Mike's Bloggity Blog

>Sometimes when I’m really bored, poor or sober I like to go for runs. Correction: I don’t like to go for runs, but I have two legs and a heartbeat so I feel like I should do something with them. Because I have the attention span of a fruit fly, I always need music to listen to. It has to be up-tempo and and not be The New kids on the Block. Most of the time it is either Blake Lewis (don’t knock until you try it) or God Made Me Funky. They both make me want to run. Soon that run turns into a light jog which eventually turns into me calling a friend and asking them to pick me up and drive me home.

Anyway, stick with me, I do have a point. One of the lead singers of God Made Me Funky is a very lovely lady by the name of Lynzie Kent. Astute readers will remember that I met her back in April at the Junos. While wasting a sunny day inside, I discovered that she has just released her first debut CD and I wanted you to have a listen. It is quite a break from the GMMF stuff that she usually does but her first song “New Red Shoes” was on heavy rotation at my office this week. Mostly cause I take pride in telling people how successful my friends are. And to prove that she is a nice Canadian you can actually go to her website and listen to three free songs. My favorite by far is the New Red Shoes. You can also pick up the CD here and here. Check her out and tell me you don’t love every second of it!

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I’ve always felt bad for Blake Lewis. At first, I always confused him for fellow runner-up Travis from So You Think You Can Dance. Then he participated in one of Idol’s weakest seasons (Sanjaya!) yet in which Jordan Sparks essentially won by default. Not to mention the fact that he got completely screwed over when he had to sing the god awful “winner” song, This is My Now.

But things started looking up for him when he got signed by Arista and released his first album. Audio Day Dream came out last December and despite a pretty catchy first single (Break Anotha) the whole thing never really caught on and sold only 300,000 copies. Which for a debut artist is okay, but for a debut artist that was watched by millions and millions of people, not so much.

I actually bought the album and I kinda think it’s okay. There are some good songs and some bad ones. But the good ones are groovy enough to help me get my groove on whenever that is necessary.

But today Blake Lewis’ bad luck continued when it was announced that his first album with Arista would also be his last. And with that Lewis joins the dubious group of Idols who have been dumped by their labels that already includes Rubben Studdard, Katherine McPhee and Taylor Hicks.

In honor of his short lived career I would like you to watch Blake’s one and only video for Break Anotha’. Actually just listen to it. They should have gotten Travis to do it. Do not watch it, because it is obviously and probably the professionally made video I have ever seen by an artist. Like it’s bad. Really, really bad. I’m warning you. Don’t watch it. STOP! DO NOT DO IT!!!!!!

>I haven’t always been a fan of David Cook.  But somewhere between Michael John’s accent and Jason Castro’s  hair I became a fan.  A huge fan.  So you can imagine my excitement for tonight’s American Idol finale when David Cook took on my own personal rival David Archuleta. Earlier in the day Simon Cowell was on Ellen and declared that Cook would easily walk away with the title.  So I ran to the grocery store, got me some Lays Wavy Original chips and chocolate milk, put on my sweats and  nestled into my couch to watch the assassination of Archuleta.

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Quick who knew that Jordin Sparks released her debut CD a couple of weeks ago.  Quicker, do you even remember who Jordan Sparks is? Hint: She won the title of America’s #1 show. 

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Dear Blake Lewis,

I’m sorry that you lost. Really it must have been tough to lose in front of so many people. However, before you start doing your post-idol press, please note that you are not allowed to say the following: “I’m really glad that Jordin won, because now I can put out the record I want to.” This is a giant pet peeve of mine. You can’t bash what kind of music Idol produces and try out for the show. It’s not allowed. You can be secretly grateful, but keep your mouth shut.

Love,
Mike

ps. congrats Jordin. Please join the ranks of Rubin, Fantasia and Taylor.

>Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the final American Idol performance episode for 2007. It seems like so long ago that this season started, mostly cause it was. It was 5 and half months ago! Doesn’t that seem crazy.? Just think in January we had no idea who Sunjaya Malakar was. Paula was still trying to convince us she was not a drunk and we wondered who would be crowned the 6th American Idol.

Well finally we are here. We have Jordan and Blake.

When Blake first came to our Tvs, I remember thinking how much he looked like Travis from “So you think you can dance”. I looked back and I don’t remember commenting on Jordin. The first time I remarked on Jordin was the first girl’s night of the top 32. I said that she was one to watch, and look at where she is!

It’s pretty obvious that Jordin is going to win the whole thing, but we still gotta go through the motions.

