American Idol Results: Sanjaya Needs Shiny Happy People to Vote

Written by Deloris Jones

Wednesday, 18 April 2007

Martina McBride was the guest mentor on American Idol country night for the seven remaining contestants. Here are the American Idol Results:

The night was off to a good start for Phil Stacey, who sang “Where the Blacktop Ends” by Keith Urban.The judges were really impressed and Randy said, “You could have a career in country music. That was hot!” The country-rock genre seemed more Phil’s style compared to the previous week’s themes. It is possible this performance may save Phil Stacey from going home. No doubt, he will definitely be in the bottom three.

Jordan Sparks was next to sing and she chose one of Martina McBride’s songs, “Broken Wing.” Martina commented that it must be difficult to sing a song in front of the original artist. Jordan made it seem easy. She stood in one spot and used her face and voice to convey the emotion of the song. She broke down in tears near the end. Randy thought it was the bomb. Simon said, “I actually believe, based on that performance, you could win American Idol.”

Sanjaya Malakar, the most talked about American Idol contestant in history, followed Sparks. Prior to his performance, Ryan Seacrest asked him if he could make one judge sing, what judge and what song would you make them sing? Sanjaya replied saying he would choose Simon Cowell and make him sing “Shiny Happy People” so he could show his true personality. Simon laughed. Sanjaya decided to sing Bonnie Raitt’s “Let’s Give ‘em Something To Talk About,” a perfect song for him.

However, he did horribly…as expected. It was probably his worst performance of the competition. He didn’t even seem like he was trying this week. Maybe he is just so confident Howard Stern will secure him enough votes to remain safe this week. Randy thought it was too much like karaoke. Simon said it was horrendous and as bad as anything seen at the beginning of American Idol. Sanjaya Malakar may find himself in the bottom three this week.

Point-Spreads.com thinks it is going to be hard to say with certainty if Sanjaya Malakar is safe from elimination tonight. There is a good chance he could get sent home if Howard Stern and the rest of his fan base does not vote this week.

LaKisha Jones chose “Jesus Take the Wheel,” a hit song from former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. LaKisha felt a connection with the song, however the judges felt it wasn’t the right song for her. None of the judges were particularly impressed with the performance. Simon compared it to eating a hamburger for breakfast, whatever that means. I think LaKisha will be safe this week. She is a strong singer and just has to pick a better song for next week.

Chris Richardson chose “Mayberry,” a song by Rascal Flatts. He said he is comfortable with Country because he grew up in Virginia and North Carolina. Martina added that his voice fits the genre well, but that he is versatile enough for any genre. The beginning of the song was rough. He came through at the end but this was definitely not his best performance. In fact, it may have him packing.

Melinda Doolittle chose a song Martina McBride never heard of, “Trouble is a Woman” by Julie Reeves. Country was not a problem for Doolittle; she sang the hell out of that song! Randy called it another solid performance. Simon called her out for always acting surprised when she gets praised every week. He said she is a great singer.

Blake Lewis was last singing “When the Stars Go Blue” by Tim McGraw. Blake had a decent performance. Randy loved the arrangement. Paula said he has the whole package. Simon was not super impressed, but thought it was okay. Blake will be safe.

I think the bottom three will be Phil Stacey, Chris Richardson, and LaKisha Jones, with Phil Stacey going home. The results show will air Wednesday at 9:00 PM EST on Fox.

Bookmaker.com has posted betting odds on which American Idol contestant will be eliminated this week?

Philip Joel Stacey: -150

Chris Richardson: +275

Lakisha Jones: +325

Sanjaya Malakar: +475

Blake Lewis: +1200

Jordin Sparks: +1400

Melinda Dolittle: +3000