Starmaker Finale

They let it all sink in.

For song selection, they can pick any song sung on stage or a new song all together. Wouldn’t it be interesting if they took someone else’s original song. They want to know if it’s what they do best or something new for the finale. Todd picks Coldplay’s Fix It. Melody picks If I Were a Boy by Beyonce. Liz debates for a while and then picks Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson.

Performance night…

Liz is first. Rodney says she might be the first Bad Boy country artist. She rocked it and looked like a star. Tamara says “Yeehaw.” Laurieann says she rocked it. Diddy says great job and growth. He needs someone with the Bad Boy swagger “you never know.”

Melody is second. Rodney says she’s very special with a unique tone and a passion. Tamara says she has gone through the biggest transformation. Laurieann says she’s super comfortable on the stage. Diddy says she’s always owned the stage.

Todd finishes things off. Todd would be the first Bad Boy rock star. Rodney’s always believed in him and even more so now. Tamara says he rocked it. (Favorite phrase of the show.) Laurieann says he affected a change in her atmosphere. Diddy says he did his thing.

Diddy makes a first decision to get rid of someone. The first artist staying is Liz. And Melody, this will not be “the day for us.” Finally.

Now Diddy questions the final two. Liz believes she has the strength, drive, and endurance. Todd had so much fun for him so that settles it. (Can we discuss the “make history” words? You are not changing the world!) Finally, Diddy says, he wants to make history with Liz.

Starmaker 9

Liz says she thinks the final four are the most deserving (didn’t she say Lauriana should go home?). Melody does look better with her makeover.

Song choice:
How to Save A Life by The Fray
Here for the Party by Gretchen Wilson
Chasing Pavements by Adele
Ready, Set Go by Tokio Hotel

Liz jumps on the country song Gretchen Wilson. Lauriana takes Adele’s song because even though she’s never heard it, it’s a blues song. Melody and Todd want the Fray song but Todd once again lets her take it (after she refuses to give it up).

Today the artists will do interviews. This their final assignment. Todd says he’s spoken to small press but never something so big. Rodney warns them that they are representing themselves and Bad Boy and they are promoting themselves and their brand.

Liz doesn’t think about what to censor and what to share. She doesn’t talk about her music. Melody talks about her specific style. Lauriana says she won’t stop singing no matter what happens and she wouldn’t change who she is or her morals to win. Todd didn’t know how to take the opportunity to promote himself.

Rodney gives them feedback afterwards. He points out that soundbites are used to represent an artist. Overall, Lauriana did the best.

Laurieann coaches them and tries to encourage them to connect to the music. She wants to see another level.

Performance time. Guest judge, Kelly Rowland.

Todd is first and is apparently sporting a new look. A vest. His hair looks better. But he looks possessed. Rodney loves what he does but he’s predictable. Tamara is speechless. Except she’s not. Laurieann says he’s not manufactured crap. Kelly says he’s still around for a reason.

Second comes Melody. Wow, I really do not like her voice. Not even slightly. BTW Melody’s mom is in the audience. Rodney says she connected. Tamara says she got chills. Laurieann says she made it personal. Kelly tells her she’s a star.

Lauriana follows. Rodney isn’t sure if it connected, it was too low for her. Tamara wasn’t convinced tonight. Laurieann says the others just connected better. Kelly says she did a good job.

Finally Liz. Rodney says she killed it. Tamara says she could win. Laurieann says Yeehaw. Kelly says exciting, fun.

Now it’s about who can win it all. Judges have made their decision. Melody will be going through. Liz is through it’s between Todd and Lauriana. What are the odds of an all girl final?

Todd thinks he is different and that’s what the label is looking for. Lauriana says she is passionate, she works hard. Lauriana is not ready and Todd will be in the finale.

Starmaker 8

New competition: they must create the melody to a song that they have the lyrics and track for. They need someone who can write. They will be put into a vocal booth to sing their song.

They want to make Rodney proud and think his track is amazing. Rodney feels what Liz did. Omotayo struggles to get out the lyrics. He sounded a mess. Todd gets a wow. Melody (don’t like her voice but eh). Lauriana kept it simple but good. Monet gets a “yahoo” don’t know what that means. She crashed and burned.

