American Idol: Barry Manilow Night.

Published on April 20, 2004 By Jamie Burnside In Entertainment

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Well, American Idol is over. We had a good time watching it here at my house. Tonight's theme was "The music of Barry Manilow."

I remember the first time I was exposed to Barry Manilow. He was the earliest guest that I remember seeing on "The Tonight Show." I remember that he had a piano with him on center stage, he had a gigantic nose, and that Johnny Carson was sitting near Barry's piano as he sang a song. (I must have been 6-7 years-old at the time, which would make the year 1978 or 1979.)

The second time I remember seeing Barry on television was on the show "Real People." I remember that some girl wrote "Barry Manilow" in a bunch of notebooks. (Like 100,000 times or something.) The story ended with her going to see a Barry concert and meet him afterwards. I remember it being really sweet. The cut-away shot showed the two walking away from the camera arm-in-arm down a hallway of some sort.

Barry Manilow in 2004 reminds me a lot of Dennis DeYoung in 2004. I'd hate to be at a party with both of them in attendance. There would be too much of their... vibe in the room.

Now... before I go any further,let me tell you a true story: After last week's show, I said to my wife that John Stevens looks just like Stan Laurel. Since my wife didn't know who he was, I loaded his picture up on "Google." Sure enough, John looks just like old Stanley. This week, Simon pointed out the same thing! Damn! I wish I had put that down in this weblog when I had come up with the thought. I wanted to be the first one to say that.

Tonight's Show:

There is not really much to say about tonight's show. The women were all at least pretty good, the men were subpar. John was horrible as usual (he got the first note of each stanza right though,) and George has had his second below-average performance in-a-row.

Since I consider myself a Barry Manilow fan, I didn't feel that any of tonight's songs were any better than the originals. They were all "good enough" however (besides the afforementioned two.)

Our Picks:

Tonight's best performer: Jamie and Kazuko say LaToya London
Tonight's worst: Jamie- John Stevens. Kazuko- George Huff

Comments

Poetmom99

on Apr 20, 2004

"Since I consider myself a Barry Manilow fan, I didn't feel that any of tonight's songs were any better than the originals. They were all "good enough" however (besides the afforementioned two.)

Our Picks:

Tonight's best performer: Jamie and Kazuko say LaToya London
Tonight's worst: Jamie- John Stevens. Kazuko- George Huff"

I also consider myself a Barry Manilow fan, and have been one since 1974..yes, since the beginning---I own every album ever released in the US, and many of the singles as well. I was thrilled with tonight's show, and I DID feel that a couple of songs were better than the original arrangements....One Voice and Its A Miracle come to mind. However, Weekend In New England was horrendous, IMO....that arrangement was way too fast for such a sweet love song.

I'd call Jasmine tonight's best performer, and John the worst.

Andy T

on Apr 21, 2004

Personally, I think its another good week! The girls were incredible, but the guys were so-so.

My favourite as always is Jasmine. Unfortunately for me, what Simon Cowell said something that is very true. This competition has now become the 'Battle of the Divas', namely Fantasia, Jennifer and La Toya. If it was any other competition, Jasmine would win, but her voice is no where as powerful as the other girls.

I agree, John is the worst singer followed by George. I really cant pick the best.

carebear07

on Apr 21, 2004

I'm really not into Barry Manilow all that much. His music is ok I guess. Since I've really never listened to it I can't really compare the proformances of the American Idols. I think last nights best was between Fantasia and La Toya.

I actually think that they will make it into the top two. As for John Stevens.....well he didn't do really good as well as George Huff. But between them both I think that John will be gone this week

~carebear~

KellyW0498

on Apr 21, 2004

If the red head doesn't go, I am calling the producers! He shouldn't have been in as long as he has. Hmph...

I think it is true it will be between, Fantasia, LaToya, and Jennifer.
In my opinion last nights show was the dullest as far as songs go.

We will see tonight...

JillUser

on Apr 21, 2004

I liked Jasmine best and agree with the sentiment that John shouldn't have made it this far. He's awful! The only time I thought he was good was his imitation of Sinatra. I can't stand him otherwise. I was with Paula on Fantasia's performance. I prefer the original.

Poetmom99

on Apr 22, 2004

"I'd call Jasmine tonight's best performer, and John the worst."

Well, I am STUNNED that John and George are still in this thing!! I didn't like Jennifer's rendition of Weekend in New England, but it was obvious she has a talent....

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