Charity week’s over…so enough of the niceties. Two people will be going home this week—and with the sacrificial lamb (Sanjaya) already gone, there aren’t many left to choose from.

Jon Bon Jovi was on hand this week to help guide—and weed out—the singers.  As a thank you, the contestants did their best to avoid butchering his songs.  Who managed to rock it out and who just ended up sounding like bad medicine?  Read on!

PHIL STACEY
SONG:  “Blaze of Glory”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Well, we already know that Phil can do country…and this song is not that far off from that genre.  My fear?  If Phil manages to stick around for one more week—which two will be going??  I just realized he sounds a lot better when I’m not looking at him…
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said that this was his 2nd best performance behind country week.  Paula thought it was the best opening song they’ve had all season long.  Simon said that he was like a bad actor trying to play a role.

JORDIN SPARKS
SONG:  “Livin’ On A Prayer”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  It’s so weird to see Jordin channeling Gina Glocksen!  I’m worried that the song is actually a bit too low for her, but her energy and stage presence may make up for it.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said that the verses were a bit rough.  Paula thought she deserved credit for going for it.  Simon said her singing was out of control.

LAKISHA JONES
SONG:  “This Ain’t A Love Song”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Lakisha managed to find the soulful song in the bunch…and she’s definitely making up for lost time.  It may not help that this song is not very well known—but she’s sounding hot tonight.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said that Lakisha is back this week.  Paula was impressed .  Simon said that he could actually kiss her after that performance.  And he did…

BLAKE LEWIS
SONG:  “You Give Love A Bad Name”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Omigawd—that was definitely an unusual opening.  Part mime, part rap.  And what is up with the new hair color?  And here comes the beatbox.  I’m torn.  He definitely knows how to put on a show…but should he be penalized for not actually singing??
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy gave him the Most Original Cover of a Song award on AI.  Paula thought it was amazing.  Simon said he was very brave to take that risk.

CHRIS RICHARDSON
SONG:  “Wanted Dead or Alive”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  The scratchy part of his voice fits the song…the whiny part doesn’t.  I also don’t think he varied his volume at all—he pretty much just yelled through the whole thing.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought it was nice.  Paula said he didn’t have anything to worry about.  Simon thought he did the most he could with the song.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE
SONG:  “Have A Nice Day”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  From the get-go, she reminds of a hard-edged Tina Turner.  It’s amazing—even with this rock genre, she still manages to tell the story behind her song.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it was hot.  Paula thought she was rock star.  Simon agreed with me (go figure) and said she was reminiscent of Tina Turner.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  I can’t even believe I’m saying this…but I think Jordin will be in the Bottom Two.  And she’ll be standing there right next to Chris Richardson.

(You can find all the American Idol 6 posts here.)