Lewis, One of 2007's Hottest Bachelors

Well, he didn't make the cover like Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks did last year, but Blake Lewis needn't hide his sexy head in shame. People magazine has named Lewis one of 2007's Hottest Bachelors, in their issue of the same name that hits the stands tomorrow featuring Matthew McConaughey on the cover.

The magazine's Web site says that the "American Idol" runner-up admits that, deep down, he's the sensitive type: "I'm the dozen roses kind of guy. I've done some serenading. In an intimate setting singing to a girl is beautiful."

What does Lewis look for in a woman? Independence, spontaneity, a heart of soul; someone who can take care of herself and is not too needy, is attractive ("there's got to be some chemistry"), likes to have fun and "likes cheesy white guys, like myself."

The biggest turn off? Someone who whines and complains a lot, is negative, pessimistic ("I'm very optimistic, focused and driven").

You can watch a video of the People photo shoot of Blake Lewis here.

SINGING THE SAME TUNE

Included in a USA Today article titled "They sing to their dads' tunes" was Sesaon 6 semi-finalist Sundance Head and his day, singer Roy Head.

The offspring: A 2007 American Idol Top 24 finalist, Sundance, 28, impressed judges with a performance of Bobby Blue Bland's "Stormy Monday." A blues shouter by nature, he plans to record an album of R&B duets with fellow Idol contestant Sabrina Sloan.

The springboard: Roy, 66, had a No. 2 hit in 1965 with "Treat Her Right," a horn-drenched rave-up that practically defined the notion of blue-eyed soul. A dancer who could hang with the likes of James Brown and Jackie Wilson, the elder Head also had a string of minor country hits during the '70s and early '80s and still tears it up on the oldies circuit.

How dad was instrumental: "As soon as I realized I couldn't be the showman that he was, I decided to play guitar," Sundance says. "That way, I didn't have to move. I started out using the guitar as a shield, but I ended up being pretty good at it."

On Idol, "they were giving us a song a day to learn. I called Dad and said, 'I've gone over (this song) so many times that I don't even know what it is anymore.' He said, 'You're over-studying it. If you're on stage and you forget the lyric, just make up lyrics that sound like the ones you should be singing. If you act like nothing's wrong, nobody will even notice it.' That got me through the L.A. auditions."

AYLA BROWN MOVING 'FORWARD'

In a story about Season 5 semi-finalist Ayla Brown, Billboard.com says:

She may have missed making it into the top 12 on season four of "American Idol" by one spot, but former contestant Ayla Brown has still managed to stay in the public eye over the past year. Eighteen-year-old Brown has done a number of live performances in support of her debut album, "Forward," which was released last October via Double Deal Brand Records, and she is also a prominent member of Boston College's women's basketball team.

"It's really important to me to be able to sing as well as play basketball," says the Wrentham, Mass., native. She adds that although she wasn't one of the 12 finalists on "Idol," she's pleased with how everything turned out. "At first I was devastated because I didn't know where my life, musically, would lead me. I thought, 'I'm gonna go play basketball now; there's going to be no music in my life.' I really just thought that I wasn't ready for it. But after 'Idol,' I was offered [the chance] to make a CD, and I saw that as a door opening up. Thank goodness I took it, and now I'm able to do both."

"Forward" features songs penned by Diane Warren, Tommy Sims and David Eriksen, among others. Brown co-wrote two songs, "Thanks to You" and "Falling Into You." The album's initial singles, "Know You Better" and "I Quit," were released in September, and the current single, "Forward," is at mainstream AC radio now.

"I love this song," Brown says of the title track. "Mostly because of the bridge -- it comes in with this full chorus of people. It becomes almost this gospel sound." She adds that when performing for a middle school-aged crowd, she always includes the song "Love You Better" because "guys and girls love to get up and dance to that one."

Not only does she want to get tweens out on the dance floor, Brown hopes she serves as a role model to her audience as well. "A lot of younger artists are making bad decisions with their lifestyles," she says. "I really want to be one of those people who says, you can play sports, you can sing, you can be a good student, and no one is going to punish you for it."

This summer, Brown will make a number of public appearances, some of which will feature performances by fellow Massachusetts "Idol" contestant Nick Pedro. The two recently shared the stage at the Jimmy Fund's Scooper Bowl in Boston on June 6.

While there's no set timetable on a follow-up album, Brown says she wants to contribute more as a songwriter the next time around. "At first I didn't really know what the [songwriting] process was about," she admits. "I'd always been a basketball player growing up. But through the process, through 'American Idol,' I learned so much and what you can contribute."

And here are some excerpts from an interview with Brown done last month by The Sun Chronicle:

On who will have a more successful recording career, Blake Lewis or Jordin Sparks: Probably Blake, because he can do reggae and he can do the whole beat boxing thing. I could see him doing that whole contemporary vibe sort of thing and being extremely successful with it. [Jordin] would be successful too. However, we've seen singers like her in the past.

On which Season 6 contestants should have advanced further in the competition: I was disappointed that Stephanie Edwards didn't get put into the top 12, and Sabrina Sloan. I think those two were ones that America really got wrong in the earlier competitions, and I feel like if they had gotten in it would have been a different story.

