Whether it’s Blake’s beat boxing, Sanjaya’s wild hair or Haley’s hot pants, everyone’s got an opinion about American Idol… including me. As the editorial coordinator at Hollywood.com and longtime fan of the show I finally have the chance to voice my opinion from somewhere besides my own living room. Who better to help then fellow fan and Broadway.com Editor-in-Chief Paul Wontorek. With just 10 contestants left, it’s our turn to tell it like it is.
Gina Glocksen
Who is she? With song choices like “Love Child” and “Painted Black” it’s hard to imagine Idol’s 22-year-old resident rocker Gina Glocksen’s past—belting out Lion King’s “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” at 7 or, better yet, spending her 21st birthday at a Celine Dion concert. Tattoos and red highlights aside, there’s more to this Naperville, Illinois native than meets the eye.
Why Paul likes her: Gina’s better than the judges give her credit for—her singing sounds a lot better on my TV then it does to them live. If nothing else, her rocker chick routine (which may or may not be the real deal) offers a breath of fresh air.
Why I do too: Unlike her fellow idols, Gina needs to pick songs that are big enough for her vocals. If she stands a chance against Lakisha and Melinda, she’s got to step up her game.
Haley Scarnato
Who is she? Stage fright? Not for Haley Scarnato, 24, who joined San Antonio’s Showstoppers theater troupe at the age of 12. Like her real life American Idol, Christina Aguilera, her teeny-bopping start could catapult her to the top of the charts.
Why Paul likes her: Yes, she’s a dime-a-dozen pretty girl with a pretty voice but she’s earned my respect by improving every week. After almost slipping out of the competition with a lyric fumble, she shot out of the cannon last week with a sexy, leggy, braless display that left Simon panting.
Why I don’t: Disney Channel? How about Nickelodeon? Haley’s sure to land on her feet, but it just might be on a children’s show. Her generic good looks, average talent and sweet demeanor make her a perfect fit.
Jordin Sparks
Who is she? The youngest gal in the bunch, Jordin Sparks, has more to worry about than song choice, wardrobe or even Simon’s opinion… she still has to graduate high school! This Glendale, Arizona native, 17, proved talent beyond her years in recent weeks with renditions of “I (Who Have Nothing),” “Heartbreaker” and “Reflection.”
Why Paul likes her: I can’t believe Jordin is just 17. She’s probably my favorite of the ladies just because there’s a nice raw quality to all of her performances. So far the judges have never let her feel she’s on level with their favorites, but I think she is—and could be a surprising strong player.
Why I do too: Unlike Sanjaya (also 17), Jordin shows maturity and control in her performances and she’s sure to give the other contestants a run for their money.
Lakisha Jones
Who is she? Back to the bank? That’s where Flint, Michigan’s Lakisha Jones says she’s headed if she doesn’t win the competition. Let’s hope this 27-year-old single mom, who drew inspiration from Idol winner Fantasia, doesn’t let all her classical and opera training go to waste!
Why Paul likes her: Lakisha had me at hello when the judges asked her what she would do if she didn’t make the semi-finals: “Go back to working at the bank,” she said simply. Now she’s a frontrunner who earns hosannas from the judges every week. The girl’s got talent, but is it terrible to say that I’m getting a little bored? Spice it up, Kiki!
Why I do too: You’re getting bored? What about Lakisha?! She practically slept through her own performance of “Diamonds are Forever” last week. She needs to keep raising the bar, and picking songs that actually challenge her.
Chris Richardson
Who is he? Next time Chris Richardson, 22, takes the stage look closely at his right wrist; you just might catch a glimpse of his good luck charms: two rubber bands. Not that he needs them. This Chesapeake, Virginia native doesn’t just sing—he’s also a songwriter who plays guitar and drums.
Why Paul likes him: Go Chris! It’s hard not to root for this buzz-cut boy from Virginia (who, yes, does look a little like Justin Timberlake) whose sweet vocals and joyful energy heat up the crowd. Earning him brownie points is the fact that he seems like such a nice kid. Can Chris and the showier Blake both get far? I, for one, sure hope so.
