American Idol Top Ten Chosen

With the final elimination looming before the selection of the ten finalists who will go on the American Idol tour this summer, the remaining eleven contestants competed one more time. This week was British Invasion week on American Idol with sixties British music stars Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits and British singer of "To Sir With Love" fame, Lulu, offering advice to the hopeful American Idol contestants.

First to perform on the American Idol stage this week was Haley Scarnato. Perhaps inspired by a pep talk from Lulu, she delivered an energized performance of "Tell Him". Her delivery was much better than last week. She seemed more relaxed and really had fun with the song. American Idol judge Randy Jackson said "that was the perfect song" for Haley and Paula Abdul agreed. Simon Cowell remarked "you naughty little thing" and said that "people will be talking about a lot more than your singing tonight".

Chris Richardson was up next with his agonizingly slow performance of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying". Although I thought the song was boring, drawn out, and depressing, the American Idol judges were all impressed. Randy Jackson said "that was another great performance". Paula Abdul remarked that "it's all about being smart with your choices". Simon thought that it was Chris' best performance so far.

Next to take the American Idol stage was Stephanie Edwards singing a Dusty Springfield classic, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me". She did a fairly good job but the song was not the best to allow her to showcase her talents. American Idol judge Randy Jackson thought the number was "a little pitchy". Simon Cowell told her she was "losing your edge" and that the performance was like a cabaret show. Paula Abdul loved what Stephanie was wearing and told her to go back to having fun.

Blake Lewis was the next American Idol contestant to perform. His rendition of "Time of the Season" was delivered flawlessly. Though I would like to have seen him spice it up with a little more of his signature beebop style, his vocals were great. "That was brilliant, baby, brilliant." exclaimed American Idol judge Randy Jackson. The performance brought Paula Abdul to her feet. American Idol judge Simon Cowell commented that the performance was "a million times better than last week".

Wearing about a million dollars worth of diamonds, LaKisha Jones performed "Diamonds Are Forever" next. Her rendition was beautifully delivered in a sultry, smoky, professional style. Her strong but controlled vocals are her gift. American Idol judge Randy Jackson thought it was a good song choice but that her performance was "just alright". Paula Abdul thought LaKisha made the right song choice and complimented her on her appearance. Judge Simon Cowell likened her performance to "LaKisha in fifty years time" to which LaKisha replied that she would be very pleased if this is what she sounds like in forty-five years.

American Idol contestant Phil Stacey was next with his rendition of "Tobacco Road". He appeared to have fun with the song but appeared a bit awkward traversing the stage with the microphone stand. His voice seemed strained at times. American Idol judge Simon Cowell "wasn't crazy about it", Paula Abdul thought it was a "good choice of song" although "some parts were pitchy", and Randy Jackson commented that it was a "pretty good" performance.

Jordin Sparks followed with a powerful performance of "I Who Have Nothing". Her song styling and vocal strength are much more developed than one would expect of a seventeen year old. She was magnificent. The American Idol judges were all in agreement in their assessment of Jordin. Randy Jackson called it a "great, great performance". Paula Abdul told Jordin she is a "wonderful performer" and Simon Cowell said "you sang it beautifully".

American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar was next with a strained, painful to listen to, performance of "You Really Got Me". He tried to add a raspy rocker quality to his voice but it came up short. His performance brought a young lady in the crowd to tears. American Idol judge Randy Jackson thought this was Sanjaya's "best performance to date". Paula Abdul said "that's what we've been waiting for". In lieu of giving an opinion, Simon Cowell stated "I think the little girl's face says it all" and seemed surprised when American Idol host Ryan Seacrest told him that the little girl's tears were because she liked the performance. It appears that Sanjaya's popularity, not singing ability, is going to keep him around a little longer.

Mick Jagger's "Paint It Black" was Gina Glocksen's song choice. Lulu told her "you got the look, you got the voice" and she proved it belting out a solid performance showcasing her powerful vocals. American Idol judge Randy Jackson thought it was "a little pitchy in spots". Paula Abdul thought it was much better than last week and commented that this is what Gina has fun doing. She advised her to let loose and do her own thing. Simon Cowell commented that it was "just not very good" and that "there were moments of complete torture in that vocal".

American Idol contestant Chris Sligh followed with the 1964 Zombies hit, "She's Not There". Although his arrangement on this song was far better than last week, he seemed distracted while traveling through the crowd. Chris exhibited better concentration and vocal strength once he reached the stage and he finished strong. American Idol judge Randy Jackson stated that "it started off a little bit rough" but ended really strong. Paula Abdul said his "vocals were real good" and Simon Cowell commented that "it was fun".

The final and undoubtedly the best performance of the night was Melinda Doolittle's powerful rendition of the torch song "As Long As He Needs Me". Although she had stated that the British theme was out of her comfort zone, her beautiful arrangement coupled with her great control and powerful voice ended the show in style. In the words of American Idol judge Randy Jackson, they "probably saved the best vocal for last". Paula Abdul called the performance "just beautiful" and told Melinda she was in her own league. Simon Cowell exclaimed "absolutely sensational with an impeccable vocal".

The results show found Stephanie Edwards and Chris Robinson in the bottom two with Stephanie being voted out. Once again the cute popular contestant stays in the competition while a real talent is sent packing. Though Stephanie's performance this week lacked the spark of her previous performances, she should have been allowed to stay in the competition. True to what we have seen so far this season, American Idol has become a popularity contest rather than a singing competition.

The American Idol voters got it wrong again.