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It’s night one of Idol Gives Back, the charity event that has been advertised ad nauseum for months.
Bono is tonight’s special guest star. That’s incredibly exciting, as I am a huge U2 fan, and his work as an activist is incredibly moving. There are very few superstars that are on the same level as him. [Where is Bono? He didn't appear at all, in tapes or on stage, or anything? Why tease us with Bono?]
The video of Simon and Ryan in Africa was of course quite moving.
The theme tonight is “songs of hope and inspiration.”
Chris Richardson is performing Eric Clapton’s “Change the World.” This is one of those songs that I can listen to over and again and not get tired of it. Chris added a lot of his own flavor to the song. He updated it, wasn’t overly nasally, and he looked great. I’m quite pleased with him. The judges were all favorably impressed. Good for him, I was very worried after the last couple of weeks.
In addition to Africa, the charity plans to help folks at home as well. Randy went to Louisiana. There was a trip to rural Kentucky, and Arizona. They showed the homeless in Atlanta. Paula and Ryan visited a mobile health care unit focused on treating poor kids.
Melinda Doolittle is up next with “There Will Come a Day” by Faith Hill. She looks amazing tonight. Another phenomenal performance from Melinda. She is impeccable. This song has almost brought me to tears. OUTSTANDING! Let no one deny the greatness that is Melinda. She is AWESOME! The judges of course loved her. Simon called it a “vocal master class.”
Blake Lewis is tackling John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Probably the most appropriate song for tonight’s theme. A very nice performance from Blake this week. It was subdued and sensitive and simple. The judges praised his sincerity. Blake has always been one of my favorites, tonight is no different.
LaKisha Jones is performing “I Believe” from previous Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino. She made the mistake of doing another Idol winner’s song last week, and I’m afraid she’s repeating herself tonight. The first verse of this song was really rough. There was a good stretch in the middle before she seemed to lose the pitch and was way flat. Randy didn’t love it. Paula said that she missed Fantasia’s version. Simon thought she shouted a bit. The love affair with LaKisha is over.
Phil Stacey is singing “The Change” by Garth Brooks. I am not sure what he is doing with this song. I absolutely love Garth’s version. It can bring me to tears. Phil sounds a bit like a Michael Bolton impersonator to me tonight. Phil’s delivery is lacking a connection. I’m not feeling the emotion that this song normally evokes in me. Pitch wise, he was fine. Paula thought it was his best performance to date.
Jordin Sparks closes the show tonight. She’s doing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the Rodger’s & Hammerstein musical “Carousel.” That was a fantastic performance. Randy called it one of the best vocal performances of any season. Paula called it “glorious.” Simon thought she could have a hit record with it, despite it being a 60 year old song. It was definitely one of the best broadway song performances I’ve ever seen on this show, second only to Fantasia’s “Summertime” a few years ago.
Here’s the wrap up:
Safe:
- Melinda Doolittle
- Jordin Sparks
Probably Safe:
- Blake Lewis
- Chris Richardson
Danger! Danger!:
- Phil Stacey
- LaKisha Jones
The wild card tonight will be whether the country fans liked Phil enough to vote in droves and maybe drop Chris to the bottom of the pile. I really hope not. Unquestionably, LaKisha was the worst performance tonight, and it’s time for her to go. Historically, there’s only room for two powerhouse divas in the top 5, and LaKisha is definitely the weakest of the three.