We're down to 20 as we continue the search for the American Idol. At the end of this week, another four will bite the dust. Gordon has 10 ladies tomorrow, but today, we'll see if the men can continue their string of dominance.

Mario Vazquez, the last one from the first show, is the first one tonight. He assures us that he's not bald underneath his trademark cap. He was pretty solid to end the last show, but would he hold up with "I Love Music"? Well, except for the Diana DeGarmo "Come on". But for some reason, it works on him. Dunno why, really.... Should I be scared? Please let me know. Thanks, Chico.

What they say: Randy: "You know you’ve got it goin’ on. You gave a good performance. That was good. I want to see you do more with your voice, though." Paula gives him props on the song choice. Simon tells him he's got it absolutely night, and that he doesn't need advice from them.

What we say: I agree with Randy. After last week's spectacular performance, I was kinda hoping for more. Instead, he's only matching that spectacularity. But this is where you grow. It's time to shine. I wanted the next plateau. Maybe next week, because he's sticking around.

Mario's set the bar pretty high, but let's see what Anwar Robinson does. He's another one to watch grow after last week's deconstruction. This week, it's all about a song that's easy to deconstruct (just ask Michael MacDonald), Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On". A good voice, but the wardrobe needs work. Even though it matches the dreads.

What they say: Randy says that he worked it out, baby. Paula says that Anwar stepped it up a notch. Simon called it fantastic.

What we say: This is what I mean by growth. What he does is practicing his strength. And even though it was a bit weak to start, he grows stronger and stronger, and this is what he's good at, really. Growing. Mario, take note.

Hello, Joe... Joseph Murena is next with "Let's Stay Together", another easily deconstructed soul tune made famous by Al Green. He plays the Mario card with the "come on", and I can tell he's hiding his fear somewhere... Or at least keeping up the feel-good sugary vibe from last week.  And the clothes? I'll take "Lounge Lizards" for $1000, Alex.

What they say: Randy called it good, but wasn't blown away. Paula thought that he really brought it up from last week. Simon agrees with Randy. "It sounded okay, but I'd be amazed if you last another two weeks."

What we say: I'm getting sugar shock here... I'm still not won over by it. It was the same performance from last week, and while it sounded good, it just didn't do it for me.

David Brown was a bit off his game last week, but can he make up for it with Stevie Wonder's "All in Love is Fair"? In a word... well, I'm getting ahead of myself, let's see what the judges say...

What they say: Randy thought it was better than last week, but still not the best. Paula agrees. Simon also agrees. "It was okay at best."

What we say: This is nowhere NEAR the David Brown we saw at the New Orleans audition. What happened? It was okay, but he did too much with it, and the performance suffered for it. Okay don't bring home the jelly. But it's early...

And we've yet to hear from Constantine Maroulis. Last week, we saw him exude mojo. Will we see the same as he tries to do justice to The Black Crowes with "Hard to Handle"? Well, not to dash his hopes, but you remember what happened to the LAST guy who sang this (see Rogers, Matt).

What they say: Randy thought it was much better than last week. Paula says that he found his niche. Simon disagrees. "I could go to any bar and see a band with a singer of your caliber, and it wouldn’t excite me."

What we say: What Simon said. It was alright as a rock song and as a rock performance, but it doesn't really bring anything to the party that we haven't seen before. But it was good. Just not as good as it could be. I'm still waiting for him to play around with his niche on some non-rock songs.

Next, Scott Savol tries to parlay an okay performance from last week into something magical this week. He's got the rose-colored glasses on, and already, he's scoring some suavemente points. Now to the singing. His choice, a Luther tune, "Never Too Much."

What they say: Randy likes the song choice, but still thinks that it was "aight." Paula says he did great. Simon agrees... with... Paula.

What we say: To quote my glee club teacher Dan Huff (get ready folks, he's the go-to guy that I turn to for this sort of aesthetic), "Infinitely better." I'm hoping next week for even MORE growth. Because everything was there. Now he needs to get THERE.

Travis Tucker, come on down. Last week was a bit safe. I'm hoping for daring today. After all, daring determines the fate of the... wait, wrong show. He sings "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie. And... did he just unbutton his shirt? No! NO! NO! Too sexy! Too sexy!

What they say: Randy: "That's the kid I'm looking for." Paula: "Ditto. I'm proud of you." Simon: "You are a born performer."

What we say: A good song delivered with a Homer Simpson School of Showboating dance routine. Oh dear. But still, props to him for breaking out of the safe waters. Even if it was a bit more of a risk than he is able to take on for himself.

Nikko Smith is up to bat now... Heh. Made a funnie. He wants to get it on after last week's little exploration with Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On."

What they say:  Randy: "You just proved that it doesn’t matter what song you sing, it’s about singing, and you worked it out, baby." Paula is lost for words at the moment... "Oooh…I…I’m a bit sweaty right now." Simon first apologizes for earlier comments made after watching the playback (because he has a VCR somewhere...).  Upside: 1000 percent improvement. Downside: starting to look like Bobby Brown.

What we say: He's topped himself again. He sounds good. He looks good. He's one to watch. But I do agree with Simon. He's turned from Andre 3000 to Bobby Brown. And I like Outkast better. Way to connect, man.

Anthony Federov is next. Fear the Fedorov. Heh. Always wanted to say that. Last week, he brought it as he could with "Angel", and this week, I believe he will benefit from being compared to Clay Aiken. But about the performance of the longtime Foreigner song that you won't admit to singing along with... That's right... *singing* "I Want to Know What Love Is"...

What they say: Randy delivers the "worked it out" spiel. Paula delivers the "raising your game" spiel. Simon says, "I think you did a fantastic job."

What we say: Agreed. Anthony can only go up, up, up, and there's no real tell as to anything that'll stop him. Guess we'll have to watch together.

And finally, Bo Bice, the southern stylist with the hair and goatee. He goes with the Allman Brothers, brother southern stylists. Today, it was "Tied to the Whipping Post".

What they say: Randy called it "da bomb". Paula calls him authentic. Simon calls is extraordinary.

What we say: Ditto, ditto, ditto. And Bo couples the voice, and the performance, and everything that comes with it, with a raw energy that just screams out... Wow. Good way to end the show.

Constantine and Joseph better watch their backs, and David is looking a little bit on the outside looking in as well. But enough about the guys; we'll get to result in a bit, but first... Gordon finds himself in a position that he hasn't been in recently... surrounded by 10 hotties! Just kidding, man. :)

CONTINUE TO THE WOMEN