Oh, “Idol!” Just when I think you can’t sink any lower than providing a platform for the fresh-out-of-the-gutter song stylings of Ke$ha, you surprise me yet again. This time it wasn’t even the uninspiring performances that caused concern. (I mean, let’s be honest. Most of us are patting ourselves on the back just for staying awake for an entire episode this season.) Adding some much needed excitement to last night’s show was the fact that it was the beginning of mentors and theme weeks. (To be fair, the “excitement” was of the WTF? variety; but during this snoozer season, I’ll take my excitement any way I can.)
Now, I usually think of a mentor as a wise older adviser, not, well, Miley Cyrus. But I guess that’s why I’m not a producer on television’s number one show. This music prodigy has sold a boatload of iTunes downloads as well as Hannah Montana Halloween wigs. Oh, and, in case you haven’t heard, she and her boyfriend are “deeper than normal people.” (See: Teen Vogue) Miley shelled out her “deeper than normal” sage advice to the 11 remaining contestants while smacking gum and sporting cut-offs. Not since Britney Spears has a pop star made the “Trailer Trash Lolita” vibe seem so ladylike and graceful.
The theme this week was Billboard #1 Hits. Sheesh, could it have been any broader? Initially, it was to be Teen Idols Week, which would have been so much more interesting and Miley a propos. (And you know how I love me some Debbie Gibson!) Hopefully we’ll see themes with more of a wow factor as the weeks progress.
And hopefully we’ll see performances with more of a wow factor as the weeks progress, too. I never thought that this season would have me longing for a tune from Ryan Starr or B-b-b-b-blake Lewis. The judges talked about how hard it would be to go home this week, as only the Top 10 get to perform on the Idols Tour. But I say that whoever gets eliminated this week is lucky. She or he (I suppose it could be someone other than Paige Miles) won’t have to be lumped in with this year’s loser cast and can have a jump start on her (or his) own album.
LEE DEWYZE -- “The Letter” by the Box Tops
I have to admit that I agree with Miley on this one. Lee does have a great voice, but he’s missing stage presence. In fact, I had to go back and watch this performance again after the show was over just to come up with something to say about it. Unfortunately, the adjectives that jumped into my head were along the lines of “fine,” “acceptable” and “pleasant.” The judges (excepting Simon) disagreed and thought that Lee has never sounded better and that his progression has been impressive. To me, though, he’s just a poor man’s David Cook.
PAIGE MILES -- “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins
The second that Seacrest mentioned Collins it was obvious which song would be covered.
