American Idol

Tonight, the British invasion. Guest judges Peter Noone and Lulu spent time with the top 11 finalists to prepare them for this week’s competition.

Let’s get to it.

A slightly more tame Haley Scarnato performs during last week’s show.

Haley Scarnato
“Tell Him”

Her gigantic earrings were about to take out an eye, but Haley made it through the performance without giving herself a black eye. While I think Haley deserved a second chance, tonight’s performance was a little too Broadway-ish, even for “Idol.” Think “Grease” being performed at the high school down your block. But I think this is where Haley will be in the competition. She certainly is showing her spirit … among a few other things.

“That was the perfect song for you,” Randy said. “… That’s your best performance to date.”

“It was fun, young, a bit shrieky in the middle,” Simon said.

Chris Richardson shows off his skills during last week’s episode.

Chris Richardson
“Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying”

It was a smart move for Chris to slow things down tonight. Taking a seat — and not jumping around the stage — lets the audience focus on his voice. Of course, that jumping around and annoying head bopping is what makes Chris, well, Chris. This is the first time he actually sang the song, and I thought it was pretty great. Maybe his best. But the judges?

“Every note was in tune,” Randy said. “It was beautiful.”

“The whole thing was very sexy and charming,” Paula added.

Stephanie Edwards shows off her range during the first week of finals.

Stephanie Edwards
“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”

Lulu said she was “thinking Beyonce” when she listened to Stephanie sing. I’m not sure it was Beyonce, but it was pretty incredible. I still think Stephanie could suffer from the overshadowing of some of the other female finalists. She may be in the same boat as LaToya London in that aspect.

“It was a little pitchy for me,” Randy said.

“Great news first, I love what you’re wearing,” Paula said. Well, we know that means she didn’t really like it. Paula, you’re like a sheet of glass. Everyone can see right through you.

“I think you are losing your edge,” Simon said. “… I think you’re losing your soul.”

Blake Lewis put his best Justin Timberlake look forward last week.

Blake Lewis
“Time of the Season”

An interesting song choice, for sure. Blake consistently is the “artist” to watch on this show. He brings a completely different style than anyone ever has to the show — and that’s a good thing. It’s this type of performance that keeps the show fresh and relevant. The beat boxing and dancing, like it or not, is solid. Personally, I think it’s brilliant. Blake certainly isn’t the best singer in the competition, but he does have a leg up on everyone when it comes to originality.

“You made the song really current, man,” Randy said. “… That was brilliant, baby.”

“I think that you have really, really raised the bar,” Paula said. “… I think you could release that, put that on your record.”

“A million times better than last week,” Simon said. “… You found a way, without messing with the melody, of making the song contemporary.”

LaKisha wore white during last week’s performance. This week’s outfit, a green dress, drew some negative marks from Simon.

LaKisha Jones
“Diamonds are Forever”

She almost sang “You’re My World,” at least that’s what Lulu suggested, but LaKisha came out with her other choice. She came out with her version of the Shirley Bassey classic, and she brought LaKisha out into the song. But what song can’t she sing? The one big problem I have with this song is the repeated lyrics, which don’t give you as much flavor. Still, LaKisha made it work. It’s tough to match her first week, though.

“You’re a very, very smart girl,” Paula said.

“This was LaKisha in 50 years time, in my opinion,” Simon said. “I thought everything from the hair to the dress … it was like seeing you in 50 years time.”

Phil Stacey performs during last week’s show before being placed in the bottom three.

Phil Stacey
“Tobacco Road”

Last week, I was a little shocked to see Phil in the bottom three (because I thought he had a ton of fans). This week, I’ll be surprised if he avoids the bottom three. I thought the performance was a little — no, a lot — strange and, whether it’s fair or not, I just can’t see his look making him the next “Idol.” Karaoke, anyone?

“It was a pretty good performance for me,” Randy said. Really? I guess I missed it. I’ll just wait for Simon to tell it how it is …

“I wasn’t crazy about it,” Simon said. “I thought it was kind of, what I would call a third division bar band performance. … I think you’ve got a problem right now, because I don’t know what advice to give you.”

Jordin Sparks belts out her Diana Ross tune. This week she delivered what I think was the most crucial performance of the season for her — at least up to this point.

Jordin Sparks
“I Who Have Nothing”

“I think she has a big chance of making it to the finale,” Lulu said of the teen finalist. This was her big chance to prove she’s a front-runner, and I think she did it. Jordin can deliver the big songs just like those other two finalists everyone seems to be talking about this season. Could it be? Is Jordin the new leader on the female side? Hmmm.

