Just The Way You Look (and sing) Tonight...

Tony Bennett stopping by to mentor the 9 finalists 60 years younger than he is. Nice!

Here is how it went down last night:

Ok, Tony Bennett has released 106 albums!? WOW! And his most recent one "Duets" is the best selling! That's saying something!

Phil has hair in the opening clips - what the hell is going on here?

Swing and standards - nice! This could be a fun show. Where's that tall red haired kid from like 2 years ago? He's home screaming at his TV I'm sure.

Blake leads off the game with "Mac the Knife". Crooning it slow just like Tony asked him to do. No chance to beatbox for Mr. Blake, but scatted a little and he pulled it off. Very nice performance indeed. Randy liked it, Paula said he "personified pizazz" and a hip cat, Simon liked the song and performance, said the band was a big reason.

Commercials
That Judy Garland commercial with "What'll I Do" by Irving Berlin again. A big shout out to the Irving Berlin 8. You know who you are!

KELLY CLARKSON is coming home to Idol for the benefit. Yeah, I love Kelly Clarkson and I'm not afraid to say so.

And now, batting second, Phil Stacey...Stacey. "Night and Day". I'm loving these song choices so far. He shaved the head for the performance. Phil remembered he knew how to sing recently. I'm sorry I didn't think you should be top 12 Phil. Welcome back. VERY impressed. Randy didn't feel it, Paula called him a 'young Frank Sinatra' and gave some bad notes too, Simon trashed it as being joyless. Anyone else think they are trying to steer America to vote him off?

Hitting third tonight is Ms. Shocked and Awestruck, Melinda. She's going to scat "I've Got Rhythm" which always makes me think of Mr. Holland's Opus. Melinda found herself a hair straightener. Damn, she's good. She sang it in like 3 styles, each one better than the rest. Best performance of the season maybe? Randy is in love, Paula called her a master-class, and Simon told the audience to shut up and thought the end was great and they will never be able to criticize her. But I, like most of you, am growing very sick of her "golly gee gosh" thing and she seemed to tame it down a little tonight.

More commercials.
Kohl's wants you to know that there is no such thing as too many handbags. Just thought I would let you know. OH, and Marshall's wants you to know that there's always room for shoes. Handbags and shoes, I've made a note.

In the clean-up spot of the order is Chris Richardson who is going to deal with the Coca-Cola viewer question and then sing "Don't Get Around Much Anymore". Is anyone else worried Tony is going to fall over in one of these clips? Producers giving Chris some fancy shadow effects, not helping his voice enough for me though man (or should I say "dawg"). They are trying to keep him around to push Blake I think. Randy thought it was one of his best, Paula thought it was hip and cool, and Simon thought it was 'very good'. Yup, they are trying to keep him around. Am I totally wrong or is he really good and I'm just missing it?

Jordin Sparks, batting fifth, Sparks. "On a Clear Day". Tony was happy she was in tune. Always a good thing. Vest, button shirt and the curls are back. She's channeling Chris Sligh's look I think. hehe. Her voice is dead on and on with her personality, she could be the top female at the end of this thing. I'll say it again. 17 - she's 17. W O W! Randy said Jordin is hot and dropped the bomb, then the mics screamed high pitch, DOH, nice FOX! Paula called her a magnet and used Hip and Cool for the 10th time, Simon pulled the "old fashioned" line again.

As of right now, the only bad thing they have said is against Phil Stacey - who do you think they want to go home?

Gina and Sanjaya after the break. Go to the bathroom people, it's ok.

$1600 for a week at Disney - who wants to go with me? Anyone?

Jerry Seinfeld's "Uncle Leo" (HELLLOOOO!) likes Dominos Pizza.

The 6th spot of the lineup goes to Gina singing "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin, who knew? Tony somehow worked it into 9/11 and Iraq. Impressive. The sentimentality of this song kind of loses something with the big dumbbell tongue-ring doesn't it? Ok, she wasn't off key, but rather boring to me. Sorry. Randy said it was nice and controlled, Paula called it flawless, Simon compared her to the other girls and Gina tried to fight back, nope. She's going to cry again I can feel it.

7th is Sanjaya. Ryan called him a Legend, what is he doing?! "My goal this week is to show America that I really can sing" HAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!! I almost fell over. He's ruining the song Heaven by Irving Berlin. Dancing cheek to cheek, yeah, I like my version better. And what's with the Saturday Night Fever suit? Come on, he's so horrible people. The judges have given up actually judging him on his singing. Isn't that the point? Painful. Maybe FOX could block his phone line? Someone? Anyone? COME ON! I miss Chris Sligh. Hell, I miss JPL and Bucky too.

Commercials, yes, again.
George Hamilton is famous for being tan. Anyone else think of an emptier reason to be famous?

Stepping into the batter's box in the 8th position is Haley who also gets a Coca-Cola question. Also, in case you forgot, Haley has boobs and legs America. Look at her and don't listen to her, that's still her game plan. She's singing "Ain't Miss Behaving". Tony doesn't like her. Does she start every song sitting on the steps? I feel that she does. She's got a little more energy tonight and this song actually falls well into her vocal range. I bet the judges kill her anyway. Randy said it was in her Wheelhouse, Paula said she liked the green dress, and Simon said she has great legs. The judges tanked her.

More Commercials. I wish I had a nickle for every...

Shia LeBeouf is about to become a very big star.

And finally, batting 9th is Kiki. "Stormy Weather". She's looking for her "Summertime" like Fantasia had. She had a makeover in the past few weeks, good for her. She's a powerhouse but I still just don't see her winning. Tony told her to hold the end note and not do fancy tag, she didn't listen. You're right Kiki, you know better than he does (note the sarcasm). Randy loved it despite pitchy, Paula loves her outfit and Simon said she was sassy and great.

I believe the bottom three will hold Sanjaya (a boy can dream), Phil and either Gina or Haley, I'll go with Haley. And I think poor Phil is going home.

So, what are your thoughts?