Reality Check: The ‘American Idol’ Leaderboard

By: Kyle Christensen
Features Editor

Top of the Game: Melinda Doolittle- Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra…these are just a few of the artists whose songs Melinda Doolittle has tackled and given a run for their money. Doolittle’s soulful tone and ability to connect with the lyrics of every piece she performs have earned her great acclaim from the judging table, with generally negative Simon Cowell going so far as to suggest that her renditions are always toting “impeccable vocals.” Obvious frontrunners in the past have become victims to the “Idol” convention of the “shocker vote” (responsible for the eliminated of such noteworthy contestants as season one’s Tamyra Gray, season three’s Jennifer Hudson and season five’s Chris Daughtry), but chances are she’s a sure bet to soar her way into the last round. God willing, this finale might give us someone likeable to root for, to counteract last year’s Taylor Hicks vs. Katharine McPhee debacle.

A Strong Opponent: Jordin Sparks- Don’t let the hideous teenage crooner Sanjaya Malakar fool you-- Jordin Sparks is one boisterous 17 year-old who is proving that the show’s youth, though in serious shortage this year, can also produce some amazing talent. While most fell to pieces during the dreaded Diana Ross-themed week, she maintained her composure and delivered the uplifting ballad, “If We Hold on Together,” the song which clearly dominated that night and established Sparks as a definite force to be reckoned with. If she can still offer her sense of eager spunk, while also providing a smooth, enticing voice to enchant listeners, the major recording companies are sure to come knocking on her door, regardless of where she finishes in the competition.

Dark Horse around the Corner: Chris Richardson- Three weeks ago, nobody would have predicted any of the males would have a shot at winning the Idol title, and truthfully, none of them still do. However, Richardson has the charm and charisma to become more memorable to audiences than most of the other singers, who are dead as doornails in the personality department. Critics have slammed Richardson for his constant, blatant emulation of Justin Timberlake (from his shaven head appearance, right down to his similar urban chic clothing and higher-octave runs), but at least he’s trying to learn from the best, whereas some seem devoid of any inspiration whatsoever – paging Haley Scarnato: your adorable smile won’t be of help to you much longer. Richardson will probably never be a superstar in the future, but he could use his brief flicker of fame to justifiably make it to this batch’s Top Five… if not further.

This Week’s Tearful Good-bye: Curly-haired comedian Chris Sligh may have been an early favorite with the judges and viewers alike, but an off-beat, out of tune attempt of “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” sealed his fate at 10th place. He landed in the Bottom Three with Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey. This was Scarnato’s and Sligh’s first relegation into the Bottom Three and Stacey’s second. Now only nine remain...but who will be cut next?