and often shouty. Randy says she's "got it", and she's got "the 'yo' factor on blast". Paula says she's authentic. Simon says it's just another OK performance like everyone else, and that he's not seeing any progression tonight (from anyone).

Blake: 9/10.
He sings "I Need To Know". Thank God for Blake. On any other night, this might not seem that good, but tonight, its gold. It's contemporary and interesting and the only believable performance of the night. Randy says it's the best song choice of the night, and a hot performance. Paula says it's a smart performance that captured who he is. Simon says it's the best song choice of the night and the best performance of the night.

Sanjaya: 7/10.
He sings "Bésame Mucho". You know, it's actually listenable. It's a little bit weak and a little bit dull, but it's a pretty song, and he actually shows some promise with this. Randy says (in a surprised voice) it's actually pretty good. Paula says he's got good pitch, and it's smooth and nice. Simon says the lyrics were unintelligible and he sounded like a fourteen-year-old, but it wasn't horrible.

Standings: (Weighted running average)
Safe:
Blake 8.7
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At risk:
Melinda 8.0
Chris R 8.0
Lakisha 7.5
Jordin 7.2
Haley 6.7
Phil 6.5
Sanjaya 5.3

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