TV Week Interview with Nigel Lythgoe

You can download the TV Week interview  with Nigel Lythgoe here.

Here is a summary of Nigel’s comments about last night’s show:

  • About the girls having an advantage last night because of the theme–Nigel says, “I think that’s a fair comment, but Phil Collins recorded one of her songs.”   Nigel felt some of the best songs weren’t considered by the contestants  and could have been sung by a guy.  He thought Diana Ross was a good mentor
  • Brandon: Nigel thought  Brandon was a bit shocked and overwhelmed by the  the audience response to his “hip wiggle” causing him to lose his place in the song.
  • Melinda: Nigel thought it was interesting the way Melinda picked  her song, “Home” up from the bridge half way through.   He feels she really went for it and  made the song special.
  • Chris S: Chris S asked Nigel backstage whether he should wear his glasses.  Nigel wasn’t sure, but he thinks he likes Chris with glasses.   He did not like the arrangement Chris performed of “Endless Love.”   Nigel thought it was “Lionel Richie meets Man of La Mancha.”
  • Blake: The interviewer (Chuck Ross) liked Blake’s arrangement of “You Keep Me Hanging On” but Nigel did not like it.   He feels Tamla/Motown’s specific sound should not be tampered with. And that you can modernize a song without changing it’s sound.   Nigel is unwilling to give the boys props for trying to be original.
  • Gina: Nigel thought the song was good for Gina.   He thought  the big band was terrific.    He said she,  “slotted right into that feel.”
  • Sanjaya: Nigel thinks it’s fair to say that there IS a mountain high enough.    He thinks that some contestants can build an immunity to getting voted off  with their looks and personality.   Nigel mentions that Howard Stern has jumped on the Vote For the Worst bandwagon and has been urging people to vote for Sanjaya–just to stick it to Simon. He kind of chuckled at that.  Nigel thinks Sanjaya is a great character that stands out–like Kevin Covais.
  • Haley: Nigel says that he thinks Simon was particularly cruel to Haley the week before. He thinks it’s been playing on Simon’s mind–leading to this week’s compassionate comments.   Nigel thinks Haley was not bad last night, and that she sings in tune.
  • Phil: Nigel thought “I’m Going to Make You Love Me” was performed too slow–just a little too “dragged out.”
  • Lakisha: He thinks the judges nailed it when they  gave her props for containing herself.   Nigel thinks she did the song brilliantly.  And,  that good singers are always in their comfort zones.   He does not think Lakisha or Melinda will have problems with different genres.
  • Stephanie: Nigel said nothing about Stephanie…skipped right over her to go back and talk some more about Lakisha and Melinda.
  • ChrisR: Nigel thought  “The Boss”  was a good choice for a guy to sing.   However, he thought  Chris sounded like he  was singing on helium last night.   Nigel says, “He’s got this little wobble in his voice.   He needs to be careful–it takes away from the strength of his voice.”
  • Jordin: Nigel thinks Jordin is going to be a huge star.   He mentions that she auditioned for American Juniors a few years ago, but then didn’t get in. Nigel says, “This girl is a huge talent and somebody that we are going to see grow throughout the series.”

Diana Ross will sing “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday” from her new album tonight.

About tonight’s results Nigel says:  “There are always surprises at American Idol…none moreso than tonight.”

About mj santilli 35067 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!