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American Idol takes the Country Road with McBride

By Stone Martindale Apr 18, 2007, 4:02 GMT

Martina McBride - Universal City, CA © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi

Ah, 'tis Country music night on “American Idol,” and Martina McBride came by to help the contestants put the twang in sang.

The frontrunners of this competition will probably never record in this style of music, having said that, it ain't easy being country but the pros pulled it out:

Philip Stacey, Jacksonville, Fla.: Sang “Where the Black Top Ends.” This was one of Phil’s best performances, and and gave the audience a chance to connect with him. Randy liked, Paula liked, Simon mesa mesa.

Jordin Sparks, Glendale, Ariz.: Sang “Broken Wing.”  She was outstanding, and the judges all loved her.

Sanjaya Malakar, Federal Way, Wash.: Sang “Let’s Give ’em Something to Talk About.” It was weak, hair was all gang-ified in a bandana.  Randy: check it out dog check it out, just like karaoke, bland and boring. Paula chuckled like an assclown "loveable guy you are." Simon, said it was utterly hideous, and told Ryan to shut up.

LaKisha Jones, Flint, Mich.: Sang “Jesus Take the Wheel.” She overpowered the song.  A tad screechy. Randy: Check it out, LaKisha, LaKisha, LaKisha, check it out check it out, "pitch problems", boos ensue. Paula says she agrees with Randy. Simon compares it to eating a hamburger for breakfast, and the song was shouted and was a wrong song choice.

Chris Richardson, Chesapeake, Va.: Sang “Mayberry.” Vibrato and twang galore. Pitchy.  Randy says check it out dog, sang it okay but he didn't "feel" it.  Paula says the joy and love didn't come through. Simon says he heard was a very non-descript nasally tinny vocal-no impact on him at all,"insignificant."

Melinda Doolittle, Brentwood, Tenn.: Sang “Trouble is a Woman.” Perfection and class, she is a knockout.  A+ performance and she needs to be the Idol winner. I LOVE HER!  Randy says solid performance from a pro.  Paula says way to go. Simon says it was fantastic, great choice of song, "a touch of Tina Turner."

Blake Lewis, Bothell, Wash.: Sang “When Stars Go Blue.” He knows how to pick the right song for himself; best male performance of the night. Randy says yo Blake, couple things dog, arrangement and song suit him, Paula agrees, Simon thought it was okay.

I have never predicted the bottom three, but here is my wish list:  LaKisha Jones, Sanjaya Malakar and Chris Richardson. Sanjaya needs to go home and begin his college studies.