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'American Idol' brackets

Posted: Thursday, March 15, 2007 9:08 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
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I posted last night about how "American Idol" can be compared to the NCAA tourney brackets, but let's take that a little further. If the "Idol" contestants were going head-to-head in individual matchups, who would be the Cinderella, and who'd be an upset victim? Here's my take.

Say this all began before Brandon's elimination. Here's how your singers are seeded; obviously, you may disagree with some of the rankings, but it's as good a guess as any.

#1: Melinda
#2: LaKisha
#3: Jordin
#4: Stephanie
#5: Gina
#6: Chris Sligh
#7: Blake
#8: Chris Richardson
#9: Phil
#10: Haley
#11: Sanjaya
#12: Brandon

First round: #1 Melinda faces off against #12 Brandon, and her powerhouse voice blows away the background singer. #2 LaKisha takes on #11 Sanjaya, and all the fan bases and "Vote for the Worst" campaigns in the world can't save him there.

#3 Jordin takes on #10 Haley, and this could be a Cinderella upset. Jordin is amazing for a teen, and Haley's had her problems, but she's moving up fast. Give this one to Haley just to shake things up.

#9 Phil takes on #4 Stephanie, and it's not that much of a contest, Stephanie wins. But #5 matchups are legendarily troubled, and Gina struggles and finally gets eliminated against #8 Chris Richardson.

That leaves a battle of the boys: #6 Chris Sligh vs. #7 Blake. Chris's fans (who call themselves "Fro Patrol," after his bushy hair and Taylor Hicks' Soul Patrol) turn out in force, but it's Blake who moves on, in an extremely close contest.

FIRST-ROUND SUMMARY:
ADVANCING:
Melinda, LaKisha, Haley, Stephanie, Chris Richardson, Blake
BYE-BYE: Brandon, Sanjaya, Jordin, Phil, Gina, Chris Sligh

SECOND ROUND
Lowest-ranked Haley takes on Melinda, and it's still really no contest; Melinda wins.

Second-lowest-ranked Chris Richardson battles LaKisha, but she, too, glides into the final three.

In the most interesting battle of the round, #4 Stephanie takes on #7 Blake. Let's call this one for the Cinderella team: Blake's beatboxing (judiciously used, of course) and originality helps him pull out a shocker of a win over the talented Stephanie.

SECOND-ROUND SUMMARY:
ADVANCING: Melinda, LaKisha, Blake
BYE-BYE: Haley, Chris Richardson, Stephanie

THIRD ROUND
Three singers are left, so top-ranked Melinda gets a bye. It doesn't really matter, because Blake has gone as far as he can go. He loses to LaKisha, and it's really not even close.

THIRD-ROUND SUMMARY:
ADVANCING:
Melinda, LaKisha
BYE-BYE: Blake

CHAMPIONSHIP
It doesn't always happen in the NCAA, but it happens here in our fantasyland: The two top-ranked singers meet in the finals, LaKisha vs. Melinda, mano a mano. In the closest finale since the Clay-Ruben contest that's still being debated fiercely, Melinda draws on the maturity and experience she's developed through the competition and pulls out a victory.

Melinda Doolittle is your NCAA champion -- I mean, "American Idol."

Well, that's ONE way it could go. What are your scenarios?

 

 

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Comments

Back to the "topic"...wait, first i want to say. Everyone has a good voice. Girls, and boys. K? So they are both good. Now, Jordin will not loose to Haley b.c Jordin has one of the best voices i've heard in ALONG time. She can really sing. Melinda is also REALLY good. I think the bottom two will be Melinda and Jordin. As to say who will win...that'd be a toughy. Melinda's voice is powerful. Jordin's voice is calm and sweet. It all depends on who America well...what to be their next America Idol. (sounded like the sho huh?...lol)
The voting is really dumb. Honestly, i've been trying to scream this out to whoever would listen. K. So heres the deal. I'm going to pick on Sanjaya, because i really dont' think he should still be here. But, he's got a "baby-face" which prolly means he's popular at school, he looks like his family has money; basically that gets you popular in school these days (trust me, i know...i'm a junior in high school)- k, so you got all Sanjaya's friends...(since he's popular...he has ALOT of friends); and they're like "OMG! Sanjaya is on American Idol...i'm deffently voting for him"..because how cool would it be if one of your frineds all of a sudden because famous?! And the whole school thinks that too...so they all vote for him, then you got his sister...she's pretty, she's probably popular too...so on top of that...all her friends. Then you got the family...and i'm going to guess he has more than 10 people in his family...and who would turn a family member down?! Then...you got the neighbors and everyone telling everyone to vote for him, when in reality...he's not that good. He's good...but he's not (like the judges would say) "American Idol good enough"...that's the deal. And it's not only Sanjaya who's getting the "attention" from people he know. EVERYONE in the complitetion is getting dumb votes just because they are "known"...i think they should just stick it to where the Judges critisize and pick a "Bottom 3" and then WE vote on which of those 3 needs to go home. I'm really upset that Aj went home...not only was he good looking =D But he was REALLY good. I can't believe he went home...i'm so mad a America for sending him home and they let Sanjaya stay...stupid people!!!!
In the second round the Lakisha and Melinda stumble as they discover "big" voice's don't help them singing "abba", Hayleys rendition of "Dancing Queen" is a smash and she blow's away Melinda who couldn't quite make "Waterloo" believable and forgot the words. Chris shocks everyone doing drag and singing "Money, Money, Money"....the comic value alone gets him the votes to put him over...meantime Lakisha gives it her best shot but can't match the spectacle of Chris in high heels and sequins.
okay...this is how the rank should be....1-melinda, 2-lakisha, 3-jordin, 4-blake, 5-gina, 6-cr,7-cs, 8-phil, 9-haley, 10-sanjaya...haley has been doing much better though...so i feel that she will keep rising and i think she will suprise America.....i want blake to win, because he is the most unique and has the nicest arangements of his songs.....but then we have the three top powerful singers, who i think will beat him out...which is sad because he is the best overall....performance,voice,beatbox....all that put together makes him the best!!!!
I saw seasons 4 and 5 top 10 in concert but won't waste my hard-earned money on buying tickets to see season 6 this summer!
I think LAKISHA will take it ALL! Melinda is also very talented but her attitude is annoying!!! She knows she can sing but seems to be surprised that everyone likes her, GROW UP!!!
I think LAKISHA will take it ALL! Melinda is also very talented but her attitude is annoying!!! She knows she can sing but seems to be surprised that everyone likes her, GROW UP!!!
I am very disappointed in the voting system for American Idol. Voting seems to be based on everything but whether the person can sing. Remember, it is a SINGING COMPETITION for God's sake. Sanjaya should have been kicked off the show a long time ago.. Yes, Sanjaya is cute, a nice guy, etc., but the BOY CANNOT SING.... I just hope when the competition is over, we can all agree that the BEST SINGER WON...
