Prudence and Madness

I was excited when I learned Gwen Stefani is going to mentor this week’s AI performance. As was said in the show, she’s a songwriter, a pop icon, a former frontwoman of rockband, No Doubt, a fashion designer, and a stellar performer. She’s a very unique, well-rounded artist. I wanted to see what new things she’ll be teaching the AI contestants. And of course, if she’s mentoring this week, it means that the contestants will be singing her songs! AI fans would have been in for an exciting time because Gwen Stefani songs are all unique. So, I thought it will be a difficult week for the contestants and yet, I want to see how they’d do.

A big disappointment, though, was that not everybody performed Gwen Stefani songs. Some performed songs by Donna Summer and the Police, artists that inspired Gwen in her songwriting and performances. But why not just sing all Gwen Stefani songs? Of course, last week’s song choices weren’t just of Peter’s and Lulu’s. But it could have been more interesting if this week’s songs were all by Gwen Stefani. She’s made a lot of albums as part of No Doubt band and as a solo artist and many of her songs have been top-charting hits. It would be interesting to see and hear how Lakisha, Melinda, and other contestants, who’re more into standards and ballads, would perform the more upbeat and contemporary pop rock songs by Stefani.

And also, Stefani may be a powerful performer but not everything she knows can easily be taught in a matter of days to the AI contestants. This isn’t one of the best performance nights in AI, in my opinion. I think I like last week’s performances better, when most of the contestants shone in the spotlight.

Performances for this week that I like are those of Gina Glocksen, Phil Stacey, and Jordin Sparks.

It’s good that Gina Glocksen took a break from the rocker chick image. She got to show off her vocal range, perhaps earning points that could keep her for another week in AI. But I do like her as a rocker chick, so don’t get me wrong. She just has to choose good rock songs that can showcase her voice as well us show her edgy personality. I think she ought to do another Evanescence song, like “Bring Me To Life”, and give it a great performance. She’ll definitely dig a niche in the AI with it.

Phil Stacey, at last, learned to control his voice, as evident in his performance of “Every Breath You Take” by the Police. But I hope he realizes that rock songs will not help him win AI. He doesn’t look the part, first of all. He’s got no grit in the voice and in the personality to match the song. He’s no Chris Daughtry. Better that he stick to the ballads.

Gwen Stefani was surprised that Jordin’s doing “Hey Baby” but perhaps she hasn’t seen her first performance in AI when she performed an upbeat song. Randy Jackson commented that Jordin can sing any song, but I think it’s still a bit premature to say that. However, if Jordin will be able to perform a rock song and be good at it, then I’d say Randy is right. Tonight’s performance by Jordin isn’t one of my favorites but still I like her guts. And her smile, too. She’s definitely going to the finale, maybe a head-0n collision with Melinda. Jordin’s probably the biggest threat to Melinda, next to Lakisha. But I’ve got a bad feeling that Lakisha’s going to lose steam midway through the show.

Other performances were just forgettable.

Good vocals for Lakisha again for this week. However, that’s already expected. She’s failed to choose songs that could be remembered as being performed by her. All her songs and performances sound alike. I guess it’s difficult when she’s already given a perfect performance at the beginning of AI with “And I’m Not Leaving” by Jennifer Hudson in the movie, “Dream Girls”. I mean, how can anyone improve on something that’s already perfect? It’s hard to maintain that level of perfection, though.

Chris Sligh is starting to go downhill. I think he ought to slowdown by anchoring on a more solid ground which is singing ballads and standards. I think he’d do great with a song like “In The Air Tonight” or “Baby I Love Your Way” version by Mig Ayesa. He’s trying to hard to win the hearts of the American voters by singing crowd-engaging, more upbeat songs. But those songs just don’t fit him.

Melinda was given outstanding remarks for her performance again tonight. Perhaps it’s true but I just can’t remember her performance at all. All her songs and performances sounded alike, except perhaps for “My Funny Valentine” which I haven’t been able to get over with yet.

Haley thought she’s going to get votes by showing her vulnerable side as she got praises from the judges when she did “Missing You” two weeks ago. But I think it’s her flirtatious performance last week that would really get her the votes. I think a song like “It’s Raining Men” would give her a memorable performance. She should sing it with an outfit to match. At this stage of the competition, she should use all her assets.

Blake Lewis’ and Chris Richardson’s performances were just okay performances. Chris R. performed “Don’t Speak” with and R&B approach to it. And good thing Blake dropped the beatboxing this time. I’m beginning to get tired with it, actually.

As for Sanjaya, I don’t really want to talk about him anymore. With his ponytail mohawk tonight and a bleak performance (as usual), I don’t understand why Americans vote for him. Okay, so maybe votefortheworst.com is responsible for his staying in AI. But, please wake up , America! He may look so cute and adorable, but he ain’t the best for American Idol. Vote wisely!

Okay, so tomorrow will be another elimination night. Sanjaya may not yet be eliminated though. It could still be anybody, at this stage of the competition.