American Idol-Top 8 Girls Perform
The guys had their time in the spotlight; now it’s time for the ladies. Like the night before, the theme is the songs of the 1980s so I’m expecting some Whitney Houston. God help us. Because Ryan loves the ladies, he puts on a tie to look all fancy. Hmm, a sharp-dressed man, indeed. After Ryan introduces the judges I am left with one burning question? Did Paula forget to undo her ponytail after her Botox injections?
Asia’h Epperson is up first. She sings Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Told you so, told you so. Asia’h’s voice is no where near what Whitney’s was at her peak. However, Asia’h does not start off girls’ night as badly as Luke started out boys’ night. Still, that’s not saying much. Sigh. Randy just has to mention that he produced this song. Shut up. No one cares. Simon calls Asia’h a second-rate Whitney Houston. Hmm, I thought the post-Bobby, post-crack Whitney Houston was the second-rate Whitney Houston.
Kady Malloy sings the Queen classic “Who Wants to Live Forever?” Gee, who wants to shut up Kady forever? It’s not a good idea to sing a song sung by one of the most charismatic front man of all time. The late Freddie Mercury had more personality in his overbite than Kady has in her entire body. I agree with Simon that during the interview parts, Kady shows some vibrancy, but on stage, she gives zilch.
Amanda Overmyer sings “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” I’m hating myself for kind of liking it. It’s not the huge trainwreck I thought it might be. Perhaps, Amanda’s “drunk aunt at the biker bar’s karaoke night” schtick is growing on me. Obviously, Amanda’s version can’t touch Joan Jett’s. Amanda isn’t good enough to carry Ms. Jett’s leather pants, but after being put to sleep by Asia’h and Kady, Amanda at least wakes me up a bit. And that guy who looks like a hedge fund manager is her fiancé? I guess opposites do attract.
Carly Smithson sings “I Drove All Night.” I know Celine Dion sung this song, but I remind myself that Cyndi Lauper also did a version of this song, a much better version. Unlike Simon, I thought this song was a good choice for Carly. I liked her voice through out the song. She was able to belt and sing the softer notes without losing pitch. Plus, I think her hair is looking better. Too bad about the fug jeans though.
Kristy Lee Cook sings the Journey tune “Faithfully.” Oh shut up Randy! Though Kristy gives this song a slight country feel, I just wasn’t getting into it. Her voice is okay, but she’s so bland on stage, and immediately forgettable. However, thanks to Paula, we have the word of the day-”Positivity.” I’m sure word nerd David Cook will take note of that in case it comes across in a cross word puzzle.
Ramiele Malubuy sings Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds.” As usual, her voice sounds beautiful. She handles the big notes with aplomb and gently hugs the softer notes. Her voice is a beautiful instrument. Yet, she seems to lack something on stage, as if she’s not quite sure of herself. I’m getting a slight Elliott Yamin vibe from her, someone with an amazing voice but who needs more confidence. But like Elliott, I think Ramiele is a dark horse and will probably go further than others.
When I heard Brooke White was going to sing Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” I got a bit scared. Brooke is such a low key, folky kind of girl, so I wasn’t sure if she could handle a rock song. Well, this turned out to be one of my favorite performances of the night. I loved how Brooke was accompanied only by an acoustic guitar giving this song a simple, pared-down feel. And her voice was amazing. I like how it has a little catch in it. It totally sets her apart.
Syesha sings “Saving All My Love For You.” Gee, what did I say about Whitney Houston songs? This is such an obvious choice for Syesha, but I wish she’d try something different. I want her to surprise me. Yes, her voice sounds beautiful but I feel like I’ve seen this performance a million times. Still, Syesha did get the spot of pimpage and will be memorable to the viewers.
I had my favorites of the night. Brooke was the best, and I also liked Ramiele and Carly. Even Amanda seemed better this time out. I think Syesha is safe, too. Asia’h, Kady and Kristy are probably on the wire. I think Kady and Kristy will be in the bottom two, but I kind of want Asia’h to leave because I’m sick of typing her stupid apostrophe'd name.