Song Choice is predetermined, Diddy has chosen them specifically. Todd was given original. Lauriana gets If I Ain’t Got You. Omotayo gets Moving Mountains. Melody gets Just Like A Pill. Monet gets Dirty Little Secret. Liz gets Before He Cheats. Each presents a unique challenge for the different artists, which is clearly the point.

Laurieann is tough on Monet. Laurieann tells Omotayo she is fed up with the weakness of his lack of stamina. Liz gets coaching on her entrance. Lauriana starts crying and Laurieann says she can’t be babied.

Showtime:
Liz first with a southern song. So much for stepping out of their comfort zone. I feel like this is such an easy song. But she sounds really good. Rodney says killed it all day long. Tamara thinks she’s even more convinced of her skill. Laurieann says yeehaw stay focused. Lady Gaga, guest judge says she killed it. (She looks as strange as ever.)

Monet second. Weird song for her…Rodney says not her best and Tamara says she’s off her game. Laurieann says she has a great work ethic. Lady Gaga says at the end don’t throw away the end. Be good at being wrong if you’re going to be wrong.

Melody sings Just Like A Pill and I really hate her voice. But the judges enjoy. Rodney says she’s making it hard for the others. Tamara says she git chills and nice makeover. Laurieann says she rocked the crowd. Lady Gaga says she’s got a kill in her eye.

Omotayo performs Moving Mountains. Laurieann looks thrilled. But he clearly gets breathy at the end leading the others to wonder what was wrong with him. Rodney says he was uncomfortable with the line moving mountains. Not his best. Tamara agrees it was hard. Laurieann says improve but he has a gift. Gaga says he should have more fun. She certainly has fun on stage.

Todd performs his original song titled Flatline. Not my type of song, a little angsty, but he does a good job. Laurieann is on her feet screaming. Tamara is beaming. Liz backstage screams. Rodney says he’s a rockstar. Tamara says he’s a beautiful car crash. Crazy fantastic. Laurieann says excellent. Gaga says there’s that screw loose that he has. Amazing.

Finally, Lauriana sings If I Ain’t Got You. Don’t like the styling. This is tough because Alicia Keys is really good at what she does and has a really distinct voice. Laurieann looks confused. It’s almost like the background is so loud she’d competing with them. Liz says boring. Rodney says she started off shaky but she got in the zone in the end. Tamara says not her best or worst. Struggled on the low parts. Laurieann says she sounded amazing but having worked with Alicia, you need to let the audience in. Gaga agrees, she needs to decide who she is as an artist.

Monet and Omotayo are called forward. Everyone else is through. Sad, I like these two. They didn’t step it up so both of them will be leaving.

Starmaker 7

Picking teams. Liz picks Omotayo, Melody, and Todd. David picks Lauriana and Monet. Their task is to write a song. Monet is a quiet writer and leaves mid-session. She’s frustrated at being young and not being listened to. Lauriana sees she’s upset and tries to talk.

Mini-performance time. Liz’s team’s song is “Made A Way” and Melody actually sounds good. Some of the harmonies are off (read: awful). David’s teams sings “Diamonds” and it’s also not too bad though the solos are not so evenly distributed. Liz’s group is complimented for the harmonies but not thrilled on the song. Good concept though. David has the lyrics written on his hand and gets called out for that. You couldn’t do that in a concert” of course, in a real concert you’d never perform a song you’d just written and didn’t know so…The song was better. So they win.

Song choice time. Running this time. Lauriana was first and grabs original. Next is:
It’s Not Over by Daughtry
Just Dance by Lady Gaga
Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne
Thnks Fr Th Mmr by Fallout Boy
Call Me by Blondie
Every Breath You Take by the Police

Liz says he should have fought about it but Todd says there’s no point. Lauriana wouldn’t budge. Liz hopes Lauriana’s song would suck so she gets sent home.

Lauriana’s song is called Love, Traitors, and Fate and she gets positive feedback with the only critique that she needs to overannunciate since it’s an unknown. Monet seems perfect for Just Dance she just has to be aware of the vocals. David is playing piano and he’s told this doesn’t really fit the rock song he’s doing. It’s a safety thing. They’re told not to play it safely.

