Top 10 Results

AMERICA!!! YOU GOT IT SOOOOOOOOOO WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am disgusted!!!!!!!

:furious_tb: :wallbash_tb: :cry_tb: :tongue2_tb:

ANG – I’m with you. I’m almost ready to give up this season not because I’m outraged, but because I can see myself getting terminally bored.

What the deuce?

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

O.K. Now this show officially sucks. Let the teeny boppers have their crap music.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Big, BIG mistake! It’s official. I hate Haley. Not Sanjaya, HALEY. She’s like Kat II, only not as attractive.

I already gave up on this season….I really dont care who wins, this season is the biggest JOKE ever!!! While I admit that Chris S. had an off night last night, he has one of the best vocals of the guys….I dont think he would have won, but COME ON!!! HALEY SAFE….and SANJAYA…..Don’t get me started on him!!! I mean COME ON!!!! bunch of crap!!!

I’m completely bummed. Haley should be gone. America got it wrong yet again. :thumbdown_tb:

I agree Lil Debbie!!! let the teenyboppers have their carp music!!!!!
this will be the season of AI’S Demise!!!!! I will be surprised if they have another season after this!!!

Is NCIS still on on Tuesday nights? I have no reason to miss it anymore now.

Time to join the legion of Sangina voters.

On the scary boards last night, some Central Time Zone posters claimed that Chris’s line had constant busy signals and they couldn’t get through. Steve-O-Meter, where are you? I know you were interacting with those posters. Obviously, anyone can write anything, but are you going to contact them for confirmation?

Here in the OC, I had a decent amount of busy signals. Maybe the text messagers took the night off.

I hope Chris and his wife are okay. I wish I could give them a big hug.

Well, this is a stupid show now. Seriously, Sligh had the best male vocal on the show. Period. And if you want to argue with me go ahead….do it, I am in a bad mood and will take all my known Folk ability and defend Sligh.

The good news, his band is awesome and I will clearly head straight to Amazon and buy their CD. And then when they tour, go to their concert.

What we are left with now is not good. Gee, all I can hope for (sarcasm) is to hear Melinda NEVER break out of her highly trained, professional box….and be praised daily for her excellent voice that has zero potential for marketability.

For a show that caters to the public…they seem to not even see what the public likes….

Or maybe the show does not yet realize it is sinking into jokedom with SUnjaya and Haley….and please…Phil, not that great….and Gina, good performance this week, but she would die in the world off the show…she cannot compete with her genre and what is out there now. And exactly what market is Lakisha going to corner??

I guess on the brightside….if one of the current frontrunners wins (minus Blake) Taylors sales will look golden in comparison.

The other silver lining….Sligh will be on the tour….somehow though, I think my money is better spent on his band.

I thought for sure it was going to be Chris R. I have to take back what I said yesterday about the pimp spot, I guess it works! Haley needs to go….I’m not opposed to keeping Sanjaya around for awhile, though, he’s lost his cringe factor for me and now he’s just pure entertainment. If he left, who would I hate?!?

well this year continues to suck doesn’t it…the only ones that i have had interest in this year have been blake, gina and chris s…while some of the others are probably technically good, i just could really care less…chris s has a unique and interesting voice and this season will be even more boring w/o him IMO…whatever, america!

I think they pushed Sligh out after his “Hi Dave” comment….

While I still like others in the competition and don’t think this season has gone to hell (so to say), I am really sad that Sligh is gone. He deserved to stay for at least 3-5 more weeks. Haley, Phil and Sanjaya, at the very least, should have gone before him.

I am very sad that Chris Sligh is gone. He has such a sweet voice. He should have stayed longer. I’ll really miss him.

Well, that’s it for me. I wasn’t gonna vote this year at all until I heard Chris Sligh. Now he’s gone! I can’t believe it. He has a beautiful voice–much better than some of the others. I’m really upset.

Ricky at the Idol forums posted the voting order. This week they didn’t play games with the other 2.

Damn. Sligh wasn’t my fave, but I think he left way too soon. Let’s pretend that Sanjaya doesn’t exist. Sligh was way better than Chris R, Haley, and Phil. He was more interesting than most of them.

I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for him and his exit interviews. Maybe he’ll feel more free to show us that wicked wit.

Go Sligh!

No interview from Nigel today? No “shocking results” tonight?

MsGail61
Mar 28th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Ricky at the Idol forums posted the voting order. This week they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t play games with the other 2.

Thanks — I’m gonna head over and have a look see. I can’t believe that having the best vocal of the night (and that would be Phil IMO), isn’t enough to keep you out of the bottom 3. I am buying Q-Tips for America….

You know, I liked Chris, but put a couple of things in perspective here, folks …

1) He started this competition getting snarky with Simon about Il Divo and the Teletubbies. Apologies don’t matter. I think that doomed him from the get-go.

2) He had that bad, bad arrangement a few weeks back. Forgot the song, sounded like Clocks.

3) Last night was bad. Not just “not good” … “bad”. He was way off, all over the place, and while he’s got a great voice, he didn’t do a good job with the song.

4) He went early, yesterday. Bad song + going early = goodbye (Sanjaya not withstanding – random thought, will Sanjaya ever get the pimp spot? I think not …)

I’m honestly not that surprised. Some people can’t get over the lisp, however unfair that may be. Some people don’t like the fact that he’s a Christian rocker who picked an obscure love-based Christian rock song. Some people just couldn’t get over the initial teletubbie snark (I did, but it bothered me a great deal too – shut up and sing, indeed).

His story is one of trying too hard to play the game. When he apologized and tried to be understanding of the judges, it kinda came off like he wasn’t very sincere because you knew he was thinking sarcasm while nodding in agreement with them. When he was playing and joking it seemed like he was taking it too far (the Simon-poke with the mic-stand, for instance).

Sanjaya did the same thing last night (“you’re just jealous”), but Sanjaya’s in on the joke at this point. I don’t think it’ll matter.

I thought he had one of the stronger voices, but is it really shocking that people maybe just didn’t like the guy? No. Not one bit. People vote for Haley and Sanjaya without taking talent into account, why would they take it into account for Chris S. but not for one of those?

Peter Noone was so right … this isn’t a singing competition, it’s a voting competition. As much as it sucks if you’re a fan of Chris S., tonight was definitely proof of that.

