American Idol 4, March 22: Number 11 – Straight To Heaven

Sting7 - Mikalah really needed to hit one over the wall this week. But she popped feebly to second base. It’s tough, because she’s clearly trying hard. Taylor Dayne was a good choice her, the song was a good choice, it gave her time to enunciate and let her slow undulating vibratto out, but somehow, someway, it just isn’t working. I heard two distinct cracks in her voice, like she had a cold or something. And, what’s worse, after the critiques, her body language said she’s already defeated.

Anwar Robinson, "Ain’t Nobody"

Randy - "Another ambitious song choice by one of the most stylized legendary phenoms... you brought it home in the end because you always got that big note, but it was alright for me.

Paula - "I’m really proud of you for taking on a female sensation like Chaka Khan and rising to the occasion, I think you did an incredible job."

Simon - "It’s a risky thing to do, you take on a song like that (Paula says he did it differently. Give her a pill!) – I thought it was inconsistent, your version, it was lazy in the beginning, you somewhat saved it with that one note, but I think you need something up-tempo, I don’t think it was that good."

Sting7 - Uh-oh. LaToya London retired this song last season. Poor Anwar seemed like he was straining to be heard over the band. Again, I’m with Simon, that one note kind of tied it together, but overall not that good. Anwar is in the tough spot of trying to show some versatility, when I think he is used to singing the almost-standards that he can put his own fingerprint on. In his quiet moments, I do not know that he sings up-tempo songs! Can he pull it off?

Jessica Sierra, "Total Eclipse of the Heart"

Randy - "I’m really happy tonight. Welcome back, Jessica Sierra!"

Paula - "That was a brilliant performance. I think you closed the show right on top, and I’m very proud of you. Good job."

Simon - "Jessica, a lot of people said the girls are going to be also-rans in the competition. You and Carrie outsang everyone in the competition tonight."

Sting7 - The judges certainly seem pleased with Jessica, but I know I was hearing Bonnie Tyler in my head and I was missing the rasp that gave this song such an edge. Jessica sang it clean and pretty and pure. Is it a vote-winning performance? I am just not sure.

I guess I’d better decide right now, eh?

Here’s how I think the votes should go:

1. Carrie
2. Vonzell
3. Nikko
4. Scott
5. Nadia
6. Anwar
7. Anthony
8. Bo
9. Jessica
10. Constantine
11. Mikalah

And here’s how I think the votes will go:

1. Carrie
2. Bo
3. Anwar
4. Nadia
5. Nikko
6. Vonzell
7. Scott
8. Constantine
9. Jessica
10. Anthony
11. Mikalah

My bottom three are Jessica, Anthony, and Mikalah. I think spunky Mikalah, who has tried to morph into gracious Mikalah, but is just empty Mikalah somehow, will be the exiting Mikalah. I think her voice is interesting, but I think she has made some bad choices throughout the show. When she grows into her unusual instrument and grows a bit more confident, she could be huge. Her voice was made for the stage and singing standards – she is not likely to ignite the Britney generation, but it’s not about that. Josh Groban is making a nice living without being anywhere near MTV, isn’t he?

Let’s meet here tomorrow and see who’s next to wave goodbye.

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for many years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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