Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Only Three More Months of American Idol Left

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

There are three months left of American Idol. And judging from last night's show, that's three very long months to whittle down from 12 to the two finalists. The singing overall on the Diana Ross-themed show was pretty lousy, except for a few of the usual suspects: Jordin Sparks (who we think sang a Diana Ross tune from The Land Before Time, Melinda Doolitte belting a song from The Wiz, and show-stopper LaKisha Jones singing theBillie Hollidayclassic "God Bless the Child." (Which Ms. Ross sang on Lady Sings the Blues.)

Nerves got the best of the performers (except Melinda and LaKisha). Brandon Rogers, Haley Scarnato and Stephanie Edwards forgot their words. Brandon was really bad about covering it up because he almost started laughing at the end of the song.

Chris Richardson, who we usually really like, sang a nasally rendition of "The Boss" and looked like his was in pain trying to reach those high notes. Chris Sligh tried to sing "Endless Love" but the arrangment he had going sounded like Coldplay's "Speed of Sound." And Blake Lewis tried an electronica/dance version of "Set Me Free" which didn't sound as bad as we thought it would, but it wasn't his best performance.

But one thing stood out among the American Idol contestants. Literally. It was Sanjaya Malakar's hair. Some thought that he was trying to copy Diana Ross's do or maybe Chris Sligh's 'fro...but we totally know that he was trying to do the Spector. After his terrible performance of "Ain't No Mountain," Randy almost busted up laughing. He had the best line of the night when he commented on Sanjaya's new look:

"[Dude], 'Hair Idol' ya gotta jump it off!"

American Idol is on tonight at 9 PM on FOX.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today