IMHO, out of the guys, Sligh had the best vocals by far. It’s a shame that he is leaving so early, when he’s much better and more deserving than the remaining guys. (Sanjaya, I’m looking at you.) However, I have no doubt that based upon his original work, Sligh – and possibly his band – will be soon be signed. AI provided Sligh with great exposure, and I imagine that he’ll make the most out of what he’s been given. Plus, he has the summer tour to look forward to. I’m not at all worried about him. However, I am slightly bummed that Sligh won’t have a chance to make Hasselhoff cry. (I think those were the funniest words uttered this season so far.)

Best of luck to you, Sligh.

What’s even more surprising was that sanjaya wasn’t in the bottom 3. This seasons stinks.

And Folk is right – this year’s winner will probably make Taylor’s sales look great.

Sligh definitely should’ve been the last Chris standing. He’s a really talented singer and I think I’ll give his band’s stuff a listen.

sligh’s been awful for weeks. in fact, even though i liked him in the beginning, i don’t think he ever actually nailed a single song. nothing in the semis or the finals, in my opinion. he was going to go eventually, but i was a bit shocked he went tonight. had him pegged for the bottom 3, though.

haley is whitebread. but she’s also the “hot chick” supposedly. so she’ll last longer than she otherwise would.

phil is never good. sometimes his vocals are all right but he’s so awkward on stage i actually have to look away.

the only one who strikes me as being any good is melinda, and as many have already noted, she does the same thing every week. so what’s the point?

the point, my friends, is to take down american idol. by voting for sanjaya. he’s awful. out of his depth. ridiculous. and now, he’s cocky to boot. let the producers and record execs try to market him. seeing the panic on simon’s face as sanjaya advances every week will be priceless. not to mention that since he said he’d quit the show if sanjaya won, he’ll look like a right asshole when he comes crawling back next year anyway.

the only way to make this season entertaining is to vote for sanjy. otherwise i’d pass out in front of the tv.

I liked Chris S’s vocals. He was the best male vocalist. I did not like his attitude much and I really disliked the feeling that he was playing the game.

Interesting but I think it started to go downhill for him after the il divo comment.

Up til now, a lot of people were saying that they liked Sanjaya because he calmly took whatever criticisms were thrown his way. What are those people saying now that HE talked back to Simon? Will things start to go downhill for Sanjaya now, too?

Sanjaya can sing. Just listen to his mp3 download of Bathwater. It’s AWESOME!!! All of his downloads sound great and his You Really Got Me got more airplay than the others. Go Sanjaya!!

his song got more airplay because he’s becoming a joke. i feel bad for the poor boy, they’re in a bubble and he probably thinks people like him as opposed to people voting for him out of pity/hilariousness

As Sanjaya makes his steady march to the top and knocks out more talented singers along the way, we should all remember the immortal words of Peter Noone, “American Idol is a voting competition, not a singing competition,”

Sorry, to see Sligh leave too soon.

Last year the AI PTB showed that winning was meaningless. This year they’re proving it. It would be a riot if Sanjaya wins. TPTB deserve him.

Wow what can I say?
I am really happy that at least Blake was safe, along with Melinda are the only good artists left in the competition. IMO

How can Chris S be gone and Haley, Samjaya & Phil still be in the competition? I am scratching my head here.
Chris R sang so bad yesterday he deserved to be in the botto three too
Sligh proved he deserved to be there many more weeks, he only had one off night last night. And his fans didn’t support him. Oh well.

SANJAYA’s long stay is getting ridiculous! AI turning into a complete joke!
Just saying.

Now the onky thing we are missing is to vote off Blake, Melinda, Jordin & Lakisha and be the finale be:

Sanjaya versus Haley. Just saying.

Really, I’m not surprised with tonight’s results. Chris S. mentioned boxers last night during his live interview with Ryan. Mentioning boxers (or any underwear for that matter) is the kiss of death on AI. Chris D. was voted off after he mentioned the boxers last year. Just sayin’.

I’ve never been a fan of Sligh, but admit it wasn’t his time to go – oh hell no! However, I’m not in the least bit upset (although I do feel bad for Steve-o-meter). I suppose I just don’t care anymore. I can’t take this competition seriously and haven’t since Chris D. left last year. No, it is not a singing competition, it truly is a popularity contest.

Chris has a great voice and he’s gone way too soon. I’m glad that he made the tour and I’m with star, I’ll definitely check out his band. Best of luck to you Chris and I look forward to seeing you on tour! Hey, you’re gonna have audiences of 20,000 people cheering you on…:)

Strangelight has alot right!Talent should rule at and on this idol stage. American values of diversity should likewise rule over the cookie cutter à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  images of the Timberlakes, beauty queens, model thins, lilly whites, lightskinned, and 15 minutes of fame teen idols, if they truly have the natural gift and blessing of talent. So an American Idol is easily found only in a very small group that captures these ideals. Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s say congratulations to short Melinda with a flavor of the old great Stephanie Mills, or the full figured ebony Lakisha with those soul-gospel powerhouse pipes, or bald, married, military Phil who the record companies canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t market as an available hottie, but can sell records on tappable talent and remarkable potential, or finally Blake, the unique blend of some à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Stingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ -like Phil Collins quality notes and tones slammed in the middle of crazy beatbox hip hop R and B, all then tossed into one original American salad,as was with the birth of Jazz, in its origins, and the subsequent selling, listening, and crossover appeal to the young,old, and the popular market

I was never a Chris Sligh fan but I was shocked that he was sent packing. I felt Haley, Phil, Chris R. and yes even Sanjaya would leave before Chubby Chris would. Oh well.

What’s the theme next week?

I just watched Slighà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s video and the last performance and got so sad. I really, really hope he winds up having a career in music or showbiz – he deserves it. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m going to really miss hearing his voice and the personality he adds to the show. I do think he might have thrown it however, because he was right on with the rhythm even through he was walking around hugging people. Either that or his nerves just totally got to him last night. I actually voted for him and Chris R last night in an effort to keep him in the competition à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ now Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll likely throw all my votes to Chris R (with possible votes to Blake and Gina when/if they get in trouble). Haleyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s such a clueless little B&%$h that she immediately celebrated before she hugged Chris à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ she so doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t deserve to be up there, and she doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even know it. At least Sanjay had the good grace to look suprised when someone better than him leaves. LOVE, PEACE, and MUCH SUCCESS SLIGH!

tony bennett, I think.

first time posting, hello all! I am super bummed that Sligh is gone. He was my fave and I voted like mad last night. Oh well. Taylor was my fave last year and won, i guess I can’t win them all! I do recommend checking out his band’s cd it’s amazing and shows that Blake is not the only one deserving of the title “artist” Sligh wrote and produced many of the songs and I can’t get them out of my head! I see good things in his future!

Few are mentioning the Gwen Stefani bit. Turned it off in 10 seconds. She’s “pure performance”? Does that mean, instead of being musical? Oh, what Madonna hath wrought…..

Chris S. has a sure, high-flying tenor voice, no argument. And compared to the vacuuous Haley and creepmeister Phil? Another chance would have been order.

But I’m tellin’ ya, it’s that yo-deficit. The guy didn’t work it. He didn’t tell the stories in those songs well enuf. He seemed too cool for school. Though Taylor was the supreme strategist. he borrowed a page from Bill Clinton — the bright-beam sincerity and humility, outshone the strategizing. (Not gettin’ political here, just talkin’ charisma.)

Is Sanjaya just a joke, or does he have something that’s cooing to people? My theory: the vote-for-the-worst pranksters aside, no one up there (other than Jordin, or maybe Blake, if he isn’t perceived as too much the hipster) does it for the really young kids to get all cuddly over. That wasn’t true last year — Ace! Lisa! Paris! Kat! All of them, you could project the warm fuzzies onto. Pre-teens must be a fairly large portion of the voters, if this really is a show that brings whole families in front of the tube together.

It’s getting discouraging tho. I shudder for Tony Bennett, such a charming gentleman and consummate pro. What’s he gonna say to these people? How is he gonna get a decent “Fly Me to the Moon?” out of Chris R.? One really does wonder what kinda credibility AI will wind up with, after this mess. If they can just whittle it down to LaKisha, Jordin, Blake and Melilnda, maybe baby baby we got a horse race. But, oh, the misery before that. Better to just tune out for a month?

AI can bring out the worst in some essentially sweet, talented kidss. ON another thread I posted a Seattle community TV program about Pat Wright, the fantastic woman who was Sanjaya’s mentor in Total Experience Gospel Choir. She’s one of the more amazing gospel belters I’ve ever heard, and a real terasure. And what a generous, warm, rockin’ choir, that does so much good in that community….I know Sanjaya must be a soulful kid, even if he’s woefully inadequate pop material. Here’s Pat — if you don’t want to watch the entire thing, fast forward to the songs, which are sublime:

http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=4010706

So far this season, Chris S. was the only contestant whose personality I found annoying. From his initial comment about making Dan Hasseloff cry to his “Hi Dave” shoutout to his sarcastic reply to a viewer’s letter about what the idols do in their downtime, he was just very offputting to me. And, I wouldn’t be surprised if people just got sick of it. Haley might be an overall weaker singer, and Phil might be inconsistent, but Chris S. has been getting progressively worse and has never delivered a single great performance during the finals. This contest is all one big joke to him anyway. He has his band thank you very much.

First time user of any blogs ever in life for me and can’t get a comment/reply posted back from anyone on this site. I must not know what to say or what I’m doing, or just to old. I’m having fun though and enjoy the many remarks and comments of u bloggers. I’m looking forward to iconic Tony Bennet and atleast he’s old but simultaneously a contemporary favorite with very young public and the biggest music stars of today!

Speaking of being in a bubble: so are AI fan-atics and perusers of blogs. We pick a fav (or someone we enjoy/like) and assume the whole country sees it the same way, and they just don’t. Me? I loved Chris S. Should he have gone when there are other ppl on the show less talented? No. But some of the posters have started to get it right when they explain just what happened here with his being voted off. Throw out thoughts of conspiracy because those assumptions are false. When someone is eliminated it is entirely because they got the least number of votes from the American public. This means even by one vote! I try to listen to the comments of friends, family, acquaintences, strangers, etc… when discussing AI in order to get a feel for what ppl are thinking. Chris came off to people as insincere – fake. Paula’s observation last night was spot on. So far, Chris has not been able to sing with the beat. Every song he performed since week one was off the beat and after a while that gets very distracting. Another thing to understand is that as the pack gets smaller more votes go to those remaining. Sanjaya is this season’s John Stevens. Everybody is saying the EXACT same thing about him as they did John. Season 6 looks to be a mirror image of season 3. We’ve got the talented but out-of-his-league teenaged boy. We’ve got the divas, one of whom is a single mother trying to raise her daughter, etc… Chris, sorry to see you go. Trust in the Lord and you will be alright, right?

I’m GLAD Haley is still there though I am sorry to see Chris leave and even sorrier than Sanjy is still there. The thing with Haley is she is a great singer but she needs to put her guts and soul into her songs and not just perform. That’s why Simon, in spite of her screwing up the lyrics, liked the ‘Missing You’ performance. You could really ‘feel’ that song. She needs to do that more and not just ‘perform’ it, if that makes sense.

Anyway, with Sanjy there, this season is f’d up.

On the scary boards last night, some Central Time Zone posters claimed that Chrisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s line had constant busy signals and they couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get through. Steve-O-Meter, where are you? I know you were interacting with those posters. Obviously, anyone can write anything, but are you going to contact them for confirmation?

Huh? who am I supposed to contact?

Chris had consistently good vocals, but his presentation was seriously lacking for the last several weeks. His performances were not connecting at all. I liked him, but have not been inspired to vote for him for a whiile.

That said, this season is seriously screwed up. I thought Chris would make at least the top 6. It is crazy that he is gone before contestants who can neither sing nor perform.

I’m a little worried. My two faves, Blake and Jordin, are nowhere near the top on Dial Idol, and this week DI was pretty accurate.

Sligh will be on Leno Thursday night according to his Blog which he has reopened

http://frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com/

Thanks, Steve! It makes me feel better to “hear” him sound so upbeat.

He does sound upbeat…..I’m feeling pretty upbeat myself…

After the initial shock wore off, I started getting really excited that he can do interviews now and can get himself a decent record deal

First time user of any blogs ever in life for me and canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get a comment/reply posted back from anyone on this site. I must not know what to say or what Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m doing, or just to old. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m having fun though and enjoy the many remarks and comments of u bloggers. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m looking forward to iconic Tony Bennet and at least heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s old but simultaneously a contemporary favorite with very young public and the biggest music stars of today!

No, you’re doing just fine! There is no age limit for AI. This week is the time for the GOOD singers to shine with the Songbook Standards. Tony Bennett still has a nice voice and the man knows the business. (He will probably tell Melinda she has a great voice. They all do.)

I was so impressed with Phil this week! à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Every Breath You Takeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by The Police will probably be his selection for the Season Six CD. I would love to see him in a classic suit and hat for Tuesday’s show.

Chris S. was a good singer but there were a few things he said which may have bothered people. I am sure his band will have much success in the future.

“I shudder for Tony Bennett, such a charming gentleman and consummate pro. Whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s he gonna say to these people? How is he gonna get a decent à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Fly Me to the Moon?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  out of Chris R.?”

Oh colette, you’re typing what I’m thinking again. I wish it was Mr. Bennett this week instead of what’s her name. Maybe Chris S would have done better. I still believe he has it in him.

Welcome Divalicious.

Owwwwww…. come on America…. why oh why????? Why did you have to vote out Chris S. He’s far more better than Haley and Phil. Do I hear another name? Like i said yesterday, this is top 9.

Chris S, I’m really sorry this happened. I wish you the best after AI. America got it all wrong :wallbash_tb:

Great write-up MJ. I agree with everything – especially the bit about snarky humour. It’s a very dodgy thing to try IMO. Some people will flat out dislike you for it, some will laugh but think “smartass” and not feel warm and fuzzy enough to vote, and those who DO like it will probably resent it like mad if you take back what you’ve said (see: Il Divo/Teletubbies comment incident). Lose-lose situation in my view.

I’m really, really going to miss him – big loss to the show for me. I looked forward to finding out what he would sing each week and wondering how he would approach it. He was by FAR the most interesting contestant for me musically and I will miss waking up on a Wednesday morning and listening to his latest mp3 over at Rickey’s. :sad_tb:

I hope his post-Idol career takes off. I adore his voice and consider it too good to go to waste.

Good luck Chris!

Unfreakingbelievable.

I was so upset that Chris left, because while not having the best week this week, he was still one of the better contestants! I was so upset that he left I just turned off the TV and started swearing I wasn’t going to watch IDOL again.

I love his album, and well, he’s better than Idol anyway.

At this rate, I hope Sanjaya wins this stupid thing.

I am sad about Chris Sligh. I liked him and really liked his original music I heard on myspace.

Did anyone else think that he did a MUCH better job on his singout? My DH and I thought it sounded awesome. I wish he had sung it that way on Tuesday.

Is Team Plaid Blake? If so, LOVE that name!

To be honest all 3 of the bottom 3 could have went home last night and it wouldn’t had made a difference. It’s a shame Sanjaya is still there but like most I guess I have kind of accepted it and know there’s nothing you can do about it. When his time is up it will be up and I believe he has a few more weeks ahead of him.

Good Luck to ChriS. He is a good singer but I don’t think the show is the thing for him. And he did have a bad night on Tuesday.

His face and name are out there now and I am sure he will do well for himself.

OK, it’s time to protest and do something about this. Next week, everyone download Kevin Covais’ version of When I Fall in Love, and when “you know who” starts to sing, crank up your stereo and blast that song! Or Moody’s Mood for Love by Elliott, or, anything other than having to hear “him who shall not be named” “sing” one more time. Having him still on the show is making a mockery of all that I hold sacred in this life

Great write-up MJ but I disagree with a couple of things. Last season Mandisa was one of the best singers and was voted off 10th. I think Chris S is the “Mandisa” this time. He has the best voice of the guys but couldn’t seem to get the performance down pat. I liked his snarky personality but it didn’t seem to go over with others. The other thing is purely superficial, he wasn’t the best looking guy and is a self-described chubby. I did love the bringing chubby back signs. I’m very sorry to see Chris S go. Haley and Phil are so much more boring to me. :blink_tb:

I actually enjoyed Gwen’s performance last night even though I’m not a fan of her solo career. I would never go to her concert but liked having the dancers for a change. I noticed when watching a clip of X Factor that they had dancers for Leona’s performance. Interesting. :ponder_tb:

bean99- Lisa, not Mandisa was voted off 10th.

“I love his album, and well, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s better than Idol anyway.”

Chris has an amazing voice and superior writing talent. He’s definitely better than the unoriginal records Idol-winnders get to make.

At this rate, I hope Sanjaya wins this stupid thing.

I never thought I’d come to this, but, I concur.

HAHA!! I just went to Chris Sligh’s secret blog that really wasn’t his. Anyhow, now it is Sanjaya’s secret blog!
http://chris-sligh.blogspot.com/

AI can bring out the worst in some essentially sweet, talented kidss. ON another thread I posted a Seattle community TV program about Pat Wright, the fantastic woman who was Sanjayaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s mentor in Total Experience Gospel Choir. Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s one of the more amazing gospel belters Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve ever heard, and a real terasure. And what a generous, warm, rockinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ choir, that does so much good in that communityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.I know Sanjaya must be a soulful kid, even if heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s woefully inadequate pop material. Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Pat à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  if you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to watch the entire thing, fast forward to the songs, which are sublime:
http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=4010706

Pat Wright had this to say about Sanjaya ( from http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah4644.shtml ):

In Seattle, where Malakar sang with the Total Experience Gospel Choir, Wright and Malakar’s family say the young man is holding back.

Recchi introduced Malakar to Wright’s choir, where she says his musical personality blossomed. But she agrees that her nephew hasn’t been performing his best.

I am not a Sligh fan, but even I am pissed about last night’s results. That was way too early for him to exit the show.

Go Team Plaid.

I was sorry to see Chris go last night but not surprised. A meh season just got worse for me without his performances to look forward to. I think I’ll pick up a copy of the HPF cd to support Chris and his music.

Oh, don’t be dissin’ 90′s Paula! “My Love Is for Real” with the now-late Israeli singer Ofra Haza was one helluva great song. …Okay, not really. But it stands out in Paula’s body of work.

Chris:
If you’re checking out MJ’s, know this: I will be buying your HPF CD today. I do look forward to reading your interviews and hope you go the way of Kellie Pickler (sans new boobs and all that…) and charm the socks off America without the ball-and-chain of AI.

primeminister
Mar 29th, 2007 at 8:38 am
bean99- Lisa, not Mandisa was voted off 10th.

Now that you mention it, that’s what I thought too but for some reason was thinking that Mandisa opened the concert. It actually fits better with my theory that Chris S was this season’s Mandisa, lol.

Actually Mandisa left 9th. Lisa Tucker left 10th. Technicalities. :wink_wp:

Pat Wright had this to say about Sanjaya ( from http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah4644.shtml ):

In Seattle, where Malakar sang with the Total Experience Gospel Choir, Wright and Malakarà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s family say the young man is holding back.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“He sings from the heart, and people who hear him can feel that heart and they become, many times, very emotional,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said Wright, who has directed Malakar in her choir for at least three years.

She canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t explain the change in her young pupil, but says he à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“sounded downà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  during a recent telephone conversation she had with him.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“He has not shown America what he can do. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what I said to him a couple days ago. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹I want you to give them the showmanship. I want you to give them Sanjayaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s heart,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹ she said.

Despite the criticism and pressure, Malakar has held up remarkably well for someone à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“as young and as inexperienced as he is,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  says his aunt, Christi Recchi of Seattle.

Recchi introduced Malakar to Wrightà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choir, where she says his musical personality blossomed. But she agrees that her nephew hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t been performing his best.

And so begins the plea from the media to vote Sanjaya off for his own sake. Please help the kid, he is so down…he WANTS to go home….blah blah blah John Stevens-cake.

Heh.

Excellent recap, MJ. Clearly, Chris should not have left so soon – he should have lasted until the top 5 at least.

It’s fine to have a strategy. Not so good to let the stategy show so blatantly. Snark coming from contestants – tough to pull off.

The exposure should do Chris a world of good, and I suspect MJ is right about Chris being a highlight of this year’s tour.

As for Gwen Stefani – was that performance live or was she lip synching? Somehow, it didn’t sound real….

Chris was too erudite for this cheesey show.

A lot of people just didn’t get him. I know I couldn’t relate to him, although I loved his voice and his song selections.

So what was his best performance?? Off the top of myu head, hard to think of which is his songs will be on the top 10 CD.

My husband and I just heard Sanjaya singing “Bathwater” on our local radio station. The kid did not sound half bad and I actually like the song choice.

Maybe I am starting to come around on Sanjaya. He has the voice and a musical ear — he’d be on his way if he could just learn to project and perform.

He is sort of the only interesting character in a sea of boredom this season. I can understand why he’s getting votes — his fanbase is definitely not just VFTW. My 65 year old mother-in-law loves him.

Now, wouldn’t it be interesting if Sanjaya could actually step it up enough to win fans on this blog? I’m still pulling for Blake, but it would make the season a lot more exciting.

:evil_wp: AI has left me totally disappointed this year. WTF is going on? I can admit that Chris S. did not have the best performance on Tuesday, but there were others who I thought did worse…and I guess are going to continue to do worse each week…and still make it through…AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

I think that Chris S. will be just fine – I can picture him having a TV Guide Channel stint, or something on Comedy Central – the guy has got the gift for humor, and his voice ain’t bad either!

As for Gwen, if you listen closely, I do believe she was singing live – her voice was very raspy in spots (and, I didn’t get the AKON bit – why even bother with him – the background singers were doing better WEEEEHOOOOS than he was), and she’s SOOOOOO nasally, which I guess is her thing, and it works for her, but just think if she’d have to audition in front of Simon who hates the nasal-singers – HA.

I wonder how big the song list will be from Tony Bennett – I’m sure that the MELISHA will belt something out (aka Francine & Lakisha), I just wonder what Blake will do – he really needs to be careful with these songs – they’re not called STANDARDS for nothing, just sing it as written for once and see what happens!

OK – back to work now, thanks MJ for a great recap, and GOOD LUCK CHRIS SLIGH!

I understand the snark factor about Sanjaya. I’d just hate to see an innocent teenaged kid gnarled up for life by a TV “reality” show!

On to Tony B. Just something to remember: this guy was hip before hip was invented. HIs son took over his management, got him on MTV in the 90s and, without changing his style, wardrobe or repetoire, Mr. B. became an icon for a lot of younger music-lovers. It ain’t everyone’s kind of music, but he’s a master at what he does. And he can sing with anyone– check out the album with KD Lang (now SHE would be a great celeb guest) and here’s a really lovely moment with Steveland Wonder (catch the great harmonica solo):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMStRERJNsM

I’m curious.

Is there anywhere one can go to read people writing enthusiastically (even, dare I suggest, passionately) about their love for Sanjaya and why they are voting for him?

In this and most other blogs I visit, what praise he gets is tepid at best. Usually along the lines of “oh, come on, he’s not THAT bad.”

I happen to be among those who just don’t get his appeal on any level.

Diana:

Maybe I am starting to come around on Sanjaya. He has the voice and a musical ear à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be on his way if he could just learn to project and perform.

I agree. There were a few weak spots, but as of last night, Sanjaya’s my new favorite.

To MJ: Remember all the cracks against JPL in season three and those of us who championed him in spite of the “he’s a goofy dancer and a bad singer” comments? To me, this is like that. I DO like Sanjaya and actually enjoy listening to him. He’s not dull!!

There ya go, MrBennett!

This season is sickening. I really don’t think another word describes it better than that.
Chris Sligh was my favorite of the guys and he deserved to be on for many, many, more weeks. The show isn’t even fun to watch anymore because all we’re seeing are crappy performances from crappy performers/singers week after week after week, since no one votes them off.

I think I’m done watching this season. I love Lakisha and Melinda, but Chris was my favorite, through and through.

So, I was on a plane last night when AI aired, so I didn’t get to see the show til I got to PJ’s (thanks for saving it for me girl!). I’m actually glad I didn’t see it last night because I know I would have been pissed and probably wouldn’t have been able to keep myself from saying a few things.

At first, Chris’s obvious strategy got on my nerves. But over the past few weeks, I’ve really started to like him, and I even threw some votes his way on Tuesday night (love ya, Stevo!). He is most definitely the best male voice that this season had, and America really got this wrong. He’s always been in my top 5, and I really thought he had the potential to make top 3 or 4. I don’t know what it was that caused the “disconnect” with the voters, but it really makes me sad and pretty pissed that he is gone while especially Haley and Chris R. remain.

MJ, I think you are spot on about Chris being a highlight of this year’s tour, and the potential to be a media darling once he can really let his personality shine off the show. Surely there is a record label out there that is salivating over the prospect of bringing Chris on. If not, we know he’s a smart cookie, and I have no doubt that he will do what it takes to make the most of this exposure.

I will definitely be downloading his album or buying it from Amazon or whatever.

longsong – where is JPL anyway??????? Your strategy must have really worked well…and I’m usually of fan of your posts…

Sanjaya has a nice voice – yes – good for small areas with not a lot of crowd – YOU CAN’T HEAR HIM – on the tour he’ll be drowned out by the crowd noise – even background singers are louder than him! And don’t you see that even HE THINKS HE’S A JOKE – that whole hair thing the other night was to prove that America isn’t thinking clearly and voting based on “fun” and “folly” rather than who can sing, perform well, and have a pleasant attitude towards ALL FANS.

