Chris Richardson: I'm in God's Hands

Chris Richardson says he doesn't mind hearing the comparisons to Justin Timberlake. But, he adds, those who've drawn the connection should listen to his album when it comes out and then decide if it still holds. "To be even mentioned in the same sentence as someone so successful, it's great," Richardson told The Associated Press Thursday in a phone interview.

"They might be surprised whenever I come out with my album, that it's completely different than his. So that's when other people might one day be, like 'Hey, you sort of sound like Chris Richardson.' "

Richardson said that he and Phil Stacey had a feeling the axe was coming on Wednesday and that they were "at peace with it and we just accepted it. Usually when you go out there on decision night you usually go out there preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

Now Richardson is focusing on the future -- the "Idol" tour and his album, which he said will be a mix of both rock and soul. "It'll be a mixture of a Maroon 5 sound with a little bit of Jason Mraz," said Richardson, who also plays the guitar, drums and piano. "I love rock and roll but I have this soulful type voice and I just like to infuse both of them."

Born in Belgium, Richardson moved around as a child with his sister Michelle, mother Phyllis, and father Danny, who was in the Air Force. As a child and teen, Richardson said he was overweight before he became more health conscious and shed about 40 pounds. At Great Bridge High School, Richardson played football and track before graduating in 2002.

Richardson made a decision after his freshman year to focus on a career in music and not return to the football program at Christopher Newport University. "I always wanted to be a professional football player but I also always wanted to be a rock star," he said. "For me, I seemed like I shined more whenever I was in the nightlife scene singing in a club or bar as opposed to standing and waiting to get thrown in the game."

After leaving the school, he studied music at community college while working at Hooters, soending his shifts dancing and singing to James Brown in front of the white and orange tiled walls and silver stovetops, making his way from a cook to a supervisor in about four years, said general manager Jennifer Gillis.

"He used to love listening to his James Brown while he was at work," said Gillis, who only knew of his real singing ability through recordings he had made. "He would sing goofily. He wouldn't sing like he normally would, and he would joke around with the regulars and with the staff."

In the Virginia Daily Press, Gilles said, "From what I hear, he's not going to be back for a couple of weeks. "He's going to be making the rounds, hitting the talk shows." But when the time arrives, Gillis said Richardson's friends in Chesapeake will throw a welcome home party. "It won't be at the restaurant, though," Gillis said. "We'll probably have to rent a tent," adding, "Finishing sixth among thousands of people who auditioned isn't too shabby."

Hooters manager Terrell Parker said, "We are proud of Chris. He did a good job."

Richardson's good friend Anthony "Blue" Yearling also said it's a bit early to schedule the singer's return bash. "We'll have to wait and see," he said. "It all just happened."

"It has been a long journey and I've enjoyed every second of it," he said. "I think that things happen for a reason. Maybe if I had made it through the times that I tried out the year before, I might not have made it this far. I sort of just give God the will and then I go from there. I'm pretty much in his hands."

QNAS FROM RICHARDSON'S EXIT INTERVIEW

Yesterday, Richardson answered questions from journalists across the nation. He talked about fashion, family, his friendship with fellow contestant Blake Lewis and what it's like to get the boot from one of the most popular programs on U.S. television, "American Idol." Here are excerpts from the telephone press conference:

On rumors that he has a girlfiend and who he's dating.

I just got out of a three-and-a-half-year relationship back home. That's about it. The rumors that are going around, all that stuff is just rumors ... Right now, I'm single, but still respecting the fact that I just got out of a relationship.

On the women he's been seen with in Hollywood clubs.

The women are friends and acquaintances.

On what he's like to sing on the [American Idols Live!] tour.

I haven't even thought that far ahead. I've got a lot of songs in the database, I've just got to figure which would be the best, one that would suit the style of music that I'll be coming out with on my album.

On how he felt about the producers pitching him directly against Blake, with whom he's best friends.

They gotta make a good television show, you know. They're smart producers and they know what will shock people and what will get people interested in the show. Whatever way they did it, if they would have let me go with someone else, it would have been just fine, too.

On what he and Blake were saying to each other while you waited to her who had been eliminiated.

We were singing a song that we had wrote that we used to laugh and joke about. And I was just telling him to go ahead and sit down, 'cause I knew I was going home and he was staying.

On where he got the clothes he wore on the show. Were they his or did he go shopping.

