This comes down to who will Melinda sing against in the final. With three songs apiece, the difference between Melinda and the others was more obvious. We have the winner. America needs to determine the challenger. Here's the order of how the three finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all in next week:
1. Melinda Doolittle
Flawless renditions of Whitney Houston and Tina Turner, punctuating the evening with Maria Muldaur's "I'm a Woman." Not easy to do. Week after week, she was the best or close to it. One of the most talented singers to ever grace the Idol stage and she will be a joy to watch in the final.
Odds of winning: 2-1
2. Blake Lewis
The success story of a weak crop of boys this season. His rendition of "Roxanne" sounded hauntingly like a young Sting and he found his niche with the Maroon 5 and Robin Thicke covers. Solid performances. Was careful not to overdo the beat-box and instead showcased his vocals.
Odds of winning: 8-1
3. Jordin Sparks (bye, bye)
Pulled out all the stops to get to the final, finishing with the Carlo Donida "I (Who Have Nothing)," the song that propelled her into the serious competition. The Rose Royce "Wishing on a Star" was a little screechy at times, but she did Donna Summer proud with "She Works Hard for the Money."
Odds of winning: 15-1
Go Melinda!
Posted by: DawnG | May 16, 2007 at 06:31 AM
See, I think Jordin was better than Blake. But she makes me feel old, week after week. "My mom loves Bon Jovi"? "Who is Rose Royce"? Wow, she's young.
Posted by: Christine | May 16, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Blake will need some help to make the final. I think there are a lot of Jordin fans.
Posted by: Trish | May 16, 2007 at 11:09 AM
I also think it might be Melinda & Jordan, but a Jordan / Blake final would not surprise me. Disappoint, but not surprise. America is an odd lot, after-all.
Blake is too choreographed for me and just doesn't show the intensity of emotion that either Melinda or Jordan often have.
W
Posted by: wefo | May 16, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Well, go figure.
Posted by: Dan | May 16, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Im am so pissed! How could MELINDA go!
Posted by: Karen | May 16, 2007 at 10:45 PM