MY PICKS

Wow. Tonight's episode makes me feel like I should join the Peace Corps or something. Or at least pull an Angelina Jolie and adopt a poverty-stricken baby.
Hold that thought.
Overall, the first half of "Idol Gives Back" was executed well. In spite of some initial speculation, I really think the show did a good job of bringing attention to issues beyond pitchiness and mohawks. The footage was pretty powerful, even if it did involve seeing Seacrest in some serious Abercrombie gear.
Performance-wise, most contestants offered personal bests, and judge comments were pretty tame. Phil, notably, exuded confidence for the second week in a row, and the usual suspects -- Melinda and Jordin -- performed well.
Who's in trouble? I thought the judges were too generous in their praise of Chris Richardson. More importantly, though, Blake seems to be on a gradual decline and I hope we see the beat-boxer who initially caught fans' eyes in early weeks.
LaKisha, however, seems to be in greatest danger of getting the boot. She's put herself at risk simply by choosing songs by former Idols -- and doing a mediocre job -- for two consecutive weeks. A decline in vocal impressiveness is paired with her apparent growing apathy. She looks tired and offers little personality.
I say she goes home.
That aside, remember that your votes do really mean something -- financial contributions -- so call if you're on the edge tonight.
With that, I'm joining the Peace Corps.