Cinderella may have been bounced from the NCAA Tournament this weekend, but she still lives in “American Idol” — in a plucky princess named Sanjaya. Sanjaya is warming the hearts of millions with his far-below-average vocal talents and meek-as-a-mouse stage presence. Will his magic carpet ride end this week?
Sanjaya Malakar, 17
» Federal Way, Wash.
The mighty union of naysayers and wet blankets have set crosshairs on wide-eyed Sanjaya, who scampers from elimination like a field mouse runs from a hawk’s talons. The lil’ guy lives! It’s a David and Goliath story — in which David lacks bravery, gumption and competitive fire.
Turn up or tune out? This Tinkerbell has a sweeter voice than most people give him credit for. At this point, is talent relevant? Turn up. Vegas says: 18/1 (courtesy Bodog.com).
Melinda Doolittle, 29
» Brentwood, Tenn.
With another easy-as-pie showstopper, “Home,” Melinda has made the unbeatable LaKisha beatable. Melinda is gaining confidence and, like LaKisha, can be counted on for a dynamite performance every time.
Turn up or tune out? Shouldremain the front-runner for a while now. Turn up. Vegas says: 2/3.
LaKisha Jones, 27
» Fort Meade, Md.
We might never hear Simon apologize for telling the other contestants to “pack their bags” — correction: we will never hear him apologize — but, somehow, powerhouse singer LaKisha has slipped to No. 2.
Turn up or tune out? Like the Yankees, LaKisha has too much talent to be counted out. Turn up. Vegas says: 3/1.
Jordin Sparks, 17
» Glendale, Ariz.
I was nonplussed by the rainstorm of praise Simon, Paula and Randy showered on Jordin last week. A theory: The powers that be want a third option in this season’s two-horse race, and fresh-faced Jordin could be the missing ingredient in the cherry pie producers are baking. The problem? Jordin ain’t that good.
Turn up or tune out? Sell, sell, sell on Jordin’s stock while the value is high. Tune out. Vegas says: 5/1.
Blake Lewis, 25
» Bothell, Wash.
Blake brought Diana Ross classic “You Keep Me Hanging On” to a rave last week, giving it a modern, electronica twist. The result was awkward, weird … and a little bit awesome! Sure, it wasn’t a huge success, but at least the guy’s trying.
Turn up or tune out? Score one for uniqueness. When you bring a rock star to your company party, things don’t always work out. But it keeps things interesting. Turn up. Vegas says: 9/1.
Chris Richardson, 22
» Chesapeake, Va.
Chris slipped a bit with his stale rendition of “The Boss.” Still a Scott Fuller favorite, Chris has to show a bit of inventiveness to keep his magic show enticing.
Turn up or tune out? Chris is even dressing like Justin Timberlake now. All we need is Cameron Diaz and the boys of *NSYNC and we’ve got ourselves a concert. Turn up. Vegas says: 11/2.
ChrisSligh, 28
» Greenville, S.C.
Like John Kerry and Al Gore, something about Chris Sligh doesn’t sit right with American voters: All signs point toward doomed. The comparisons probably end there, except that Chris can probably pull off a better rendition of “Endless Love.” (Or maybe not.)
Turn up or tune out? Chris is missing that special something — like a haircut, perhaps? — and is worth keeping around to see if he finds it. Turn up. Vegas says: 10/1.
Stephanie Edwards, 19
» Savannah, Ga.
Blessed with a lovely voice, Stephanie is slipping toward the netherworld of mediocrity with the apparent rise of Jordin. Her likability factor isn’t that high; suggestions include performing with furry animals, wearing a Viking costume or profanity-laced tirades during the judges’
comments.
Turn up or tune out? Stephanie needs to stand out or her star will keep falling. Tune out. Vegas says: 12/1.
Phil Stacey, 29
» Jacksonville, Fla.
Phil has another thing coming if he thinks one pretty good performance (“I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”) is gonna make me love him. Put a turtle shell on his back and this absentee father looks like a Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Bros. — and he needs to be stomped.
Turn up or tune out? Phil has earned the right to stick around for a couple more rounds, which is bad for America but good for mean-spirited Phil Stacey joke-tellers. Tune out. Vegas says: 15/1.
Gina Glocksen, 22
» Naperville, Ill.
Gina is like a pair of pants that looked cool in the store and then when you get home they don’t fit and you realize you didn’t like them that much in the first place. Apparently, some people out there are rather fond of ill-fitting jeans and forced stylishness.
Turn up or tune out? I’ve lost count of how many Ginasongs I’ve hated, but I haven’t lost count of many I’ve liked. (You can guess the number.) Tune out. Vegas says: 27/1.
Haley Scarnato, 24
» San Antonio, Texas
Haley’s success is like an elderly man marrying a much younger and more attractive woman: Something doesn’t add up. This cowgirl’s run of fortune is more surprising that Sanjaya’s. Simon said he saw star power in this Lone Star State beauty; the rest of us saw another rotten performance at home on her range.
Turn up or tune out? An igloo’s chance in Texas. She’s gone. Tune out. Vegas says: 25/1.
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
