We're Still Watching You, Phil

Jacksonville sailor Phil Stacey continues his Idol quest tonight as the Top 9 contestants work with legendary vocalist Tony Bennett. Will tonight be the night when Idol voters finally decide that enough is enough for Sanjaya Malakar? Or will his hair style overshadow the fact that he can't sing? Tune in at 8 to see. Then come back later to read John Timpe's take on tonight's Idol escapades and share your thoughts.

Meanwhile, the Times-Union's Roger Bull offers this update in today's editions:

It’s been a roller coaster ride on American Idol so far for Phil Stacey.

Last Tuesday, he sang Every Breath You Take by The Police.

“I actually thought it was very good,” said judge Simon Cowell, who has been stingy with praise for Stacey, and USA Today called it the best of the night. But for the second time in three weeks, Stacey, who’s stationed at Jacksonville Naval Air Station, had to stand out on the stage as one of three with the lowest vote totals on the Fox series.

In the end, the ax fell on Chris Sligh, the curly-haired comedian who looked like one of the early favorites. Sanjaya Malakar, who’s routinely blasted as the worst of the contestants, keeps getting votes, apparently due in part to the effort led by votefortheworst.com and talk radio host Howard Stern.

“It’s so great,” Stern said on his radio show. “The No. 1 show in television, and it’s getting ruined.” And Cowell has said he’d quit the show if Malakar wins.

As Sligh was saying goodbye at the end of Wednesday’s show, the cameras caught him yelling “You owe me $50.” It turns out that he and Stacey had a bet. Sligh was sure he’d be the one sent home, and he bet Stacey $50. Stacey paid up, Sligh said.

At 8 tonight, Tony Bennett coaches the final nine.

A few other Idol notes:

• People magazine profiled each of the remaining contestants and featured photos of them when they were younger. Back in second grade, Stacey had hair, but he was missing his front teeth.

• Although the American Idol producers have been very tight with access to the contestants or others connected with the show, last week they offered interviews with the hair and wardrobe stylists. With Stacey, the only question is whether or not to wear a hat.

“He’s got no hair, so embrace it,” stylist Miles Sigginse told the Detroit Free Press. “I’m a big fan of embracing your traits. Enjoy what you are and enjoy the moment.”

• Neither Regency Church of God, where Stacey is a member, or First Coast Christian Center, where he is music minister, are holding official viewing parties on Idol nights. At The Zone, the enlisted club at NAS , no televisions are tuned to American Idol, spokeswoman Miriam Gallet said. Instead, there’s trivia on Tuesday nights, and Wednesday is karaoke.