Why I don’t: Go Chris! Home that is. If this guy had a smidge of Justin’s talent or a bit of Blake’s originality he might have a chance. Overall, I think he’s in way over his head.
Chris Sligh
Who is he?Class clown Chris Sligh, 28, names fellow contestants Blake Lewis and Gina Glocksen among his favorite pop artists and lists “great kisser” as one of his many talents. All joking aside, Greenville, South Carolina’s finalist proved himself with songs like “She’s Not There” and “Endless Love” and says he plans to start his own record label if he doesn’t win American Idol.
Why Paul’s fed up? I wish Chris still grabbed my interest like he did back when he cracked that Hasselhoff joke during his first audition. But he’s lost me somehow—he seems to be trying a little too hard to showcase his wackiness (one of his friends held up a sign that read “Bringing Chubby Back” last week, while Chris himself kept shouting “Fro Patrol” into the camera). Chris, let them love you on their own.
Why I am too: Chris left us snickering when he told Simon he wasn’t an Il Divo or Teletubbies kind of guy, but it seems Idol’s resident comedian has veered away from the jabs to focus on his work. It’s too bad, because his personality really made the package.
Melinda Doolittle
Who is she?The self-proclaimed “mama of the group,” Melinda Doolittle, 29, is also the most accomplished. With a career in background singing already under her belt, this Brentwood, Tennessee native is front and center for the first time.
Why Paul’s suspicious: Melinda was declared the most talented Idol finalist from the minute the competition began…and for good reason—she is a terrific vocalist. I’m not, however, buying her humble pie routine—the shocked, wide-eyed reactions to people liking her singing. I think it’s all an act—a very smart act that can take her right to the top. But why haven’t the judges complained about her purely Adult Contemporary vibe?
Why I’m not: She might know how to play the game, but you can’t take away her experience, control and pure talent!
Phil Stacey
Who is he? Juggling a career in the Navy, a marriage, two little ones and a fierce talent competition can’t be easy, just ask Phil Stacey from Jacksonville, Florida. Not only did he miss his daughter’s birth during tryouts, the 29-year-old had to be reassigned to California so he could compete.
Why Paul’s lost interest: It’s hard to pay much attention to Phil with so many other more interesting finalists in the mix. He does the rocker dad thing pretty well, but he’s no Chris Daughtry or even Bo Bice. I just don’t see him having the looks or personality to take him far this year.
Why I haven’t: Phil might not have the rough rocker appeal of former contestants, but his vocals by far surpass them. He may not win the competition, but he can sure outsing most of his male counterparts.
Sanjaya Malakar
Who is he? Saturday Night Live and The Soup already spoofed the cleverly coiffed 17-year-old from Federal Way, Washington. Despite the criticism, Sanjaya Malakar, who brought one young audience member to tears last week, has managed to hang on.
Why Paul would send him home: As a singer, he’s just as mediocre as you’ve heard. But the judges should ease off him a little—he clearly charmed them enough to get him a slot in the semi-finals. I, however, did not invite him into the semi-finals so I can say exactly what I feel: he needs to go home. Playtime’s over.
Why I wouldn’t: I have a soft spot for Sanjaya, mainly because we grew up in neighboring cities. Just think, after the bad rap the judges gave Seattle at the start of the season, he’s still around. I say give him some time. With vocal lessons and a hair cut, he just might have a chance at Idol 2010.
Blake Lewis
Who is he? Blake Lewis beat boxed his way to Hollywood from the Seattle suburbs and has kept the competition contemporary ever since. The 25-year-old adds his own flair to every performance, whether he’s changing the arrangement or incorporating his own unique sound.
Why Paul likes him: Blake’s my favorite this season, hands down. On paper, he’s pretty annoying—a tricked-out, fashion-forward white boy from Seattle who mixes beat box into all of his songs. But live, Blake is a true original. This kid’s becoming a recording artist with or without American Idol.
Why I do too: He’s got the looks, the moves and the talent. I think we’re looking at the next American Idol.
All headshots by David Edwards/DailyCeleb.com