Performance:
Kimberly Caldwell is all “look at me hosting” and I’m not impressed.

Liz is first with Girlfriend. Not enough actually singing for my taste. It’s such a young song. She looks kind of mad on stage. No country there though. The judges say…Rodney thinks she stepped it up and stepped out of her comfort zone. Tamara says she proved herself. (Backstage Monet wasn’t thrilled.) Laurieann wants her to focus more but she has what it takes.

Omotayo does Every Breath You Take. Didn’t P.Diddy do this as Puff Daddy once? Laurieann gets way into it. Rodney says not his best but he owned it. Tamara thinks he brought it, sang it,, delivered it. He’s been working out everyday now. Laurieann says he set the standard but go even deeper.

Monet up doing Just Dance. She looks a bit possessed but Gaga’s so crazy that it’s to be expected. Laurieann looks flabbergasted (really there’s no other word) and Tamara is covering up a laugh. Melody thinks it was too much. Rodney doesn’t see the praise from last week. Tamara wants to know what she’s wearing. Pull it together. Laurieann says she’s choreographed Lady Gaga and she needs her fire and focus back. Lauriana says not to count herself out.

David does call me. Rodney says he didn’t grow. Tamara thoguht it was sloppy. Laurieann thinks he didn’t rehearse enough.

Melody sings It’s Not Over. And once again I don’t like her voice. Rodney says great job and Tamara says while not her best, nice originality. Laurieann says she’s a star.

Todd sings Thnks Fr Th Mmrs. Tamara wants to know why Todd didn’t do his own song, he must step it up. Rodney says he’s very unique. Laurieann says he knows who he is. And his gf was in the crowd. Cute.

Lauriana last singing her original song. A little dramatic…But it definitely suits her voice. Todd says it’s all right. Liz looks furious. (Because it’s good?) Rodney says it’s risky to do an original song but she pulled it off, best original song so far. Tamara gives her props but she needs to spend more time on articulation. Laurieann thought it was fantastic. Take it to another level though. She cries a bit.

Decision time…Monet is called forward along with David. Everyone else is safe and sent backstage. No best song choice? David went back into his comfort zone and Monet had a bad night. David is going home. Liz yells “what!”

Starmaker 6

Todd decides he will fight for the original song this week. And an announcement: no more guys and girls week.

Song choice:
Irreplaceable by Beyonce
Instant Karma by John Lennon
Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder
Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield
Yellow by Coldplay
U + Ur Hand by Pink
Big Girls Don’t Cryby Fergie
Original Song

People are unhappy by the song choices. Omotayo was stuck with a woman’s song. Lauriana is screwed. Melody insists on an original. But for once, Lauriana fights for it. Though she doesn’t seen to get very far. But at least she said something for once. In comes Rodney and sees one song is not taken. He says it must be resolved now. Rodney suggests Omotayo giving Lauriana Unwritten and he do Irreplaceable because it was originally written as a male song. They agree. Melody is all “deal with it, I can’t believe this was even an issue” even though she’s a baby like that anyway.

Practice comes along and Omotayo does a great job. Lauriana is uncomfortable with her song but she does a good job. ChristopherJohn struggles with Higher Ground. Liz is sick so she’s unsure if she can hit the notes for Big Girls Don’t Cry. So much for big girls not crying because she leaves the studio and burst out in tears…Melody’s song doesn’t say much about her range from what we hear.

Stage rehearsal and Diddy arrives. But surprise! This won’t just be a rehearsal, the regular live audience has been canceled and this is the competition. Judged by Diddy. And 1-2 people could go home. He never has good news does he? He expects to see evolution.

Monet is first, performing Pink’s song. She’s been better, but not too bad for the first one up.Actually, she gets a bit worse as she goes…Diddy says she showed her growth and potential but still has work to do.

Todd next with Coldplay’s Yellow. Good song choice. (Remember when he was going to fight for original song? Maybe he decided to save that for later?) Diddy says not enough change. Well if he’s been doing well…why change it?

Lauriana is third performing Unwritten. It really is a good song for her but she needs to project a bit more. Confidence would go far with her. Diddy saw an improvement and comfort. It felt like she was fighting for her spot. He also loved the changes she made in the song.

