American Idol Trims Down to Nine Contestants

After the unexpected departure of the very talented Stephanie Edwards from American Idol last week, I was not even sure that I wanted to continue watching this program. This season has really turned into a popularity contest of major proportions. Curiosity got the best of me, however, and I was glued to the television yet again. Okay, enough with my rant. As the late, great Ethel Merman sang, "Let's get on with the show!"

Pop superstar Gwen Stefani was the guest American Idol contestant coach for this week's show. This week featured No Doubt songs and included songs from the artists and bands that inspired Gwen such as the Police, Donna Summer, and the Cure.

First to take the American Idol stage this week was LaKisha Jones singing Donna Summer's "Last Dance". True to form she delivered a flawless upbeat performance. As expected, this American Idol front runner did a great job and delivered a solid performance. American Idol judge Randy Jackson said, "It's good to see you make a change and rock it. I love the boots." and "you did that like a true fly diva right there. That was hot." Paula Abdul commented that Donna Summer is not an easy artist to start out with and told LaKisha "you did her proud. You did an excellent job." American Idol judge Simon Cowell also loved her boots and commented "It's the LaKisha who I loved three or four weeks ago coming back here, putting your mark back on this competition. Great vocal."

Next up was Chris Sligh with a disappointing performance of "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic". His vocals just were not good this week and he seems to lose vocal strength when he moves about the stage. American Idol judge Randy Jackson thought it was a good choice for Chris but noted that "rhythmically the band was at one tempo and you were always at another tempo. You could never quite get in the pocket.". American Idol judge Paula Abdul commented that "that's probably the biggest amount of criticism I've had for you all season is staying in the pocket because it becomes like an eyesore for the audience." Simon Cowell thought it was a mess, didn't think the song suited Chris, and said "it just didn't feel right".

Gina Glocksen followed with a stellar performance of "I'll Stand By You". She did a great job exhibiting strong vocals and good vocal control. American Idol judge Randy Jackson exclaimed "I thought this was one of your best performances ever" and "This was the perfect song for you. Very nice. Very nice." Paula Abdul stated that she loved the fact that Gina was improving each week and coming into her own as an artist. Simon Cowell said that it was Gina's best performance.

Teen favorite Sanjaya Malakar was next. Taking the stage with a Mohawk type hair do didn't improve his vocal ability. He delivered a disappointing rendition of "Bathwater" by No Doubt. American Idol judge Randy Jackson said, "I'm speechless every time. It's weird" and "the hair do is definitely interesting". Paula Abdul told Sanjaya that if he "had the gumption, if you had the ability to just totally go for it, then it would fit the wackiness" of the Mohawk. American Idol judge Simon Cowell remarked, "Well I presume there was no mirror in your dressing room tonight." to which Sanjaya told Simon that Simon was "just jealous that he couldn't pull it off." Simon went on to say that he didn't think it mattered anymore what the judges say. He concluded, "I think you are in your own universe and if people like you, good luck."

Haley Scarnato was next with her performance of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors". It was an okay performance but she really needed to put more energy into it. American Idol judge Randy Jackson said "it started a little rough for me and got better towards the end." and told Haley "You didn't really grab me with that." Paula Abdul told her she needed to aim to be more contemporary. Simon Cowell thought it was "sweet but forgettable" and that it was nothing to remember. He concluded by telling Haley that she really has to "do better than that".

Phil Stacey was next with an okay performance of "Every Breath You Take" by the Police. The American Idol judges liked his performance. Randy Jackson said, "I actually kind of liked that. I thought it was a really solid performance for you". Paula Abdul thought it was a real good performance." Simon Cowell remarked that he also thought that Phil's performance was very good.

Melinda Doolittle was next with an exceptional performance of Donna Summer's "Heaven Knows". Melinda consistently displays great vocals and a polished professional style and this performance was no exception. American Idol judge Randy Jackson exclaimed, "that was the bomb again!" Paula Abdul told her "you have charisma from the word go" and "you're so joyful when you're singing". Simon Cowell told her that vocally she was "outstanding" but then added, "Hate the outfit."

Taking the American Idol stage next was Blake Lewis with a nice performance of "Love Song" by the Cure. He sounded pretty good but his performance was kind of boring for me. American Idol judge Randy Jackson told Blake that he "made the most of it" and that he liked it. Paula told him she loved what he did with the song and that she would love to see him in the finale. Simon Cowell told him he was definitely the strongest guy in the competition.

Jordin Sparks took the American Idol stage next with an energized, confident performance of Gwen Stefani's "Hey Baby". She showed great energy as well as great vocals. American Idol judge Randy Jackson told her she can sing anything she wants. Paula Abdul said, "you're adorable and you're hip, and you're young". Paula concluded that she loved seeing Jordin in this kind of mode. Simon Cowell followed with "I think you are probably the most improved contestant we have seen in terms of the last few weeks."

Chris Richardson closed the show with a stiff, strained performance of "Don't Speak" by No Doubt. American Idol judge Randy Jackson really liked the R&B twist. Paula Abdul commented "you're good, Chris, you're good." Simon Cowell "wasn't crazy about the vocals."

The results show opened with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest appearing with a Sanjaya type Mohawk wig. Following a recap of the ten performances, the results of the voting were revealed. As American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced that Phil Stacey, Haley Scarnato, and Chris Sligh were in the bottom three, it was painfully clear that this is truly a popularity contest rather than a singing contest. Chris Sligh was sent home. Although some of his recent performances weren't that great, he still has more talent than some contestants who still remain in the American Idol competition.

Am I disappointed? Certainly. Will I tune in again next week? You betcha!