Phil does charity gig

Denise Neil of the Wichita Eagle had the scoop this week:

"American Idol" finalist Phil Stacey is in Wichita to put on a benefit concert for Greensburg.
But tonight's sold-out concert isn't the only item on Stacey's whirlwind agenda.
He's going to meet with concert sponsors. Have a barbecue and reunion with old Wichita pals. Partake in his-and-hers massages with wife, Kendra.
And, per his own request, Stacey hopes to take a tour of Greensburg today.
"We're still hopeful he can do that," Brett Harris, the Wichita disc jockey who organized Stacey's trip, said Monday.
Stacey, a 1997 graduate of Wichita's Northwest High School, will perform tonight in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,900 at Central Christian Church.
Harris is hoping the show will raise $50,000 for the Salvation Army's fund for Greensburg Tornado Relief.
The concert came about after an off-hand comment Harris made to Stacey during a radio interview a couple of weeks ago.
Stacey had just been booted from "American Idol" (tied for a respectable fifth place) and had called in to Harris' morning radio program on B-98, (97.9-FM).
"It was in the middle of the interview, and I flippantly said, 'We need to drag you out here for a benefit concert,' " Harris said. "And there was a pause and then a, 'Sure. No problem.' "
It wasn't quite that simple, though.
For the next week, Harris spent his days on the phone trying to gain approval from "American Idol" people and from Stacey's superiors in the Navy, who had to agree to extend his leave by one day.
Then there was the matter of transportation. Harris, a flight enthusiast and pilot who does part-time sales for Yingling Aviation, discussed the visit with Yingling's president, Lynn Nichols. He promptly offered to charter a flight for Stacey and his family from their home in Jacksonville, Fla.
On Monday, Harris and a crew took a Yingling prop jet to Jacksonville to pick up Stacey, his wife, Kendra, and his two young daughters, Chloe and McKayla.
As soon as tonight's concert ends, they'll immediately board the plane and head back to Florida, where Stacey is expected to report for duty on Wednesday morning.
The concert, Harris said, will feature Stacey singing most of the tunes he performed while on "Idol," and he has plenty to choose from. During his 11-week-run, Stacey sang hits ranging from Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory" to Keith Urban's "Where the Blacktop Ends."
Stacey, who will be backed by local cover band Three Ring Circus, also hopes to perform a few hits by one of his Christian music heroes, the late Rich Mullins.
Among the concert attendees will be survivors of the Greensburg tornado and the Greensburg city administrator. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius hopes to attend, Harris said, and Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer will declare this "Phil Stacey Day."
For Stacey's Wichita buddies, the visit feels sort of surreal.
They're used to seeing him when he swings through town and having unlimited access to his time.
This visit is different, though, said one of those friends, Darren Schopf. He's pretty sure he'll see Stacey while he's here, but Schopf bought tickets to the concert just to be sure.
"Normally, when he comes in to visit we spend a good amount of time with him," Schopf said. "But now, he's got a full schedule -- just like when we saw him in Los Angeles."

We Didn't Get Our Phil!

So Jordin was crowned the A-MER-ican Idol. Was there really ever a doubt? The only real suspense was seeing if Paula would make it through the show without embarrassing herself. Besides her usual slurring speach, she seemed to have things under control until she and Randy tried to fly...fly so high in the sky...until we almost cried...

The two-hour results show was packed full of mostly forgettable moments (we won't bore you with all the details). Given that we weren't exactly excited about Blake or Jordin, we were hoping to get to see more of our Phil. But once again, Fox let us down. (We're not worried though. We'll be watching Phil and the rest of the Top Ten from our FLOOR SEATS July 8 when the Idol tour makes its way to J-ville.)

There were some hits...

Smokin': For us, the first major hit of the night was the Smokey Robinson sing-a-long with the Top 6 guys. Dressed in all white and sounding a bit like Boyz II Men, the guys — especially Phil — sounded A-MA-zing. And Chris Richardson looked remarkably comfortable up there (perhaps because he was near his BFF, Blake, again). We could see this as a boy band in the making...

The beat is back: After dissing him for the past couple weeks, we (ok, just Erin) have to admit, there's a time and place for beatboxing...and Blake. His collaboration with Doug E. Fresh was one of the most entertaining parts of the night (despite the fact that they both looked like they came straight from the early 90s Kool-Aid commercials. Anyone thirsty?)

Soul song: Maybe we didn't get to see our Phil perform his own number, but at least Simon got to watch his Melinder with BeBe and CeCe Winans (fun fact: she used to sing backup for them). Their performance re-energized a sluggish show.

Standing tall: Carrie Underwood proved her Idol worthiness with "I'll Stand By You," the same song she performed during Idol Gives Back earlier this season. (Remember when this song was considered Gina's breakout?)

And there were some misses...

Tear-jerker: Even Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry couldn't rescue us from Sanjaya's repeat of "You Really Got Me." But at least we got to see the cry baby again (don't you think she'll regret this in about two years when she goes to high school?).

