Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez were the first casualties from this year’s American Idol finals. They were sent home after the producers altered the rules, giving the judges an opportunity to save only one contestant this year. Before Top Five week, the judges have one opportunity to unanimously “save” the person voted off resulting in no one going home. The following week, two Idols will end up on the chopping block.
Jasmine Murray, the teenage beauty queen, was made to sing Michael Jackson’s “I’ll Be There” one last time to see if she was worthy of redemption by the judges. This was her last performance on the Idol stage.
After performances from Kanye West and the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Anoop Desai and Jorge Nunez were the last Idols left to find out their fate.
Again, it was no surprise when the judges chose not to pardon Jorge Nunez, the Puerto Rican crooner. He gave a nice showing in the semifinals but just didn’t measure up to his competition. Singing Jackson’s “Never Can Say Goodbye,” I think Jorge came across a tad old fashioned and bland.
Anoop dodged the major bullet of choosing to do a cheesy rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” If he learns some lessons from this week, he could be back in the game.
We also got a sneak peak at the Idol’s new party house. They live in a mansion! They have a bowling alley, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, steam room and home theater. I had to share a two-bedroom apartment with Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson and Chris Sligh … and Chris Sligh snores!
Next week we should return to a semblance of the tried and true format. Only one person will be voted off, and I foresee Ryan continuing to stretch five minutes of drama into an hourlong show … sprinkled with celebrity performances. Of course we now have the judges’ new super-save-powers to mix things up.
26 Comments
Yeah, I agree with you, Phil! Neither Jasmine or Jorge were dynamic enough to have the judges use up their “save”.
I keep thinking about this time last season, when it looked like David Archuleta was the obvious future winner. And then Cook began to shine brighter and brighter. Archuleta kept doing what he did, really really well, but there was no progression for him as a performer. Just like Archuleta, Adam is polished, already a pro. Will he evolve, or be the same performer at the finale?
I hope someone will emerge from the background to shock us, stun us with their brilliance and growth. If not, it looks like it will be a repeat of seasons 1 and 3, because right now, no one is even in Adam’s league.
Oh, and Kelly sounded great, but seemed so awkward on stage before the performance. And she really should have brushed her hair!
Well, my life won’t suck without Jasmine and Jorge but I do believe the judges should have never advanced them to the final 12 and should have selected Jesse and Ju’Not instead. I actually thought Jorge was better with this song than any other performance as I always saw him as old fashioned notwithstanding him being a really nice guy. I sort of feel like he was set up and I don’t like that. As for Jasmine…evidently Kara has written a song which she thinks Jasmine should sing because she was the only judge (after the auditions) who gave her more than lukewarm reviews and America agreed with me!
I love Megan. She is awkward but she loves to sing. Stll, like Anoop, she is going to have to bring more to the table next week cause I think she was on the edge tonight.
And Phil…please give Chickezi my best regards. I voted my little fingers off for him while he was on. He left too soon. And, tell Melinda Doolitle that she was indeed the Jennifer Hudson of your season (sorry Phil but that woman can SING). I’m going online to try to order her cd now. She is phenomenal.
And I’m really happy for you to be able to do what you love with people you admire and who I am sure, admire you too. So glad you life doesn’t suck!
The public got it right this week, but this is probably going to be the easiest week for the dialing public. There seems to be a very strong showing of fantastic singers this year and it is going to be a nail biting season for us to be sure……
What are they signing next week?
So I relistened to Adam Lambert last night–I felt like maybe I got trigger happy and didn’t give him a chance–WRONG! Still can’t stand his screaming. His “high” notes were nothing but screaching to me. I don’t get why everyone is so captivated by him, but maybe as the season goes on I might get it? Maybe.
I’m not sorry that eyebrows is leaving the show…maybe I can give my fast forward button a break next week! Jasmine has a pretty voice, but she needs to be a sideliner back-up singer instead of a headliner.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think Kelly Clarkson is that impressive.
No surprises here. Another boring show. Kelly Clarkson was dressed like a 40 year old housewife on a dinner date. This may be the first time in 8 seasons I stop watching. Top 4 picks: Danny, Adam, Alexis & Meaghan.
Next week is Grand Ole Opry week. I just got a news flash saying that. lol
I’m kind of afraid! I love country music, but if they don’t pick the right songs, they are toast!
Last night was no surprise what so ever. I watched most of it on mute. But geez, those group songs get more ackward every week!
Kelly Clarkson seems to be enjoying her viddles a little too much…rude, but true! But she can sure belt a song out! I think the outfit that Meagan wore Tuesday night will definitly keep her in the running if she wears something like that next week while performing. Are you serious about Grand Ole Opry week??? EEKS, I think I recall when Simon chastised someone for singing country. He should really be in rare form with his comments then!
There are several members of the Grand Ole Opry who’s songs I believe should just never be touched. I’m a wee bit afraid. It should be interesting to say the very least.