Christopher John is up next doing Higher Ground. (All I can think about is that scene from Centerstage.) He needs to own the stage and give more.

Liz follows with Fergie. Not bad but Diddy says he didn’t like it and thinks she picked the wrong song.

Omotaya does Beyonce. Diddy is upset that Omotayo had not been working out every day and says he didn’t own the stage.

Melody has her own song next. Not a song I’d really listen to. Diddy says she commanded the stage but she needs a makeover. That’s unfortunate as I’d like her to go home…She’s all teary-eyed about his compliments.

David next. Last? Doing Instant Karma. I think he does a good job though he seems a bit jittery. Diddy says he didn’t commit well enough.

Judgment time. Monet, Lauriana, and Melody are called forward. They’re all growing, keep it up. They’re all safe. (Way to represent for the women.)

Todd and Omotayo are called up. Diddy says they haven’t changed and he asks them to say why they deserve to be signed. Omotayo says he’s different and people connect to him. Diddy keeps yelling at him for not working out everyday. But he’s safe. Todd says he loves performing and brings a lot of energy. And he’s different. Diddy wants to see risks and evolution. He’s safe too.

Remaining is Chris, Liz, and David. Chris gave nothing to the audience despite his normal swag. Liz went backwards (and she’s dressed like an old lady). David didn’t go all out. David will be staying. Liz, what happened? She was scared and not feeling well. Christopher says he didn’t own it. Christopher John is sent home. Liz…needs to step it up.

Starmaker 5

They toast to Angel and are impressed by how much Laurieana improved. Melody is all whiny about losing her friends and she knows the judges don’t love her anymore so she doesn’t know where to go. They’re glad there’s no more “Melody and Angel” to complain. They wonder how Melody will cope because she talked too much about the others.

Again about image. They are going to be featured in a spread of Modern Home & Living. It’s a celebrity home a lifestyle magazine. They have ten minutes with their photographer. Use whatever is the artist’s thing. The first couple are stiff but Lauriana doesn’t have any trouble. Liz has trouble. Melody is awkward and does a lying down thing. They don’t say anyone’s names which makes it hard to follow a bit. Todd pretends to smash his guitar. David holds a guitar and jumps off the couch. Monet is a little sexy to the point where David wonders if he shouldn’t watch. Then the group gets a group shot.

Song selection time. “Go safe you might go home.” The choices are: Lenny Kravitz’s American Woman, Jason Miraz’s I’m Yours, All American Rejects’ Move Along, Robin Thicke’s Magic and an Original Song) Melody is shocked that no one wants the original song. David chooses it and says he has to write it now. Melody tries to talk the guys into fighting and removing other people’s names…

Jordan complains about Melody. In comes Melody to say “if a man has something to say he should say it” but when Jordan says she complains and she says she never complains. Ask anybody. He says nobody would say because they don’t want to deal with her. She says he’s not a man. He yells. She says he’s going home anyways so it doesn’t matter.

Laurieann training time. Omotayo closes his eyes too often. She thinks Todd is unique and looked great by the end. David’s wrote a song called “Never.” It sounds like it was a good choice from what we hear. He’s playing piano and nervous. Laurieann worries that he’s holding back because he doesn’t trust himself. Again she’s hard on Jordan.

They get the picture of themselves and are all excited about it. It comes with a letter that says they’re halfway through the competition. Performance time. Everyone’s taking chances. Jordan fears going home.

A strong performance of “Magic” by Christopher John. He gets positive feedback from the judges but is told he should have stepped up earlier. He’s amazing according to Laurieann, who calls Tamara a hater.

Omotayo performs “American Women.” He’s told he’s flat and didn’t interact with the crowd well.

Todd was dubbed the one to beat last time. He does “Move Along” this week. This is a very him song though it doesn’t really show off talent as far as actual voice range and what not. But he’s got the crowd going. (He’s a little screamy but the crowd doesn’t seem to care.) He gets a huge applaud. Back stage Liz says he’s so cute. He’s a star in the making and he gets better every week.

