Season 7 Top 12 Girls – Performance

By On 02/20/2008 · 152 Comments · In Uncategorized

Ryan announces at the top of the show that the girls are sick tonight. Yes, the big mystery behind Carly Smithson’s absence from the sidelines during the guys performance show is the flu. So much for conspiracy theories! The girls get off to a slow start, but improve as the night wears on. And wear on it does. So…many…commercials…Ack!

Overall, the guys ranks have more low-hanging fruit than the girls. The unseen girls performances were much better than the guys. There will actually be a competition amongst the girls. By the way, Simon says he likes it when contestants spar with him.

Video packages: More I Love Idol! from the girls, and Kristy Lee wants to buy her horse back.

The performances:

Kristy Lee Cook – “Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass – The fact that Kristy Lee is suffering from the flu doesn’t change the fact that Simon is right. This is a terrible song choice for Kristy. And the arrangement? The song plods on and on with no variation. Her performance certainly isn’t soul, it’s barely country. It’s just blah. At one point, there’s a shot of David Cook just staring off into the middle distance. Heh. When she finishes, Kristy looks like she’s going to cry. She knows she blew it. Randy says, “It was a little rough around the edges.” Paula acknowledges Kristy’s illness but then says, “Don’t ever let that get in the way of your shine.” The Paula word of the evening is “Shine”. Simon is taking no excuses. “The song didn’t suit you…it really wasn’t anything to grab hold to.” Previous pimping and her illness will more than likely save her from the chopping block this week. See, early screen time really does matter.

Joanne Borgella – “Say a Little Prayer for You” by Aretha Franklin – Joanne sounds under pitch, behind the beat, and weak. Her nerves are going to kill her in this competition. She’s being swallowed up by the big stage and the band. We aren’t off to a very good start with the girls here. Randy says, “There’s some nerves jumping off right here.” Paula says, “You got to pull it together and shine through.” Says Simon, “I didn’t like it at all. This is the point of the show where you have to come out and nail it.” He’s right. Joanne’s family looks really upset. She promises the audience that she’ll bring her A game next time. If she gets one, that is.

Alaina Whitiker – à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I Love You More Today Than Yesterdayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  by Spiral Staircase – Sitting on the couch with Ryan, Alaina asks that America give her a present for her birthday tomorrow. Vote for her. Shameless! It doesn’t matter, because I think she’ll get the votes anyway, based on her memorable performance. She’s one of the unpimped, but she came out of the box swinging. In sharp contrast to Kristy Lee, she’s full of personality, the arrangement of the song has some variation (starts slow, and then picks up) and her phrasing is good. A quick shot of the guys shows them looking bored out of their skulls, though. Hee. Randy says, “The year of the young ones…you sang it with so much conviction…” Paula says, “You nailed it. You had the best ending I’ve heard on that song.” Simon “I think you’re very good. I haven’t seen any nerves. You are sailing through to the next round after that.”

Amanda Overmeyer – “Baby Please Don’t Go” by Amboy Dukes – Amanda pledges not to sing Janis Joplin! What she really needs to do is step out of the blues/rock genre and show us she can step out of her box. She gets the full on rock treatment from the band, complete with a blistering guitar solo. The band helps, although she’d do pretty well without them. She’s got good stage presence, and her steely, raspy vocals are strong. She loses it a bit when she “scats” along with the guitar player. Randy says he loves it, however. Paula insists that Amanda is not a one trick pony. Simon says, “I really like you, I genuinely think you’re authentic.” That Simon–such a judge of rock authenticity! He admits 1. That he’s never heard the song. 2. He thought she forgot the words when she was riffing with the guitar. Pathetic. Ryan quips, “Sometimes I wonder if Simon is in the music business for real.”

Amy Davis – “Where the Boys Are” by Connie Francis – Poor Amy. The producers had no business advancing this mediocre singer simply on her looks. Is her purpose in the Top 24 to look ridiculous? I feel bad for her. She’s beautiful. But. She. Cannot. Sing. Not by any stretch of the imagination. She’s flat through the entire song. Listening to her is actually painful. Please get her off my Tee Vee. Randy helpfully explains why she sucked, “A lot of country singers kind of scoop up to the notes…and when you do that you have to hit it dead on.” Is that what she was doing? I thought she was merely singing like ass. Paula says, “I feel the nerves got a little bit of you…it was a little lackluster.” Simon says simply, “You look great, but you didn’t sound great.” And, “…I think you are going to struggle after that.”

Brooke White – “Happy Together” by the Turtles – I really hope there is a place for a singer like Brooke in this competition. There should be. I suspect there will be no glory notes or big finishes from this singer/songwriter with her engaging, but subtle style. The song was a good pick for her (Mama’s and Papa’s would have been even better). Randy thought she started of shaky, but got her confidence back by the end. Paula says, “You have your own thing…you picked the right song.” Simon says, “It was very you.” But then he adds that he’s “struggling with the relevance.” Simon chafes at Brooke’s good girl image. I’m guessing he thinks it won’t sell a bazillion records or get her hits on KISS. He’s probably right.

Alexandrea Lushington – “Spinning Wheel” by Blood Sweat and Tears – I feel like I’m going to have another David Cook moment here. You know–where I’m liking a performance all on my own here. I think the song choice is inspired. She’s got a soul/jazz thing going on that I really like. She’s got a confident stage presence that’s winning. I agree with Paula–the performance is current. Alex is a little weak in her head voice, but other than that, I think her vocals are terrific. The boys like it. They give her a standing O. Randy starts harping on the age thing again (Alex is 16). Shut Up! But, we agree that Alex is good. Simon hates it, “I didn’t get it…it reminds me of one of these horrible little shows you see…some awful musical.” Afterward, Alex schools Ryan on how to say her name, “It’s Alex Andrea” she should have added, “BITCH!” Heh.

Kady Malloy – “Groovy Kind of Love” by The Mindbenders – Kady’s vocals are a little generic, but I give her props for a beautifully modulated vocal. I think Kady has a good recording voice. I can hear her voice on the radio right now. The judges advice to her is asinine. They think she’s really good when she does her little vocal impressions, but not so much when she’s herself. Randy and Paula tell her she needs to have fun on stage. Simon comments, “It was like the Night of the Living Dead.” I think they are being too hard on her. I bet, if she sings something fun next time, she’ll be criticized for lack of depth. That’s what happens to the contestants who are considered cannon fodder. They can’t win. Kady looked pretty upset after her beat-down from the judges. Poor thing.

Asia’h Epperson – “A Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin – Great song choice for Asia’h. She chooses to rock out first, rather than give the audience the typical soul-thang. Are they saving all the Motown songs for the inevitable theme week? I don’t miss them. I really love the throaty quality in her voice. Her performance is solid, without being forced or over the top. Randy says, “You did your thing with it.” Paula says, “…You have fun up there. You had some good moments in that song.” And Simon, “It was my favorite of the night.” TBTB pimping + Dead Dad + Good vocals = Asia’h will make it into the finals.