The Sanjaya-lovers are creating a mockery of a once fine show, that brought us the likes of Kelly, Carrie, Chris D., etc., do you REALLY THINK that Sanjaya could carry himself like them? Please explain it to me…

I am a Sanjaya fan! I really think he has something special. He has a very nice sounding voice. A great tone and range that is uncommon. He is/was definitely unpolished in performance and singing, but he is clearly growing. I’d rather watch him grow than other contestants flatline or bore me. I think his ability to draw us in is amazing. He has a glint in his eye. I always thought what’s wrong with me for liking this kid. Now I know that I wasn’t wrong! Even when he was inadvertently bad, you could tell that he has something great to show the world.

He is totally underacheiving now. What he is doing now is going over the heads of a lot of people! I think he started off badly and is sort of going with the bad boy Sanjaya. It gets him VFTW votes and attention. I think the performance of “Bathwater” was genius. Listening to him undersing and play with our minds. He is so mocking himself, the show and the viewers. I love how he has turned the competition in his favor. He has created his own show within a show! I love how the judges just smile and laugh because they get it!

You should listen closely to the lyrics of “Bathwater”. We are his “kind of girl”. Am I the only one who thinks he forgot his lyrics on purpose? He also said “woman” instead of “man” right beforehand. Then he mubled whispered some lyrics. Then he said:
“I know I’m diving into my own destruction”

Lyrics to Bathwater:
http://www.thelyricarchive.com/lyrics/bathwater.shtml

If you don’t think that Sanjaya can sing, please watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDtTVSkFHyM

Oh yeah. I think Sligh lost his mojo! He really seemed to die out on the show. I think he has a great voice, but never sang songs that displayed his voice. His singing lacked emotion that you so clearly see in his tryout performance. He also sangs songs that I personally don’t really like. Dirge like songs. Though I thought his last performance wasn’t too bad vocal-wise.

I wondered if he was upset that Sanjaya sort of stole the show and laughs from him. He was supposed to be the cocky, joker guy. He’s seemed so sad lately. Boo hoo! And his fans did’t come to save him. I think his appeal is to people who don’t vote. Too bad.

sunshined121 – you make a good point about Sanjaya, making fun of the whole thing – his performance was a complete joke on Tuesday.

So, my question is – IS THAT FAIR TO THOSE AI CONTESTANTS WHO ARE NOT TRYING TO MAKE A JOKE OF THE SHOW – WHO ACTUALLY ARE TRYING TO BETTER THEMSELVES???

I think Sanjaya should visit the Disney Channel – it seems that the age-group of that channel is the KEY to his success (although the “joke” votes probably out number the real ones at this point) – my 11-year old thinks he’s “ALL THAT” and could care less if he sings well (HELLO, isn’t AI still a singing competition?). It’s truly a shame to watch this show tank like this…I think we’re in the midst of the last season….GO JORDIN!!

Chris elimination interview transcript by AOL is up,

http://television.aol.com/tv-celebrity-interviews/american-idol-exit-interviews

“You were an early favorite, but you kind of lost momentum. What do you think happened?

You know what I think it was? I never came into this wanting to win it. I come from an indie / alternative rock kind of background. For me, I think winning would hurt what I was really going for. I think what solidified it in my mind was when I was universally trashed for my arrangement of ‘Endless Love..”

Good fer ya Chris, I bet when you succeed Simon will eat his words..

To Fotiai

American Idol is a reality show on tv. It is not and has never been all about singing. It’s about finding someone with a package: singing, looks, performance, and personality. Simon is always trying to praise and promote people he sees that have it all, even if they aren’t the best singers. And more important about finding someone who people like. And even more importantly about making money.

Sanjaya is popular in ways that other contestants are not. I don’t understand why people don’t get that. If he were so bad and boring he would not be this popular. He is entertaining and other contestants fail that major test. Please read Nigel’s recent interview in which he says wishes that other contestents had the guts to do the things that Sanjaya does. I think Sanjaya is truly one upping the contestants. Other contestants need to up their game to compete. It’d make the show so much better and display their full supposed talent. You can’t just get on stage and sing very well. It’s not that kind of show or contest or whatever you want to call.

Another issue is that contestants supposed fans must not be voting for him as much as Sanjaya’s fans. If they love their contestant that much, they need to work those fingers and dial. It’s that simple. Watch the show and vote. The show is interactive!!!

Ok…another addition. I never watched AI until last year on standard’s week. I loved the fact that they sang standards even the ones that sang them badly.

I never really watched before because I thought American Idol was so cheesy, karaoke, too popular. I was too cool to watch a stupid show like that. But last year I fell into the AI spell. I was an Elliot Yamin fan(atic) even though I knew he wouldn’t win. I barely voted too (like a lot of people.) People beat him up for his looks, but he could sing! I did not and still do not like Taylor Hicks. He is to me what Sanjaya is to many people. I don’t hate Taylor though, I just dislike his voice and style. He wasn’t the best singer and he won….hmmm…..

Sanjaya has a nice voice – yes – good for small areas with not a lot of crowd – YOU CANà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢T HEAR HIM – on the tour heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be drowned out by the crowd noise

….That’s because they’ll be cheering REALLY LOUD.

longsong – where is JPL anyway??????? Your strategy must have really worked wellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m usually of fan of your postsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

JPL has an EXCELLENT album out. Check out Amazon. Yer welcome!

I understand why some people are incensed about Sanjaya remaining in this competition. I remember being completely ticked at Jasmine Trias every week of Season 3, so I know where they’re coming from. But let’s not forget a few things:

1. This happens every year. Every season going back to numero uno, someone not-so-good has outlasted someone good. It’s part of the show. It gets people talking. It makes people pick up the phone and vote for their favorites. And for as long as this show runs, it’s going to keep happening.

2. As MJ and Peter Noone and countless others have pointed out over the years, American Idol is NOT A SINGING COMPETITION. It’s a popularity contest, plain and simple. The powers that be give the audience the right to vote, and the audience can vote for whatever reasons their little hearts desire.

3. A contestant does NOT have to win AI in order to get a record deal or have a successful career in the music (or TV or film) industry. Cripes, even Bucky Covington has an album out. If Sanjaya outlasts a favorite, don’t worry. Winning this show can sometimes be more of a burden than a boon.

