Plus the weather is so beautiful it is hard to stay in front of the computer for too long.

I hope your summer is enjoyable as well. See you soon as AI 7 approaches.

In looking back at the other five seasons of Top 2, I wasn’t all that impressed. At least Blake was different and entertained. As others have said, I hope Jordin will seek help with her breathing and singing, and learns to sing while dancing.

MCL, you are the best there is in critical analysis and information. You are kind but helpful to the contestants. Looking forward to seeing you for next season’s show. Have a wonderful summer!

Thanks,
Kari

I can forgive him for that, though – especially considering the fact that he did not repeat any songs during the Top 3 week, while Jordin and Melinda did.

Sherry – I did vote for Blake. I did not vote for most of the season, partially just because I get really bored with the whole voting thing and partially because Tuesday nights are often spent at my in-laws’ house and I have to watch AI later that night or the next day.

But during the Top 3 night, I voted for him for about an hour and 40 minutes. That only resulted in 5 or 6 actual votes due to incessant busy signals. I only registered one vote for him during the Top 2, but I barely tried at all that night. I just had this feeling, based on something his friend Justin had said, that he had mixed feelings about the idea of winning – a fact that was confirmed by Justin after the finale. And from what I can gather, his fans had mixed feelings about it as well. They seem rather grateful that he didn’t win. I know I am, especially since it means I never have to hear him sing This Is My Now again.

The bottom line for me is this: I think that Blake did the best he could in everything he did on the show, regardless of his mixed feelings about winning. Blake and I have different tastes in music, so it remains to be seen whether I will want to purchase his album. But the draw for me with him is that it’s amazing to watch someone be creative on stage right in front of you, and there’s a decent chance I’d go to a live show of his even if I don’t end up liking his album. I’m hoping I’ll like the album, but who knows?

And at this point, I’m rambling, so I shall end my post.

Hmm – so he wanted to sing this song? Well, it is a good song and it did suit his voice, but overall it was not an inspiring Top 2 performance choice. Not enough “wow” factor happening.

Sometimes these singers get so caught up in what THEY want to perform that they lose sight of what will inspire and motivate an audience to vote. Song selection – it all comes down to that.

I didn’t vote this or any season, as I live in Canada.

I retrieved your comments – have no idea why they were targeted as spam, but it has happened to some others as well.

I am glad you enjoyed my Masterclass commentary. I love writing these articles and it is great to hear from other voice teachers, as your feedback is always important to me.

Is it okay to add a link to your site on my sidebar? Thanks again.

As I’m reading the previous comments, I may be naive too, but I cannot believe that Blake would deliberately “take a dive” or “throw a competition.” He’s shown himself to be an incredible stand-up guy throughout this whole season. To do such a thing would be a complete reversal of character. He did the best with the material he was given, and I could feel his frustration with that final song, as well.

During a lot of the post show interviews, the other contestants spoke of how much Jordin wanted to win this competition. I think that is the difference in any competition. Everyone brings their best to the table, but the person who truly wants it with every fiber of their being will triumph.

No, Blake didn’t “take a dive,” Jordin just wanted it more.

But, really, Blake struck me as an incredibly nice guy who had no idea what he was getting into since he’d never seen American Idol before. He seemed to make the best of it that he could while trying his hardest to keep his musical soul intact.

This quote, from someone at the TWOP forums, kind of sums that up for me:

“You gotta figure that for Blake, this last week or so was like being the best man in the kind of wedding where your pal’s intended’s family has the most bizarre and embarrassing traditions, and you go along to be a good sport, and the more you go along, the weirder it gets, and it’s a couple weeks before you can stand to make it into a good story, even.”

I’ve also gotten the impression that the relationships Blake made while on the show were more important to him than the show or the fame.

My apologies, but this made me laugh.
“Vocally, your voice had a meaty texture”
Blake? Meaty texture? LOL!!

I didn’t have a favorite this season. First time ever. However, I did feel that, based on Top 2 performances alone, that Jordin deserved the title.

I loved Melinda, Lakisha and Blake plus Phil and Gina were starting to sound quite impressive before they were eliminated.

I think that, especially after Season 5′s success, the fans know that record deals are possible for many singers in the Top 10.

Perhaps this is why I have a more relaxed attitude about the eventual winner this year than in previous years.

http://ngadutrafik2007.smandung.com