Ramiele Malubay – “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” by Dusty Springfield – Ramiele’s video package reveals a grounded and very mature young woman. She’s really likable. Her interpretation of this Dusty Springfield classic is truly grown-up, without being robotic or boring. This song is ripe for contestant over singing, but she manages to swell to a big finish without overdoing the runs. Randy says, “that was hot.” Paula says, “You are a force to be reckoned with.” Simon says, “You out-sung every single person.” Between the pimping and the Pinoys, Ramiele just might make it into the finals.

Syesha Mercado – “Tobacco Road” by The Nashville Teens – Syesha has a big voice, but she’s Screamy McScreamerton. She confuses belting with singing. And she throws way too many runs into the mix. I’m thinking if she had to sing something subtle, she couldn’t do it. She has a big gorgeous smile, and stage presence to match. She may be able to get by on her charisma, even if her performances falter. It wasn’t one of Randy’s favorite performances, but he liked it. Paula says, “Joyful, fun, big.” Simon says, “I agree with Randy, not your best performance, but you are probably one of the most talented girls in this competition.”

Carly Smithson – “The Shadow of Your Smile” by Tony Bennett – Carly mentions her failed record deal in her video package. She had no choice–the story has grown big giant legs (boards and blogs BAH) and isn’t going away. She says the label she was on “imploded so I got kind of left.” She feels that Idol is her second chance and stresses, “I’m not here to be a diva.” Carly chooses to sing a standard from the era, rather than pop or rock. Her vocals are fine, a little off pitch in spots, but she’s solid. However, she sounds–dare I say it–old fashioned. Will Simon call her on it? After Carly finishes, Randy gets the hyperbole rolling, praising Carly for singing with bronchitis and gushing, “That’s what the show is all about. The best vocal of the Top 24!” “Sick is not an excuse,” smugs Carly. Paula babbles on in her usual way. But then, Simon pops Carly’s bubble pretty quick, “I didn’t get it. There is so much hype about you, and so much expectation. I thought the song was way too old fashioned for you. Everything about it for me was a let down. I was genuinely expecting fantastic and it wasn’t fantastic.” Then he calls her cabaret! OMG, Simon went there! I suspect, however, that the conflict is producer-manufactured for maximum controversy, and to gain sympathy votes for Carly. That’s how it works in Idol-land. For fun, roll back the tape if you can, and check out Carly’s bitchface. It’s priceless.

Ryan has time to kill. He chats with the judges. Randy thinks the girls were hotter tonight. They were. Simon thinks there are 3 great guys, 3 maybe 4 great girls at the moment. Paula sits in her chair and stews. She looks pissed! Ha.

Tonight, 2 girls and 2 guys are eliminated. I think the girls will be Amy Davis and Joanne Borgella. The boys–Chikezie and David Hernandez.

 
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  • KrazeeK120

    Carly is going last…nothing surprising there!

  • Lisa

    Kristie apparently had the flu too. Yeah Carly last is not shocking. Hope the other girls bring it.

  • Lisa

    Anyone notice who is in the position to go right before the end of the first hour? That will be the second pimped girl.

  • dvls

    Why do I keep seeing Marcia Brady when I look at Kristy Lee? Thought she sounded pretty good for being sick but she definately looked like she should crawl into bed and go to sleep.

  • Nostradamas

    So Randy used his stock speech with Kristy….even though it wasn’t fair or even relevant. Song choice might have been better, but with bronchitis, possibly the only thing possible. She did OK…not great, but OK.

    Joanne, too kareoke…nothing new or current…..but it’s a horrible theme night for all….no Mandisa though.

    Simon keeps bitching about the songs…but “they” picked the theme…so WTF are the kids to do?

  • weelassie

    I’m not liking having themes right off the bat. It hampers showing the contestants real personality. No likey.

  • Lisa

    Woohoo Thank God homegirl can sang!

  • KrazeeK120

    I liked Alaina. She’s cute. She sings nicely. I hope she does well.

  • IGetCranked

    Alaina seems more like 24 than 16.

    My husband has been carrying on since last night about Amanda’s hair. He just said, ” She needs to set a trap beside her pillow and catch that thing!” ROTFL

  • KrazeeK120

    Hmmmmm…that was interesting. I have no words.

  • Nostradamas

    OMG…..I LOVE Amanda!!!!!!!!

  • Lisa

    LMAO IGetCranked!!! I just spewed my tea, LOL.

  • t2

    My goodness — IGC I think I heart your husband.

  • Luv2Laugh

    IGetCranked- Omg! too funny, I feel the same way!

  • Luv2Laugh

    I did not like Amanda.

  • meme

    Amanda you made being a Hoosier proud this evening.

  • t2

    Too funny, Amanda should have taken dancing lessons from Kristi Lee. Finally someone admits it’s embarassing dancing in front of the camera (and I still live for it.)

  • Nostradamas

    So…. WTF is Simon a judge that ADMITS he doesn’t even know most of the songs of American 1960′s???!??? Did they consult him on the theme night??

    BTW, Ricky Minor KICKED ASS on Amanda’s song!!

  • Lisa

    Amy sounds off to me.

  • KrazeeK120

    Wow, I really did not like Amy’s performance at all.

  • Nostradamas

    Amy & Luke didn’t do us Hoosiers any favors…

  • t2

    It’s hard to judge Amy fairly — I keep hearing Kim Locke singing this song.

    Don’t worry Amy the first two are going home this week.

  • Lisa

    I like Brooke. Seems like a nice girl.

  • http://www.xanga.com/werwanderflugen Preston

    For me, Alaina, Brooke, and Amanda have been the best so far. I really like Brooke’s vibe– I could actually imagine buying her music.

    I don’t see Kristie Lee going anywhere… yet.

    Joanne and Amy should be worried.

  • IGetCranked

    *DL* Simon : “Are you gonna be nice through the whole competition?”
    Brooke: ” Is that ok with you?” OMG *wipes eyes* I’m having too much fun tonight.

    LOL guys.. I think I’ll keep him! *pats hubby* *slips money out of his wallet while doing so*

    LOVED BROOKE!

  • t2

    And I love Alex’s audition, but hated, hated, hated that.

  • IGetCranked

    Did not like Alexadrea. I agree with Simon and she got on my nerves during the chat. Dang now I’m cranky. Quick cameras! Show me Luke!

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Loved Alex!

  • Lisa

    Why do I get the feeling Simon is not really going to like anyone’s performance (cept he did like Alaina’s) until Carly comes on. Then…. You are IT, you are awesome blah blah blah.

    I was not really into Alex’s but she is a good singer, I also thought Brooke did well.

  • jobbix

    I just took a Sudafed PM, like everyone else. No kidding. I got a feeling the judges are saving the tongue-bath for the pimped one. Is anyone surprised?

  • http://kmantoniva.blogspot.com/ KristiVA

    Alex was terrible!!!!