On who will likely have the most successful career out of the Top 12: I think Chris Richardson will end up being pretty successful just because all the females seem to really, really like him. He's kind of like the next Justin Timberlake ... And I don't want to say Sanjaya [Malakar], but somehow I think Sanjaya's going to come out and be really successful. People can't get enough of him.

On how long the show can remain a ratings juggernaut: Everyone that I talk to, honestly, every single person watches it and none of them seem to be sick of it, and they've been watching it since season one. Based on trends that are happening with voting, people want different (types of contestants) in the competition and that's why they're voting for Sanjaya and Blake and Taylor Hicks. So I don't know if people are rebelling or just want someone obscure and unseen. But honestly I can't see "American Idol" fading out anytime soon.

On the likelihood of Season 6 contestants releasing albums: I'm curious to see how many release albums this year. It just seems as though season five had so many talented people that had the ability to release an album because they were just popular or talented enough. (Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee have all released relatively high-profile albums since last season).

Her thoughts on her album, "Forward": I'm just so thankful to have the opportunity, and that someone saw the potential in me to make an album, because not all the people in the world get the ability to have that happen to them, so it's really a good feeling.

On what would happen if any of the "American Idol" judges changed: I think if there were judge changes, people wouldn't watch it. And because it's such a popular television show, I don't think "Idol" would take that chance.

SEASON 4 ROCKERS PLAN CD RELEASES

MTV interviewed "American Idol" vets Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis on their CDs, due for release later this year.

So much for striking while the iron's hot. Instead of rushing out an album right after his ouster from the 2005 edition of "American Idol," Constantine Maroulis has spent the past two years indulging his love of musical theater, acting in a soap opera and putting together an empire under his snarkily named Sixth Place Productions banner.

"I'm an actor, I love to host and I'm a singer. I did Broadway, and I produced my own tours and started my own label," said Maroulis, who appeared on Broadway in "The Wedding Singer" musical and is currently playing a singer on the daytime drama "The Bold and the Beautiful." "Would I trade all that work for making one successful album right off the show? I don't have that answer. I think this record is better than the one I could have made right off the show. It's more grassroots — I picked the band, financed it and co-wrote a bunch of the songs."

The album, titled "Constantine," will drop August 7 on his label, with distribution from Sony/Red. Self-proclaimed "blue-collar guy" Maroulis is confident that his fans will find it and buy enough copies to keep him on the road. "I can sell a couple hundred thousand copies and do what I love to do: play clubs," he said. "I don't need to be a huge star."

Just in case, though, he did bring in some ringers, including Matchbox Twenty singer Rob Thomas, who co-wrote a song on the album, as well as Nashville songwriter Angie Aparo (Faith Hill's "Cry"). "It's got a distinctly rock sound, kind of an East Coast Bon Jovi/Rob Thomas vibe with great pop hooks," Maroulis said. The first single, "Everybody Loves," has been featured on "The Bold and the Beautiful" and is on iTunes now. The next single, "Girl Like You," will soon be tied to a story line on the show.

Season four's other rocker, No. 2 finisher Bo Bice, is also prepping an album for later this year: His yet-untitled sophomore release. His 2005 debut, "The Real Thing," featured assists from Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Nickelback's Chad Kroeger and former Evanescence member Ben Moody that were brokered by Bice's label. The longhaired Southern rocker says he called the shots this time around.

The album, which Bice is recording with noted country producer Frank Liddell (Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks), features the music hound's wish list of famed session masters. "I was throwing around ideas of the people I wanted to play on it," Bice said. "And I was like, 'Yeah, sure, these guys will play on my album. Right!' " But a few phone calls landed him Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell — who Bice met a decade ago when he delivered a package of Christmas CDs to Leavell's house — as well as Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman, legendary session guitarist Waddy Wachtel (Keith Richards, Tom Waits) and bluegrass icon David Grisman.

"It's a star-studded cast, and I'm the only one on there who's not famous," the ever-humble Bice joked. "I picked and co-wrote the songs that if I was a guy who would be spending my hard-earned money buying an album I would want to hear." That means original back-to-basics Southern rock and country-tinged singer/songwriter tunes co-written with A.J. Croce (son of 1970s singer Jim Croce) and Chris Tompkins (Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats").

Bice said he wrote 31 songs for the album and is narrowing down the list to 10-12 that will make the final cut, including four songs that are currently vying to be the first single.

"I didn't have a lot to do with the first record," said Bice, who took time off in late 2006 to have another surgery to finally correct a nagging intestinal blockage that hospitalized him 15 times last year. "It was very RCA and Clive [Davis]-driven. It was an excellent album, but it was a revolving door of one guy in this week, another guy the next. This time I was here for every aspect [of it], and I'm a lot more comfortable."

Bice and Maroulis were the trailblazers for rock singers on "Idol." They paved the way for the show's latest breakout star, last season's No. 4 finisher Chris Daughtry, a fact Bice takes pride in.

"It made me proud that Chris said I was part of what inspired him to audition," said Bice. "There was never a bone in my body that thought I was going to win or make it that far. To see people progress and see more rock people on there makes me proud."

SIGHTING

"American Idol" third-place finisher Melinda Doolittle, outfitted in jeans, T-shirt and Prada bag, trying on sneakers at Niketown on E. 57th Street in Manhattan with a male sidekick, says the New York Daily News.

SHERMAN PORE VIDEO

Watch video of Season 6 "contestant" Sherman Pore singing "Eternally"


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© 2007

The Results Show

Ronnie Gill in Newsday writes:

And then there were 16. Another four “American Idol” semi-finalists fell by the wayside last night in the second thinning of the herd. One last cut next Thursday will determine the sixth season’s 12 finalists.

Host Ryan Seacrest said over 32 million votes were cast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Those not garnering enough to remain in the competition were: Nick Pedro, 25, from Taunton, Mass., who sang “Fever.” Judge Simon Cowell told him he has a good voice but lacked charisma; Alaina Alexander, 24, of West Hollywood, Calif., who received universally bad reviews from all three judges for her rendition of the Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice,” with Randy Jackson noting, “It was a mess for me.”; AJ Tabaldo, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif., who won the judges’ hearts with “Feeling Good,” but apparently not those of the viewers; and Leslie Hunt, 24, from Chicago, who also sang “Feeling Good” to lukewarm praise.

Surprisingly, the two contestants many felt are the worst –- Antonella Barba, 20, from Point Pleasant, N.J. and Sanjaya Malakar, 17, from Federal Way, Wash. –- survived to sing another week. Also still in the running is Coram native Jared Cotter, 25.

Kellie Pickler, a finalist from last season, returned to sing “I Wonder,” from her debut gold album “Small Town Girl.” Dressed in a too-tight, very low-cut blue dress, hair coiffed short and wearing heavy makeup, Pickler looked more like a 40-year-old housewife than the fresh-faced 19-year-old who sang on the “Idol” stage last year.

More in the morning ...

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Sundance Roars Back

Last night was "Dedication Night." What did that mean? Well, mostly nothing. The guys chose their songs then did a film clip dedication to air just prior to the song. Of course, most of the dedications went out to wives and girlfriends, parents and grandparents. It was all kind of mushy stupid -- the kind of thing we think Nigel Lythgoe loves -- and much better suited to a Valentine's Day program. In fact, the contestants who got into the most trouble with the genre -- Brandon Rogers and Sanjaya Malakar -- did so because they were more concerned about doing a dedication and song from the heart than picking a song and singing it in a way that would score contest points with viewers.

And so the surprise of the evening was Sundance Head, performing in the pimp spot, who dedicated "Mustang Sally" to his 2 1/2-month-old son, Levi. More concerned about making a connection with the judges and the viewers than a lyrics connection to his son, he really made that song ride, Sally, ride. It was a rousing, growly, bluesy rendition that suited Head perfectly and finally got us revved for the first time all evening. The judges, especially Randy, were ecstactic and Jackson welcomed Sundance back, while Paula told him she didn't know he had that range and that it was his best vocal yet. Simon was not quite as effusive (no surprise) but said he was glad the Sundance they like was back, that he's a good singer, but that he can do better. In a cute moment, Ryan discussed with Sundance how he missed Levi, then they put up a slide of Levi with a drawn-on beard that looked like Sundance's, telling Sundance, "See what can happen when you don't see him for a month?"

The show opened with Phil Stacey, a consistently pleasing performer who we think will make the finals, but doesn't have a chance to win. We also wish he'd go back to wearing a hat when he performs. Some guys look better with a shaved head than others, and he's not one of them. With his long, gaunt face and large ears, he looks too much like an alien for us. He dedicated John Waite's "Missing You" to his command, Navy Band Southeast. We love this song, and Stacey sang it OK, but it has a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g intro and by the time he got to the chorus -- where the song really starts getting good -- he ran out of time and had to end it, so it sounded just too karaoke for us. We thought he would have benefitted greatly starting the song at the first chorus or even the following stanza and ending it at a much more powerful point. Randy, however, said it was hot and Paula told him she loves the tone of his voice and that she could hear him right now on the radio. Thank goodness for Simon, who said he was a nice guy but that his voice is completely unoriginal and that it was like a good karaoke singer.

Jared Cotter was up next. We're prejudiced because Cotter is our hometown contestant, but we really do like both his looks and pleasing voice. We do think, however, that so far his personality has yet to shine strong enough. He needs to keep turning on that charm if he's going to stick around for the finals. Because of last week's critique, he said he wanted to be more adventurous, and dedicated Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" to his parents. The opening was shockingly strong and very reminiscent of Gaye and the rest was pretty good also. Cotter's sexy style enabled him to carry off the song well, though a weird hand over the face move at the end seemed a bit too contrived. But the judges seemed to be unduly harsh on him. Randy said it was pitchy in spots, then Paula started saying he didn't have to push it, got embarrassed and covered her face, so Simon bulldozed his way in saying it was a family show. He said it reminded him of "The Love Boat," and said "I'm kind of imagining if they had a cabaret singer on 'The Love Boat,' I think we would have seen something similar to that, because it was a bit corny in parts." Smartly, instead of sassing back at Simon, Jared demurred, "Wow, that would have been a great 'Love Boat' episode," which not only defused the criticism, but even made Simon smile.

AJ Tabaldo sang "Feeling Good" and dedicated it to his parents in the audience. Tabaldo is very likable and has nice tonal quality and range to his voice, but to us, it was a strange selection and didn't work. We found his performance last week more satisfying. Here, again, we were at odds with the judges, because Randy thought it was a lot better than the week before and Paula thought it was very nice. Even Simon thought it was "actually nearly very good" and said that he liked that AJ's personality had shown through. For us, it was just bleh.