Blake Lewis

“You Give Love a Bad Name“
I honestly can’t believe that Blake is in the finale. It reminds of that survivor when there was 6 girls and Chris. Chris some how convinced the girls to vote against eachother and he eventually won the whole thing. I can’t believe that Blake out lasted Stephanie, Lakisha and especially Melinda!

I think he was smart to do this song first. It is definitely his most memorable but he needs to wow the American voting public and hopefully he can do that with 2 fresh offerings.

“She Will be Loved”
Is anyone else getting sick of Maroon 5? They are all over American Idol like I’m over the old McDonald’s pizzas. Blake sung them last week and then they performed at the results show and now Blake sings them again?!? I actually liked this version of the song, but agree with Simon. He needs to sing songs that are going to inspire votes and that song was not it.

“This is my now”
Do you think Blake vomited a little bit when he heard the name of this song? Cause God knows I did. Not only did I vomit, but then I heard the lyrics and sung them to my roommate and she to vomited.

I feel bad for Blake this is complete sabotage. The title, the lyrics, the back up singers. Bad form producers, bad form.

Jordin Sparks

“Fighter”
Jordin is much smarter than most 17 year old. (In case you forgot the million times it was mentioned, yes she is only 17!) Her first smart decision was to let Blake sing first. Which means that she will be the last to sing before the phones open. This is always the best place to be, because you got momentum.

Speaking of momentum, Jordin kicked this song’s ass. Jordin needs to convince people that she isn’t just a kid, and this was an excellent choice. Do you think Jordin and X-tina will ever do a duet? One bald guy can dream can’t he?

“With a broken wing”
Jordin chose smart again by singing her best song of the season. This is the first time in American Idol history that we don’t have a finalist from the south. Jordin’s move was genius! How do you win the red states? By singing their theme song. Game. Set……….

“This is my now”
Match. By default. The second some choose this song and made Blake sing it they gave Jordin the crown. Well unless Blake gets pity votes? But I don’t know how much of an effect those votes have during the finals. Obviously Jordin did I good job of it, how can she not? Jordin even brought out the tears? Are you kidding me? You are a genius Jordin Sparks.

On a side note, did you see Melinda giving Jordin the death stare? I had to rewind it a couple of times, but yeah, if Jordina dies tonight, it’s Melinda fault.

So with that the finals are done. Ryan reminds us that we can buy the new American Idol single on Itunes. If you actually buy this song, please write me immeadiatly and tell me why you would wasted 99 cents. I would rather swallow 99 pennies than ever listen to that song again.

The crown is Jordin’s. Congrats!!!!

After the singing was done there was a little surprise. DAUGHTRY!!!! Woohoo! Watching him and his mascara made me think about someone….oh i don’t know…last years American Idol? Where the heck was Taylor Hicks this year? And for that matter Katherine McPhee? How come they didn’t get a chance to perform? Mmmmm mysterious…….

>So after 11 weeks we are down to the final 3….and not a moment too soon I might ask! Ryan informs us that each of the Idols, I use that term loosely, will be singing 3 songs each tonight. Which thankfully means no more guest mentors. I think Barry Gibb ruined it for all of us.

Jordin Sparks

Jordin is up first and sings Simon’s choice of “Wishing on a star” But first we get to see her in her welcome home celebration. Did you how many people were there? Seriously, do that many people show up for those things? Don’t we have lives….not like I should be saying anything. Simon’s choice of the song was interesting because he always criticizes her for acting too old. I’m further confused later when he chastises her for choosing “I love you” a song that is nearly 60 years old.

Jordin also sang “She works hard for the money!” Besides this song always reminding me of the old Zellers commercials I thought she did an alright. I thought it was even better Paula called Jordin a prostitute by saying that she had indeed worked hard for the money.

Blake Lewis

Not only did Blake also get a welcome home celebration, but he got to sing “I Like Big Butts” with Sir Mix-a-Lot! Are you kidding me. That moment alone was worth wading through this never ending season. What’s the chances Blake will be allowed to sing that song?

Paula’s choice for Blake was Roxanne. Was it me or did it seem that he was singing ahead of the music. The judges were only luke warm to it. But warmed up when he sang Maroon 5’s “This Love” Randy was right when he said that Blake was in his element when he was singing this song. It was my favorite! He also sang Robin Thick’s “When I get you alone.”

Melinda Doolittle

For some reason Melinda didn’t have a big celebration. But she did get to hang out with the Govenor. Oh and she also got a street named after her. So I guess that is a little better than a party full of bloggers who have nothing better to do.

Whitney….I mean Melinda nailed everyone of her songs. There really isn’t much to say. The judges said it themselves, she is the most consistent.

