Shocked Me Again

I said on country night that I was worried how the Idol contestants would do...since I wasn't aware that any of them sang country. Tonight I was just as worried, because the only decent rocker we had...we voted off way before her time. Poor Gina.

As soon as I heard it was Bon Jovi night, I knew my friend Angela was going to be so happy...because she LOVES Bon Jovi. In fact, my introduction to Bon Jovi occurred when she and I were roommates. For a while, the dashing Jon himself was a guest star on Ally McBeal and we had to watch it every week so she could get her fix. A fair request. Had David Phelps been the guest star, she would have been forced to sit and watch with me.

So here are my thoughts on this evening's performance:

* Phil. I was worried for poor Phil. Once he was labeled a country boy at heart, I figured rock music would be his undoing. Add to that his resemblance to Chris Daughtry...I thought it would be over for sure. And Phil surprised me. I actually thought he did a great job. He's no Daughtry - but then who is? (Moment of silence for another contestant sent home way before it was time...) I thought it was a great start to the show...and I thought he did way better than "just decent" with this genre.

* Jordin. Oh boy. Jordin's first really bad week. I didn't know that song, but I thought it sounded (and kind of looked) like bad 80's. Her hair was just everywhere (nice little Gina twist with the red mixed in) and the song wasn't good. BUT. I love Jordin's spirit. I like it that, unlike other former contestants who shall remain nameless, she knew she didn't do a good job, was open about that, and welcomed the criticism. That takes a lot of guts and maturity. I know it's a singing competition, but that has to count for something...the way she handled it.

* Blake. I loved the new look. LOVED the new look. Here's where I have an unfair advantage - or disadvantage - depending on how you look at it. I knew the song he sang, but I didn't KNOW the song he sang. I loved his own twists and turns that he put in it...I loved it that beatboxing was back...I loved the attitude. Angela, who was watching with me, hated it. I totally respect that a song that is as well known as that one apparently is (please bear in mind I grew up on hymns, so all this is new to me) should be left untouched in the opinions of those who love the song. I appreciate that. Anytime someone tries to sing David Phelps and doesn't sing it like David Phelps would sing it...well, I'm done listening. Shoot, when David sings a song and doesn't do it like David should do it, I'm done listening. But from the untrained ear of a novice listener, I loved it. Blake was BACK.

* Lakisha. LAKISHA KISSED SIMON!!!! Lakisha kissed Simon! Did you know that Lakisha kissed Simon? Did she sing? Was there a song? Were there notes? Was there music? Did you see Lakisha kiss Simon? Clearly I am unable to remember anything about her musical talent tonight. Good, bad, I don't know. But that little lucky girl got to kiss Simon! I have no words. I have nothing to say. I think my friend Sarah said it was good. I think I got a text message to that effect. I'll get back to you when I remember something besides Lakisha kissing Simon!

* Chris. Chris, like Phil, did better than I thought he would. I was worried for Mr. Chris. He's kind of in a precarious position right now and I wasn't sure he could sing rock. But he did a pretty good job. I didn't like it as well as some of his other weeks, but he was good. And cute. That Chris is quite a cutie.

* Melinda. YOU GO, Melinda Doolittle! I was so proud of her. I cracked up at her "rock on" attempt when whichever judge asked her what she thought of being a rocker. So very typical of cute, humble Melinda. I was most nervous for her...because I so desperately want to see her in the finale and rock is NOT her thing. But with that first note, I knew she was going to be okay. I agreed with the judges - she WAS very Tina Turner. But that's a good thing. I was very proud of her.

As for a bottom 3 - boy. I don't know. Based on tonight alone, and based on music, it should be Jordin and Chris...and I don't know who else. But I think Jordin has too big a fan base to be in the bottom 3...and I have to remember that this week is combined with last week. I do think Chris is in trouble...and I think Blake might be too. I say that only because he didn't do a super job last week - and depending on the outcome of his gamble tonight...he's either loved or hated. I'm nervous. It'll be a doubly rough night because I really do like everyone in this top six and now I have to lose TWO in one night!

And did anyone see Lakisha kiss Simon?