‘Idols’ prove themselves standards bearers

Ace Young, 25, Denver, Colo.: It was like Young has heard all the comments that he's only in this competition because of his looks and decided to change up his image. He slicked his hair back and into a ponytail for "That's All," which looked ridiculous. The sound itself was fine, though not enough to keep him from a nervous 24 hours before Wednesday's results show.
Grade: B
The judges: "It wasn't bad. It was a little bit nasally in the middle of the song, but it was … a charming performance. – Simon Cowell.
Stay or go: Young was praised by both Simon and Rod Stewart. That might be his last good "Idol" memory, however, as he'll likely find himself among the bottom three voters and may be the one voted off the show.

Katharine McPhee, 21, Los Angeles: McPhee sang "Someone to Watch Over Me" like she'd spent a lifetime practicing the classics. Oh, wait. Her mom is a voice teacher. She has indeed spent a lifetime practicing songs like this one, and it showed. She was the most polished of the seven finalists, and she would be the clear favorite to win it all if the producers decided to make this about songs that last hit the charts when the singers' grandparents were young.
Grade: A
The judges: "I really think you made the others look like good amateurs." – Simon Cowell.
Stay or go: McPhee was the second-lowest vote-getter a few weeks ago after Simon offered similar praise for her performance. She's unlikely to land in the bottom three this week.

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

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