American Idol: The Sanjaya Show Continues

Tonight on American Idol, octogenarian crooner Tony Bennett coached the remaining nine contestants. While we were semi-excited to hear the Idols take on the standards, LAist was really anticipating what form Sanjaya’s shape-shifting hair would take on this week? Maybe a salt and pepper gray in honor of Mr. Bennet? No such luck. This week, Sanjaya wore a ’do that was much tamer than the faux-hawk: just the simple slicked-back crooner look. But we think that Sanjaya might have cut his hair…hasn’t he heard the story of Sampson and Delilah??

But enough about the hair. Here’s LAist's take on the Idol performances, from worst to first:

> Phil Stacey’s version of “Night and Day” sounded like a bad mix tape copy of Michael Buble. And what was Paula thinking when she compared him to a young Frank Sinatra?

> Haley Scarnato took on “Ain’t Misbehavin” and proved that she has the legs for serving drinks at the Imperial Palace on the Strip, but a voice that might be a better fit for the Peppermill in Reno.

> Rocker chick Gina Glocksen covered “Smile.” Her vocals were OK, but her pierced tongue looked way out of place with this slow standard.

> Chris Richardson is looking more like Justin Timberlake every day, which is a good thing, cause he is a cutie. But despite what the judges said, we didn’t think it was his best performance. He sounded too nasally during his rendition of “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

> Jordin Sparks vocals were good for "On a Clear Day," but she didn’t have that passion that the top four did.

>Blake Lewis started a little off key on "Mac the Knife," but ended the song really well. Blake's a fun performer to watch.

> LaKisha Jones is a diva in training, and we love her subtle 'tude. She didn't really listen to Tony Bennett's advice on "Stormy Weather" and sang that "Ain't No Sunshine" snippet that he wanted her to drop at the end of the song. But she sang it well.

> Melinda Doolittle is the most consistent singer week after week. And she's consistently good great. Like Simon, we didn't like her opening of "I Got Rhythm," but she gave an outstanding performance nonetheless.

> But the top spot goes to our boy Sanjaya Malakar. Not for his singing of "Cheek to Cheek" (which was terrible as usual), but for his mad entertainment skillz. He tried to be suave and debonair by dancing with Paula and wearing a suit that either reminded us of John Travola's white suit in Saturday Night Fever or Mr. Rourke on Fantasy Island.

Hop on the Sanjaya train folks. He might be around awhile.

AP Photo/Fox by Ray Mickshaw