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Ace Young, 25, Denver, Colo.: Young was visibly stunned to be in the final three last week, perhaps because he was under the assumption that his sultry looks into the camera would magically compel women to text in their votes. Since that strategy didn't work, he concentrated on making a jazzier version of "In the Still of the Night" by the Five Satins work. It was a much better performance, and he'll be helped by his position at the end of the show.

Grade: B

The judges: "Ace, I counted. There are 34 signs that say 'Ace, will you marry me?'" – Paula Abdul.

Stay or go: Simon went so far as to say Young wouldn't be in the bottom three this week. That's going out a limb, but he's not in much danger of finishing last.