The ladies were awesome, again, some more. I know: big surprise. But I am starting to see some cracks in my precious Ethnic Five (plus Gina) plan. It's going to be a bloodbath for those last couple slots. Let's see who got in the best cuts.

Jordin picks “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar. This is why I like Jordin: she takes chances. It’s not an expected choice for her. It’s not AWESOME, but it’s good --- there are some weird breathing issues and she seems distracted in parts. I just think she’s a little too sweet to be doing the Benatar. Also, not enough deep shoulder action. But she does sing the hell out of it, and ends awesomely. Go Jordin! 

Sabrina sings “Don’t Let Go” by En Vogue. It’s OK, but a little screechy in parts, and also a touch flat. I think it’s her weakest of the three weeks, but that’s still pretty decent. I really hope Sabrina makes it, but she’s the most forgettable of the ethnic girls. And I think she’s in serious danger this week.

Antonella sings the Corinne Bailey Rae song that I hate. And she’s way flat in the bridge. But I will say this: It’s the best she’s ever been on this show. It’s true. She did not suck. Compared to her competition, though, she’s a trifle. Simon tells her that she’s gone as far as she can go --- but I think he might have just guaranteed she’ll make it through after the Jersey kids fight back. Simon is clearly over her and the Antonella Slut Machine that the media has created. I’m afraid that America is not.

Haley. Who? Exactly. In a move even more hilarious than last week’s “Queen of the Night” she picks a song called --- I’m guessing --- “If My Heart Had Wings.” It is the cheesiest thing you can imagine, except for maybe Haley herself. You know what does have wings, Haley? Airplanes. Like the one taking you home tomorrow night. She sings it well enough but there’s nothing interesting about this girl, and she’s not going to get any better than she is. When she goes to panel, things get very dicey as Simon just lays it all out there; he compares it to a “ghastly high school musical performance” and tells her he doesn’t know her name! Hilarious! He gutted her on live television. Delicious. When Pissy Ryan gets defensive on Haley’s behalf, Haley explains that she “always gets bad criticisms” and “Simon doesn’t like me” and she “clocks in and clocks out.” And whatever, Haley. Outclassed. Just be gracious about it, bitch.

Stephanie is singing “Sweet Thing” by Chaka Kahn. I’ll tell you what --- girl knows how to DRESS. Tailored within an inch of her life. She is just amazing, this girl. What a range. What life in her voice. So effortless. She absolutely commands the stage. And yet, she never stands out like Lakisha or Melinda (or even Jordin). Randy and Simon call her out as being somewhat copycat, and I don’t disagree. But damn it’s a good copy.

Lakisha sings “I Have Nothing” by Whitney. And I say it again: what will Lakisha do on country week? What will she do on classics week? Anyway, it’s not nearly as good as Whitney. Lakisha has a lot of power but very little control. The judges fall all over her, but I disagree. Simon says she looks beautiful, and on that I do agree.

Gina sings “Call Me When You’re Sober” by Evanescene, and this is the type of stuff I want to see her singing. Go rock, Gina. It sets you apart from the rest of the competition. She looks amazing and she sings it well, although she gets kind of shouty in parts. But it is a shouty-y song. This for me was like a return to Gina past. I missed her.

Melinda sings “I’m a Woman” and is predictably a superstar. She is, for my money, the best singer on the show. She’s been coming out of her shell the past couple weeks, and boy did she command that stage tonight. Simon calls her a “little tiger,” and that’s cute. Lakisha might be judges favorites right now, but I think Melinda has what it takes to go the long haul. She’s a pro and knows exactly how to use her voice to its best effect, and I suspect she’ll adapt much better to the theme weeks. I will be stunned if Melinda is not the Final 2 when all is said and done.

SHOULD GO HOME: Haley, Antonella.

WILL GO HOME: Haley (she damned well better…), and while I want to say Antonella, she kind of redeemed herself a little bit. That coupled with the Jersey Herpes Mafia votes she’s rolling in makes me think she’s probably made the Top 12. Dammit. I think Sabrina’s in danger, and also possibly Stephanie and Jordin. And I would miss either of the latter two desperately.