This is one of the challenges that will highlight the differences between Melinda and Lakeesha: control and interpretation. Melinda controls pitch and tone, all across her range, and whatever the volume; Lakeesha is only really comfortable on the middle ground, and loses musicality towards any extreme. Uncontrolled power is not an asset. Melinda can make any song her own while respecting the differences between songs, where Lakeesha is a little less original and makes less difference between songs. She’s a determined lady, she will learn, but not in time for AI 2007.

When Diana Ross became the star instead of just one of the girls, The Supremes ceased to enchant me. I do not see real greatness in Diana’s singing; “her” songs seemed to have been written down to her level and came out pretty similar, all in all. Melinda will get more out of the available songs than Lakeesha will. Unless one of them has the guts to choose a pre- “Miss Diana Ross” number…(Rather you than me, ladies.)

I could even see Stephanie get involved in the battle. She looks gorgeous and sings a little simply, but just beautifully. However, she is more of a princess than a queen and maybe her youth will do her a mis-service.

This week maybe one of the judges will tell Brandon the truth, like “You show why backing singers rarely move to the front: you don’t have the drive to kick yourself up the gluteus maximus and make yourself work.” The man has a voice to kill for, but only one gear: easy cruise. There’ll be nothing in Miss Ross’s simplish repertoire for him to hide behind, and there’s no way this singing cuddly toy will risk Diana’s ire.