It's Clive Davis Time

For those of you wondering what Clive Davis has ever done, check this out:

In June 1967, at the urging of his friend and business associate Lou Adler Davis attended the Monterey Pop Festival and was inspired by what he saw as the future of music. He immediately signed Janis Joplin and Big Brother & the Holding Company, and Columbia went on to sign Laura Nyro, Jimmie Spheeris, Electric Flag, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago, Billy Joel, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Pink Floyd.[1] The company, which had previously avoided rock music, doubled its market share in three years. In 1972, Davis also signed the group Earth, Wind & Fire to CBS Records.

After being fired from CBS Records, Columbia Pictures hired Clive Davis to be a consultant for the company’s record and music operations. After taking time out to write his memoirs, he was offered the presidency of the division in late 1977. Davis subsequntly merged the various labels -- Colpix Records, Colgems Records and Bell Records -- into a new entity named Arista Records, ultimately buying a percentage of the company from Columbia Pictures. The label was named Arista after New York City's secondary school honor society (of which Davis was a member).

This label has one of the most diverse lineups in the record industry. It has been home to Grammy Award winning pop superstar and the best-selling artist on label Whitney Houston, singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick, Monica, Gary Glitter, Exposé, Angie Aparo, Sarah McLachlan, Annie Lennox, saxophonist Kenny G, rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Sean "Puffy" Combs, Aretha Franklin, Toni Braxton, Air Supply, Ace of Base, The Alpha Band, The Grateful Dead, TLC, Willie Nile, Bay City Rollers, Nona Hendryx, American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, and Patti Smith among others.

Pretty impressive (and crazily diverse)!!!


Not many links, pictures, or videos in this week's viewing guide. Just our thoughts:

Here at AI HQ, Top 3 Week might be our favorite week on Idol. As you may or may not recall, this is the week that Clive Davis picks a song for each contestant, each judge picks a song for one contestant, and the contestants each pick a song for themselves.

This is the week when we saw Katharine sing "Over the Rainbow", Bo Bice sing "In a Dream" a cappella, Fantasia sing "Chain of Fools", Clay sing "Unchained Melody", and Taylor sing "Dancing in the Dark". Everyone brings their "A" game, and there are usually very strong peformances from top to bottom.

And, while I believe the general consensus last week was that LaKisha was done, this week the case could be made that anyone could go.

At this point last year, everyone knew it was going to come down to Taylor and Katharine even though Elliot was a sentimental favorite. Two years ago, it was given that it was going to be Bo and Carrie......Vonzell didn't have a chance. And season 2 ---- it was Clay and Reuben from start to finish (even though we liked Kimberly Locke).

But this year? Who knows!

The last two years have produced one guy and one girl in the finals. The year before that had 2 girls, but there were 3 girls in the top 3, so it was inevitable. And Reuben and Clay were Reuben and Clay - two unstoppable behemoths.

So, does Blake being the lone guy help him? Will the girls split votes?

Or will America vote based on what they hear regardless of gender?



Right now, it seems like conventional wisdom says Melinda is the favorite and Blake is most likely to go home, but I honestly believe all three have the chance to go all the way.

The fact that Jordin's not picking her songs is certainly in her favor as she's made some poor choices (Bon Jovi week anyone?).

And you know with 3 songs to sing that Blake is going to beatbox on (at least) one, and the judges' responses to his beatz will be crucial to his advancing.

And favorite Melinda - are people growing tired of her? Does the fact that last week Jordin was sent back to the "safe" couch first mean anything?



It's going to be really exciting to watch tomorrow, and Wednesday night will make for a tense hour! Maybe Maroon 5 and Elliot Yamin's performances will ease the tension a bit.



Last year at this point, we ran the spreadsheet (thank you Alieda again!) and let you know who would win finish where based on who went home when. With only 3 contestants remaining, it's pretty easy.

We're not going to do that this year - we don't want to ruin any tension in the pool, and everything should be worked out by Wednesday night anyway.

Regardless, in really basic terms, we can tell you that if you are one of the bazillion people who have Melinda #1 or #2, you want Melinda safe. If you're one of the handful of people who have Blake #1 or #2 you want Blake. And if you have neither of them #1 or #2, you want Jordin (and probably Blake) so that everyone with Melinda won't pass you by. Rocket Science!!!!


Enjoy top 3 night on Tuesday! It's going to be great!!!

The Master