Brandon down, 10 more to go..

We’re now moving on from the Motown era for tonight’s new theme:  The British Invasion.  Were the contestants able to make as big of an impact on the American audience?  Read on for the details!

HAYLEY SCARNATO
SONG: “Tell Him”/ Billie Davis
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Well, I think we can easily say that this was a lot better song than last week.  But what is up with the short shorts?  Maybe she’s trying to distract people with her giggling.  The singing wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t stellar either.  Sadly, I think I lost interest before the song was even over.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thinks that Haley’s back in the competition.  Paula thought she was adorable and appreciates her flirtier side.  Simon called her a ‘naughty little thing’.  He said it was fun and young, though a bit shrieky in the middle.

CHRIS RICHARDSON
SONG: “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying”/ Gerry & The Pacemakers
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Very mellow, acoustic beginning…me likey.  Today he reminds me (thankfully) more of Justin than K-Fed.  I still think his voice came be a bit whiney, but this song is perfectly suited for that.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought the song showed off another beautiful side of him.  Paula said it was a very smart choice and great arrangement.  Simon thought it was his best performance yet.

STEPHANIE EDWARDS
SONG: “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me”/ Dusty Springfield
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Any song that starts off a cappella is usually quite impressive…and so far Stephanie is holding up well.  Unfortunately, she’s now getting a bit shaky during the climax.  Oh - and now she’s closed off flat.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy didn’t think it was her best performance.  He said it was a bit pitchy.  Paula started off by complimenting her clothes, which usually means she didn’t like the performance.  Simon thinks she might be losing her edge.  He said the performance was a bit cabaret.

BLAKE LEWIS
SONG: “Time of the Season”/ The Zombies
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  He starts off very smooth, but I’m nervous about him having to hit that high note.  He seems to be getting it though.  I’m just not sure if his beatboxing fits in.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought he put together a very cool and vibey rendition of the song.  Paula thinks that he has really raised the bar.  Simon said that it was a million times better than last week.

LAKISHA JONES
SONG: “Diamonds Are Forever”/ Shirley Bassey
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I think her new curly ‘do is a bit distracting.  She sounds great…but if it’s possible, this song almost sounds TOO effortless.  And is wrong for me to say that she kind of sounds like Ursula from The Little Mermaid?  You know—it’s hard for Lakisha to screw up a song, but I wasn’t a real fan of this tune to begin with.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it wasn’t his favorite performance of hers.  There just wasn’t enough Lakisha in it.  Paula thought it was a good song choice.  Simon said the song (and outfit) aged her about 50 years.

PHIL STACEY
SONG: “Tobacco Road”/ Nashville Teens
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Why does it bother me that this song doesn’t sound like it was from the 60’s?  I can’t really say anything bad about it though.  If anything, he definitely has a lot of energy.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought it was a pretty good performance despite being a bit pitchy.  Paula said it was a good song choice and really enjoyed the emotion in his voice.  Simon unfortunately wasn’t crazy about it.  He thought it was too much like a bar band.

JORDIN SPARKS
SONG: “I (Who Have Nothing)”/ Shirley Bassey
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Her straightened hair looks fantastic!  Finally, the first song of the evening to fully showcase the singer’s talent and potential!!  And wow, that girl has got some lungs!!
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said that it was a very tall order but a great, great performance.  Paula was impressed by her vocal range.  Simon thought she sang it beautifully despite the gloomy subject matter.

SANJAYA MALAKAR
SONG: “You Really Got Me”/ The Kinks
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  Why, oh why, did he pick this song?  BTW—if anyone else out there watches Degrassi, doesn’t he kind of look like Marco?  Gosh, he simply doesn’t have the machismo to pull off this song.  But then again, maybe the yelling helps him seem less feeble.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy was completely shocked,  He thought Sanjaya came out of his shell tonight.  Paula seconded the opinion.  Simon was speechless.

GINA GLOCKSEN
SONG: “Paint It Black”/ The Rolling Stones
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  You go, girl!  You show Sanjaya how to rock a song out.  I just love this girl.  She and Blake always know how to stay true to themselves.  She really seems comfortable with herself on stage.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said it wasn’t his favorite vocal of hers.  He thought it was a pitchy.  Paula ingeniously figured out that this is what Gina is comfortable doing.  Simon thought there were moments of complete torture in the vocal.  He said it was style over content.

CHRIS SLIGH
SONG: “She’s Not There”/ The Zombies
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  I don’t know if I’m comfortable seeing him walk through the audience, but he seems incredibly relaxed and confident.  And it’s refreshing to hear him sing a song without a strange arrangement.  He’s simply focused on his vocals…and he sounds great!
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy thought it started off a bit rough but said it ended off really strong.  Paula said his vocals were really good.  Simon thought that Chris showed a lot of fun and personality.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE
SONG: “As Long As He Needs Me”/ From the musical Oliver
MY FIRST IMPRESSION:  What a soothing voice. She could rock any baby to sleep.  She reminds me a bit of Patti Austin.  And I really like her look tonight.  With jeans on, she doesn’t seem like such an old soul.
JUDGES’ NOTES:  Randy said that they saved the best vocal for last.  He likes how she takes her time.  Paula loves how she tells a story with her songs.  Simon is starting to wonder if she is really as nice as she seems.  Either way, he said it was an impeccable vocal.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  Sadly, I think Sanjaya will be around to see another day.  This time around, I think the ax will fall on Stephanie Edwards.

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