It took six seasons for the producers of American Idol to finally realize that they had Oprah-esque potential to inspire acts of charity.  But better late then never, right?

Taking advantage of their large audience, AI and its sponsors reminded the viewers (and themselves) how superficial a singing contest really is.  In an attempt to lessen our collective guilt and help people around the world—the viewers were given the opportunity to donate to charity simply by doing what they’ve been doing for weeks:  voting.  For every call made tonight, $.10 would be donated to charity—up to $5 million in total.

So in keeping with tonight’s theme, the contestants were charged with performing ‘songs of inspiration’.  But were they successful in getting people to vote for them?  Read on!

CHRIS RICHARDSON
SONG:  “Change The World”/ Eric Clapton
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Great acoustic feel.  Unfortunately, Eric Clapton makes this simple song very bluesy and soulful…while Chris sounds like something I would hear in an elevator.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy for the first time he actually believed that Chris was in it to win it.  Paula thought it was fantastic.  Simon said it was a good vocal.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE
SONG:  “There Will Come A Day”/ Faith Hill
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Melinda - always the storyteller - knows how to pick a song for herself.  I’ve never heard this song before, but I’m shocked to hear that this is from Faith Hill.  It sounds like it came straight from a gospel choir.  And wow - I’m still so surprised by Melinda’s improved ‘do.  It definitely appeals to a much larger demographic.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said that Melinda has arrived.  Paula thought she was magical.  Simon said that she made the song her own.

BLAKE LEWIS
SONG:  “Imagine”/ John Lennon
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  He hasn’t even started yet and I’m already worried.  The typical Blake-isms really stick out like a sore thumb on this song.  It’s one thing to make a song your own—it’s another thing to make a classic song bland.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it was ‘only alright’ for him.  Paula really enjoyed seeing Blake’s sensitive side.  Simon said that the song didn’t really go anywhere—even if he did sing it with sincerity.

LAKISHA JONES
SONG:  “I Believe”/ Fantasia
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I’m gonna pull a Paula and start off by saying she looks great tonight.  Beautiful hair and beautiful dress.  Now I think she’s doing a thousand times better than she did last week—but for some reason I’m not really caring anymore.  Is it possible for me to be tired of her??
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy didn’t think it was her best performance—but he did like it though.  Paula is having a hard time getting past Fantasia’s rendition.  Simon never got a chance to finish what he was saying..

PHIL STACEY
SONG:  “The Change”/ Garth Brooks
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Okay - I’ve admittedly never been a fan of Phil’s…but I actually thought he did well last week.  Now I’ve been reminded why I think he should go.  I can’t take the schmaltz and overdramatic singing anymore.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it was a strong performance and nice vocal.  Paula thought it was his best.  Simon kind of rambled—but basically told Phil he had potential.

JORDIN SPARKS
SONG:  “You’ll Never Walk Alone”/ Various
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I hate to say it—but she’s actually starting off quite shaky tonight.  Thankfully she (and her powerful voice) started picking it up towards the end.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought that it was one of the best vocals ever heard on AI.  Paula said she did a lovely job.  Simon thought she was fantastic.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  This could be a close contest.  But I feel fairly confident in saying that another male will be eliminated.

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