Say what?: We can only guess what Jordin's reaction was when she learned she'd be singing with season two's dud, Ruben Studdard. You would think the Idol producers would have given Jordin a more comparable showcase to that of Blake's. Or maybe they're still holding on to hopes of Ruben selling some albums.

Say what, part 2: A salute to Sgt. Pepper's? Are you serious? Sure it was THE Beatles, but was there a point? Perhaps we could have used this time for a Phil Stacey number..."Blaze of Glory," anyone?

Basically, the only good thing about Jordin winning is that we didn't have to hear Blake sing "This Is My Now" again. And he's probably relieved, too.

Gary T. Mills and Erin Patterson/The Times-Union

Did we get it wrong?

Share your thoughts on Tuesday's performances and Paula's hair. (Is it just us, or was the hair meant to distract from her broken nose and overmedicated self?)

We want to hear from you.

Pop-Tart & Beat Box, part dos

If Blake Lewis is to win the American Idol crown Wednesday, he'll have only the Blaker Girls — the name given to his devoted fans — to thank.

The judges all but crowned Jordin Sparks with the title at the end of Tuesday's competition. That left little for voters who weren't already in the Blake or Jordin camps to base their decisions on. (And after Melinda's premature exit from the competition last week, the only voters left may be Blaker Girls and Jordin's Sparkplugs.)

Following Blake's performance of "This is My Now," (the winning entry of the songwriting contest) judge Randy Jackson let it rip with "You don't have to feel that bad about it." Paula, who couldn't — or wouldn't — criticize her Blake if she wanted to, offered "great job." Simon suggested that voters may want to judge Blake on his first two performances, "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "She Will Be Loved."

Host Ryan Seacrest didn't help Blake either with his "So that is all Blake can do" before heading to a commercial break in front of Jordin's try at the song.

Jordin all but sealed her fate — and Blake's too — within the first few notes of her "This is My Now." And the audience and judges knew it, too, despite her weak finish. (Does anyone else think those tears were fake?) Simon summed it up with "You just wiped the floor with Blake."

We weren't impressed with Jordin's first outing, Christina Aguilera's "Fighter." Whereas Blake worked the stage and crowd with "You Give Love," Jordin didn't connect with the song or the audience. Her second song, Martina McBride's "A Broken Wing" was a better performance than the one she gave during Country Week. Clearly, the ballads are her forte and perhaps she chose her song order based on that. Finish strong.

Will Blaker Girls be able dial their boy all the way to the Idol crown?

We think not. And we can't wait until tomorrow's finale.

Because Simon's Melinder — AND OUR PHIL — will be back. (Where they rightfully belong.)

Til then, Garinatics.

Garin (Brangelina is so 2006!)

Gary T. Mills and a tired Erin Patterson/The Times-Union

US Weekly says Phil got tour OK

"As American Idol’s top ten gear up to hit the road for the summer concert tour, Phil Stacey waited to find out if his commanding Naval officers would give him the OK to pack his bags. Now, a few short weeks after his elimination, Usmagazine.com has learned that the U.S. Navy has cleared the 29-year-old father of two to sing this summer."

Best not enough

Who would have guessed it (besides Erin) — Melinda Doolittle was sent home Wednesday night on American Idol. She was the best of any of them, but the 60 million voters went with youth. Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis are the last two heading into next week’s finale.
Wrong: Most of the so-called experts said Lewis was going home.
Top 3 reward: On their visits home, each of the final three drew crowds of thousands. Jacksonville’s Phil Stacey had less than 100 waiting for him Monday in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods. And it was Phil Stacey Day, too.
Empty: We’ve gotten used to Paula Abdul having absolutely nothing to add. Maybe it’s too much nail polish fumes. But Randy Jackson is supposed to be a successful producer. You’d think he’d have more to offer than “Yo, check it out. You brought it today. You had it goin’ on.” Simon Cowell, as mean-spirited as he is, is the only who actually says anything.
Prediction: Sparks. She sings better than Lewis, plus she’s a lot taller.
Second prediction: Doolittle has a nice career waiting for her.
Roger Bull/The Times-Union

Idol voters, you didn't do what Simon says

Preface: In our joint posting Tuesday night, Erin insisted on a more succinct recap/analysis of the night's competition. But on results show nights, many viewers just tune in to the end of the show.

Wednesday's results show was more entertaining than recent weeks', but watching closely, I felt compelled to share what many saw:

(Yes, Erin, even the preface is wordy; but bear with me.)

In a departure from results show protocol, a contestant was eliminated a whopping 27 minutes before the end of the show Wednesday night.

What you say?

At that point, just after Elliot Yamin — who was eliminated at this point in last year's competition — performed, host Ryan Seacrest says the following just before cutting to commercial:

"More music coming up from Maroon 5. Plus, more emotional results. And Melinda goes home."

