American Idol 4, May 17 - In The Presence of Greatness

And, finally, the judges’ choices!

Vonzell Solomon, "On the Radio"

Clive - "You were totally in your element, you gave a very strong performance, Simon picked a real good song for you and you delivered big time!"

Randy - "You are throwing all cares to the wind, you’re having a good time... that was great man, I enjoyed it!

Paula - "I second that Vonzell, way to go Vonzell, keep on having fun!"

Simon - "I echo every word of Clive Davis."

Sting7 - I love the key she started in for this song, and it just floated on from there. Nice number from Vonzell, at times she sounded eerily like Donna Summer! I have no complaints at all.

Bo Bice, "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction"

Clive - "You really nailed it, you have the right spirit, the right attitude, you have taken three entirely different songs and made them your own. This has been your night."

Randy - "I feel like I been at the Bo concert tonight – the album’s already out, it’s already triple platinum, I’m at the show! No matter what happens, you rocked the house tonight!"

Paula - "One more week, everybody gets one more week to watch this for free, and then you’re gonna have to pay!"

Simon - "You’ve had a very strong night tonight. For me, I’ve heard all this before at weddings. Loved the first two songs, this was just a bunch of light fluff."

Sting7 - I’m having a hard time tonight, because Bo so clearly reduced Carrie and Vonzell to also-rans! This was unquestionably the Bo Show tonight! I don’t remember any contestant since Kelly Clarkson who wrested the show from anyone else on it and dominated it. Just with my half brain, I can tell you every song Bo sang tonight. I have to think a little to remember Carrie and Vonzell. That says something! What a night. I think Bo may have had the greatest night of any Idol contestant I’ve ever seen. Is it too soon to crown a winner? I don’t think so. Carrie Underwood, "Man, I Feel Like A Woman"

Clive - "Country pop is your element, it just radiates from you, not only in your voice, but in your face, in your body. You really nailed it, congratulations."

Randy - "I’m just happy to see you have some fun up there... you did your thing! Carrie!"

Paula - "I love when you have fun, I love when you’re smiling, it’s going to be tough between the girls! Bo did great tonight." (Paula just plunked Carrie right in the hot seat! She’s probably right!)

Simon - "First part of the song didn’t sound anything like you. The second part, the song worked. I think that was enough to get you into the final."

Sting7 - I’m not so sure, Simon. This was a song right up Carrie’s alley, but the low parts in the beginning were scary-bad! She brought it home, but if I had to compare Carrie’s excellent start to her stumbling finishes, to Vonzell’s stumbling start to her excellent finishes, I would have to give the edge to Vonzell! It’s that last song we all remember, history shows. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Let’s get the business out of the way. Bo is back next week and fighting for the title. Who is joining him? My gut is telling me that Vonzell may just narrowly edge Carrie out of that final spot. And what a final it will be! Bo may not want to take that victory lap just yet. Vonzell pushes herself vocally every week. We’ve seen Bo coast from time to time, and it always shows. If Bo is willing to step up his game one more time, he may just walk out of this your new American Idol.

As for Carrie, she is beautiful, she is talented. Her future is secure no matter what. But, I think her Idol campaign is going to come to a close-voted end.

Am I right? Let’s see!

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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