American Idol – The final three battle it out. Melinda is a woman and Jordin works hard for the money.

Well, another week has passed. Former Moral Majority leader, Jerry Falwell, has gone home to Jesus. Susan Stanton has travelled to Washington on behalf of transl-genders everywhere.

In the world of American Idol, however, nothing matters except WHO IS GOING TO BE IN THE FINALE? Let us take a peek, shall we?

The show makes its usual dramatic start. This time, the camera pans to the very nervous contestants backstage, who are preparing for the night’s festivities. “The final three have been home and received a hero’s welcome but who will stand on the stage at the Kodak Theater?” Tonight they fight for their place in the finale.

THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL.

Ryan entered in his usual blaze of glory. Whoops, wrong theme. A quick shout out to the judges showed Randy sporting what could only be described as a science project. I was reminded of the microbes I studied under the microscope in Micro-biology class. Paula was dressed in basic black, cleavage and a giant piece of coal on her left hand. Simon was in his usual gray. Just once I would like to see him in red.

May I note that this show stuck surprisingly to the point with very little filler – even though the Idols went home. THAT footage is surely being saved for the results show.

Jordin Sparks

Simon’s Pick ~ Wishing on a Star by Rose Royce. This, I thought, was a good choice for her and I liked her interpretation better than the original. Her vocals were strong and her delivery was on the money, considering she admitted to never hearing the song before. Randy thought it was a “very good vocal” and compared her to Beyonce’. Paula thought this was a good way to start the show and that Simon chose well. Simon felt it was a brilliant vocal but wasn’t thrilled with the “weird jazz arrangement.”

Producer’s Choice ~ She Worked Hard For the Money by Donna Summer. I think they had their head up their collective asses for this one. Not a good choice, although Jordin did do her best with it. This was not as good as her first performance but IMHO, she did the best she could with what she was handed. Randy thought it was hot and Paula felt she “worked hard for the money tonight.” Simon said it was a “very good performance.”

Jordin’s Choice ~ I Who Have Nothing. Like Kat McPhee before her, she resurrected the song that earned her the most “kudos” earlier in the competition. It was an incredible performance, although it didn’t have the same impact as it did the first time around. Again, like McPhee before her. All things aside, she nailed it. Randy called it the “best of the night”. Paula thought she sounded great, but Simon felt that although she sang it very well, he wished she had chosen a different song. Surprising, because this is the same song that earned her top accolades from him mere weeks ago.

Blake Lewis.

Paula’s Choice ~ Roxanne by The Police. Uh oh. Bad choice. To give Blake credit, he did do his best with it but it was not nearly finale material. Like Whitney and Celine for the women, Sting is one not to be attempted by the men. The whole thing fell flat for me, as did Blake’s attempt to be a rocker dude. Too contrived, I thought. Randy gave him and “A” and Paula loved it (anyone here surprised at that one? After all, he’s a MAN). Simon wasn’t blown away and said it wasn’t as good as the original. Duh. It was “good, not great.”

Producer’s Choice ~ This Love by Maroon 5. Much better choice this time. They did well. The song didn’t include any of the vocal gymnastics that would take a Melinda or Jordin to do justice to. This was Blake to a “T” and it lended itself well to the usual beat-box enhancements he is so fond of. My biggest complaint would be his outfit. Ick. Randy thought it had the “right vibe” and Paula felt he was in his element. Simon felt he sounded comfortable and “that was good.”

Blake’s Choice ~ When I Get You Alone by Robin Thicke. Another “Uh oh” moment for me. I do not like Robin Thicke. But I’ll give credit where credit is due: Blake did a good job with this one and I totally forgot about ol’ Robin. My biggest gripe, again, was his wardrobe. I’d LOVE to see this guy in a pair of tight jeans. Ah well.

Melinda Doolittle

Randy’s Choice ~ I Believe in You and Me by Whitney Houston.  This came as a shock as the judges, en masse, always warn against singing Whitney Houston.  The reason became apparently clear as Melinda started to sing.  This is the first time I’ve heard her struggle and fall short on some notes.  She still sounded good, but this was not her best.  Randy said she “blew it out the box” and Paula thought she was “fantastic”.  Simon admitted that this was a very difficult song to sing and that this was her best performance in the last 4 weeks.

Producers Choice ~ Nutbush City Limits by Ike and Tina Turner.  They hit the nail directly on the head with this one.  Not only did she “blow it out the box” -  she showed a personality she has never shown on Idol.   This is probably my favorite performance by her, bar none.  Randy liked it.  Paula LOVED it and Simon said it was “another brilliant performance.”

Melinda’s Choice ~ I’m a Woman.  Like Jordin, Melinda decided to resurrect a show-stopper from earlier in the season.  I’m not so sure that this was the right one to do.  As always, however, Melinda like the resident pro that she is.  I just felt she should have chosen something else.  Something new.  I did like the added bonus of the black corseted background singers, however.  Randy thought it was “hot” and Paula said she was “awesome.”  Simon loved the striptease and awarded her the prize for consistency throughout the season.

Some of the other show highlights included visits to their respective hometowns where Blake sang with Sir Mix-a-Lot, Jordin had a Hollywood replica star dedicated to her in the local mall, and Melinda had a street named after her.  All in a days work.

Vocal/Song Hits:  Jordin’s rendition of “Wishing on a Star”, Blake’s version of “This Love”, and Melinda singing “Nutbush City Limits.”

Vocal/Song Misses:  Roxanne.  What was Paula thinking?  Enough said.  I Believe in You – again, enough said.

Fashion Hits:  Melinda in jeans and funky jewelry.  Jordin’s peach dress with black lace (gorgeous!)

Fashion Misses:  Blake’s plaid and argyle.  There ARE other patterns out there.  Melinda’s gray stewardess outfit.  Bland and ill-fitting.

All in all, a very interesting evening.  It will be very difficult to pick the two for the finale.  All have their own unique strengths.  Each has an enormous fanbase.  Jordin has the widest appeal with both male and female voter.  AND she is – in my opinion – the most marketable Idol.  Blake definitely has the young female vote.  My only problem with Blake is that he tries so hard to be different that his performances sound the same.  Melinda is no doubt the strongest vocally but is not as marketable as Jordin.

Based on SINGING talent alone, I think the finale will consist of Melinda and Jordin.  Blake fans, not to worry.  We haven’t heard the last of him.

Until tonight………………………………….