Oh for god sake...its NOT a singing competition, if America's Music public valued singing above all else Britney and Madonna wouldn't be it's two highest paid female stars. Lakisha and Melinda have the best voices, but would ANYONE buy their CDs or pack stadiums to see them perform, HONESTLY!! It's about selling CDs people. If you pick Lakisha or Melinda, your simply selecting the next Rueben to disappear into talented obscurity. Singing is the entry level qualification, but that's all it is. I for one hope we don't waste our time finding the next Rueben!!! There's no Chris Daughtry or Carrie Underwood this season, but Blake may at least have a Nick Lachey type success, and Jordin shows promise!!! Get over the Lakisha and Melinda thing...the most accurate comparision this season was when Simon said Melinda reminded him of Gladys Knight...she does, she's an outstanding talented singer, and would have had a great career 40 years ago...but not in this day and age!!
I still LOVE Idol- every week gives a new opportunity for someone new to shine! Sanjaya was fun to watch but now it seems like we will have to put up with his inappropriate presence for a few more weeks. I love hearing from Melinda BUT and am tired of the "Doe in the headlights" response. Lakisha is a powerhouse- her standing is going to (almost totally) depend on song choice now. I will be surprised is Melinda wins- since she is the obvious choice. I think there will be an upset- either Lakisha or Blake to pull past. Gina will make it to top 5 then be out. Nancy in BC
I still LOVE Idol- every week gives a new opportunity for someone new to shine! Sanjaya was fun to watch but now it seems like we will have to put up with his inappropriate presence for a few more weeks. I love hearing from Melinda BUT and am tired of the "Doe in the headlights" response. Lakisha is a powerhouse- her standing is going to (almost totally) depend on song choice now. I will be surprised is Melinda wins- since she is the obvious choice. I think there will be an upset- either Lakisha or Blake to pull past. Gina will make it to top 5 then be out. Nancy in BC
It is sad to see Stephanie Edwards go off Idol. But this gives her time now to cut a record deal and make an album (she's awesome) before the AI season is over. Probably the best thing that could have happened to her (like Daughtry). Melinda should win anyway. Haley keep picking good songs...and not everyone needs to be or talk about your fiance....quit it!
I quit watching Idol after Sundance was voted off, Sanjaya should have never been in the top 24, and lastly Lakisha should not make it, too much Fantasia in her for me, and it would not be in the producers best interest for Lakisha to win. Look at Fantasias record sales, I guess she did not have the capital C above her name. But I still keep up with the news on who has been voted off. This is the worst Idol, I have watched the show from the beginning and wiped my hands of the show this year. Bye, Bye
I agree with the comments that the most marketable performer is Blake. He will do well with the different kinds of music thrown at him with his updated FRESH approach to the songs, where the front runner girls all sound like all every other black singer now. I am much older, but i love BLake's new original fresh sound. I would love to see someone different get it this year that would really do well.
The only thing keeping Sanjaya in the competition is a web site called votefortheworst.com He should have been gone the first week. If he wins i'll never watch idol again.
Obviously with the Fan club t hat Sanjaya has...I won't be surprised if he really starts to shine tonight....GO SANJAYA!
My pick is Melinda, watching last night, seeing her performance of a song I've heard but rarely hear, sounded as if it was her song she's been performing all this time. I'm sick of the innocent act, but bottom line, she's in a league of her own. I'd like to see Blake or Skinny Chris go far in the competition. The way i wish the public would vote is "Would you buy a CD put out by this person?" because really for me when it comes down to it, Blake, Skinny Chris, Gina and possibly Jordin are the only Yes answers in the group! Lakisha can't sing anything but Big R&B/Ballad classics...who is listening to that among the kids nowadays? noone! Melinda has talent, but can that be put into something that would fly off the shelves...i'm not sure!
When is Sanjaya going out...that Boy can't sing at all. He is cute but I think it's time for him to leave. I guess voting is really up to the judges because people are voting the wrong contestant. Melinda, Lakisha and Jordin are the best overall right now, but they need to watch the others like Gina because they are getting better every week.
Please, please please, can someone please take Sanjaya off this show. It's a singing competition & he can't sing at all..I couldn't hear the words last nite, the music totally overpowered him and that hair is the only thing making a statement. He's awful & it galls me to think that while he's there, someone else who CAN sing will be kicked off.. if Sanjaya stays & someone else more talented gets kicked out..I will no longer watch AI.....it's about talent, and he's got absolutely none.. WHY IS HE STILL THERE????????? People turn the sound up & really listen to him...he's awful!!!!!!!!!
