For everyone complaining about Melinda...

SereneSecrets, Phil and Melinda BOTH went home 4 the SAME reason: NEITHER 1 of them has the "it" factor. Sure, they both can SING, but being an "idol" is about way MORE than just a great voice! Can u honestly picture either 1 of them selling out an arena??? I know I can't! U have 2 have stage presence, charisma, be a GREAT PERFORMER, AND, have that indescribable "it" factor. ALL the GREATS in music have the WHOLE "package", NOT just a great voice! In fact, MANY of the GREATS DON'T even have a "technically" great singing voice! Jordin WON, because they c "marketability" in her. But, personally, I don't c her as a "pop" star. She'll do better on the Disney Channel, or Nickelodeon. But, she'd better hurry up, 'cuz she'll only be young and "cute" 4 SO LONG! LOL!!!!! Truthfully, the REAL STAR this season, REGARDLESS of all the "flack" he received, is SANJAYA! He has that energy, and that LOOK in his eyes! Him NOT being the best singer is IRRELEVANT, because MANY superstars, as I said, are NOT great singers! Anyone remember Paula Abdul's past success???

I don't think you can compare Phil to Melinda. Phil had a good voice but he lacked orginality and he wasn't that great of a performer. That is what the judges told him over and over again but he never made a change. There are plenty of good singers in the world but you have to bring something unique to the stage to really stand out. Melinda has a GREAT voice and she is a GREAT performer. She brought orginiality to each song that she did and she was the most consistant. I know she will get signed and have a great career. She was the most talented contestant but we all know that doesn't mean that you are guarenteed to win. I think Jordin & Blake are both more marketable and that is why they are staying around.

He was great country week and also on bon Jovi night, but other than that I did not find him that great. I am not sad that Melinda is gone, I am hoping that Jordin will win, that the people voting for melinda now will give their votes to Jordin instead =) I have been hoping for her many many mnay weeks now =)

Gotta agree with terry11, it is always a popularity contest more than anything when it comes to the viewers voting. I thought for sure it would be Melinda and Jordin in the final two. In fact, I had Melinda pegged right from auditions. I was stunned to see her leave last night. I am comforted in the fact that I know she will have a great career ahead of her regardless.

How can you even compare Phil Stacey with Melinda? He may have had a few good performances, but he is no where near the vocalist Melinda is. I would call him a mediocre performer at best. To say that she went home for the same reason he did, is an insult to Melinda. Phil may have been your favorite and that's fine,but, comparing the two is just plain ridiculous.

he gave it his all when he sang county and it was great but he did not seam as comfortable with other songs he was a great singer and i think he will get a country contract

I thought that Phil was only good once Country night came. Ever since then he shined and showed his true talent. Melinda has been great every single show. I am surprised that she went, but I am also glad that she is gone. I think that both Melinda and Phil will have great careers in music.