My wife is latin (Puerto Rican) and she said that Sanjaya was singing it perfectly with no accent (English/American accent). I have been fairly impressed with Sanjaya lately. He and Hailey both are doing different things to get the votes. This really isn't a vocal contest, it is a popularity contest which Peter Noone pointed out a few weeks ago.
IMHO the best vocalists there are Melinda and Lakisha. The only problem with them is what showed up last night when they had to sing out of their comfort zone. Lakisha is a Gospel singer, could probably be similar to Aretha in time. I think that Melinda actually sang very well last night but both of them have been guilty of turning every song into that style they both have (sounds stupid but I don't know what to call it)
Jordin Sparks has really come a long way and I think she is the real "Idol" there. I doubt she will make it to the end though. She may very well be the most successful in this season in terms of future record sales. I think that she had one of the best performances last night.
Blake Lewis is a star. Even though he probably doesn't make the top five in vocals right now, I look forward to his performances the most. Nobody there could have pulled off most of the songs that he has performed. The Jamiroquai cover was amazing as was the cover of Keane. I really liked his cover of the Zombies "Time of the Season" also. I would never have even entertained the thought of seeing the American Idols tour but I just might in order to see him perform. I am really looking forward to see him come out with an album of his own.
