Randy and Paula praised Gina's rendition of "Paint it Black," but Simon ripped it. Did you think he was too hard on her? Will it hurt her chances in Wednesday's voting?
Glocksen may fall into a 'Black' hole
'Idol' performance doesn't measure up to new image
By MIKE MITCHELL Staff Writer
For the first time in the competition, Gina Glocksen's immediate future might be black.
In what should have been a slam dunk for the rocker, Glocksen instead underwhelmed judges on "American Idol" Tuesday night with her rendition of the Rolling Stones' 1966 hit "Paint it Black."
The 22-year-old took the stage with shorter, streaked hair, chain links on her belt and big black boots. It was the first time the word "horrible" was linked to her name.
"It was so off melody - it was horrible," said Judge Simon Cowell, in his vintage harsh analysis. "That was style over content. If you want to do better in this competition, you're going to have to sing better."
Glocksen, who lives in Naperville, looked stunned. She stood next to host Ryan Seacrest, holding back some of her emotions.
But Paula Abdul often interrupted Cowell to remind him that it was still a solid performance. The two judges couldn't come to an agreement.
"I had fun," Glocksen said in response to the criticism. "I feel good about it."
Thus far, Glocksen has gone through the competition with almost no negative remarks from any of the judges, save for a few suggestions. She is considered by many show critics and bloggers to be a top-six favorite.
Shortly before performing, Seacrest asked her whether the competition had made her emotionally stronger.
"I definitely believe the competition has made me stronger," she said. "I've never been under so much pressure before."
The hours following the performance likely added pressure for the "Idol" hopeful, as one more contestant will be voted off the show at 8 tonight on Fox.
Most of the other performers received favorable reviews from judges Tuesday, but that has meant little in the competition so far. The oddball Sanjaya Malakar has survived harsh criticism from "Idol" judges, while some of the better talents have been ousted.
Tuesday was no different for the 17-year-old who attempted "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks and turned in a performance worthy of a karaoke solo. The judges could barely stop laughing after the song was over. Meanwhile, show producers continued to show a young blonde girl with pigtails crying throughout the performance.
Cowell said his reaction to the performance mirrors that of the weeping child.
Despite clearly having the worst performance of the night, it's difficult to assume Malakar will be gone, despite the tears that were being shed. There are a lot of anti-Idol plots lurking on the Internet, including a Web site, VoteForTheWorst.com, which urges its 2 million to 3 million visitors to vote for the worst performer and has taken credit for keeping Malakar around.
March 21 Naperville Sun
Simon's hard on everyone, right? I think Gina took that song and pumped it full of energy and fun, and her voice sounded great. She'll definitely make it through this round.
She was good enough. What's with that Sanjaya? He sucks.
I thought the show was trying to get him off because they kept showing that girl crying. It was funny at first then it seemed on purpose. lakisha and melinda were just ok.
I think she didn't do a whole lot of singing, so much as yelling and jumping around. She lost the focus of the competition, trying too much to be an image. I disappointedly have to agree with Simon.
It was a good performance. Not her best, but good. That being said, there are at least two people that should go before her. Sanjaya is horrendous and that song last night was an abomination. I have to believe that a big part of going far in the competition is making yourself stand out for the others. Gina is the only rocker while the others seem hell bent on the R&B edge. That alone should help carry her far.
I think Gina did an awesome job as usual....... Sanjaya however really needs to go home and give the rest of the Idols a real chance at being heard....... KEEP IT UP GINA!!!!!! WE WANT OUR NEXT IDOL TO BE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!