Even though both Chris Richardson had a great performance and even greater reviews from the judges, it is a girl’s competition this year. It is no surprise to know that Melinda Doolittle, Jordin Sparks, and Lakisha Jones were the Queens of the night.
Melinda Doolittle was the first of the three to perform choosing to sing “I’ve Got Rhythm.” Doolittle put a ton of pizzazz and personality into the performance, in my opinion she really let loose but in a good way. The judges agreed with Randy Jackson saying “You come out here every week and you give everyone here a lesson in singing.” Simon Cowell complained “I don’t think we’re ever going to be able to criticize you, this is a problem.” Oh grouchy Cowell, can’t criticize one contestant in the competition, boo hoo.
The next of the three to perform was 17 year-old Jordin Sparks. Yes I said her age as it comes up repeatedly in this competition. Her voice is so much more mature than her mere 17 years. She is a fantastic vocalist and phenomenal performer and tonight showed us again exactly why she is in this competition. She sang “On a Clear Day” and Jackson felt she was “like a pro.” Simon Cowell, while enjoying the performance, said it wasn’t as cool and hip as Chris Richardson’s performance; Richardson immediately preceded Sparks.
Lakisha Jones was the closer for the night singing an absolutely powerful rendition of “Stormy Weather.” Cowell felt it was “a sassy, great performance” and Paula Abdul said she sounded “beautiful.”
Tony Bennett was the guest coach this week and for the most part tonight’s performance should make him smile. Even Sanjaya Malakar went out there and had fun with it; evidently Bennett is a fan of Malakar. If I had to make a prediction about who will go home tomorrow at this point I’d have to send an instant message to Phil Stacy advising him to pack his bags.