Yeah, we would go shopping in different places. Some of the clothes I don't even remember what the name of the clothes were. I just remember seeing it and I liked it and it was something that I wanted to do. The combination. Sometimes the outfits would go together and sometimes they weren't, but it was on purpose that I did that, because that's what I felt and I felt the mood. I always try to do stuff to fit my style and also fit the song of the week. That's what I did when I went out and shopped, I just really tried to fit my style and make sure it completely fit in with theme of the week.

On what he was thinking between the time he knew he could be, and then was, eliminated.

Me and Phil came to peace with the fact that we thought we were coming home. When he called me and Blake together, I knew I was going home. You start to put pieces together. I looked around and saw the band setting up and the guitar player grabbing a 12-string guitar, and I'm the only person with a 12-string guitar. You put it together. I just think if you go out there and prepare for the worst and hope for the best ... I think you're not so much let down. You know, for me, I'm sure that everybody knows by now that Blake's my best friend. I was glad to go and him to be in my place.

On how he and Blake ended up becoming so close.

It started in Hollywood week. It was just one of those things where you just sort of clicked with somebody. Me and him had a lot in common, music tastes, music style, personality traits, loyalty of friendship. It was just one of those things where we just bonded.

On whether he stayed close to his family during the competition.

Staying in touch with my family kept me grounded. Talking to my mother on the telephone energized me. It made me want to do the best that I can do.

On whether he took advice from others during the competition.

I tried to be myself throughout. I tried to stay true to myself and sing the songs that I could have fun with. That's what I did with "Geek in the Pink." It was something different for me. I'm glad I did it. I loved doing it.

On whether his verbal joust with Simon Cowell over his "nasally" singing might have cost him votes.

It might have. And then again it might not have. Who knows? I was grateful that at the end of that exchange I got to say that my heart and prayers went out to the students of Virginia Tech.

[On a video clip on the "American Idol" Web site, Richardson talked about that in more detail: "I've come to the realization that I sing with a little nasaliness. It's nothing new to me. I've always sang like that. And there's a lot of artists to me out there that have a nasally-type singing voice that have been successful. And some people are going to like it, and some people are going to completely hate it. And I totally respect that. You can't change your style of singing. You can make it better ... It's tough to come out there every week. That's the only thing I can say about it."]

On his relationship with the judges.

Randy was really supportive even on the bad nights. He'd always say something supportive. Paula also had some uplifting things to say.

Tomorrow's blog recounts Phil Stacey's conference call exit interview and whether the active Navy sailor will be allowed to participate in the Idols Live '07 summer concert tour.

JORDIN IN JEOPARDY? THAT WAS A MISTAKE

In an Associated Press story, "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller said he was determined to stretch the boundaries of the hit TV show this season by staging an ambitious charity special and a songwriting contest. So far, he's more than pleased with the results.

The online competition to create this season's coronation song got off to a robust start with nearly 30,000 entries, which were winnowed down to 20. Voting on those was to begin after Wednesday's show, with the most popular song performed later this month by the top two finalists and the winner recording it.

The entries were screened by Fuller and series producers and include "a handful of world-class songs," Fuller said.

Any tinkering with the Fox series -- the centerpiece of a hugely lucrative franchise that includes albums and concerts - is carefully considered but vital, Fuller said. "When you're sitting in the amazing position of having the biggest show, it's a great opportunity to experiment," he said. "You either sit there and think, 'It's great' and wait for it to fall apart, or say, 'Right, we're No. 1, how do we maintain, improve the show and the interactivity with our viewers?' "

"I think with everyone ... primarily the network, there was a little bit of trepidation [about Idol Gives Back]. We have a good thing going and when you look to change it in a way that's never been done before, it makes people nervous," he said.

"With credit to all concerned, they backed me on it," Fuller said. "Along the way, there were a lot of questions asked, lots of worrying faces. But we pulled it off."

Last week's two-night fundraiser for relief agencies serving needy families in America and Africa, drew pledges of $70 million with the help of star power from Bono, Celine Dion and others.

One element in "Idol Gives Back" that Fuller concedes could have been done differently: Although it was decided to refrain from bouncing a contestant last Tuesday in the spirit of the evening, the show briefly made it appear that Jordin Sparks was in jeopardy. That drew sharp criticism from some viewers; in hindsight, Fuller said, they might have handled it differently.

"This has been an intriguing year. It's been a slow burn in terms of getting to know the talent ... It's more of a journey than ever this year," he said. Two or three "terrific" contestants have emerged that Fuller sees dueling until the last. "No names," he said, diplomatically.

WASHINGTON HOMETOWN SNUBS SANJAYA

According to the New York Post, in spite of the nationwide sensation he caused, it seems that his hometown could care less that Sanjaya Malakar is back.

