'Idol' moments: Heaven knows Doolittle's fans ready for a risk
By MATT GLEASON World Scene Writer
3/28/2007
"American Idol" frontrunner Melinda Doolittle was the disco queen of the night Tuesday evening as she sauntered on stage with a sassy, bow-before-me attitude during her performance of Donna Summer's "Heaven Knows."
As evidence of Doolittle's vocal dominance in the contest, Gwen Stefani, this week's guest mentor, praised the former Tulsan's vocal delivery as "mind-blowing."
Still, I'm ready for Doolittle to take a risk -- a big, honkin' oh-my-god-I-can't-believe-she-did-that kind of risk.
See, up until now, Doolittle has been so very calculated in her performances. She's a professional singer after all, but it's time Doolittle proves she can actually pull off an upbeat, blow-your-mind contemporary pop or R&B song.
Come on Melinda, give us a little "Bootylicious."
And would it kill you to mention Tulsa just once?
Anyway, I would love for her to knock me down with a raucous, hip-shaking version of No Doubt's "Hey Baby," but Jordin Sparks beat her to it.
Yow, Sparks is for real, people.
Actually, the bubbly 17-year-old has a youthful exuberance that should make Doolittle heed my advice. If she doesn't, America could very well pick Sparks
And then there are the also-rans.
LaKisha Jones proved she's a dynamo performer but it seems she has slipped to, maybe, fourth place behind Doolittle, Sparks and -- sigh -- that beat-box kid who likes to sing so purdy for all his many admirers.
Blake Lewis is a devout 311 fan, so he thankfully did a beatbox-free performance of the Cure's aptly- titled "Love Song," which 311 covered for the "50 First Dates" soundtrack.
Sorry Blakey, you didn't outdo either 311 or the Cure. Actually, it bored me. Of course, the Blake faithful will vote for this guy like beatboxing were a national treasure worth preserving.
Phil Stacey covered his bald pate this week with a cap and uncovered the Phil that seemed like one of the top males early in the contest. His version of the Police's "Every Breath You Take" was the best male performance of the night and will keep him battling for a few more weeks. Nicely done, Phil.
Sanjaya Malakar is all hair and no talent. He actually showed up as a beast with seven ponytails this week. That sci-fi hairdo looked like something a bored 8-year-old would torture her Troll Doll with. Hair aside, Malakar tried to suck up to Stefani with a cover of No Doubt's "Bathwater," but his hair was the only thing memorable about the lousy performance. America, please make him go away.
Chris Sligh, the contestant with the second-most interesting hairdo, is a lovable bloke but after his fouled-up version of the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," he could get the boot.
Chris Richardson has become too predictable and too much of a one-trick hotty.
Gina Glocksen shed her bad girl persona for a safe, but impressive, version of the Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You." It was her best performance to date. Don't expect Bad Girl Gina to return anytime soon.
Haley Scarnato got by on her hot looks last week, but she opted for a more tasteful frock this week as she sang Cyndi Lauper's classic gem "True Colors." It's a gorgeous, affecting song if done right, but Scarnato's version was mediocre and utterly boring.
What our judge said: Hank Charles, owner of the Broken Arrow recording studio Valcour Sound, said of Stacey, "Phil sang confidently and did a fine job on a very overdone song. Hopefully the judges' positive responses will keep Phil in the competition."
As for Doolittle, he said, "It wasn't a great song, but Melinda was great. No matter what song she sings, Melinda excels. Doolittle's done it again."
What Simon said: About Phil: "This may surprise you, Phil, but I actually thought that was very good. You know what, great choice of song. It's the only time I've felt in the last few weeks that you're actually taking this seriously and actually trying to do well in this competition."
As for Doolittle, Cowell said, "I don't think this is going to be the performance we're going to look back on and say it was the best you were. Vocally, however, you were, as usual, outstanding."
Then, for the first time of the competition, Cowell actually criticized Doolittle: "Hate the outfit."
Matt Gleason 581-8473
matt.gleason@tulsaworld.com
By MATT GLEASON World Scene Writer
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