American Idol

It’s down to six. “Idol Gives Back” week is upon us, and tonight the singers will perform songs of inspiration. Let’s get down to business.

Chris Richardson
“Change the World”

At this point in the competition, there’s no doubt these finalists have talent. Chris delivered a decent, even original, rendition of the Eric Clapton hit. He put his own spin on it, and it was passable. I like Chris, I do, but there are just a handful of others I think are better — or at least different in ways I prefer. Tonight, in comparison to other weeks, though, this was a step up.

“Tonight, dawg, for the first time in a long time, you’re in it to win it, dude,” Randy said. “That was great for me.”

“It was a great song choice,” Paula said. “It was really well done.”

“It kind of feels like the competition starts tonight,” Simon said. “… It was a good vocal. … It was a kind of more sexy performance. I think you did really well.”

Melinda Doolittle
“There Will Come a Day”

This is what “American Idol” is all about — great singing. Melinda has been the most consistent (yes, I keep saying that) throughout the season. Tonight’s performance was one of her best, and that’s saying something. Honestly, I got chills.

“Every week I see you up there,” Randy said. “Every week I say you’re a resident pro. … You have arrived.”

“It must feel great week after week … Melinda there’s no one like you,” Paula said. “You’re magical.”

“You’re not going to look surprised, are you?” Simon asked. “… You took a song, you absolutely made me believe you’d recorded it originally. … That really was a vocal master class.”

Blake Lewis
“Imagine”

This was a brilliant song choice for Blake. The song fits his voice. Choosing a classic such as this song really allowed him to showcase the vocals. Although, I have to say, when do we get to hear the beat box, again?

“On the performance side, it was just kind of alright for me,” Randy said.

“It’s the first real sensitive, emotional performance from you I’ve seen,” Paula said. “I really enjoyed it.”

“This is a tricky one, because you’ve chosen one of the big songs of all time,” Simon said. “… It felt sincere. … The only problem was it didn’t go anywhere. I think the most important fact was you sang it with sincerity. So good.”

LaKisha Jones
“I Believe”

She has a lot in common with former “Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino. But choosing Fantasia’s song? I’m not sure LaKisha has been choosing the best songs, but she certainly brought back the voice that made people fall in love with her in the beginning. It may have been a little too copycat for this point in the competition, though. The good news — LaKisha is back.

“It had a couple of little pitch problems for me,” Randy said. “It wasn’t your best, but I did like it.”

“LaKisha, there’s no doubt about it,” Paula said. “You are a powerhouse of a vocalist.”

“It was very emotional,” Simon said. “Again I’m having an issue here with the shouting, LaKisha.”

Phil Stacey
“The Change”

For the first time this season, I really, really liked Phil’s performance. The song choice certainly was the best he has made all year. If it comes to the point where he’ll release a CD, you can bet Phil will be on the country charts. That’s his place in the music business. No, it wasn’t the most incredible performance in the history of the show, but it was pretty fantastic, especially if you consider past weeks.

“Since last week, country week, you really came back,” Randy said.

“I feel like you’ve really found your comfort,” Paula said. “… This was your best.”

“Phil, you know what, I really like you,” Simon said. “… My only thing I would advise you on is, last week, we heard more of a country tone in your voice. … I think that worked better for you.”

Jordin Sparks
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”

She seems the most likely to be a traditional pop star. Jordin delivered another powerful performance. Her voice was a little more hidden at the beginning of the song, but she ended with the power that makes her stand out among the group. The raw talent she has (remember she’s a teenager) is promising for the future of entertainment.

“I keep saying it every week,” Randy said. “I think that’s one of the best vocals by any contestant in any season.”

“Jordin, you sure picked an amazing song to close the night,” Paula said.

“Well, unlike Randy, I thought you were fantastic,” Simon said. “… I think you’d have a hit record with that.”

Who should get your votes? Jordin Sparks. Make a few calls for Melinda, too. After all, every vote translates into 10 cents (at least for the first $5 million worth) to benefit the “Idol Gives Back” charities.

Who should go home? Tough call, but I’ll say Chris Richardson. Or maybe Phil? I’m torn. What do you think?

American Idol, Idol Gives Back, Blake Lewis, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Jordin Sparks, Chris Richardson