There is nothing wrong with country music! Its just a genre that can be really good or really bad depending on the performer. In this instance, I’m sure you have a bunch of people who never listen to and have never appreciated country music. They are going to be out of their comfort zone, which i think is what the whole idea is. Next tuesday I’ll bet Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis and Brad Paisley will out sing Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson from this week! Kelly did ok, but Kanye…i have no words for how bad that was! And he’s supposed to be helping Idol contestants? If any of them pattern any performance after what he did, they will be out!
I love Alexis & Adam. I don’t Megan is going to be around too much longer as she CAN sing, but just stands in one place – no showmanship at all!! Just another pretty face to look at.
I think anyone can outsing Kelly Clarkson – she sure has a gravely voice. I did not watch the first season – stated watching AI when I first heard Clay Aiken…..WOW!!!!!
I’m cool with those sent home last night. I still think there are others who are better and should have made it through. I cannot watch any longer without letting the DVR fire up first so that I can skip through the BS and bad songs….
Jeez – I want whatever Paula drinking.
DVR and FFWD is the only way to go anymore.
Get the judges to start acting like adults.
Humor and frivolity is great but, they are
going down the Junior High road. Randy with
the booing, Kara all slouched over and trying
to be the Hip Chick, Paula Paula Paula, you
looked like more of a tramp than a fashion
setter, and does Simon have a mirror in front
of him at all times or a little voice whispering
in his earing with constant praise of his greatness?
That said – America got it right. I think this is
going to be a great competition and would not be
too eager to call out the top 2 or 3 just yet. They
all have a ways to go and much road to cover. Most
everyone is due for a bad run. Anoop, alas should
enjoy his last days and soak in as much as possible.
Hey their video didn’t suck either!
TEAM Gokey
Wow… they went from “King of Pop” (Michael Jackson) to “King of cRap” (Kanye) in 24 hours!! Who’d thunk!?
I think I will have to look at using the DVR as well.
Scot-the DVR is a masterful way to tune out any and all annoyances–and to rewind and re-enjoy all of your favorites. I would give up my cell phone and iPod before giving up my DVR! It’s worth every penny!
I’m satisfied with the eliminations this week. I didn’t enjoy Kanye West at all. I like Kelly Clarkson but I dont much care for that particular song. I too wondered if her voice wasn’t a little “overworked” last night. Maybe she’s touring or recording and was not at her best. As for her weight…she looked fine. Why does everyone have to weigh 98 pounds??? I agree whole heartedly with Monica,the judges should have picked Ju’not to give a second chance with the wild card. I still think they blew it on that one. I’m curious to see what they will do with the country genre. I’m sure there will be a few “Train Wrecks” with that one. oh yea, and I’d sorta like to see more of what the contestants do to prepare for the next week or some of their down time hangin out in the mansion instead of the stupid way they stretch out the results shows with Ryans mindless chatter and judge bickering. Surely there has to be a better way to use that time.
How come more people are not talking about Matt? I think he’s probably the most relevant out of the group. Adam is good, but when I close my eyes, I hear hair band circa 1985.
Also, can we please lose the stupid themes? Grand Ole Opry? Michael Jackson? Ugh. First, I thought it was interesting that they always tell performers that Michael’s songs are untouchables, but then they have a week where everyone has to sing his songs? I’d like for them to leave the themes behind. I want to hear the contestants singing the genre of music that suits them. I doubt most of them have the time/ability to mix the music into something that fits their individual personal styles. Can I get a witness? Phil? You’re still the king of my heart, dude. Feel it. Word.
Hey Stacey’s Phil… What’s wrong with 80’s Hair Bands??
Oh… yea.. I am stuck in the 80’s!!
DVR?? Will that replace my Betamax??
I completely agree with you Stacey’s Phil. I have been voting for Matt every since hearing his awesome rendition of “Georgia”. The boy is a natural! I think he is going to go far in this competition.
and I couldn’t believe it when I heard they were going to do Michael Jackson! Didn’t they do that last year? If they must do the tiresome themes, can’t they come up with something new!
by the way, I thought Alexis was fantastic again. Simon was far to hard on her….big surprise.
My take on the night: Kanye West was ghastly. Kelly Clarkson was pretty good. Better than Kanye. And the eliminations….I’m fine with saying goodbye to Jorge and Jasmine. Anoop maybe should have taken Jasmine’s place out the door. We’ll see what he does this week. Pretty sure he’s going to have the pink cell redial contigency on his side this year.
I don’t know whether Kelly Clarkson has changed record labels or producers, but I don’t like her new style of music. She should have stuck with the format she had with her last CD…..she had quite a few hits from that single CD. And Kanye…..what a waste! I still say Ju’Not should still be in the running (yea, Maryland!!)
Lyn- No , they didn’t do Michael Jackson week last year, David Cook sang “Billie Jean”, but that was on the week that they had to sing songs from the year they were born. They did decades theme weeks (60’s 70’s etc), year you were born, billboard top 100, and the mentor weeks. Didn’t much care for Dolly Parton week (tho I think she’s adorable and talented), and most of Neil Diamond’s stiff sounded really outdated. Mariah and Andrew Lloyd Weber were good, though.
Grand Ol’ Opry week can either be great or terrible, depends on the songs they pick, and if they don’t try to come up with arrangements that are too “out there” to try to impress, and end up sounding like goofballs.