Unmatched pair

So tonight we find out American Idol's finalists--and frankly, I'm not super-excited. Although I guess if it indeed turns out to be Melinda vs. Jordin, I'll be pretty jazzed.

It starts with an intro from Homer Simpson, who's not as good a host as Ryan. The mere mention of Elliott Yamin gets squeals; now that was a great year. They recap last night; I'm guessing they'll award Jordin one of the spots first if Blake's the other finalists. But if Melinda's in, they'll show her first, then have us sweat out Jordin vs. Blake.

They show Jordin going home, embarassed by all the attention but hamming it up; she gets a great reception at her high school and is in tears; there's a funny scene with her screaming with middle school kids, and another teary scene with her best friend; then a parade with like 10,000 in Glendale, more tears, cheers, it's pretty crazy. She finishes singing her I Who Have Nothing rendition, and sobbing emotionally--she really comes across well, would make a great Idol.

I'm assuming she's a finalist, they got her up there first, with Ryan reading back everyone's comments. And... ha, they fake her out, we'll find out later. They wouldn't screw her over twice unless she made it.

Next up is Blake; he's definitely a bit too much; lots of screaming girls, weird faces from him right into the camera, there's an emotional scene with his dad crying; the dad's a good guy, and Blake is too. Wow, he gets to sing the anthem before a Mariners game at the end. His dad's up on stage with him, gets kicked off by Ryan. They do the comments too for Blake... and nuttin, again.

Next, Elliott; who does look quite different with the Bob Dylan hair; same sweet voice though. The background singers are kindof annoying as he sings; just reminds you how thin Blake's voice is. Afterwards Randy tells him it was hot, Paula says she's proud of him, Simon says it was great.

The Ford commercial is a bunch of pretend-young versions of the Idols singing in their bedroom before the real ones jump into a car; it's okay. Now it's Melinda's turn to go home; it's more of an adult visit, less squealing. Big crowd in front of her old music school, which renames a street after her; they show her parents, hadn't seen them before. Then off to her church, where it's bedlam; lots of hugs, some tears. They do judges comments; hmm, wonder if they'll do something tricky and proclaim her a finalist. And... nope.

Quick mention of the band show as we go to break, full commercial as we get 'back'. Hmm, they're really gonna compress the results; Maroon 5 does something, it's like a grown-up version of what Blake tries to do every week.

Back, everyone's standing up there; Jordin steps forward first--so of course she's in the finals. 60 million votes cast; and she's in. Yaaaaay. She's really come a long way; totally developed her potential.

So let's see if I'm right; Blake is babbling about something. Melinda is asked to step forward; and sure enough, it's Blake who makes it through. Oh well; lots of jeering in the audience.

I guess I'm glad in a way because I think Blake's weaker competition for Jordin. But really, it should've been the two women fighting it out. Randy loves her, Paula too; and Simon says congrats to Blake and Jordin, commisserations to Melinda.

And she sings us out. Here's what I said about Jordin at the audition stage, and the top 10 women stage:

Ooh, Jordin Sparks--she has it, from the second you see her you know. Not a great body shape, but--she can sing. Not great, a bit sharp for me, but a big voice and good poise, does a hard Celine Dion song, while she's singing Simon says to Randy she's the best we've seen here. Randy says he's blown away; her dad is an ex-Giants player I've never heard of. A bit too much says Simon, even comments on her weird smile--which I liked, it was young and nervous and natural. Paula and Randy predict she'll do well. I could see her as top 12, has that kind of brightness and energy that gets the judges a bit giddy and slappy afterwards.

Ah, my fave, Jordin Sparks; another brother dedication, the photos are hilarious, she breaks down talking about it. What a great person; in bluish promish dress, looks elegant. Oh gosh, she can sing--so smooth, and performance is great, doing Reflection from Mulan. It just soars out effortlessly, it's almost unfair. A tiny bit rushed, maybe; but I really enjoy listening to her. She's sobbing at the end; Randy says a few pitch problems, but overall unbelievable story. Paula says there's something about you that's infectious, you're just a good human being who'll be around for a long time. Simon says it wasn't your best, but excellent compared to everyone else--massive potential at 17. Wow, even her dad is tearing--and he's an ex-NFL player!

And here's Blake:

Some kid with a Ryan-like hairstyle, Blake Lewis. Seems like an earnest nice guy; says he's a beat box champ. Not horrible, but not my cup of tea. I don't think he can carry a tune--good energy, but off. Simon, however, says you're good, maybe not as good as you think. Paula says you're good; Randy likes him too, but wrong song. They send him through, I don't think he'll do anything. His dad, a blue collar type of guy, is very proud afterwards, almost crying--his son says his dad is his inspiration, the hardest-working man in Seattle. Hmmm... nice kid.

Blake Lewis, who actually dresses his age, like some skateboarding guy. Gosh, this night is dragging... nothing so amazing yet. Good kid, sincere dedication to his folks. Nice song choice, Virtual Insanity, he's a bit breathless, but it all feels real. Does some beat boxing halfway through, interesting dance moves. Very comfortable with the crowd. Randy likes it, Paula too; Simon doesn't--first part was copycat, off the video; second part was good, third part wasn't good, no originality, very disappointed. There's a big fuss over whether it was original or not, it's just ridiculous.