Blake Lewis (left), Chris Richardson (right)
Courtesy Fox

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Blake Lewis and Chris Richardson show, new and improved this week with a strong supporting performance by Phil Stacey.

Prior to their performances, Paula hoped to squash any pre-show jitters, telling the guys, “Have fun. You guys are celebrities now!” And, for what it’s worth, now we know they’re celebrities with at least some talent.

Phil stepped to the stage first, offering a somewhat subdued performance of John Waite’s “Missing You,” a la Chris Daughtry. While we weren’t instantly hooked, Phil came through as we started to fade and finished strong. Our only tip? Get this guy a Stage Presence 101 class ASAP.

Sadly, we lost faith in Jared Cotter after one too many “woos” did us in during his Marvin Gaye number. However, all was forgotten once A.J. Tabaldo’s turn came around. Normally Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” does nothing for us, but A.J.’s silky smooth vocals endeared him to us without upping the cheese factor. As Simon surmised, “[He] looked strangely comfortable.”

Sunjaya Malakar sang later, sealing his fate the minute he opened his mouth to attempt “Steppin’ Out With My Baby.” The embarrassing baby photos seen in his taped piece notwithstanding, Sunjaya’s attempt at a cabaret-style performance was utterly painful to watch. Vicious vocals aside, we’re just waiting for the moment the kid spontaneously bursts into tears on live TV – last night we almost got our wish. After the performance Simon offered this priceless gem: “That was like some ghastly lunch where after lunch, the parents ask [their] children to dress up and sing.” Um, which version of The Sound of Music did he watch?

Those who refrained from changing the channel after Sunjaya’s sour notes were rewarded with Blake’s engaging version of Jamiroquai’s “Virtual Insanity.” Playing to his strengths, Blake quickly beatboxed his way back into the judges’ hearts. Well, Randy and Paula at least. When Paula finished her glowing review, Simon, naturally, was eager to disagree. “I like you,” he told Blake, “but this week I was disappointed.” Clearly no one messes with Ms. Abdul, who looked about ready to slug Simon for his snark. Simon quickly recoiled, bellowing to no one in particular, “OK, so I’ll bow to the god of Paula Abdul. I won’t have an opinion.”

To cap off a great night, our favorite geek Chris Richardson had a ball with Jason Mraz’s “Geek In the Pink,” dedicated to who else? His grandma! Well, we bet his hip granny couldn’t help but groove to her boy’s playful performance. And in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last two weeks, Chris will be sticking around for a while so get used to it. Simon already has, admitting “You were the best tonight by a mile!” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Talk to Us: Which guy had you grooving last night?

Cameron and Jen Go Nose to Nose