You have got to be kidding me! This is one time where Sanjaya's performance lived up to the title of his song choice. He has definitely given us several things to talk about: like pitch, pitch and pitch. Thankfully, even Paula was willing to tell Sanjaya that this was not his week!
I'll admit it, Phil rocked! But where was the black cowboy hat to go with that shirt? And thank goodness for Melinda. One word describes her voice no matter what style she is singing: Powerful! She stayed on key (no surprise there) and actually looked like she was enjoying the song. Simon offered: There was "a little bit of Tina Turner going on there." Mrs. AmericanIdolSTINKS.com says, "She'd better win this thing, that's all I've got to say!"
But the rest of the performances were grade "B" karaoke, at best. And this highlights another flaw with the whole concept of American Idol. The show is based on the British program "Pop Idol." And everything about the concept, marketing and presentation of American Idol is about creating a "pop star." Yet the program moves through various musical styles, with which most of the performers are obviously uncomfortable.
Now, if you're an optimist - which I am not - you could say that this gives each contestant a chance to showcase their talents in their best style. But after watching Simon give a fourth dimension to the scientific art of delivering insults, I'm not biting. I think the various "style shows" - but particularly country - are designed to showcase each artists' weaknesses, to expose their vocal Achilles' heels, if you will.
In other words, this is about finding the worst in people and exploiting it, not about finding the best in people and encouraging it. I like the latter approach much better than the first.
There's someone who perfected the ability to find the best in people and encouraging it. He also perfected the ability to point out people's flaws in a way that makes them want to change for the better. If you'd like to learn more about him, click here.