American Idol 12 – The Semi Finals – Girls – Recap and Video

Hooray! We get to vote tonight? Will you be SUPERVOTING for your favorite girl? Stick around for our live blog. Also, we go LIVE tonight for the first time.

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Now that we’re through the Top 40 rounds, we don’t have to deal with the judges making stupid decisions–only saying stupid things. Maybe that’s why I was rather back to enjoying them this week. Nicki is at her best when she gives the contestants the tough love–like when she finally told Zoanette her vocals weren’t cutting it (Although, I wish she had said that weeks ago.) Somebody on twitter suggested to me that Zoanette’s toned-down performance was the producers idea. And actually, that would not surprise me at all.  Now that we’re at the finals, they are done with her antics.  Turning her into a boring, bad singer would be the best way to get rid of her.

I love Keith Urban, but I have to say he’s a little too soft on these kids. Now that we’re live, I get the sense that he doesn’t want to hurt feelings. At least he’s eloquent when he soft-pedals his critiques.  I appreciate Mariah Carey’s understanding of vocal technique, but she could dish a little more tough love too. She is in a position to give these kids some valuable pointers on how to sing, I wish she’d do more than that   And Randy is still IN IT TO WIN IT. And completely forgets that every frigging year he predicts a girl will win. And way to go giving away the wild card surprise for Thursday, DAWG. I bet Nigel loved that. Prediction: There will be wildcards and they all will be female.

Here are my Top 5: Kree, Candice, Angie, Breanna, Amber.  You’ve got your country, R&B, pop/rock, pop/rhythmic and old-school belter.  A perfect cross section of singers! And there’s no filler in that bunch. All bring something special to the table.  However, I would not be mad if Janelle snuck in there.  She was better in Hollywood, but I still love her throwback country style.

The boys are up tomorrow. They should be pretty sad by comparison.

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We’re back at the Cirque Du Soleil Beatles Love stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas! Keith feels bittersweet about turning the Top 20 over to America’s vote. Ryan namechecks William Hung’s “She Bangs” when he notes Nicki in her blonde wig–who says she’s passionate about who she loves, but does not want her Barbz voting for someone just because! RANDY SAYS THE GIRLS HAVE THE EDGE. “We haven’t said that in a long long time,” he says with a totally straight face. LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE. Mariah believes Idol is an AMAZING vehicle. Oh, judges

Here come the ladies who will be singing for our votes. Zoanette is first. Breanna, Aubry and Janelle are in the death spots. Candice will close out the show.

Ryan pimps the smart phone app. 50 VOTES. So many. Not. Let’s get this party started.

Zoanette Johnson – What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner – Oh Zoanette. She’s ditched the humor and the big production values and is now trying to sing a simple pop song simply. It reveals all of her flaws. She’s horribly off pitch. Not only is the performance wretched, but for the first time, Zoanette is really really boring. OK people? Send her home now. Keith says if they were giving awards for a bunch of things other than singing, she’d win hands down. Ahem. C’mon Keith. call it for what it is. Dreadful. Nicki says, ‘That wasn’t it.” THANK YOU.  She felt the big, passionate “Circle of Life” was a better fit, and for the Tina song, “You had to be on key and stuff.”  Uh. I’d say it’s necessary to be on key for singing, generally, no? “Circle of Life” wasn’t a good performance, either.  “I still am rooting for you,” Nicki Randy calls it a mess. Yep. He liked the last note, though. Mariah blah blahs about her backstory. “This wasn’t my favorite performance that you’ve done.” NO? Thank you Nicki and Randy for keeping it real.  – 1-866-436-5701

Zoanette Johnson – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Breanna Steer – “Flaws and All” by Beyonce – This girl has tons of personality and confidence. She’s got a voice well suited to pop, but the song she chose tonight might have been a little too big for her. A performer like Breanna has potential in the pop world, but may not have the chops to survive a singing competition. There’s something about her, she’s got spunk and personality–I wouldn’t be mad if she advanced.  Keith loves her song choices. He notes her control and poise. But she needs to find a song that “takes you into your own place.” Don’t be a clone, in other words.  Nicki TOTALLY disagrees with Keith.  She thought it was the wrong song and that she strained on the high notes. Nicki tells her not to get comfortable. Randy liked the song choice, but felt that maybe it was too safe. He liked the tenderness. He wanted more big moments. Mariah thought the song choice was “unique”.  Ryan prods until Breanna admits she was thinking about her significant other during her performance.  Sheesh. Back off, Seacrest! –  1-866-436-5702

Breanna Steer – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Aubrey Cleland – “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie – She gets a little sit down with Ryan in the Red Room. She’s a very sweet girl with tons of poise and a beautiful voice, but she lacks a unique style at the moment. But I do agree with the panel, she is incredibly marketable. Lots of raw potential in that girl.  I’m not sure how far she’ll get in the competition. Pretty and sweet usually gets labeled “boring” and “forgettable” pretty fast. Keith thinks she looks fantastic! He felt the song suited her personality, but he wished it allowed her to “soar” more. Nicki loves her humility. She and Keith love her vibrato. “I just over all love you,” says Nicki.  Randy agrees. He was getting a little bit of of a Rihanna vibe in her tender moments.  Mariah believes she has multi-platinum potential. –  1-866-436-5703

Aubrey Cleland – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 2012 by IdolxMuzic

Janelle Arthur – “If I Can Dream” By Elvis Presley – She was really freaked out by the judges criticism of her song choice last week. I really appreciate the plain, sweet, quality of her voice.  I would have loved an old-time song from a female artist like Dolly Parton or Patsy Cline, though. But she went back to the drawing board and came back doing the right thing by keeping away from the pop country. Keith loves her classic country voice, blended with modern moments. Nicki says she’s back, “You are a little marshmallow that I want to eat.” Best vocal of the night so far, says Nicki. “Sky’s the limit for you.” Randy loves the old throwback thing in her voice. Mariah thinks she brings an “America’s sweetheart” vibe. Aw. Janelle is tearing up! Janelle says she’s never been called a marshmallow before, but she likes to eat them.  “If you want S’more of Janelle,” says Ryan as he gives out her numbers. GROAN. “You have to,” says Ryan, “I was born with this much cheese.”  Soooo much cheese. 1-866-436-5704

Janelle Arthur – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Seigfried and Roy sent over some crab legs. Hm.

