Disco night proved to be quite the undertaking. I don’t think it’s about who did the best, but who did the least bad. That’s right, I said least bad.

None of the Idols gave steller performances. I think a lot of the problem stems from the judges. One week they say, “Make it your own” and the next week they say “You changed the song. You don’t have to do that.” So which is it???

Out of the final four, Melinda did the best in my book. However she’s coming off as old. Yes the songs were old, but it carried across to Melinda. That’s her weak point right now.

Lakisha has peaked. Sad but true. She’s just not giving the WOW performances she once did. I liked both performances, but they left me wanting more out of her.

Jordin performed quite well too. Nothing steller, but she’s pretty safe. With her though, she’s singing songs about being in love and all that jazz. She’s only 17!! What does she know about love?

And then there was Blake. Holding out any hope for the men, but coming up short. I totally agree with Randy in the fact that the beat boxing is cool, but not in every song. His first song was sung great, but the added extras killed it. The second song was nice, beat boxing worked pretty well, but I think it would have been better without it.

To me, I think it’s either Blake or Lakisha going home. I doubt either will make it into the finals, but who knows.

Also, did anyone else notice that ‘Seacrest Out’ was back? Yep, the Ryan Seacrest tagline came back. How cool is that?

Talk about a wild Idol night. Last night the Idols rocked it out to Bon Jovi and gave some of the best performances in a long time. There were a few shockers too including an appearance by the president and a bit of kissing going on.

The night started with Phil and he came on strong. I really enjoyed his performance and think he’s getting a bit better every week.

Jordin then tried to rock it out and pretty much failed. She just couldn’t pull it off but gets props for trying something a bit harder and a bit more uncomfortable. I wanted to hear more of her powerful voice, but it just didn’t come though.

And then there was Lakisa. The song started slow but true Lakisa form was back by the end and she belted out the song and it was awesome. Simon was so happy he gave Lakisa a kiss on the lips!! After the kiss Simon commented that she had “nice lips”.

Blake took a flying leap of faith and re-mixed Bon Jovi’s Band Name. So different that you either hated it or loved it. I have to say I liked it, but he almost overdid the beat boxing thing. Blake also dyed his hair black/brown for the night bringing a bit more of a normal look to him. It was a big chance he took and we’ll see how that pans out tonight.

Chris sounded very good on his song choice, Dead or Alive. I think he sang it really well, but it’s about the end of the line for him.

And Melinda. What can we say about her? Well, for starters, the shy timid woman can perform like a rock star! She sang Have a Nice Day and it shined with attitude and energy. Melinda showed that she can adapt well to any genre of music, probably better than any other constant.

When the Idols were done sining, the President came on, taped of course, and thanked us for raising over $70 million for those that need it. It was cool that they did it, but George Bush is not really camera friendly. Either way, it was a nice gesture.

It’s tough to think about who is going home tonight. My guesses are Chris Richardson and, even though I hope not, Phil Stacy. Those two are just having a hard time measuring up to the other Idols who seem to have a bit more in the voice or talent category.

In iTunes this morning, Idol Gives Back is featured with some celebrity playlists. Those happen to be Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle and Phil Stacey. Each playlist is a mix of songs that drive them to perform and include various artists from all genre’s of music. You can download individual songs or the entire albums.

Keep checking back though as iTunes get more exclusive content of the Idol Gives Back performances. The exclusive content will benefit the charity and it’s one way you can help out! There is also talk of an exclusive Carrie Underwood track coming!!

It’s Idol Gives Back week and your vote tonight helps raise money for those that need it. Honestly, making one phone call is all you have to do. It’s not that hard. Plus phone lines are open for four hours and that gives plenty of time. The call is free, the vote turns into cash, some kids get a meal. How can it be any better?

To keep in step with the theme, Idol wannabes sang inspirational songs.

Chris did an excellent job on Change the World and Melinda amazed on Faith Hill’s There Will Come a Day. Not many idols can hold a candle to voices like Faith’s but Melinda has no problems.

Blake sang John Lennon’s Imagine which is a beautiful song, but it just didn’t amaze like the others. He’ll most likely be in the bottom three.

Lakisha needs to stop singing previous Idol songs. She sang Fantasia’s I Believe and just couldn’t make it her own. Much like Blake, it was good but not the right choice. Again in the bottom three.

