Sanjaya must go home

Gotta say. Most of the American Idol contestants were really giving it their all. For me, there were quite a few that really shined tonight. A few of them did stand out, but I did have a few favorites and picks for the bottom three tomorrow night. Lastly, I have a suggestion that may or may not be all that popular - but then again that's never stopped me from speaking my mind ( or what's left of it ) before.

• Haley Scarnato - I think she's done the best I've seen from her this season. What's more . . . she looked really hot.
• Jordin Sparks - What can I say? This girl can sing. In my opinion, she'll go home with the American Idol title.
• Blake Lewis - Definitely a top three contender. This guy pushes the bar every time with his individual style and creativity.

The rest did what I believe is what they are really capable of doing. I suppose that could be taken a couple different ways so let me clarify.

• Phil Stacey - Vocals were nothing to write home about. He was pretty much on par with what he normally does. He'll be in the bottom three again next week.
• Lakisha Jones - She did her regular awesome singing, but didn't really bring anything new. I doubt she has anything to worry about for at least a few more weeks.
• Chris Richardson - He can sing really well, but I'm not impressed by the songs he sings.
• Chris Sligh - Nothing to rave about, but another good performance.
• Stephanie Edwards - Great Singer, but again, it was pretty much what I expected.
• Sanjaya Malakar - Why are you still here? Go home already.
• Gina Glocksen - A rocker is really at a disadvantage in the American Idol competition. I really think that she pours her heart out in every performance, but she might be in the bottom three this week.

I'm going out on a limb here . . .

My last point - and then I promise . . . I'll shut up and go to sleep. Melinda Doolittle needs to go home. Wait . . . please, don't throw that at me. Hear me out . . . She's in too much of a league of her own for this competition. I think her performance tonight really proves that. Up until this point I believed her only vocal competition was Lakisha. But Lakisha kind of missed her mark tonight and Melinda shined. But she shined so brightly that she eclipsed everyone else - vocally. But then again, she is a professional singer. So I think she should have eclipsed the other performers that are high school students, hairstylists, and other professions.

I think she should be voted off much in the same way as Chris Daughtry was voted off last year and go on to make her own album without the assistance of the American Idol title. She doesn't need it the same way that some of the others do. She could leave tonight and most likely be awarded with a recording contract. She doesn't need a stepping stone. She's had enough exposure that proves she deserves to be out front instead of being a back-up singer. I know this sounds a little off, but then again it's my take on the whole thing.

Who's your favorite? Who will go home and who will stay?