After Tuesday’s love songs, here are Star Tribune music Jon Bream’s rankings of the “American Idol” finalists

1. Chris Daughtry. He’s still at the top. He had the most prudent song choice because Bryan Adams’ “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” allowed him to stay within his range and play to his strengths — his sincerity. Voters have trouble resisting his sincere eyes, his sincere voice and his sincere stage demeanor.
2. Katharine McPhee. She showed off her voice and her cleavage but as all the judges said, You can’t top Whitney Houston so why try? Nonetheless, it was refreshing to see Kat sing more aggressively on “I Have Nothing.” But Kat, who looks like Valerie Bertinelli’s taller sister, still has to learn not to smile when the lyrics are sad.
3. (tie) Elliott Yamin and Paris Bennett. Elliott really does have a likable voice but his attempt to do Donny Hathaway’s version of the oft-covered “A Song for You” was too busy. Similarly, Paris’ voice always shines but Streisand’s “The Way We Were” just wasn’t a winning choice for her. Nonetheless, her consistent confidence onstage has been one of the highlight’s of this season.
5. Taylor Hicks. Just once, he needs to show some range. He didn’t do that with James Ingram’s “Just Once,” which was part cabaret, part karaoke and totally forgettable.
6. Kellie Pickler. Give the girl a sitcom or resurrect “Hee Haw” around her. But after two consecutive misguided performances (”Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” and “Unchained Melody”), I’ve soured on Pickler. She’s in over her head.

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