Favorites fall into place on ‘American Idol’

Elliott Yamin, 27, Richmond, Va.: Yamin's vocals are solid every week, and his rendition of "Teach Me Tonight" by Al Jarreau was no exception. His issue is that he and Bucky are fighting it out to be the blandest personality of the six men in the competition, and tonight didn't do much to change that. He doesn't have the sizzle of the top contenders, which means he's in trouble as soon as he has a week where the theme doesn't fit his style. But this wasn't that week.
Grade: B
The judges: "Since this is a singing competition, allow me to judge your singing. It was fantastic." – Simon Cowell.
Stay or go: Yamin's no sure thing, but the odds are in his favor.

Kellie Pickler, 19, Albemarle, N.C.: Much like Daughtry makes every week into Rock Night, Pickler turns every performance into a cross between country rock and the old "Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters" TV show. She struggled last week, but came back huge this week by picking a Patsy Cline song that was right in her musical wheelhouse. Her rendition of "Walkin' After Midnight" was a lot better than her struggle to make her voice work with Stevie Wonder's music last week.
Grade: B+
The judges: "Simon called you a minx, not a mink. But you were a tigress tonight. This was a true, authentic Pickler performance." – Paula Abdul.
Stay or go: Pickler's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Ace Young, 25, Denver, Colo.: Young was visibly stunned to be in the final three last week, perhaps because he was under the assumption that his sultry looks into the camera would magically compel women to text in their votes. Since that strategy didn't work, he concentrated on making a jazzier version of "In the Still of the Night" by the Five Satins work. It was a much better performance, and he'll be helped by his position at the end of the show.
Grade: B
The judges: "Ace, I counted. There are 34 signs that say 'Ace, will you marry me?'" – Paula Abdul.
Stay or go: Simon went so far as to say Young wouldn't be in the bottom three this week. That's going out a limb, but he's not in much danger of finishing last.

Craig Berman is a writer in Washington, D.C.

MORE FROM AMERICAN IDOL

Happy birthday, Simon, the best mean Brit ever

Happy birthday, Simon, the best mean Brit ever ‘Idol Gives Back’ returns to ‘American Idol’ Ellen brings EveryFan sensibility to ‘Idol’ Paula Abdul wishes Ellen luck on ‘Idol’   Add American Idol headlines to your news reader: