| Country music theme Mandisa's downfall
MARK WASHBURN
TV/Radio Writer
North Carolina's three contestants in "American Idol" were spared for another week with the surprise elimination Wednesday of Mandisa.
"I thank you and bless you in the name of Jesus," said the 29-year-old music student at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn.
With one of the most powerful voices in the competition, Mandisa's musical roots were deep in gospel.
But this week's theme was country music and her version of "Any Man of Mine" fell flat.
"You have been such a great spirit on this show," said host Ryan Seacrest.
Mandisa was memorable in the early rounds of competition because of a confrontation she had with judge Simon Cowell over her weight.
Cowell made a snide aside asking if the stages were getting smaller when she auditioned. Mandisa later said that it was a hurtful remark, but told Cowell she forgave him.
The other two contestants in the bottom three Tuesday night were Paris Bennett, 17, of Fayetteville, Ga., who sang "How Do I Live;" and Elliott Yamin, 27, of Richmond, Va., who sang "If Tomorrow Never Comes."
None of the three had ever been in the bottom three before.
Still in the running: N.C. contestants Bucky Covington, 28, of Rockingham; Kellie Pickler, 19, of Albemarle; and Chris Daughtry, 26, of McLeansville.
Pickler, after assuring Seacrest on Tuesday that her unvarnished responses were not a dumb blonde act, sang "Fancy," a song about an unsophisticated girl who uses her talents to get ahead.
On Wednesday, she appeared with a new hairstyle that made her a ringer for the reigning "Idol" champion, Carrie Underwood.
Cowell said he hated Pickler's song -- he admits he's not fond of country music -- but said she did a good job with it.
Daughtry sang "Making Memories of Us." Judge Randy Jackson praised him for getting out of the rock rut.
Said judge Paula Abdul: "You showed versatility and stayed true to what you are."
Cowell said it was like so many of the other songs contestants had chosen recently -- boring.
"I think the audience at home deserves better than that," he said.
Back for a second week with a cowboy hat, Covington sang "Best I Ever Had ..."
"A little pitchy," said Jackson.
"You and Kellie probably shined the most tonight," said Abdul. "You're in your element."
"Sounded OK," said Cowell.
Kenny Rogers, the 67-year-old country music star, coached the contestants. On Wednesday's elimination show, Rogers sang his new song, "I Can't Unlove You." Country star Travis Tritt sat in the audience.
Next week, the theme will be the music of Queen.
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Mark Washburn: mwashburn@charlotteobserver.com | |
