‘Idol’ men make long-distance dedications

Blake Lewis, 25, Bothell, Wash.: Lewis played it safe by dedicating his song to his parents, but took a bit of a chance in singing to Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity." It was a little bit of vocals, a little bit of beatboxing, a little bit of scat and a lot of sheer performing. He's definitely unique, as Paula said, but Simon liked the performance less than the other two judges. Of course, then then he was hectored so badly that Simon vowed that, in the future, he would bow down to the will of Paula Abdul.  Wow, would that make for a boring show.
Grade: B+
Stay or go? If people really don't like or get Lewis' style, he could go at any time. But unless that happens, he should be safe.

Brandon Rogers, 28, North Hollywood, Calif.: Rogers didn't pick a great song in "Time After Time." It might be an appropriate song to dedicate to his dead grandmother, but it wasn't catchy and didn't offer him enough to work with to really give his vocals a showcase. The former backup singer gave a backup-singer worthy performance, though of course Paula loved it because of the sentiment. It still didn't highlight his talent.
Grade: C+
Stay or go? Based on this week alone, Rogers would be in trouble. But he's a likeable guy and may have enough people rooting for him to skate through another week. At some point, however, there's going to have to be a payoff.

Chris Richardson, 22, Chesapeake, Va.: Richardson also dedicated Jason Mraz's "Geek in the Pink" to his grandmother, still alive in Virginia. The song has some tricky lyrical tics that Richardson pulled off, but it didn't test his range much. Still, Richardson's one of the best pure performers in the competition, and Simon called his song the best performance of the night.
Grade: A-
Stay or go? Richardson isn't in any danger.

Sundance Head, 28, Porter, Texas: Head dedicated his song to his 2 ½ month-old son. He choked up when he talked about all that he was missing while he was on the show, and how he wanted his son to have a better life. The editing laid it on a little thick, but Head also helped himself by playing it safer and singing "Mustang Sally." A smart choice; if Head's going anywhere in this competition, it won't be because of Moody Blues ballads, but more bluesy uptempo numbers like this one. The judges loved it, and Head was so happy with their praise that he looked like he won the lottery.
Grade: B
Stay or go?: Head was terrible last week and survived. That means he should be safe this time around, but the competition is tougher.

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

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