SiftPop

Has there been a final three as good as this one? If last night’s performances signified one thing, it’s that there is no wrong answer for the winner this year. Personally I’m rooting for Blake, but would be completely fine if Jordin or Melinda walked home with the prize. Some great performances last night, so let’s take it round by round.

Round 1- Judge’s Choice

Jordin Sparks – “Wishing On A Star” (A-)
Blake Lewis – “Roxanne” (A)
Melinda Doolittle – “I Believe In You And Me” (A-)

Jordin and Melinda were good, but Blake was the performer that round. He nailed it. Melinda’s performance just seemed like it should have been more than it was. That song should have brought the house down, but she barely managed to bring the crowd to it’s feet. I think the judges were giving her degree of difficulty points on that one.

Round 1 goes to BLAKE

Round 2 – Producer’s Choice

Jordin Sparks – “She Works Hard For The Money” (A)
Blake Lewis – “This Love (A)
Melinda Doolittle – “Nut Bush City Limits” (A-)

Jordin proves she can do more than the power ballads! (see Kim, I do read your comments) Blake had another great performance as well and Melinda was pretty good for a song that was quite the strange choice. Overall though, Jordin was the one who came through this time.

Round 2 goes to JORDIN

Round 3 – Singer’s Choice

Jordin Sparks – “I Who Have Nothing” (A-)
Blake Lewis – “When I Get You Alone” (A-)
Melinda Doolittle – “I’m A Woman” (A+)

Now there is the Melinda we know and love. I’m not a big fan of repeating performances on Idol, but she is incredible when she does that song. By the way, does anyone know if that song is based on Proverbs 31?

Round 3 goes to MELINDA

Tonight’s Rankings:

3. Jordin Sparks
2. Melinda Doolittle
1. Blake Lewis

Overall Rankings:

3. Jordin Sparks
2. Melinda Doolittle
1. Blake Lewis

Predictions:

Here’s the interesting thing. I think most would say that Jordin is probably the one who should go home, and that is still a very likely scenario. However, (and I even mentioned this last week) I’m picking Melinda to go home this week for three reasons:

1) We haven’t had our real SHOCKER vote yet.
2) Blake and Jordin’s fan-bases will be super motivated, and Melinda’s may be looking ahead to next week.
3) Lakisha’s votes are more likely to head to Jordin than Melinda. (This is based on the theory that underdog votes stay with underdogs when all else is equal.)

Melinda and Blake may be the final 2 everyone expects, but Jordin and Blake may be the final we get. At which point it’s anybody’s game.