American Idol

Gwen Stefani is this week’s guest mentor on “American Idol.”

Back in the day, she was the girl who was walking in the spider webs. These days she’s making “The Sweet Escape.” But one of the hottest stars to cross over from group success to a solo effort — Gwen Stefani — is taking some time off from her tour with Akon and Lady Sovereign to play mentor for the Season 6 “Idol” finalists.

The top 10 contestants will rehearse for Stefani, who will guest star on Tuesday’s episode and perform “The Sweet Escape” with Akon on Wednesday’s results show. So, let’s say the finalists only can choose No Doubt and/or Stefani songs — they actually will be able to choose a variety of alternative hits — to perform. What should they choose? These would be my picks:

Melinda Doolittle — Maybe she could team up with Jordin Sparks for a duet of “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” the single Stefani made popular with rapper Eve.

LaKisha Jones — “Hollaback Girl” is totally unlike anything LaKisha has done, or would do, but there really isn’t a Stefani song that fits her. Of course, she probably could rock anything.

Sanjaya Malakar — “Don’t Speak” seems an obvious choice. Of course, I’d rather Sanjaya not speak — or sing — for the rest of the competition. Sorry Sanjaya fans, whoever you are.

Phil Stacey — After Sanjaya, Phil’s next on my list. I think he’s gone downhill since hitting the finals. So, really, it doesn’t matter. Let’s just go with “Underneath it All.”

Blake Lewis —I actually do think “Spiderwebs” would be interesting with a Blake twist. Adding a beat to the song that once was a voicemail anthem could be an actual success. Just maybe he’ll do it.

Gina Glocksen — OK. Alternative week is Gina’s chance to actually outshine the female favorites in the competition. So, I’d say the singer should choose one of Stefani’s most current tracks and make it her own. Anything Stefani did as a solo artist would work.

Chris Sligh — Chris has been singing some forgettable songs the last few weeks, so maybe I’ll pick “South Side.” The song, which Stefani performed as a duet with Moby, is one of my favorites from the artist, but I forgot about it until I started looking up her music.

Haley Scarnato — “Simple Kind of Life” fits for Haley. She seems to be one of the more simple finalists, so let’s just match the lyrics.

Jordin Sparks — See Melinda Doolittle.

Chris Richardson — “Wind It Up” may be the interesting choice here, especially if Chris winds up his neck jolts the way he has done in past performances. At least it would be entertaining.

What alternative songs do you think fit the top 10? Are there any songs you’d really like to see performed this week?

American Idol, Gwen Stefani, Akon, Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Phil Stacey, Blake Lewis, Gina Glocksen, Chris Sligh, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks, Chris Richardson