LOS ANGELES -- Sanjaya Malakar will learn Wednesday night if the universe is still revolving around him.

The "American Idol" singer -- slammed by critics and clearly loved by many fans -- is one of the nine remaining contestants on the show.

After his performance on Tuesday night's show, judge Simon Cowell sarcastically called Malakar "incredible." Malakar's response was, "Welcome to the universe of Sanjaya!"

Changing his appearance week to week, Malakar on Tuesday night wore a white suit and slicked down his hair. Judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul praised him -- but not for his singing abilities.

"I can't even comment on the vocals anymore. But what I like about you now is that you've turned into a great entertainer," Jackson said.

Abdul even danced with Malakar during his performance.

"American Idol" took a retro approach for Tuesday night's performances. Singing icon Tony Bennett worked with the top nine contestants as they did standards, and the reviews were mixed.

Abdul told Blake Lewis he "personified pizzazz," and Cowell told Phil Stacey his performance of "Night and Day" had "all the joy of somebody singing in a funeral parlor."

Cowell also criticized Melinda Doolittle for not giving him anything to criticize, and Jackson thought Chris Richardson "came out there with a vengeance."

Jackson and Abdul had nothing but nice things to say about Jordin Sparks, but Cowell said she was "old-fashioned."

Cowell also said Gina Glocksen was outsung by the other girls, and the best thing he could say about Haley Scarnato was that she had great legs.

Cowell did sing the praises of LaKisha Jones, however, by saying she gave a "sassy great performance" of "Stormy Weather."