Fanilow?

So, that's what their called? I met the illustrious Barry Manilow many, many years ago in a club in Kansas City. He was drunk, maybe I was too. He didn’t sing. Neither did I. That’s about as much as I have in common with the man. That’s not to say he’s not an excellent song writer or story teller, he just doesn’t really do that much for me. So, when I heard the theme was 50’s and we were to be subjected to Mr. Manilow, I nearly shut off the TV. Well, not nearly, but I did groan just a bit. In fact, I felt a bit like Elliott when he said “not a fan”…talk about a breath of fresh air (as opposed to the tons of smoke that usually gets blown in the direction of any celeb here in Hollywood). Of course, Elliott did turn into a “Fanilow” which gave me momentary pause. Had I been giving Barry the jaundiced eye for no good reason? Should I become a “Fanilow” too? I can’t say I find myself in the shoes of Elliott, but I’ve got to give Barry Manilow some mad props for giving us some seriously great arrangements because last night, we got treated to some amazing sangin’!! Ok, enough of the blather…let’s see who gave me fever this week: Mandisa – Don’t Hurt Anymore Last week Ms. ManDIVA told us not to worry about a thing. I worried a bit for her. Not this week! Simon said she came across as “sexy” and funny thing, I couldn’t agree more! What a way to open the show! As Emeril would say “BAM!” Bucky Covington – Oh Boy Hmmmm…I really, really like his voice. I was not overly impressed with this particular performance (“If I’m being honest!”). At least I don’t have to comment on his hair as Jessica Simpson’s stylist took a night off. Lucky for Bucky (hopefully that will translate into votes)!! Paris Bennett – Fever Why is it even necessary to say anything about this little powerhouse? She’s a stage whore! The stage calls and she answers! Yeah, she gave me a little bit ‘o fever last night. I’m still sweatin’! Chris Daughtry – Walk the Line I’ll be the first to admit that while I’ve admired Chris, I have not been his biggest fan. And then to hear him say he was singin’ Johnny Cash AND changing it up…shoot, I nearly had to call for his early removal. Let’s just say by the time he was done, I wanted to find whatever line it was that he was walkin’ and…’nuff said! If I was in the biz, I’d have this dude signed up already! Katherine McPhee – Come Rain or Come Shine Mr. Manilow said to sing it to someone. She said she had someone in mind. Me? I think so! Simon hit the nail on the head when he said that her performance turned her into a star! You coulda’ blown me down with a feather!! Bet Simon won’t forget her name anymore. Taylor Hicks – Not Fade Away First let me say that the “Silver Fox” (not to be confused with my local neighborhood gay bar) is in no danger of fading away anytime soon. Heck, it’ll be a while before he even makes it into the bottom three. Having said that, I didn’t think very much of last night’s performance, in fact, Simon was right…had that been the first time I heard him I’d have to pass! Lisa Tucker – Why Do Fools Fall In Love? Who cares about fools falling in love! That was not the all important “why” last night. In fact, I could think of a whole host of “why’s” for this dreadful performance. The first being “why the hell did you wear that obnoxious outfit?” What, was it teenybopper meets hooker night? And furthermore, “why in the name of all goodness was that the first 50’s song to pop in your head?” In fact, during her entire performance, all I could think of was “why are you still here?” Bottom three last week…my pick to go this week!! Kevin Covais – When I Fall in Love It’s not secret that I can’t stand Chicken Little. I think I used the work “puke” last week. However, he was…surprise, surprise…not the worst one last night. I rather enjoyed his little ditty. Do I wish he would go? Absolutely, but I think he saved himself this week! Elliott Yamin – Teach me Tonight Ummmm, if the topic is singing, ain’t nothin’ I can teach ya!!! Great scott, this boy can sing!!! And looks like ole Mr. Manilow even schooled him a bit on storytelling. Way to go Elliott! And BONUS for Barry…he’s got a new “Fanilow!” Kellie Pickler – Walkin’ After Midnight Damn! She did Patsy Cline proud!!! Minx, Mink, Tigress! You bet ya!!! The strongest voice? Nope! But she’s got a killer career in Country Music. With a story like her’s and that naivety, she’s gonna look back in a couple of years and find that she’s “come a long way baby!” HUGE!! Ace Young – In the Still of the Night Did you see him last week? I thought he had crapped himself when Ryan read his name…hahaha! Here he thought those good looks would send him sailing on through. Apparently not! Turns out having a fan base of seven year olds ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. You know, he had a couple of good moments last night…maybe even enough to keep him out of the bottom three…maybe. Melissa McGhee She’s gone…gone…gone…and I miss her! She was sexy, sultry and a whole host of other descriptive “s’s”…but you guys booted her, damn you! I hope y’all voted right this week!!! So that’s the wrap for this week. They're feeling more comfortable on the stage I think (well, all but the girl who should be doin’ a revival of The Lion King…go figure that she seemed the most nervous) and that’s a good thing. That means we get better performances each week! I would like to request that Ryan lay off all that poking at Simon. Geez, enough already! And if I’m being really honest, Paula could stay home next week. She needs a time out. Andy Dehnart may think she's the most important judge of the three, but I think it's just a ploy to get in her pants! Well ya’ll…that’s a wrap. Hey, don't forget to leave your comments! j.