Advice for Top 11's Middle of the Pack

After last week's Top 12 performances it became abundantly clear that there are three distinct groups on this year's Idol. There are, of course, the frontrunners -- Melinda, LaKisha, and Blake. There are those who may last a few more weeks but don't really have a legitimate shot at the title -- Haley and Sanjaya. And then there's a whole bunch of people (six of them, to be exact) who fall somewhere in between these two groups.

Jordin Sparks. Chris Richardson. Chris Sligh. Gina Glocksen. Phil Stacey. Stephanie Edwards.

What do these six contestants need to do break out of the middle of the pack and really make a dent in the competition? Here is some advice for each:

Jordin Sparks
Jordin is probably at the front of this "middle pack," but she's going to have to improve her song choices if she has a real shot at competing with Melinda and LaKisha. What she has going for her is youth...she definitely emits a younger vibe than her two main competitors, and she has to continue to work that. I think Jordin needs to learn there is a way of being youthful and not performing songs featured in animated movies -- it would be wise for her to stick to edgier fare like "Hearbreaker" rather than the sappy ballads she seems to have a weak spot for. And while Jordin is definitely likable, she probably seemed a little bit too happy to have received such positive comments from the judges last week. Humility goes a long way in this competition, Jordin -- work on it.

Chris Richardson
Three years ago Chris probably would have been written off as just another boy band wannabe right from the get-go, but he has the good fortune of appearing on the show at a time when his physical and vocal doppleganger, Justin Timberlake, is hotter than ever. The problem is, though, he's just not as talented as Justin, and he's always going to suffer by comparison. As such, he's got to start to veer away from the JT-isms and really start to establish his own identity. He also has to stand still and stop bopping long enough to prove that he can really sing. He's cute, so he's got that going for him, but now he has to show he can really deliver vocally.

Chris Sligh
Chris Sligh came into the Semifinals round with arguably more momentum than anyone, but, despite pretty strong performances, he seems to be fading as the weeks pass. While I admire his attempts to color his performances with an indie rock flavor, his Coldplay-lite performance this past week was definitely a step too far. He has yet to figure out a way to make his unique presence in this competition work for him, a la Taylor (bringing back the glasses would be a good start). If he can hook into which stage persona and song style work for him (and won't alienate the judges or the viewers) he has a real chance at going far.

Gina Glocksen
Gina has a definite advantage in this competition, in that there is no one else like her. Unfortunately, that makes it all the more disappointing that last week she was so forgettable. Singing rock music is difficult on American Idol -- unless you really have the chops (like Chris Daughtry), it is easy to come off as inauthentic. If Gina can bring her unique "edge" to songs without having to "rock out" every week, I think she's got a chance at breaking into the second half of the competition. If she keeps trying to prove she's the next Pat Benatar (or Kelly Clarkson), though, she could be gone by the Top 8.

Phil Stacey
I rewatched Phil's performance from last week, and I have to say, it was really good. Despite this, however, he still ended up in the Bottom 3. How can Phil prevent this from happening again? First things first, he has to continue to work on starting his songs off strongly -- when he starts with those wonky low notes, he loses the audience instantly. Styling wouldn't hurt Phil, either...maybe a little spray tan might take away his vampire-esque feel. But most of all, Phil has to work on establishing an identity for himself...he's a new father and a marine, so he's got plenty to work with. Now sell it, Phil!

Stephanie Edwards
Stephanie is actually the contestant I am most worried about this week. She doesn't have the chops of LaKisha or Melinda, she's not as young and bubbly as Jordin, and she doesn't rock out like Gina. So what is Stephanie's place in this competition? Based on talent alone, she certainly deserves a spot in the Top 5, but unless she starts choosing her songs more wisely and providing more memorable performances she could find herself upstaged by her less gifted competitors. More than anyone else, Stephanie needs to choose an accessible song this week, one the viewers will recognize and jive to. The contemporary R&B style works for her, but if she doesn't figure out how to engage and excite the audience, I'm afraid we won't be seeing much more of her.