Phil took on Garth Books’ The Change. He did alright, but I didn’t feel like he put enough heart into it. Phil will make up the third in the bottom three.

Then there is Jordin. The 17yr old is almost walking away with the Idol title and making it look like a breeze. She sang Walk On and had everyone on their feet before she was even done. I thought she was going to break out and cry during it but she held strong. She’s simply amazing.

The best part of the night was the announcement that iTunes was going to have an exclusive Carrie Underwood song and Ford music videos on Wednesday! All download profits will benefit Idol Gives Back and I’ll be on there for sure.

What are you waiting for? Call in and vote now to help those that need it here in the US and around the world!

The time has finally arrived. Sanjaya Malakar was voted off American Idol last night and it’s about damn time. His talents are pretty good, but not good enough for this stage in the competition. You know it’s pretty bad when they interview people on the street and even they say Sanjaya should go home. And then you have Simon Cowell grinning from ear to ear to see Sanjaya in the bottom three. It’s getting to the point that I almost feel bad for the kid. But now he’s gone and we are all free to enjoy Idol again.

Joining Sanjaya in the bottom was Lakisha and Blake which wasn’t really a surprise. Lakisha’s performance lacked the greatness of her previous performances and Blake had a horrible song choice. When the Stars Go Blue is a good song, but only after you here it a few times. For those that heard it for the first time on Idol, they probably hated it. It took me a long time to warm up to the Tim McGraw version.

Fergie and Martina McBride also performed. Fergie sang Big Girls Don’t Cry and I liked the song. She’s got a powerful voice, to bad she doesn’t use it for all it’s worth. Instead she does that kind of rap thing that I dislike. But that’s a different topic. Fergie also looked like she got dressed in the dark. She’s a hot woman but didn’t look it on Idol.

Martina McBride on the other hand was steller. She sang Anyway and it really showcased her amazing voice. That lady is a good inspiration for the Idols and I’m glad they go to hear her sing!

Next up is Idol Gives Back! The star studded night where American Idol is raising money for those that need it. Details on that in an upcoming post.

But for now, American Idol is Sanjaya Free!

Here are a few stories from around the web:
- Is it actually possible that our long national nightmare is over?
- Sanjaya’s Going, Going, Gone
- America Idol’s Down to Six: Sanjaya finally goes home
- Hair He Goes: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Loses
- American Idol: America Sends Sanjaya Home
- Many Many More

Country night was a success in my book. I was hoping that they’d sing real country songs, and for the most part, they the wannabe Idols didn’t disappoint. No cowboy boots or hats, but I do think we got some banjo!

Phil gave one of the top performances in my mind. He sounded great and just did a fantastic job!! Way to go Phil! Maybe you’ll live to see another week.

Jordan did a pretty good job. Not ‘wow’ in my book, but good.

Lakisha was just off. First, you don’t sing a former Idols song. By picking a Carrie Underwood song, you are already asking for it. Then to just do OK at it, well that’s definitely not good. Lakisha may just be in the bottom three. Watch out!!

Chris was ok. I loved the song, but I’m growing to dislike his voice. Definitely in the bottom three and his little shout out at the end to Virginia folks, just seemed odd. His hearts in the right place, but it seemed way out of context. Actually, so did Simon’s and Ryan’s wasn’t much better. We know ya’ll mean well, but it came across very odd.

Melinda Melinda Melinda. What can you say about Melinda. She looked fantastic, young, energetic, full of attitude and sang like she was on the Grammys or something. She had Idol written all over her and, for the first time, I could see her winning it all. She was the complete package.

Blake did alright in my book. Being a big Blake fan, I’m not sure what to think. The song was an odd choice and he could have picked something so much better. I do like When The Stars Go Blue, but it’s a weird song and takes some getting use to.

Ohh and no, I didn’t forget about lovely Sanjaya. I thought he started out good and then crashed and burned. It was bad but will he actually get kicked off? Will he even get in the bottom three? Ohh I hope so.

I enjoyed country night and thought most did a good job. It’s nice to see the tables turned a bit and see a few different Idols excel. I really think Phill and Melinda stole the show and lets hope it’s finally time for Sanjaya to go home. Sorry dude, but your way out sung.

So Latin night didn’t go over big and I’m not too surprised. Not many non-Latinos can really hit the groove and soul of the music. But the Idol wannabes gave it their best shot.