Up next, the biggest disaster of the evening, and no matter how much we say that, he'll be snug as a bug in a rug if DialIdol's stats are right. Sanjaya Malakar once again proved he's too immature to be in this competition. At times he nearly whispered or talked his rendition of "Steppin' Out With My Baby," dedicated to his deceased grandfather. It was all very touching that he wanted to sing this for his grandfather, but it was a wholly inappropriate song for him, he performed it poorly with a paper-thin voice, and, yet again, seemed on the verge of tears (though less so than last week) when he was critiqued. At least we were in sync with the judges on this one. Randy said it was like a bad high school talent show, was weird and didn't work for him, while Paula mumbled something about old souls to avoid knocking the kid. Simon agreed with Randy, adding "It was like some ghastly lunch, where after lunch your parents have asked the children to dress up and sing." He also mentioned that halfway through Sanjaya was whispering.

We always look forward to Chris Sligh's performances and were happy to learn that his band, Half*Past Forever, is about to release their first CD, "Take a Chance on Something Beautiful." You can download it from the band's Web site starting today, or pre-order it on Amazon.com (it drops March 8). Sligh dedicated "Trouble" to his pretty, blonde wife in the audience. It was a good performance, but we thought Taylor Hick's bluesy version was better last season. But it was a still a very respectable effort by Sligh. Randy thought he was better than last week, and Paula told him to watch his pitch. Simon told him, "Chris, the reason we put you through to this round is actually we thought you were a very good singer, and tonight you were a very good singer."

The other bleh moment of the night for us was Nick Pedro singing "Fever" to his pretty girlfriend, Caitlin. He was trying to to return to that "Fly Me to the Moon" vibe that got him his Golden Ticket to Hollywood, but it just didn't work for us at all. This deadly dull rendition gave us fever all right, but not in a good way. We even thought the band was better than Pedro (and, indeed, Simon mentioned the drummer in his critique). Pedro is really too cabaret for a pop competition and seems stuck in the '50s. Although he and Phil Stacey can be compared somewhat in style and type of music they've chosed, Stacey has a much richer voice. We think this will be Nick's final performance. Randy thought it was pitchy but liked that Nick returned to his cool vibe, while Paula loved the tone of his voice. Simon thought it was good, but lacked charisma.

It's amazing how someone can turn you around. We originally disliked beatboxer Blake Lewis from his audition and even the Hollywood rounds. Now we think of him as a breath of fresh air and wait with anticipation to see what he will bring to the competition each week. Again, he did not disappoint with Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity," which he dedicated to his parents. There was good singing, a little scatting and some beatboxing to boot, but not so much that it got on our nerves. We're confident that Blake will make it to the finals without a problem. Of course, Randy loved the performance and Paula said the choice was smart. Simon said Blake was terrific, but "Other than the middle section of the song, I actually didn’t see any originally from you this time. I actually saw a copycat performance." When Ryan tried to dissect his review, Simon got defensive with "I'm sorry I have an opinion."

Brandon Rogers may be the biggest disappointment for us in this competition. He's got a great voice, he's easy on the eyes and has a good personality, but has just not been bringing it since the semi-finals began. He got stuck in the same trap as Sanjaya when he dedicated "Time After Time" to his grandmother. His version just laid there and died. This song is not a great competition song to begin with -- it, and her mohawk, killed Nadia Turner in Season 4 -- and was an especially poor choice on a night when Rogers really had to step it up. It was a soft, boring and forgettable performance. Randy thought it was boring as well, but of course Paula felt his heart. Simon said he loves grandmas but it's a singing competition (thank you, Simon), adding "You have got to come out here Brandon when you're as talented as you are and do what four or five of these girls did last week and make a wow impact."

Chris Richardson we don't get at all. The judges seem to love him, while we just find him annoying. We just want to smack him upside his head when he performs; he hyperactive bouncy body makes us seasick. He dedicated Jason Mraz' "Geek in Pink" to his grandmother, and we barely understood a word he sang. Therefore, we nearly keeled over at the unanimous and profuse praise bestowed on him by the judges. Randy said he was better than the original. Paula loved it and loved that he dedicated that song to his grandmother asking, "Does your grandmother know what 'Geek in the Pink' is?" Simon answered with his weak (but funny) attempt at an American country-bumpkin voice "Wat wuz that song?" When it was his turn up, however, Simon said he thought Chris was the best tonight by a mile (?!).

All in all, it was a night when we frequently disagreed with the judges on the bad ... and the good.
Top 5 in descending order: Sundance Head, Blake Lewis, Chris Sligh, Jared Cotter, Phil Stacey

Bottom 5 in descending order: Sanjaya Malakar, Nick Pedro, Brandon Rogers, Chris Richardson, A.J. Tabaldo

Should go: Sanjaya Malakar, Nick Pedro
Will go: Nick Pedro, Brandon Rogers

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The 12 Guys

Be scared America -- be very scared. And for so many reasons. We sat through weeks of Idol auditions, the good and the bad (mostly the bad). We sat through a mercifully short week of Hollywood sessions. We waited with anticipation for the real competition to begin. And, like the judges, we were terribly disappointed with the men on Week 1.