Tenna Torres – “Lost Lyrics” by Faith Hill – Well, lots of points for picking a country song and attempting to bring something different to it. Like the judges, I thought she was distracted at moments and also not always on pitch.  She’s an interesting singer, but I will be really really surprised if she survives this week. Keith loves the song choice and suggests not to allow the camera to sweep her out of the emotion. Nicki loves her hair this week. AND HER BOOBS. Seriously, Nicki complimented the way her dress fit. She’s not sure if her personality jumps out, but she loves hearing her sing.  Points to Nicki though, for telling Randy to shut up when he acted all shocked at Nicki’s boob comment. After collecting himself, Randy complimented Tenna on her restraint, especially in the beginning.  Nicely done, he says. Mariah LOVED the song choice. She loved the richness in her lower notes and complimented  her power register. “Nicki and Mariah agree on something,” jokes Ryan, “They both love your fullness.” Yikes.  Ryan is confused as Nicki jumps out of her seat before the break. Oh live TV. 1-866-436-5705

Tenna Torres – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Angie Miller – “Never Gone” by Colton Dixon – Angie sits at the piano for her performance, and she sings a popular Christian contemporary song from a popular Idol, Colton Dixon.  It’s smart, because if she’s unable to make it in the pop world, CCM is going to gobble her right up.  She’s not a fantastic singer, but she’s very relatable and is able to bring emotion to what she sings. Keith says, “That was beautiful.” He appreciates when she plays the piano. He namechecks Colton. He calls her a “true artist.” Nicki says, ‘The trumpets should sound when you walk into the room, little girl…Can I just get your album?” Angie is crying. “America, a star is born on that stage right now,” says Randy. “I just love the honesty with which you deliver.” Mariah is also happy she’s back at the piano. She loved the song choice. 1-866-436-5706


Angela Miller – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Amber Holcomb – “I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston – She AND HER MOM gets a sitdown with Ryan in the red room. Ryan thought it was her mom who tackled him at the audition. But it was her step mom. WHOOPS.  Amber has a fantastic instrument, but UGH at this safe song choice.  It shows very little imagination on Amber’s part. Having said that–her phrasing and vocal ad libs are just effortless. Nothing feels forced from this girl. She really is a tall drink of water.  Keith thinks it was the perfect song for her. He wished she had held back a few note. Am-BER. “I’m going to call you BER from now on,” says Nicki.  “I know you aren’t only legs.  Your vocals are even surpassing this competition.” Nicki LOVES the runs. “AMBER IS IN IT TO WIN IT,” says Randy.  Mariah says, “You are one of my favorites in this whole competition.” The judges previously worried about her confidence, but not any more. 1-866-436-5707


Amber Holcomb – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Kree Harrison – “Stronger” by Faith Hill –  Kree’s vocal style embodies the perfect combo.  Her vocals are warm, real, unassuming. Yet, she sings with great conviction and heat. On top of that, she’s got major, major vocal chops–playing with her range and hitting big notes with ease. She also has a great sense of humor.  She’s still my favorite. I love that Nicki points out her “sexiness.”  Kree isn’t a glam girl, yet her vocals are so raw, she touches something really primal. That’s total sexiness. “You already know you’re my wife. Your sexiness level went through the roof,” says Nicki. Kree says she’s trying to do her wife proud. Ha. Kree has a British accent too. Nicki loves her tone. “I’m obsessed” she says. Kree and Nicki need to get a room. “I think we’ve got another one who’s right her in it to win it. Mariah says, “You give us a true experience as an audience.” Mariah is always surprised by her. 1-866-436-5708


Kree Harrison – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Adriana Latonio – “Stand Up For Love” by Destiny’s Child – This performance is very pageant princess dull. All that’s missing is the sash. However, Adriana did not forget the ball gown.  Keith is nervous about the song choice.  It took too long to get to her big moment. Nicki compares her unfavorably to the others. She suggests she work some more and come back next year.  “You didn’t even connect…it was pageanty. You need more life experience.”  Randy agrees “It was very safe…you needed to slay it..you were boring.” Mariah enjoyed her last performance, but maybe the song needed to be more soulful.  That was totally the wrong song for Adriana. 1-866-436-5709


Adriana Latonio – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Candice Glover – “Ordinary People” by John Legend – Whoa. “Natural Woman” was kind of a snooze last week, mostly due to the predictable song choice. But this week, Candice goes contemporary and absolutely SLAYS “Ordinary People.” What an instrument this girl has. Gorgeous, expert phrasing. I agree with Keith–that Candice is able to blend the old with the new, and she accomplishes this feat with ease. She’s a boss. Keith loves her blend of old soul and contemporary. Nicki salutes Candice. That was her comment. The judges must be running short on time.  “I’m learning listening to you,” says Randy. “We might need a wild card or something,” says Randy. Oh, Randy, letting the cat out of the bag. Mariah is also on Team Candice. 1-866-436-5710


Candice Glover – Top 10 Girls – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

About mj santilli 34833 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!