I love Jordan and Gina, watch out for those two, my bet will be Jordan first and Gina runner up.
I think Blake really deserves the winning title - he is original and never falters from his true self Sanjaya is awful absolutely awful and his baby face is more and more annoying with each passing week. Gina is a force to be watching out for.. she may just surprise us all
I think that their are some talented singers on Idol this year. Melinda and LaKisha have the most talent, but Jordin and also Gina have talent. The boys Blake and I thought Chris Sligh were good most performances. I just feel that Sanjaya is not a good singer, he is a fair singer only. He should not advance any more in this SINGING competition. I feel the winner will come down to Melinda and or LaKisha.... I think it's going to be LaKisha in the end. She is not faking her being just herself. I think Melinda tends to be a little more fake at times.. Or at least that is what I see when watching her when the judges tell her AGAIN how good she is.... LaKisha is just being LaKisha.... Good luck to all....
I have seen every show each year and think the program is entertaining. I guess it's the uniqueness each individual brings, the surprise that occurs when a better singer get sent home over a worse individual, the actual songs and the quality of it that is sung, what the judges convey to each singer, and the guest singer that appears to sing on the elimination night. They all have talent, some more that others. What gets me is a individual keeps making it through, probably because there are those who think he or she is cute...adorable, while the better singers get sent home. Like it or not Simon is right, It Is A Singing Competition. Each will get notoriety once they are off the show or the show is over. My guess is Malinda, Lakeesha, Jordan, and Blake. Good luck to them all.
This is beginning to seem rigged. Sanjaya still there when Stephanie and Chris with real voices and talent are gone? They wouldn't have won but they deserved the additional exposure to foster their careers as professional performers. He is just taking up space and robbing more deserving of a priceless opportunity. AMerican Idol's credibility is eroding quickly when it is this vulnerable to keeping cameras on a crying pathetic 11 yr old so that Sanjaya got sympathy pity votes Either this is "A SINGING COMPETITION" or it's a PR Machine and has no credibility at all AI is a chance in a lifetime for these young people and it is disrespectful for the least talented to remain
I think Saanjaya shows courage and originality, and he should stay on; his voice is OK by me.
I read these posts and the one that sticks out is that Melinda might not deliver country-come on she is from Music City USA, she is not limited to r&b-I attended every live show of Nashville Star this year and think those performers outshined and out sang anything that has happened on AI this season! If all we can find to pick on Melinda about is her being humble or having no neck-I say she has no worries. She is far and away the best singer and most engaging enterainer of the top 10, and that is not saying a lot. It is amazing that people like Sanjaya, Gina, Phil, and Haley have gotten this far. For this I blame the judges for even singling them out to go to Hollywood. Come on-out of thousands this is the best you could find. You go Melinda and know that you have the support of TN and I suspect that of the entire country.I think you will win! LaKisha, I will buy your album as soon as it is released and Jordon-take a year or two to discover who you are-right now you are bubbly and cute and just going through the motions. If Melinda stumbles, I think Blake will be there to move into position of AI!!
American Idol is about finding the next Idol folks...how many of you would honestly buy a CD put out by Melinda or pay $80's to see her perform??? This is not about who's got the most talent...world's full of talented nobodies!! It's about finding the next big star, and everyone who votes for Melinda or Lakisha because they can "sing" is wasting the opportunity for one of the few contenders who actually might have a genuine career after AI. For my money this years bunch is sparse, but Gina would make a great front woman for a band, a la Pat Benetar, Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne etc. Chris Richardson is a boy band member yet to find his band, and Jordin may do well with the kids (let's not forget who really buys CDs these days...it's not grandma!!!) As long as Blake can not become a beat box "gimmick" performer he may have a chance, but the rest...no hopers!!!