Jordan does “I’m Yours” which is definitely my favorite song option. He seems to finally be doing a good job. I can’t tell if Melody’s expression says he’s terrible or awesome. The crowd loved him but he had issues. Tamara asks what he did to the song. He didn’t hit the notes. Laurieann says you can’t teach someone to communicate a feel good message. Great job from her.

Original Performance by David now, called “Never.” No one can argue that he didn’t take a risk. It’s a pretty nice song. He killed it, according to Rodney. Tamara agrees he’ll never have to deliver pizzas again if he keeps going like that. Laurieann showed everyone that anything is possible and that his performance was phenomenal.

Omotaya worries that he might go home.

The boys are brought onto the stage. Christopher John, Todd, and David Bennet are asked to step forward. CJ wasn’t the best or the worst so he’s safe. He’s got to put more work in to win. David and Todd were both the top performers and both can be pictured in music magazines. They’re safe as well, of course. Omotayo and Jordan are in the bottom. Rodney says he’s starting to wonder if they had what it takes. Omotayo says he’s been consistent before this week and Jordan says he’s been improving. The group has agreed that Jordan is going home. No surprise there.

Starmaker 4

The group thinks that maybe Zach was just a different type of artist than Bad Boy was looking for. They think maybe it just isn’t the label for him.

It’s ladies week, time to pick their songs. The options “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse, “Last Name” by Carrie Underwood, “No One” by Alicia Keys, “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson, and “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce. Everyone’s upset that Monet got the song they wanted but she says this is a competition and it’s all about her. Lauriana refuses to get bullied this time and chooses Rehab since she knows that Any Winehouse has a similar range to her. Melody is all pissed again because there’s no rock songs. As such, she chooses the Kelly Clarkson song again.

The group heads to the fashion district since talent is not the only thing needed to create a star. You need to create your own image and so they will receive the help from someone named Eric Archibald. He picks on Liz and Monet’s clothes, calling it tragic. The challenge, they have to grab an outfit that represents the artist they want to be portrayed as and then they will have a fashion show. And don’t forget to accessorize.

Liz of course bad talks Monet’s outfit, which is cute if not something I would wear. Asked who actually pulled it off and the winner is Monet. Liz is all “it’s very Christina Aguilera meets Michael Jackson.” So much jealousy towards this girl. Melody whines about Monet. Only Lauriana congratulated Monet for doign a good job last week and it upsets her. She hates that people keep talking crap about her as though she’s not there. Angel is all “I belong in this competition but not with these people.”

Practices: Angel’s rehearsal of Crazy in Love. This is an example of a song that I don’t think shows off the singer’s voice. It’s all about energy. Problematic for her. Then Melody does Since U Been Gone and apparently she tries altering it again rather than challenge herself. (I’m not such a fan of her.) Lauriana does Rehab which I think she was right to pick. (I don’t think I ever realized this was Amy Winehouse but the song has been stuck in my head all day.) Lauriana is apparently overwhelmed and gets a pep talk about using the energy to be aggressive.

The group decides to go out to eat but Lauriana stays behind to practice. It gives her a chance to get ahead a little bit. Even performing alone she seems nervous. The group wonders what’s going on with her. They discuss the difference between confidence with your voice versus confidence on the stage. They think she’s going to get voted out since the judges will be looking at her particularly closely since she was in the bottom. I really hope she beats them all.

It is time. Melody says she will once again be the one to beat. (As in, from week one.) Angel wants Liz or Monet to go home most because they “don’t stand a chance in the real world.” Apparently this week there’s no guest judge.

Angel is the first performer and thinks her song is the hardest. She starts out well but her energy does not hold up once she gets to the chorus. Liz, backstage, has an intense look that is either worry or disgust. Not sure. Laurieann looks perplexed. Todd backstage says she didn’t move or show enough energy. Rodney says she came out with the walk and swagger but when it got to her vocal it took him back to week one. She has the voice but needs to learn how to bring the emotion through. Tamara says she looks fierce but she didn’t feel it either. Laurieann says Beyonce is full of energy you’ve got to attack that.(She says afterwards that she was shivering on stage from cold. Ok…)

