Tony Bennett inspires the ‘Idol’ finalists

It was easy to see why Tony Bennett is so beloved in the recording industry after seeing him serve as the designated “American Idol” mentor on Tuesday. Not only is he a singing legend, he acted like everyone’s grandfather when he coached the nine remaining finalists. From Melinda to Sanjaya and everyone in between, Bennett had a kind word or a benign compliment for all of them.

Bennett said Jordin Sparks sang “very much in tune, which is rare these days,” sounding like every grandfather despairing of that noise that’s coming out of his grandkid’s car stereo.  

Sanjaya, meanwhile, “Shows up. He comes up with something every week. He’s very interesting. He’s got a sense of humor, and he sings very well.” Uh-huh. The judges can only hope that the “great sense of humor” thing is as much of a kiss of death on “Idol” as it is on blind dates.

“After watching ‘American Idol’ … they’re all very competent,” Bennett said. Though that may seem like damning them with faint praise, he meant the words sincerely. All nine were at least competent this week, with the usual suspects (Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks) once again trending more toward the outstanding end of the spectrum.

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Blake Lewis, 25, Bothell, Wash.: Lewis proved once again that it’s impossible to sing “Mack the Knife” without looking like a lounge singer at a Holiday Inn in Reno. Lewis did fine with the vocals and engaged the crowd, but the snapping fingers and the baby blue jacket made him look like a relic. It was a nice performance, and good enough that it impressed the judges, but it cried out for some beatboxing.   
Grade: B
Stay or go? Paula said Lewis personified pizzazz. If his fans weren’t focused on calling for pizzas instead, he should be safe.

Phil Stacey, 29, Jacksonville , Fla.: Tony Bennett, for one, was impressed by the baldest of the male finalists. “He’s one of the better singers I’ve heard, not just today but in a long time. He’s a real good singer,” Bennett said. Maybe he was better in rehearsal. He gave a fine effort on “Night and Day,” and Paula likened it to a young Frank Sinatra, but Randy and Simon said it lacked joyousness. Also, they would like the voters to send Stacey home. But the criticism may have backfired, as Stacey got a round of “Awws” when he said he was trying to focus on his wife.
Grade: B-
Stay or go? Stacey’s on the bubble.

Melinda Doolittle, 29, Brentwood , Tenn .: Once again, it was virtually impossible to find much fault with Doolittle’s singing. If this is based on talent, the producers might as well end things here and give “Are You Smarter than a Fifth-Grader” the added screen time. She sang “I

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Got Rhythm,” and indeed Doolittle does have rhythm, melody and whatever other musical terms anyone wants to throw out there. But to nitpick, the whole “You like me! You really like me!” act is getting old. After Tony Bennett gave her the usual compliments, she gushed, “It feels so good to hear that somebody believes in me,” before catching herself and amending it to “somebody of that caliber.” Because let’s be honest, the next “Idol” judge, mentor or viewer who doesn’t believe in her will be the first.
Grade: A+
Stay or go? “I don’t think we’re ever going to be able to criticize you. This is a problem,” Simon said. That’s the biggest concern she has at this point, which is why she’s a lock to advance.

Chris Richardson, 22, Chesapeake , Va.: Richardson decided not to memorize the lyrics to “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” before meeting with Bennett, so his compliments were slightly less effusive. Nevertheless, he came back and gave a performance that’s become the Chris Richardson special: looking like a pop star, but not really sounding like one. It was a lot better than last week, but didn’t do much to get record producers lining up outside his door.
Grade: B
Stay or go? Richardson was in the bottom two a couple of weeks ago, so nothing is certain, but he should be safe this week.

Jordin Sparks, 17, Glendale , Ariz.: If ever a week was not set up for a teenager to do well, this would be the one. It was tough for Sparks to pull off “On a Clear Day” without looking like she was taking part in the high school musical, but she pulled it off, showing the big voice that makes her a dark horse to make it to the finale. “I’m just so frickin’ proud of you, I don’t even know what to say,” Paula said. Simon liked it less, perhaps feeling the strain of having to be positive for so much of the night.
Grade: A-
Stay or go? Sparks should be safe.

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