I still can't believe that Sanjaya made it through to the Final 24 much less the Final 10. Sure he's cute and has a nice personality, which obviously appeals to the young girls of ages 10-15, but I used to think that AI was a singing competition and the object was to find someone that appealed to the mass-majority and would continue to shine past their AI appearance such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. For him to have made it through and the likes of Sundance, Sabrina Sloan and AJ Tobaldo to be voted off shows that people are making their choices based on looks/personality and not placing their focus on the actual singing talent. Granted we have had plenty of of contestants come away as talented in their own right/even more-so than the actual winners-like Clay Aiken, Elliot Yamin, Bo Bice and Chris Daughtry. I think now the American public is voting for those who may not normally have a chance to shine otherwise because they feel the stronger singers will provail without any further TV exposure. Granted, this year, Melinda, Lakisha and Jordin are in a dead-heat for the #1 spot because they have the stronger voices, but I also feel that Blake and Chris R have that sound that is more up-to-date and have adapted well to the genres that have been thrown at them so far. They take an artist's songs and try to update them a little as to grab the younger generation's attention. It will be interesting to see who actually wins this season and I'm torn between Jordin against Blake/Chris R but if the American public allows Sanjaya to win they would be doing AI am extreme injustice and any future seasons may actually suffer a drop in ratings/fewer viewers tuning in.
I think the method of voting should be changed on American Idol, much like the show America has Talent. There a portion of the vote is the judges and the individual voters are only allowed 10 votes from one phone number.
I truly believe that america should only vote one time there are alot of great singers on there. I think sanjaya is a good singer but there are better. I just want all of america to know that they all all winners. just to be on american idol to me would be a winner.
Uh.....someone got it wrong.... Sanjaya is STILL there isn't he? And you picked him what?!!! 11th???? IDIOT. Jordan over Blake NO WAY, hide and watch. GO SANJAYA You DID get one thing right, Melinda will win.
UH......Someone isn't paying attention. WHO picked Sanjaya 11th?? Is he not STILL there!!! You go Sanjaya...and Jordan over Blake??? NO WAY......what show are you people watching??? You did get one thing right....Melinda will win, or should.
Are all of you smoking crack? Melinda to win, Blake deserves 2nd, Lakisha 3rd and Jordin?????? I am so sick of her fake 17 year old innocent act..... AND, as for Sanjaya.....HE IS MY IDOL. Period. Grow up people or quit watching if you don't like it And Haley, good GOD she is WORSE than any of them, this isn't Miss USA ya know......
12. Brandon 11. Stephanie 10. Chris S. 9. Gina 8. Phil 7. Haley 6. Sanjaya 5. Chris R. 4. Lakisha 3. Jordin 2. Blake 1. Melinda
Melinda is by far the best of the group. She is the most polished, the best singer and will easily win this competition I believe. As for the the rest of the contestants, you have to understand that singing is only a small part of what allows them to stay in the competition. Until you get down to the last 4 anyone can go home if they don;t fit some well placed criteria. Sanjaya is only on the show still because the producers feel he will keep the younger women watching. Not because of votes by the public. That is a crock! Haley is still on the show because she will keep the men watching! She has not song well enough to still be here but as Simon quoted, "She does have great legs". Notice that her tops will get lower cut and her skirts will get shorter each week. Lakisha will not make it much further. She sings well enough but her look is not good enough to help her survive. Jordin could easily make it as the runner up as she is cute and can sing as is popluar enough. Phil is gone soon, probably next. Chris or Lakisha will follow in the next few weeks. Then it will come down to Blake, Haley, Sanjaya, Melinda, and Jordin. Finally Sanjaya and Haley will be out. So sad to see Haley go, even if she can't sing! FInally Melinda will win it all without much competition.
