The theme for this week's Idol show might be all about who's learning and growing from the experience and who's not. Our hostess/mentor, Gwen Stefani, seemed like she gave everyone solid advice, some should have listened more...isn't that always the way these things go?

First up was Kiki, and though the theme was the Last Dance, I don't think it will be her last song. Gwen said she felt she should be asking Akisha for advice! The judges were happy all around and Simon even liked her clothes (a dubious preference, considering Simon's questionable track record on fashion!).

Chris S. prefaced his performance by answering viewer questions (who comes up with these ideas??). Apparently Chris dreams about knitting while playing bongos...I'm so confused. Anyway...about the song (which is why we came), Gwen cautioned him to concentrate on the beat and it was his downfall. I don't know that it was "a mess" as Simon said, but I agree with Randy that is was off tempo. Still, tonight I actually heard some of what I liked about his voice the first time I heard it. I think Chris is one of the ones that's struggling to define himself, and as a result, his performances are hurting.

Gina-yeah! She is getting better every week. I'm so excited for her! I agree with Simon that she really is growing into knowing who she is, what her look is, and what songs to pick. This week's choice felt like pure Gina. Parts of the vocals were a little screechy for me, but I agree with Randy that it was one of her best so far--Simon went so far as to say it was her best. Period.

Little note here...by this time I'm starting to wonder what's up with Paula? Am I the only one who thought she wasn't all there tonight? Let's be nice and wonder if she was suffering from jet lag. That would make you spacey and, occasionally non-coherent, right?

Back to the contestants. Sanjaya--The HAIR?!? What's up with the poodle-do? And the wacky song choice to match. I swear, this kid is just daring those idiots at votefortheworst to keep voting for him. Allow me to quote part of the lyrics, "diving into my own destruction"; anyone recall when Elliot sang Michael Buble's "Home". They wondered if he wanted to be sent there-even though he sang it beautifully. I'm not sure what Sanjaya wants, or who he is. He reinvents himself every week and it's getting scarier and scarier. Sweet Paula (I love her, really I do) suggested he get more "gumption" and "go for it!" Simon astutely noted that it really didn't matter what any of us think, he's in his own universe.

Haley should have had it easy following that act, and her rendition of True Colors was sweet, very McFever, but like Simon said, "forgettable." I do think she's getting better, and I do think she's finding her niche, I'm just not certain it's a niche that Idols occupy. I'd like to see her try alittle more and a little longer...we'll see what America thinks.

Yeah for Phil!! I think he's finally finding himself! I've liked this guy all along, in spite of some off performances, but I keep thinking there's something there. Tonight, he proved there is. Every Breath You Take was a terrific choice and he really worked it. Plus-the hat's back! Please Phil, keep that hat! Randy called it a "solid performance and Simon agreed it was "very good". I'm not sure what Paula thought-let me replay that....nope, still not sure. (Someone get her a Red Bull.)

We are finally seeing moments like this-when the contestants who are there to win show they can learn from the past and bring a new "A" game every week. This is when Idol get's exciting!

Melinda was, as we've come to expect, near perfection. I'd say, send everyone else home now, but, that's not fair. We should at least let the rest of the contestants get some exposure before Melinda wins. Tonight, I felt she was finally beginning to see herself as others have, feeling like she really could be American Idol...I think she better get used to that feeling! What a pleasure to watch her work the song, and what a pleasure to listen!! Randy dropped the "bomb"-always a good sign, Paula muttered something about her being joyful and telling a story....yada, yada..., and Simon felt, though possibly not her best, outstanding vocals. Mr. Fashion also criticized her outfit. Hope she ignores him, I liked it. It was a "look" that fit a star, not a back-up singer. It's kinda funny watching her react to all the praise, she's tickled and embarrassed all at once. I hope she's just the same when she wins her first Grammy.

I liked Blake tonight more than I ever have before. Maybe it was just the song choice, though I think leaving the special effects home helped. That boy has a good voice and I don't think we've heard it so well showcased before. Randy questioned the song choice, but we already know he likes the funkier side of Blake. Both he and Simon thought it was little on the boring side. Paula "Loved it" (of course) and suggested he may be a "dark horse" for the finals. Simon AGREED, calling him the "top male right now."

Jordin was cute and contemporary tonight and it probably was a good thing for her to show that side of her talent. The judges agreed. Randy thinks she can "sing anything" and Simon called her most improved. I don't think I saw that tonight, I didn't think the song choice showed off her talents as well as some previous songs have, but I remain a big Jordin fan. Paula called her "adorable, hip and young".

Finally, Chris R. Gwen warned him to avoid the "vocal Olympics" and I think he did well enough, but I still can not get excited about him. I think he'd be great in a group, but alone? I don't think I could listen to an entire CD of his voice. He needs to find his deeper range...if he has one. Still, you have to admit, he knows who he is and where his strengths lie, but has he grown? I don't think so. Randy liked the R & B, Simon thought he "struggled with the vocals a bit" and I agree. Paula went deep, repeating "you're good, Chris" twice, for emphasis...or maybe she just forgot she'd already said it. Either way, it's over and she can go home and get some shut-eye now.