'American Idol 6' - The Final Three Sing to Win

It's hard to believe the season is almost over, isn't it?

It's down to three contestants -- Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, and Melinda Doolittle. Weeks ago it seemed like the finals would be all-female, but Blake's been hanging in. Will it be his last week?

Tonight the contestants took rounds, each singing a song. The songs were a judge's choice, the producers' choice, and the singer's own personal choice. They also visited their hometowns but, if memory serves, we saw a bit less of that this year than in previous ones. So, it was three contestants, three songs, even three phone numbers. However, there will only be one American Idol in the end. Who will it be?

Although they took turns singing their songs, I'm grouping them by singer here. Why? Um... well, because I can. Yeah, that's it! (Actually, it's easier for me, plus I think it focuses on each singer a bit better.)

Jordin Sparks started each round. Her first song was the judge's choice and the judge who chose was Simon Cowell. He selected a song with which I'm not too familiar -- "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Royce. I thought she was in good voice and it was a fine performance, but the song itself didn't thrill me too much. It did show off the quality of her voice.

Randy was wowed. He said it's time to be in it to win it and that it was a very good vocal. Paula thought Simon chose a good song. Simon said she sang brilliantly although he didn't care for the arrangement. It wasn't the version he wanted.

For the producers' choice, Jordin sang "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer. Again, good. She rocked it, but I don't know... something seemed a bit off with her tonight. Her voice was in good form, but perhaps it was the song choice.

Randy thought it was nicely done. Paula said it was fantastic. Simon said it was a very good performance, then commented on the arrangement again.

For her own choice round, Jordin did something I thought was a bit odd. She chose a song she has already performed in the competition -- "I Who Have Nothing." I think, in comparison, she's upped her game. But I don't think repeating songs is a great idea in the final three. She sang it beautifully, mind you. I'm just wondering about the second time bit.

Randy thought it was her best performance of the night (it was). Paula thought it sat well with her voice. Simon said there was no disputing that she sang it very well, but it was old-fashioned for her age. It seems to me that he said the same thing the first time she sang it.

Blake Lewis had the second slot in the rounds of three. In the judge's choice, Paula Abdul chose "Roxanne" by The Police. That, to me, is a good choice in one way - Blake can be a bit Sting-ish vocally. But, I also thought it was almost too safe, something I didn't hear from the judges. He did it very well, I thought. With Blake, I think a lot of what has got him to where he is, is that he's an entertainer and performer more than a vocalist. A Sting vocal, he can do just fine.

Randy thought it was a great performance, hot. Maybe that's hott with two t's. Paula said he did her proud. Simon said it was good, not great.

For the producers' choice, Blake sang "This Love" by Maroon 5. Now, in my opinion, this is the kind of song Blake can shine while performing. I thought it much better than "Roxanne" not only in fitting his talents, but in the performance itself. And, to me, Blake is about performance.

Randy thought it was cool, the kind of song he should have on an album, nicely done. Paula said he was in his element. Simon preferred it over the first song, said it was good and "not copycat."

For his own song choice, Blake chose Robin Thicke's "When Will I Get You Alone?" I probably like Blake's performance better than Thicke's because I at least enjoy Blake while Thicke just does nothing for me.

Randy said it was alright. Paula thought it was a great performance and a great song. Simon really liked it. Simon also likes that Blake takes risks and is having fun.

Melinda Doolittle was the last to sing in each round. Randy Jackson chose her first song -- Whitney Houston's "I Believe In You and Me." Okay, I think I've mentioned before that I'm not into Whitney Houston, not at all. But Melinda carried this song off so that even I liked a Whitney song. Yikes! The judges always frown upon contestants trying Whitney Houston songs, but this seems to be a test of some sort.

Randy said it had a high level of difficulty, but she blew it out of the box. Paula thought it was amazing, fantastic, and the her best performance all season. Simon said it was her best performance and difficult. He declared her the winner of Round One - the judges' choice round.

Again, I think the producers made a perfect song choice -- "Nutbush City Limits" by Ike and Tina Turner. Wow! She rocked! I hope Tina was watching. (Now, there's a star they should have on the show. She can still kick it unlike many of the older-generation singers they use as mentors.) Not a note missed, perfect vocals.

Randy called it a great, stellar performance. Paula just sat there repeatedly babbling "we love you." Simon said he loves that side of her and another brilliant performance. But when asked who won the second round, he declared it a tie.

For her own song choice, Melinda chose "I'm a Woman." Again, perfect vocals and great stage presence. She also sang the song earlier in the season. What's up with that, girls? She was my favorite from the beginning and she remains my personal favorite. And, it's also most likely that she would be the only one whose music I would buy. Jordin maybe someday, but Melinda a definite.

Randy loved her range and said she could sing the phone book well. Paula said something off-kilter about how she's celebrating her dream. Simon said that if he could give an award into the finals for consistency each week, it would be hers.

At the end of the show Ryan did something I thought a bit unfair. He asked the judges who should be in the finals. Randy said it would be the two girls (which could backfire on him if Blake voters work extra hard to save him), Paula refused to say, and Simon wants "my girl Melinder."

Me? I want Melinda, too. And I don't put an "r" on the end of her name! But, in looking at this group, they each bring something a bit different to the table. I think all three will make it in the business no matter who is chosen to be the first place winner.

Your thoughts?