Blake Lewis, 25
» Bothell, Wash.
Last week: “You Give Love a Bad Name” Grade: B
Should he go? Yes. Of the final four, Blake is the least talented singer, by a long shot. Blake has coasted through on a gimmick: He’s not a cookie-cutter contestant, what with his alternative stylings, beat-box rhythms and devil-may-care song selections.
Will he go? No. If Melinda’s an apple, LaKisha’s an apple and Jordin’s an apple, Blake is an orange. His uniqueness here cannot be underrated.
Vegas says: 7/2 (Bodog.com)
Tune up or tune out? Is “American Idol” about singing or entertaining? The Universe of Sanjaya stands to say that it’s about the latter. Blake is fun to watch because he’s different, and we’re buying what he’s selling. Turn up.
LaKisha Jones, 27
» Fort Meade, Md.
Last week: “This Ain’t a Love Song” Grade: B
Should she go? No. LaKisha is the only singer in this group who can be counted on to go toe-to-toe with Melinda. It’s of utter importance that LaKisha picks the right song; it’s of utter importance that she doesn’t fall off from her resurgence last week.
Will she go? Yes. What LaKisha has in talent she lacks in showmanship and personality. She’s just not that likable (or more importantly, outgoing), at least judging by what we’ve been given from “Idol” editors. I suspect this is a little false: When pressed, LaKisha has shown flashes of charm and humor, especially when speaking about herdaughter. But it’s of no matter. Any sort of misstep and LaKisha’s a goner.
Vegas says: 14/1
Tune up or tune out? LaKisha’s a hard one to figure out because her lukewarm performances rarely match her incendiary talent. Here’s pulling for a strong showing to kick Jordin to the “Idol” curb. Turn up.
Jordin Sparks, 17
» Glendale, Ariz.
Last week: “Livin’ On a Prayer” Grade: C
Should she go? Yes. Jordin’s wretched performance during rock week brought to light what this critic has been saying for weeks: Jordin is overrated. What with her youth, big smile and perky personality, “Idol” producers may want Lil’ Miss Sunshine to win, but she doesn’t deserve it.
Will she go? No. If last week’s debacle wasn’t enough to scare off her apparent legion of fans, it’s unlikely that an improved showing this week will have her faring worse.
Vegas says: 1/1
Tune up or tune out? Jordin’s the one I want out. I finally began to warm up to Phil Stacey, but that’s just not happening here. Tune out.
Melinda Doolittle, 29
» Brentwood, Tenn.
Last week: “Have a Nice Day” Grade: B+
Should she go? No. Melinda is the cream of this crop. She’s talented, likable and professional. Let’s call it like it is: If Melinda was a little younger and had fashion-model looks, the entertainment industry would be gaga over her.
Will she go? No. Barring a major upset, Melinda’s here to stay. It’s always fun to see favorites fall, but here Melinda almost feels like an underdog.
Vegas says: 6/5
Tune up or tune out? Melinda is as reliable as the sun. She should be practicing for her grand finale, the showstopper that freezes time and wins this competition with one brilliant high note. Turn up.
‘American Idol’
» 8 to 9 p.m., Fox
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