I’m guessing I already know who the bottom three will be but I leave that up to you! Ha Ha. I honestly can’t say who is going home. I would think it should be Blake. Jordin and Melinda are the better singers, but Blake is a great performer and he’s got the tween vote. It’s wide open!

>Before we start tonight, I have a confession. Who knew Barry Gibb was alive? I didn’t.

Anyway during the night I tried to keep track of how many times Barry Gibb said the word “girl”, I lost track after the 2nd commercial break, but he definitely reached the 20s.

Let’s break it down!

Melinda Doolittle:

“Love You Inside and Out” Who knew this was a Bee Gee song? I certinaly didn’t, but I love belting out this song when it’s in the car. I think there is a Canadian remake that I always hear playing. Anywhoooo, I like Melinda’s version of it too. I agree with Paula that we know now that Melinda is good, but give us something else. Bring us something new. In fact, American Idol same goes to you.

“How can you mend a broken heart?” I wish I had more to say about it. It’s kinda like we mentioned before, Melinda is obviously the most consistent player out here, but you got to make it a little more exciting. I’m afraid that she might fall into the Tamyra Grey category there.

Blake Lewis

“Should be dancing” It’s so cool that Blake makes his own sound effects! Just think how much cheaper he will be able to make his first album. They’ll barely even need computers! Not only is Blake the most original, he is the most economical. I got to say that I agree with Randy. The sound effects are cool, but maybe sometimes it’s too much.

“Danger Zone (?) Hmmmm did you notice that Blake toned down the sound effects from the rehearsal footage. I’m kinda surprised by the fact that he listened to the judges, because usually he just does he thing. Paula was right about calling him a rebel, Blake is definitely the American Idol Rebel. Let’s hope he’s around next week!

Lakisha

“Staying Alive” After watching Lakisha’s performance I couldn’t help but think at what point to the producers have to take some of the blame for the song choice. These singers aren’t disco singers, nor were they rock singers last week. I know they have these guests lined up months in advance, but if they want us to see amazing performances why haven’t they done a “Broadway Night”. I agree with the judges, Lakisha was fine, but I don’t blame her either. She did what she could.

“Run to me” This is probably the first song of the season that I wouldn’t mind hearing on the radio or on itunes, except for the last note of course. I’d edit that out. Lakisha and Blake will be in the bottom two, but not because they are worst, but because at this point, someones just got to go home!

Jordin Sparks

“To love somebody” After a so-so performance last week, Jordin came a rolling back. But what a surprise it was a ballad? Can she sing them? Absolutely. Do you want to listen to a whole CD of them? Absolutely not.

“Women in Love” Oh how lucky are we, Jordin is singing another ballad. Awesome, I needed to go to bed early tonight anyway. Actually, I had some last minute visitors so I’m watching the show a little before midnight. That make me a little sad, but I need me some American Idol, what are you going to do it.

The night is over. Thankfully, let’s be honestly folks. It wasn’t the best. It kinda reminded me of Canadian Idol, and that is not good.

The bottom two will be Lakisha and Blake

And I think Lakisha will be going home! Goodbye bank teller, it’s been fun!

>I’m not going to lie, I’m not a political person. I’ll never understand how the senate really works or what exactly a veto vote is, but I know what democracy is and how important it is to have. But after several years of witnessing several questionable results, I have been just a little concerned with the whole idea of “Democracy”. And no, I’m not talking about when I lost the student council elections both in High School and University, but thanks for the painful reminder.

What I’m talking about is more important than that. More important than Democrats or Republicans and certainly more important than all the Conservatives, Liberals, Greens and NDPs combined. What I’m talking about is American Idol. And tonight, finally thanks to FOX, my faith in democracy has been rightfully restored.

That’s right after the American public got it right two weeks ago by sending Sunjaya home, they scored again, not once but twice tonight when they sent both Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson in American Idol’s first ever Double Elimination.

So whom does that leave us with? Well, there is the front-runner Melinda Doolittle, underdog Blake Lewis, survivor Lakisha Jones and sweet as pie Jordin Sparks. I think it is safe to say that this is by far the best American Idol final four ever. Congrats Americans! I can’t imagine just how jealous Ben Mulroney is right now.

>I find it funny that on the night that I almost forgot that American Idol was on the singers apparantly forgot they were even on! Words were forgotten, songs butchered, Sunjaya got a perm and Ryan and/or Simon allllmmmmooosssttt came out of the closet.

Here’s the recap!

Does anyone find it funny that for 5 past seasons of American Idol, the producers were only to come up with 5 people worth mentioning. Doesn’t it seem like there should be more than that? And it only makes me wonder what award Sunjaya will win? Probably a Razzie or a Juno.