Of course, it would be impossible to be more disappointed than the judges, because nearly everyone, with the possible exception of Blake Lewis, took a beating. Have the judges always been this critical on Week 1? Even Paula? Paula!!! Don't think so. They were tough to please indeed. Even the contestants we thought did well received only a pittance of praise -- if any at all.

But what scares us even more, are this morning's results on DialIdol.com, a service that has viewers vote through its phone lines to predict the outcome of the ballotting. Last season, much to the consternation of Fox and "American Idol," the service proved to be fairly accurate. By the end of the competition we felt confident we knew the results way before they were announced on the show, and we were rarely disappointed. DialIdol.com watchers were probably the only Idol fans in the country that weren't shocked when Chris Daughtry was eliminated and Katharine McPhee wasn't. We knew the numbers said there was a good likelihood it would happen. We also knew, with smug certainty, Taylor Hicks was safe when he went up against McPhee and Elliott Yamin, and that there was no way McPhee could win after she went head-to-head with Hicks in the finale.

So why are we worried? Because topping DialIdol.com's performance list for Tuesday night -- the person who ostensibly is the safest of the safe -- was one of the worst of the worst. His name is followed by another on our worst list, and the third name on the list is someone who only gave a mediocre performance. If you trust the stats, the only three male performers who are absolutely safe from elimination Thursday night are Sundance Head, Sanjaya Malakar and Chris Richardson. Excuse us while we get sick.

The only people doing the dance of joy today, outside of Sundance and his family, are the folks at VotefortheWorst.com. The site that brought us those dazzling photos of Antonella Barba on the throne could now put this whole competition in the toilet by advising its users to vote for the contestant they call "ManBearPig," with the slogan "Bad Head is better than no Head!" We've got to believe that that is the reason Head is in the lead -- and not that America actually thought his performance was good.

Here's how the night played out:

Rudy Cardenas kicked off the guys with the Edgar Winter Group's "Free Ride," which apparently also describes what Cardenas got to the semi-finals. Question? Did anyone understand a word that he sang? He mumbled the entire song. Or, we think he did: We were so bored with the performance we weren't listening that closely. Randy thought it was corny, and we totally agreed with Simon's appraisal that Cardenas does not have a distinctive voice and that he would get lost in the mix. So, Simon, exactly why was he put through to the semi-finals?

Brandon Rogers, one of the two pro backup singers to make the semi-finals, did a fair rendition of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You." The beginning of the arrangement was slow and interesting, but it became more pedestrian as it proceeded, a pleasant performance that was also extremely forgettable. But Rogers has a likability that should keep him safe this week. Randy felt the performance was pitchy and weird, and both he and Paula wished there had been less runs -- that Rogers was singing the song more as a backup singer than as a lead. Simon declared that Rogers was better than the material and that the performance was safe and predictable.

Sundance Head, whom the judges said they originally liked because of his bluesy voice, massacred the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin." His dull karaoke version, employing theatrically outstretched arms, was hardly ever on pitch. Randy said he didn't think Sundance was on pitch the whole song and Paula agreed, saying the pitch was all over the place. Simon jumped in with "You were like a dad at a wedding ... very old-fashioned, very uninspiring," and told Sundance that if he had sung this at his audition, they would have never put him through. Cowell ended with "I didn't like you tonight."

Paul Kim, barefoot or not, in our opinion is one of those guys who inexplicably got through to the semi-finals without the goods. We winced our way through his version of George Michael's "Careless Whisper," a song we really like, wanting him to stop with every note. This wasn't even good enough to be karaoke. Randy thought it pitchy and weird and that the falsetto didn't work, while Paula thought he oversang the song and didn't find his center. Simon suggested Paul put his shoes on next time he sings and called the performance a very ordinary attempt to copy George Michael, labelling it a third-rate version of the song.

Chris Richardson is one of those happy, peppy guys who reminds us of a 5-year-old trying to be a grown-up when he performs. He was out of his element with Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Want to Be," a song that was bigger than him ... especially after you've heard Bo Bice sing it (we actually like Bice's version even better than DeGraw's). Randy said "You made it kinda work," and Paula thought it was a great arrangement (a bit too hyper for our taste). Simon thought Chris' voice sounded very small and said if he was judging it on the vocal, he thought it was substandard. But he said the girls will vote for him, and apparently he's right.

Nick Pedro should have done OK with Richard Marx's "Now and Forever," but the spark he carried into his audition with "Fly Me to the Moon" was gone. We thought he would at least melt the little girls' hearts with this song, but he's dead last on DialIdol.com's list and will likely be eliminated Thursday night. Randy found him pitchy and boring and said "It just wasn't good for me." Paula said the magic fell flat. Surprisingly, Simon was kindest of all, telling Nick that he missed his liveliness and confidence, but that his voice didn't sound bad. He also told Nick he's a very charming guy and that he thought he'd be back next week. But we doubt it.

Blake Lewis was the stunner of the evening. Up to this point, we couldn't even remember him singing, only beatboxing, which got tired real quickly. This is, after all, a singing competition. But, Blake, whose looks remind us of Sting (not in this picture, but while he was performing), knocked our socks off with Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know." A great song choice, a great voice and the first performance of the night we totally loved. And it was from Blake, someone we had written off as a one-trick pony. We've totally revised that opinion and now predict he'll land in the Top 5. Go, Blake, go! Sadly, Randy only kinda dug it and missed the beatboxing (idiot!), while Paula told him his vocals were spot on and that he brought a contemporary vibe. Simon said he was the first person that night who came out and sounded like 2007, declaring it "the best performance we had tonight." And we agree!

