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'Idol' Worship: Down to the final six |
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Written by Randy A. Salas, McClatchy-Tribune
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Monday, 23 April 2007 |
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"American Idol" takes a serious turn Tuesday night as it airs the first installment of a two-part special aimed at raising awareness about impoverished children in the United States and Africa.
But that's not the only sobering aspect of Fox's top-rated singing contest lately. The TV show is down to its final six singers, who need to buckle down more than ever.
Since this week's show doesn't feature a celebrity mentor, "Idol" Worship will fill the void by suggesting one concrete thing that each contestant can do to boost his or her stock. The would-be Idols are listed from most to least likely to win, along with a comment why.
—— Blake Lewis
Advice: Laid-back shouldn't mean lazy — watch your pitch on the high notes.
Comment: The beat-boxer had his worst performance last week but still is the best overall entertainer, a dark horse no more.
—— Jordin Sparks
Advice: Get rid of the wavering in your lower range by singing with more breath support.
Comment: The 17-year-old looks oh-so-comfortable on stage and is in a virtual tie with Lewis to become the next Idol.
—— Melinda Doolittle
Advice: Follow judge Simon Cowell's suggestion and don't act surprised when you receive compliments; it's bordering on becoming an act.
Comment: The professional backup singer is the most polished vocalist among the finalists, but her commercial prospects remain unclear.
—— Phil Stacey
Advice: Poor song choices have dogged you, so do more country tunes if they are your strength, as you say.
Comment: The Navy man showed what he's capable of doing when he makes the right song choices, dresses smartly and performs with personality.
Advice: Don't take breaths in the middle of phrases. It makes the song sound awkward and makes you look uncomfortable.
Comment: She's taking the Diva Dive, which affected past big-voiced singers Mandisa and Jennifer Hudson, who came on strong early and then faded.
Advice: If a judge criticizes you for having a glaring weakness — singing with a nasal, tinny voice — don't defend it as a legitimate singing style. It's not.
Comment: His time on the show is surely up, but Jones or Stacey could go anytime now, too.
———
AMERICAN IDOL
When: 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday; results 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday
Where: Fox.
Theme: "Life anthems."
A SPECIAL EVENT
What: "Idol Gives Back," a fundraiser for impoverished children in the United States and Africa. After tonight's one-hour broadcast, corporate sponsors will make a donation for each vote that viewers phone in for their favorite singers. During Wednesday's two-hour results show, viewers can make their own donations.
Who: Wednesday's performers are scheduled to include past "Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, as well as Celine Dion, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Josh Groban, Rascal Flatts and Annie Lennox. Planned guests include Sacha Baron Cohen, Keira Knightley, Jack Black, Hugh Grant and Helen Mirren.
—— —— ——
Randy A. Salas:
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