I’ve got a migraine — in addition the the previously blitched-about cramps — so I nearly didn’t watch this week’s Idol. I already know my favorites are Lakisha and Melinda, so I figured even if I missed this week I wouldn’t be missing much. But given the choice between handling The Big-Eyed Boy’s bath, book and bedtime routine or vegging in front of the TV with a cup of hot tea, a heating pad and the remote, well, the TV won out. (Thanks, VH.)

Turns out, with the exception of those two ladies’ performances, I was right: there were six largely unmemorable performances, and two that may have been the best migraine medicine I’ve ever had!

Jordan: She’s got the voice, for the most part, to cover a Pat Benatar tune. Yet, since I’m old enough to recall “Heartbreaker” when it first came out, watching a 17-year-old sing it now seems somehow odd. Would like to hear her sing: K.T. Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See.”

Sabrina: Again, showing my age, I confess I don’t recognize her song but — not to sound too much like Paula — she looked lovely!* Unfortunately, she over-sang the song which caused some serious pitchy problems… in between the screeching. Not a good performance. Would like to hear her sing: Oleta Adams’s “Get Here.”

Antonella: Bad song, bad performance, bad outfit. After pointing out that she’s gone as far in the competition as she can, Simon then garnered her the pity vote by saying he felt bad for her given all the grief she’s received over those nude photos. (Side note: If I was Frenchie Davis, who was booted off the show for similar photos in Season Two, I’d be talking to lawyers right about now.) At any rate, I can’t think of a single song I want to hear her destroy sing.

Haley: Another song I don’t recognize. Another performance I’d completely forgotten by the end of the commercials. To indulge in another Paula moment, she looked beautiful. Back to channeling my inner Simon (with a little Randy thrown in): she’s got the yawn factor. Would like to hear her sing: Lone Justice’s “Ways to Be Wicked.” (Yes, it’s an old song, but it’s got the personality that Haley just hasn’t demonstrated thus far.)

Stephanie: I’ve tried very hard to like this lady. She has such a strong voice and is obviously comfortable on stage. And yet last week’s Beyonce song was so disrhythmic as to be nearly unlistenable for me. This week the song was rhythmic but her pitch was off more than a few times, while at others she was darned near screaming. Would like to hear her sing: Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama.”

Lakisha: Considering the phenomenal talent and range Lakisha has, it seems strange to consider her choice of a Whitney Houston song as being a “safe” one. There were a few wobbly notes in there, but otherwise Lakisha demonstrated her power, phrasing and presence. Would like to hear her sing: Deborah Cox, “Who Do You Love?”

Gina: She finally went back to her punk-tinge roots, complete with fishnet fingerless glove and tongue-piercing. While there were some definitely pitchy moments, it was an energetic, fun performance that reminded me (and apparently the judges, too) why I liked her during auditions. Would like to hear her sing: Lita Ford’s “Kiss me Deadly” (outdated though it may be).

Melinda: Now THIS is why I watch American Idol, even on nights when I’ve got a migraine and cramps. Last week she made me cry with “My Funny Valentine.” This week her version of “I’m a W-O-M-A-N” had me pumping my fist, strutting around my family room and shakin’ my groove thang. You. Rock. Girl! If she doesn’t make it into the Top 2 it’s the fault of fans who figure that everyone else is calling so they don’t need to. (Me? I got my 30 votes in for the night.) Would like to hear her sing: Aretha Franklin’s “House that Jack Built.”

*(Or, as the blogger formerly known as ZombieBoy said: “hubba, hubba.”)

UPDATE: I’m pretty much in agreement with Dean: send the men home. They just don’t stack up to the ladies this season.