Sanjaya Malakar is a nice kid -- with the emphasis on KID. This 17-year-old does not have the professional or emotional maturity to sing Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet," a song he really mucked up. It was sung much better by Elliott Yamin last season. And let's not even talk about the Luther Vandross version, which just melts us. And, Sanjaya, never sing a song with a lyric such as "I don't want to bore you," when you are doing just that. Every time you sang it, we laughed. Sanjaya said his sister, who was eliminated from the competition in Hollywood, picked the song for him. Not the best advice, Sanjaya, plus we think you need to stop playing the sister card. Randy trashed him so much we thought he would cry, telling him "I didn't think it was very good, dude. It wasn't even remotely close." And Simon named it "The most dreary performance we had all night," saying that it sounded like it took an hour and calling it "A waste-of-time performance."

Chris Sligh was someone we were anxiously waiting to hear. We love the music he does with his band. He chose "Typical" by Mute Math, neither a song nor a group we had ever heard of, but he made it work. Randy told him he's a Chris fan and that his voice was on point; Paula thought the song choice was great, though both Randy and Paula told Chris he was singing a bit ahead of the music. Simon said he liked Chris, but added that "I kind of felt I was at some weird student gig." This led to an exchange between Simon and Ryan.

And then the trouble started. Chris told Simon that the audience seemed to like this music and that "I don't sing Il Divo or The Teletubbies ..." (hey, were we the only ones in the world unaware that Simon was responsible for the Teletubbies?), a remark that had Randy and Paula hooting and clapping. Simon tersely remarked that Chris could sing for the latter, meaning The Teletubbies. Sensing he was treading dangerous waters, Chris then told Simon, "You know I love you." Simon said he liked Chris, too, but that his performance was not outstanding and that was all he was trying to say. But you could see that Simon was pissed, way pissed by the shot Chris had taken at him.

Then Ryan jumped in to add fuel to the fire saying that Chris had made Simon feel bad, which pissed off Simon even more. Simon told Ryan that he had made things very uncomfortable. Simon's jaw was set so tight, we thought he'd crack a bone. He kept his face turned to the side and he wouldn't even look directly at Ryan or Chris on the stage. All we can say is "uh-oh" and stay tuned for the fireworks next week (if Chris, or as we now call him, Dead Man Walking, even survives to next week).

Jared Cotter is a native Long Islander and we're rooting for him to move on. We thought he did a very respectable version of Brian McKnight's "Back at One." He sounded good, had a relaxed demeanor and exuded charm. Randy thought he was pretty good, but didn't like the way it ended, while Paula would have preferred a more up-tempo song. Simon found Jared very unadventurous and told him he sounded a bit nasally, but said he looked good. Don't know if looks alone will carry Jared to next week, though he certainly deserves to move on to the next round.

AJ Tabaldo, like Jared, has received very little face time so far, so we were surprised and pleased to hear and see his version of Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much." It was a good upbeat choice and he performed it well. Randy said vocally it was pretty good and that AJ had worked it out. Paula told AJ he could sing and did a great job. Simon rebutted that, saying it was good, not great, not terrible. He then called it a theme-park performance that was very safe and very predictable.

Phil Stacey, whose wife gave birth to their second daughter the morning he originally auditioned, wound up tied with Blake for best performance of the night. Maybe it was the fact that his wife was in the audience beaming up at him or the fact they showed a clip of him with his new daughter, but this sailor (he's in the Navy) touched our hearts with his rendition of "I Could Not Ask for More" by Edwin McCain. Yes, it started out weak, but it was all uphill after the chorus and he brought it home. Randy gave it the best vocal prize of the night, but Simon, after saying the beginning was monstrous, said it was just OK, especially compared to singers such as Chris Daughtry. We still thought it was much better than OK.

Best of the Evening (in descending order): Blake Lewis, Phil Stacey, Chris Sligh, Jared Cotter, AJ Tabaldo
Worst of the Evening (in descending order): Paul Kim, Sundance Head, Rudy Cardenas, Sanjaya Malakar
Mediocre and Forgettable (in any order): Brandon Rogers, Chris Richardson, Nick Pedro

Should Go: Paul Kim, Sundance Head
Will Go: Paul Kim, Nick Pedro

Observations
We really can live without the hyperactive parents rooting their kids on. Last year we suffered through Katharine McPhee's witchy mom and bawling dad. This year we have Chris Richardson's red-faced dad attempting (that being the operative word) to dance to his singing, or as Paula put it, when Chris was on the upbeat his father was on the downbeat.

AND THIS JUST IN ...

Fox has announced that "American Idol" executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick have been named the executive producers for the "59th Primetime Emmy Awards" which will air on Fox on Sept. 16, live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The announcement was made jointly today by Dick Askin, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy, and Peter Liguori, president of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company. “Nigel and Ken have consistently raised the creative bar with their innovative work on "American Idol" and we believe they will continue to do so during their first Emmy telecast,” said Liguori.

"Nigel and Ken are terrific producers, and their expertise in live event programming will be a major asset to this year's Primetime Emmy telecast," said Askin.

