Tonight was the final three singing three songs– one that chosen for them by Clive Davis, one that the judges chose for them, and one that they chose for themselves.

Elliott Yamin started off with Journey’s “Open Arm” chosen for him by Clive Davis. To me, it was just an alright performance because I love the original song so much. I thought that Elliott made a noble effort to make it sound more like an “Elliott” song, but it just fell short. Simon said he should loosen up, and he was right.

Next up was Katharine McPhee singing R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly”. Randy was very hard on Katharine tonight. He thought she really oversang this song, and I really agree. Of course, he also criticized the song choice, which obviously wasn’t her fault. She does need to learn to just sing the song without so much embellishment. Simon actually came to her rescue and said Randy was being unfair.

Clive Davis chose for Taylor Hicks to sing Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark”. This is another great song, but it’s another song that is SO identifiable with the original artist. The funny thing is that I thought of Bruce Springsteen when I was thinking what song Taylor should sing. They have a similar quality to their voices– not to say that Taylor sounds like he’s trying to imitate Springsteen. He really did make the song his own. He even got Paula to dance with him. One thing you can always say about Taylor is this– he’s never boring.

The next song choices were given to the finalists by the judges.

Paula, who seems to be half in love with Elliott since Chris is gone, chose for Elliott to sing Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love”. This was an odd choice to me. It was okay, nothing fantastic. It was, at least, in the right key, and I thought it was a good performance, just not outstanding. I’m sure those of you who are big Elliott fans really loved it, though.

Next, Katharine sang “Over The Rainbow”. Okay, Katharine fans, please don’t hate me. I know the judges loved this song and raved about this performance, but I thought it was so tremendously sung and overacted. I really didn’t enjoy it. I think it was supposed to be like when Fantasia sang “Summertime”, but it just wasn’t. It evoked no emotion from me whatsoever because I kept wanting her to just SING THE SONG without all the extras.

Randy did right by Taylor, choosing Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful” for him. I think Taylor is the embodiment of all that is Joe Cocker, so I couldn’t have chosen a better song for him. The judges all loved it, although Simon tried to fake him out and make him think that it wasn’t that great. I could almost hear him going for the “k” word. I guess since he predicted on The Tonight Show that Taylor would win he better sound supportive

Elliott’s final song was Danny Hathaway’s version of Ray Charles’ “I Believe To My Soul”. I thought the song was too low for him, so it didn’t really show off his vocals. The judges were similarly unimpressed. I’m afraid this may have been Elliott’s final performance. Simon thought so, as well. He did make a very nice statement about how proud Elliott’s Mom should be. I agree with Simon– whatever happens, Elliott will be just fine.

Katharine closed her set with “I Ain’t Got Nothing But The Blues”. This song was at least fun, something recently missing from many of Katharine’s performances. But it was VERY cabaret– not quite karaoke, but still not great. I love musical theatre, so this isn’t at all an insult, but I think that’s a better venue for Katharine.

Taylor closed the night with a song that he tried to sing during love songs week, Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness”. This song choice also made me laugh because one of the songs I had picked for Taylor was “Mr. Pitiful”, which is on the soundtrack of “The Commitments”. “Try A Little Tenderness” was also featured in that movie. This was a great performance– a little slow, a little fun and, as always, definitely entertaining.

I think Katharine and Taylor will probably be singing in the finals, and I don’t think Katharine or Ellliott can beat Taylor, but I guess we’ll see. I have to say, screaming and all, I did miss Chris tonight. I would really have enjoyed seeing him sing against Taylor. Oh well, we’ll know tomorrow night who will be singing in the finals.

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