Monet is second. (Kimberly says she was named the one to beat last time and Angel narrows her eyes in disgust.) Monet’s outfit isn’t as cute as the one she wore for the fashion show earlier but she does a good a good job and the judges seem to be enjoying. Is that Melody dancing to her song backstage? Liz definitely looks scared here. Angel says she “didn’t feel none of that.” Rodney says the look is dope. Picking Alicia Keys is risky but she pulled it off. (Cue Anegl shaking her head.) She went to a different vocal level this week. Tamara says she didn’t know she could sing like that, she’s got pipes. Laurieann says she’s had the privilege to work with Alicia Keys but she would be proud of this, Monet made it her own and did a good job. She loves her journey. Melody and Lauriana hug her. Angel glares.

Time for Lauriana who is intent on coming up out of the bottom two. She looks kinda scared getting on but once she begins she has a lot of energy and confidence. The judges are smiling. Angel looks like she wants to make her explode with angry glares. Backstage most of them cheer her on saying “she came back with a vengeance.” Shows what the extra rehearsal can do. Rodney says she was focused, she’s stepping it up and making it hard for the others this week. Tamara says Amy Winehouse is a big risk but she did it. (Liz back stage rolling her eyes.) Laurieann says excellent, this is what the show is all about. Don’t stop. Big hugs back stage and she’s feels great

Melody up. Playing guitar. (She’s very bouncy and I think that’s actually hurting her vocals.) I feel like she ruins Kelly Clarkson songs every time she sings them, her voice just isn’t suited for them. Her voice is deep where Kelly’s are high. They think she was missing the energy (the guitar inhibits). Rodney thinks the guitar constricted her performance and he didn’t feel it. Tamara says she didn’t hit the song like she could have. Laurieann didn’t mind the guitar she minded the lack of passion. She needs more. She goes off stage and cries and when they try to comfort her she wants to be left alone.

Lastly, Liz. It is a country song which is her general style and she sings it accordingly. I don’t actually know the song so I can’t compare her performance to the real thing but she seems to be doing a very good job. Judges are bopping to the music. Well, it’s pretty obvious who is going to be in the bottom. They complain backstage that it was too easy. Rodney says he wants to see how she works on other stuff because she’s got the country stuff. Tamara didn’t see much difference between this performance and the first. She didn’t stretch herself. Laurieann says “it factor!” and “yeehaw honeybunch.” Liz says she has more to offer and she plans to switch  it up next time. It’s pointed out to her that Bad Boy isn’t a country label.

Time for judging. The girls step out onto stage. Who will be the winner? Who will be the bottom? Who will go home? Monet, Liz, and Lauriana are asked to step forward. One of them shined like a star tonight. That is, Lauriana. She brought everything together, chill out with the partying and margaritas and work because she’s the one to beat. Yay, she’s so cute. She reminds me of Laurie Gidosh from Scene 23. Anyone remember that group? Monet and Liz are safe because they have starpower. Lauriana gets big hugs back stage. Now left with Angel and Melody.

Angel says she no one in her family has gotten as far as she has today and people from her neighborhood can achieve something. She doesn’t think Melody or Angel should be in the bottom. Melody says she will sing and perform for the rest of her life. The judges agree that Angel is not ready to be a star. Melody is safe. They hug and cry. She disagrees with the judges decision of course but she’ll be okay.

Starmaker 3

The girls are all shocked and upset by who went home and who got to stay. They think that mediocrity is being rewarded. Monet is upset that no one congratulated by her for winning.

Everyone goes up to the roof and they toast Larissa. Monet starts crying. Apparently her parents have come to visit. She’s never been away from home for a week so seeing this is a big deal. She tells them that no one thinks she deserved to win. Her parents reassure her. While agree that she’s not the best singer, I think she was the best performer. (Someone should explain the distinction to the contestants because I don’t think they understand it.)

The boys are up this week and must pick between Kevin Rudolph, JONAS Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Fall Out Boy, One Republic, and Jesse McCartney. Unlike the girls, the guys are pretty nice and let everyone pick what they think would sound best for each person rather than fight like the girls did. It’s nice but also semi-stupid. One guy doesn’t fight for a song he thinks he’d be great at because someone else would be great at it too. Instead he takes a song he’s never heard of. (This whole process is silly because they make not all the songs good options and then someone will ultimately get stuck with it even if it isn’t what they would choose.)

