How old are the 'Idol' finalists' song choices?

JUDY Wed, May 23, 2007 at 09:13 AM EST

THIS YEARS IDOL WAS NOT AS GOOD AS THE OTHER SEASONS. WHEN THE WORLD TOOK OFF MELINDA THEY RUINED THE SEASON, JORDIN IS GOOD BUT NOT CLOSE TO MELINDA IN VOCAL. WHEN SIMON SAID"MELINDA SHOULD WIN, HE CAUSED HER TO LOSE, SO MANY DON'T LIKE SIMON, I LOVE SIMON AND I FELT ABOUT SAME AS HIS OPINIONS ON MOST ALL OF THEM. I KNOW MELINDA WILL HAVE MAJOR HITS AND I WILL BUY THEM, I PRAY SHE DOES A CHRISTIAN ALBUM, WHAT LIGHT TO THE SHOW SHE WAS IN FRONT OF MILLIONS.

festool Wed, May 16, 2007 at 07:39 AM EST

I look like a black Mike Meyers.

Ella Wed, May 16, 2007 at 02:48 AM EST

I think that it doesnt matter wether the songs are old or not! I mean its basically how they dress, looks and how they sing that wins them the competition, NOT HOW OLD OR NEW THE SONG IS!

Ella Wed, May 16, 2007 at 02:46 AM EST

I think that it doesnt matter wether the songs are old or not! I mean its basically how they dress, looks and how they sing that wins them the competition, NOT HOW OLD OR NEW THE SONG IS!

Miles Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:22 AM EST

Sorry, I meant to say exalts youth.

Miles Schon Wed, May 16, 2007 at 01:21 AM EST

I don't understand why my point confused you. Yes, Blake is younger looking and dresses "hip." Many of the lightning fingers on the telephones belong to teenage girls who will vote for him, and most likely, will buy his music.
We live in a culture that exhorts youth, that was unfortunate for Taylor because in my opinion, he can sing. He does need better material.

Lea Tue, May 15, 2007 at 05:37 PM EST

So Miles, are you saying that because Blake seems so much younger than Taylor (though he's only a few years younger, after all) and wears funky clothing and does fun things to his hair, he's not going to have the same problem selling CDs that Taylor's had? I'm just trying to understand your point.

You mean Blake's image, alone, in our "image conscious world," will sell albums even though he's, like Taylor, more of a live act?

I agree with Blake fans that he has a capable singing voice and that he's an artist and not merely a performer-- unlike Taylor. Still, he's not as charismatic a performer as Taylor. Someone here said Blake lacks heart and is all about technical artistry. I think that's his failing. If only he learns to combine technical, creative artistry with emotion, the way David Byrne & The Talking Heads did, he'd really have that rare and elusive "something" that speaks to people.

Blake's not there, yet.

Lea Tue, May 15, 2007 at 05:36 PM EST

So Miles, are you saying that because Blake seems so much younger than Taylor (though he's only a few years younger, after all) and wears funky clothing and does fun things to his hair, he's not going to have the same problem selling CDs that Taylor's had? I'm just trying to understand your point.

You mean Blake's image, alone, in our "image conscious world," will sell albums even though he's, like Taylor, more of a live act?

I agree with Blake fans that he has a capable singing voice and that he's an artist and not merely a performer-- unlike Taylor. Still, he's not as charismatic a performer as Taylor. Someone here said Blake lacks heart and is all about technical artistry. I think that's his failing. If only he learns to combine technical, creative artistry with emotion, the way David Byrne & The Talking Heads did, he'd really have that rare and elusive "something" that speaks to people.

Blakes' not there, yet.

Where Y'at, Dawlin'? Tue, May 15, 2007 at 03:59 PM EST

To Melanie...yeah, you right, dawlin'! TIGER BAIT! TIGER BAIT!

Sara Tue, May 15, 2007 at 03:32 PM EST

I'm for Blake all the way. He IS original.. the only one similar is Justin Timberlake, and even he isn't doing some of the things that Blake does. He moves differently, sings differently (more like Bono if we're being honest) and is so damn cute!

Would we buy his album? YES. Listen to clips of his songs on americanidol.com, and you'll see--he's recording READY. Go Blake!

Oh and if he's not in the finale, I'm not watching. Melinda is a snore and a half.

To festool: Tue, May 15, 2007 at 03:22 PM EST

Hmmmm... I wonder what you look like?
Well, I can only guess & believe me it is NOT a pretty guess....

Macy Tue, May 15, 2007 at 03:07 PM EST

Anybody who thinks that Blake can actually sing needs to schedule a hearing test! I don't deslike Blake at all, he seems to be a decent person (not fake like Jordin)However, he is very limited on his vocal ability. What is he going to do? Beat box through all his songs on his CD if he wins? Not my cup of tea.....

festool Tue, May 15, 2007 at 02:57 PM EST

Who was being funny? I think she looks like a black Cameron Diaz!

To festool: Tue, May 15, 2007 at 02:55 PM EST

Not funny a bit! Frankly, all this Shrek refrences about Melinda is getting to be so old! Having said that, I don't find Melinda boring at all. It is so obvious that she is the most talented one ever on AI as far as her vocal ability.

To festool: Tue, May 15, 2007 at 02:54 PM EST

Not funny a bit! Frankly, all this Shrek refrences about Melinda is getting to be so old! Having said that, I don't find Melinda boring at all. It is so obvious that she is the most talented one ever on AI as far as her vocal ability.

To festool: Tue, May 15, 2007 at 02:25 PM EST

Not funny a bit! Frankley, all this Shrek refrences about Melinda is getting to be so old!

Gwen Tue, May 15, 2007 at 11:32 AM EST

Well, Betty. Just vote like you want her to win, then.

Betty Tue, May 15, 2007 at 11:18 AM EST

Everyone is talking about Melida and Blake.
What about Jordan, I think she should win and will win with her youth, good voice and talent?

Betty Tue, May 15, 2007 at 11:17 AM EST

Everyone is talking about Melida and Blake.
What about Jordan, I think she should win and will win with her youth, good voice and talent?

Barbara Tue, May 15, 2007 at 11:05 AM EST

This is for GOB: I agree with you - I'm smiling I agree with you so much. Melinda could sing a shopping list and make me want to buy it. I'm tired of the standard of so called music today. She is undoubtedly the best, whether you consider her the prettiest or not. She is flawless in her renditions. Theme night needs to go. I enjoyed LuLu, Bon Jovi and JLo. They at least had a clue as to what is going on now. Melinda is awesome. I would like to see Blake & Melina in the finals.

Miles Schon Tue, May 15, 2007 at 11:04 AM EST

Lea has made a very good point, but I think the difference is in how they look and their ages. Unfortunately, this is an image conscious world. How else can Britney Spears be explained? She lacks talent, yet sold millions of CDs. I believe that is why Fantasia started dressing different and her videos' went in the direction of the bedroom.

Lea Tue, May 15, 2007 at 10:55 AM EST

I'll agree with Blake fans that he's fresh--for Idol. I'll admit to not knowing enough about what's considered contemporary in the Northwest to know if his sound and his act are new and original. What I wonder about, though, is if a Blake win means a repeat of what has happened with poor Taylor: people loved watching him perform more than they realized. When it came to album-buying time, though, they'd already lost interest in Taylor's voice--once his act was off their screens and they couldn't smile and laugh along with him. He was infectious. Blake can have that effect, too. But will people want to just HEAR him on a CD?

? Tue, May 15, 2007 at 10:48 AM EST

Mario Martin:"Thou Shall Learn How To Spell."

KAT Tue, May 15, 2007 at 10:43 AM EST

It doesn't matter the age of the song, it's all about performance. D'uuh!
Blake makes me cringe with his tiny hole of a mouth and grabbing his d*** when he sings mostly off key. Beatbox fresh? Nah! Gimmicky when you have so little talent. So what if Melinda sings "older" she has a good voice. So what if Jordin is emotional she IS only 17. Look at all the emotional garbage strewn on these sites by silly, overly emotional people. AI IS only an entertainment vehicle. D'uuh!
Ryan and Randy have already said on the cheesy Access Hollywood show that Jordin and Melinda would be the two finalists with Jordin winning.
Think your vote counts? It's all about marketability and that is ALL that AI cares about. Money, money, money. All that praising of America's voting is total B.S. YOU are paying for their TV Ads. D'uuh! I personally miss the tuneless Sanjaya who is so vastly entertaining with his high jinks and "throw it against the wall" waay cool attitude. Without him Season Six Sucks. Mightily.