“The Emmy Awards not only celebrate excellence in television, the Emmy Awards are excellent television. Star power, production values, drama, suspense, tears and euphoria, just like an 'American Idol.' While appreciating the traditional and maintaining the high standards of past Emmy Award ceremonies, we will also be recognizing the ever-changing landscape of today’s successful television. It is a great honor and a wonderful challenge,” said Lythgoe.

“I am thrilled to be invited by the Television Academy to produce this year’s Emmy telecast. Shows with the prestige of the Emmys are a producer’s dream, so I am really looking forward to the challenge and am confident we will produce for Fox the best Emmys to date,” said Warwick.

... Fantasia is the special guest star on tomorrow night's results show. We voted for Fantasia during Season 3, but hated her last Idol guest appearance two years ago, when she screamed her song. Let's hope it's better than that.

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© 2007

Getting to Know the Top 24: Part 3

LAKISHA JONES
Age: 27
Hometown: Fort Meade, MD
Audition City: New York
Details: Grew up in Flint, Mich; gospel is her favorite type of music but she has trained formally in classical music.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? n/a
Favorite female pop artists? Kelly Clarkson
Formal singing training? I have training in classical and opera.
Other talents? Skating / Acting.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Go back to working, but still singing.
Personal goals? To provide a good life for me and my daughter.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Kelly Clarkson.
Your American idol? Grandma [Ruth Morris].
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Pray, drink cool tea.
Most embarrassing moments? Bra strap broke in Hollywood week.
Proudest moment? When I gave birth to my daughter [Brionne].
Your definition of an American Idol? A leader
Favorite judge and why? I don’t have a favorite. They all have been very kind to me.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? Not much. What you see is what you get.
How has this changed your life? It has given me an opportunity I’ve been waiting for.
Lucky charms? No
Heroes? Mother, grandmother
Toughest obstacle? Trying to break into the music industry.
Was the audition process fair? Yes, not everyone can sing and if it’s your time, you will make it.
If you win, who will you thank first? God Almighty.

LESLIE HUNT
Age: 24
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Audition City: Los Angeles
Details: Is a dog walker who is studying to become a dog trainer; she also plays the piano.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Beck, White Stripes, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson
Favorite female pop artists? Bjork, Aretha Franklin, Feist, Nina Simone, Fiona Apple, Joni Michell
Formal singing training? My mom has given me some pointers here and there.
Other talents? I can write one heck of an essay. Oh yeah, and I compose music.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? I will continue on this path like my hair’s on fire!
Personal goals? To share my deepest joys and sorrows through my music.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? My friends know better than to be surprised by anything I do.
Your American idol? Nina Simone.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? I visualize the emotions behind the music and go deep into my own little world.
Most embarrassing moments? I’ve been known to fall down a decent amount.
Proudest moment? Making it into the top 24!
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone sincere, versatile and PASSIONATE!
Favorite judge and why? RaNDY: He’s both warm AND honest.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I value alone time just as much as time spent with others.
How has this changed your life? Because of this, there’s a chance that I could do what I LIVE FOR for a living!
Lucky charms? No.
Heroes? The doctors that saved my life in Brazil. And I’ve always looked up to Ella Fitzgerald.
Toughest obstacle? Living my life with lupus.
Was the audition process fair? For sure.
If you win, who will you thank first? My parents, because they instilled this gift in me.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE
Age: 29
Hometown: Brentwood, TN
Audition City: Memphis
Details: Is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville and has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music; is a backup singer on stage and in the studio.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Stevie Wonder, Jonny Lang, Donny Hathaway
Favorite female pop artists? Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight
Formal singing training? Yes – college (Music Major) and vocal lessons ever since
Other talents? Um… I love to make people laugh.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Keep traveling and singing
Personal goals? To represent Christ well and do everything 150%
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Tchaikovsky
Who is your American idol? My mommy!
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Pray and warm up
Most embarrassing moments? Crying EVERY time I advance another round
Proudest moment? Actually auditioning for AI
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone who, when given the platform, represents who they truly are and can convey it in a way that makes the audience want to know more
Favorite judge and why? Simon! He’s so real with ya – Even when I don’t like it, I love it!
What would people be surprised to learn about you? [blank]
How has this changed your life? I’m singing lead now. Who knew?!
Lucky charms? My Bible.
Heroes? My mom, dad, my vocal coach [Janet Kenyon]
Toughest obstacle? Fear
Was the audition process fair? I think it was, although I have seen some great people go home.
If you win, who will you thank first? Jesus and my mommy.

NICK PEDRO
Age: 25
Hometown: Taunton, MA
Audition City: New York
Details: Made it to Hollywood last season; has performed at talent shows and is an account executive.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Stevie Wonder, Michael Buble
Favorite female pop artists? Not sure, I enjoy Lauryn Hill’s music.
Formal singing training? Handful of lessons.
Other talents? Drawing and painting.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? God knows.
Personal goals? Take care of my family and be remembered as a good person.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? My friends wouldn’t be surprised by anything I have—I like everything.
Your American idol? My mother and grandmother for all they’ve done for me.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? I think about the meaning of the lyrics. Most embarrassing moments? Peeing my pants in the first grade—hey, I had to go!
Proudest moment? Telling everyone in my second grade class that my sister was born.
Your definition of an American Idol? Someone who can be looked up to and emulated.
Favorite judge and why? All are so different — I like how their personalities clash and blend.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I’m a formally trained artist. How has this changed your life? Not sure I can say now—too soon to tell.
Lucky charms? No.
Heroes? My mom, grandfather, and grandmother.
Toughest obstacle? Self doubt.
Was the audition process fair? Yes.
If you win, who will you thank first? God.

