I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Last night the planets aligned on American Idol. All of the budding Idols didn’t suck on standard night. Even Sanjaya flattened down his mop and tried to honestly sing. It still came off as a bad high school production of Guys and Dolls but at least he made some effort. Tony Bennett was the mentor/coach and was extremely kind to the wannabes.

At this point in the competition, two things are starting to piss me off. First, the contestants don’t seem capable of listening to the celebrity coach. Despite stellar advice from the old timers (Lulu, Bennett, Diana Ross) and the current rage (Gwen Stefani), the Idols refuse to stop adding needless riffs and melodies and interpret the proper meaning to a song. That’s the problem with having such young and inexperienced people in the competition. It would be something if they were adding a new element that worked but several have tried and failed.

My other issue is with the styling. Now is not the time to fall apart in the fashion/hair category. There seems to be malicious intent from stylists or maybe Paula is adding her special touch to the finalists. Jordin has looked 10 pounds heavier two weeks in a row due to bulky unflattering outfits. Haley’s hairpieces must be from the Dolly Parton collection. They are puffy and pageant quality. Richard and Blake are stuck in the man/boy stage where wearing suits and sneakers are adorable as well as caps tilted to the side.

Here’s the low down on last night’s performances:

Blake-Mack the Knife

Finally another performance without beat boxing. He wasn’t that bad. His vocals were a bit thin but he delivered.

Phil-Night and Day

This is the best he has sounded in some time. The only problem is his inability to connect with the audience. Technically it was great but it didn’t seem romantic. The glare off his head was also distracting.

Melinda-I’ve Got Rhythm

She needed this up-tempo tune. She was everything she needed to be and more. However, her next selection must be fast and show more range musically. She’s already proven that she can tackle any genre with her seasoned voice but needs to show more youth. Rock out.

Chris-Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Didn’t appreciate the Michael Jackson moves. He wasn’t able to put his R&B flavor in this song but made a valiant effort. The judges raved but it seemed weak to me.

Jordin-On a Clear Day

I wasn’t crazy about this song. For some reason it seemed a bit too obscure and unfamiliar. I didn’t think she sold the story of the song. Technically it worked but there was no connection or traces of her usual bubbly personality.

Gina-Smile

The rocker had trouble with this gentle tender song. It was boring. Usually the lyrics of such a simple song carries it through but she didn’t radiant enough energy to make it soar. Consistency is going to cause her exit.

Sanjaya-Cheek to Cheek

He sang.

Haley-Ain’t Misbehavin’

This song was out of her league. She didn’t have enough sass to pull it off. Instead she looked like a Miss America talent reject. Her little kicks and coos were comical.

Lakisha- Stormy Weather

Kiki and the girls had a great time. Her vocals were flawless. However, she totally wiped her ass with Bennett’s recommendation that she skip the last ad lib and end on the big note. She should have listened.

The bottom three will be Phil, Chris and Haley.

What do you think?