Top 8 Performances: Phil Stacey

Phil is such a conundrum. He's got an undeniably great voice, but something about his performances just doesn't connect. I want to love him -- instead I merely like him. Know what I mean?

Having said that, though, I thought he was more credible tonight than the vast majority of the contestants, gliding his smooth vocals over the Santana tune. And despite his crack at the end, his higher register really is impressive.

After two straight weeks of Bottom 3 showings, though, Phil needed a homerun tonight -- and I'm not sure this was it.

GRADE: B


1. Blake Lewis
2. Chris Richardson
3. Jordin Sparks
4. Phil
5. LaKisha Jones
6. Melinda Doolittle
7. Sanjaya Malakar
8. Haley