American Idol 4, March 22: Number 11 – Straight To Heaven

Nikko Smith, "Incomplete"

Randy - "What I’m trippin’ on is finally, finally, America is seeing the real Nikko Smith. You got – Paula’s got goosebumps man!"

Paula - "That was brilliant, that was the best you’ve ever sang. Whatever you’re doing – keep choosing songs that show off your beautiful, beautiful voice."

Simon - "Give or take a few singing problems, it was your best performance so far." (Paula leaps into Simon’s lap and assaults him with him kisses. What is wrong with her tonight??)

Sting7 - Wow. Where did that come from? Another risk, taking on Sisqo? Sisqo has the singing voice of a 45-year-old man, and while Nikko didn’t quite match that, he sang it true. Like Scott, he plucked an emotional nugget and rode it all the way through. Nikko goes for it! He’s slowly turned me into a fan. He’s not the best singer in the competition, but there is definitely an honesty and charm about him.

Vonzell Solomon, "The Best of My Love"

Randy - "Yo, it’s like everybody showed up tonight! All the Idol stars are out, in it to win it, that was great, man. You finally came out, man, Vonzell’s back!"

Paula - "Your personality came out tonight, but most important your vocals came out tonight, you took a risk! And if Simon Cowell doesn’t recognize what you did tonight, then I give up. Who cares anyway? You did it!"

Simon - "Vonzell, don’t take this the wrong way, but for the first time in this competition, people are going to remember you. That was brilliant."

Sting7 - Something is in the air tonight! Vonzell chose a song I personally love, and she uncorked that bottled up power and gave us a helping of what she can do. I still think there is more in that bottle that she has to learn how to trust, but more than anything else, I feel proud of the kid. Good job!

Constantine Maroulis, "I Think I Love You"

Randy - "That was a very interesting song choice, but you pulled it off, in a very kind of, for me, over the top, theatrical kind of way, but it was alright."

Paula - "I think of all the Idols, you have the best sense of showmanship, and it’s because you’re used to being on the stage. I think you’re an excellent entertainer, and you did the song justice, and I think you have an amazing girl fan base that idolizes you."

Simon - "I thought it was an odd fit. The rocker doing the Partridge Family. It is like ordering a guard dog for your home and delivering a poodle in a leather jacket. It’s not the real thing."

Sting7 - Here comes Simon and the rocker thing again. I was wondering when it was going to rear up. Personally, this has been my favorite Constantine performance. You all know I am not a fan of his, but giving credit where it is due, his voice does have a hint of David Cassidy that made it sonically pleasing, and Constantine is the showman of the group. Note to Constantine: a number of people have redone this song. Know the industry, please.

Nadia Turner, "Time After Time"

Randy - "You definitely are a star, I love that whole mohawk thing, you are definitely a star all the time."

Paula - "It wasn’t my favorite choice of song, but you still rocked it. You are still a star to me Nadia."

Simon - "I thought it was over the top, and it reminded me of a cruise ship, when someone comes out to do a cabaret, they come out in a different outfit for every song. And it was old-fashioned – I thought it was your weakest performance by - a - mile so far. Sorry."

Sting7 - "Always with spircles?" No, sweetie, that’s, "caught up in circle." Not a great night for The Professional. With the rocked up cum reggae musical interpretation, and Nadia’s inability to bring it vocally tonight, I’d have to side with Simon. Definitely her weakest so far, but she’s been Barry Bonds so far, too! On some other Idols, this would have been a pretty good performance. No worries, Nadia will be fine. She’s even beautiful with a mohawk!

Mikalah Gordon, "Love Will Lead You Back"

Randy - "I miss the young fun energetic Mikalah. This kind of older, more subdued... the performance was kinda pitchy, you came on to it in the end, where’s that young energetic girl from Vegas dude?"

Paula - "Early on, when I first met you I said your voice reminds me of Taylor Dayne, and it did. I’m a little concerned that you are going to get caught up in not having a unique sound. But, I still love ya, Mikalah, and I’m still rooting for you."

Simon - "Let me say what Paula was trying to say. It was a complete and utter mess. (Paula says she did not say that.)"