'Idol' Recap: Top 12 Take The Stage

There was a great Ryan/Simon exchange when Melinda Doolittle said the high heels and the dresses are the hardest part of the show. She prefers her sweatpants and tennis shoes. Ryan asks Simon if he has any advice for her on high heel shoes. He tells Ryan he should know and Ryan says "Stay out of my closet." Simon says "Come out." I love a good cat fight.

Finally a Paula moment worth mentioning, since the live show's started airing. I actually like her better when she is acting all loopy. She's been boring lately. Paula broke down in tears during Melinda's performance and was practically bawling when she talked to her. Then Melinda started crying and Simon scolded her. Simon says performance-wise she reminds him of a young Gladys Knight. I think the "wow" and "Oh my god expressions" are getting a tad bit old though, Melinda. You're good. People like you. Enjoy it.

Chris Sligh lost the glasses and apparently his talent when he sang some bizarro Coldplay-ish version of "Endless Love." Randy was clearly reading my mind when he mentioned it sounded like Coldplay's song "Speed of Sound" and told him it was a mess. Simon told him he murdered the arrangement and he should keep the glasses on. The FOX EPK has an interview with Chris where he talks about how his goal is to do interesting arrangements. I'm thinking that's now a bad idea. Time for a new plan of attack.

Gina Glocksen sang "Love Child." The judges thought she was shouting.

Sanjaya Malakar rivaled Diana Ross in the bad hair department tonight rocking spiral curls. Actually it kind of looks like my hair when I wear it curly. Hopefully "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to keep him in this competition. I fear he will live to see one more week. Simon and I clearly think alike when he told him of his performance, "The only thing similar (to Diana Ross) is the hairdo."

Haley Scarnato wins the "Katharine McPhee look-alike award." She got McPheed with the hair, makeup and clothes but someone needs to teach her how to sit in a chair in a mini dress though. She forgot her words too. Shockingly Simon defended her because he thinks she has great stage presence and looks like a star. I'm a little concerned for her because almost every time last season we had a viewing party that person would get voted off. Our interviews distract their calling in to vote. We had a viewing party for Haley last night.

Phil Stacey was completely unmemorable.

The judges raved over Lakisha Jones who looked like a perfect diva in a white evening gown.

Blake Lewis went for his own re-arrangement of "You Keep Me Hanging On" putting a techno pop sound to it. Randy told him not to Blake-ize every song, "Sometimes let the classics be the classics." Simon hated it.

Stephanie Edwards forgot her words too. All the judges were disappointed that she didn't sing the upbeat part of "Sweetest Hangover." This show feels like its going to become a complete repeat of season three's three divas Latoya, J-Hud and Fantasia. You know what that means? Say goodbye to two of them early on.

Chris Richardson was charmingly nervous around Diana. He was totally working that Justin Timberlake wardrobe. He was the first one to come out and use the stage behind the judges, though awkwardly at best. Simon thought his vocals were dreadful.

Jordin Sparks looked and sounded amazing. She reminds me a lot of America Ferrera looks wise. I would love to see a side-by-side photo of them. The judges thought she proved she could be in the finals tonight.

Prediction; Bye Bye Brandon.