  • t2

    Let the Battle of Blondes begin….

    O.K. — what’s happening in alter-iverse here. Why do they hate Kady Malloy — she was second best tonight.

    I guess she must be better than Carly

  • KrazeeK120

    Kady wasn’t perfect, but I like her. I want to see more of the Britney Spears impression!

  • Lisa

    Kady has a beautiful voice.

    Edited: changed cause maybe Kady is one of the ones sick.

  • http://kmantoniva.blogspot.com/ KristiVA

    Asia’h is getting a few of my votes.

  • KrazeeK120

    I think that Asia’h is very very good. She could be the dark horse in this competition.

  • t2

    Ugh — I thought Asia’h sucked the grit right out of that song. If it would have been anyone else but Asia’h singing that, they would have ripped them up one side and down the other.

  • KrazeeK120

    I’d say Remiele is a shoo-in for the top 12. Maybe by then I’ll know how to pronounce/spell her name. She was amazing.

  • PrplDva

    t2
    Feb 20th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hard to judge Amy fairly à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  I keep hearing Kim Locke singing this song.

    Kim was amazing on that song- goosebump worthy!

  • Luv2Laugh

    This night is not entertaining at all. I think theme weeks this early are truly hurting the contestants. If not this is the worst Top 24 evah!

  • sundancewasrobbed

    I feel like every year I say the same thing after the first episode: DO NOT CHOSE A SLOW SONG FOR THE FIRST EPISODE! It almost never works out well. You’ve just got to come out rocking and seem likable. Once people know you and give you the benefit of the doubt, then sing a slow song and get into it. But to start out with a slow song is either to come off as self-indulgent or, worse, forgettable.

    This most applies to Kady. She’ll move on on the strength of her audition, but she’s got to pep it up.

  • Lisa

    *gets her Pimp-O-Matic ready*

  • Lisa

    Carly does have a very pretty voice. Wondering if Simon is playin with us home viewers by not liking hmmmm

    Two days and no one blew me away this year. Sad. Is Melinda around anywhere?

  • IGetCranked

    Did anyone notice Katie bugging her eyes several times? That was odd.

    Ramiele is my favorite girl.

  • jobbix

    The judges are full of BS tonight. Why did they ganged up on Kady?! I know it’s their job to be critical, but what they did was abuse.

  • KrazeeK120

    The girls were much better than the guys overall, IMO.

  • daisy

    Simon is playing bad cop tonight with Carly, interesting…
    Best for me tonight- Ramiele, Brooke has potential. the others blended in for me,these blondes generic to me for the most part. Light blond, strawberry blonde, blonde with dark highlights, lol. This theme night is wrong, just wrong, boring songs, and dull versions, why do the producers have to always muck things up.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Kady looked pissed. As we discussed in chat, she’s realizing she’s not TCO!

  • http://idolstages.com Connie D.

    For me, the guys were much better than the girls overall.

    I’m voting for Ramiele Malubay and Amanda Overmyer, plus a few more girls… maybe… the night is still young.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    I like Brooke and Asia’h a lot. I was also impressed by Alaina, Ramiele, and Alex tonight. I like the funky twist that Alex put on that song. I’ll send some votes to the 5 of them.

    Anyone else think that Kady is beginning to realize that she is not a chosen one?? (nevermind, PJ beat me to it LOL)

    And I think Randy must be living under a rock or needs to get his ears cleaned if he thinks Carly had the best vocal of the past two days. *cough*overratedplant*cough*

  • jbrad

    Asia’h was the best tonight. And thank God for Simon (did I say that)
    for keeping it real about Carly. That song was boring. Randy was way to obvious in his pimping of her. And how come she was allowed to be sick, but the other girl wasn’t? I don’t know what to make of these two nights. Not good, dawg, not good at all.

  • NCMarc

    Everyone kinda sucked. Go back and watch Kelly Clarkson’s Top 30.. Night and day.

  • http://kmantoniva.blogspot.com/ KristiVA

    jbrad – I’m glad Simon didn’t drink the Kool-Aid tonight, too!! I’m voting for Asia’h, Amanda, and Alaina!

  • dukesterathlete

    I didn’t really like any of the girls. I think Alaina is the most marketable and has the best potential in the real world and the other 16 yr old (Alexandria) was very good imo. Thought brittney spears girl has the most potential…

    Anyone else glad that idol got the smart idea to mention all the carley hennessey drama thats been goin on?- and im glad simon said what he said- she needs to be the big voice in this years competition; that wasnt quite good enough.

    everyone else- blah.

    i think plus-size & amy d. r gonners.

  • MaryS-NJ

    I preferred the guys (but I usually do). Boring song choices, except Brooke, Amanda and Alex_N_Dra.

    Carly does have a beautiful voice but I agreed with Simon. I’m surprised he depimped her, but maybe they’re trying to counter the overhype.

    I preferred Ramiele’s voice over Carly’s.

    Ramiele is FAR in the lead on DialIdol.

  • jm

    OMG! Were the judges listening to the same Carly Smithson that I was? She was totally off key from the beginning. The last note made the fillings in my teeth hurt. I’m a masochist so I watched it twice just to make sure she sucked as much as I thought the first time. She sucked more.

    The girls suck. I predict there will only be two girls standing in the top 10.

    I really liked plus-size and shorty. Carly needs to go tomorrow. And one of those blond girls. They are pretty much interchangeable.

  • ealbino

    Loved Ramiele…Also liked Alaina’s voice and performance. Carly does have a nice voice but don’t like her style of delivery, the faces she makes when singing and don’t think she has “it” factor.

  • abbysee

    I missed the first half hour. Once I saw the recaps, I realized I hadn’t missed much. I love Ramiele, Asiah, and Syeshiah, or however your spell the name. Ramiele, because of her voice, beautiful restrained performance. Asiah and Syeshiah because of their voice and presence. I don’t get Carly at all. I was really expecting her to tear the roof off, make me feel something, but nah. Nothing, glad they came clean though. Amanda might have a big fanbase, but I am sorry that performance was a hot mess, just a big stinking, scatting mess. The bad thing is now I have to go and check names because everyone else left almost no impression on me. Oh wait the other kid, that Simon didn’t like, she was a’ight.

  • maracaibo

    For me the guys were much better overall than the girls too.

    Tonight the only stand outs were: Alaina, Ramiele and maybe Brooke. I think Kady has potential but her song choice was just plain boring.
    Alaina has lots of potential for country music and she is very marketable. The only problem she has is that she looks too much like Carrie Underwood. Heh.

    Carly’s song choice was boring too. Glad Simon kept it real with her. IMO she doesn’t have that IT factor everyone talks about.
    Maybe they are depimping her now so that she can last longer? Who knows.

    I still think a guy is going to win this year.