Both Lakisha and Melinda were given bad reviews for the first time. Simon disliked both power girls and that’s a good thing. Everyone needs some criticism in order to get better and it’s about time.

Chris Richardson sang ‘Smooth’ and I think Rob Thomas’ version overshadowed it by a long shot. The judges seemed to like it though. Go figure.

Then there is Haley. She didn’t blossom until the top 12 and I sometimes wonder why she’s still in it. However when she comes out with those mile long legs and tiny shorts, you can easily see why she’s still here. She’s got the look and I do enjoy her voice. She’s one of the bottom on my list though and it seems like the judges agree. This just may be her last performance. Simon is a little mean about it, but he’s honest and that’s better than filling her full of false hope.

Phil was good, but i think his voice had a few issues/cracks. Or was that just me? He just may beat out Haley for the home ticket. His comment about ‘Simon Cow’ was great though. I can see that catching on and I’d sure buy a Simon Cow at the store.

Jordin is quickly moving into the top spot. I think some weeks she does an amazing job, others she’s just ok, but the judges do like here almost always. He’s at a good age, beautiful personality, a good look and great voice and is going to be in it to the end for sure.

Blake again does an entertaining performance. I think he’s up there with Jordin. Sure his voice isn’t the biggest and best, but his personality shines high and he’s got some skills. Blake was also the only one to win over all the judges. One way or another, he’ll be a hit on the radio sooner or later.

And then there is Sanjaya, I found it boring but it doesn’t matter. Those that like him will continue to vote for him and it doesn’t matter what anyone says.

Who do you think is going home?

I’ve put together a list of Idol contestants with their celebrity look alikes. Some are quite similar, others not so much.  Check ‘em out!
Gina Glocksen and Pink

One part attitude, one part hair color and a little bit of fun all mixed into one.

Haley Scarnato and Nikki Cox aka Mary on NBC’s Las Vegas

Nearly identical twins I tell ya.

Blake Lewis and Adam Levine aka Lead Singer of Maroon5

Maybe it’s the alternative music, or the funky hair, but I see the similarities.

Jordin Sparks and America Ferrera aka Ugly Betty on ABC

Sisters? Separated at birth?

Lakisha Jones and Mandisa from American Idol Season 5

Big women, big voices and tons of talent. Lets hope Lakisha does better than Mandisa did.

Chris Richardson and Justin Timberlake

Even Simon has been saying this since the beginning.

Chris Sligh & Carrot Top

Both funny men with big hair. Who doesn’t see that?

Melinda Doolittle & DW from Arthur

Ok, I kinda see it, but I didn’t come up with this one on my own.

Phil Stacey & Sting

Ok, if you get past the visuals and just listen to Phil sing ‘Every Breath You Take’ you’d swear it was Sting. They sounded exactly the same!

Sanjaya Malakar & Macy Gray

Both a little different, questionable sining abilities and crazy hair. Yet lots of fans. Go figure.

Ok, I’ll admit, some of my look alikes are not perfect, but if you can think of someone better, do let me know.

A lot of people talk about American Idol, but they don’t really get their opinions heard by anyone except their friends. Well now you can. Join the discussion over at the VoiceThread American Idol group.

VoiceThread makes it really simple to record your thoughts right from your computer with no fancy equipment. You can discuss Sanjaya’s hair, Lakisha’s voice or Chris’ comedy. There is even a comment over there that Melidnda’s personality might be an act. ACK!!

So head on over and voice your opinions or start your own Idol fan group.

I’ve been meaning to rant about the 16year olds making it on Idol and how they shouldn’t be allowed and I still may. However, Jordan Sparks (now 17) lit up the stage last night showing that she was just as good as Lakisha and Melinda.

She’s got the look, the likability and now the power voice is showing though. This puts her with a slight advantage over Lakisha and Melinda because, lets face it, America is a bit of a judgmental society and I think they’d pick a teeney bopper overall. Heck, Sanjaya is still in there and his talent ran out shows ago.

Speaking of Sanjaya, he looked more like a girl then ever. With the hair and the ear rings, come on man, you are a boy!

For a full re-cap of the top 12, check out Undeniably Good or World Wide Rant as they seem to have play by plays. I know who I want to go home tonight (still Sanjaya), but they probably wont. Who do you think should go?