Tony Bennett inspires the ‘Idol’ finalists

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Gina Glocksen, 22, Naperville , Ill.: Apart from the general shock at seeing and hearing the erstwhile rocker singing an unfamiliar style, Glocksen came off rather well in her performance of “Smile,” showing the confidence to hit the big notes. Paula called it flawless, Simon said the previous two girls (Doolittle and Sparks) outsang her. Both judges were correct. “This song gives you hope in your darkest moment,” Bennett said, adding a prayer that the soldiers in Iraq come home.
Grade: B
Stay or go? Glocksen wasn’t so great that she’s out of danger, but isn’t an obvious candidate for elimination either.

Sanjaya Malakar, 17, Federal Way, Wash.: Malakar is the anti-Doolittle at this point, in the sense that he knows that a lot of people will hate him regardless of what he does. His performance of “Cheek to Cheek” wasn’t anything to write home about, and he’s the worst of the vocalists left in the competition, but that was true last week as well. “Incredible!” Simon said facetiously, hoping that the reverse psychology would send him home.
Grade: C-
Stay or go? Malakar should go, but undoubtedly won’t.

Haley Scarnato, 24, San Antonio , Texas: Simon said it all with Scarnato: “I think you have great legs.” Scarnato looked the part of pop icon while singing “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” but sounded more like she was fronting a band at the Cowell-Abdul wedding that will likely be the season nine finale in 2010. It wasn’t a bad performance, but like Glocksen’s it suffered in comparison to the rest of the women.
Grade: B-
Stay or go? Scarnato was fine, but not outstanding. She’s not the most obvious choice to go, but she’s still in trouble.

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LaKisha Jones, 27, Fort Meade , Md.: Jones closed the show with a powerful rendition of “Stormy Weather.” Randy called it the bomb, Paula said she looked fabulous, and Simon called it “sassy great.” But while it was good, it also showed what separates her from Doolittle. Jones has enough vocal strength to match anyone on “Idol,” but doesn’t seem to have Doolittle’s ability to truly own the song.
Grade: A-
Stay or go? Jones should be back next week.