Standards Raise The Standard On American Idol

American Idol 5 hit its stride this week with the musical stylings of American standards. With the help of Rod Stewart, the contestants turned in a string of memorable performances and created what is arguably the best week of the season and one of the best in Idol history.

Following is the It's Destiny! panel's* take on the AI5 Finals Round 6: American Standards.
*Tammy is on assignment this week.

Chris Daughtry "What A Wonderful World"
Destiny: This was my favorite Chris performance to date. He sounded really nice, and I much prefer the toned-down version of his voice over his monotonous "rock" voice. And he even almost cracked a smile! Way to go, Chris. My only complaint is that he and the judges let him get away with taking credit for playing it straight and showing another side of himself this week. Both parties failed to mention that all of the contestants were forced by the producers to use the traditional standard arrangements of the songs this week. Chris certainly benefited from that stipulation.
Score: 8.9
Liza: He really stepped up to the plate this week, facing the criticisms most of us have had against him and proving that he can sing a standards song the way it was meant to be sung. It wasn't an Anwar-type of performance, but it was really good.
Score: 9.0
Paris Bennett "These Foolish Things"
Destiny: Wow. Stunning. This was one of the best performances in Idol history. The singing and interpretation of the song was masterful. Paris' voice is so beautiful. The tone and lilt are captivating. Paula was right- if Paris' produced an album of this style of music, it would blow up the industry. Do it, Paris!
Score: 9.8
Liza: The revolving door of Paris Bennett looks brought us the office secretary look tonight, but she sang amazingly. It's unbelievable how grown-up and mature she sounds, and she captured the essence of this song so well. Terrific.
Score: 9.5
Taylor Hicks "You Send Me"
Destiny: Wow! Another great performance. Taylor, like Paris before him, was masterful and artistic with pitch-perfect vocals. He looked great, and he commanded the song, stage, and audience. So nice to see Taylor turn in a signature performance.
Score: 9.5
Liza: I was a bit bored by this performance until he started riffing at the end, and, to quote Taylor himself, WOO! The ending was fantastic.
Score: 8.5
Elliott Yamin "It Had To Be You"
Destiny: That voice! This guy is so underrated. Simon obviously has it out for Elliott, because that performance was not lacking in personality in the slightest. Loved the playful and cool interpretation of the song. Elliott lit up the stage and the airwaves with this one. More, please.
Score: 9.5
Liza: I actually thought that Simon was trying to help Elliott out by galvanizing his fans. He said he worried that he would be in trouble, which, of course, would spur the fans on to vote. He couldn't criticize his voice because his voice was in top form. I don't think he should have criticized his personality, though, because I thought he gave an outstanding complete performance, from the vocals down to the presentation. I loved it!
Score: 9.6
Kellie Pickler "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered"
Destiny: This was not the best song for Kellie. She should have chosen something with much more sass and spunk. That being said, she started out the song with very nice, controlled vocals. Unfortunately, she lost her place with the music about halfway through, making her lose tempo and pitch. All was not lost, however, because once again Miss Pickler displayed her savvy and charm by blatantly and immediately acknowledging her vocal blunders, thus cutting the judges off at the pass. She didn't let them deflate her airtime with negative and tepid remarks, but rather kept the focus self-deprecatingly upbeat and all about her. She's just so much fun to watch, and her ability to control the show and her image is amazing.
Score: 6.5 for the singing, 9.5 for the post-singing performance
Liza: Everything you liked about Kellie, I hated. I hate that she turns this show into a popularity contest and not at all about the singing, and I hate the fact that someone who gave a much more superior performance tonight will go home while she stays in the competition. As for her singing, it was so boring, and her timing was off. It reminded me a bit of Carrie's "Hello Young Lovers" without the vocal prowess to atone for the mistakes.
Score: 4.5 for everything
Ace Young "That's All"
Destiny: If Ace had confidence, he would be a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, he is so nervous and unsure of himself that he never really seems in control of his vocals or performances. He sounded nice on this song, but it wasn't anything special. I did appreciate his attempt at looking the part tonight, however.
Score: 7.5
Liza: I appreciated the attire as well, and it was one of his better performances, but Ace is out of his league in this competition, especially tonight.
Score: 7.0
Katharine McPhee "Someone To Watch Over Me"
Destiny: Katharine's musical theatre experience was on full display this week with her dramatic interpretation of the song. She sounded really nice and looked beautiful. That being said, Simon overshot his compliments of Katharine. While really good, she wasn't the best of the night and isn't in a league above all the other contestants.
Score: 9.0
Liza: I'm kind of in the middle of the two of you. While I thought it was a beautiful performance and the best of the night, I don't think it was so good that it made the others look bad. It was the perfect song choice for her, and it was sung perfectly.
Score: 9.75

Who Should Be Eliminated
Destiny: Ace
Liza: Kellie

Who Will Be Eliminated
Destiny: Ace
Liza: Ace

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We asked you, "What Theme Would You Like To See On AI In The Coming Weeks?"
40% 80's Pop
38% Beatles
20% Modern Broadway
2% Britney Spears
We asked you, "Who Did The Best With The Music of Queen?"
52% Elliott
18% Taylor
17% Ace
5% Paris
4% Bucky
3% Chris
0.7% Kellie
0.3% Katharine

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