“That was a very tall order for you,” Randy said. “… One of, I think, the best performances we’re going to see tonight.”

“Each week we learn just how great your range is becoming,” Paula said.

“You sang it beautifully, but I feel like jumping off a bridge,” Simon said. “It was so gloomy. … I just want the sun to shine or something.”

Sanjaya Malakar somehow held on after last week. And this week … well, you know what I’m going to say.

Sanjaya Malakar
“You Really Got Me”

“I don’t think I’m the best singer in the competition,” Sanjaya said. Really? You don’t say.

Seriously, I just feel sorry for the kid at this point. But I want him gone. He’s crossed over from bad to creepy. And why is that girl in the audience crying? Is she that upset about how horrible Sanjaya sounds? I’d like to say something nice about Sanjaya’s “singing ability,” but there are no words — at least not for that.

“You shocked me tonight,” Randy said. “… I think that was your best performance to date.” That’s not saying much.

“I think the little girl’s face says it all,” Simon said.

That little girl happens to be someone named Ashley. And, from what I can tell, it’s people like her who are keeping this kid in the competition. Hopefully she forgot her cell phone tonight. That will be a few less votes for the worst competitor this season. OK, I’m done. At least for now.

Gina Glocksen performs during last week’s competition. This week she struggled with the singing, but totally nailed her look.

Gina Glocksen
“Paint It Black”

There may not have been a more perfect “Idol”-approved song for Gina to sing this week. Her shorter hair shows she’s up for a transition, and her song had just enough rock in it to get her those votes. I, personally, am becoming a pretty big fan of Gina specifically because of the personality factor. No, she’s not the best singer in the competition. And this certainly wasn’t a great performance. I think she’s trying to be herself, though. And that counts for something pretty important in this competition.

“I thought it was miles better than last week,” Paula said.

“Gina, there were moments of complete torture in that vocal,” Simon said. “… It was just not very good. That for me was style over content.”

Chris Sligh performed last week without the glasses, but he could see a lot clearer on this week’s show.

Chris Sligh
“She’s Not There”

This week, some fans of Chris criticized him for abandoning his Christian music roots. For me, this song was just boring. I have nothing against Chris as a finalist, I just am not excited by what he brings to the stage. And, honestly, it was like he started screaming the lyrics halfway through “She’s Not There.” I can’t figure out what Chris is trying to be, but I certainly don’t think it’s something original. Luckily, the glasses are back this week.

“Everybody’s performing tonight,” Randy said. “… I thought you ended it really strong.”

“First of all, I think you’re dressing much nicer. I like the fact you’re working the audience,” Paula said.

“I thought it was fun,” Simon said. “It wasn’t the best vocal we heard tonight, but it was a good song for you.”

Melinda Doolittle belts out last week’s song, and she delivered once again this week.

Melinda Doolittle
“As Long As You Need Me”

First off, I need to give props to Dean Banowetz for the updated hair. Melinda looks much younger this week, which I think she needed for this competition. As far as the voice, she has that mastered.

What Melinda brings to this competition is something Americans of all ages can appreciate. Her sound can be enjoyed by young fans and older generations, too. She’s kind of like Norah Jones in that way, though she obviously has a completely different sound. It looks like they saved the best for last this week.

“I guess we could say tonight, we probably saved the best vocal for last,” Randy said. See, I told you.

“You are in your own league, dear, you really are,” Paula said.

“Melinda, I have to ask you a question,” Simon said. “Are you really as nice as you seem?”

How you should vote tonight? There’s no doubt Melinda Doolittle delivered the best vocal, but you should vote for your favorite. If you want another suggestion from me, I say put a few calls in for Jordin Sparks. She really shined tonight.

Who should go home? Obviously, I’m going to say Sanjaya until he’s gone. Sorry, kid. You’re time expired weeks ago. You making the top 10 would have to hurt ticket sales for the “AI” tour this summer.

Who deserves another chance? I’m going to say Gina Glocksen. I think she slipped a little bit, vocally, but she certainly has made big steps to show American who she is as an artist. And that’s important, too.

American Idol, Lulu, Peter Noone, Haley Scarnato, Chris Richardson, Stephanie Edwards, Blake Lewis, LaKisha Jones, Phil Stacey, Jordin Sparks, Sanjaya Malakar, Gina Glocksen, Chris Sligh, Melinda Doolittle