The camera quickly cuts to the final three contestants, where we see Blake clapping and mugging for the camera; Jordin clapping and looking at Seacrest and Yamin; and a perlexed Melinda sitting between the two.

I wasn't the only to say, Huh? Wait a minute! It was only after replaying those few seconds that I realized Seacrest was promoting the upcoming taped segment of Melinda's trip back home to Nashville last week. (Following last week's show, each of the final three returned to their hometowns for heavily choreographed — and documented — emotional homecomings that were aired on Wednesday's episode.)

He wasn't announcing her departure from the competition. But it appeared to Melinda, like it did to me, that she wasn't sure what he was talking about initially.

Twenty-seven minutes later that moment looked prophetic as Melinda — standing at center stage, evoking a rocker image in a black dress with the words "death cheater" across the chest — was told that tonight "was the end of the road" for her by Seacrest.

With Jordin already declared a finalist, Melinda stood there expressionless. Blake, too, initially, as if he didn't realize what had just happened.

Before hearing the booing crowd, we see Simon — elbows on table, with his hands over his nose and mouth — expressing the first sign of disappointment. (And boy, did he look disappointed.) Simon all but begged Idolnation to do the right thing last night, saying he's like to see Melinder in next week's finals. (And, if you remember, he had a negative comment for each of Jordin's three performances last night.)

Simon must have sensed his Melinder's fate a minute earlier, when Seacrest asked Jordin to join him in revealing the fate of the first contestant. At that point, everyone but perhaps Jordin herself, realized she was indeed safe.

Cutting to the judges, viewers saw Randy Jackson clapping while looking blankly at the stage; Paula smiling and clapping like a seal waiting for a fish; and Simon clapping obligatorily while refusing to look up at the stage in that shot as well as a follow-up shot from behind the judges. (Perhaps he was saying a little prayer for Mindy-do.)

Following the usual retrospective of the departing contestant, Seacrest polled the judges as TV lawyers often do of the TV juries in TV legal dramas. Randy and Paula offered their compliments to Melinda, but it Simon who expressed what many watching felt: respectful congratulations to the two finalists, but sympathy for Melinda.

(End of Part 1.)

Gary T. Mills/The Times-Union

Pop-Tart & Beat-Box

I know I predicted this outcome last night, but I was seriously hoping I was wrong. Idol Nation, you have disappointed me once again. How could you send Melinda home?

For the first time this season I feel like I don’t care about the final outcome (although I’m sure I’ll develop some opinions by next week). Between Jordin and Blake, Jordin is obviously the better singer. But would I call myself a Jordin fan? Not exactly. She’s had her share of shaky performances, and her over-the-top perkiness and toothy smile get on my nerves. And Blake? We all know he’s overrated.

So excuse me while I sit and sulk for the rest of the night.

Erin Patterson/The Times-Union

Wagering is discouraged

In six seasons of American Idol, this could be the toughest semifinal. Melinda Doolittle made it clear Tuesday night that she should be there next week, but Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis finished neck and neck. They might have drained votes from Doolittle because fans were concerned with who gets the second final spot. Even Simon wimped out on picking the final matchup. This thing has all the clarity of the St. Johns in summer.

It’s not hard to believe she’s 17: Sparks was praised 5.46 times a week this season for having a great set of pipes for her age. She kept it up with "Wishing on a Star," but by the time she did "She Works Hard for the Money," her voice was too tired to pop the low notes. She also was less than enthusiastic about Simon’s song choice for her, and then she argued with him at the end of the show when he didn’t like her song choice. Ask Chris Sligh how that turns out.

Saddest striptease since Jamie Lee Curtis in "True Lies": Doolittle seemed to fear her jacket would wrinkle as she daintily dropped it on "I’m a Woman." But her sass was perfect for her second take on the song this season. She also supplied a great gritty growl on "Nutbush City Limits."

He’s got your back: Lewis finished strong with Robin Thicke’s "When I Get You Alone," restraining his beatboxing to a few choice notes. Simon gave him a great critique, possibly enough to get into the final. But in Lewis’ mind, the high had to be returning to Washington state for a hero’s welcome that included … working the mic for Sir Mix-A-Lot on "Baby Got Back." Wish I could have seen the mayor’s face.

Cowellism of the night: "You can’t say it was fantastic." That was Simon telling fans what they should think about Lewis’ opener. And we thought Cowell’s mouth and his saddlebag pecs were the biggest things on him. Dude, you’re arguing with the people who write your check. Besides Coke, I mean.

Most likely to go home: Sparks. Yeah Randy, live with it.

Should be most likely to go home: The backing band and singers. The singers were a flat-noted distraction on Lewis’ "Roxanne," and I haven’t heard horns that shrill since Connie Corleone’s wedding reception in "The Godfather."
John Timpe/The Times-Union

Agree to disagree

We agree that Tuesday's Idol was a lot of fun, especially after last week's bomb. But that's about all we agreed on.

