'Idol' casting

‘Idol’ casting

1/7

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 its 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)

2/7

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 Im 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)

3/7

Gina Glocksen: Pat Benatar
Gina Glocksen, this years 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 Benatars hard core 80s look rather than this weird late-90s thing that makes her feel dated. (Fox / WireImage.com)

4/7

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)

5/7

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

6/7

Phil Stacey: Michael Bolton
Theres something Michael Bolton-esque about Phil Stacey, nest pas? Hes commanding and he can bring that husky stadium voice out when he needs to, but were betting hes not afraid of a little soft rock, easy listening either. As to whether the world needs another Michael Bolton. (Fox / LAT)

7/7

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

By Deborah Netburn, Times Staff Writer

March 20, 2007 12 AM PT

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Last week on “American Idol” Simon Cowell told front-runner Melinda Doolittle that she reminded him of a young Gladys Knight. The declaration caused Miss Doolittle’s smiley visage to relight to about 500 million watts.

Stuffed into a dress and heels that she had earlier admitted to hating, Doolittle’s face and body, it seemed, might not be able to take the force of her joy and at any moment would explode with emotion.

Aside from causing the near destruction of Doolittle, Cowell’s statement also inspired the staff at latimes.com to think about which musical greats other 2007 “Idol” contestants seem to be channeling onstage.

Take a click-through at contestants, left, and who they’re channeling, right, here.