Peter Noone and Lulu stopped in this week to help the young group of "Idol" hopefuls understand the sounds of the '60's and the frenzy of the British Invasion. It seems Noone and Lulu gave the Idols sound advice, as they put on a jolly good show! There were a couple of dips in the road, but overall it was very impressive from our remaining 11. Here's how I heard it:
1. Haley Scarnato, 24, San Antonio, Texas: "Tell Him (Her)"-Haley has put herself right back into this competition. While she might not have the best voice of the group, she has a shot at being a pop star. She performed well, she sang well and she showed some much needed personality. America will like Haley.
2. Chris Richardson, 22, Chesapeake, Va.: "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying"-Great song choice from Chris, which allowed him to bring out a really sexy, sweet and soulful side of his personality. I have liked Chris from the beginning and think he, too, has a chance in the pop world. This performance really proved that he's not just another pretty face, but he can also really sing.
3. Stephanie Edwards, 19, Savannah, Ga.: "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me"-I love the song, but it wasn't the song for her...too much vibrato, too many runs and not enough of just singing the song. A song like that one holds its own and doesn't need anything fancy to make it better--it really just needs to be sung on key, and it wasn't. Stephanie seemed too nervous this late in the game.
4. Blake Lewis, 25, Bothell, Wash.: "Time of the Seasons"-Now this was the perfect song to put his modern twist on. He made an old song contemporary without messing it up and without making it seemed forced. This was a really brilliant performance from the kid who, according to Randy, has that all-elusive "yo" factor. Yo, Blake, I thought you were really good, too.
5. Lakisha Jones, 27, Flint, Mich.: "Diamonds Are Forever"-I'm with Lulu--this wasn't the right song for LaKisha. No doubt she sang it on key and she has a great voice, but it was a little boring, especially after following the contemporary performance of Blake - I half-way expected Diana and the Supremes to come out. It was really old feeling and just didn't scream pop star to me.
6. Phil Stacey, 29, Jacksonville, Fl: "Tobacco Road"-Tough song to sing and he sang it well. This kid's got a quality voice with some really good range. He brought a lively, upbeat performance to this '60's classic. The only thing Phil is missing is a good connection with his audience.
7. Jordin Sparks, 17, Glendale, Ariz.: "I (Who Have Nothing)"-Wow. I mean really, just wow. This kid cannot be only 17. Not only does she have a fabulous voice, but the emotion she put into this performance was far beyond her years. I was mesmerized. She's definitely a contender and, once again, it was one of my favorite performances.
8. Sanjaya Malakar, 17, Federal Way, Wash.: "You Really Got Me Now"-I feel like I need to pause and reflect; only I'm laughing too hard...not at Sanjaya because this was, in fact, his best performance to date - by a lot. But I must be too far removed from the teen years to have the proper amount of sensitivity to the little girl in the audience who was so overwhelmed by seeing Sanjaya, she was in tears his entire performance. I have been, too, in the past, but I'm sure it was for different reasons. Sanjaya will make it through to the top 10, and this week, he deserves to.
9. Gina Glocksen, 22, Naperville, IL.: "Paint It Black"-It was a good song choice and it was very contemporary, but she did not sing it well. Gina has a good voice, but she did not execute tonight. She has the rocker thing going and she's the only one doing that this season, so she's unique, but she's got to sing well, too.
10. Chris Sligh, 28, Greenville, S.C.: "She's Not There"-I liked this song choice for Chris and I liked his performance of it. It was good, but he hasn't hit outstanding yet - and I'm wondering if he has the vocal range to do it. Still, he'll hang in there on this performance.
11. Melinda Doolittle, 29, Brentwood, Tenn.: "As Long As He Needs Me"-Still in a class of her own on this show, Melinda told a story in the song with her impeccable vocal...an outstanding end to a really good show.
