Category: Pop (Page 198 of 216)

Last night, the final four on “American Idol” performed after spending some time in Memphis at Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. They got to hang with Priscilla, Lisa Marie and record exec/producer Tommy Mottola. What a cool experience that had to be.

A side note to those of you who witnessed Priscilla greeting the Idols……do people not know how to age gracefully anymore? To you plastic surgeons out there….I know you need to make a living, especially with Hollywood types, but stop making everyone look like Michael Jackson, and especially stop trying to make raisins look like grapes.

But I digress.

There are only 2 weeks to go until the final two contestants square off so the competition is really heating up. That means there is way less room for error. Who impressed and who less-than-impressed? Let’s find out….

TAYLOR HICKS

Taylor started off with “Jailhouse Rock,” seemingly the perfect song for his goofy personality. His vocal was great, but his dancing or lame attempt thereof was his downfall on this song. The problem with Hicks when he does this is that it’s all schtick. Simon said it was a “terrible impersonation” of Elvis, and it was. (Simon also told Paula to shut up when she interrupted him, and that’s always entertaining). Then Hicks came back with “In the Ghetto,” and it was one of his better performances of the whole competition. Simon said it was the perfect song for him and I agree. However, when he said “Soul Patrol” three times I mourned for the three kittens Buffybot was surely going to drown.

CHRIS DAUGHTRY

Chris had two strong showings last night, with “Suspicious Minds” and “A Little Less Conversation.” Paula said “see you in the finals” after the first song and on the second song Chris started off slow but wailed at the end. Tommy Mottola mentioned that Chris had a great, pure voice that is going to sound amazing on record…..and the way he’s going, there’s no doubt a major label is going to sign him whether he wins this thing or not.

ELLIOT YAMIN

Elliot started off with “If I Could Dream,” a lesser know Elvis song and with him being the underdog this week, a big risk. But he received a huge ovation from the studio audience and from the judges. Simon declared it the best vocal of the night so far, and it really was. Later, Elliot sang “Trouble” and it was even better than his first effort. This dude somehow has shocked America and is peaking at the right time…..don’t be surprised if he makes it to the final two after those performances.

KATHARINE MCPHEE

Katharine started off with a “Hound Dog/All Shook Up” medley of sorts. She messed up some lyrics and looked a bit out of synch with her dance moves. Simon said it was like a “desperate audition”…indeed, she looked like a deer in the headlights. Later, she toned things down with a ballad, “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” It wasn’t bad, but when you look at the rest of the field and what they did last night, Katharine was the worst of the bunch.

So while I’m still pimping Taylor Hicks to go all the way, I’m thinking Elliot’s performance last night puts him just ahead of Chris into second place. That means that yes, Katharine McPhee should be going home tonight. Then again, she’s a lot easier on the eyes (at least to me and most of the male population) than any of those guys so she’ll get votes for that. Also, all of these final four are worthy of the grand prize so nothing would really surprise me at this point. That’s what makes this season so interesting…..that, and the fact we could have a final 3 of all guys for the first time ever.

See you all tomorrow for the results, and until then….

Marley, OUT

Yes, it was time for Paris Bennett to leave “American Idol.” Not that I didn’t call her being one of the top finishers way back in January or anything (I can feel you all patting me on the back, thanks)….but it was definitely time. You could start to see her inexperience shine through a bit, just as it did with Lisa Tucker, though Paris lasted a little longer. Paris is amazing and will always be a Marley favorite, but unfortunately, someone has to go home each week.

So the results show last night did not feature a performance by a Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Kenny Rogers, or anyone like that. Instead, the remaining contestants did a group song called “We Are One.”
And a horrible song it was. I mean, it was recycled, sappy, and boring movie soundtrack material…like a Diane Warren song, but minus the hook.

They talked about next week, because the final four were going to be whisked off in a private jet right after the show to Memphis to work with Tommy Mottola at Graceland. If anything, they’ve got to be excited about a free trip to the home of Elvis. Idols, if you are reading this at all, make sure you try the ribs at Rendezvous in downtown Memphis. Mandisa might even make the 3-hour drive from Nashville to meet you there.

Anyway, after telling Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry that they were safe, Ryan let Paris know she was one of the bottom 2, and then had her sing Prince’s “Kiss” again. I have to say, she sounded better last night than she did on Tuesday. Plus, we got to see her have a microphone malfunction and have Seacrest following her around like a puppy. Now THAT’s good TV and good use of a lame host.

That left Elliott and Katharine, and Elliott learned he was in the bottom 2 with Paris, so had to go and sing again as well. Then we found out, almost anti-climactically, that Paris was the one going home.

So that leaves a final four this season of Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, and Elliot Yamin. That’s a solid group of singers right there….but as we’ve seen, all four have their faults and the next few weeks are going to be interesting. I’m still putting my money on Mr. Hicks, but everyone should bring their “A” game next week, especially after being inspired by the ghost of Elvis.

Marley, OUT.