City officials in Federal Way, Wash. -- a suburb of Seattle -- won't give the "American Idol" finalist his own day or a parade -- or even a cardboard key to the city. "Federal Way has more important things to deal with, and unless a council member tried to push through a proclamation, then that 'Idol' wannabe should not expect a similar honor," town manager Neal Beets told a local TV station just before Malakar, 17, was voted off "Idol."

Suggestions for a Sanjaya day "came from people on the East Coast," says a city hall source.

"I would love to do something," Tiffany Archibald, the director of marketing for a mall near his home in Washington, told a local paper. "I just can't find him."

But Archibald seems to be one of only a few Federal Way residents who want to celebrate his return.

Mayor Mike Park told reporters that the city has never honored anyone with a special day in its 17-year history and is questioning Sanjaya's connection to the town in the first place. "It's not as if they have deep roots in the community," Park says.

Malakar's family has lived in the Seattle area most of his life, but has also lived in Hawaii and California. He attended area schools but dropped out of high school in Federal Way his sophomore year -- after passing his GED exam -- to pursue a career in music. His parents are divorced.

A source at City Hall said that officials were reluctant to do anything for him that would cost taxpayers money. "Maybe if they [fans] had gone to the chamber of commerce it would be a different story," the source said.

After weeks of exposure on "American Idol," Sanjaya quietly returned home late last week and has tried to keep a low profile ever since.

And to top that off, now Time Magazine has left Sanjaya off their official list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Talk about a fleeting 15 minutes of fame. Awwwww.

ROSIE AND WALTERS BLAST PREZ' IDOL CLIP

RealityTVWorld.com reports that while the "Idol Gives Back" thank you video from the President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush (click to watch video) on Tuesday night's results show seemed innocent enough, the unusual appearance is also generating controversy. After discussing the performances of Idol 6 finalists Blake Lewis and LaKisha Jones on Wednesday morning's broadcast of ABC's The View, co-hosts Barbara Walters and Rosie O'Donnell criticized the presidential appearance.

"I think that's great... [but] that there are so many things that the President can come on and thank people for, and perhaps we've been talking about how little money goes to [U.S. military] servicemen who come home and who are wounded and to families who have to struggle, that I just think that it's sort of interesting that they go on the most popular television show," Walters remarked after co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck -- responding to O'Donnell's comment that the appearance upset her a little -- attempted to defend the Bush appearance.

"I'm more disturbed that he's thanking the American public for giving up their money," O'Donnell responded after Hasselbeck, a political conservative, began the discussion by uncharacteristically baiting O'Donnell, an outspoken Bush critic, by asking her if she was "disturbed that [Bush] 'invaded' Idol last night."

"We've asked the American public for money during every tragedy, but you know, [he's spending] $500 billion in Iraq," O'Donnell continued. "But he wants to thank America for the $70 million out of their own pockets that they gave but he doesn't mention the $500 billion he's spent in Iraq. I think it's very distorted."

After Hasselbeck responded that she thought President Bush's Idol message was a "positive one," Walters continued her criticism. "American Idol -- I hate to be cynical because I'm such a wonderful person -- but American Idol could have thanked themselves," said Walters. "I just think it's interesting that the President and Mrs. Bush spent their time and effort to come on a popular television show."

When Hasselbeck suggested all presidents would take advantage of what fourth The View co-host Joy Behar termed "a photo-op," O'Donnell criticized Fox -- which has already been receiving criticism for not increasing its parent company's "10 cents for every one of the first 50 million votes cast" donation pledge to include all of the 70 million viewer votes that last week's Idol Give Back performance show ultimately ended up generating -- for only contributing $5 million to the charity telethon.

"Here's what I would respect Fox if they did, if they matched the money. How much money has Fox made off of American Idol? If they said, 'We will match the [entire] $70 million,' I would go, 'Wow. That's impressive... to think that they're not making money by the increased [ad] revenue [Idol Gives Back's two-hour "results show" broadcast generated for them]... you have to look at that,'" said O'Donnell of "I would prefer that the President spend his time at the funeral of a dead soldier than on American Idol."

"I don't think it's a bad thing for [President Bush] to be on American Idol thanking the people who donated $70 million to this country and also to Africa," Hasselbeck responded before Walters reiterated her skepticism about the appearance.

"I don't think it's a bad thing -- I think it's a fine thing -- I just think it's interesting that of all the different outlets and all the different ways of spending money and with all of the time constraints that the President and First Lady have, that this is what they chose to go on," said Walters.