Moi Tue, May 15, 2007 at 10:37 AM EST

Sorry, but I love that 'old' music. Give me a Harry Connick or Micheal Buble genre any day. Some of you people are too hung up on being 'today's sound' or the 'young look'. That's bull. If you can sing...then sing whatever you do well.
Melinda will do well whether she wins or not, count on it.

Stephanie T. Tue, May 15, 2007 at 10:26 AM EST

Ron,

"One" was a bigger hit than "Alone", true. But "Alone" was their last hit, minor one but a hit. Ironically it was on the same album as "This is where I came in". My favorite song of theirs is "Jive Talking", but I digress.

Mario Martin Tue, May 15, 2007 at 10:14 AM EST

Me i'm a Christian myself, but this year we need some change and i think Blake he his the one with different tallent and we need that this year in American Idol, but i really love Doolittle, she have a good voice that can shake some wall.

trex Tue, May 15, 2007 at 10:09 AM EST

Blake blake blake, he has the lots,stage performance, dancing, drum beats, old song to new songs, He got the GUTS, GO BLAKE!!!

Melanie Tue, May 15, 2007 at 09:52 AM EST

Completely off-topic, but...

Where Y'at, Dawlin', I'm loving the cheer! Geaux Tigers!!!

Suzie Tue, May 15, 2007 at 09:47 AM EST

Anybody remember Bailey Brown? She was a cute girl with a killer voice. She grew up on a farm, I can't remember where. I hope she is practicing for next season.

Denise Tue, May 15, 2007 at 09:44 AM EST

Juanita you make some good points,but could you please stop shouting with the caps? It is silly-looking to type in all caps. No one can hear you girl.

Denise Tue, May 15, 2007 at 09:43 AM EST

Juanita you make some good points,but could you please stop shouting with the caps? It is silly-looking to type in all caps. No one can hear you girl.

juanita Tue, May 15, 2007 at 09:38 AM EST

OKAY! LETS REVIEW ON JORDIN SHALL WE 3 WEEKS AGO IT WAS THE SNATCHING THE TISSUE FROM MELINDA WHEN SHE OFFERED IT TO HER, THEN 2WEEKS AGO IT WAS PRETENDING TO CRY WHEN SHE CAUGHT THE CAMERA ON HER WHEN CHRIS WAS VOTED OFF AND THEN FINALLY THE FACIAL EXPRESSION LAST WEEK AFTER SIMON GAVE HIS COMMENTS. SHE WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES BUT IN THE PAST WEEKS SHE HAS CAME ACROSS AS A SNOBBY SPOILED BRAT!!! AND SHE SHOULD NOT BE THE NEXT IDOL IT WOULDNT BE FAIR TO THOSE WHO HONESTLY CARE AS SHE HAS SHOWN SHE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ANYONE BUT HERSELF. HER SONG SHE BE TRUE COLORS.

festool Tue, May 15, 2007 at 09:26 AM EST

If Melinda makes it to the finale, she will win since everyone will be all abuzz next week with her being on AI and starring in the weekend's Number 1 movie.

Ep Sato Tue, May 15, 2007 at 09:12 AM EST

OT:

Can I just say that it's really fun to see how much passion AI seems to still stir up in people? Who'da thunk a reality style talent show would garner such mass appeal?

Gwen Tue, May 15, 2007 at 08:36 AM EST

I don't think it matters. What kind of songs would you sing if you were on Idol, Michael Slezak?

yellehs2 Tue, May 15, 2007 at 08:32 AM EST

Funny how everyone thinks that nobody over 14 would vote for Blake. I'm WAY older than that and I will vote from him until the end. I would fall asleep at a Melinda/Jordin concert but Blake has the whole package. He is the one with the ability to take an old song (Time Of The Season) and make it totally new for this generation. News flash: you don't have to be 14 to like his style of music...how narrow-minded can people be?

cookiemac Tue, May 15, 2007 at 07:19 AM EST

i would love to hear blake sing "harder to breathe" by maroon 5, he would be able to use his beatbox easily and the song would fit his voice.