Laurieann makes them sing while looking in the mirror to develop a stage presence and pay attention to what they do while they sing. Haha Laurieann calling people pumpkin and muffin. I will never get over it. Maybe So You Think You Can Dance has made her nicer. She tells one guy he’s not the best singer (which pisses him off because she’s a choreographer) but that it doesn’t matter. Omotayo is again amazing and so much farther ahead than everyone else. Agreed, he’s pretty great. Of course everyone takes this personally and disagrees. They think she’s getting caught up with herself. (One guy says don’t tell me I’m a bad singer because you don’t know what I’ve been through. Which is funny because his past is totally irrelevant to his singing and while she may be the choreographer she clearly knows music. Dancers know music too.)

Performance time. This week’s guest judge is Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls.

Up first is David singing the JONAS Brothers’s “Burnin’ Up.” He was dubbed the one to beat last time. I don’t remember that but he’s much better than in practice. There are a couple troublesome moments but otherwise…The thing is, it’s not that hard a song because the JONAS Brothers aren’t all that talented. Rodney says his voice is dope and needs to get his swag right. Tamara says to let go of the mike. Laurieann said awesome. Nicole feels like he owned it. I think the girls in the audience all think he’s so cute.

Omotayo is singing into the mirror. It’s his time up. He’s singing “Superstitious” by Stevie Wonder and it is the perfect song for his voice. The judges are dancing with the music from the start. Rodney says even Stevie Wonder would be proud. Tamara says amazing and nailed it. Laurieann tells him he killed it. Nicole says “don’t you wish your boyfriend was hot like Omotayo.” Did she really pull that out? I wish one of the other judges did but not her…

Jordan is up now. (The one who is angry at Laurieann.) He was told last week to strengthen his vocals. Singing Kevin Rudolph’s “Let It Rock.” Ha I love that one of the lines is “and the truth is hard to swallow,” so appropriate. I think he does a pretty good job but when the song hits its high point he doesn’t match the energy. Back stage they say he didn’t start strong. Rodney says he didn’t let it rock. He was a little awkward. Tamara says great energy (maybe it doesn’t translate through on tv) but he’s not diamond yet. Laurieann says he rose to the occasion but time to come back and hit it even harder. Nicole thinks he rocked it out.He says he forgives Laurieann, like she needs his forgiveness.

Zach’s turn, previously in the bottom two. He’s doing One Republic’s “Stop and Stare.” His critique was to stop singing from his throat. And he’s MUCH better. He actually pulls the mike off the stand and moves around which no one else has really done. The crowd seems to be enjoying. Backstage they think he was lost. Rodney says it’s a great song that he didn’t deliver the way he likes. Lackluster. Tamara tells him it’s not a game and he didn’t improve much. Laurieann and Tamara exchange words and she encourages him. Nicole says she thought it was lovely. (Do the guest judges ever say anything not nice?)

Jesse McCartney’s “Leaving” is sung by Christopher. it’s funny because with him singing it it doesn’t sound anything like a Jesse McCartney song but he does a good job. It becomes more of a hip hop style sounding song. There one trouble spot in particular. Rodney says he started shakey and then opened up. Do that more! Tamara agrees. Laurieann says it makes her happy to see someone’s dream manifesting. Nicole loves his swagger and thinks he did his thing.

Last comes Todd singing “I Don’t Care” by Fall Out Boy. This is another song that I don’t think shows off vocal talent att all. But he’s got a lot of energy and the judges are smiling. Rodney says he killed it. His performance shot up and he looks like he wants to win. Tamara says great stage presence and the full package. Laurieann says great job there’s nothing else to add. Nicole says he’s going to have groupies.

Zach’s upset because he thinks he’ll be in the bottom two again. Yeah, probably.

Judgment time. Jordan, Zach, and Todd are asked to step forward. Everyone else is put through to the next round. So Todd is obviously the winner this week. He owned the stage, Rodney declares. Now for the elimination. One of them is not ready to be a star. Who is out? Zach is not ready to be a star. They need to see some improvement from Jordan.

