Simon wants Melinda in ‘Idol’ finals

“American Idol” ran a little short on Wednesday, and since there were no last-minute product-placement opportunities to fill the extra 20 seconds, host Ryan Seacrest asked the judges who they thought would get voted off. Randy Jackson said he expected the two girls to make next week’s finale, while eager-to-please Paula Abdul dodged the question.

Simon Cowell made the most declarative statement: “I want to see my girl Melinda in the final.”

Of course, what Simon wants and what the audience wants aren’t always in synch, and the audience is the one who will ultimately decide. But based on talent alone, Melinda Doolittle is a no-brainer to make it.

Focusing only on this week’s efforts, she’s also a no-brainer to continue. In fact, by virtually any standard that doesn’t involve beatboxing ability, Melinda is a sure thing.

And the judges very badly would like Melinda in the finale, because she’s the surest bet to excel among the three finalists.

Jordin Sparks has been strong most of the season but she’s just 17, doesn’t have Melinda’s vocal range or performance ability, and hasn’t been as consistent down the stretch. On the positive side, nobody in the history of the show has reacted to criticism better than she does.

Granted, she doesn’t get much of it, but any negative feedback is answered by agreement, a giggle or occasionally a very mild but funny rebuke.

Blake Lewis has personality, skills and originality, and has definitely won himself a record deal with his extended “Idol” run.

Slide show   ‘Idol’ crowns a champ “American Idol” Jordin Sparks and some of the singers she bested along the way in season six.

He’s also the risk-taker among the three, and was the only one not to close with something he’d already sang earlier in the competition. But that originality turns some off even as it inspires his fans to flock to the telephones, and his beatboxing gets mixed reviews.

It’s theoretically possible that a Blake and Jordin finale could fall flat, and make critics wonder about the level of talent compared to past seasons. Melinda compares with anyone as far as pure vocal skills are concerned, so her presence next week would leave “Idol” in great shape to have a memorable champion.

Each singer got three songs this week: one chosen by a judge, one by the producers and one by themselves.

Jordin Sparks, 17, Glendale, Ariz.:  Jordin entered the week as arguably the co-favorite with Melinda, but she lost ground by failing to really nail any of her three songs. All were very good, but her most impressive song was a repeat of one she sang earlier in the competition. And for whatever reason, she wound up with three songs that first hit the charts well before she was born.

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Judge’s choice: Simon had her sing “Wishing on a Star” by Rose Royce. The arrangement wasn’t great, and that’s what the judges chose to blame for their lack of enthusiasm for the performance. But Jordin didn’t do much herself to sell the song.
Producers’ choice:  The producers chose “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer. Paula was the biggest fan, and the other two judges praised it as well (though Simon again wasn’t a fan of the arrangement). It was good, but not fantastic.
Jordin’s choice: Jordin responded to a viewer question earlier in the show by saying her favorite song was “Mmm Bop” by Hanson. Fortunately, she didn’t actually elect to sing that as her finale. Instead, she went with “I Who Have Nothing.” The judges loved it, as they loved it the last time she sang it, and Jordin responded to Simon’s minor criticism by giggling it away.
Grade: B+
Stay or Go: Jordin’s probably going to make the finale, but it’s no sure thing.

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