Oh America, what have you done? Is it too late to demand a recount? For once Paula Abdul said something that made sense, when she addressed America by saying that this is a "singing compettion." I know A.J. Tabaldo and Nicholas Pedro were probably never going to be the next American Idol, but they certainly would've made for a more intriguing — or at least a more tuneful — final 12 than some of the folks who got an inexplicable free ride into the third and final week of the season-6 semifinals. Now we'll have to endure at least one more week of Sanjaya Malakar performing with the confidence of a baby deer trying to cross an eight-lane highway, or Brandon Rogers bringing human form to the word "disappointment."
As for A.J., well, at least he'll never again be forced to declare, "You know I love the lay-dees!" during a group rendition of "Joy to the World." As he proved with his performances of "Never Too Much" and "Feeling Good" during the last two weeks, he's way too talented for such blush-inducing bunk. The kid may not have the star quality of a Chris Daughtry or the vocal power of an Elliott Yamin, but he brought some much-needed exuberance to this year's semifinals, even if the show's judges never could bring themselves to treat him like he was more than Idol cannon fodder. Nicholas' elimination was kind of a bummer. Really, of the 12 male semifinalists, his voice was one of the most distinctive. Sure, he dressed horribly the other night but even now, I can actually remember the tone of his voice, and better still, the memory doesn't make me reflexively wince.
However, I wonn't be wincing over tonight's doomed women. I always found Leslie kind of odd, as if she didn't fit in with the others. I'm guessing voters were so weirded out too that they couldn't bring themselves to cast votes in her direction. Also disconcerting: Leslie's woeful attempts at scatting on Nina Simone's "Feeling Good." And finally, this week, we bid adieu to the sweet, if not particularly gifted, Alaina Alexander. I really felt bad for her last night. First, Ryan announces her elimination. Then he reminds her of the judges' brutal evaluations from last night, only to then ask her to sing "Not Ready to Make Nice," a song that is out of her vocal and emotional range? No wonder the poor girl broke down crying and couldn't get through the song! Then again, no one ever said eliminations were supposed to bring on a case of the warm fuzzies.
Last season's Kellie Pickler was back last night — although with her Mama's Family hairstyle, dreary ballad, and alarmingly in-your-face breasts, she cut a very peculiar, and strangely fatigued, figure. However, I kind of miss having someone like her around.
Anyhow, back to the important stuff: What did you think of America's choices for elimination this week? Why did Paula make the universal symbol for ''loser'' — the thumb-and-index-finger L across the forehead — as Ryan introduced her tonight? And who do you think was the winner of season 6's inaugural cry-off: Sundance ''It's Just My Allergies'' Head, or Gina ''Two Hanky'' Glocksen? Be sure to weigh in on our message board, and to check out the newest episode of Idolatry, which will be playing all weekend at EW.com.
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