American Idol 6: Blake’s Dilemma

Two weeks ago, with a wincing Jon Bon Jovi watching, Blake Lewis dared to mess with the unmessable. He had to be feeling bold, considering his track record. He performed “Imagine” on Idol Gives Back. It was a risk because “Imagine” is so revered that anything shy of a respectful and honoring performance will be absolutely and loudly panned. He sang it straight. Maybe he knew we all were holding our breath, afraid the spittle would fly and, thus, commit blasphemy.

Then came that fateful performance of “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Since that performance, there have been reports that the twinkle Paula saw in Jon’s eye was not excitement - it was rage! We saw Jon carefully word his displeasure so neatly that we didn’t really know it was bugging him! In that studio, I’m sure Jon was a bit more direct. All that is to say Blake stuck to his guns and it takes quite the cojones to do that!

But Kenny Rogers told us a long time ago that “you gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em!” The general consensus is Blake played the beatbox card one time too many. I agree with that.

So, after so many triumphs, what does Blake do?

Certainly, as American Idol’s audience grows as we continue toward what is already guaranteed to be a fiercely competitive finale, as there are those who expect Blake to do that beatboxing. Then there are those of us who think he went to the well too often during Bee Gees week, so he may be tempted to shelve the beatboxing.

This is going to be his last chance to show how unique and innovative he is before the finale. He has to know that if he gets to the finale, he has a great chance of winning. He may be the only contestant who makes Melinda look a bit… stale in comparison.

The right answer is not an easy one for Blake. He must use the beat box at least once. Depending on how many numbers they do (likely, all three remaining contestants will have two songs), Blake will have to show how different he is from the straight-ahead singing acumen of Melinda and Jordin, and they both can outsing him pretty easily. And he must pick his spot carefully. Very carefully. It has got to work this time or it’s over. What a roll of the dice he’s facing!

Somehow, I don’t think Blake minds that! He is someone who is used to taking chances. Never have the stakes been so high. Blake has an innate musically that guarantees the choices he makes will be interesting ones. Maybe not always successful ones, but always interesting. That’s an artist’s life – having the ability to follow your gut in the face of conventional wisdom. There is precious little that has been conventional about Blake’s campaign. No reason for that to change now!

If Blake can find the right song to infuse with his flavor, and another song that can satisfy the music purists, it will be the combination to get him to final. If he stumbles again, lights out! This is going to be fun to watch!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent articles on Foxes On Idol and RealityNewsOnline:

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for many years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

Be sure to sign up for the RealityNewsOnline/FoxesOnIdol e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on both sites! For all of our articles, check out our sections on American Idol, American Juniors, Nashville Star, and Canadian Idol. Also make sure to check out RealityNewsOnline for recaps and articles covering other reality TV shows.

For even more news about reality TV, be sure to check SirLinksALot: American Idol and Reality TV Fever!

Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook! On Twitter, get up to the minute notifications on article postings and other reality TV news. And become a fan on Facebook, join discussions, and more!

Click for our American Idol Store! Melinda Doolittle’s new book, Beyond Me: Finding Your Way to Life's Next Level David Archuleta’s new autobiography: Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance Did you know Lee DeWyze already has an album out? Actually, he has two: So I'm Told and Slumberland Buy the American Idol Season 9 CD! Clay Aiken’s latest, Tried and True and you can also order Tried & True Live! on DVD Pre-Order Fantasia’s new album, Back To Me Pre-Order Kimberly Caldwell’s debut album, Without Regret

Bo Bice’s appropriately-titled third album, 3 Jason Castro’s Debut Adam Lambert’s debut CD, For Your Entertainment Taylor Hicks’ Live DVD, Whomp at the Warfield