American Idol's Coming Down To The Final Four - Last Night Was The Blake and Lakisha Show
Last night's American Idol show was a great watch. The final six contestants Phil Stacey, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Richardson, Blake Edwards and Jordin Sparks teamed up with legendary rock back Bon Jovi.
Let me set the record straight here. I am old. I grew up in the 80's. I listened to Depeche Mode, The Smiths, New Order, OMD and XTC and all that other awesome new wave band shizzle. I did NOT listen to Journey, Foreigner, Whitesnake or Bon Jovi. Why, because I thought that music was for mullets - and mullets are unacceptable.
So, that said, last night was really cool. Jon Bon Jovi was very personable and down to earth. I didn't "hate" him prior to the show, I just didn't care, but now, I kind of like him.
Plus, he gave great advice: "Own the song."Which is what each of them either did, or tried to do.
The smooth-headed military contingent Phil Stacey showed his strong vocal range by singing a Bon Jovi song he claims to have practiced in front of the mirror thousands of times in his youth: "Blaze of Glory" from Young Guns. That was a silly movie with both Kiefer Sutherland and Emilio Estevez, but I digress. Phil, as I have said all along, has gotten by on two things: his vocal chops (he's just a really good singer) and his "aw shucks" likability. I would love to see him stay, but since two have to go, I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of them - he just doesn't fit the mold, despite being a great singer.
Jordin Sparks didn't spark last night performing BJ's uber-hit "Livin On A Prayer." She tried, so gets credit for that. But that song is a raucous belter written for a male lead singer. The notes were totally out of her range. I am afraid her inability to meet the vocal range will be her undoing, but she's still a great kid and really great performer. Bye-bye sweet Jordin, we'll miss you!
Lakisha Jones just hit it out of the park with a soulful rendition of a lesser-known BJ song "This Ain't A Love Song." It was a tremendous song choice as it played well to her lower range, which is bluesy and raw. She really committed to that performance and it made me genuinely see her as a real artist who could sell a lot of records if given the right image and opportunity. Plus, Simon kissed her full on the lips and that was SOMETHING to see. Get a damn room next time. Lakisha's going nowhere.
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