American Idol-The Top 12 Girls Perform
The boys are in the dawg pound and now it’s time for the girls to show us what they got. Will they bring girl power or make Golightly Grrl glower? A nasty flu has hit some of the contestants, and Chez Golightly Grrl. Fortunately, I have cold syrup and Riesling to medicate me. No, Paula, you can’t have any.
Kristy Lee Cook can’t sing “Amazing Grace” because it’s 1960s night, not 1860s night. So instead she sings “Rescue Me.” Kristy is perfectly serviceable but nothing we haven’t seen at beauty pageants and high school talent shows. She needed to pick a song with more of a country flavor. I’ll probably forget her by the end of the night.
Joanne Borgella sings “I Say a Little Prayer.” She has a weak lower register, and sounds pitchy. Furthermore, she has such lethargic stage skills like she just got up from a nap. Joanne seems nervous and unsure of herself. Nothing grabbed me and made me take notice. This plus-sized model gave a minus-sized performance.
Alaina “Birthday Girl” Whitaker-Is it just me or does Alaina look like a non-knocked up Jamie Lynn Spears? Alaina starts out “I Love You More Today (Than Yesterday)” with a slightly torchy vibe, and then just falls apart. She doesn’t have good control of her vocals, and at times she sounded way too sharp. But she does have confidence and seems comfortable on stage. This might save her for another week.
Amanda Overmyer-More like Amanda Over-rated. She sings “Baby, Please Don’t Go” and I’m just not impressed. The scatting doesn’t work, and she performs like a chain smoking, 75-year-old bar fly. I’m all for a rocker girl on AI, but Amanda is not Joan Jett, Ann Wilson or Pat Benatar. Fronting cover band at some dive, maybe, but getting the Idol crown? I don’t think so. Still, she has her fans. I don’t see her leaving us very soon.
Amy Davis sings “Where the Boys Are.” Her voice is all over the place. Change the song to “Where the Notes Are” because she needs to find them. She may have also Jason Yeager-ed herself with such an old song. And her performance itself was so dull and forgettable. Plus, Paula compliments her looks. If Paula says you look good then what she really is saying is that your singing sucked. I think Amy is a goner. But wait it minute. Did the judges say that Patsy Cline sang this song? Nope, it was Connie Francis. Eeesh.
Brooke “Simon Will Not Take Me to the Dark Side” White sings “Happy Together” and I can’t think of a better song for one of the sweetest Idol contestants ever. Her voice is warm and inviting and she is a good performer. Yea, she’s a bit dorky, but it works. And her hubby is fine!!! Yet, as much as I like Brooke, I wonder if how she’ll do with other theme nights. I hope she sticks around so I can find out.
Alexandrea Lushington sings “Spinning Wheel” and is fierce as her drag queen name! Her voice is top notch and she can really work the stage! She never faltered once during the song, and yes, she did make it current. We finally have a show!! But where was great grandma? She’s supposed to be this year’s Claudette Yamin.
Kady Malloy is cute when she imitates Britney Spears (fortunately with her panties on), but needs more oomph when she performs. Her voice sounds lovely during “A Groovy Kind of Love,” but I wish she would have sung a song that would have showcased her fun personality a bit more. She might be a goner with Amy. And her pouting during the judges’ critique was not endearing.
Asiah’ Epperson hasn’t dropped the last name, but give her a few weeks. Asia’h sings “Piece of My Heart” and totally brings the “wow” factor (though she shouldn’t have smiled so much; the song doesn’t call for it). There were times she didn’t quite enunciate the lyrics, but her voice held up and she really got the audience going giving this song a soul vibe. Asia’h just got on the stage and delivered! I think she’s safe.
Ramiele Maluby sings “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.” If you sing a Dusty Springfield you better bring it. Not only does Ramiele bring it, she brangs it!!!!! Ramiele has perfect control of her vocals. She can be tender and subtle, and then belt without being melisma-city. I think Ramiele has the potential to surprise us week after week. But I do have one question. How tiny is she? Even wee Ryan towered over her.
Syesha Mercado sings “Tobacco Road.” Hmm, maybe she’ll be the rocker girl AI needs. I didn’t think this song would work for Syesha but it does. Her voice is in fine form, and she shows plenty of rock swagger without being a poser like some of the guys in the competition. I guess some people don't need a wallet chain to show true rock cred. I look forward to seeing more of Syesha in upcoming weeks.
Carly Smithson gets the final spot of pimpage. Gee, what a surprise. Carly sings “Shadow of You Smile.” I wish she’d go sit in the shadow of somebody else, because I’m sick of her being shoved down my throat as is she is the saving grace of American Idol. The best vocal of the Top 24? I don’t think so. Yea, Carly is talented but she doesn’t blow me away. She could get voted off and I would not care.
As with the top 12 guys, I had my favorite top 12 girls. I loved Alexandrea, Asia’h, Ramiele, and Syesha. I continue to like Brooke though she hardly had the best performance of the night. I’m already sick of Amanda and Carly. And Kristy Lee, Joanne Borgella, Alaina Whitaker, Amy and Kady can be filed under “meh.” Who will survive and who will get the Idol boot? Any predictions?
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