  • jpfan

    Alaina has the most commercial potential. Alex, A’isha, The One girl and Ramiele will cancel each other with only two making it.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Alex, Asia’h and Ramiele were my faves. Alex is fearless and she totally changed it up. I have high hopes for some great performances from her. The blondes will cancel each other out because I am already confused by them. I think I liked Alaina and Brooke. *scratches head*

  • lg

    Amanda Overmyer – the one to beat and the real deal. True blue rocker. Hell yeeeahh, go Amanda!!!!

    I was also impressed with Alexandria Lushington. 2nd best of the night. Of course the musically illiterate Simon wouldn’t get it…no surprises there.

    Carly, for all the hype, just wasn’t that good, but she does seem like a genuinely sweet person.

    I’ll probably throw some votes Joanne’s way for that last stinkin’ jab Simon just had to get in after he’d already lambasted her…come on Simon, we got your point already!

  • jadore

    “I preferred Ramieleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s voice over Carlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s”

    I do, too. I thought Ramieleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performance was the best of the night. I also liked Amanda, Alaina and Asia’h.

  • Tracy

    Syesha and Ramiele were my favorites tonight. Asia’h was pretty good, too. She just looked like she was having fun up there.

    And why did they let Amy Davis through? Even her initial audition they showed wasn’t that good either.

    ETA: Although I prefer the guys, I thought the girls were slightly better. I don’t think that’s saying much, though.

  • itsalleternal

    My personal favorites tonight were Syesha, Asia’h, Alexandrea and Amanda. Ramiele was also pretty good.

    I agree that Carly is very overrated, she wasn’t good at all tonight – only Amy and possibly Joanne were worse. (As for Amy, couldn’t we have had Cardin McKinney instead?)

  • Chicago-sally

    Asia and Rami are the leaders. Carly is good, but you don’t know if she’s a rocker or a pop singer.

  • bean99

    I can’t even tell the blondes apart other than Brooke the mousy one. I liked Syesha and Asia’h the most because of their personalities. I’m not voting for any of the young teens even if they’re good. I didn’t like any of the ballads including the ones the judges liked. Sing upbeat songs people!

  • tinawina

    Alex, Aà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢isha, The One girl and Ramiele will cancel each other with only two making it.

    I don’t know about that. What else besides being women of color, what else do they have in common? They don’t really sound alike to me. They sure don’t look alike. LOL!

  • KrazeeK120

    VFTW picked Amy Davis, by the way.

  • Chicago-sally

    The girls have distinguished voices, but IMO it’s the the “colored” girls to win or lose; meaning Rami can take it all along with Asia and Syesha. Carly has to bring it next week or the public will lose patience.

  • maracaibo

    Honestly, this 60′s theme week idea just plain sucked.

    I hope they go back to free song choice for next week.
    It’s much more exciting during the semifinals. It also gives you an idea of what kind of artists these contestants are.

  • Chris58

    I think the girls sang circles around the guys. I think Carly is unbelieveably talented–albeit clearly not liked here!

  • Chicago-sally

    I just heard Amanda on Rickey the girl is baaddd, she’s a rocker in the old-fashioned way.

    Kristy Lee was not impressive….what happened between the time of the audition and now?

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    Kristy blew – awful.

    Carly — good on Simon ! Our local fox reporter just said she was ‘damaged goods’ and talked about her 2M contract, no sales. The word is out.

    Favs — Ramiele, Asia, Syesha, Alaina (sp). . Kady does have a fine voice but take some vitamins or something and yes, I did notice the bug eyes !

    And Ramiele licks her lips (granted, they’re great lips but still) toooo much.

    Overall – the week goes to the girls.

  • jpfan

    I see Carly, Alaina, Amanda and maybe Brooke going through because they represent different genres. Alex, A’isha, Rami and Syesha are all pop singers. I can’t see all 4 making the top 6. If they do then only Alaina and Carly will make also make it.

  • Chicago-sally

    Carolina & JP: I think that little philippino girl is the real deal, but Amanda is a show stopper. This is a great group of girls. They’re in it to win…but the blonds can go home.

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    Oh, I forgot Amanda — I”m not much on hard assed girls (and the skunk hair gives me the shivers) but I think I like her !

    I’ll really, really like her if she can change it up, do a today song, maybe something by Beth Hart – L.A. Story comes to mind — and kill it — zowie !

    btw, the tattoo artist covered up all her tats — wonder why.

  • thesheriff

    I confess I watched no auditions this year. So, the buzz for Carly is news to me. I thought it rather sucked – and her teeth kill her chances for top 4. Damn, that was mean….lol I’m all for Amanda and by the way – I’ll take names that begin with the letter A, Alex.

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    thesheriff, the female Fox reporter said the same thing but gently — she needs veneers. Brought up Elliott.

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    ooops, forgot this — chicagosally — Amanda needs to do Beth Hart, “Mama”. I’m listening to it now -she’d blow it out of the water.

  • thesheriff

    (Carolina)Really? that’s funny. Yeah – it’s sad but true. There was an actress on Oprah recently who just got her teeth fixed and she said her whole life has changed. Chris Rock said the same thing too. He said it a whole lot funnier of course…lol.

  • abbysee

    My feelings about Carly are simply about her as a singer, now. Once these 24 go on stage all of the crap has to go out of the window for me. If she has sung the hell out of that song, I would have no problem saying so. She didn’t bring it, therefore, I didn’t care for her performance. David A was on star search and if he had sucked, I would have no problem saying so based on his performance, not his past.

  • MaryS-NJ

    Kristy Lee was not impressiveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.what happened between the time of the audition and now?

    They couldn’t find a 60′s version of Amazing Grace?

  • abbysee

    This is a pop competition, didn’t Simon say that before, so putting in all of the women of color should be no problem if they earn it. I mean I don’t mind a rocker, if they are good and can change it up, (the one thing I did like about Chris Daughtry), but at the end of the day this women Amanda is going to have to jump through hoops to win this thing and I just don’t think she is versatile enough, certainly tonight didn’t really show the versatility I was hoping for.

    I at first thought this was going to be a guys year, but after seeing so many of them go down in flames and also noticing that the guys were extremely more handicapped when it came down to backstory and air time, I see a girl possible winning this thing again. Not quite ready to call it cause David A and Michael Johns were really damn good, but there were far more girls doing better than I expected.

  • JOJOSIE

    I think folks here are too hard on Carly. I’m like Abbysee I’ll judge her on her performances. I had written down my top three of Remiel, Asian and Carly and when I checked Dial Idol those three were the top three there so I guess my old ears are still hearing okay. Carly was 15 when they signed her and you on here are all very vocal about how bad record companies are. I think they disappointed a young girl and made her very sensitive to what the music business is about an how fickle it is. IMO

  • JOJOSIE

    Sorry I mispelled Asia’h name, actually I put on Spell Check and they changed it. My bad.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m like Abbysee Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll judge her on her performances.

    But she wasn’t that good, IMO. Plus, she didn’t mention that she was given $2M in promo and sold 400. She said the label folded. Nice spin.