1. Best performance of the night:
Erin: Melinda's I'm a Woman (It gave me chills.)
Gary: Melinda's Nutbush City Limits (Is there ANYTHING this W-O-M-A-N can't sing?)

2. Weakest performance of the night:
Erin: Blake's Roxanne (In case you haven't heard, I'm not the biggest Blake fan.)
Gary: Blake's Roxanne (That's true, literally and figuratively.)

3. Idol judge appearing to be under the influence:
Erin: Paula (Idolnation has been wondering what's in the big red Coke cup.)
Gary: Paula (So what's new?)

4. Best overall performer of the night:
Erin: Melinda (I love her.)
Gary: Melinda (Heck, best performer all season.)

5. Weakest performer of the night:
Erin: Blake (Because I hate Blake's beat-boxing.)
Gary: Blake (She really does. As for me, it's OK, but who could listen to an entire album of this scat?)

6. WILL be in the Finals:
Erin: Jordin and Blake (I really hope I'm wrong.)
Gary: Melinda and Blake (I KNOW she's wrong!)

7. SHOULD be in the Finals:
Erin: Melinda and Jordin (Because it's a SINGING competition.)
Gary: Melinda and Phil (Because Phil was robbed. RECOUNT!)

8. Best song choice by Idol judges:
Erin: Wishing on a Star, Simon's pick for Jordin (I guess he knows how to pick 'em.)
Gary: Roxanne, Paula's pick for Blake (Too bad he couldn't pull it off.)

9. Best use of sound effects:
Erin: Phil Stacey's flatulent hands during WAWS/TV-30 promo (What, did you think I was going to say Blake?)
Gary: Erin's laugh at the promo (And thanks to TiVo, she got to laugh again, and again ...)

10. Biggest shock of the night:
Erin: Calling in to vote and hearing Melinda's voice thanking me for voting (It was the highlight of my day.)
Gary: Simon's criticism of Jordin (Ouch! Didn't see that one coming.)

So who do you think will be in next week's finals? We want to hear from you.

Erin Patterson and Gary T. Mills/The Times-Union

Our celebration would have been grand

From the beginning (well, at least since we began watching Idol), we’ve been pushing for a Phil parade here in Jacksonville. Had he made the final three, our dream could have been a reality.

As we get ready to watch tonight’s episode (and see the remaining three in their hometowns), we can’t help but think of what the city could have done . . .

• Hang a giant banner from the Modis building.
• Dye the river blue (it was the color associated with him and his fans).
• Somehow incorporate a helicopter.
• Convince fans to shave their heads.
• Fireworks. Lots of fireworks. Oh, and ticker tape!

A little more than we bargained for

Maybe it’s just us, but is there anyone out there who didn’t think last week’s Idol shows were a bust?

Let’s face it, it’s hard to pull off the Bee Gees sound. Idol’s final four couldn’t do it Tuesday night. And even Barry Gibb (Mr. BG himself) couldn’t do it on Wednesday’s results show.

One thing Gibb did, however, was give viewers an eyeful. It seems the bright stage lights and his choice of a loosely knit black shirt revealed that what may have been sexy 30 years ago isn’t necessarily so today. (Thank goodness we weren’t watching in high definition.)

For those who missed it and will dare to look, check out the rest of the photos from last week’s results show at americanidol.com.

The battle over beat-boxin’ Blake

Read the online discussions about Idol, and you’ll soon realize that Blake is the most-talked-about contestant. It seems there’s no middle ground: Either you’re for him or against him. Here at the Times-Union, it’s no different.

Love him
1. He’s the Dean Martin, the John Belushi at this party.
2. He would be the first Idol to produce his own album. Ask Taylor Hicks what that’s worth.
3. Don’t buy the judges’ hype that his arrangements have harmed the classics; You Keep Me Hanging On = Ode to Joy? I don’t think so.
4. If Blake wins, it’ll be like sticking another needle in the Simon kewpie doll: two straight Idols whom the judge didn’t want and can’t categorize.
5. Without Blake, the final three weeks of Season 6 would have been all diva, all the time.
JOHN TIMPE/The Times-Union

Leave him
1. It’s a singing competition, right? Put his noise-making talents aside and listen to him SING. He’s not bad, but he’s not as good as his fans (and the judges) make him out to be.
2. He wore a tuxedo T-shirt. That is not OK.
3. Without the blond highlights, he’s just not as attractive.
4. He needs to stop the “dancing.”
5. Would you honestly buy an entire CD of “ba-chick-booow-boom-boom-chi-chi-bee-boop”?
ERIN PATTERSON/The Times-Union

Live from ... it's Phil

Phil Stacey talks with WAWS-TV's Beverly Brooks in a live interview at a rally at The St. Johns Town Center Monday afternoon.

