Help the last three 'Idols' pick their songs

So we’re down to the penultimate week of American Idol, and the three remaining contestants are slated to perform one song chosen by the judges, one song chosen by music exec Clive Davis, and one self-chosen number. (Chris Daughtry was apparently planning to tackle Aerosmith’s ”Dream On.”) Anyhow, this news brings me to an important question: What the heck, no ditties chosen by PopWatch? Feh! In protest of this gross oversight, I say we go ahead and make some suggestions anyway. I’ll get the ball rolling…

Taylor Hicks (pictured), LaBelle’s ”Lady Marmalade”: I know I suggested this a couple months ago, but I think it’s worth reiterating. If Taylor’s determined to get down with the get-down, he shouldn’t sacrifice his soulfulness in the process. Sure, Marmalade’s lyrics are a little racy for a family program, but since Paris Bennett got bleeped during ”Be Without You,” all bets are off.

Katharine McPhee, Diana Ross’s ”Love Hangover”: Okay, so I’ve never caught the McPhever, but I’m going to be as generous as I can, and suggest my own wedding song — one of the greatest ever recorded — to help Kat maximize her chances of making the final two. Half ballad, half disco number, and 100 percent crazysexycool, it’s exactly what the current third-place favorite needs to shake up the voters. Don’t call the doctor, don’t call her mama, don’t call the preacher. Just call on the spirit of Miss Ross.

Elliott Yamin, Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way”: How come the best remaining vocalist in the competition isn’t the shoo-in favorite to win? Because, sometimes, he can be a wee bit song-challenged. What Elliott needs is something wickedly soulful and familiar, but not played-out in the previous four seasons of Idol. By picking this genius Aretha number, there ain’t no way he can lose. C’mon, Elliott, make me proud!

What do you think? Am I on the right track? Or do you have other inspired suggestions?