The theme was hope and compassion. So naturally, it was heavy on ballads, not my favorite genre. Most of the finalists rose to the occasion, but LaKisha really made a big mistake going after Fantasia. She will be in the bottom three, along with Chris Richardson and possibly Blake Lewis again. The only thing that might save LaKisha is the fact she was in the bottom two last week and her fans might save her. So I predict Chris will be going home. He’s due.

The only safe ones to me are the glorious Jordin and an ever consistent Melinda. Since I’ve been favoring Jordin for weeks, she gets my top slot over Melinda but it’s close.

Oddly, Ryan referenced Bono as a vocal coach but, um, no sign of him! Maybe he’ll show up tonight.

“Idol” expanded voting to four hours instead of two and two phones lines instead of one. The charities will include those who will provide funds for Africa and all over America - not just the Gulf Coast, as was originally stated. (Atlanta’s homeless are included.)

Jordin Sparks (“You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel”. More info about the song here)) - She finishes the show in the prime slot. Everyone from Elvis to Barbra Streisand to Johnny Cash has done it. It’s an oddly shapeless song with not a lot of pop hook. But she takes the song, builds it and hits the key notes with emotion and verve. Randy: “That’s one of the best vocals ever by anyone on the show in six seasons. And it’s someone who is 17 years old.” Paula: “It’s one of those songs that is very haunting and it swells. Only someone with great vocals can do it. You did a lovely job. You’re glorious.” Simon: “Unlike Randy, I thought you were fantastic. That song is about 60 years old. You’d have a hit record with that.”

Melinda Doolittle (Faith Hill’s “There Will Come a Day”) - I’m not a Hill fan at all. Her songs are often schmaltzy and overdramatic. But Melinda does a good job keeping it real, providing enough emotion and depth to the song to make it worth listening to. I still don’t love the song. Randy: “You are so dope. You have it all together. You have arrived.” Paula: “There’s no one like you. You’re magical.” Simon: “It wasn’t a copycat performance. You took a song and made me believe you recorded it originally. That was really a vocal master class.”

Blake Lewis (John Lennon’s “Imagine”) — Ruben did an okay job with this song a few years back, but as one previous blogger here noted, this song is so iconic, it’s awfully hard to top the original. It’s a servicable version, very controlled, very respectful. Better than John? No way. Randy: “It was just kind of awright for you dawg. I wanted you to do a little more with it.” Paula: “I was thinking of that in the beginning. Then I thought how simple that song. That was the first sensitive performance. That goes a long way. I enjoyed it.” Simon: “This is a tricky one. You’ve chosen one of the big songs of all time. There’s always going to be a comparison. You can’t belt out. It sounded sincere. It didn’t go anywhere. The best thing is you sang it with sincerity.”

Phil Stacey (“The Change” by Garth Brooks) - He’s back with country after realizing that is the one genre he can do well last week. He’s really not the sexiest bald guy by any stretch is he? He’s no Daughtry. Those ears and the shape of his scalp? Oh, wait. Should I be paying attention to his vocals? He’s actually doing okay but as usual, the lack of distinction in his voice period makes it hard for me to pay attention. It is in fact possibly his most consistent vocal to date. Randy: “You know what I”m happy about for your dawg, since last week, country week, you showed who you are. You came back with another strong performance with another great song. Two ina row!” Paula: “You found your comfort. This was your best.” Simon: “You’ve come back with confidence, spring in your step. The only thing I’d advise you is to put more country tone in your voice than the way you sang it tonight.” (I agree. That might have added something to the song.)

Chris Richardson (Eric Clapton’s “Change the World”) — This fine Clapton song proves how thin and ineffectual his voice can be, especially in quieter moments. He picks it up near the end and makes it a respectable performance. Randy: “Tonight dawg for the first time in a long time, you’re in it to win it. That was great, dude.” Paula: “You did fantastic. A great song choice.” Simon: “It kind of feels the competition starts properly tonight [now that Sanjaya is gone.] It was a good vocal. It had more soul in it. A more sexy performance. I think you did really well.”

LaKisha Jones (Fantasia’s “I Believe”) — Uh oh. She’s trying to do an “Idol” alum’s song AGAIN. Is she on some sort of suicide mission? I’ve seen Fantasia sing this song at least four times live, including once in the Lenox Macy’s basement, and it’s just extraordinary each time, totally a goosebumps moment. But LaKisha fails that and proves that she’s no Fantasia. Is it good? Yes. But no goosebumps. Sorry. Randy: “It had some pitch problems for me. It wasn’t your best performance but I did like it. It’s a very hard song to sing after Fantasia I must admit.” Paula: “You are a powerhouse vocalist. Don’t attempt Whitney, Mariah or Celine. Fantasia hasn’t been around a long time but she is so undeniably and wonderfully unique. I have a hard time getting past that.” Simon: “I’m having an issue with the shouting. Whereas before (‘Will you shut up!’ he says to the crowd)…” Then he gets cuts off.