Brandon Rogers starts us off tonight. When there is 12 contestants I worry about the guys who start at the beginning, they have the handicap of fickle American memories. I didn’t know that the song he sang was from 1966! Doesn’t it feel like that is when this season of American Idol started. It’s too bad that Brandon got distracted by his bad moves to remember the rest of the words, but he still put in a noble effort.

Before Melinda sings we are treated to the most awkward homosexual banter between Simon and Ryan. Isiaah Washington dies a little bit inside. Don’t we all?

Usually when the contestants sing, I’m playing on the internet or sometimes I’m not even in the room. But when Melinda is on. I stop. I just watch her and enjoy her. But then Paula has to start crying and ruins it all. Fill. Her. Cup. I love the Melinda, but even since J. Hud, I’m always nervous for the front runner. Just ask Tamyra Grey.

Tell me Chris Sligh, what is it like to be burned by Diana Ross? It can’t be good. Also, as an actor, let me tell you if you come across someone who isn’t just a little nervous about performing they are doing it for the wrong reasons. No matter how much you are on stage, being nervous drives your energy and the audiences feels that. There I just had to get that off my chest. I did like his uptempo version of Endless Love, I honestly can’t tell how far he will make it?

Did anyone else notice that Gina has dropped her last name? Really? Lakisha, yes. Because it’s Lakisha. But Gina is not a one name name. It’s just not. But I like Gina Glockson, you can tell she really wants it. She deserves it, well maybe not “it”, but whatever the 5th place equivalent of “it” is.

Oh god, Sunjaya is up after the break. I’m already scared of his hair…and singing.

It’s a perm! It’s actually a perm! Sunjaya, if a dying Susan Sarandon can out sing you, things are not looking up. Please America do what is right. It was probably the worst performance on Top 12 history.

Speaking of over whelming failures it’s Hayley! Yeah! The one thing going for her is that going after Sunjaya, she sounds like…well.. Diana Ross. But we all know better don’t we. Her performance leaves me wanting to make this public service Idol announcement: If you only have 1 song to remember a week, please try to remember the words. I sit here and waste a bowl of popcorn every week, the least you could do is remember the words. Thank you.

***Also don’t be fooled by Simon’s kind words. He is totally just saying it so that Hayley will get more votes than Sunjaya. Well played Simon, well played. *** (I also loved that the audience applauded Paula saying the audience doesn’t know anything. Gold)

This was definitely Phil’s best performance to date. I think this is mostly because he stayed out of his lower “sucky” register. As long as he sticks to the higher notes Phil is actually Ok. Plus he remembered his words, which is always a plus!

I love that Lakisha is so good that she doesn’t need to get advice on the song itself, but on the mic stand and what to wear. Also, is it rude to say that that dress made her look pregnant? I’m not trying to be rude, I’m just asking. Maybe because it was a great performce, but honestly I was a little bored. Still going to kick Sunjaya ass. Judging from the judjes comments, I was way off, but a blogger is entitled to his own opinion isn’t he?

Talking about people who are in it to win it. Blake Lewis suprises me every week. I loved his update of the song. And his dancing? I can’t remember an Idol actually incorporating dance moves into the show. And for me, they work. I mean obviously he’s got some competition from Melinda and Lakisha but he definitely is the best of the guys, if that is saying anything?

I haven’t been Stephanie’s fan for weeks now. For me, and I’ve said this before, American Idol is about making someone a star who normally wouldn’t have had the chance. Stephanie already knows how good she is and that ruins it for me. Not to take anything away from her great performance tonight, she is just not doing it for me. It was interesting for me that she forgot the words. Maybe it will take her down a notch or 15.

Chris Richardson is next. But let’s skip him for a second. I have no idea who the last singer is going to be. I’m racking my brain and I just don’t know it. But back to Chris, he is giving Blake a run for his money. I fear that they split the audience and one of them might be in the bottom 3! But Chris’ gets props for being the first to use the Idol catwalk.

It’s Jordin. Jordin is last! Thanks Ryan!

I think it’s important that you all know how much I love Land Before Time. Thank you Jordin for the giant flashback. Remember Little Foot and Sarah the Three horn? Ahhhh memories. Oh right back to Jordin. I can’t believe how young this girl is. She is the same age as Sunjaya, did you know that? It just goes to show what a professional she is. I really liked her song tonight, but I think it is because of the Little Foot reference.

Well That’s it!

Should be in the bottom 3: Sunjaya, Stephanie and Hayley

Will be in the Bottom 3: Brandon, Gina and Sunjaya

Going home: Sunjaya (I’ll forgive you for Bush)