Tonight the Idol contestants stepped out with classic crooner Tony Bennett.  Did the cool cat teach the novices how to remain calm and classy under pressure?  Or did some end up leaving their hearts in Hollywood?  Read on!

BLAKE LEWIS
SONG: “Mack the Knife”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  This funky tune is right up his alley.  I’m almost thrown off to see him suited up…but he sounds great and remains a showman.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it was a very good way to start off the evening…even if there were a few pitch problems.  Paula thought he personified pizazz.  Simon said it was a good song choice.

PHIL STACEY
SONG: “Night and Day”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Flat from the get-go…and incredibly weak.  He’s been riding the bottom of the barrel for several weeks now.  This boring number should keep him there.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy didn’t feel any real connection or passion.  Paula thought he was reminiscent of a young Frank Sinatra.  Simon said it had all the joy of someone singing in a funeral parlor.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE
SONG: “I Got Rhythm”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  It was really cool to see her singing something a little more fun and whimsical.  She doesn’t need to be so serious all the time…it’s not like we don’t know she can sing or anything.  Thankfully, she finally got around to doing something with that hair as well.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said she continually gives her fellow contestants a lesson a singing.  Paula agreed that she is in a master class.  Simon didn’t like the first half of the song but thought it ended great.

CHRIS RICHARDSON
SONG: “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Is it just me or is he starting to sound like Blake Lewis?  And if there’s two to choose from—one’s inevitably gotta go.  And I think it could soon be Chris.  He sounds fine…the only problem is:  he sounds fine.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought he came out there with a vengeance.  Paula said that he made it so hip and so cool.  Simon thought it was very good and very believable.

JORDIN SPARKS
SONG: “On A Clear Day”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I don’t think it’s her best performance—a bit nasal at times—but she’ll definitely be sticking around.  The tune is actually a bit boring but she’s got loads of enthusiasm to make up for it.  And what a pair of lungs!
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought that was ‘the bomb’.  Paula said she is a magnet of joy.  Simon didn’t think she managed to make the song young and current.

GINA GLOCKSEN
SONG: “Smile”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I don’t know if it’s Gina or the song…but I just got chills.  (I did also shudder when I saw her hair).  Her last note was a bit flat but I thought her performance was overall enjoyable.  I’m ignoring the fact that her outfit really didn’t fit the mood.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy actually ‘kinda’ liked it.  Paula thought it was beautiful and understated.  Simon said she was out-sung by the two girls before her.

SANJAYA MALAKAR
SONG: “Cheek to Cheek”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  He looks - and sounds - like he’s a little kid trying to emulate his father.  I’m not even convinced he’s completely gone through puberty yet.  But wait a second—is that stubble I see??  And did he actually get his hair cut?
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said that he’s turned into a great entertainer.  Paula wasn’t sure if he was on Dancing With The Stars or American Idol.  Simon simply said ‘incredible’.

HALEY SCARNATO
SONG: “Ain’t Misbehavin’”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I’m starting to wonder if she’s playing up the sex card because she ain’t got anything else left.  So props to her for trying to make the best of it.  Unfortunately, she’s trying so hard these days it’s almost kind of embarrassing.  Someone please just put her on a Vegas stage already.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Simon said that it was a little pageanty.  Paula said she ‘did her thang’.  Randy somehow managed to avoid the topic altogether.

LAKISHA JONES
SONG: “Stormy Weather”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  She’s obviously good so now I’m forced to find something to talk about.  Okay—I think she started the song off so loud…she had nowhere to go but louder.  Vocally great but almost a bit too much.  End criticism.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it started off a bit rough but ended great.  Paula was in love.  Simon said it was a sassy, great performance.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  I’m wondering if Sanjaya’s haircut will bring him to his Samson-loo.

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