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Since the number of contestants is dwindling, each contestant was to sing one song from the year of their birth, and one from a current "Billboard Top-ten" list.  (Apparently these top-ten lists are pretty wide ranging, as Taylor was able to find a "this week in history"-type song to sing.

All in all, the performances were either average or good.  Nothing too terrible, so that's nice.  By this point in the contest, the contestants are pretty strong. 

The Performances:

1.  Elliott Yamin

• Elliott's birth year song (1978) was "On Broadway."  (I thought that he already sang that!  Must have been someone else. . .)  Slightly below-average start to the show.  Not by any means terrible, just so-so.  Grade: B-
• Did anyone catch the Mac vs. PC commercial after Elliott's song?  That's a good commercial, even if I am a PC guy.
• Elliott's second song was called "Home."  His voice sounded nice.  Decent performance.  Grade: B

2. Paris Bennett

• Paris' birth year song (1988) was Prince's "Kiss."  (Tom Jones made that song for me.)  Interesting song.  The background music wasn't so good.  Paris seemed to sing it okay.  Grade: B
• Second was "Be without you."  It sounded okay.  It's been a half-hour since I've heard the song, and I already have forgotten what it was like.  My notes say Grade: B

3.  Chris Daughtry

• Chris sang a STYX song for his birth year song (1979.)  He sang Tommy Shaw's "Renegade."  Good choice of a song, and he sang it well.  I wish that Chris were a little more versatile.  All of his songs sound very similar.  Grade: B+
• The second song was "I dare you."  Chris did his thing, and I'm sure that his fans will be pleased.  Grade: B

4.  Katharine McPhee

• Katharine's birth year song (1984) was "Against all odds."  Some of the notes were off.  I was uncomfortable listening to it.  Grade: C-
• The second song "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" sounded really good.  Katharine was cool, unique, and fun.  Week to week, Katharine really seems to be gaining momentum going into the finals against Chris.  This second song was good enough to help us forget her horrible first one.  Grade: A

5.  Taylor Hicks

• Taylor's birth year song (1976) was "Play that Funky Music."  (It sure is nice to see a contestant who is kind of close to my age.)  Taylor was dressed nicely, and the music fit the way that he likes to sing.  I liked his first effort.  Grade: A
• Taylor's second song was the Beatles' "Something."  (I love George Harrison songs!)  Good job Taylor!  I have been waiting for him to have a great night.  He finally delivered.  Grade: A

Best and worst:

Best: Taylor had a really good night.

Least good: Either Paris or Elliott will end up getting the boot.