4. Sanjaya is NOT going to kill AI. In fact, he’s probably helping the show at the moment. He’s generating buzz and talk and the clutching of pearls. If he won, yeah, maybe the show would lose some credibility. But he’s not going to win. It’s just not going to happen. Not even Jasmine Trias with the entire state of Hawaii on her side could get to the Top 2.

Sanjaya is NOT going to kill AI. In fact, heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably helping the show at the moment. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s generating buzz and talk and the clutching of pearls.

I agree, uncool.

Whoops! Double post.

Feli, thanks for posting that Chris interview.

Sounds as if his heart wasn’t in it, and I think it showed. I’m now actually glad he left before the whole thing had a chance to grind him down any further. Not everyone is cut out to embrace the cheese of Idol, and it seems he wasn’t.

I will still miss him though. :sad_tb:

OK OK OK – I give up. Love Sanjaya all you want. And, by the way, I DO VOTE FOR MY FAVORITES, so don’t lump me in with those that don’t. My point really is that with VFTW and Howard Stern’s crowd, voting for Sanjaya AS A JOKE, they’re creating a mockery of the show and I think that’s unfortunate.

I’d like to know the “TRUE” votes that Sanjaya is getting, then I would shut up about it.

And, since we’re dealing with a recording deal (not acting, not fashion, none of that), doesn’t that make it a singing competition? I understand that “looks” and “personality” all go along with it (I mean, what if the Black Crowes, or the Cars had to audition this way – we may have never heard their music if all we were interested in is the way they looked!) I’m sorry, but it has to be about the music at some point in time.

FOTIAI – I actually think Sanjaya sounds good….when he remembers his words.

MJ, you inspired me to make an icon:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f303/breakdancingfish/mar28-17.jpg

Excellent, breakdancingfish!

Personally I think his vote for the worst shout out did him in. He got the un-pimp spot by the producers and the judges lashed at him.

Don’t forget that VFTW has been with us for a few years now. At least since AI4. I don’t think it’s their support that’s keeping Sanjaya in this. Remember that VFTW supported both Sundance and Antonella and they’re both gone.

No, I think it’s the combination–VFTW, the Howard Stern fans, the teens, and the (probably small) portion of his fanbase who actually like him–that’s keeping him in. Not to mention that the more notoriety he gets, the more he draws in people who just want to disrupt the hit show.

FOTIAI, you said that, at some point, it has to be about the music. I agree. At this point though, with so many performers still left, I think that being horrible but having a schtick is still better than being good but boring.

That’s why I see Sanjaya advancing quite a bit further but then no more. I’m thinking top 4 maybe.

Fotiai – I am glad you vote for your favorite. Everybody should. Though if everybody did it would just make AI an even bigger force to contend with. However, people should vote harder for people who may get kicked off. Especially if they don’t want Sanjaya moving on.

I don’t have a huge issue with VFTW or Stern because they are rooting for Sanjaya. Though at first I was iffy about the negativity. However, when Sanjaya was performing badly I felt more like a VFTW. I do rather like the idea of messing with AI. I don’t take AI seriously. You must remember that VFTW does love AI. They are just as obsessed with AI and they even admit it, but they play the game a little differently. They enjoy the show a different way.

Sanjaya has also gotten so much hate. It’s not even funny! The comments about him really say a lot about people. It makes me want to vote for him even more. )

I wish I did know who was voting for him too. I am curious also. Like someone has said, he is probably getting a wide spectrum of the population voting for him. That’s what is happening. Maybe they are afraid to say they like him for fear of redicule.

I used to be a big Melinda fan. She was amazing at the beginning, but will have no problem making it pretty far. She also is getting monotonous. It’s more fun to vote for someone who has to struggle more. However, it’s more than that, I really do like Sanjaya. He has a lot of raw talent. I do Vote for the Worst and Vote for the Best in one person. I get the best of both worlds.

Panz – Yes, being memorable is more important than anything at this point. Of course you can’t make your fanbase hate you though. Most of the people that left were not memorable or liked.

I don’t know how far Sanji will go. To tell you the truth, I did/do not want Melinda to lose. However, Sanjaya wows me so much with his Sanjaya Show, I really don’t mind it as much if he goes all the way. He is so complex.

I really think he will show is “true colors” on the next show because he is a Tony Bennett fan. Hopefully, he does well!!!

I think another point in Sanjaya’s favour is Simon saying he won’t be back if Sanjaya wins. I think some people want to test him out and see what he does if Sanjaya wins.

I am definitely not a Sanjaya fan but I do look forward to seeing what he’ll do from week to week. Entertaining he his that’s for sure. I just hope he knows what he’s doing. It’ll be a shame if he looks back at this in 20 years and thinks “What was I thinking” or “Why did my parents/family/friends let me look like such an idiot?” But I guess if he makes enough money from it what does a little humiliation matter?

I must admit I would like to see a Blake/Jordin showdown for the final two although I really like Chris R as well.

I will admit too I would love BlakeJOrdin finale or a Blake Melinda finale will be awesome too.

In any finale Blake has to be there. Of course he is my favorite and his voice is really awesome. Chris R voice is so nasal I can’t stand him, I could never biy a record from him. Just saying. Also, an only girl finale would be too boring… No, no..

So go BLAKE! You have to be on the finale! TEAM PLAID!
I love Blake! I am fan for life, whether he wins or not!

And this from the Chris Sligh interview:

You know what I think it was? I never came into this wanting to win it. I come from an indie / alternative rock kind of background. For me, I think winning would hurt what I was really going for.

ticks me off beyond belief. Don’t waste my tv watching time if you don’t want to win. Go get an agent, spam the internet with your music, drop CD’s from an airplane. Anything except waste my time with your “oh, I didn’t want to win cuz it’s not cool” attitude.

Nothing more boring than watching someone who doesn’t want to win.

t2, right on! It was obvious the first time he kissed the judges butts with his I’m sorry I didn’t sing up to your standards comment, that he would stoop to low levels to win. And now he really didn’t want to win.

What utter BS.

I think a lot of reality show contestants hope for the exposure, like on the Apprentice where they often get amazing offers just for having been on the show. I get that it irritates you but did you also read that he stopped saying stuff because he go 200-300 death threats for his comment to Simon????? maybe that’s why he kissed up? I don’t think we know everything that goes on during the show.

Nothing more boring than watching someone who doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to win.

I agree t2. Could you imagine what last season would have been like if Taylor, Daughtry & Elliott gave lackluster performances because they didn’t really want to win? I’m glad Sligh’s gone if that’s the way he really feels. Doesn’t he understand that there are a whole lot of people who love this cheesey show even if it isn’t “cool?”

I think the whole group is going to change now that Chris Sly has gone.

I’m trying to crack the Sanjaya code & here’s my take: He’s not a bad singer because he’s part of a well known choir group but he isn’t pushing his singing. He thinks he’ll be voted out if he shows he’s not worthy of VFTW. Sundance was voted off when VFTW dropped him. Is he going to see how far he can push it?

I’d like a Blake/Jordin finale but want Sanjaya, Melinda (Gina after last weeks performance & anyone else who gets more interesting along the way) till the end. It’s not only about the singing….sawrrrrry

t2, you got that right. If Gina were to say, in her exit interview, that she never really cared whether she won or not, I would feel betrayed. All that time I put in voting on her behalf… Why should I care if my favorite doesn’t?

Another thing…if she were to say this, why would I ever want to buy her music? Not smart to say this, I don’t think.

(Fortunately, I think Gina does care. A lot.)

After last year, I’m not sure that any contestant will feel they have to win. I stand by my original statement…it’s good exposure. and maybe saying you didn’t want to win is another way of saying you know you weren’t going to win. After Taylor’s album (and I love me some Taylor) I wouldn’t be surprised if lots of the contestants realize that winning might not be the best thing. We always say it afterwards…that winning was probably not the best thing for such and such contestant. why are we so upset if they realize it from the get-go.

In addition, Sligh didn’t feel like he was appreciated for what he was on the show. Maybe Idol could have shown him more support and he would have wanted to win. But it was clear straight from the start that he wouldn’t be. So it was all confirmed for him.

By the way, he’s quite good friends with Gina and even said that after she gets voted off, she and her fiance might stay with he and his wife.
I’ll give you that he might not be the best at PR, but I don’t think he’s a bad guy.

Thanks hopeful. I was feeling bad, just thinking that maybe all this time I invest is worthless.

I think he was just on Leno. Heard that but didn’t get over there.

He does seem like a good guy and talking about the show right after getting booted off is never easy.

Good night!!

He sings from the heart, and people who hear him can feel that heart and they become, many times, very emotional,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  said Wright, who has directed Malakar in her choir for at least three years.

She canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t explain the change in her young pupil, but says he à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“sounded downà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  during a recent telephone conversation she had with him.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“He has not shown America what he can do. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what I said to him a couple days ago. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹I want you to give them the showmanship. I want you to give them Sanjayaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s heart,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹ she said.

I reread this and also givein’s comments about, “Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not a bad singer because heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s part of a well known choir group but he isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t pushing his singing.” Is it possible that the way Sanjaya has performed is part of the script? That in reality, he has a very nice voice and all of a sudden he will “find” his voice? Ms. Wright was on the Larry King Show. She believes in him.

Does anyone take Simon seriously about quitting the show if Sanjaya wins? It is sad that so much attention has been given to Sanjaya and Antonella, thus ignoring the other contestants.

I actually thought Chris R. was in more danger than Chris S. I think his band will do a nice job in sales. Just my 2 cents worth.

i am sorry, mj, that you are so bummed about the departure of chris s. but as he noted in his exit interview, it’s probably for the best as his indie vibe did not fit the show. and for what it’s worth, he was so off the beat on that police song that it was a crying shame. to me, he never seemed quite relaxed in the limelight anyway. on a positive note, you must be having a blast tonight and i can’t wait to hear all about it!!!!!

ON A HAPPIER NOTE: Congratulations, Elliott fans!!! He’s tearing the Indie chart sales.

With his debut album, AI5 second runner up Elliott Yamin breaks the soundscan record for the highest selling debut ever on an independent label. His record sold over 90,000 copies in it’s first week.

Sure, Chris Slug didn’t want to win.. that’s why he said he has a “strategy” on HOW TO WIN…

Slug thinks people have a real short memory. He sounds bitter as hell, too.

Sundance was voted off when VFTW dropped him. Is he going to see how far he can push it?

Sundance was voted off WHILE VFTW was still supporting him.

As for Sanjaya, there is a nice, sweet voice there but it needs time to mature and mellow. The stress and nerves are choking him when he sings. Seriously, I wish he had a waited a couple years to try out because I think it would have been a very different story.

I’m puzzled about Sligh’s comments. I really like the guy’s voice and some of his original music, but he claims to have studied the show so he has to know what’s involved, what kind of music he’d be able to sing and what “America” tended to like. It seems odd to me that he would try so hard to be on the show all these years and on the PopTarts sponsored tour if he is worried about his Indie cred.

I think singing with a choir, even as a soloist, is a lot different than singing solo, backed by a big band. It’s almost as if Sanjaya can’t find the pitch (and sometimes the beat) amidst all those instruments. He may get the hang of it, but I can’t say I’m enjoying watching him struggle. He might do better with an acoustic or even a cappello number — if they let him. And would his seemingly growing fanbase be bored by this when they expect razzle-dazzle every week? But then, each week is a gamble, isn’t it?

I agree t2. Could you imagine what last season would have been like if Taylor, Daughtry & Elliott gave lackluster performances because they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really want to win? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m glad Slighà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gone if thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the way he really feels.

Man, he really couldn’t win either way. Do you remember Taylor saying the same thing about not caring about the competition anymore after he decided to do it his own way and performed ‘Play that funky music’ after Simon blasted him the week before? (it turned out to be working for him ) I’m sure the ‘more seasoned’ musicians who competed in AI will bound to feel that way due to frustration because of judges’ inconsistencies.

In Chris’s blog he also mentioned that he did NOT purposely tank his performance – he even stressed that he could have gone to the much easier song, yet he chose ‘every little thing she does’ because he wanted to do well. He was also frustrated because the judges were slamming blake, phil, and Chris R for their arraignments on that Diana Ross week.

As far as the whole ‘I have a strategy’ vibe, how many of you haven’t realized thats what the producers want to impress upon us?

Well if you ask me I think that this year there is no one with even a slight bit of talent, and the proof is that Sanjaya is still in the competition. Season 5 was the best and there will not be another season even to compare to it. I agree with sweatband man, Sanjaya sucks….Chris was much better than Sanjaya and I can’t believe that Chris was voted off. What is wrong with America..

MJ wrote, If AI were actually singing competition, it would run on the weekend, hardly anyone would watch it, and it would be called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Star Search.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  And, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be off somewhere getting a life.

Word is that you, indeed, have a life, M.J.! I hear you traveled to hear the best live performer in recent times. In another life, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be here with you , after (of course) going here. Very jealous for me and very happy for you!