Idol Moments: Doolittle is reigning Supreme
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| World-renowned artist Diana Ross works with the Top 12 finalists on “American Idol.” The contestants performed songs from the Diana Ross and the Supremes songbook. |
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By MATT GLEASON World Scene writer
3/14/2007
"Melinda Doolittle meet Diana Ross
"Diana Ross meet Melinda Doolittle. She's the next Idol."
At least that's how the introductions should have gone when Ross showed up in Hollywood to mentor the "American Idol," oh, and the rest of the singers as they took on Ross' daunting material.
I know some might call me a homer for adoring Doolittle, given that she went to Union High School and all, but watching her perform "Home" -- yeah, that song from "The Wiz" -- would have sent the same shiver up my right leg even if I hailed from where singers who can reach way down -- deeper than Paula Abdul's bag of makeup -- on a line like "So it's real, real to me" are appreciated.
Heck, Doolittle's performance even brought tears to Abdul's eyes, which says something, right? Eh, maybe not. Abdul is to sanity as Sanjaya Malakar is to talent. By the way, hey Sanjaya, Justin Guarini wants his hair back.
Wow, I should take this act to Vegas.
On with the insults.
If it weren't for Brandon Rogers, Malakar would so be going home to cry big fat man tears in his floppy mess of hair.
Yeah, right, Malakar's got the staying power of a foul stench in a closed space.
Blake Lewis just (deep
I thought Chris Richardson had a shot of at least being the top boy, but it's still like watching a high school talent-show singer. He might get the head cheerleader's phone number, but not my vote.
And then there's our boy Phil Stacey, who has family ties to Shawnee. I don't care for him that much, but he not only outdid his performance last week -- I wanted to boot him and that silly hat of his -- but this week's version of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" proved he could make it far in the contest.
Haley Scarnato, the boot will find you next week. The bootheel also is on the lookout for Gina Glocksen and Chris Sligh.
What our judges said
Hank Charles, owner of Broken Arrow recording studio Valcour Sound, said: "Melinda was strong and confident as she walked right up in front of the judges and nailed the song. I didn't think much of the song itself, but her performance was amazing. Melinda's humility once again was evident as the judges complimented her. It's Doolittle all the way.
"Phil looked happy and relaxed as he proceeded to sing a strong version of the old song. I thought he did a great job," Charles said. "His pitch was true, and his delivery was self-assured. I would give him higher marks than the judges did, and I hope he can build on this success."
Rochelle Chambers, a popular R&B and blues singer, said: "Melinda was strong. She owned that song tonight. Phil was a little pitchy in spots, but overall he did a great job."
Both judges said they want Malakar gone this week.
Simon Cowell said
About Doolittle: "Melinda, you made a very boring song fantastic. You know who you remind me of? You remind me of a young Gladys Knight."
About Stacey: "It was OK. I think it was a very good choice of song for you. You have a tendency, though, that when you're trying to hit the big notes, you shout, so it's like you're shouting in my ear and somehow you've got to control that. It wasn't outstanding. It wasn't awful. Again, it was somewhere in the middle. I think it was better than last week."
Matt Gleason 581-8473
matt.gleason@tulsaworld.com
By MATT GLEASON World Scene writer
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