The more songs the contestants are forced to sing, the closer we must be to the end of the season.  With only three contestants left—it was down to three songs each tonight.  The first one selected by legendary producer Clive Davis, the second by the judges and the third song chosen by the contestants.  With more opportunities to sing give them more chances to fail?  Read on!

ELLIOTT YAMIN
SONG: “Open Arms”/ Journey (Chosen by Clive)
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Gawd—I’m not a huge fan of this song, especially since I heard it was Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards’ wedding song.  Why couldn’t Clive have chosen ‘Faithfully’?  This really wasn’t one of Elliott’s best performances, but I think he did what he could given the cheesy subject matter.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy thought Elliott managed to work it out—even if he was singing a song from a band that Randy had worked with.  Paula thought he did a great job.  Simon thought he was a little stiff and thought he could do better than that.

KATHARINE MCPHEE
SONG: “I Believe I Can Fly”/ R. Kelly (Chosen by Clive)
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Now I’m starting to think that Clive is secretly making fun of the singers.  Why would he pick such melodramatic songs?  Well—she’s barely a verse in and she’s already whiny.  She sounds like she’s a character from a Disney soundtrack.  That was horrible.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy didn’t think the song was quite the right thing for her (really?).  Paula was at a loss for words.  Simon thought that apart from a few bum notes in the end, she kind of created a moment for herself.  (BONUS:  Did anyone hear Katharine whining that the judges have been a bit hard on her the past couple of weeks?  Poor baby…)

TAYLOR HICKS
SONG:  “Dancing in the Dark”/ Bruce Springsteen (Chosen by Clive)
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  The song was perfect for him from the get-go.  The background arrangement sounds a bit karaoke, but he definitely rises up above the band.  And thankfully, his dancing at least was on par with Springsteen’s dancing in the video.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy said that he knew how to have a good time.  Paula thought he was incredible.  Simon thought it was okay even if it paled to the original.

ELLIOTT YAMIN
SONG:  “What You Won’t Do For Love”/ Bobby Caldwell (Chosen by Paula)
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION: Excellent choice, Paula!  Even though she can’t sing, she sure does know how to pick ‘em.  Hello Simon—Elliott ain’t stiff no more.  This funky white boy is getting his groove on.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy thought he was a little sharp through most of the song.  Paula thought that his vocal ‘pierced through the heart’.  Simon thought he actually ‘sung that pretty good’.

KATHARINE MCPHEE
SONG:  “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”/ Judy Garland (Chosen by Simon)
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  First off—isn’t she stealing Kimberly Locke’s song??  And what is up with the super-dramatic pose?  I can’t deny that she’s singing it well… but she’s almost doing it too well.  Can we say overperforming?  She’d sure be perfect for the theater.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy thought this was the best vocal of the season for her.  Paula praised her for tapping into her natural self.  Simon thought it was the best performance of the season to date.

TAYLOR HICKS
SONG:  “You Are So Beautiful to Me”/ Joe Cocker (Chosen by Randy)
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Joe Cocker??  Wow—why doesn’t Randy just hand it over to Taylor??  Taylor is handling this song beautifully.  He knows exactly when to hold back and just the right moment to let it all out.  He killed it.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy thought he did the song proud.  Paula said he looked and sounded like a star.  Simon thought it was far and away his best performance so far. 

ELLIOTT YAMIN
SONG: “I Believe To My Soul”/ Ray Charles (Chosen by Elliott)
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  While I think Elliott is doing a fine job showing off his vocal chops, I wish he would have picked a song that was more audience-friendly.  I think picking a song that is not well known will seal his fate.
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy did not think that this was the perfect song, but thought he great job singing it.  Paula thought he nailed it.  Simon said that his songs tonight will not carry him through to next week.

KATHARINE MCPHEE
SONG:  “I Ain’t Got Nothing But the Blues”/ Duke Ellington
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Okay—is it just me, but does her outfit not match the song??  Again, she pulled out another fine vocal—but how exactly are you supposed to market something like that?
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy wasn’t really sure what to say.  Paula thought that she should have stuck to more ‘Rainbow’-esque songs.  Simon didn’t think that she should have closed off on that note. 

TAYLOR HICKS
SONG:  “Try A Little Tenderness”/ Otis Redding
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION:  Go, Taylor, go!!!  I’m so excited and I haven’t even heard him sing yet.  He’s definitely creating an exciting buildup.  Funny.  I thought the last song was good—but this was absolutely fantastic. 
JUDGES NOTES:  Randy said that his new name from now on is HAVE A GOOD TIME, FUNKY TAYLOR.  Paula thought he was incredible.  Simon thought it was a smart song choice. 

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Although I hated Katharine’s first and last songs, Elliott will probably be the gone next week.  :(

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