We’re a week away from the Top 10, PopWatchers, and sitting in the studio audience on this particular Tuesday, you could definitely feel that the competition and the energy level is heating up.
But first! A little pre-pre-show scoop — about the Mystery Crying Girl (pictured), who got about as much camera time as any of the Idols did last night. A friend of my colleague Adam B. Vary reports that she was actually at the dress rehearsal, met Sanjaya then, and was so beside herself about not being able to see the live show that producers gave her tickets. She’s sooo gonna be on the finale.
Anyway, back to it: Things started off a little late last night, causing a frenzied hum to completely envelop the studio as the audience waited for something, anything, to clue them in to what was about to happen. This is usually the time when I scan the crowd for celebrities. And I use that word loosely. But sure enough, in walked singer Ryan Cabrera with his girlfriend Riley Keough, holding hands, wearing all black and looking very rock & roll. Keough is, of course, the 17-year-old daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, and a budding model. She and 24-year-old Ryan have been dating for about six months, and the last time I saw them, they were snuggled in a booth watching Constantine Maroulis when he played the Viper Room. These guys are multi-season Idol loyalists, my friends!
Naturally, I had to say hi, because that’s just what I do. So I headed down to the fourth row and while Riley fixed her hair with the help of a pocket mirror, I chatted with Mr. Cabrera, who told me some interesting things.
1. He had wanted to be there to cheer on his friend, Brandon Rogers (is there anybody in LA this guy doesn’t know?).
2. When he got the tickets, he didn’t think Brandon would be gone by the next show! In fact, Brandon had been to his house just this past week to give him a little jab, as in, "Thanks a lot, dude."
3. Brandon isn’t bummed at all. "He’s more like, ‘What the hell just happened to me?’" reported Ryan.
4. Ryan is in the thick of recording a new album and heads to Miami next week to work on it.
Glad to hear all is well in his world. Walking back to my seat, I spotted a couple more recognizable faces: Peter Noone, natch; Missi Pyle and Sarah Jones from The Wedding Bells; and, I’m 99 percent sure, recently eliminated contestant Alaina Alexander signing autographs while wearing a very revealing outfit, much like the one Haley wore for her opening number.
But let’s not jump ahead just yet. Less than 10 minutes to airtime and Ryan Seacrest made his entrance. He headed straight to the judges’ table to check out their psychedelic new cups. As we all know, Ryan fancies himself a connoisseur of interior style (trust me, I’ve seen his dressing room). Many more minutes went by and still no judges. Turned out there was an issue with an exit sign that was hovering above the side entrance. LA fire marshals were all over this soundstage like white on rice, and you don’t wanna mess with those guys.
One minute and 36 seconds to air and only Randy had taken his seat. Forty-five seconds, 30 seconds… finally, Simon and Paula dashed to their thrones.
Someone asked this on the comments for last week’s blog item: which of the contestants got the biggest cheer? Well, on this night, it was unequivocally two girls: Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle. LaKisha, as painful as it is to admit, may have lost some of her fan luster. I saw less than a handful of signs with her name of them and that’s never, excuse the pun, a good sign.
And speaking of signs, here are my favorite DIY banners from tonight:
"I Wanna Be Christified" – yikes!
"Jordin Sparks Sparkles" – oy
"Sanjaya, You Light My Fi-yah" – a little cheesy, but cute
"Bringing Chubby Back" – rock!
"Sanjaya: Go, Go, Young Pro" – I think I just threw up in my mouth a little
On to the performances: Haley kicked things off with "Tell Him" and encountered a common problem in this kind of venue, when the music drowns out the vocals. Aside from emoting, making the song your own, and possessing the ”yo factor,” one more responsibility the contestants have to carry is the ability to sing above a full orchestra. And when they don’t, you’ll notice the studio audience’s response to be a tad more tepid, which is exactly what happened to Haley. The mix at home on your TV, however, could sound dramatically different, as my astute colleague Adam pointed out last week.
