Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2007, Fox Broadcasting

Stephanie Edwards and Sabrina Sloan

While last week the female American Idol semifinalists kicked butt, this week the top singers backed off a little, while the weaker singers attempted to improve their lackluster performances from week one.

Some succeeded, some not so much.

Like the guys before them, they got to dedicate their song to someone special. Gina Glocksen kicked off the evening with the Heart song, "How Do I Get You Alone", dedicated to her boyfriend. She powered through it, but she suffered from several flat notes. Frankly, I just don't get her. Before Simon even said anything about her dress, I noticed the same thing. She was wearing this red evening dress to sing a rock song, which just showed that she has no clue who she's trying to be.

Judge Randy Jackson called the song a good choice and said that by the end of the song she got it together. Nice judge Paula Abdul said she did an excellent job. Tough judge Simon Cowell called the song a good choice but said the vocals were forced at the end. He said he was confused about who she was, and that when they'd chosen her to compete, they thought she was edgier.

Next was everybody's favorite Buffy lookalike, Alaina Alexander, singing the Dixie Chicks song, "Not Ready to Make Nice", dedicated to her mom. While it was better than last week, at parts she sounded like she was talking rather than singing.

Randy said that she started good but during the chorus it was a mess. Paula called it a hard song and said her pitch was off but not nearly as badly as Randy had said. Simon said the performance was like Randy taking part in a 100-meter spring: she ran out of steam 3/4 of the way through.

Quickly becoming the force to beat, LaKisha Jones dedicated the Gladys Knight song "Midnight Train to Georgia" to her grandmother. Unlike the childlike, energetic performance that Paris Bennett gave the song last season, LaKisha's was that of a seasoned performer. Musician/comedian Jack Black would call it tasty.

Randy said he liked that she showed some spirit this week. Paula said she loved it and "I love you." Simon called her a phenomenally good singer, though he said it was not as good as last week. He told her to act like a star and critiqued her outfit, which he called distracting. Admittedly, the bright orange, shapeless top paired with a tight jean miniskirt made her look like an orange on a stick. Stacy and Clinton from TLC's What Not to Wear would agree.

Taking a different tack, Melinda Doolittle performed the standard from Pal Joey, "My Funny Valentine". She dedicated it to her two best friends, a vocal coach and stylist. The jazzy number showed off her strong stage presence, and her stylist must be doing a good job, because her blue jacket fit her perfectly and gave an updated look to her while she sang an older song.

Randy said that now "we've got a competition" and called her unbelievable, the one to beat. Paula called her astounding and said her phrasing was beautiful. Simon said that was incredible and it was the best of the competition.

Antonella Barba, who'd had a hard week after nude pictures of her were released on the Internet, dedicated the Celine Dion song "Because You Loved Me" to her brother. While the sentiment was sweet, and I really wanted to like her, the performance was wobbly and really off.

Randy called her drop dead gorgeous but said the song was too big for her and her pitch was all over. Paula, though, said she'd made leaps and bounds from last week. Simon said the vocals were not good enough and that it was worse than last week.

Jordin Sparks took on the Christina Aguilera song "Reflection", dedicating it to her brother. She wore a more flattering outfit than last week's blousy top, which frankly, made her look pregnant. Despite a weak opening, she gained strength, managing to overcome a few off notes.

Randy called it a good song but acknowledged some pitchy moments. He said that where she is at 17 is unbelievable but it wasn't her best. Paula said there's something about her that's infectious. She called her a brilliant, talented girl and a good human being. Simon said it was not her best but compared to some of the others it was excellent. He said she has strong potential and great personality.

Dedicated to her mom and dad, Stephanie Edwards commanded the stage with a rendition of the Beyonce song "Dangerously in Love". I really think she's a diamond in the rough. She needs to fine tune her phrasing and watch her strained facial expressions when she goes for the power notes.

Randy said she sang her face off and said it was better than last week but said it was a little "Beyonce Light." Paula called it fantastic and brilliant. She said many people should be falling in love with her after that performance. Simon agreed with Paula, calling it a terrific performance.

Leslie Hunt, who somehow gets freakier with every performance, sang Michael Buble's "Feeling Good", dedicating it to her late grandfather. She was less awkward than last week, but her strange attempt at scatting and her crazy eyes just creeped me out.

Randy said it's good to see her return, though it was a little pitchy. He liked the a capella opening. Paula said she was back in her element. Simon said that the scatting at the end of the song sounded like Paula talking, i.e. nonsensical babble. He said that she was getting wacked by about three or four big voices and was getting lost.

Making an ill-advised song choice, forgettable Haley Scarnato sang the Whitney Houston song, "Queen of the Night". All I could think while listening to it was, "Wow, the background singers really sound good."

Randy said that this song has more parts for the background singers than the lead vocal. He called it not great. Paula said it was leaps and bounds better than last week. Simon gave her an "A" for effort but said it was a little manic and that vocally she came off badly.

Finishing off the night, Sabrina Sloan performed the Whitney Houston song "All the Man That I Need", dedicating it to her grandmother. She infused it with a soul feel, which was an interesting choice and perfect for her voice. While it wasn't as exciting as last week, she's a strong contender to make it into the top 12.

Randy said that she lost touch with the pitch near the end of the song but said it was a big song and she has a big voice. Paula called it fantastic and said she's a big contender. Simon called it very good but advised her not to confuse power with shouting. He told her to watch comparisons with strong vocalists like Whitney, which makes me think he wasn't blown away this week, either.

Kudos go to Melinda for making us love her. LaKisha and Sabrina were strong but need to step up the wow factor if they want to make it to the top. Stephanie was strong and shouldn't be in any danger.

Those with the most to fear this week are Alaina and Antonella, whose performances were the weakest. Also in danger are Haley, who's still forgettable, and Leslie, who stood out for the wrong reasons.

More on American Idol:

Musings on American Idol Season 6 (2007)

Musings on American Idol Season 5 (2006)

Musings on American Idol Season 4 (2005)

Musings on American Idol Season 3 (2004)

Copyright 2006 by Alyce Wilson

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