Idol

Tony Bennett gave tonight's master class, and so the Idols were forced to do old numbers. I was prepared for a yawner night (except for LaKisha and Melinda, of course).

Winning vocals:
Melinda Doolittle's I've Got Rhythm. Fabulous, and she looked positively stunning in that skin-tight dress and 4-inch stillettos. The flat-ironed hair was a great look for her! She kicked ass.

Jordin's On A Clear Day. Well-suited to her voice and range. Not a big reach vocally, but she covered it very well. She put a nice, jazzy edge to it that really worked.

Gina Glocksen's Smile. She did a lovely cover and looked great tonight.

LaKisha's Stormy Weather wasn't as good as Melinda's number vocally, but was very jazzy and strong nonetheless.

Now let's sit back and watch while Sanjaya survives another round.

UPDATE: The little weasel managed to stay in for another round and Hayley survived, but Gina didn't? Oh, no, no, no. This is utterly wrong. That the weasel gets to stay while real talent is kicked off is beyond maddening. This is the end of the show for me.

I must say that Gina's exit was completely classy, and the song Smile was such an apropos choice for what turned out to be her last week:
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by...
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile...

It was a tearjerker moment. Good luck, Gina. You didn't deserve what was done to you tonight, but you will be fine...you have a talent that will take you places.