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Blog Entry 63 of 65 Editor's Blog

My name is Annie Hundley and I'm the editor here at valleynews.com. My blog will range from what's up with the site to life for a newbie in LA.

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Idol's top three duke it out for final spots

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Contributed by: Annie Hundley / valleynews.com on 5/16/2007

I'm having a hard time getting excited about American Idol these days. In my opinion, they should have just called it last week, naming LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle all co-winners. I think the top four were all sufficiently talented to end it there. Besides, I don't know how many more Ford "music videos" or summer movie promotions I can sit through.

It's because of this that I really didn't care who I voted for at the end of last night's show. After seeing the top three perform three songs each, I felt like they all did equally well. But there's got to be a winner, doesn't there?

Last night each contestant performed three songs - the first picked by one of the judges, the second selected by producers and the third was the contestant's favorite song. Although if that were actually true, apparently Jordin would have finished the show singing Mmm Bop. Thank God that didn't happen.

Jordin started the show by singing Simon's pick - Wishing on a Star by Rose Royce. The performance was great, and Randy likened it to a Beyonce performance. Simon said he didn't like the jazzy arrangement, something I'm sure the band loves to hear.

Blake Lewis performed Paula's pick - Roxanne by the Police. It was a great vocal. The song fit Blake's tone well, although I have to admit it was a bit dull for my taste. Paula said the performance was "fantastic" and "fresh." Simon said it wasn't as good as the original. Sorry, Blake, but it's true.

Melinda performed Randy's pick - I Believe in You and Me by Whitney Houston. Randy is always lecturing people not to attempt songs by legends like Whitney, and he told Melinda afterward that he picked that song because he wanted to really challenge her. Well she rose to the challenge. Randy said he figured, "if she can do this, she should win the grand prize," telling her it was "very well done. The performance was amazing. Simon declared that round one went to Melinda.

Jordin started round two singing the producers' choice - She Works Hard for the Money by Donna Summers. All the judges loved it, but this morning I can't even remember it, which is a bad sign.

Blake sang producers' choice This Love by Maroon 5. It was perfectly Blake - great vocal and a bit of beatboxing mixed in. "That's the kind of album you should make," Randy said.

Melinda sang producers' choice Nutbush City Limits by Ike and Tina Turner. The performance was perfect - energetic and fun. "Love that side of you," Simon said. "Another brilliant performance." Simon called this round a tie.

For her own selection, Jordin picked I Who Have Nothing. It was an amazing vocal and I'm always impressed by her ability to sing mature songs convincingly. But Simon took issue with the song. "There's no disputing the fact that you sang that very well, but part of me doesn't like a 17-year-old singing a 60-year-old song." Jordin sassed back that Simons' own pick was an old song.

Blake picked When I Get You Alone by Robin Thicke. The song was nearly unrecognizable from Thicke's performance on the show a couple weeks ago. I absolutely hated Thicke's performance, but though Blake made it a great song. Paula assured Blake that he had three great performances. "I actually really liked that," Simon said. "You don't play it safe, you actually look like you're having fun. Good for you."

Melinda closed the show with a poor song choice, in my opinion. She picked I'm a Woman - a song she sang earlier in the season. What a weird choice to repeat a song. She sang it very well, but it left me wondering about her willingness to try new things. But, Simon praised Melinda's consistency. "If I'm going to award a place in the finals based on the person who's delivered week after week, it's you."

So who will go home this week, and what two will make it into the final? It's a very tough call at this point in the game. Will Jordin or Melinda be at risk because they may be competing for votes from similar fans, while Blake appeals to a totally different block of voters? Or will Blake get run out because, while he's innovative and fresh, he's probably the third-best vocalist? Or will Melinda be sent home because her fans became complacent that she's obviously the strongest, but then didn't bother to vote? Does it even matter? All three are sure to go on and have successful careers in the music biz.

For the record, I voted for Melinda.

Stay tuned for the results...

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