Here is the transcript of the segmet from Newsbusters.org:

Barbara Walters: "What they were doing was they were thanking people who contributed to American Idol for both African and American charities, and they were obviously reading exactly from the [speaks very slowly] tele-promp-ter."

Joy Behar: "I think he should be voted off. What do you think?"

[audience applause]

Walters to Joy Behar: "Do not expect to be invited to any state dinner."

Behar: "You know what? I would not go to the White House."

Walters: "Oh, it's the White House!"

Behar: "I would not."

Walters: "Well, that's wrong."

Behar: "I have my principles."

O'Donnell: "You wouldn't go?"

Behar: "I wouldn't."

O'Donnell: "Interesting."

Hasselbeck: "You wouldn't go even to protest?"

Behar: "Protest, yeah, outside, but I'm not going to sit there with somebody who's doing what he's doing. I won't. I would not."

Hasselbeck: "You wouldn't sit there just to try to get a moment with him and tell him what you think, one on one?"

Behar: "Oh, like he would spend a moment with me."

Hasselbeck: "Maybe he would. Maybe he would. Sheryl Crow got to Cheney." [O'Donnell corrects her, noting it was Karl Rove]

Behar: "She practically had to assault Karl Rove. She practically had to be on top of the guy."

Walters: "I think, at some point, if you're invited to the White House and it is the President, I do think that your opinions are your opinions, but I think you'd go. But, you know, you probably-"

O'Donnell: "I don't think I would go either. I hadn't thought of it until you said it, Joy, but I probably wouldn't either."

Hasselbeck to O'Donnell: "Did you like him on Idol last night? Were you disturbed that he invaded 'Idol,' for you?"

O'Donnell: "A little bit. But I was more disturbed that, you know, he's thanking the American public for giving up their money. We've asked the American public for money during every tragedy. But, you know, $500 billion in Iraq, but he wants to thank America for the $70 billion [really million] of their own pockets that they gave, but he doesn't mention the $500 billion that he spends in Iraq. I think it's very distorted."

Hasselbeck: "I think it was a great thing that the American people did, and to just-"

O'Donnell: "I think we're asking a lot of the American people while we're wasting their money and not giving them enough to live on, you know."

[audience applause]

Hasselbeck: "These weren't forced donations to ask of people, I mean, $70 million, it's a lot of money for kids, and the fact that people gave, it's a gift."

O'Donnell: "But on another thing is I would prefer that the President spend his time at the funeral of a dead soldier than on American Idol."

Behar: "But that would be a photo-op he doesn't want to go to."

O'Donnell: "I know."

[audience applause, Behar says something unintelligible to Hasselbeck]

Hasselbeck: "I've said he should be there. I've said that he should be there."

Behar: "He should put his money where his mouth is, and let's see him show up at one of those funerals."

Hasselbeck: "I don't think it's bad for him to be on American Idol thanking the people for donating $70 million to this country and also to Africa."

Walters: "I don't think it's a bad thing at all. I think it's a fine thing, but I think it's just interesting that of all the different outlets and with all the different ways of spending money, and with all the time constraints that a President and a First Lady had, that this is what they choose to go on."

O'Donnell: "And consequently, it's on the Fox, it's on the Fox network, which is all of the pundits who are pro-Bush are on the Fox network, so I thought it was interesting as well."

Hasselbeck: "Let me ask you this. Would a President, then, be not so wise then to choose an outlet that didn't reach as many people? I mean, this is in terms of just getting to American people and reaching the public, that was probably the smartest way to do it."

Behar: "He has access to all the money that we pay taxes for. He is able to do whatever he wants to do with that money. Congress will be very happy ..."

Walters: "Not exactly."

Behar: "Well, practically."

Hasselbeck: "It has to be approved now, especially with the changes in Congress."

Behar: "He could do it though, he could do it."

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

This and That

IT'S NOT OVER
According to AmericanIdol.com Daughtry has become the #1 top selling album in the country for the second time this year, in an incredible 15-week run that has seen the debut artist, album and single – "It’s Not Over"– shatter so many records that the milestones are becoming too numerous to list. Debuting at #2 on November 21, 2006, the double-platinum album (certified this week by the RIAA) has been in the top 3 of the Billboard Top 200 albums chart for 9 weeks.

"Daughtry" has remained in the Top 10 every week except one since launch, and is the first rock band release in nearly 20 years – since Bon Jovi’s 1988 classic New Jersey– to hit the top spot after debuting below #1 and the first rock band to hit the #1 spot a second time more than 5 weeks after it first topped the chart without debuting there since Santana's "Supernatural" in 2000. The band and album are drawing over one million views per week to their artist site (www.daughtryofficial.com) and remain a Top 10 staple on iTunes since release.

The group's “Home” was chosen as the elimination song this season on "American Idol." This week “Home” moved up from #119 to #62 on the Digital Songs Chart with track sales at 17K, up 81% from the prior week. Other significant uses for the stirring ballad are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“The tremendous radio and video support, the great crowds we get at our shows, the intensity of our online fans – all of it – is everything any artist could ever ask for,” said Chris Daughtry. “We see all these new faces everyday at our shows, including great, great rock fans who make each performance an adventure ... I want all of our fans to know that every song we play is a thank you right back at each and every one of them for standing by us in such an awesome way.”

And now Chris is giving back something to his fans. Go to his site to find out how to enter Daughtry's "It's Not Over Video Contest". Make a video for the song "It's Not Over" and you could win the grand prize of $3,000, or one of two 1st place prizes of $1,000.

You'll build your video on partner site, Musicbox. Use the online editing tool to drag and drop clips of Daughtry performing the song to the timeline. You can add your own video clips and photos, and drag them around the timeline to create a video sequence you like, then add the complete audio track of "It's Not Over." That's all there is to it. Open to legal permanent residents of the United States 18 years of age or older. No purchase necessary.

SOMEONE THINKS IT'S A LOCK

On his KIIS radio program in Los Angeles, Ryan Seacrest interviewed the four semi-finalists that were eliminated on Thursday. He first spoke with Sundance Head and Sabrina Sloan. Sundance told Ryan that when he heard that he had been eliminated, "I was shocked, I was amazed. I had not prepared myself for that at all ... I was a little angry, I was kind of mad ... I can definitely say my heart was broken. I felt it didn't go the way it should've went." When Seacrest asked Sundance "Is there anybody that thinks they've won this competition, that really believes that they're in already?" Head said, "yes," then added it was a male contestant. When asked if this person actually said that in front of the others, Head said, "Yeah, in ways, yeah" and that he did it "all the time." When Sundance tried to switch the conversation back to himself, Ryan said, "You don't like him," and Sundance answered, "no." Later, when Seacrest interviewed Jared Cotter and Antonella Barba, he told them what Sundance had said and asked Jared who the contestant was. It was obvious Jared knew what he was talking about, but neither he nor Antonella would name the confident male finalist who was, according to Ryan, "creating a little animosity within the group." Guesses? We're thinking Blake Lewis. You can hear Sundance and Sabrina here. And you can listen to Jared and Antonella here.

LYTHGOE ON O'DONNELL

Seacrest also spoke with executive producer Nigel Lythgoe about Rosie Donnell's accusations that "American Idol" is racist and weightist. Addressing the differences between the Frenchie Davis and Antonella Barba cases, Lythgoe said, "It's two totally different cases. Antonella had some personal photographs put on a Web site and Frenchie was actually supplying photographs to a pornographic Web site. They're totally, utterly different."

Speaking about O'Donnell, herself, Lythgoe said, "Once you get in a situation where you can have a view and then put it on television and discuss something, with that comes a responsibility. And that responsibility is you think before you open your mouth.

"And, I'm sorry, if you're going to talk about 'American Idol' being racist that is utterly crazy ... Talent does not recognize color or size. And if you're talking about size, look at our past contestants, Ruben [Studdard]for instance. Randy Jackson, himself. We don't look at size or color of skin on 'American Idol.' LaKisha [Jones], Mandisa [Hundley], you know, these are not small people."

"... And what it does in truth is cloud the true issues of racism, because, you know, if you cry 'wolf' and say this is racist, it just distracts people's attention from true racism that's going on."

When asked, Lythgoe said it had not been his decision to withhold "American Idol" clips from "The View." That decision, he said, was made by Fox. You can hear the entire interview here.

And according to TMZ.com, O'Donnell had this to say in her blog at rosie.com (warning: spellings unchanged):

what can u say really
from the coca-cola red couch
i call it as i see it
nigel l - sam r
same same same
1985 - 2007
blah blah blah blha
blha blha blah blha

O'Donnell appears to equate Nigel Lythgoe with Sam Riddle ("sam r"), the producer of "Star Search," where O'Donnell got her start by winning several weeks in a row.

TAYLOR HELPS AT HOME

KIIS L.A. reports that when reigning American Idol champion Taylor Hicks returned home to Birmingham, Ala., to perform this weekend, he gave back to the community. Hicks partnered with the American Red Cross to raise funds for victims of the violent tornado that struck Enterprise, Ala., on March 2, killing eight students and destroying the local high school.

Hicks, a native of Birmingham, appeared in his hometown at the Alabama Theater on March 10 and 11. Both shows sold out prior to the tragic events of March 2. After the tornado struck, Hicks invited the Red Cross to collect money on site and educate concert-goers on what they can do to help those affected by the tornado. During his Birmingham visit, Hicks will also be presented with the key to the city, which he will dedicate to the victims of the deadly tornado.

"This tragedy affected me very personally," says Hicks. "I know Enterprise, and have friends from there. When I heard the news, I wanted to be able to do something concrete to help all of the folks affected by the tornado. And I wanted to do it sooner rather than later, as these people need our help now."

This is not the first time Hicks has teamed up with the Red Cross. A portion of the proceeds from his first single, "Do I Make You Proud," goes to the charity, a campaign that continues with the sale of every single and paid digital download. "Do I Make You Proud" hit No. 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 and was the magazine's best-selling single of 2006, with over 460,000 sold to date.

Hicks' new single, "Just to Feel That Way," moves up to No. 25 this week on the Adult Contemporary chart this week.

e-mail Idol Addict
© 2007

American Idol Rewind?

OK, before we begin, we must reveal "American Idol's" newest scandal, and it has nothing to do with Antonella Barba. In fact, it involves Jordin Sparks. This is supposed to be a live show, right? Well if you taped it, TiVo'd it or DVR'd it, run right back to your TV and go to the last 10 seconds of Sparks' performance. You'll notice on that last killer note, she drops the microphone to her side a full two seconds before the sound of her voice ends. The voice just continues -- full blast -- without the mic. Huh? Take a look:


Are they backing up the performances with the dress rehearsal vocals? What up Idol? Some 'splaining needs to be done -- and fast!

That being said, when you think about the men and women performing this year, the sexes seem to have reversed roles (and we're not even talking about Sanjaya Malakar here). Men are taught to be competitive from the day they are born. It starts with sports, continues with schooling and usually culminates in the business world. Of course, women are competitive, too, yet they're taught to be more subtle about it (i.e. hide the claws and the backstabbing, you're not supposed to know they're being competitive).

Yet, when it comes to this season's "Idol," it's the women who are the aggressors, unafraid to take the risks and let you know how badly they want to be in the Top 12. They pick the power songs, sing them to maximum effect and dress to kill. They even listen to the judges ... and learn. Simon tells Gina she's lost her edginess? She drops the feminine dresses, puts her tongue stud back in her mouth, dons her jeans, boots, one net glove and leather accessories and sings Evanescence. Simon tells LaKisha her neon orange blouse and mini-skirt are distracting and unbecoming? She returns the next week dressed in an elegant black satin below-the-knee evening dress, complete with rhinestone-studded sandals. All three judges tell Antonella her singing is pitchy and her song choices (Celine Dion) exceed her capabilities? Even she comes back with a more appropriate song (Corinne Rae Bailey) for her voice and range (just for the record, Antonella always looks good). So what's up with the guys? Guess, they just don't get it.

So we hope this week America finally voted with their ears and brains instead of their hearts, geographical location or genitals.

The evening started out on an odd note. In Ryan's intro, he mentioned that Paula was missing, but we'll find her. A few minutes later, as Seacrest introduced the judges, Simon told Ryan that Paula had been under the desk, with Randy adding that she had been "getting something for me." Ryan immediately tried to shut down that line of conversation, repeating at least three times that it was a family show. We think Paula even blushed.

Before Jordin Sparks sang "Heartbreaker," by Pat Benatar, she revealed that football is a huge part of her life and that she even wears face paint to games. Do you care? We didn't. This theme, for the most part is so lame. After last week's emotional performance, Jordin apparently decided to show her edge, rocking jeans, black polish on her toenails and sporting a nose stud. The beginning of the performance lacked energy, and at times was pitchy and off-key, but it built as it went and Sparks carried it off (or did she? She above). Randy said its wasn't Jordin's best performance, and had pitchy spots, but was still dope and better than the boys, while Paula told Jordin that each week she was getting better and better. Simon, not quite as enthusiastic, said it was a bit manic and a bit shrieky in the middle and wasn't Jordin's strongest performance in the past three weeks, but that she'd done well, showed her personality and that he was 100 percent sure that she'll be there next week.

