Sell it! Dammit!!

Another night of American Idol, another night of lackluster performances. Don’t get me wrong there was more fire last night but unfortunately it was a slow burning ember. Some contestants still haven’t been able to shake their nerves and perform up to their potential. Unfortunately, for those singers they are being out sung by those who are thriving. The real test of the next weeks is who can mix up their act and who we will grow tired of after several weeks.

The budding Idols tackled the British Invasion, which I thought was genius. This was a genre never approached before. The songs are timeless and simple. You can try your runs and vocal gymnastics on them but it is pointless. Peter Noone and Lulu were comforting and helpful in their coaching. The singers would be smart to listen to their advice. Every week they are told to interpret the song. Know what it means and convince the audience that they believe it. Sell it.

Here’s a recap:

Haley Scarnato-Tell Him

Haley totally sold the song with a little pep in her step, hot pants, high heels and a backless top. She found her confidence and personality. She finally sang like she deserved to be in the competition. It was just unfortunate that she had to sing first but her leggy action will keep the young boys voting.

Chris Richardson-Don’t Let the Sun Get You Crying

He tries and he tries but I don’t think he has the chops to continue for much longer. This song was great at showcasing his voice. He cut down on the runs and just sang. However, the night showcased him as one of the weaker vocalists. At the end he went for a sexy look but instead looked like he had just eaten some rancid Taco Bell. His charm will keep him around but he’ll have to distinguish himself from the other Justin Timberlake wannabe.

Stephanie Edwards-You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me

This is a haunting song that at least one Idol in training attempts each season. Stephanie was stripped of her energy and phoned in this breathy and weak vocal. Her Beyonce spin didn’t work this time. She needs to return to her soulful vibe.

Blake Lewis-Time of the Season

His whole Rerun from What’s Happening meets Jamiraqui is irritating and starting to seem less original every week. Yes he successfully updated the tune. Impressive. But the constant moonwalking and beat boxing is trying. Strip all the dancing and sound effects and you have a thin voice that lacks tone. Would you buy an album entirely engulfed in beat boxing? Not if it isn’t 1985 and Dougie Fresh isn’t on the mic.

LaKisha Jones-Diamonds Are Forever

I thought this was an interesting choice for her that showcased her range and flexibility. The dress was figure flattering and vibrant. I loved the campy drag queen quality. I thought it was refreshing. The over the top hand waving at the end was fantastic.

Phil Stacey-Tobacco Road

Poor fella looks too much like a vampire or some other mythical creature. His manic performance was unsettling. The song’s energy met his but I felt his voice was unsuited for the challenge. He reminded me of the guy who played Jennifer Anniston’s brother in The Break Up. I keep waiting for him to break into Owner of the Lonely Heart.

Jordin Sparks-I Who Have Nothing

She gave the performance of the night. It was moody and torch-like. I loved her hair and dress. Here’s a perfect example of someone who inhabited the song. The words were simple, the voice was clear. Perfection.

Sanjaya Malakar-You Really Got Me

Finally the timid mouse woke from his slumber. He was still soft spoken and pitchy but at least we knew he had a pulse. This is what we were waiting for. He’s still way too green for the show but at least he didn’t get laughed off the stage.

Sidebar: Unhinged crying girl’s parents need to get her help. She was too unstable and overstimulated for it to be cute.

Gina Glocksen-Paint It Black

She tried hard but she is too unpredictable to make it in the long run. It was better than last week but she still seemed to be holding back. It’s the freaking Rolling Stones. It’s all about attitude and swagger. Both were in short demand. At one point she broke into the 80s dance and looked like one of the Go Gos. J brought up a hilarious point that as she’s yelling Black! Black! They are showing the African-American drummer wailing away.

Chris Sligh-She’s Not There

I like this guy but I think nerves are picking him apart. He’s moving away from his alternative pop persona and heading towards boring drone. He spent too much time navigating the audience without interaction and less time on conveying the message of the song.

Melinda Doolittle-As Long As He Needs Me

Now this girl can sell a song. I loved her conviction and interpretation of the song. I appreciate that you can always understand the lyrics. Bravo.

Sanjaya, Phil and Chris Richarson will be the bottom three.

What did you think?