This May Day is Phil Stacey Day

Phil speaks after Mayor John Peyton read a proclamation which said, in part:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN PEYTON, by virtue of the power vested in me as Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2007 as Phil Stacey Day in Jacksonville and encourage all citizens to join me in congratulating Mr. Stacey on his success on “American Idol,” expressing appreciation for his service in the U.S. Navy, and wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Phan photo

Phil greeted and posed for pictures for many of his fans who stopped by the St. Johns Town Center Monday afternoon.

Philnatics phinally meet Phil

For the record, Phil Stacey — had he made it to American Idol's Final Four — would not have sung Stayin' Alive during last week's competition. Instead, he said, he would have considered the Bee Gees-penned Islands In the Stream, made popular by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers in 1983.

And I bet if we'd asked, Phil would have given it his best shot Monday afternoon during an afternoon appearance at The St. Johns Town Center. The former Idol contestant was there to accept a proclamation by Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton and to meet, greet and say cheese for Philnatics who got the last-minute word of the event. (We only learned of the event just after noon Monday.)

Earlier Phil gave interviews to local Fox affiiliate WAWS/TV-30 and to the Times-Union's Roger Bull among other local media in his continuing post-Idol media swing that took him from L.A. to New York and places in between since his exit from the show May 2. (Look for Roger's story on the front of Tuesday's paper or at jacksonville.com.)

Phil's wife, Kendra, was there, too, just as she was all those weeks in the audience when Phil made it from the 24 contestants chosen to "go to Hollywood" all the way to the Top 6.

Phil eagerly paused to chat with his fans one-by-one, sign what looked to be some lengthy autographs, and pose for numerous photos (including two with these bloggers — Yes!). Kendra did the same for those who sought her out.

They're both anticipating their future: Phil's performing with the American Idol tour this summer (pending Navy approval) and Phil's no-doubt climb up the musical career ladder. Idol judges Randy, Paula and even Simon like Phil's chances as a country music recording artist and performer, the genre Phil indicated he'd like to pursue on the show a number of weeks ago.

That'd be a good fit for Phil, the one whom nearly everyone — including Simon — labeled as "one of the good guys."

Monday's crowd was fewer in numbers than we'd like to see for Phil's homecoming. We suspect that crowd wiill grow substantially when Phil appears with Melinda, Jordin, Blake, Sanjaya and the others when the Idol tour stops at the Veterans Memorial Arena on Sunday, July 8. (Erin, however, still insists a ticker-tape parade for our Phil. Perhaps the mayor's office could work on that. For our ideas, see A.I. Stir in Tuesday's Lifestyle section and on this blog.)

USA Today gets inside the Idol curtain

Bill Keveney got a chance to follow the Idol contestants leading up to Tuesday's show. There's some sweet insight into song choice, wardrobe and working with a mentor.

And then there were three

In the first post-Phil Stacey week of American Idol, LaKisha Jones was sent home Wednesday night, leaving Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle and Blake Lewis.
Random thought I: The Ford commercials featuring the contestants are actually pretty good. The smarmy ones with the two actors are actually really awful
To fill an hour: Yes! It’s back to the Farmer’s Market where middle-aged women sing Stayin’ Alive! Yes!
Final four: Host Ryan Seacrest couldn’t bring two at a time to the stage, that would have given it away. So all four stood there and waited for the news. He first declared Sparks safe. Then, after another commercial, he let Doolittle know that she, too, was safe.
Random thought II: Pink’s dress did not look very comfortable.
Two: Jones and Lewis, pretty much everyone’s guess as the two most likely to go, stood and waited … Lewis was safe and Jones was going home.
Random thought III: It’s a good thing Barry Gibb had backup help on the chorus of To Love Somebody, otherwise it could have gotten really ugly.
There’s more: The American Idol folks are now looking for bands …

Roger Bull/The Times-Union

Click your heels

It was a sad night Tuesday on American Idol. For starters, there was no Jacksonville contestant anymore. At least Phil Stacey was spared the return to disco (this episode brought to you by the letters B and G). Next was the realization that this field just isn’t cutting it, something you can’t hide when you’re down to four contestants. It’s very "Wizard of Oz." Together, they make a complete singer but individually they’re each missing something. So travel down the Yellow Brick Road with me …

Melinda Doolittle is the Lion: She needs a little more courage. Doolittle proved once again that she’s the one to beat on "Love You Inside Out." She did all the little things right, such as the note changes at the end of the words in the chorus. But none of it was jaw-dropping.

Blake Lewis is the Tin Man: The judges didn’t love it, but Lewis’ echo effect and falsetto were perfect for "You Should Be Dancing." Fun aside, he still came across as gimmicky, not someone whose passion is in the song.

Jordin Sparks is the Scarecrow: OK, technically it’s not she who needs the brain, but the producers for not raising the minimum age. The 17-year-old was strong but a little shaky on "To Love Somebody" and went pitchy on "Woman in Love." Imagine how good she’d be if she had one more year of seasoning before attempting this.

Most likely to go: That leaves Jones as Dorothy, who just wants to go home. She kept her soul momentum going on "Staying Alive" but went hoarse and broke on the last notes of "Run to Me." This week, Dorothy will get her wish.