Sabrina Sloan tells us that she always wanted to be the next Katie Couric and hosted a weekly TV show in high school. We see amateur-hour film clips of her as a school reporter with much darker hair. She looked absolutely fabulous, but her rendition of En Vogue's "Don't Let Go" went pitchy and flat in places. We still think she has a powerhouse voice and deserves a place in the finals, but also realize that people seem to either love her and hate her; there doesn't seem to be a gray area and that could be dangerous. Randy thought the performance was solid, but wished the song choice had a little more melody, but Paula thought Sabrina brought a whole different energy and told her she can "sing, sing, sing." Simon, though he admitted she's a great singer, said Sabrina lacked emotion and was a bit robotic, reminding him of a hotel resort performance. He also told her without personality her voice will only take her so far, a point we understood, because we really don't feel we know Sabrina at all. But when Ryan asked the judges whether Sabrina deserved to be in the finals, they all said "yes" without a second's hesitation.

Up next was Antonella Barba, who told us she played violin since age 4, though she was a little rusty. Barba set her sights lower this week, choosing Corinne Rae Bailey's "Put Your Records On." Was it as bad as last week. No (was that even possible?). Was it bad? Well, yes. Problem is, Barba is just a capable singer and so totally out of her element in a group of women who can "really blow," as Randy would say, that she sticks out like a sore thumb. She should have never made the semis. But in spite of everything we've heard (and seen), we almost felt sorry for her last night. Randy complimented her on the song choice, but added it was pitchy in the middle and was just an OK performance. Paula also said it was the right song choice, but added that Antonella had to watch out for the bottom notes. Simon, trying to keep it real, told Antonella that she had gone as far as she can go. He also, for the first time on the show, indirectly opened up the Internet photos can of worms by saying that Antonella had taken a lot of stick from the media and had handled it well, and that nobody should be put in that situation. But, he added, he wasn't going to patronize her. It wasn't her worst performance, but he wished she were a better singer.

Haley Scarnato was a gymnast as a child, until she dislocated both of her shoulders. She then discovered singing. Her version of Faith Hill's "If My Heart Had Wings" sounded mechanical and rushed to us. It lacked emotion and phrasing. We found it deadly dull and probably her worst performance. Randy said he wasn't jumping up and down but that it was pretty much in tune, but added it had no pizzazz, no wow, no "yo" factor (a term he then used repeatedly the rest of the night). Paula thought she sang it well, but Simon (thank god) called it what it really was, "horrible, just horrible, like a ghastly high school musical performance." He might have gone a bit too far when he tried to express to Haley how forgettable she was by telling her he didn't even know her name (ouch!).

Stephanie Edwards tells us she used to be real shy, but isn't anymore. Here's our problem with Stephanie: She's got a great voice and she looks great, but almost without exception we've hated her song choices, and that includes tonight's "Sweet Thing" by Chaka Khan. For us, there has been a lack of melody in everything she's chosen (last week it was Beyoncé's "Dangerously in Love") and we find it hard to get into the music, or the performance. Ultimately, we find ourselves not listening and not caring, even though she has an amazing set of pipes. Randy gave her an "A' for effort, but said it was just OK for him, but Paula called it "darn near flawless" and said she has great showmanship. Simon told her she was one of the best they've got and that she had done 100 percent enough to sing herself to the Top 12 next week.

LaKisha Jones is terrified of animals -- all animals. OK girls, want to get her out of the competition? Smuggle a critter backstage. Otherwise Ms. Jones is not going anywhere. She took on Whitney Houston's "I have Nothing" and did it justice. She might have an even bigger voice thn Whitney. My only complaint? I would have liked to hear the entire song, not just 90 seconds. Randy said it was another great performance by the great LaKisha, while Paula told her "You’re going to stay right here, and you’re going to work on being the next Idol." Simon added that LaKisha had brought passion, talent, believability, and (in a jab at Randy) of course the "yo" factor. He also sweetly added, "tonight you look beautiful." Ryan then told us that LaKisha's auntie and mama need their own show, while the camera panned to them, wearing LaKisha T-shirts and carrying on in the audience. This elicited an "Oh my, I told them not to act up!" remark from a laughing LaKisha.

