Quincy Jones, the legendary American conductor, record producer, musical arranger, simply overall music royalty, has decided to take part on the “Idol Gives Back” charity show by offering a song that can equal the effect of “We are The World” sang by a myriad of music industry superstars back in the 80’s.

This time, his new song is entitled “Time to Care” and amply performed by the Top 6 of this year’s American Idol. I love the lively beat and the very deep message that it brings. It’s time to care

(Notice how Phil Stacey sounded so good…like a real pro…it was almost like listening to someone who’s been a favorite singer for many years)

Sanjaya Malakar fever is very much still alive. Our very own golden boy has made it in the top 5 of The TIME 100 Most Influential People. In fact, he is at the top 3 spot with 182,371 votes. At the top 5 list, Sanjaya is together with Rain (Korean singer), Stephen Colbert (American comedian), Dane Cook (American comedian), Sidney Crosby (ice hockey player).

Ryan Seacrest did his usual morning-after interview with newly-axed AI contender, Phil Stacey. He admitted that anyone would want to win the competition, nonetheless, he’s still happy with the fact the he lasted up to the top 6. He says: “Its ended a lot better than I could’ve possibly imagined. I had a rough start… I’m very fortunate to have lasted that long.”

When asked who his favorite mentor was, he gladly said QUINCY JONES, pretty much for being the most hands-on teacher that he was. Phil said that Mr. Jones stayed in the studio to hang out with the gang (did a lot of coaching) and didn’t leave until the last person left from the studio.

Right now, Phil is looking forward to going back to Jacksonville to spend time with his family. He is still very much in the Navy, and will wait for his superiors’ feedback if he can go on the AI tour.

Somebody had to go. Charity even was over, it was bye bye time for Chris Richardson, along with baldy Phil Stacey. Ryan Seacrest’s tradition is to do an exit interview the morning after elimination. When Ryan asked Chris R. how he’s doing, Chris replied “Im doing pretty good.” He(Chris) is looking forward to launching his own album in the near future, when AI fever subsides a bit after the tour. Meanwhile, he’s happy to have some downtime to be able to see his friends and family, while waiting for the tour to start.

Blake is the most confident, innovative, and brilliant American Idol contestant ever! 

Here was his best performance that made him the most talked-about AI contender to date. 

Great reviews from the judges, great energy from the audience. WE love yah , Blake!

Shot through the heart and you're to blame
Darlin' you give love, a bad name

An angel's smile is what you sell
you promise me heaven, then put me through hell
Chains of love, got a hold on me
when passion's a prison, you can't break free

Whoa!
You're a loaded gun
yeah, whoa...
There's nowhere to run
No one can save me
The damage is done

Shot through the heart
and you're to blame
You give love a bad name
I play my part and you play your game
You give love a bad name
You give love a bad name

This week, we had to let go of two dudes. It’s bye bye Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson. It pains me to see Phil Stacey go, he has been good in the recent weeks. But someone had to go.

(Left) Phil Stacey ;  (Right) Chris Richardson

The remaining TOP 4 of American Idol:

Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, Lakisha Jones, Jordin Sparks

For all American Idol fans, and even the top 10 finalists themselves, summertime doesn’t mean the end of A.I… In fact, it’s just the beginning of a busy nationwide tour season. Here’s the list of schedule of American Idol concerts this year:

Date Market Venue On Sale Date On Sale Time

July 6 Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center Sat, May 19 10am

July 7 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum Sat, May 19 10am

July 8 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Vet. Mem. Arena Sat, May 19 10am

July 10 Greenville, SC BiLo Center Sat, May 19 10am

July 11 Nashville, TN Nashville Arena Sat, May 19 10am

July 12 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena Sat, May 19 10am

July 13 N. Little Rock, AR ALLTEL Arena Sat, May 19 10am

July 15 Houston, TX Toyota Center Sat, May 19 10am

July 16 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center Sat, May 19 10am

July 18 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena Sat, May 19 10am

July 19 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena Sat, May 19 10am

July 20 Fresno, CA SaveMart Center Sat, May 19 11am

July 22 Anaheim, CA Honda Center Sun, May 20 Noon

July 23 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center Sun, May 20 Noon

July 24 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose Sat, May 19 10am

July 25 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena Sat, May 19 10am

July 27 Portland, OR Rose Garden Sat, May 19 10am

July 28 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome Sat, May 19 10am

July 30 Nampa, ID The Idaho Center Sat, May 19 10am

July 31 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 3 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 4 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center Sat, May 19 11am

Aug 5 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 7 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 8 Moline, IL MARK of the Quad Cities Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 9 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 11 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 12 Auburn Hills, MI Palace at Auburn Hills Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 13 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 14 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre Fri, May 18 10am

