Semifinal Performances: Phil and Chris Sligh

PHIL STACEY
Okay, so now we know Phil once had hair (thank goodness, I'll be able to sleep tonight). Lets first discuss the way Phil begins his songs, singing in his lower register. Its a NIGHTMARE! The first time, okay, maybe he was nervous. But fool me, once shame on you, Phil, fool me twice shame on me. It truly is a horrifying sound that comes out of his mouth. He picks it up a bit as he gets further into the song, but just when it starts to look more promising he cracks toward the end of the song. Definitely not a stellar vocal performance. Phil's real problem, though, has been his song choices. First, the Dianne Warren penned "I Could Not Ask For More," then "Missing You" and now a Leanne Rimes joint, called, of all things, "I Need You"? Phil, come on! I do think this guy has potential, but at this point its looking more and more like potential for an 11th place finish.
Grade: C+

CHRIS SLIGH
Chris Sligh has his humor back! It looked for a couple of weeks like he had lost his touch (that "fight" with Simon was particularly painful to watch), but his crack about being a better looking bald man than Phil Stacey was pure deadpan genius. And, lo and behold, his performance was just as impressive...in my opinion, the best of the night. Looking sharp and singing with a conviction lacking in most of the other boys this evening, he laid into "We All Wanna Be Loved" with an infectious energy. What was with no-love from Paula and Simon? Sure, it wasn't vocally perfect, but considering what else we've seen tonight, I'll take it.
Grade: A-