Entertainment & Arts

‘Idol’ casting

Sanjaya Malakar: El DeBarge There is a precedent in the music world even for young Sanjaya Malakar. About 20 years ago a guy named El DeBarge burst onto the music scene with “Rhythm of the Night” and it’s almost as if Sanjaya channels him onstage-same immovable idiot smile, same light, effeminate voice. DeBarge appears to keep his pitch better, but music producers can work magic back at the studio. Maybe Sanjaya has a future after all. See if you can point out the similarities here.

Sanjaya Malakar: El DeBarge
There is a precedent in the music world even for young Sanjaya Malakar. About 20 years ago a guy named El DeBarge burst onto the music scene with “Rhythm of the Night” and it’s almost as if Sanjaya channels him onstage-same immovable idiot smile, same light, effeminate voice. DeBarge appears to keep his pitch better, but music producers can work magic back at the studio. Maybe Sanjaya has a future after all.
See if you can point out the similarities here.  (Fox / WireImage.com)

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Lakisha Jones

Lakisha Jones: Nina Simone
My esteemed editor and rabid “Idol” follower Richard Rushfield claims Lakisha Jones as his current favorite “Idol” contender. I love her on stage, but otherwise she has an aloofness I’m not sure I like. So who does she remind me of? Nina Simone, another tough lady with a whole lot of talent. Both women could hold their own in any musical style-from opera to the blues.  (Fox / AP)

Gina Glocksen

Gina Glocksen: Pat Benatar
Gina Glocksen, this year’s resident rocker chick, wants to be Pat Bentar--all tough and rock ‘n’ roll on the outside, pure pop sensibility on the inside. Maybe she should consider rocking Benatar’s hard core ‘80s look rather than this weird late-90s thing that makes her feel dated.  (Fox / WireImage.com)

Chris Sligh

Chris Sligh: Adam Duritz
Like Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, Chris Sligh projects a self-satisfied smooth grunge vibe that is equally annoying in both men. Their matching crop of curly hair only enhances the comparison.  (Fox / WireImage.com)

Stephanie Edwards

Stephanie Edwards: Will Smith
Stephanie Edwards is one big yawn. She’s talented enough and pretty enough, but is there any “there” there? We’re not convinced. She’s like Will Smith the singer. Fine, but not awesome. Boring, but not embarrassing. Maybe she should try acting.  (Fox / LAT)

Phil Stacey

Phil Stacey: Michael Bolton
There’s something Michael Bolton-esque about Phil Stacey, n’est pas? He’s commanding and he can bring that husky stadium voice out when he needs to, but we’re betting he’s not afraid of a little soft rock, easy listening either. As to whether the world needs another Michael Bolton.…  (Fox / LAT)

Melinda Doolittle

Melinda Doolittle: Gladys Knight
Giving credit where credit is due, it was Simon Cowell who first told Doolittle (this reporter’s fave) that she remind him of a young Gladys Knight. Doolittle has a sweet innocence that belies her great talent. What’s not to love about this girl?  (Fox / WireImage.com)

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