? Tue, May 15, 2007 at 12:29 AM EST

Kay: Not knew song, new song.

To Lana Mon, May 14, 2007 at 07:55 PM EST

You seem to be blatantly ignoring the fact that most theme nights end up limited to era anyway. Even the ones that don't, like Gwen Stefani night, are limited and extremely random. Wasn't that something like "songs that inspire her"? (Huh, idol producers? Just--huh?)

Anyway, about the post, I don't have a problem with it other than not understanding the point, either. All it "proves" is the equivalent to a trivial pursuit answer. It's better to debate whether she's making the song fresh than what year it's from. Otherwise any theme night like "music from the 1960s" would be boring, but good performances can come out of those. For example, Nadia Turner's "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."

Ron Mexico Mon, May 14, 2007 at 06:05 PM EST

To GOB: Stephanie T's comment notwithstanding (I do not know what they did in 2000), The Bee Gees did have a hit with the song "One" in 1989. Just under 20 years, but in the interest of being accurate...

Where Y'at, Dawlin'? Mon, May 14, 2007 at 06:01 PM EST

Hey, hotboudain! Cold cous-cous....c'mon, Tigers, push, push, push! Do you bleed purple and gold,too,like me?

I would absolutely LOVE to hear Melinda sing some Anita Baker.....Sweet Love would be so lovely sung by her!

Lana Mon, May 14, 2007 at 05:59 PM EST

It is a ridiculous argument to say that Melinda sings older songs because of the themes. They all have the same themes! She just chooses older songs! She is not contemporary at all. Old Broadway Classics during Diana Ross and British Invasion Night? Donna Summer during Gwen Stefani night? Not to mention the older songs she CHOSE to perform in the semi-finals.

Lana Mon, May 14, 2007 at 05:24 PM EST

It is a ridiculous argument to say that Melinda sings older songs because of the themes. They all have the same themes! She just chooses older songs! She is not contemporary at all. Old Broadway Classics during Diana Ross and British Invasion Night? Donna Summer during Gwen Stefani night? Not to mention the older songs she CHOSE to perform in the semi-finals.

Kay Mon, May 14, 2007 at 04:45 PM EST

Blake CAN SING. I love listening to him, as do many others. Just because Melinda sang one new song doesn't really mean much. Blake's song was the oldest but he makes songs sound so knew and fresh that you would never know that they're that old.

hotboudain Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:59 PM EST

Am I missing something? How come nobody notices that BLAKE CANNOT SING?? I'm not sure if he can carry a tune better than Sanjaya.

Melinda is obviously the best and I hope she is runner-up. Her style doesn't fit the Idol package. She will have appeal with the adult audience; kinda like Anita Baker.

Jordin will become more polished and will be a great Idol champion.

Nobody Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:43 PM EST

Slezak, I know what you're up to. You're sticking up for Mindy Doo because you know in your heart that she's going home this week. It will be a Blake/Jordan finale.

zmurfz Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:38 PM EST

this is definitely the most boring idol ever. although melinda has the voice, she doesn't have the package. i mean anyone really think she could sell a lot of cd's if she wins? i'd much rather buy from jordin or blake.

hello Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:25 PM EST

Melinda chooses songs that shows off her talent. Jordin cannot sing upbeat songs fast enough, and as far as Blake goes with all of that beatboxing crap, his cd will only be good for the Telletubbies or a Veggie Tale soundtrack which I would love to buy for my niece. Little kids would love to hear all that "beep" and "boop." Melinda all he way for having talent.

StephanieT. Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:24 PM EST

GOB:

I think that last song that hit the charts for the Bee Gees was "Alone" back in 2000(?). Maurice passed in 2002 so I'm sure it has been difficult for Robin and Barry to team up for another hit. Plus you also have to see it from Robins side. Maurice was his non identical twin brother. He genetically lost a part of himself.