I see there are no tear stained posts for Gina. It should have been Phil Stacey, but Gina's days were numbered, as are Haley's. I guess Sanjya's fan base is strong enough to keep him around for a while-though unfortunate! Keep on Melinda, Blake, Jordin, and Lakisha-you guys make the show bearable!!
It sucks that Gina is gone. She was one of the only reasons I watched. LaKisha will be the surprise one to go early in my opinion. This has probably been the worst season I've watched with the Fantasia season a close 2nd. If Melinda wins, that'll make two (Fantasia) not so pretty girl winning. I think being an AI is not just about singing but you have to have the look too and LaKisha doesn't have the look and I'm not talking about her weight. I had Ruben to win in his season. He could sing and he had a good look. LaKisha looks to old and it's the same with Melinda. They look to old.
Sanjaya should be the next to go. His exist is far past due. There has to be some system that prevents people such as Howard Sterns from having his followers vote for Sanjaya in protest to some of the rules the show has.
There's NO way Melinda and Lakisha are final two. More likely it'll be a total surprise and be Jordin and Blake. And I hate to break it to you, but Sanjaya may end up top 5. Get ready for it
Melinda is a back up singer and trained professional. This is suppose to be an oportunity for a no name to become an american idol.Melinda acts so immature or something.I bet she isn't like that at all. I think she is a fake.I personally like Lakisha . She acts like she really wants to be the next idol. Plus she is an average person trying to make something of herself. I also like Blake he can sing anything and has a bright future even if he doesn't win.Poor little Sanjaya. He needs to go home . He really can't sing. It's embarassing.
I think that Blake, Jordin will be the final two, although Lakisha and Melinda are both great, the fan base is youth. Gina is a real loss, it is a shame that Sanjaya staying has caused some very talented singers to leave. I think Phil is on the block and so is Haley, Sanjaya should already be gone, I can't guess any more what will happen anymore, I just hope America has the good sense to realize that it is a singing - talent contest, please let Sanjaya go, and get the rest of the show on the road!!!!
wow this is messed ^^^^. seriously. he has it ALL wrong theres no way haley would beat jordin. and brandon should NOT have been the first person to be voted off. everyone knows the order should go like this. #1.Blake #2. LaKeisha #3. Melinda #4. Jordin #5. Chris Richardson #6. Phil And I don't even agknowledge that haley && sanjaya are even in the competition, because they shouldnt be. u know i'm right.
I have said for the last month or better that it will come down to Melinda and Lakisha (Melinda taking it all) and Jordin coming in third. They all 3 have the best voices.
I think you would have better odds going to Vegas. How Sanjaya outlasted Stephanie on the vocals, is beyond comprehension....after all it is suppose to be a SINGING competition...
Phil Stacey's smile is as fake as his singing is off key. Perhaps we will be able to send him home tonight to care for his newborn-where he should have been weeks ago. His singing gets worse, song choices stranger, and I can't stand to look at him. A friend suggested to close my eyes and just listen but even that is disturbing. Bye, Bye, Bye-Phil.The elite 8 doesn't seem so elite with the likes of Phil, Haley and Sanjaya taking up space! If it gets down to Melinda, Lakisha, Jordin, Blake and Chris R.-the top 5 might have merit. I really dug Chris R. showing us how "smooth" he was last night and why he deserves to advance.
I pegged Melinda as the winner all along...we shall see! Personally Jordin is my favorite, but I see her coming in as runner up with Lakisha in 3rd and Blake in 4th.
No 1, will be Melinda---what a talent No 2 & 3 will be Jordin and Blake, but I don't care which order Haley and Sanjaya need to go home, and Phil needs to step up and entertain and Lakisha should find a new style of dress
I agree I think it's going to come down to Melinda and Jordin. They both are fantastic. I remember Dihana (spelling sorry)was only 17yrs. too but Jordin Seems so at home on stage no matter what she sings. Lakisha is good but she hasn't improved or seemed as relaxed like Melinda and Jordin. JoAnn Arkansas
Jordin and Blake will be the last two standing, definitly. --Sanjaya's time is so up.
I think is will come down to SanJaya & Chris, or at lease I hope so. Melinda has the voice but needs to get over the suprise factor. I hope chris wins, so Sanjaya will stop that fake smile.


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