Yea for Gina Glocksen! She really stepped it up this week and became edgy girl again, down to the stud in her tongue. After sitting through a look at her troll, pickle and other lucky charms (which, by the way, weren't magically delicious) she performed Evanescence's "Call me When You're Sober." We were a little worried by that choice. After all, it's no small thing to take on Amy Lee. And the performance wasn't perfect. It was pitchy in places and screamy in others, but it was also high-energy rocker, which is what we thought Gina was all along, but hadn't exhibited until tonight. Randy pointed out the pitch problems, but said the real Gina came out tonight and advised her to keep the edge alive, keep the "yo" going. Paula warned her to avoid oversinging but also said this is the style that suits you best. Simon told Gina it was the first time he had seen her looking comfortable throughout the competition and even though she had tended to scream the song, she was a breath of fresh air and that with choosing better, more melodic songs she could do well. He ended by saying "I really, really hope you make it through next week."

Last up was Melinda Doolittle. In the pimp spot. You go girl -- and she did. But first Melinda had to tell us about her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which she likes to think of as "equal opportunity." If she chews 10 times on the right side, she then chews 10 times on the left side. If she touches something cold with her left hand, she then touches something cold with her right hand. More information than we really needed (though charmingly explained) and thank god she didn't go into her toilet habits. Being a master of phrasing, she killed with Peggy Lee's "I'm a Woman." No contest. Randy told her, "You turned it out, the hottest one of the night," adding that she was a consummate pro. Paula called her so phenomenal and fantastic. But we enjoyed Simon's comment best. After a prolonged smile, he said, "You little tiger. I thought we had a pussycat. I loved that." He then said that it was quite obvious how good a singer Melinda is and that it is very, very nice that Melinda is actually enjoying every second on the show instead of viewing it, as others did, as a stepping stone, which was a direct shot at Jennifer Hudson's remark about "Idol" after she won her Oscar.

Top 2 in descending order: Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones

Bottom 2 in descending order: Antonella Barba, Haley Scarnato

Everyone else, in no particular order: Sabrina Sloan, Stephanie Edwards, Gina Glocksen, Jordin Sparks

Should go: Antonella Barba, Haley Scarnato
Will go: Haley Scarnato, Sabrina Sloan

ROSIE THE RIVETING

Rosie O'Donnell just can't stop complaining ... about everything. And it must be "American Idol's" turn in the barrel again. Apparently inspired by an interview with Frenchie Davis in the New York Post, O'Donnell called "Idol" weightist and racist. Davis, a contestant during Season 2, was booted from the competition when producers discovered she had bared her breasts on an adult Web site five years earlier. Since current contestant Antonella Barba was not booted, in spite of the fact that revealing photos of her have also shown up on the Internet, Davis told The Post that she's wondering why "Idol" producers have applied a double standard.

"I couldn't help but notice the difference between the manner in which she was dealt with and how I was dealt with," Davis told The Post. "I think it's fantastic if 'Idol' has evolved and I think it's fantastic she won't have to go through what I went through four years ago. But if the rules have changed, I believe there should be something to make up for the fact that I was humiliated needlessly."

Davis added, "I was up-front about those photographs and I had taken them five years before I was on 'Idol' ... It's not necessarily something I'm proud of, but not something I regret, either. It happened and I was honest about it ... and weeks later they decided to kick me off the show. They said it was because of the photographs, but my photos certainly weren't sexual."

Davis, who has appeared in "Rent" for the past four years and ends her run on May 24, said she's willing to give "Idol" producers "the benefit of the doubt." "I'm willing to say maybe the rules have changed, and I think that's great. But it was a very painful experience for me and it was humiliating for my parents."

So what does any of this have to do with Rosie O'Donnell? The same day the story ran in The Post, Rosie went into a rant on "The View" saying that "Idol" canned Davis for her breast-baring snapshots, but kept current wannabe Antonella Barba despite hers -- because Davis is black and fat and Barba is, well, not. "It's weightist and wacist," said Rosie, doing her best Donald Duck impression.

Instead of ignoring O'Donnell as the gnat that she is, Idol's executive producers decided to forbid "The View" from showing any more clips from "American Idol," which, of course, set Rosie off again on "The View."

But that wasn't enough. Idol Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe stupidly chose to prolong the discussion yesterday by issuing a statement:

"Without wishing to add to the obvious self-promotion of Ms. O'Donnell, I feel as though I must refute her absurd and ridiculous claims that AMERICAN IDOL is racist and/or weightist. Ms. O'Donnell has, once again, spoken without thought or knowledge.Viewers need only look at the show tonight to realize that AMERICAN IDOL constantly confirms to America that talent has nothing to do with weight or color."

Nigel Lythgoe
Executive Producer
AMERICAN IDOL

OK, glad you all got that off your collective chests. Now will everybody just shut up?

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