The judges on this first round were in deep conversation. Simon shrugged at one point, as if to say "Whatever," but he obviously took notice of one thing: Haley’s outfit. During the commercial, Simon bolted for the first of four or five cigarette breaks that he took (his brand of choice? Kool), but inside, we were all talking about him. That’s because Haley’s dad was sitting in the audience, and told the warm-up guy, "I liked her outfit…and Simon needs to realize that I’m, like, 20 feet away."
Them’s fighting words! And they totally set the pace for the rest of the night. When Chris Richardson came on, the place literally exploded with female screams. Watching Paula, you could sense she was also smitten. And not just with the Justin Timberlake look-alike Chris R., but also by Simon. In all my years of covering Idol, I’ve never seen Paula and Simon be so affectionate. Playfully stroking and whispering… at one point I even saw Simon give her a back rub! Maybe it was something in those trippy cups.
Another commercial break, which Idol exec Nigel Lythgoe thought was the perfect time to announce auditions for the next season of So You Think You Can Dance this weekend in L.A. (click here for more dates). It was also a good opportunity for a young audience member to ask Simon if he’s paid to be a jerk. "No," he answered. "I’m paid to be honest."
Song choice was a big factor on this British Invasion-themed show, as it is every week, but dramatic mid-tempo numbers like the ones chosen by Stephanie and LaKisha didn’t fare as well with the judges. The audience, on the other hand, seemed much more respectful, giving standing ovations to both.
It’s no secret that I’m rooting for Blake. He got my vote when he chose a Keane song on week 1. And from what I can tell, there are many more just like me, who watched him with great interest as he practiced his moves sidestage. And while his intro segment played, he even did a little tap dance to ease the tension. I love this guy, even more because he went with the Zombies. I mean, you really can’t go wrong with "Time of the Season," and he executed it perfectly and with his own, unique twist. That being said, I’ll give Chris Sligh props, too, for choosing "She’s Not There" and for nearly punching Simon with the bottom of his microphone stand.
Moving on to Olulu Newton-John (doesn’t she look just like her?) and her coaching tips. They clearly were effective when it came to Jordin Sparks, who, a fellow journalist nearby commented, is shaping up to be this season’s Kelly Clarkson. Jordin has a lot of love from this audience, who literally jumped out of their seats as soon as she hit the stage, and it’s making her stronger with each passing week. The same can be said of her competition, Mindy Doo, who made her entrance to deafening cheers.
The disappointments of the night? Phil’s and Gina’s performances, during which Simon’s expressions spoke volumes. While Phil was belting "Tobacco Road," Simon looked bored and was fussing with his nails. For Gina’s "Paint It Black," he looked absolutely horrified. As for Sanjaya, I think speechless is the only way to describe any of the judges’ reactions.
All in all, I think Randy had it right tonight: It was a great show and people really brought their all. And I have to give big props to Paula for rocking that fantastic outfit and a sideways ponytail, she really did look great. Of course, you never know what next week, or for that matter, tomorrow, will bring.
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“Keough is, of course, the 17-year-old daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, and a budding model.”
Dude, who knows this stuff?
I’m no fan of Blakes. His voice is annoying and his beatboxing seems very 1984. I feel as if Jordin’s finally making herself a contender, and was shocked at how good Sanjaya’s performance was.
I agree with Simon about Haley’s outfit and song though. The talk’s much more about her outfit than song choice, and that was a smart move by Haley. Looking cheesecakeier than all other members is a surefire way to stick around for another week.
Lakeesha’s a personal fave of mine, but I can’t believe she ignored Twiggy’s advice. When a voice coach says “that’s a better song choice for you”, that’s a nice way of saying “Shirley Bassey? Really?”
Speaking of Shirley, Ms. Halperin didn’t dig the “Fro Patrol” sign?