Cowellism of the night: "LaKisha, no kiss tonight, baby." Simon said Jones was back to shouting the notes on "Staying Alive." You know, we haven’t cast the Wicked Witch yet.

"Umm, it’s the Bee Gees": I found myself saying that after each of the following – "It actually made it very corny for me" (Randy on Lewis’ "You Should Be Dancing"); "It’s a high falsetto song" (guest mentor Barry Gibb on "Staying Alive"); "I was singing like a lady in the first place, so it’s OK" (Gibb on "Love You Inside Out"):

He drifted into the poppy field: Gibb declared Sparks "is going to be one of our greatest female singers" right before she sang "Woman in Love" and went flat in the middle. It’s never good for a contestant to close the show with the judges harshing on her.

Guest appearance by the flying monkeys: That would be the stylists, who put Jones in capri pants and Sparks in a Technicolor yawn dress.
John Timpe/The Times-Union

This is American Idle.

After last week's full-throttle Rock Week with Jon Bon Jovi, the competition came to a halt Tuesday night. We're not sure who thought Barry Gibb could follow JBJ, but we're sure that it was a bad idea.

Each of the Top 4 faltered. Not once, but twice. After a disappointing first round, we held out hope for a strong finish. But that wasn't to be the case.

Here's a breakdown of the judges' comments for Tuesday's performances:

Contestant 1: Some notes were pitchy. We're not sure why you chose that song. Overall, not your best performance.

Contestant 2: Some notes were pitchy. We're not sure why you chose that song. Overall, not your best performance.

Contestant 3: Some notes were pitchy. We're not sure why you chose that song. Overall, not your best performance.

Contestant 4: Some notes were pitchy. We're not sure why you chose that song. Overall, not your best performance.

And we couldn't agree more. This was the most boring hour of television we've watched in a long time.

We miss Phil. A lot.

Gary T. Mills and Erin Patterson/The Times-Union

Phil's other gig

When American Idol finalists leave, they usually head straight for their musical careers. But Phil Stacey has a complication: He’s in the Navy.

On Thursday afternoon, 15 hours after being voted off the TV show, Stacey said he plans to finish his term in the Navy but hopes to get time off for the American Idols Live concert tour this summer. And next year, he wants to leave the Navy to pursue a career in music.

(For more of Roger Bull's story, click here.)

Still Philin' the pain

The Palm Beach Post's Leslie Gray Streeter is mighty upset Phil got the boot.

"IDLED" Viewers say bye to Phil

The Idol ride is over for Phil Stacey.

The Jacksonville-based sailor was voted off American Idol on Wednesday night. But he lasted 16 weeks on the country's most popular TV show. He will be invited to join the American Idols Live concert tour this summer, and of the more than 100,000 hopefuls who began the process last year, Stacey finished in the top six.

(To read more of Roger Bull's story, go here.)

Out in a Blaze of Glory

Last week's Idol Gives Back robbed Jacksonville's Phil Stacey of his trip to the Final Four Wednesday night.

Philnatics, no doubt, were shocked to learn halfway through the results show, that their American Idol would go out singing Blaze of Glory. In case they forgot, all of those votes placed last week carried over to the vote totals this week. (And it seems likely that others would benefit more from the 8 plus total hours of voting than Phil; previous results this season were based on only 2 hours of voting.) Which is too bad, because we'd be willing to bet that based on the votes following this week's performance alone, Phil was guaranteed a spot on next week's show.

But one of the things we've learned about him thus far is that Phil's not the type of guy to blame circumstance for his fate. Even as his quest to become American Idol crumbled Wednesday night, his smile never wavered. For Phil knows that opportunities await him, and even if they don't play out the way some hope they do, he's already got a lot going for him.

So Phil took the stage again and gave another full throttle performance of Bon Jovi's Blaze of Glory. He sang for the audience. He sang for the judges. He sang for his Navy buddies. And he sang for his wife and the remaining contestants, many of whom were shown with tears running down their cheeks.

In fact, Phil rocked out to Bon Jovi better than Bon Jovi rocked out to Bon Jovi Wednesday night. (The group took to the stage minutes later with ballad promoting an album due out this summer.)

Once again, Phil proved why he was there tonight and why he should be there next week, too. But the votes were cast. And counted. There's no going back. No do-overs this week.

Perhaps the only good thing about Phil's early exit from the stage is that he didn't have suffer Chris Richardson whining his way through Dead or Alive again after he, too, was booted from the competition.

So as Melinda, Blake, Jordin and Lakisha prepare for Soul Week (with Barry Gibb) next week, at least one of them should count himself lucky that he won't have to compete against Phil. For when it comes to soul, Phil's would easily outshine any others on stage.

And that's the type of idol we can all cheer for.