Melissa Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:10 PM EST

If I have to watch another week of Blake bobbing his head from side to side without moving his neck, all the while making that ridiculous "O" face - I'm done with Idol. Yes, Melinda can sing, but YAWWWWWN...every song sounds the same - I can only listen to Tina Turner for so long. Cheers for Jordin.

ryan's mom Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:05 PM EST

Blah blah blah, Slezak. You've already drummed Melinda's fabulousness into the ground while simultaneously calling for the elimination of everyone interesting or in any way different from the competition - with the exception of Blake. And I've noticed the last week's headlines on AI featured the prominent dissing of him ( Bon Jovi hated his rendition of You Give Love A Bad Name, the tuxedo shirt, etc). Enough already - you deserve this boring season and the 200 Melinda CDs you will be forced to give away at Christmas.

wtf is juice Mon, May 14, 2007 at 03:05 PM EST

Generally, I don't think the age of the songs for the theme nights counts that much, since the theme sort of locks you in. Picking the newest song from Bon Jovi, who peaked around 20 yrs ago, doesn't count for much. The song choices for the semifinals, when they can choose any song, tells us more about their musical tastes and styles and their viability in today's market.

Jonhson Mon, May 14, 2007 at 02:34 PM EST

This is the weakest Idol to date. Hope next year will be extremely better, with talent that will blow us all out of the water.

Liza Mon, May 14, 2007 at 02:23 PM EST

I agree with Kim. Melinda is BOOOOOOOORING!

GOB Mon, May 14, 2007 at 02:04 PM EST

Perhaps the reason Melinda's songs are "old" is because the stupid theme nights have mostly been focused on songs from 20-50 years ago! Have the BeeGees had a hit in the past two decades? No. Have Miss Ross, Tony Bennett or Lulu recorded any new hits in recent years? No. GIve the girl a break. She's done awesome with each genre, and if they'd allow her to sing something from the past five years, she'd blow everyone out of the water with a newer song, too.

Brandon Mon, May 14, 2007 at 01:55 PM EST

This is exactly what blogs were intended for. Nice work.

Todd Mon, May 14, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

While I too applaud your mathmatic skills here, I do think you need a quick refresher in statistics. Blake's "Mack the Knife" and Melinda's "Have a Nice Day" are, as you pointed out, unusual as both choices seem to be contrary to the norm for both contestants. That's why those numbers would be called outliers. Whenever you do averages like this, you're bound to get a few numbers that fall far from the average. What I'd be curious to know is what are the averages when these outliers (which clearly skew the data) are taken out. I think then you'll get a more accurate estimate of just how old these contestants are really reading.

Melanie Mon, May 14, 2007 at 01:44 PM EST

You've made this statistician proud with your averaging skills, Slezak.

Kim Mon, May 14, 2007 at 01:31 PM EST

The reason Melinda got stuck with the Oldie label in my opinion is not b/c of the year of her song choices but b/c of her overall style and manner of singing. She is not exciting, fresh, or original, she just sings it and is afraid of doing anything wrong. In other words, old and boring! GO BLAKE!!!

TT Mon, May 14, 2007 at 01:27 PM EST

What's your point Slezak?

Ep Sato Mon, May 14, 2007 at 01:17 PM EST

I like Melinda's song choices. While her music's alleged to be "old" it also means that many of these songs have not been heard in a long time. That can make many of these songs fresh again. Agreed she's the resident pro though, and can't imagine her NOT going all the way to the finals. IMHO, a battle between the divas (the 17 y/old vs. the Pro) would make for a great final showdown.

Nancy Walker Mon, May 14, 2007 at 01:08 PM EST

Stephanie is always funny and on target. I agree. They need to just bring it to the table. The year is not important. Vocal ability is what matters most.

Stephanie T. Mon, May 14, 2007 at 12:36 PM EST

They all have to find a common ground. They have to go for songs that are on their vocal level, yet something that has not been overdone and burnt to a crisp on the American Idol grill,and something that anyone and their mothers will know (hint, hint, Blake...).

M-fan Mon, May 14, 2007 at 12:25 PM EST

Don't like them at all. Typical ageist. So what about the dates of the songs? Jordin's bombed with some of her newer choices, and scored with "I (who have nothing)." Blake is edgy, but if his inevitable CD has more than one beatbox sample it'll never get played twice. What should matter is that Melinda kills every time she sings, and what should be viewed as an asset gets turned around to become a deficit b/c she isn't 18.