Sanjaya Sucked Last Night-NOT!

Last night’s American Idol was a painful reminder that it ain’t easy singing Latin-flavored songs. You may remember the Gloria Estefan debacle a few years ago where we had to suffer through karaoke versions of Conga. Not much changed last night. Unlike Motown or Broadway themes, Latin night proves to be a tougher challenge. No one was able to release their inner Charo or Ricky Martin, which was disappointing but predictable. The surprises of the night were Sanjaya’s passable vocals on the Spanish gem Besame Mucho.

Jennifer Lopez proved to be a surprisingly insightful coach. Her advice to tap into the lyrics and connect with the audience was valid and repetitive. Every week a celebrity mentor tells the thick-headed warblers the same thing. Only Melinda, LaKisha and Jordin seem to get the message. It was amusing to see JLo try to channel the wannabes spicy side. Face it, no one can shake a bon bon like Jenny from the Block. I’ll give her credit for trying to advise the contestants about stage presence. What she lacks in voice talent, she more than makes up for in personality and showmanship.

Here’s the Diva’s take on the night:

Melinda-Sway

As usual, this was a stellar performance. She just needed to vamp it up more. In order for it to transcend the cabaret label, it needed to be more playful and sexy. Melinda needs to depart from her safety zone and show us some edge. More weeks of this will lead to boredom and bordeom leads to an exit.

LaKisha-Conga

I’m convinced there is no way to sing this song without sounding like a singer on a cruise ship. Despite JLo’s best efforts to teach Kiki some moves, it proved to difficult. She lost some of her energy trying to move around. They need to have Paula come in to show the kids how to move.

Chris-Smooth

One thing this boy isn’t is smooth. He disregarded JLo’s advice and started the song too low. It was tense and without expression. A lot of energy was spent trying to fit the words and his runs together.

Haley-Turn the Beat Around

The return of the hot pants and see through shirt may garner her more votes but the vocals were tragic. The constant movement and traveling through the audience took its toll of her voice. The song was manic and without soul.

Phil-Maria Maria

Thank God he covered his head unfortunately the full outfit made him look like one of Fat Albert’s gang. His energy and personality are too low key. It drives you boredom. His style lends itself to more quiet singer/songwriter. Unfortunately, his low energy sucks the energy out of the room. He never fully engages the audience, which makes him dispensable.

Jordin- Rhythmn is Gonna Get You

This girl is the energizer bunny. Sanjaya can learn from her. She commits 100% to every theme. Even when it doesn’t work, you still applaud the effort. The song was muddled but she worked it out the best she could.

Blake-I Need To Know

You know I love me some Marc Anthony so I don’t like people messing over his songs. This was a much better vocal from him and devoid of beat boxing but it lacked the sexy vibe that launched the song. It was slightly asexual. He works on a comical level but doesn’t exude passion.

Sanjaya-Besame Mucho

Well, donkeys must have flown because he sang like he deserved to be there. He must have tired of being the punchline of America’s jokes. I have to admit I’m driven to distraction by his gaunt figure, baffling hairstyles and now the indescribable tuff of hair pinned to his chin. J thought it might have been penciled in. I give him credit for singing in another language.

The bottom two will be Phil and Haley.

What do you think?