No Surprises On Idol

The result isn't a surprise. Gina had a bad week and wasn't going to win.

Phil's problem isn't his voice but his look. If he looked like Chris or Blake he'd make Top 4. It's a shame. Simon was right that Phil's performance seems dark in tone. That's something he could work on performance-wise but he might be too late in the competition to change perception.

Two weeks in a row Blake's bored me. I know Bennett told him to slow the tempo down on the song but I think that was bad advice for Blake. I've always kind of figured he might peak at Top 4 but now I'm not sure he'll hold on. He's good on stage, a top 3 performer, but his voice just isn't pulling it off enough. Fortunately, he is pretty good at song choice but he'll ultimately be at the mercy of the theme. I'm not seeing much of Blake's own charm. I thought the judges were wrong about Diana Ross week, adding the beat to the song was just what Blake can do well.

I'm disappointed in the "top 3." Another set of "Divas" like season 3? Melinda is the most polished but the first part of the song was boring. She coasted a bit this week. Lakisha is OK, not on Melinda's level, but not so consistent.

For the first time I recognized how Jordin is a big threat and I'm glad. I'd rather see her in the finals than either of the other pair. There's a bit of natural charisma the others are lacking. Melinda usually makes up for it in experience as a performer. On Melinda I have to say her humility shtick (genuine or not) is tiresome.

Sanjaya is this season's "around too long" contestant like the "goat girl" in season 2, "miss constipation" in season 3, "the red head" in season 4, and so on. The over-focus on him is harming Blake and maybe some of the others who would benefit from genuine buzz.

Chris's voice is often irritating. Some of the gymnastics he attempts aren't well suited to his skills. He doesn't seem self-possessed on stage as much as putting on a performance. I keep seeing Timberlake when I see and hear him and I have an ongoing revulsion to "Mistuh" JT.

I think Jordin could win it.