  • idolbeat

    Alex went from 10 seconds of air time to waking up the audience and the guys. I swear they looked like they were nodding off on the side!
    I know Randy and Paula love her but I am sure that Simon does not.
    I loved that she came out swinging from the top of the stairs and worked the whole stage. I am worried she doesn’t have a big enough fan base to vote for her. We’ll see tomorrow!

  • Grammie Kari

    I liked the 60s theme because it was a major challenge! However, how can Simon criticize song choice when the producers put these songs on the list? There were several that were music themes. Commenting on the arrangement of a song is not something a contestant can change at this stage. The number of boring songs is not the contestant’s fault!

    Carly was middle of the pack for the two days. Nothing special to see or hear.

  • cheese

    I really liked Alex (especially the little clip of her singing You Know I’m No Good in Hollywood) and Amanda. I liked Asia’h, but not as much as I did previously. Alaina was a surprise vocally, but I don’t really care if I ever see her again. Everyone else made no impression.

  • abbysee

    Carly wasn’t given the 2mil in her hand, they used or misused that money. The cd garnered ok critiques from what I have read, so she did what was required. And we don’t know that she wasn’t telling the truth about the label folding. And why isn’t the guy who had a record deal or one of the blondes as well being raked over the coals about the same thing?? I mean Carly is now the poster girl for fraud? I don’t see Carly as being the best, but she deserves a fair shot and not rancor simply because she failed as a teen.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Yep, Alex did Amy! Risky and fab.

  • Caffiend

    Forget Carly. I think Rami is going to win it all. She is a real find. I am a huge fan already.

  • primeminister

    Ramiele and Alaina are going to go far.
    I loved how Ramiele controlled the belting voice of hers, and Alaina just looks and sounds SO much like Carrie Underwood. I can just see an army of tween girls voting for her.

  • weelassie

    I thought KADY has a beautiful voice but chose the wrong song.

    I wasn’t feeling ALEX at all. I think she was just ok.

    AMANDA has guts and will stand out because she wasn’t a cookie cutter performer.

    I don’t think BROOKE is that good of a singer but she seems sweet.

    RAMIELLE is a cutie with a big voice and did a good job.

    ASIA’H was awesome but this is probably just me but some of her vowel sounds sound off to me. But I really like her.

    SYESHA can sing but I didn’t really love that song.

    I thought JOANNE was much better on playback. She seems like such a nice person.

    I want KRISTY to get her horse back but I’m fearful that she won’t get very far. Funny no one is saying much about her previous recording contract. Wasn’t she on a label with Britney?

    I’m sure I’m forgetting some of the blondes because they are so similar. But the one that went third, think it was Alaina-I thought she sounded pretty darn good.

    ok, as for Carly-i thought her voice sounded wonderful. I don’t understand this carly hate. She was incredible. In looks, she reminds me a little bit of Cher. It isn’t her fault how much money a company spent on her. It wasn’t money given to her. Just like Kat McPhees company spent a ton on marketing her CD. She didn’t get the money. They chose to spend it because they thought they would get a big return on it. Didn’t work out that way. They play the odds-sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

    Amy-probably leaving tomorrow. I thought Cardin was much better.
    Others probably on the bubble-Joanne and Kristy. Of course, that is my opinion.

  • B

    re: Carly, I’m pretty sure MCA did fold. I don’t know the exact timeline of her dealings with them, but according to wikipedia, it was “dismantled” in 2003 when it was absorbed into Geffen records.

  • Diana

    Was anyone else exhausted by this show? I can’t keep the names straight. A lot of oversinging too.

    I thought Amy was refreshing — I liked her song choice and style.

    I agree that Rami was best.

  • http://inkdbylilyanna.com carolina

    Just to set the record straight, I don’t have it out for Carly but I am aware that the PTB want her to win. Clearly, she got the pimp spot.

    She didn’t bring it tonight. Nothing special at all. And, I don’t think she’s the whole package. Not much charisma, not a beauty (agreed, that shouldn’t count but it does), nice voice, nothing spectacular.

    Back story means nothing because it’s not like she was born a poor deaf child in a third world country. Her back story will haunt her — had a record contract, recorded and failed. No one will care about ‘why’.

  • Lisa

    There were a few who stood out to me tonight. Alaina, Brooke, Kady, even Carly had a good voice. I too have no hate for Carly even tho I think if you stuck Amanda’s hair on her she would be a dead ringer for Cruella De Ville.

    Ramielle & Syesha were good just not feeling them.

  • TylerWV

    I wasnt impressed much by the girls. Carlys song was too old fashioned. I didnt like the rocker chick. Wasnt big on anyone actually. I did like the tone of amy davis but she didnt bring it. Is it me or does the band suck? Tonight and once last night they were so loud they drowned out the singer plus something sounded tinny or out of tune to me.

  • TylerWV

    Couldnt edit so will add another post. The blonde names confuse me but one of them, when she smiles, reminds me so much of Carrie U. Also, I think Randy has the pimp job this year. Maybe they know some of us vote occasionally against simon :)

  • Lisa

    Tyler, that is Alaina. :smile_wp:

  • Daughtry_AJ

    I’m so glad they let Carly bring up her label. I mean we all obviously know about it,but at least now it doesn’t seem like TPTB are trying to blatantly hide that fact, which is what was annoying me the most about the situation. Anyway for once I think on an overall basis the guys and girls are pretty even in the talent pool this year. Maybe overall I like a few more girls than guys, but with the guys I saw three absolute standouts (David A., Michael, and Jason C.) but with the girls I didn’t really see any total standouts. I think they’re very good on an overall level, but I’m just can’t really decide which ones are really at the head of the pack like I can with the guys.

  • Kirsten

    I posted a nice long review, but the blogging software ate my review so you people are spared reading it (or scrolling past it). Probably MJs “Too Verbose and Boring” filter kicking in.

    Suffice to say, I thought Ramiele, Asia’h, Syesha and Amanda were the best. Kady, Kirsty Lee Cook, Amy, Brooke, and Alexandrea were all varying degrees of bad (Kady actually freaked me out with her zombie interview). Only TCOs get to use illness as an excuse.

  • Caffiend

    I don’t understand all the Carly hate either. The girl is pretty far from a prima donna. She can’t help the way the show is pimping her. She isn’t that good-looking, and she’s kind of insecure. She’s pretty vulnerable, if you ask me.

    I found Syesha annoying. She comes across as a camera hog, overconfident and very full of herself. Ditto for AlexanDRAY-UH or whatever her name is.

    The ones who stuck out for me: Carrie-look-alike Alaina; Asia’h, Ramie and Carly.

  • mosheeaka

    VERY GOOD: Ramiele, Asia’h
    I like Asia’h a lot. Ramiele was very good.

    GOOD: Syesha
    Syesha is the diva this year

    OKAY: Amanda, Alexandrea, Alaina, Carly
    These ladies deserve to stay. They were okay, not great.

    BAD: Amy, Kady, Kristy Lee, JoAnne
    One of these should go home.

  • geekygirl

    Ok a little scary but is it just me or is Paula actually lucid and making sense tonight? I think she and Randy switched their drinking glasses. What was he on about?

    Ramiele!! That’s my girl!! I picked her from day one. Great voice and she doesn’t try to overcook it.

    Amanda not crazy about the song but she is a real rocker! Not the “I’m wearing a bandana so I look like one” Robbie. Don’t know how long she’ll last but I like her attitude and sense of humour.

    Asia’h is lovely, I still fill with tears when I hear her audition -please stop playing it!

    The rest, ermmmm, one blend of sameness….

  • St.Lucia

    Well, the girls were entertaining.

    The Blondes. They all run together and all feel a bit too Carrie for me. Of the blondes, if I HAD to pick one I’d pick Brooke White for the singer songerwriter aspect and she has a slight throwback to Carole King…which I respect, but that doesn’t mean she’s really right for Idol either.

    I’m entirely unsure of what all the PRAISE was over Alaina Whitaker. I personally thought she shrieked the whole song.

    I can’t tell you how much I love Amanda. How can you not like her? She’s sassy, she has a great sense of humor and she is the real deal. I wasn’t CRAZY about her song choice, but at least she didn’t sing Joplin again.

    Otherwise my favorites:

    Ramiele. WOW. I just love her. She really is the cute, little pintsized girl who I don’t expect to her sing so amazing. BEST VOCAL OF THE NIGHT. (no matter what those stupid judges say about Carly).

    Asia’h. I JUST LOVE HER. She has such a bubbly, wonderful personality that you can’t help but adore her and she’s just nice, and can sing so well. I hope they stop showing her audition too, I can’t help but tear up when I see it.

    THE BAD:

    Amy Davis….let’s just not even talk about that one, that’s how bad it was. Obvious cannon fodder, unlike look I don’t think her good looks are going to help her much more.

    Joanne Borgella – She just doesn’t stand out amongst the other big voiced contestants.

    Kristy Lee Cook. – I can’t believe she was ever signed in the first place. Awful. Just awful.

    Kady Malloy – I felt for her. I thought the judges came down on her HARD(although it was quite true). I thought she might actually cry she looked so distraught. I think Kady has a beautiful voice she just doesn’t know what to do with that voice, although her Britney Spears impression is SPOT ON. I just love that.

    Carly Smithson – My hatred for Carly is big, but what an UNDESERVING pimp spot! What a BORING song. Totally agreed with Simon and I think she SCREAMS everything! Not only that, I think she scares me when she sings(which is petty, I know) Best vocal of the night, Randy? Did you sleep through Ramiele? God, I hate the pimping of her. I love how Simon took her down a notch, but that’s probably so next week he can slather her with praise.

    The So-So:

    AlexANDREA Lushington – I really liekd what she did with Spinning Wheel. I thought she did a good arrangement and I enjoyed it. Vocals weren’t great, but I’ll give her arrangement props.

    Syesha – I just don’t like her as much as I like Asia’h. I think Syesha doesn’t have the same personality. No doubt she can really sing, but I won’t be surprised if we hear her OVERSING things a lot in the future.

    Brooke White. It was just middle of the road. IT was cute, and I like Brooke, but she’s just another Blonde Carrie right now.

  • Chicago-sally

    How many feel that the 6 boyz 6 girls set up isn’t fair…esp. when you have 9 really good girls and maybe 3 boyz? I think they should scrap it and let the best singers go forward.

  • Former_AI_Junkie

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so glad they let Carly bring up her label. I mean we all obviously know about it,but at least now it doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seem like TPTB are trying to blatantly hide that fact, which is what was annoying me the most about the situation.

    What they ‘neglected’ to mention was that Randy was her manager.

    He wants some return on that $2.5mil investment …

  • MrsTrep

    I am sitting here thinking Carly didn’t make herself any friends with her “Being sick isn’t an excuse”. I didn’t think she deserved to go last, would have been a perfect place for Asia’h. I loved her performance last night.

    What was up with Paula’s hair?

  • http://stores.ebay.com/BookWomanBlues-Book-Nook Bobbi

    I enjoyed last night much more than the guys. Ramiele and Asia’h were absolutely my favorites. I am looking forward to hearing a lot more from both of them.

    Amanda, Syesha and Brooke were all enjoyable. Amanda’s song choice wasn’t my favorite but I love her voice and her attitude. Syesha’s attitude grates on me, but I can’t deny her voice. Brooke just makes me happy. I know that annoys the hell out of Simon but I think she’s a great addition to the show.

    Although the story that was told last night wasn’t the whole story by any stretch, I am glad they had Carly mention her history. However, “The Shadow Of Your Smile” has always been one of my least favorite songs. But much more than that, Carly STUNK singing it! Her facial contortions turned me off and she was off key throughout. Randy’s pimping was so over the top….I was really disappointed in him. I kept thinking that he was throwing away the last shreds of integrity he had. Really sad.

  • thedingoateyobaby

    The girls were boring and Im not sure if it was the expectation or what but they put me to sleep except for Ramiele. I liked her best of all. I thought Simon was on the mark all night long. No one blew me out of the water. Im always disappointed when that happens.

    Carly? Pfffftttttt. Nothing to write home about thats for sure. For me, the three boys who were very good were far better than the 3 girls were. They were more interesting.

    Stay tuned.

  • jadore

    “I posted a nice long review, but the blogging software ate my review”

    That’s too bad, Kirsten. I like reading your reviews, you are very insightful and funny.

  • Karen

    Here’s what I think … why was Kady instructed to be happy and move around and not sing a ballad and show her personality, but Carly is allowed to sing shadow of your smile? I can’t stand the way she squints her eyes, her flat growing-out hairdo, the microphone tactics. Kady’s only mistake was that weird too-big dress and the too-dark makeup. She sang fine. I was also very impressed with Alaina, although the space between her teeth bothered me. Maybe she’ll get that fixed during the season.

  • KrazeeK120

    I do feel kind of bad for Carly. It’s not her fault that TPTB have chosen her. She really doesn’t seem like the “look at me” type. In fact, she seems like a really sweet girl. That said, I don’t think she was the best last night. Maybe 3rd or 4th. But then again, she was sick. Not that she brought that up…Randy did. I hope that there isn’t too big of a backlash against her…she at least deserves to be in the top 12.

  • Kirsten

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand all the Carly hate either. The girl is pretty far from a prima donna. She canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t help the way the show is pimping her.

    Pimping is a producer technique that has its pros and cons.

    The pros for the contestants is that your chances of surviving until the later rounds go up if you are a pimpee. People will know your name and you have an earlier chance to gain a fan base. If you stumble out of the blocks, people will vote for you anyway.

