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Phil Stacey Unsure About Idol Tour
There were plenty of tears on the American Idol stage and in the audience when Ryan announced that Phil Stacey's time was up after singing Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory." The 29-year-old had mixed reviews from the judges throughout the weeks on the show and Wednesday was his fifth time in the bottom three. Maybe it was Stacey's "good guy" image, the well-known fact that he's a father of two, a devoted husband to wife Kendra and a sailor in the U.S. Navy, that kept audiences voting for him even when he had a less than stellar performances on the stage.
But it is a singing competition after all and now Stacey is headed home. If there is any comfort for eliminated contestants at this stage in the competition, it's that they will be performing for their biggest fans on the American Idols Live Tour with their fellow finalists this summer. But for Phil Stacey, his status as an active member of the U.S. Navy means this small comfort is not yet guaranteed.
The day after his elimination Stacey spoke with reporters about his duty to the military, who he thinks can win the competition and why, in the season of Sanjaya, being bald worked for him.
Wednesday's Idol: What You Didn't See
Rock Star Dad: Before hitting the stage, Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora made sure daughter Ava (with ex Heather Locklear) was settled in her seat, giving him time to greet fans. With a Red Bull in one hand, he shook hands with the other before someone led him backstage to prepare for his performance.
The Judges Hit Their Marks: For the first time in weeks something unheard of happened: All the judges came out on time and on cue, making it to their seats a full minute before showtime! Another surprise: Simon and Paula are all about PDA these days, as he flirted, touched and then affectionately hugged Idol's nicest judge. Randy showed even more love for Paula with a kiss on the cheek.
Bon Jovi Fever: Last night's crowd was filled with diehard fans holding signs that read, "Bon Jovi rocks!" "I [Heart] Bon Jovi" and "Bon Jovi is our original American Idol." A group of USC sorority girls held banners displaying the band's name, but they replaced the O's with holes where their smiling faces peeked through. Fans were screaming so much that the show's stage manager had to beg them to save that energy until Ryan announced the band. But when the New Jersey rockers brought out acoustic guitars and jammed softly, disappointed fans sighed loudly and sat back down. Even ousted Idol Antonella Barba, visiting for a second night, let out a big yawn. Leave it to Blake Lewis to rev up the crowd – he screamed "Bon Jovi y'all!" and brought fans to their feet again.
Wednesday Night's Idol: Phil and Chris Go Home
PEOPLE critic Tom Gliatto thinks America made the right decision ...
Episode 35
The Idol producers sprang a big surprise last week, sending no one home, and last night they introduced a smaller twist: With two singers doomed, the elimination began halfway through the hour. Ryan Seacrest brought Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolitte and Lakisha Jones forward and – the surprise ends there. Mr. Stacey, 29, of Jacksonville, Fla. was the one to go.When it came time to making the fatal announcement from the other three, Seacrest immediately spared Jordin Sparks – a big relief, after her lackluster performance the night before. But that left Blake Lewis versus Chris Richardson, which is like a contest pitting Bruce the shark from Jaws against Nemo the Pixar fish. The two guys hugged and vowed friendship, which was very nice, and Chris even said, "I'd go home for him." Chomp chomp: the 22-year-old Virginian, who sang "Wanted Dead or Alive," was gone.
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Tuesday's Idol: What You Didn't See
Nice catch!: Ousted contestant Antonella Barba returned to the Idol arena – and proved to be an unusually reserved audience member, staying put in her seat (right behind Simon Cowell's mother) for most of the show. Still, Blake Lewis managed to catch her eye at the end of the night and blew her a kiss. She promptly returned the favor and he "caught" the airborne smooch and held it close to his chest.
Gina's Delight: And who better to make a guest appearance on Bon Jovi night than this season's resident rocker Gina Glocksen, who warmed up the crowd by singing ... "Rapper's Delight"? Yes, the singer brought the audience to its feet as she paid tribute to The Sugarhill Gang – even incorporating her own moniker in the lyrics, rapping "I am Gina G. and I like to say hello!"
Blake's New Dark 'Do
With all six American Idol finalists still intact after last week's surprise twist – no one goes home! – it was only natural that the singers would turn things up a notch. Not only did Blake Lewis break from the expected with his beat-boxing rendition of "You Give Love a Bad Name," he amped up his look by swapping out his blond spikes for an edgier black crop. Lewis certainly looks less fresh-faced than he did with the light locks, but is that a good thing?
Go to Off the Rack and tell us: What do you think of Blake's new 'do? Love it or hate it?
President Bush Thanks Idol Viewers
President Bush got into the American Idol spirit in a humorous spot on Tuesday night's episode.
He and First Lady Laura Bush kicked off their taped appearance by thanking Idol viewers for helping raise $70 million for poor children during last week's Idol Gives Back charity special.
"We thank American Idol viewers who have shown the good heart of America," he said. "We thank all the celebrities who participated, including Bono, and all the contestants who sang their hearts out for these children."
Then he turned to his wife and asked: "Say Laura, you think I ought to sing something?"
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Tuesday Night's Idol: Blake and Melinda Livin' on a Prayer?
PEOPLE critic Tom Gliatto thinks they're the power hitters on a night of Bon Jovi songs ...
Episode 34
Everybody seemed relieved to be past last week's responsibility of doing good and glad to just get on with the music, even if that meant tackling rock anthems by Bon Jovi. Simon was so smitten with Lakisha Jones's version of "This Ain't a Love Song" he gave her a kiss. Is that a first? Wouldn't it beautiful if they fell in love and broke all the rules and Jon Bon Jovi wrote a big ballad about it? And Kelly Clarkson had a hit with it? I could go on.The one who really deserved kisses was Melinda Doolittle, a complete non-rocker who did a bang up job on "Have a Nice Day." Simon and Randy both compared her to Tina Turner. I'd say she was closer to Shirley Bassey, a grand voice driving through the land of rock 'n' roll in a stretch limo. But a lot of fun.
Regis Philbin Sweet on Idol's Jordin
He's getting back to work on Live with Regis and Kelly after undergoing triple bypass heart surgery. But in the six weeks that Regis Philbin had off to recover, the TV host had plenty of time to catch up on another hit series. He chatted with PEOPLE about Simon, Sanjaya and ... "what's his name."
LaKisha's Hometown Fans Campaign for Her
Fans in LaKisha Jones's hometown of Flint, Mich. are concerned that the 27-year-old Idol hopeful might be in trouble this week – so they're taking action. A group of volunteers is launching a "get out the vote"-style campaign after Tuesday's show, canvassing neighborhoods in a special LaKisha-themed van borrowed from the mayor's wife, reports the Flint Journal. A recorded message blaring from the speakers will remind passersby to vote for Jones. And get this: not having a phone is no excuse, because these LaKisha die-hard fans are going to make 10 cell phones available so people can call in and vote. And in the works: plans to organize voting precincts in spots around town.
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Constantine Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
Get ready to be entranced once more: Former Idol Constantine Maroulis will join the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful starting May 15. The season 4 contestant, who placed sixth in the singing competition (but "if this was Smoldering Idol, you'd win hands down," Simon once said of the Brooklyn-born crooner), will play Constantine Parros, a music producer and veteran performer looking for new talent. PEOPLE caught up with Constantine to talk about his new role, his new music and possible Fabio hair-blowing-in-the-wind love scenes.
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