Starmaker 2

They play ominous music and Diddy and posse arrive at the house where the contestants discuss how tough the judges were. (Diddy looks kinda pissed why is that? Ah, because the performances were disappointing last night.) Diddy introduces the crew who are going to help turn them into stars. He says he doesn’t want them to embarrass him.

Song choice can make or break a performance, as American Idol has shown us. Only the women will be performing this week. There are six women with 6 album choices. Options: Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Leona Lewis, Katy Pery, and Jennifer Hudson. Being that there are only as many choices as singers there are problems since not everyone can be happy. Some bullying goes on.

The rearrange the songs to fit their own voices. One girl changes it so drastically it’s unrecognizable. Another one just needs confidence.

Basically this is a mean version of American Idol where everyone loves each other.

Guest judge: Pete Wentz from Fallout Boy.

Monet sings Hot n Cold by Katy Pery and she’s totally stepped it up. Laurieann danced the whole way through. And her eyes are dynamic…The contestants backstage think her voice isn’t there. Well, she chose the right song for herself.

Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight” is performed by Angel. Much better than last week (her critique was that she was unemotional) and good song choice.

Marissa is doing Miley Cyrus’s “7 Things I Hate About You.” Rodney says it was all wrong (from song choice to outfit to performance). Trying to hard to “rock out.”

Liz performs Madonna’s “Material Girl” not in her genre, which is country. She comes out HUGE. Reminds me a bit of a Broadway performance but I’m not sure why. (Angel looks PISSED.)

Singing Kelly Clarkson’s “Because Of You” is Melody. The arrangement is unrecognizable until the chorus. Laurieann just looks confused. Marissa is crying backstage but I’m not sure why. The change was risky but the judges seems to like it. (I did not.) Wentz says if she doesn’t get signed to Bad Boy she should call him.

Laurianna sings Leona Lewis’s “Better In Time.” She’s so tiny. She reminds me of Laurie from Popstar (Scene 23 I think they were called). I think she sounds really good but she should have gone a little higher if she could. The judges think she could be better and they’re not sure if she’s an icon.

Time for judging. Only two got negative reviews. Marissa, Laurianna and Monet are called up while they are safe. Monet is dubbed the girl to beat. None of the girls off stage agree. Monet is still in. Sad, two of my favorites are the bottom two. Favorite being relative to my not being much invested in most of them. Marissa is not ready to be a star and is kicked off. Except she was great last week. Sad. Laurianna is warned to step it up.

Backstage Melody says the competition is up in the air.

Still not so impressed, especially with only 6 performers a week.

P.Diddy’s Starmaker

The show opens with Diddy saying “you know what I do, I make dreams come true.” From what I’ve seen on his various Making The Band shows, he’s also destroyed a number of dreams as well, but there’s certainly a ton of drama involved.

14 singers are gathered together in LA “for their shot at fame.” Cue each person saying this is their dream, music is everything to them, and they’ve given up everything for this opportunity.

Surprise, Kimberly Caldwell, American Idol alum is the mc. She’s neither here nor there in that department, sort of a necessary component but doesn’t bring much to the stage. (American Idol has certainly launched careers of one type or another for many of its contestants, whether music oriented or otherwise. If nothing else, it allows them to be part of other reality shows about people who were on reality shows. There’s something so bizarre about that.) She introduces P.Diddy as the ultimate VIP and her boss. She sounds like she’s trying to be louder and more excitable than she actually is. It’s a little weird to hear.

Diddy’s looking for “swagger.” (Why is choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson judging a singing competition? I will say, she’s waaay nicer than she used to be, calling people babycakes and muffin and saying something nice to counteract the more critical one’s commentary.)

One of the things this show is missing is the clips of the singers where we get to know and care about them. Most of them got a one line throw away like “she quit her bjob to come here” or “he has an eight year old daughter” but that’s about it. We haven’t seen their personality. It could just be that this was before we determined who the “finalists” are since the only the top 12 move into the house.

The editing is poorly done. Half the time they tell us exactly what the judges are going to say to a particular contestant before they’ve performed. We shouldn’t know who is bad before we see it!

It’s a poor imitation of American Idol with a lot less talent. I hope things pick up soon.