What the Heck's a "Mimi"??

Mariah Carey night. . . it puzzles me why they constantly chide contestants about singing songs that are “too big” or getting them compared to the original artist. The message these kids get is: pick songs that were not done well by the original artists, pick obscure music that no one knows (so you can’t be compared with anyone), pick songs by crappy artists??? And then they have them start out the season singing BEATLES and move on to Mariah Carey (okay, Dolly was somewhere in there, too, but not everyone likes Dolly’s music, so they were pretty safe). And, it was okay for me to have Mariah mentor this week, because I’m not her biggest fan. But apparently, she’s an icon in the eyes of the judges, so I’m not quite getting why she was chosen --- it’s almost as if the contestants were being set up.

Lil’ David started off the show by singing “When You Believe”. It was a predictable but excellent choice for him --- he was able to put his whole heart into lyrics that he really felt. I just wish he didn’t look so scared every time he finishes. I’m hoping it’s more about the size of the audience and less about how is father will react.

Carly was next, dressed like a star (except for the heavy black tights) --- she looked fab! Her choice was “Without You”. I thought it was a great song for her, she sang it well. The judges reactions were lukewarm --- I’m getting that feeling I get every season that the voting is being “driven” by the judges, that they’re trying to steer the voters in a certain direction. Several weeks ago, Carly could do no wrong. I don’t see her performances getting any weaker, yet she’s fallen out of favor for some reason. Hubbie’s facial tattoos?? Fallout over early season accusations of setting up the contest?? It’s a mystery to me, but it will be a shame if this girl goes home at this point in the contest.

Syesha was next, in a horrible gold lame dress (too long, too old for her) singing “Vanishing”. Not being a big Mariah fan, it probably didn’t help that I had never heard this song. Either it’s an awkwardly written song or Syesha was off because it sounded VERY off-key to me for measures at a time. However, the judges seemed to like this performance --- maybe they’re more familiar with her choice than I was??

Brooke just can’t seem to let go of the one successful night she had singing “Let it Be” at the piano ---- it just seems like she’s trying to recapture that moment week after week. She chose “Hero” and tried to create an “unplugged” at the piano. . . didn’t work for me AT ALL. She was pitchy throughout, then starting increasing the tempo and shaking like a leaf --- seemed like the faster she went the more nervous she got and the more nervous she got the faster she went. She completely fell apart. Again, faced off the judges close to tears the whole time.

Kristy Lee came out and sang “Forever” --- she looked fabulous, glittery eyeliner aside (I’m beginning to think it’s tattooed on), but sounded especially nasally doing her countrified version.

Technology screwed me over AGAIN last night --- I was recording the show, as usual, on our Comcast DVR in high-def, and was watching something else in the “Tivo” room. I found myself strangely drawn to watch the show live, WHICH I SHOULD HAVE DONE, because Comcast suddenly “switched off”, then came back on. My husband, who was watching the Shark’s playoff game, estimated it was around 9:00p.m. Turns out it was BEFORE then, just before the last two performances of the night. So, the cable turned off, then turned back on, but the recording turned off. . . and stayed off, totaling cutting off the show just as Ryan was getting ready to introduce David’s performance.

By the time I found this out, hubby was already in bed, so I couldn’t even fire up the computer and watch the video clips of David and Jason until this morning.

HOWEVER, it was worth the wait in both cases: David’s rendition of “Always Be My Baby” was outrageously good! He makes Mariah songs palatable for me! This kid can do no wrong in my eyes!!

And, although I was initially a little nervous about Jason singing Mariah, I thought his take on “I Don’t Wanna Cry” was also very, very good. He reached a little further this week and put more of his own stamp on the song.

I think this is the last week of Bottom 3, and my choices for these slots are: Kristy Lee, Brooke, and Syesha.

However, I think the American public will throw Carly in there with Brooke and Syesha --- there’s a big group of Kristy Lee supporters out there.

Kristy Lee. . . this year’s Sanjaya. . .