Who is 80 years old and still releasing multi-platinum #1 albums? It can only be Tony Bennett. This legendary crooner worked with each finalist all week as they selected music from the Great American Songbook.
Blake Lewis chose to interpret the greatest of the great. In 1959 Bobby Darin spent 9 jazzy weeks at the top of the charts with Mack The Knife and Blake did what he does best. He breezed across the stage in a snappy coat and tie and he introduced this classic to a new generation. This is a very challanging song lyrically, but young Mr. Lewis sang every last syllable to perfection. He is an all-around performer who glides across the stage and completely shines in the spotlight.
As if he wasn't boring enough last week, Phil Stacey attempted to lower the bar even further with his vocally drab rendition of the Cole Porter gem, Night and Day. Phil always manages to sound like he's yawning in the middle of everything he sings. He simply brings no personality to his performances and that's what happened again tonight.
George and Ira Gershwin wrote I Got Rhythm in 1930 for the musical Girl Crazy starring Ginger Rogers. Melinda Doolittle selected this timeless classic and, as usual, she gave us a flawless vocalization. I will forgive her this week for conforming to the theme and appearing years older than she is. There was no need for her to freshen things up this week, but I will be overjoyed if in the coming weeks she can find her youthful vibe from within.
He must have walked right out of Justin Timberlake's closet and stole one of his outfits. The problem for Chris Richardson is that he can copy the boy band looks and moves all he wants, but he's just not good enough all around. His vocals are kinda weak and his dance moves are kinda bland. He brought nothing special to his version of Don't Get Around Much Anymore.
The first female finalist of the season to attempt a Barbra Streisand song is the youngest - Jordin Sparks. Barbra has the best vocal instrument in the history of music and Jordin was a natural with her fluid interpretation of On A Clear Day. Ms Sparks made it look easy and I would bet that even Ms. Sreisand would have been impressed. This young lady is raising the bar each week and continuing to get better and better.
The image overhaul from rocker chick to classy songstress was a failure for Gina Glocksen. While the look was a mess, she's lucky that the vocals were pretty good. Charlie Chaplin's Smile has been recorded by numerous artists and her rendition was mostly forgettable. Being pretty good just isn't good enough.
In another feeble attempt at being classy, Sanjaya Malakar abandoned the mohawk and styled his hair in the most flat and tame look he possibly could. It was parted on the side and tucked neatly behind his ears. He claimed he wanted to show the audience that he can really sing, but all he served us was a thin whisper throughout Dancing Cheek to Cheek. He has no confidence in his vocal talent so all he provides is gimmicks.
Haley Scarnato traded in the little black dress from last week for a little green sequined number this week. She played the full-fledged vamping vixen as she showed off her shapely legs for the camera. The vocals in her sultry version of Ain't Misbehavin' were quite capable showing she's more than just a pretty face. Once again, an honest attempt to show that she's the whole package.
There should be no Stormy Weather in the near future for LaKisha Jones. She stood center stage in a glamorous long gown and belted out this dramatic little number with ease. She look confident and sounded great. With LaKisha, it's all about the voice. She doesn't have the moves or the age-defying style and so far in the competition she hasn't needed it. The voice should carry her pretty far...
At this point in the competition we are starting to see which finalists are truly capable of rising to the occasion. Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks have clearly risen to the top. Melinda and LaKisha started out great and are, unfortunately, stagnating. Haley didn't start out as a front-runner, but she is genuinely working hard each week. My prediction for this week's bottom three includes the finalists who weren't that good from the beginning and aren't getting any better: Phil Stacey, Gina Glocksen and Chris Richardson. It was a neck and neck race between Phil and Gina for who could be the sleepiest singer and I think this will be the final snooze that will send Phil home.
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