    Last year, Sundance and Sanjaya were arguably the worst contestants on Top 12 Men’s night, but they didn’t go home. Instead, Rudy and Paul went home. Now, Paul’s performance was a little odd, but there was nothing horribly wrong with Rudy’s. We had only seen a bit of him prior to the show, he sang early and was forgetable, so he went home after one chance. People gave Sundance and Sanjaya another chance because they liked what they had seen in earlier rounds and were invested in them.

    Being the pimpee means that you get better singing slots (like the last one), more producer focus and more forgiving judges. They judges seem far less likely to mention missed lyrics and blown notes of the pimpees, maybe just because they have favourites too. Many people are influenced by what the judges say. If Simon says you were off key, then some people will believe him.

    The cons of being the pimpee is that some people will hate you just for that reason. People resent having contestants “shoved down their throats”, especially contestants they do not like. Plus, it raises the bar. If somebody is praised as the second coming of Kelly Clarkson and then subsequently underperforms, people will feel let down. Finally, some people just like to cheer for the underdogs.

    Besides, if you stay on this show long enough, you will end up with a group of people that hate you even if you are not the pimpee. If pimpees have a head start at gaining a fan base, the also have a head start at gaining a hate base.

    So, people hating the pimpee is normal and expected, but IMO, at this stage in the game, the pros of being the pimpee far out way the cons so I shed no tears for the pimpee.

  • bruno

    i miss melinda!!!!!!!! i re-watched some of her videos last night after seeing the girls, and there is no one this year that has the quality of her voice.

  • Ladybug

    Section 1; Round 2 – The Ladies

    First overall impression was I was expecting less and got more. I think the girls had an overall better night in both song quality and delivery.

    By the time I get the blondes sorted out, some will be gone and I will have to start all over again.

    I thought the Britney imitator (Kady?) was actually pretty good last night. She was a bit of a downer visually but her vocals were good and I liked that song. The judges seemed to want her to simply imitate Britney for her performance I guess.

    Another blonde, Alaina?, was very good as well.

    Curly blonde was only ok last night. It was interesting hearing her sing the same song that David Cook sang the night before.

    Asia’H (gawd, I hate typing that!), Syesha, Alexandra — all good. All interchangeable voices. Similar in style, to me. Syesha is annoying in her cloying insincere sincerity. At least that is how it came off to me, but I am sure she was ACTING! Asia’H is the most likable of that group.

    Sadly Joanne did not measure up. I like her though. Think she is quite beautiful. Just a weak voice. (Hello Luke!)

    The others were forgettable, including the RandyPimp Carly. (I guess he felt he needed to rectify her earlier failure on his label and, by gawd, he is going to do it all by himself if he has to!) Carly is, in every way that can be stated, average.

    Best of the night to me were Ramiele. First time a female singer has given me chills in a long time. She was spectacular.

    and

    Amanda. Now, listen and learn, Robbie, THAT is genuine. I love that song and she totally rocked it and made it her own…..dawg. I like her sort of understated attitude too.

    I think better than last year simply by the variety of female talent, in my view. Certainly more entertaining.

  • Little Boy Blue

    Amy Davis’ version of WHERE THE BOYS ARE left much to be desired and only highlighted her weak vocals.

    Compare her rendition with that of Kimberley Locke’s here :

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=PlYLmANHPHg&feature=related

    Kim Locke sang the song in front of its composer – Neil Sedaka and he smiled and said she was “ear delicious”. Kim Locke’s rendition is going to be the standard by which future versions are going to be compared.

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: Ramielle Malubay

    The girl isn’t channeling Jasmine Trias, she’s really channeling her real idol — Regine Velasquez ( AKA Asia’s Songbird ). Just type in “Regine Velasquez” on YOUTUBE and you’ll see heaps of videos of her performing. That’s who Ramielle is modelling herself with.

  • LoveU

    I’m thinking AI has jumped the shark.

    Having said that, I was very impressed with Ramielle; thought her voice was beautiful.

    Why is Syesha always wearing a scarf or a turtleneck? Does she have a scar?

    Agree with the scary Carly comment above–I thought her expressions were really weird, especially the way she pulled her lips back. Ick.

  • rher

    Was anyone bothered by Syesha’s chat with Ryan before her song? When she said “they keep us separated” when asked about her worrying about getting the flu, I got this picture of the idols being shuffled through back corridors. And when she said something about getting to bed early, it was like she was directing it at someone.

    And how about those boys and the stand, sit, or clap moments of confusion?! They looked miserable.

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: Brooke White

    Oh Brooke, I should’ve been in your corner to advise you on the right song.

    You have that Carole King/Carly Simon vibe about you. Why didn’t you sing this song :

    Will You Love Me Tomorrow, by the Shirelles

    Carole King did a fantastic version of that song and you could have too instead of this middling performance.

  • tinawina

    I finally watched the whole episode on TiVo.

    Purchased their ticket to the top 12: Asai’h, Ramille, Amanda

    Will probably make it: Syesha, Carly, Brooke

    I hope they make it: Alexandra, Alaina, Kady

    Blew it bug time: Kady, Joanne, Amy

    I think Carly sounded good but not great. She’s definitely catching the anti-pimping backlash to me. So I kinda feel bad for her. But in the end, I just don’t see her having the charisma to win it all.

    The intriguinhg part is there are about 8 girls that would be interesting in the top 12 to me, but only 6 can make it. I wonder who will get the boot.

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: Alaina Whitaker

    Is it just me or did I see Carrie Underwood’s sister performing last night ?

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: Simon’s critique of Carly

    This is what I call “reverse psychology”. The man doesn’t want to give off the impression that he’s trying to promote her. That’s why he had to say something negative.

    BTW, is Ryan Seacrest going to ignore Simon during his final credits for the rest of the season ?

  • Little Boy Blue

    RE: Sadly Joanne did not measure up. I like her though. Think she is quite beautiful. Just a weak voice

    .

    She will be compared against the other singer with (how to put it ) some girth who is now making her career in the Christian Contemporary Music scene — Mandisa ( who sang I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER in the Season 5 Idol finale and knocked it out of the ball park ).

    Unfortunately, Joanne doesn’t measure up.

  • moody

    Is it me or does the band suck? Tonight and once last night they were so loud they drowned out the singer plus something sounded tinny or out of tune to me.

    I thought the sound quality and/or volume was off for several of the girls. There were at least a couple, including Amanda, that I could hardly hear the vocals because the music was so loud. Amy seemed to get swallowed up by the band too but that turned out to be a good thing.

    And how about those boys and the stand, sit, or clap moments of confusion?! They looked miserable.

    LOL I noticed that too. They really weren’t into it at all. Bad form!

  • LoveU

    I really LOVE Brooke just for her personality but agree it was not a great song choice.

    And, um, yeah, why was Syesha on her knees during her chat with Ryan?

  • candycane

    Wonder when MJ is going to post her review?

  • Karen

    I am not loving Syesha. Her attitude bugs me.

