With only four singers left to fill a whole hour—it was time for the contestants to be tasked with two songs each.

But of course, they were limited to one songwriter’s library.  Luckily, Barry Gibb has a wealth of songs to choose from.  From his hits with The Bee Gees to the tunes he penned for other artists—there should be something out there the contestants could sing.  Right?

MELINDA DOOLITTLE
SONG:  “Love You Inside Out”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Her hair had been improving vastly over the last couple of weeks—but today she seems to be taking several steps backwards.  She’s sounding great as always…but for some reason I’m actually quite bored.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it was a solid performance, though he wasn’t jumping out his seat.  Paula thought her vocals were consistent.  Simon didn’t think it was an ‘outstanding’ performance.

BLAKE LEWIS
SONG:  “You Should Be Dancing”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I’m still not liking his hair…and now his jacket bothering me.  And his whispery falsetto.  And his theatrics.  I’m starting to forget if he can actually sing.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said the beat boxing didn’t work for this song.  Paula thought that it started off a bit shaky.  Simon said it was ‘actually terrible’.

LAKISHA JONES
SONG:  “Stayin’ Alive”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Stayin’ Alive??  This is gonna be an interesting one.  Let’s first start off by saying that she looks great tonight.  As for the song?  She really is making it her own and doing the best she can within her vocal range.  Unfortunately, she’s changed the song up so much that I’m barely recognizing the fun disco tune.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said her rendition just wasn’t working.  Paula thought she brought the tempo—and the mood—down a bit.  Simon said she was actually yelling in parts.

JORDIN SPARKS
SONG:  “To Love Somebody”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  She’s only two verses in—and Jordin is already showing that she is back and strong.  What more can I say but ‘perfect song choice’??
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy and Paula both agreed that it was the best vocal so far tonight.  Simon said that the competition has finally begun.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE
SONG:  “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I expected so much more from her on this song.  Al Green’s version absolutely gives me chills.  This version was just ho-hum.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought she was much better the 2nd time around.  Paula said something incomprehensible.  Simon said the second half of the song assured her a spot in next week’s show.

BLAKE LEWIS
SONG:  “This Is Where I Came In”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  He knowingly picked one of their more obscure songs…and I don’t think that will help him win viewers over.  Nor will his lackluster performance.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said he still couldn’t get jazzed over Blake tonight.  Paula enjoyed the performance.  Simon said it was a poor choice of song.

LAKISHA JONES
SONG:  “Run to Me”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  The song is starting off very nice but very mellow.  The whole thing was kind of anti-climactic.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it was ‘good’.  Paula assured Lakisha that she was still a ‘champ’.  Simon said that Lakisha and Blake should feel vulnerable after tonight.

JORDIN SPARKS
SONG:  “A Woman In Love”
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I can’t tell you how excited I am that someone is singing this song!!!  She’s a little shaky but is demonstrating so much control on a difficult song.  I think she’s gonna win a lot of older viewers with this Barbra classic.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought it was a little pitchy.  Paula didn’t think it was her best performance.  Simon thought it was a bit old-fashioned and pageanty.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  This show can’t have three girls going into the semis.  I think the loser will be Lakisha.

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