Looking for heart

American Idol's looking to cut for eight, with Tony Bennett helping. Ah, yes--once again, skewing young.

Tony calls them a rare group, very competent.... Blake Lewis up first, doing Mac the Knife. Tony wants him to think more about the meaning of the song, and slow down a bit. In silly sport coat--looks like a kid playing dress up; don't really like it. A bit perfunctory, like he's just rolling out his act; tone is also a bit odd, pitchy too. Good finish, though, even with the silly scatting. Randy likes it, good choice--some pitch problems, but funky jazzy cool. Paula says he's a hip cat, it was great and cool; Simon says good choice, performed well, 7 out of 10.

Back, with shots of a sign in the crowd that reads Simon is Always Right. Wow, some huge names for their Idol Gives Back show... pretty much everybody. Phil Stacey next, who says Tony's his hero. Night and Day, Tony says speed it up; one of the better singers he's heard for a long time. In sharp suit, swallowing his words to start. Slow, with some nice tone in his voice, and a big smile. Eh, an okay performance; sounded a bit odd at times. Randy says okay, no real connection; Paula says good news, like a young Frank Sinatra--Simon is like what?!; but have more joy, and warmth in your vocals overall. Which Frank Sinatra are you referring to asks Simon; all the joy of someone singing in a funeral parlor. He's right, it was very mannered. Trying to focus on my wife, he says afterwards, to big awwwws. He's totally getting a Constantine vibe going.

Melinda Doolittle, doing I've Got Rhythmn; Tony says she's really good, has a big chance in the business. She is, as always, amazed. Hmm, in interesting print dress; sultry and slow and very professional, it's like being at a jazz club to start. Then picks it up, it's another patented great performance with lots of color and emoting. And big notes; audience really likes her; and a big finish. Crowd gives her a long standing O. Randy says it's a lesson in singing every week; Paula echoes you're like a master class, it was flawless; Simon makes fun of Paula, says first half was a bit cabaret, tells audience to shut up mockingly over its boos; loved the second half. We'll never criticize you, this is a problem--we like being mean.

Chris Richardson followed by Jordin Sparks, they do a funny looking back and forth at each other bit as we go to break. Chris is asked what he thinks about most as he picks a song, he says what you like/audience/judges. In hat, vest and jeans; doing Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Tony tells him to memorize the lyrics. His voice is off-key from the get-go; his acting is what Simon will call cabaret. He's totally flat, it's strange how off he can be without apparently realizing it. It's just okay, like mediocore karaoke for me. Randy says this was one of your best performances, came out with a vengeance, very cool and young and hip. Paula likes it too, and that he didn't compromise. Simon says that was very good, believable--who knows, I may be wrong but I feel like everyone's just doing happy talk to keep him around. Simon says probably one of the strongest tonight; well, there's only been four total tonight.

Jordin Sparks doing On a Clear Day, Tony says she's terrific, intelligent and sang in tune which is rare nowadays. In black vest, white shirt, black pants. Starts off a bit off; very breathy; but good confidence, and definitely a great voice. I don't know, not connecting so far; maybe not the greatest song choice. But so much charisma, and a big finish. Randy loves it, the bomb, very pro and controlled; Paula says you're a magnet of joy, Simon is totally cracking up--winds up saying I'm so fricking proud of you, you're gonna sail through to the next round. Simon says you sang it well, but didn't achieve what Chris did before you, making it young and current. Everyone disagrees, hmmm, Simon's definitely trying to keep Chris around.

Gina Glockson, doing Smile--written by Charlie Chaplin?! Hmmm... Tony says she sang beautifully, Tony says when he sings it he thinks of 9/11 and the soldiers in Iraq. Uh, okay. Wow, in sleek black dress slit high, on stool; good look for her. Nice vocal tone; very bare lyrics, slow.

Ah, Sanjaya Malakar.... Tony has high words of praise for him--he can sing, has a lot of courage. Out there in white suit, slicked back hair; Cheek to Cheek. Not a bad voice at all; definitely cheesy, but fun--dances with Paula, just out there doing his thing; definitely weak spots, but not horrible. Randy says you've turned in quite an entertainer; Paula says you're charming, thanks for the dance. Incredible, says Simon sarcastically.

Haley Scarnato, in beaded green dress. It's astonishing she's still here, kisses up to Simon beforehand. Saving My Love for You, Tony says she doesn't get the song. God, it's so cheesy, she's sitting down (with her back to the audience); trying for that fake intimay. She keeps looking around for the camera; then suddenly changes the song into something brassy. It's a mess; plus she's off-key. So cheesy. Randy is like I thought this might be a good week, but--what do you think Paula. Who just says did I mention green is a good color for you. They kick to Simon, who just says I think you have good legs. Pagentry says Simon--so odd, they're all trying not to say anything negative about her.

Lakisha Jones closes what so far has been a mediocore night. Stormy Weather; she's very good says Tony. In black and beige gown; very brassy from the get-go, like Porgy and Bess. It's the usual quality LaKisha performance, builds througout, audience applauds her big notes; she's very determined looking, emphatic gestures. Randy says perfect song, pitchy early but great ending; Paula says you look gorgeous, sound great; Simon says sassy, great performance, back on form.

Idol, unfortunately, isn't. And on recap, Haley's performance is even more embarrassing.

Melinda Doolittle
Jordin Sparks
Gina Glockson
Lakisha Jones
Sanjaya Malakar
Phil Stacey
Blake Lewis
Haley Scarnato
Chris Richardson