American Idol- Three is a Magic Number

Your Final ThreeTonight we have three contestants, singing three songs each: one picked by a judge, one by the producers, and one by themselves. Who will make it to the finale?

Judges Picks

Jordin sings the Simon-selected "Wishing on a Star". She had never heard it before, but it's a great choice for her voice. It's also mid-tempo, which works for Jordin. Her up-tempo songs have been rough, but she has to stray from the ballads at some point. She shows a nice build from the softer verse to the chorus and ending. Strong start.

All the judges agree except for Simon, who thought the arrangement was too old-fashioned. Not really her fault, as I doubt Jordin is getting in there and changing things up Blake-style.

Speaking of, Blake has "Roxanne", thanks to Paula. Yikes. It's impossible to sing this song without sounding like Sting. It's also essentially yelled. The vibe works for Blake, but the overall choice does not. Still, he sounds good and can hit those notes without straining his voice.

Randy and Paula love it, but Simon thinks it was an impression. Like I said, there's really no other choice with that song.

Melinda get Randy's permission to break a cardinal Idol rule and sing Whitney Houston's "I Believe in You and Me". Before we get to her singing, I would just like to say that Mindy looks cute with the longer hair. Okay, now that that's out of the way, DAMN, y'all. Melinda delivered a lesson in vocal control. This song is all: chest voice, now head voice, back to chest voice...HARD. Beautiful performance.

All three judges agree that Melinda nailed a very challenging song, and give her the edge in Round 1. I have to agree. My round one scorecard is:

1. Melinda

2. Jordin

3. Blake

Producer's Picks

Jordin's second tune is "She Works Hard for the Money". Again, I'm really glad to see that they're pulling Jordin out of the ballads, though this performance shows me why she shies away from them. She just isn't as comfortable moving and delivering the up-tempo stuff. It's one of the few areas in which her age shows. She also gets lost a bit in the verses of this one, but the ending is hot. Strong again.

Randy and Paula love it unequivocally, but Simon once again takes issue with the arrangement and old-fashionedness.

The producer's give Blake "This Love" by Maroon 5, which is like a present, all tied up in a perfect-for-his-voice bow. Great performance peppered with just the right amount of beatboxing. He's the most current contestant the show's ever had, I'd say.

Randy and Paula think it's the kind of song Blake should have on his first album. Simon begrudgingly gives it a "better than the first one" review. All the judges think Blake looks comfortable and in his element.

Melinda's round two song is loopy but great: "Nut Bush City Limits" by Ike and Tina. It's a good thing she got those rock lessons from Bon Jovi! People, this woman can do anything. She can kick your ass, with just her voice. For real.

The judges know it. They don't dare cross her with an unkind word.

They call Round 2 a tie, but I'm less diplomatic. My scorecard reads:

1. Melinda

2. Blake

3. Jordin

Contestant's Picks

Revisiting the British invasion, Jordin sings her breakout song "I Who Have Nothing". She killed the song the first time around, but made Simon want to kill himself. He was nuts, because she sounds amazing singing this, and really connects to it emotionally. Like her first two songs, it's an old-school choice. Is Jordin losing her youth factor?

Randy says its her best of the night and Paula thinks she sounded great. Simon is irked that a 17 year-old chose to sing a 60 year-old song.

Blake goes for something new with Robin Thicke's "When I Get You Alone". Tonight seems to be all about Blake proving that he can sing the crap out of some modern pop rock. This is a really fun choice: he sounds great, his performance is natural. Blake just kind of belongs onstage.

The judges love it, notably Simon who commends Blake for not playing it safe and for having fun.

Mindy takes it all the way back to the pre-top 12 rounds with her choice, "I'm A Woman". It's old-fashioned, but that's Melinda. I l LOVE seeing her interact with the background singers while staying in the spotlight. Perfect vocal performance, tons of personality. Melinda rocks!

Randy talks about how tonight really showed Melinda's range, Paula loves to see her front and center. Simon says her consistency should earn her a place in the finale.

The judges don't call round three, but I will:

1. Blake

2. Melinda

3. Jordin

I know, vocally Jordin rocked it, but Blake took a risk and Melinda entertained.

Results Prediction

It was a very good week for everyone. After all the talk about this being a down season for talent, we have three people who I think represent the most current contestant (Blake), best pure vocalist (Melinda) and best teen Idol (Jordin) ever. If tonight is all about vocals, it'll be Melinda and Jordin. If it's about performance, it'll be Blake and Melinda. And if it's about youth, it'll be Jordin and Blake. I think, the way voting has gone this year, vocals win out, which means Blake goes home.