Leslie Gray Streeter

American Idol" Barrycobana!

I love, love, love the semi-regular Barry Manilow nights on "American Idol." He Who Writes The Songs is, flashy '70 Vegas-isms and disturbingly emotion-prohibitive face lift/eye tuck combo notwithstanding, the best provider of something the Very Special Singerlings desperately need - solid musical coaching from someone who has absolutely nothing invested in kissing their butts or tearing them down.

Because he's Barry Freaking Manilow.

The lovely thing is that even the ones that didn't seem to initially respect the power of the Barry - Elliot, I'm looking at you - seemed to understand, after their rehearsal with him, that trends and youth may come and go, but that experience, music and passion are always the fashion. With the Barry...I fell in love.

And now: The highest highs and blahest blahs:

- Katharine: Boy, this girl is talented, and pretty and poised. I'd like to see her go a little crazy and nutty, just to see that she's not a refined one-trick pony. Still, she's consistently the best female singer in the thing, except for...
- Mandisa: Forget all the hoo-ha about Chris being the only one with the full, stardom-ready package. This child is gorgeous. I mean stunning. And she's gracious and amazingly voiced. Truly amazing, and exciting to watch.
- Elliot: Just adore him.
- Taylor and Bucky: Simon's right about their performances being blah and karaoke-like if they were standing alone. But they both have that special something - joy and a genuine appreciation for being up on that stage, especially my little Buccaroo, who is this week's Idol Boyfriend. Because he got rid of the Jessica Simpson hairdo.
- Lisa: Is she still here?
- Kevin: He was OK. Still not thrilled.
- Ace: True story - I tried to watch his song three times and fell asleep every time. And you know his song was not that long. Hmmm.
- Paris: I was not on the Midnight Train To Paris early on, but she's growing on me, because, like the Buckanator, she's fired up to be there, and is sometimes dorky in her overexcitement. And that's OK, because at least she's spontaneous, unlike....
- Kellie: What have they done to her? She used to be delightfully real-ish and affectation-free, on the robotic pageant tip. But now, she's doing the Lisa Tucker choreographed stage performance: "One-two-three-Smile, one-two-three-impassioned face, one-two-three point." Boring. Please, come back. I'd even take another story about Comet and strange fish if this is the road you're going down.