Aug 22 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 23 Rochester, NY BlueCross Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 24 Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 27 Hartford, CT Hartford Civic Center Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 28 E. Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Aug 30 Albany, NY Times Union Center Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 4 Portland, ME Cumberland County Civic Center Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 5 Worcester, MA DCU Center Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 7 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 8 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 9 Washington, DC Verizon Center Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 11 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 12 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 13 Memphis, TN Fedex Forum Sat, May 19 Noon

Sept 15 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 16 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 18 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 19 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 20 Bridgeport, CT Arena at Harbor Yard Sat, May 19 10am

Sept 22 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena Sat, May 19 10am - no box office

TOP 6 competition night once again. But this time, they’ll be vying for a spot at the TOP 4 next week. Antonella Barba and Gina Glocksen are in the audience to bring more cheer to their AI batch mates. It’s a Jon Bon Jovi Night, so it’s time to rock on!

Phil Stacey was the first contender for the night, and he sang ‘Blaze of Glory”. He jokingly said that he’s been practicing this song for 15 years, he’d sing this song in front of the mirror, using the comb as microphone. Funny, I’m sure he’s not the only one. Bon Jovi said that Phil “Nailed every single note” during practice. Likewise, Randy Jackson was a great fan, commented that it was “the best opening number the whole season”. Simon, however, wasn’t that razzle dazzled, and is doubting if he’ll still be in the competition next week. I hope he makes it to next week. He has a voice that shouldn’t be put to waste.

Jordin Sparks sang “Livin on a Prayer”. She decided on having outrageous curls to have that rocker feel. Just like me, Simon didn’t like the hair. It didn’t look good, and it even covered her face most of the time. Also, the singing wasn’t that entertaining. Pitch was a bit low for her. Simon said it was “Out of control…shrieking at times… terrible, to be honest”.

Lakisha Jones sang “This Aint a Love Song”. Bon Jovi was so pleased with her during the rehearsals, he would bet on her that she’s not going home. The song was very right for Lakisha as it wasn’t a super rock song. Lakisha did not grow up listening to Bon Jovi songs, but at least she pulled this song well. Simon, for the first time ever, kissed a finalist ON THE LIPS, and this was on a performance night. That’s how he was pleased with Lakisha tonight. Simon said that she “rose to the challenge, absolutely nailed it.” (By the way, Katherine McPhee was also able to kiss Simon, Paula, and Randy on the lips last season, but that was when she got a spot at the top 24).

Blake Lewis put his own flavor on “You Give love a Bad Name”. Honestly, I pronounce him as the best performance of the night (for the 3rd time now). I missed his beat boxing, and this is the perfect time for him to display that again. He dyed his hair black, rocker outfit rocks, and he exuded total confidence…perfect formula, if you ask me. I can tell he’s not going home. Judges said that it was “The most original version on the history of American Idol… biggest leap of faith.”. Original indeed! Imagine that Bon Jovi song with beatboxing, yeah pretty original.

Chris Richardson sang “Dead or Alive”, a song that Chris Daughtry sang last year. It was good enough to not be labeled as a bad performance, but I think he’s being left out at this point of the competition. He doesn’t surprise me anymore.

Melinda Doolittle sang “Have A Nice Day”. She did a little headbangin on the start of her performance to have that rocker vibe. She showed some Tina Turner attitude, and that helped her get through the song. It was good, but it wasn’t my favorite performance of the night.

I think Chris Richardson and Jordin Sparks will have the danger zone in the results night. Phil Stacey will be on the brink too, but hey, he’s the latest candidate of VTFW, anything can happen.

THIS WEEK’S MENTOR

In time with his latest album release, Jon Bon Jovi was given the opportunity to give his 2-cent to the six remaining finalist. Yes peeps, the famous musician will mentor Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Melinda Doolittle, Lakisha Jones, Jordin Sparks, and Phil Stacey on this week’s American Idol.

Two contenders will be eliminated this week as there was no one went home last week because of the charity event that took place.

“Lost Highway” is the title of Jon Bon Jovi’s latest album which is set to be released on June 19 this year. On the results night, he’ll perform the song “(You Want to) Make a Memory“.

Aren’t they the cutest? Check the future red-haired rocker, the future skimpy-clothed singer, the future AI finalist who’s crazy about baseball, future voluptous diva, future sultry singer, future back-up singer turned singing star. Indulge

Who am I?

Who am I? Who am I?

Who am I?

Who am I?

Who am I?

====================

Answers:

1. Gina Glocksen

2. Haley Scarnato

3. Jordin Sparks

4. Lakisha Jones

5. Stephanie Edwards

6. Melinda Doolittle