THIS…is American Idol – Top 12 Girls

Time to analyze the girls!

First let me say I’m disappointed that so many people are going to get cut tonight. I didn’t realize that tonight they were cutting ALL of the lower half and going straight to the Top 12 (10 with 2 wildcards). That’s really disappointing because it doesn’t give good singers (of which we have a lot) any time to develop and continue to grow an audience of voters. Very disappointed in that decision by the producers of the show.

1. Ta-Tynisa Wilson (“Only Girl” by Rihanna) – I missed this performance because I was still driving home from the kids’ piano lessons. But from the clip they showed at the end, it was horrible.

2. Naima Adedapo (“Summertime”) – I’m not a big fan of hers, but I thought she did an okay job. I like that she did a faster tempo version than Fantasia did so the obvious comparison wasn’t as easy to do.

3. Kendra Chantelle Campbelle (“Impossible” by Christina Aguilera) – I’ve never heard this song, but Kendra did a decent job of it. She has a nice tone in her voice but I fear, like Jovany last night, that she’ll be easily forgotten after some of the other performances the rest of the night.

4. Rachel Zevita (“Criminal” by Fiona Apple) – Halfway through this song I turned to Denis and said, “I know the lyrics of this song, but she’s singing a completely different melody so I can’t figure out what song it is!” I knew who sang it, and described her to Denis, but couldn’t place the name. Alas, it is Fiona Apple (whatever happened to HER?). I agree that it was very Broadway. Has anyone seen the movie, “Camp?” She’s the Anna Kendrick character, only she doesn’t know it yet. Not fit for American Idol.

5. Karen Rodriguez (“Hero” by Mariah Carey) – This is another song that needs to be retired from American Idol. The minute the music started I groaned out loud. I liked that she did Spanish lyrics in order to show the kind of artist she wants to be, but I felt like I was watching Miss America, not American Idol. Pass!

6. Lauren Turner (“Seven Day Fool by Etta James) – She came out of nowhere and blew me away. Absolutely fantastic. I hope she makes the Top 10 because I think she’d be fabulous.

7. Ashthon Jones (“Love Over Me” by Monica) – I liked her in Hollywood during week 1, but she sang a song I didn’t know (which is no surprise), and didn’t do a good job to boot.

8. Julie Zorilla (“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson) – Lesson number one: never sing an Idol winner’s song on the FIRST OFFICIAL NIGHT OF COMPETITION. Comparisons are inevitable, and this was nowhere close.

9. Haley Reinhart (” Fallin” by Alicia Keys) – Despite the awkward movement on stage (that spin was ridiculously staged and horribly executed) she did a great job emoting the song. She has a fantastic voice and I hope she makes the Top 10.

10. Thia Megia (“Out Here On My Own” by Irene Cara) – what a fantastic way to showcase what this show is meant for: SINGING. Quiet music, no movement on stage. She just stood and sang her song, and did it VERY WELL.

11. Lauren Alaina (“Turn on the Radio” by Reba McEntire) – Go Lauren! I’ll admit I’m not a huge fan but she swayed me in her direction last night. She did a great job and had the perfect amount of energy to do this song.

12. Pia Toscano (“I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders) – Her vocals were outstanding. However, she’s got a chance of not making the show if only because I don’t think the TV audience is vested in her very much. Did they show her at all during Hollywood week? Because I don’t remember them focusing on her at all. That could mean she doesn’t have enough voting base to keep her in.

Yesterday I picked the two guys who wouldn’t make it through, not knowing that SIX of them were getting cut tonight. In fairness I’ll do the same with the women – I’ll just pick the two that I think have no chance.

Two getting the boot: Ashthon Jones and Rachel Zevita
Winner of the night: Lauren Alaina