I thought it was cute and would have voted for Sligh if Jordin hadn’t enamored me so.
The little girl was awesome! It’s great to see that the singers are so accesible to their fans. Idol should take a bow after last night, the show was, IMHO, one of Idol’s best.
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Blake, ohhhh me oh my, when he sang Time of the Season…I got tingles like I haven’t had in a long time. Esp, whenever he sung the part “what’s your name? who’s your daddy?” And that electro beat in between, I’m 34 and acting like I’m 16 when it comes to him. And as far as the girls side, Gina rocks, she reminds me of Kelly clarkson (when Kelly really rocks like w/ Walk Away and Since U been Gone) Gina, Vocally, no, but she rocks! Right on.
And Corrinne, even though I hate Blake, I gotta admit, he rocked that line and made an old 1960’s innocent reference into something very modern and (it hurts to admit this) kinda’ sexy.
I finally figured out who Sanjaya reminds me of…A could be member of Menudo. He can sing, he can charm, but he’s not the next A I . he’s got a lot of time to explore, learn, and get ‘OUT THERE’ w/ some ‘yo’ factor. HE showed some ‘yo’ last nite, but at the sacrifice of his voice. As far as Jordin Sparks, she’s the same age? But she’s out there every time, Sanjaya stays ”hidden”. That’s going to be his downfall overall. Chris Sligh sounded great, the other Chris (even though I’m in LOVE w/ Justin Timberlake) sounds the same ALL the time, good, but not great, not different, no wow. I’m waiting for it though. My fave at the beginning was Phil Stacey, but I don’t know anymore. And Stephanie bores me soooo much. Just adding my comments, don’t be hatin’
Does anybody else get a little secret thrill every week to see what song Sanjaya is going to butcher next? Cuz I wait for that moment every week.
When they ame back from one commmercial break, Ryan specifically said “I wish we could talk about what happens during the breaks, but that’s a whole different show”. Did anything of note happen, or did he just say that?
LOL Ep sato, yep! I can’t get him out of my head, that teasing, sultry, ‘come to me’ singing he did last night. OK, Stop it Corinne!
’
this is TOTALLY off subject, but I didn’t know where else to write this..
when I logged onto AOL, I clicked on something about Adam Sandler, do you like him, serious, funny, or sweet? They listed his movies and there are these so called critics Lisa and Owen who put EVERY movie down, voters thought way different ha ha. I’d like to give Lisa and Owen a piece of my …so they can kiss it w/ the knowledge that they are obviously too anal retentive and that mostly everyone who voted for all his movies, like them. I’m new to this EW. where should I post for that? I mean the critics just peeved me off. Can they not lay back and laugh? Oh I forgot, they’re too anal retentive and can’t sit down. SORRY,off subject.
(chris)”Keough is, of course, the 17-year-old daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, and a budding model.”Dude, who knows this stuff?
LOL
—->I don’t know, I had no idea Lisa Marie had such an ‘old’ daughter.
I’m stuck in Texas, far from the secrets of hollywood and what happens during A I commercial breaks! GRRRR….when Ryan said that (Meredith) I’m wondering, did something pop out of Jordin’s dress or what, did Paula Abdul kiss Simon’s neck? WHAT HAPPENED?
I think that Lakisha appears arrogant by asking for advice and then blatantly disregarding it. I know that its probably more what she feels comfortable with but it still looks bad. Also, I thought Sanjaya was a surprise too and kind of fun. At least it was memorable, which I think a few people kind of weren’t. Being forgettable, at this point, is clearly the biggest factor in getting voted off. Also, I think that Jordin will surpass Melinda and Lakisha because she seems young and fresh whereas I feel like Melinda and Lakisha are a bit dated. That being said – I think Blake is phenomenal. Not the best singing voice but a fantastic performer with the ability to put a cool twist to every song. I like it!
I did recognize the Riley Keough reference, although I think that says more about me than those who didn’t get it.
