Top 3 - Judges' Choice

Jordin Sparks 1 - 'Wishing On A Star' - she starts out strong with a very solid performance. Simon picked the song but didn't like the jazzy arrangement.

Blake Lewis 1 - 'Roxanne' - his performance has power, style, and confidence, but I think this song offered a small canvas for his talents, with lots of repetition and a narrow range. Randy and Paula were able to ignore this, but Simon tells it like it is.

Melinda Doolittle 1 - 'I Believe In You And Me' - Melinda starts this out solid and staid, and then kicks it into high gear and gives me chills. Very good focus and connection with the audience. Randy chose it and loved it. Paula called it one of the best this season. Simon calls it her best in the last four weeks, and says the best of the night, so far. I agree, with Jordan and Blake trailing behind.


Jordin Sparks 2 - 'She Works Hard For The Money' - it feels like she owns this song and the stage from the first note. Excellent job. The judges agree.

Blake Lewis 2 - 'This Love' - a solid, hip performance with some beatbox added in just the right amount and place. Better than his first one, which Simon confirms.

Melinda Doolittle 2 - 'Nutbush City Limits' - a Tina Turner joint which Melinda takes to the mat. Very powerful, connected performance. The judges love it and Simon can't decide who wins this round, and calls it a tie. I'm inclined to agree - tough call!


Performers' Favorites:

Jordin Sparks 3 - 'I, Who Have Nothing' - I love this song, and Jordin nails it, bringing me close to tears, with a waterfall of chills. This performance may win the night for her. Purely excellent, and the best so far tonight, for me. Simon objects to the age of the song vs. that of the performer. That's his problem.

Blake Lewis 3 - I don't know the song. It's very contemporary, and he does quite well, with some good beatbox at the ending, but there were some very slightly off-notes, as on another song he did tonight, and I don't think this had the power and pizazz needed at this stage of the competition. The judges weren't wowed, but Simon praised him for originality and having fun.

Melinda Doolittle 3 - 'I'm A Woman' - more Tina Turner vamp on this one, and she does it very well. Simon praises her consistency over the long haul.

Tops and Bottoms - The girls clearly have this one wrapped up, for me, and I think Jordin's performance of 'I, Who Have Nothing' gives her a slight edge over Melinda's truly consistent excellence. Randy echoes this. Simon wants to see "my girl Melinda" in the final. Paula cops out.

Beatboxing elsewhere: Blake, but he's sure to go far.

See you tomorrow...

John