Wednesday, April 25, 2007

'Idol' Moments: Doolittle's performance inspires

'Idol' Moments: Doolittle's performance inspires


By MATT GLEASON World Scene Writer
4/25/2007

Somewhere in a destitute neighborhood in America or an African village decimated by malaria, Tuesday night's special episode of "American Idol" didn't matter at all.

However, in many homes where the little ones never go hungry, Tuesday found millions of Americans wondering, "Who will get voted off this week?"

For the episode known as "Idol Gives Back," the six finalists sang inspirational songs.

Melinda Doolittle was again the best of the lot as she turned Faith Hill's ballad "There Will Come a Day" into gospel song ready for Sunday morning church.

Paula Abdul called her performance "magical." Simon Cowell said, "You absolutely made me believe you recorded it originally -- I mean that really was a vocal master class."

Hank Charles, owner of Broken Arrow studio Valcour Sound, said Doolittle looked "poised and sure of herself" and "made the soaring notes and key change seem effortless."

Charles added, "I thought she barely missed a note or two pitchwise, but her tremendous tone and presence overcame any inconsistencies."

Phil Stacey, who has family ties to Shawnee, chose Garth Brooks' "The Change" because, as he said, it "had a profound impact" on his life and reminds him of the "amazing heroism that emerged in the midst of (the Oklahoma City bombing)."

Saying that he missed his two daughters staying with their grandparents in Oklahoma, Stacey added, "Tonight, each of us are being given the opportunity to become heroes."

It was nice to hear someone mention their connection to Oklahoma. Hey, Melinda: hint, hint, nudge, nudge.

Cowell complimented Stacey on his performance and song choice, but said he would have preferred Stacey sing it with the country tone he masterfully carried off last week.

Cowell predicted Stacey could "do very well in the show because I think people like you."

Charles said of Stacey: "His voice was controlled and confident on a song that's not easy to sing. The judges and the crowd were won over, and hopefully his last two performances will move him forward in the competition."

Chris Richardson did what he always does on the show as he sang Eric Clapton's "Change the World": He locked eyes with the camera like it were a hottie in a tight-fitting shirt and performed like the best karaoke singer out of Virginia.

Blake Lewis' choice of John Lennon's "Imagine" was appro priate for the sentimental night, but he's no genius in circle-framed glasses. He's just a dude on "American Idol" trying a bit too hard.

LaKisha Jones performed Fantasia's "I Believe," but as big as her voice is, that one was too big for her.

Jones once seemed a front- runner, but now she's clinging to Chris Richardson's cargo pants, dangling over oblivion. This may be her week to go.

Jordin Sparks performed Rodgers and Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone." It was so-so for me, but the judges seemed to like it.

When Sparks sang the song's final note, a great many Americans flipped the channel to see what else was on, while the poor, hungry and diseased wondered where their next meal would come from.




Matt Gleason 581-8473
matt.gleason@tulsaworld.com

By MATT GLEASON World Scene Writer

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