NICOLE TRANQUILLO
Age: 20
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Audition City: Memphis
Details: Is a vocal major at the University of the Arts; began taking voice lessons when she was 12 years old.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Justin Timberlake / Stevie Wonder
Favorite female pop artists? Beyonce / Mariah Carey / Whitney Houston / Alicia Keys
Formal singing training? Yes – 10 years
Other talents? Piano, guitar, hip hop dance
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Go back to the University of the Arts and finish my degree
Personal goals? Recording contract, tour, multiplatinum albums, marry my boyfriend JP, have kids
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Hanson “Mmm bop”
Your American idol? Anyone who has ever supported me ... My family, my boyfriend, teachers, close friends
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Breathe and calm down.
Most embarrassing moments? Falling face-first while walking down the hallway in high heels in junior high.
Proudest moment? Getting into college, making it this far on “American Idol.”
Your definition of an American Idol? A talented and humble individual who believes that music is a healing power that touches people’s lives.
Favorite judge and why? Paula Abdul because she is such a talented and beautiful person on the inside and out.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I am an avid hip-hop dancer and sometimes teach hip-hop on the side.
How has this changed your life? This experience has changed my life in so many ways! It has opened up so many doors for me and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime!
Lucky charms? Yes, my Chamilia charm bracelet.
Heroes? My parents, my brother, my boyfriend.
Toughest obstacle? Overcoming those everyday growing pains.
Was the audition process was fair? Absolutely. I think the judges have enough experience to know who the next American Idol could be.
If you win, who will you thank first? The judges for believing in me and America for voting!

PAUL KIM
Age: 25
Hometown: Saratoga, CA
Audition City: Los Angeles
Details: Is working as a pool maintenance technician; grew up with a love of soul music and enjoys gardening.
Video link

20 Questions
Favorite male pop artists? Danny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Luther Vandross, Charlie Wilson
Favorite female pop artists? India.Arie, Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, Mariah Carey, Sade
Formal singing training? No.
Other talents? Horticulture expert, I cut my own hair, I play basketball, I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
If you don’t make it on American Idol, what will you do? Go back to school and my job. Personal goals? To ultimately find eternal happiness.
What album would your friends be surprised you own? Kenny G.
Your American idol? My father—I only hope that I can one day be half the man that he is.
Any rituals or things you do before you perform? Pray, push-ups.
Most embarrassing moments? When Paula Abdul made a grown man like me cry.
Proudest moment? n/a
Your definition of an American Idol? Anybody with heart that can carry a tune.
Favorite judge and why? Randy — he has a real ear for making good music.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I have an undying love for nature (plants, the ocean).
How has this changed your life? I like the fact that I haven’t had to go back to my day jobs. Lucky charms? My maori fishhook and my lucky drawers.
Heroes? My parents.
Toughest obstacle? n/a
Was the audition process fair? Yes, but so many amazing singers went home.
If you win, who will you thank first? God and my mama.

AND NOW, A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS ...

For those who can't get enough Idol on TV, the marketing juggernaut continues to roll out. Debra Byrd (known as “Byrd”), who is the vocal coach and vocal arranger for American Idol and Canadian Idol, as well as the American Idol North American music tours, and whose credits include the 2006 High School Musical Tour, ABC-TV’s “All My Children,” various feature films and Broadway shows, has created the Vocal Help Now! DVD to share the singing tips, secrets, and exercises she has previously only shared with world-renowned singers and actors to help maximize their vocal and audition performances. The DVD features appearances by Season 1 Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, as well as finalists Kimberly Caldwell and Anthony Fedorov, Rob James (Canadian Idol, Season 4), James Pickens Jr. ("Grey's Anatomy"), 2005 Tony Award-winner Adriane Lenox and "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk" writer-producer Zane Mark, among others.

Each DVD purchased will also include a voucher for a free bottle of Vocal-eZe Professional Throat Spray, an herbal product. The company claims Vocal-eZe is endorsed by Tim McGraw, Rob Thomas, Joss Stone, Nickelback, ISM, By All Means Necessary and Alana Grace and has been ordered repeatedly by Sting, Lynard Skynard, Evanescence, Alanis Morissette, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Rascal Flatts, Pam Tillis, Mary J Blige, Motley Crue and The Bellamy Brothers. The DVD has a suggested retail price of $19.99 and will be available at Guitar Center beginning March 5, 2007. Orders can also be placed through www.vocalhelpnow.com.

And the cream of the Idol crop is, no doubt, Dreyer's which has created five new "American Idol" flavors for its Edy's brand of slow-churned ice cream: Choc 'N Roll Caramel, Hollywood Cheesecake, Soulful Sundae Cone, Triple Talent and Take the Cake. Consumers can vote here for their slow-churned favorite and be entered to win tickets to Idol's finale show. The winning Dreyer's "American Idol" ice cream flavor will earn a permanent spot in the slow-churned ice-cream line-up. No purchase is necessary.

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© 2007