Gary T. Mills/The Times-Union

Good things come to those who rock

Can we just make every week "Rock Week" on American Idol? For those who’ve suffered through Sanjaya and some of the most mediocre weeks since Season 3, Tuesday night was a reward. We got to see: local contestant Phil Stacey make his dream come true next to Jon Bon Jovi; the First Lady make fun of her husband on a reality show; a candid celebrity mentor who knew what the heck he was doing; Jordin Sparks auger in; LaKisha Jones redeem herself; and Blake Lewis go way, waaaay out on a limb – with a performance that will provoke water cooler chatter all morning.

Let’s start with….: Stacey opened the show with "Blaze of Glory," a song he said he’s been practicing for 15 years. He had to pinch himself ("Holy moley, I’m jammin’ with Bon Jovi"), and the mentor was almost as impressed: "Phil just knocked this one out of the park." Stacey hit the notes with relish, worked the crowd and camera, fist-bumped Randy, and showed big teeth on a big last note. Then he saluted fellow sailors and appealed to voters by saying of the judges: "They’re not the ones keeping me here."

And they made him a judge: Randy said of Stacey: "Other than Country Week, this is your best performance." Paula said, "This is the best opening we’ve had all season long." Then Simon awoke from hibernating in his cave. "I don’t think you’ve done enough to last next week." Of course, this is the same man who said he had trouble recognizing two popular Bon Jovi songs.

Did he or didn’t he? Lewis threw a Hail Mary, converting "You Give Love a Bad Name" into a mix of cow bell, beat box, the Robot, rap echo, sound effects and, finally, a pouty, edgy chorus. Bon Jovi wasn’t sure it would work, but he became a believer. The judges loved it, with Simon saying it would keep Lewis alive and polarize fans. The show’s message boards were split 50-50 after the show.

Want to see Phil live? The Idol tour will stop here at the Arena on July 8, according to the show’s Web site. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. May 19.

Shoot the stylist: Sparks gamely tried "Livin’ on a Prayer" and admitted that she butchered it. What was worse was the hairstyle inspired by "Clash of the Titans." And the stylists weren’t done yet; Jones’ dress looked like an innertube sponsored by Red Stripe.

Hail to the cheese: Nice feat getting the sitting president to congratulate the show for raising $70 million during "Idol Gives Back." Bush kicked off a little Sonny-and-Cher banter by offering to sing. Laura replied, "I don’t know darlin’, they’ve already seen you dance." Nice one.

Cowellism of the night: "Nice lips." Simon was so impressed with Jones’ return to her soulful strength on "This Ain’t a Love Song," he said he could kiss her. She obliged, leading to his quote above. Oooo, he’s going to hear about it when he gets home.

Rollin’: On a theme night when she had no business even being in the running, Melinda Doolittle proved again that it’s her title to lose. She got in touch with her inner Tina Turner and growled through "Have a Nice Day." Her attitude on the chorus was priceless.

Most likely to go home: We have to pick two this week, and although Bon Jovi said Jones wouldn’t go home this week, she’s in danger. The other pick’s easy. Chris Richardson had to do much better than last week, and Tuesday he sang "Wanted Dead or Alive." I’m opting for the former.
John Timpe/The Times-Union

Can we get a parade yet?

My usual Idol-watching partner is on vacation (in sunny St. Louis), so for the first time in weeks, I had to watch alone. As painful as that experience was, I got through it. Overall, I think Tuesday's show was pretty entertaining. We had some good performances (three, to be exact). We had some not-so-good performances. And we had some Bon Jovi.

Phil: It’s no secret that I’ve been a Philnatic since I started watching the show, but I really do think Tuesday’s “Blaze of Glory” was his best performance yet (and I’m not just saying that because I want a Phil parade…but seriously, I do).

Jordin: You knew someone was going to take “Livin’ on a Prayer” and destroy it (even Bon Jovi cover bands should leave this one). Bad, bad choice. And despite the outfit, I wasn’t feeling the rocker vibe. She needed to move or something. I’m just happy the judges didn’t drown her in praise like they normally do (and I didn’t hear Randy mention her age once!).

Lakisha: She’s (finally) baaaaaaack. Sorry, it had to be stated. I was sure tonight would be all about the guys (at least Phil and Blake), but I was wrong. Excellent song choice (“This Ain’t a Love Song”). Great execution.

Blake (minus the highlights): So Blake “took a leap of faith” (Randy and Paula’s words) and put his own spin on a Bon Jovi classic (“You Give Love a Bad Name”). One of the judges (I can’t remember who because I was too busy yelling at all of them through my TV screen) called it “brave.” Brave? Hardly! He had to do something to the song because he can’t open his mouth wide enough to actually sing it. I pretty much hated it.

Chris: I don’t care about his performances anymore. I’ve been over Chris for weeks now. If you were to meet Chris at a bar (and believe me, that’s exactly where you meet guys like Chris), any self-respecting girl would roll her eyes and walk away. Because even though he might be cute (in an I-want-to-be-Justin-Timberlake sort of way), and even though he thinks he’s charming, you know exactly what he’s after. And in this competition he’s after the fame. End of story.

