by Bob Benedetti After mentoring by pop artist AND six-time Grammy nominee Gwen Stefani, American Idol's top 10 contestants were prepared TO take on THE Pop song genre. Here's how they fared: LaKisha Jones showed versatility by selecting an up-tempo throwback TO yesteryear with Donna Summer's Last Dance. Jones topped a personality-filled performance with warm mid-range vocals AND smooth, shiny attire. Bonus points from panelists Randy Jackson AND Simon Cowell gave high fashion marks FOR Jones' knee-high leather boots. Cowell thought THE Flint, Michigan resident looked "Thirty years younger" this week. Once again, Chris Sligh showed that his sense OF humor -- AND musical timing -- were both slightly offbeat. IN response TO a fan question, "How do you spend your down time?" Sligh quipped "I like TO knit AND crochet." Although THE rotund, bespectacled lad demonstrated good vocals IN the latter half OF Police tune Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, his fluctuations IN tempo were detraction. Middle panelist Paula Abdul suggested that Sligh "feel THE beat." Gina Glocksen's selection OF Pretenders hit I'll Stand By You was a perfect fit AND capped off a sterling delivery. It brilliantly interlaced THE spiky-haired Chicago native's powerful vocal chops with a sensitive feminine touch that drew a standing ovation AND glowing reviews from THE Idol panel. THE oft-boorish Cowell raved, "It wasn't one OF your best -- it WAS your best." Seventeen-year-old Sanjaya Malakar continues TO find ways TO leave viewers AND panelists speechless. This week, an orange colored pony-tail Mohawk standing a foot IN the air was Malakar's calling card, while dispensing NO Doubt tune Bath Water. Initial stage inhibitions dissolved AND the youngster showed a high quality mid-range resonance. Too little, too late? It'd BE foolish TO underestimate Malakar's sturdy fan base. Lead panelist Cowell found Haley Scarnato's try at Cyndi Lauper hit True Colors, "Sweet… AND forgettable." Her trademark accurate, warm voice AND compelling presentation seemed deficient on Tuesday evening. With vocal gifts that are comparatively diminutive TO her peers, Scarnato's effort IN Colors may HAVE lagged enough TO land her a homebound ticket TO San Antonio. Blake Lewis also attempted TO sensitively harmonize a ballad, but his outcome yielded different results. THE innovative 25-year-old put a softer, blues-ier spin on THE Cure 's Love Song. A genuine, devoid-of-frills presentation garnered lofty praise from judges Abdul, "…very hip, contemporary," AND Cowell, "…the strongest guy IN the competition." Phil Stacey AND Melissa Doolittle took a different approach than Scarnato AND Lewis by offering sizeable helpings OF their large, dynamic voices. Stacey showed confidence AND ambition, selecting THE Police's 1983 chart-topping Every Breath You Take. Panelist Abdul's assessment was dead on; "…a good [song] choice that… showed off THE color AND personality IN your voice." Meanwhile, Doolittle's contrast OF personal sheepishness AND on-stage assertion continued TO amaze everyone. Her fun-yet-forceful take on Donna Summer's retro hit Heaven Knows drew reviews ranging from "The bomb" TO "…charisma from THE word 'go'." Chris Richardson decided TO 'play it straight,' taking mentor Stefani's advice TO "do away with THE [usual] vocal olympics" AND just "focus on THE feeling of THE song." It paid off, as NO Doubt ballad Don't Speak drew a positive vibe from Jackson "I liked your 'flavor' on it." Richardson's periodic on-stage uneasiness AND a tinny musical arrangement (a half-step increase IN key signature) may HAVE detracted from THE viewer experience. This writer is guessing THE performance may have THE 22-year-old Virginia resident vying FOR dismissal from THE competition. Jordin Sparks smartly stayed young AND hip with Stefani pop single Hey Baby. Impressed AND flattered by THE choice, Stefani believed that Sparks made it "sound more musical than I thought it was." Although possibly not her best vocal, but it was fun, cool way TO remind THE audience OF her youth (17 years old) AND versatility. Panelist Jackson reinforced what many HAVE thought but not expressed, "You could BE a tremendous recording artist." FOR now, Sparks is gaining confidence weekly on THE big stage. Who stay AND who goes? Tune IN tomorrow, Wednesday March 28th TO Fox at 9pm EST AND watch THE Results Show.