Drum roll, please!  After endless weeks of competition, tonight came down to—as USA Today put it best—Gray vs. Anatomy.  The contestants were armed with three songs tonight—two from their Idol past and a original song that may eventually be recorded by the winner.  Would Taylor’s soulful style resonate with people outside the southern states and those without a touch of gray?  Would Katharine’s youthful voice and pretty face be able to branch out beyond the West Coast? For the last time this season—read on!!

KATHARINE MCPHEE
SONG: “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”/ KT Tunstall
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Definitely a smart start for her.  Allows her to be upbeat and show a little versatility.  More importantly—It allowed the undecided male viewers out there to see through her shirt.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy said that she finally looked like she was having fun with that song.  He doesn’t know that he was super excited, but he thought she sang this song better than the first time around.  Paula said it was a fun way to start the show.  Simon said that was good with a small ‘g’.  He said that the occasion was bigger than that song.

TAYLOR HICKS
SONG: “Living for the City”/ Stevie Wonder
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  First off—I think Taylor should heed Katharine’s advice and show a little more skin.  That hot fuschia jacket is downright hideous.  As for his performance?  Coming through the audience was a great way to get the crowd involved.  And the vocals?  The song showcased Taylor’s grittiness and funk perfectly.  The garish jacket is the last thing we’ll be remembering here.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy was concerned about him picking a Stevie Wonder song, but was pleased that he always finds a way to make it his own.  Paula was excited that their outfits were color-coordinated.  But what really mattered was that she enjoyed his performance.  Simon thought it was a great - and smart - way to open the show.

KATHARINE MCPHEE
SONG:  “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”/ Judy Garland
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Hoping that people will remember her softer side, Katharine decided to dust this memorable number off.  Will a bigger stage call for more drama?  Well—she apparently decided not to deviate from her previous sitting position.  Boring.  While her ‘Cherry Tree’ performance tonight may have surpassed her outing a few weeks ago, I feel the exact opposite about this ‘Rainbow’ performance.  Granted she isn’t done yet, but it doesn’t seem to be as moving as her first try.  Maybe because we’re not surprised by it anymore?  The goosebumps are already long gone.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy admitted that he thought it would be anti-climatic for her to perform this song again, but he thought she ‘worked it out’ just as well.  Paula said that fathers everywhere are feeling the tears down their face.  Maybe because they can’t see through her shirt anymore?  Simon thought she got slaughtered in Round One, but thought she redeemed herself with this song.

TAYLOR HICKS
SONG:  “Levon”/ Elton John
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Of all the songs that Taylor could have picked, I was a bit disappointed with this one.  I thought he performed it well, but I don’t think it was as energetic as it could have been.  And it also seemed—weirdly enough—a bit short.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy thought it was a little pitchy for him.  Paula said something non-sensical.  Simon said that this song was not as ‘popular’ as the first.  He said that the whole competition rests on the final number.

KATHARINE MCPHEE
SONG:  “My Destiny”
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  She started off quite a bit pitchy.  Okay - a lot pitchy.  Unfortunately, this song is a but underwhelming thus far and I’m not sure that she is able to overcome it.  Omigawd—the song actually got worse towards the end.  As long as Taylor can hang in there, he should be able to walk away with this.
JUDGES NOTES:  Surprisingly, Randy actually thought she sounded good, but he did not like the song.  Paula said it was not her fault that the song sucked and that she was brilliant regardless.  Simon thought that she actually went from brilliant to quite good in just one song.  He said that anyone who wants to vote for Kat should remember her second song.

TAYLOR HICKS
SONG:  “Do I Make You Proud?”
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Okay—he’s only one verse in and I’m already certain that he will win Round Three.  So far another underwhelming song, but his performance is far cleaner and energetic.  Wow!  In spite of it all, he definitely made the last part of the song his own.  Go Soul Patrol!!!
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy said that no matter what the song is, Taylor knows how to put his signature on it.  Paula said that all the nuances of Taylor Hicks existed in that song.  Simon thinks that song may have sealed the deal.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  America HAS to vote Taylor in—even if it’s just to shove it down Simon’s face.  Whatever the reason: vote for Soul Patrol!!!

(You can find all the American Idol 5 posts here.)