Melinda: Her rendition of “Have a Nice Day” was probably my favorite performance of the night. Melinda always impresses me. What can I say? She rocks.

Last note: At the end of the show, President Bush and the First Lady gave a shout-out to everyone who donated during last week’s “Idol Gives Back.” I had a hard time listening to them because I kept picturing Dennis Quaid in American Dreamz. (If you haven’t seen the movie, add it to your Netflix list.)

Erin Patterson/The Times-Union

ROCKING ON

If he's going out this week, Phil Stacey's doing so in a Blaze of Glory.

The Jacksonville-based sailor opened Tuesday's show with a bang, firmly establishing this week's rock theme. In fact, judge Paula Abdul said it was "the best opening we've had all season long."

In the pre-performance interview, Phil said he's been practicing this song for 15 years. And it showed. Judge Randy Jackson even proclaimed it Phil's "best peformance ever" outside of Country Week.

Of course, Simon "Scowl" begged to differ, suggesting that Phil hadn't done enough to last until next week. But that's Simon. And as Phil said afterword, what Simon says isn't always what Idol voters do. They're the ones who have kept Phil in the game, not Simon.

Shock and awful: The show's biggest shocker came early, following Phil's performance, when likely finalist Jordin bombed with Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer. Wow! We thought Lakisha -- even Melinda -- might be vulnerable to this week's theme, but no one expected Jordin to crash and burn the way she did. She knew it and the judges knew it. Said Simon: "It was terrible." He even trashed her look, saying she looked like a character out of The Addams Family.

Don't kiss her goodbye: It was Lakisha who provided some shock and awe by eliciting the following line from Simon: "I actually could kiss you after that." And he did just that. Lakisha's performance of Bon Jovi's relatively obscure This Ain't a Love Song was a comeback for the contestant who's faltered recently. And Simon rewarded her for it by saying that she "absolutely nailed it." Perhaps Jordin should have taken the same path as Lakisha.

Rolling the Dice: Blake easily turned in the season's most original performance, beat-boxing and remixing all the way through You Give Love a Bad Name. John Bon Jovi had some reservations before Blake took the stage. The judges, however, overwhelmingly liked it. But whether Bon Jovi-loving Idol voters did won't be known until Wednesday's results show.

Marked Man: When you read Erin's review of Tuesday's show, you'll see that she doesn't want Chris Dead or Alive. He did the best he could, according to the judges. But let's face it, without the Justin Timberlake looks and moves, there's really not much there. So it's time to take your nasally singing style and go.

Simply the Best: Is there's one thing we thought Melinda couldn't do, it was rock. How wrong we were. (She sang Have a Nice Day. And she did!) She's sounded like American Idol since first stepping on the Idol stage. But over the last three weeks, she's looked the part. Randy and Simon even compared her to Tina Turner. Enough said.

Awkward moment of the night: Ryan Seacrest telling booted Idol contestant Rockin' Gina Glocksen that it must be hard for her to sit in the audience during Rock Week. Ouch.

Gary T. Mills, watching from St.Louis, the town Tina Turner turned upside down 40 years ago

Celebrity Playlist: Phil Stacey

What Phil listens to, according to iTunes:

I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Tony Bennett
Autumn In New York, Billie Holiday
When We Dance, Sting
What's Going On, Marvin Gaye
Is the Feeling Gone, Brian McKnight
Valentine, Martina McBride
Feels Like Today, Rascal Flatts
Amazed, Lonestar
Daughter, Vienna Teng
What I Wouldn't Give, Holly Brook
Over My Head (Cable Car), The Fray
I Can Only Imagine, MercyMe
Enough to Be on Your Way, James Taylor

ONE PHILNATIC SPEAKS OUT

Some love for the hometown contestant

We love hearing from our readers (especially about American Idol). Judy Johnson writes: "I vote for Phil every week! He's just as good as the others this year. I don't think one or two really stand out this year as in years past!"

Compiled by GARY T. MILLS and ERIN PATTERSON/The Times-Union

THIS WEEK COULD BE ALL ABOUT THE GUYS

Tonight's mentor is Jon Bon Jovi, and that means song choices could be tough for the Idol contestants. Let's face it, not everyone can (successfully) sing Bon Jovi. We're just wondering who will be the one to butcher Livin' on a Prayer (Chris, anyone?).

Idol's arranger and pianist Michael Orland thinks the girls have it especially rough.

"I think the guys definitely have an advantage singing Bon Jovi songs," he told Entertainment Weekly. "Whatever the girls do, they should get extra props for having to sing a guy rock 'n' roll-vibe song."

Although he didn't get into specifics, he said one contestant in particular had no problem choosing a song.

"What I will say about Jordin is that the second it was announced we were doing a Bon Jovi week, she requested her song early," he said. "She knew exactly what she was going to sing."

Hmmm . . . Livin' on a Prayer, perhaps?

The Times-Union