FINAL 3	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	TOTAL
Elliott Yamin	9.0	8.8	8.5	8.76
Katharine McPhee	9.1	9.5	8.9	9.16
Taylor Hicks	8.9	9.2	9.0	9.03

After being bottom two last week and believed by many as the one who should have been eliminated, Katharine bounces back tonight to deliver as what was called "the best performance of the season"--at least to her second song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" which was picked for her by Simon. Hence, she got the highest points in our idol scoreboard. Now i'm going to explain the title of this entry---on why i think Katharine and Taylor will battle it out next week for the finals. Let's review each performance: ROUND 1 (Clive's choice): Elliot Yamin sings "Open Arms" which i think is a good choice of a song to showcase the richness of his voice and to explore its range. If you will not scrutinize how he sung it and just listen for the pleasure of hearing it, it's not bad. But reality will tell your deeper musical sense that it was a bit flat in several parts and you can actually feel that he is more nervous now than last week. Score: 9.0 Katharine McPhee sings R Kelly's modern classic "I Believe I Can Fly." I believe the arrangement was made by the musically knowledgeable Katharine herself and i give her the props for raising the level of difficulty of her songs. Score: 9.1 - the highest for round 1. Taylor Hicks sings a Springsteen hit "Dancing in the Dark." Although he sung it very well, without flats or sharps i might add, it sounded like the song didn't matched his personality that's why he's not on his element for this one. Score: 8.9

ROUND 2 (Judges’ choice)

Elliot Yamin sings “What You Won’t Do For Love.” I’m an Elliott fan but i have to be honest, although it’s a good choice of song that could bring Elliott to another personal best performance, it didn’t quite took off. Although he listened to Randy’s advice to try to add some twists and ad libs and stuffs to spice up his performance, he went flat going at it. Generally, it’s an ok performance but not great like last week. Score: 8.8

Katharine McPhee sings “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” This song will catapult her from being almost eliminated last week to the final bout next week. Big thanks for Simon who chose the song for her. This is the only performance that everyone will remember and i’m sure the televiewers will still remember it until voting time. Score: 9.5 (the highest for tonight)

Taylor Hicks sings “You Are So Beautiful.” This is the kind of songs that will get a positive remarks from Simon and yes, this beautiful song did him just like that. What can i say? The song is perfect for Taylor’s voice. Score: 9.2

ROUND 3 (Contestants’ Choice)

Elliot Yamin sings “I Believe to My Soul.” What is it about Elliott picking the songs that will make you think “why did he picked that?” It’s not the same as last week that even though he picked the least popular among Elvis’ songs his performances were bigger than the song. A little safe, no frills, no thrills, his most soulful performance of the night but very forgettable because of song choice. I hate to say it but he’s going home tomorrow. Unless his last week’s performance still lingers to America. Score: 8.5

Katharine McPhee sings “I’ve Got Nothing But the Blues.” Just like Elliott’s case, why the hell she picked this song? But i’m pretty sure the audience and the televiewers are still stunned by her “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” hit so this song didn’t do any damage for her. 

Taylor Hicks for the win sings “Try A Little Tenderness.” What a way to win the last round by being consistent and by bringing your authentic style at the end of the semi-finals. See you in the finals Taylor. Score: 9.0

• Who will be eliminated: Elliott Yamin
• Who should be eliminated: Elliott Yamin
• Who will get the most number of vote: Katharine or Taylor (very close)

Ok. its a little daring for me to predict that’s it’s going to be Katharine and Taylor for the finals next week. But i only based it from tonight’s performances. If i were to judge according to their performances in the whole season, i think Elliott should move forward, Taylor should be eliminated and Katharine’s just plain lucky she has a few memorable stints despite a lack-luster performance last week.