Idol Gives Back
The remaining six contestants hit the American Idol stage this week singing songs of inspiration. With emotional material and glory notes abounding, the night was full of good performances, with a few stellar ones thrown in for good measure.

Following is the It's Destiny! panel's take on the AI6 Top 6: Inspirational Songs.

Chris Richardson "Change the World"
Tammy: This was an adequate version of the song, but didn't really resonate. Chris never really seemed to connect with the song, but merely just sang the words and did his familiar head bopping. I'd like to see a little more vulnerability from Chris onstage.
Score: 8.0
Destiny: We disagree right away this week. I thought Chris was totally connected to the song, and he sounded great singing it. Fresh and contemporary as usual from Chris. That voice is so appealing, as is his charming, sincere personality.
Score: 9.0

Melinda Doolittle "There Will Come a Day"
Tammy: I'm sure that I'll be the only one to have this opinion, but I wasn't especially impressed with Melinda tonight. She hasn't blown me away for a few weeks now, as all her performances seem to have a same-ish quality about them as of late. She really needs to pick a song that is either chock-full of glory notes, or something that will show some personality. Because right now? I'm bored. The girl can sing, but I'm bored.
Score: 8.3
Destiny: I kind of share your opinion of this performance. She sounded great on the song, but it wasn't totally memorable or special. The problem I have with Melinda has been the same from week one to now: she's technically very good, never sings a bad note, seems to be thinking about what she's singing, but the overall effect is less than memorable and has never been something I really wanted/needed to watch/listen to again. She's a sweet person, though, and this was a very good performance.
Score: 9.0

Blake Lewis "Imagine"
Tammy: Blake appeared a bit tightly wound tonight. He seemed to be in 'competitor' mode. As was the case with Phil, he could benefit greatly from loosening up a bit. Blake's voice sounded great, however, and always seems to have a 'recording studio' quality about it.
Score: 8.6
Destiny: This was the most underrated performance of the night. The judges' marks were way too tepid. Blake's delivery of the song was poignant and heartfelt, and his vocals were some of the purest ever heard on the Idol stage. Stunning. I agree with Tammy that Blake's voice will fit beautifully in the recording studio, and I cannot wait to buy his cd. Beautiful song choice performed beautifully.
Score: 9.7

LaKisha Jones "I Believe"
Tammy: There is something about this girl that I just can't get behind. She needs to crack a smile once in a while, I think. And what is she thinking, with that song choice? It will never be revered as one of the most well written songs in history, and she's setting herself up for an unfair comparison by singing something made famous(ish) by Fantasia. As it is, she ultimately did not sing it as well or as heartfelt as Fantasia, and only highlighted her own weaknesses. Not good.
Score: 8.0
Destiny: Yes, this was a terrible song choice on LaKisha's part. Why in the world would anyone want to compare herself directly to Fantasia by doing her signature American Idol song? No one can compare to her vocally or emotionally, and LaKisha, despite having a great voice, is no exception. It was just flat in comparison. I, too, am bothered by LaKisha's lack of a smile on the show. After her initial audition and Hollywood showings, I was excited about this girl, but since then she has never lived up to what I thought she was all about. She is way too serious and doesn't attempt to show any personality in her performances or during her banter- she is like a female Ruben Studdard.
Score: 8.5

Phil Stacey "The Change"
Tammy: Oh dear. I've quite liked Phil for two weeks in a row. I'm beginning to question my own sanity. Although he was perhaps not quite as good as last week, he picked one of my favorite country songs, and he delivered with such sincerity that he's almost erased the memory of the suck-up that he has been in weeks gone by. If he can keep this up, I can see him staying for quite a while on Idol.
Score: 8.9
Destiny: I liked Phil's vocals and performance of the song, but, unlike Tammy, I don't really like the song itself. That being said, I am glad to see Phil getting the respect and props he's deserved all along. His voice is so appealing, and he is an endearing guy.
Score: 8.9

Jordin Sparks "You'll Never Walk Alone"
Tammy: The best vocal performance ever on Idol? Say WHAT? The girl was pitchy throughout, and her last note was seriously off-key! The near-tears-ness of it all certainly added to the song, but it wasn't even the best vocal tonight, let alone ever! It wasn't even the best Idol version, as anyone who has seen the Kelly/Ruben/Fantasia version from a recent-ish AI Christmas special can attest. Gah! I think we can assume that the judges have decided who they want to take the crown this season.
Score: 8.4
Destiny: While I agree with Tammy that this wasn't the best vocal performance ever on Idol, I do think it was excellent. Jordin's voice is so pure and emotional, and she is an amazing performer. This was a stellar performance of a moving song. Jerry Lewis would be proud.
Score: 9.5

Who Should Be Eliminated:
Tammy: LaKisha
Destiny: LaKisha

Who Will Be Eliminated:
Tammy: LaKisha
Destiny: Chris

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We asked you, "Who Should Win American Idol?"
20% Jordin, 19% Melinda, 17% Blake,
13% Chris, 13% Phil, 11% Sanjaya, 7% LaKisha

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