Welcome back, Melinda!

Melinda Doolittle, “Trouble Is a Woman”: 20
Welcome back, Melinda! I’ve never heard this song, but I could tell that Melinda added her special touch to it, unlike LaKisha who tried to sing her song straight and failed miserably.

Did Melinda finally stumble?

Melinda Doolittle, “Sway”: 18
She looked gorgeous and her moves were solid; but she seemed a little uncomfortable and she didn't really nail the vocals. She’s still awesome, though. It’s clear that Simon is really trying to push her to take more risks. My compliments to the band who were perfect with their accompaniment.

Phil gets gloomy, while Melinda gets rhythm...

Phil Stacey, “Night and Day”: 14
I’m torn on this one. You know I like Phil, but what is up with him and the beginning of songs? It just didn’t work for me. Nice to hear Tony Bennett say he has a good voice, though.

Melinda Doolittle, “I Got Rhythm”: 20
This is getting old, isn’t it? I hated her dress, though. Simon said he didn’t think they’d ever be able to criticize her and that was a problem. I loved his answer when Ryan asked why it was a problem: “Because we like being mean to people occasionally.”

Phil and Melinda Wow the Judges

Phil Stacey, “Every Breath You Take”: 18
I figured out why it is I like Phil. He sounds like Paul Carrack. If he gets the chance to do a Squeeze song, he should. This was a great choice and Simon liked it as well. But what was with the back-handed compliment from Gwen? “I didn’t think it was going to be that good.” Alrighty then.

Melinda Doolittle, “Heaven Knows”: 20
That’s how to do a Donna Summer song. But I agree with Simon. The outfit was awful.