Simon wants Melinda in ‘Idol’ finals

Blake Lewis, 25, Bothell, Wash.:  Blake entered the week behind the other two in the fan voting, so he had some catching up to do. He did his part by singing well, but probably not well enough to get him over the top. On the positive side, he did get to jam with Sir Mix-a-Lot as part of his back-to-Bothell homecoming.
Judge’s choice: Paula chose “Roxanne” by the Police, and if Blake makes the finale he’ll owe her a thank-you note. It was a nice contrast to the song Simon gave Jordin to open the show, and gave him a chance to strut across the stage and display some showmanship. The judges all approved, though Simon gave it his patented good-but-not-great-it-was-just-an-imitation-of-the-original line.
Producers’ choice: The producers gave Blake “This Love” by Maroon 5. The vocals were fine, but he couldn’t resist a little beatboxing in a song that really has no place for it. But it sure won the heart of Randy, who said, “When you make a record, that’s the kind of record you should really make.” No word on whether Maroon 5 is quaking in its boots at the competition.
Blake’s choice: For his final song, Blake chose Robin Thicke’s “When I Get You Alone.” Simon loved it. “This is what I have really liked about you throughout the competition,” he said. “You don’t play it safe, you take risks, and you look like you’re having fun out there.”
Grade: B+
Stay or Go: It wouldn’t be a stunner if he reached the finale, but he’s the most likely candidate to be eliminated.

Melinda Doolittle, 29, Brentwood, Tenn .: Melinda doesn’t make mistakes, so the drama each week is whether she’ll be outstanding or simply really good. This week, she was outstanding, and ended all doubt that she deserves a spot in the finale with a trio of strong performances.
Judge’s choice: Despite six seasons of advising contestants never to sing Whitney Houston songs because they won’t compare to the original, Randy made Melinda sing “I Believe in You and Me” by the legendary co-star of “Being Bobby Brown.” Randy predictably loved it, and Simon called it her best performance of the last four weeks, and gave her the opening round.
Producers’ choice: It’s also easy to see that the producers like her, since they gave her “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike and Tina Turner. Simon has said in the past that Melinda sounds like a young Tina Turner, and that really came through with this song. She nailed the vocals in the best overall performance of the night. Randy gave her the round, with Simon calling it a tie in an effort to preserve a little drama. Nobody asked Paula her opinion.
Melinda’s choice: Melinda closed the show with “I’m a Woman,” capping her night with a third consecutive strong effort. Her consistency won Simon over, as he said, “If I am going to award a position in the final to the person who has consistently delivered week after week, it’s you.
Grade: A
Stay or Go: It wouldn’t be a stunner if she got sent home, since everyone left is really good. But it would sure be an injustice. Melinda should be safe.

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

MORE FROM AMERICAN IDOL

Happy birthday, Simon, the best mean Brit ever

Happy birthday, Simon, the best mean Brit ever ‘Idol Gives Back’ returns to ‘American Idol’ Ellen brings EveryFan sensibility to ‘Idol’ Paula Abdul wishes Ellen luck on ‘Idol’   Add American Idol headlines to your news reader: