American Idol Top 8 Performance Night

At least this night had a great interesting “current” mentor. Don’t get me wrong, I mean I do respect Tony Bennett, but let’s admit it… Jennifer Lopez is really someone that everybody has anticipated. Thanks to J.Lo, American Idol ratings might sway upwards a little bit more.

First to sing was Melinda Doolittle with the song “SWAY“. Jennifer Lopez has recorded it, as well as many other latinos and latinas in the hood, and also Pussycat Dolls. It’s a sexy song and this is kind of a new vibe for Melinda. J.Lo said that Melinda is “sultry and sexy” but Melinda couldn’t agree. Perhaps Melinda ought to go out from her shell more and drop the innocent image a little bit. For the first time, Simon said “I didn’t like it” to Melinda. (everything has a first time) Simon added that it was very loungy-cabaret. Hmmm…. I agree.

Lakisha Jones sang “CONGA” by Miami Sound Machine. Jennifer taught her some of the ample the moves, but flashy ones (which is good, because Lakisha wouldn’t look good in too much dancing anyway). Kiki pulled off the song right, but not the necessary moves. She’s gonna need a lot more working out to be able to keep up with the essential moves of CONGA. Randy loved it, but Paula finds it as a safe performance, and so did Simon.

Chris Richardson sang “SMOOTH”, a beautiful collaboration of Santana and Rob Thomas. Gave the song his own flavor. Randy said it was very cool. Paula said it was a hot performance. Simon said it was more contemporary that the first 2 performances.

Haley Scarnato sang “TURN THE BEAT AROUND“. This is the first time she sang like true PRO but the words were a little bit mumbled. She was still banking on her legs to garner some votes, and Simon noticed this tactic too (wear as little clothes as possible).But this was far more better than her previous performances. Randy said it was a little karaoke. Hmmm…this girl is extremes.

Phil Stacey sang “MARIA MARIA” and gave J.lo the goosebumps during rehearsal… No denying, Phil is a good singer, and getting better each week…until this performance. It’s sad that with this song, he aimed to make it his own, but there were very off notes. Simon said it was flat, lifeless, and unoriginal. I guess Phil just strived too hard and went off pitch instead.

Jordin Sparks sang “RHYTHM IS GONNA GET YOU“. J.Lo said that watching Jordin reminds her of Michael Jackson (err… why???)…. For me, her performance was just okay. Randy said shes got the “YO Factor”. Simon said it was just okay, nothing stunning. True…her performance looked scripted.

Blake Lewis sang “I NEED TO KNOW” by Marc Anthony. Simon said it was the best song choice and best performance of the night. I soooo agree.

Sanjaya Malakar came in last (but not the least) with the song “BESAME MUCHO“. Jlo loves Sanjaya and was impressed. As anticipated, Sanjaya conjured up his looks once again to look like a true Latino. His hair was curled and he sported the beard/stubles/goatee as well. Smart move? Definitely! And for the first time ever, Simon wasn’t pissed with his performance.

Results night in a few hours. Bottom 3 prediction: Haley Scarnato, Phil Stacey, Jordin Sparks. Sanjaya is not going anywhere, I’m sure.