Blake’s grown on me quite a bit, but I hesitate to officially, publically root for him because that will surely seal his fate. I’m not a big LaKisha fan, but that’s mostly because I tend to bristle at the “early frontrunner” pretty much every season–I do like her voice, though.
To K: “I think that Jordin will surpass Melinda and Lakisha because she seems young and fresh whereas I feel like Melinda and Lakisha are a bit dated. That being said – I think Blake is phenomenal. Not the best singing voice but a fantastic performer with the ability to put a cool twist to every song. I like it!”
couldn’t agree w/ you more. Melinda is great, but sing something from at least the last decade, or update it somehow! Gladys Nite was an ”American IDol” a lonnnng time ago, time to move on. But not too much > He did AWESOME last nite and didn’t Blakify it too much. Jussst right. Melinda, LaKisha, pleeease it’s 2007! entertain us closer to it. I bet when they get to choose their own songs again, (and not a theme) they’re going to do the same old thing. 
Corinne—>are you reading my mind or what?
American Idol Celebrity Look-Alikes: Justin Guarini, Will Ferrell, Katharine McPhee, Katie Holmes, Jared Cotter, Brian McKnig. <–this is kool
Blake totally pulls off the sexy (like Jared tried, but that guy was overkill). However, in response to another comment — I’m pretty sure “what’s your name? Who’s your daddy?” was meant to be racy in the 1960s too.
I didn’t know about Keough being Lisa-Marie’s daughter. As a heterosexual male, I’m pretty proud of that fact.
I could really not care less about Lisa-Marie, her daughter, or any of the lame-asses on American Idol.
ummm, right Royal with Cheese. so why are you reading much lest posting in this topic then??
AI is losing it’s edge.
I felt manipulated last night by the annoying hysterical fan. The producers are starting to tick me off. The show is losing it’s appeal.
I think it’s time to stop voting America! Maybe they’ll wake up and see that the viewing audience isn’t buying what they’re passing off as ‘entertainment’.
Felt like it. Will continue to do so. Mind you business.
I hated that crying girl, why would she like Sanjaya anyway? People have to remember that this is a singing competition, and Sanjaya CANNOT sing, he shouldn’t even be in the top 12. But knowing the way that Americans vote, I bet you he’ll end up in the top 3. It’s really a shame that a bunch of other really talented singers are being beaten by a less than mediocre wannabe.
Sanjaya did not select himself for the original 24, this was the judges decision. Who could not be any different now than when he first auditioned. get my point?
thank you Miss Bree for the Sanjaya comment. I called in at least 10 times and voted for him. He makes the show interesting and i would miss him so much. thank you crying girl.
I love Blake and Melinda and Jordin and Chris R and Lakisha. Sanjaya was painful to watch. He annoys me. I love Paula. It was overrall very entertaining. And crying girl. oh my gosh.
You guys should just change your website from EW to American Idol FanSite. Enough already. Besides Kelly Clarkson they are all second rate talent.
Sanjaya looks like a girl. Paula is a washed up psycho. Ryan is gay and couldn’t dunk over Gary Coleman.
And you are all pathetic losers for watching this train wreck.
Royale with cheese= terrible….get a life
Idol is ok this year though…I love Jordin and Blake!! Good themed shows so far
i’m leaning towards Chris R. though i do agree, he sounds the same no matter what song he is singing. as for sanjaya, he does remind me of menudo, the older,just getting started menudo, and i too don’t understand why he is still here. Oh well, i seen Simon’s interview on 60mins and thought he was great.
I loved Sanjaya. He was having a great time and taking advantage of the spot given to him by the judges.
Sanjaya should sing “I wanna dance with somebody”. Gays are voting.
Gina = a chimp’s smelly butthole.
I’m not the one committed to a lame show like American Idol. It is you that needs to get a life…smelly.
…and Seabiscuit is a tool for commenting on the show…