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AMERICAN Idol, Season 5: Encores” may well be the talent search’s best commemorative album so far. Unlike installments from previous seasons, which included underwhelming covers and uninspired tunes, the latest compilation features a heterogeneous blend that doesn’t merely showcase the singing tilt contestants’ vocal quality, but also puts to good use their unique traits.

Third placer Elliot Yamin and heartthrob Ace Young sound generic in their respective versions of George Benson’s “Moody’s Mood” and George Michael’s “Father Figure.” But, they nonetheless give justice to the hard-to-sing blues-and-jazz ditties, especially Yamin.