melinda doolittle

(S06E35) Touchy, touchy, touchy. If I learned anything from the comments on yesterday's reviewcap, it's not to mess with the readers and their Jon Bon Jovi. Holy goodness, you guys absolutely obliterated me in the comments. The strange thing is, I kind of liked it.

Fortunately, I only received one death threat, so I'm happy to be coming out of this relatively unscathed. Deep down you know you were really laughing with me, you just didn't want to admit it. What's that you say? You weren't amused? Ok, then let's just start the recap.

With 70 million votes pouring in after last week's American Idol, it's pretty safe to say that hardcore fans of the show do exist.

Luckily, the American Idols Live tour dates were released yesterday and should help to alleviate the fan depression that comes along with the shows looming finale.

The tour is slated to occur between July 6th and September 22nd and lands at 50 different locations across the country and includes a stint in Canada.

(S06E34) Was anyone really surprised that no one got sent home during "Idol Gives Back"? It was a charity event. Someone having their dream destroyed just wouldn't have fit in with the show.

The fact that no one left had a profound effect on this episode as Ryan was quick to point out since two people would be going home this week.

(S06E33) Tonight was the big night they've been talking about all season - Idol Gives Back. Over the course of the night, Idol tried its best to keep us entertained, inspired, and educated.

Some of it worked, some of it didn't. Telethons are like that. Not every bit can be a gem. But it's all for a good cause, right? So, obviously we can't complain too loudly.

My overall impression was that it seemed way longer than two hours. And I'm not just saying that to be snarky. They seriously threw in way more than I can even begin to recap. I'd be here all night if I tried to get it all in this post. So, I'm just going to stick to the highlights, and you can tell me the things that stood out for you.

(S06E32) Ryan starts off the night by declaring that tonight's calls, "will not only save your favorite contestants -- they will also save lives."

THIS. IS. IDOL. GIVES. BACK.

Before the show begins, we're told it's LIVE, even though it isn't. It was taped Monday night. Just so you know.

Then Ryan explains how the fundraising will work. News Corp will donate 10 cents for each call received tonight (up to 50 million calls) for a total of $5 million dollars. Wait, is this the same $5 million dollars they pledged earlier or an additional $5 million?

Also, Ford, Coca-Cola, and AT&T get their first thanks of the night. They will be thanked a couple more times before the hour is over.

BECAUSE. THIS. IS. IDOL. GIVES. BACK.

(S06E31) Tonight's episode starts with Simon Cowell setting the record straight about that unfortunate eyerolling V-Tech incident from last night. A sincere and apologetic Simon says, "I may not be the nicest person in the world, but I would never ever ever disrespect those families or those victims."

And then, to verify that Simon was talking to Paula about Chris' nasally singing and didn't hear what Chris said, they show us footage we didn't see on air last night. And the defense rests their case in the courtroom of public opinion. Ryan echoes what I said in my post earlier, that there would be less confusion, if Simon chatted less, and listened more during the show.

But enough about all that unpleasant business. Is Sanjaya going home or what?

(S06E30) The show begins in a subdued mood tonight, with Ryan giving "our thoughts and prayers'' to all the people affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy.

However, the hush doesn't last long. The crowd is fired up. They really, really love their Top 7 Finalists. Not only do they boo Simon a lot throughout the night, but the angry horde also turns on Miss Paula. They boo loudly during her critique of LaKisha's shouting.

Meanwhile, Simon has obviously had ENOUGH of Sanjaya. He's done being nice. He's done holding back. He's done trying to ignore Sanjaya with the hopes he'll go away. All I can say is -- it's about time, Simon. It's no fun watching Idol, unless an outspoken Simon is "telling it like it is."

AND. THIS. IS. AMERICAN. IDOL.

(S06E28) So who exactly thought a Latin-themed night was a good idea for American Idol? I fully expected tonight's performances to be painful. However, I really didn't expect Sanjaya to sing in Spanish and give one of the better performances of the night. Unbelievable. Just when you think Idol has no more surprises left, you witness something truly shocking.

Jennifer Lopez, looking rather svelte, took time out from her busy schedule to mentor the finalists and help them find the passion in the Latin-themed music. Unfortunately, not many of them truly found their inner Latin beat. J.Lo excitedly gushed that she watches American Idol at home, and she does have her favorites. Yeah, so we've heard.

Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe denies that the gay banter between Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell is scripted. Lythgoe told TMZ, "If I would have written any of that it would have been a lot funnier, to be frank."

During the Top 12 performance show, Melinda Doolittle complained about wearing dresses and heels, and Ryan and Simon exchanged barbs about high heel advice, and coming out of closets.

Despite the fact that Ryan and Simon bicker on-air like a couple of old ladies, Ryan says, they get along fine. Ryan added, "We're seeking therapy and individual deep-tissue massage to get through the season."

Notice Ryan said "individual" and not "couples" deep-tissue massage, just to avoid any confusion about their relationship.

(S06E25) Two important questions will be answered tonight, Ryan says. "Who's going home, and how will Sanjaya wear his hair?"

Blake is safe. LaKisha is safe. Phil IS in the bottom three. Melinda is safe. Chris R rebounds from last week's bottom two and IS safe. Sanjaya (yawn) is safe AGAIN. Haley IS in the bottom three. And Jordin, of course, is safe. Which means, either Chris Sligh or Gina is in the bottom three, but we won't know who until the end of the show.

Fast Forward. Turns out CHRIS SLIGH joins PHIL and HALEY in the bottom three. But Philly is sent back to safety once again.

SLIGH vs. SCARNATO? Who's going home? Randy says it's a tough call. Paula says they both deserve "warmth" from the audience. Simon thinks it's "Bye, Bye Curly."

Immediately following Tuesday night's show, many commenters and bloggers were speculating that the "little girl who cried" was "a plant" or an actress paid by either Sanjaya's family or the show's producers. Others surmised that she was merely one of the executive producer's kids or special guests getting some extra screen time.

Turns out she is 13-year-old Ashley Ferl from Riverside, California. Apparently, Ashley and her mom had gotten tickets for a taping of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. Their tickets allowed them to attend a dress rehearsal for Idol. Ashley began the waterworks during the rehearsals, was spotted by a producer, and was offered prime seats for Tuesday's show.

Before you start throwing rotten tomatoes, please hear me out. I'm not saying I think Sanjaya should win this thing. Not even close. Those of you who've read my recaps, know I'm not a fan of Sanjaya.

But as much as I've disliked his performances, I'm actually going to defend Sanjaya. Mostly, because I feel sorry for him. He's a young kid thrown in the deep end of the pool, and sometimes he looks like he's drowning in front of 33 million viewers. The judges, critics, and viewers have been really, really cruel. And I'm not a fan of big bullies (ahem, Simon) who beat up on the younger, weaker kids just for sport.

Does anyone else think that Melinda Doolittle and that "I'm so innocent and surprised" face that she wears every time someone says something nice, resembles a deer in headlights?

For once throughout the competition, that face was used appropriately and not just because someone praised her talents for the millionth time. During Melinda's interview with Ryan, she found herself caught in the verbal crossfire of Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell last night on American Idol...

(S06E18) Paula is momentarily missing when tonight's show begins, but is back just in time to get things started. After last night's snoozefest, I'm hoping the girls will wake up this competition. And luckily, I'm not disappointed.

It's "just a different show" with the ladies, as Randy points out early. The girls pick better songs that showcase their voices. And their voices are just better than the boys anyway. The women seem to understand that NOW is the time to show us what they've got. Gina finally finds her comfort zone. Melinda gives another flawless performance. And LaKisha, Stephanie, Jordin, and Sabrina prove they are solid, Top 12-worthy contestants.

My guess is that Antonella's luck has finally run out. And Haley is just out of time. But the remaining six ladies are going to give us a heck of a battle. And one of them is going to be the next American Idol.

(S06E15) Ryan tells us that the guys had an "incredible show" Tuesday night. Hold on a minute, Ryan, back up. Sure the boys were better than the week before, but I certainly wouldn't call their show "incredible." To quote Randy Jackson, "It was just ahright."

Besides, after tonight's Top 10 Ladies show, I'm more convinced than ever that this year's American Idol will be one of our fine ladies. I also think that it's going to be a tight race to the top between our lovely divas -- Lakisha, Melinda, Jordin, Stephanie, and Sabrina.

But tomorrow two unlucky ladies will be going home. Who will it be?