    Here’s my take on the top 6 girls. I think the 4 blondes are a group and the 4 darker girls are a group. I think Kristy Lee is going to be the surprise first elimination of the blondes. Alaina is spunkier, Kady is bubblier, and Brooke is more indy and disheveled. Kristy Lee is too “perfect”. Then of the 4 darker girls, Alex will be the first to go, leaving Syesha/Asia’H/Ramiele to duke it out. With 2 groups of 3, each splitting votes, Carly and Amanda will sail through to the top 6 with their followings. I think it will be Carly, Amanda, Alaina, Brooke, Ramiele, and Asia’H. The boys are much easier to narrow down to 6.

  • tinawina

    Interesting take on it, Karen. I hadn’t looked at it that way.

    To me though, it’s very hard not to make it into the top 12 if you’ve been pimped. You have to blow it big time 2-3 weeks in a row to lose it (see Sundance Head, lol). The problem here is fully 7 girls (Carly, Syesha, Brooke, Kristy Lee, Amanda, Asia’h and Ramille) got enough of the kind of exposure that would get them through the semis. The only one who blew it enough last night to threaten her place was Kristy to me. And I don’t know if any of the un-pimped performed well enough to cancel out anyone’s fanbase. Alaina was the probably the best of the rest, and maybe Alex. But can any of them really knock out a Brooke White, owner of the wholesome vote? Or Carly, she of the massive pimping? I dunno. Unless Carly underwhelms again, I don’t see it. I really think all of the pimped minus Kristy are going to be the top 6.

    But I do hope I’m wrong, because I wouldn’t mind seeing Carly or Syesha go. Nothing against them, but they are not that interesting to me.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Overall, I liked the girls’ performances better than the boys’. I’m so glad my favorite Asia’H did not disappoint. I am, of course, delighted – and proud (again, gotta love your own! ;D) – that Ramiele did well and seems to be well-liked here (and elsewhere). I’m also liking Brooke more and more. :)

    RE: Ramielle Malubay

    The girl isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t channeling Jasmine Trias, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s really channeling her real idol à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Regine Velasquez

    I think this time Ramiele was inspired more by her other favorite Filipino singer, Lani Misalucha, than Regine Velasquez (who I don’t happen to be a big fan of :s). That song Ramiele did is one of the most popular Lani Misalucha covers back here.

  • Kirsten

    Top 12 Girls – Songs of the Sixties
    ————————————

    General Thoughts
    —————-

    1. A few repeat songs tonight. I wonder how bad the other 28 songs were.

    2. Did Ricky Minor watch a 007 marathon last week? Half these songs started out sounding like James Bond theme songs.

    3. On the whole, I think the girls were having more fun performing tonight than the boys did last night.

    4. If lots of the girls were sick this week, why were the two TCOs the only ones to get given the excuse of being sick?

    5. The thought of “Moment of Truth” repulses me. I feel like I need a shower after Ryan mentions it.

    Performance Notes
    —————–

    1. Kirsty Lee Cook – “Rescue Me” (1965 – Fontella Bass) – What’s with the weird eye popping? Very lifeless version of this song. Even she seemed bored halfway through. I gather she was sick…Hey, David Cook, in the background, what’s with the grim look? Paula gifts her the illness excuse. Ryan wants it factored into people’s calculations of rankings. Will everybody else get this consideration?

    2. Joanne – “Say A Little Prayer” (1967 – Dionne Warwick) – Decent job. It was a bit of a safe choice for a song. The early singing slot could hurt her. Mandisa sang it better, but I don’t think Joanna was as bad as Simon said.

    3. Alaina – “More Today than Yesterday” (1969 – Spiral Starecase) – I didn’t know that they let Carrie Underwood compete again. This song has a lot more pep than yesterday. A little pitchy in spots, but lots of fun.

    4. Amanda – “Baby, Please Don’t Go” (1935 – Big Joe Williams, covered by Van Morrison in 1964, but this version seems inspired by The Doors version) – The band is totally overpowering her mumbling. “Baby, Please Don’t Go” are the only words I and the close captioner understood. Obviously, the lack of articulation is distracting me from paying attention to the actual singing. She’s got a great stage presence. Seemed a bit rushed.

    5. Amy – “Where the Boys Are” (1961 – Connie Francis) – She’s not digging into this song enough and there are some pitch issues. A tad boring. I didn’t care for it. Randy’s right, she was scooping. That’s often a cheat used to get to a note.

    6. Brooke – “Happy Together” (1967 – The Turtles) – This pales in comparison to the original. It’s a bit of a mess vocally. She’s having control problems. I thought it was a bad song choice for her. Simon is right, it’s a bit jingly.

    7. Alexandrea – “Spinning Wheel” (1969 – Blood, Sweat and Tears) – Started strong, but the middle kind of lost the connection. Nows how to work the stage. Some of the notes gave her trouble. I’m with Simon on this one. It just didn’t quite work.

    8. Kady – “Groovy Kind of Love” (1965 – The Mindbenders) – She’s freaking me out with her pre-singing interview. She’s being a bit overdramatic. This song is taking on a serial stalker vibe. Thank heavens the pitchiness ruins the moment. Calling her a pencil will get her some sympathy votes. Randy? 360? Dude, shutup before you hurt yourself. Ryan was right. It’s a 180.

    9. Asia’h – “Piece of My Heart” (1968 – Janis Joplin) – Was it newbie day at the Sound Mixing board? You can tell that’s she’s just rippin’ this, but the vocal sounds drowned. Is she using Luke’s trick mic from yesterday? I couldn’t hear it all that well, but I somehow enjoyed the performance.

    10. Ramiele – “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” (1966 – Dusty Springfield) – Wow! Sing it girl. That was amazing. Nice connection with that song. Wonderful arrangement. Lots of vocal variety.

    11. Syesha – “Tobacco Road” (1962 – The Nashville Teens) – Somebody muzzle the band. They drowned her out too. She sounded pretty good, though. A little shouty.

    12. Carly – “Shadow of Your Smile” (1965 – Tonny Bennett) – Not surprised she has the pimp spot. They finally reveals the truth. There is just something about her voice I don’t like. It was just a’right for me. Nice of Randy to give her an excuse. If you aren’t TCO, they don’t mention illness. Me and Simon are on the same page tonight (I still hate his hair, though).

    Best of the Night: Ramiele, Asia’h, Syesha, Amanda
    Worst of the night: Kady, Kirsty Lee Cook, Amy, Brooke, Alexandrea

    Who Should Go Home: Kady and Kristy Lee Cook
    Who Will Go Home: Kady and Joanne

  • Karen

    Kirsten, you don’t think Amy will go home? I thought hers was the single worst performance in the history of the top 24. I was just embarrassed for her. And she didn’t even look pretty on top of that. I think she was so obviously bad that she’ll go home for sure.

    I actually thought Kady was pretty good, better than the judges did. But that dress, what, was that leftover from junior prom? It was like 2 sizes too big, and so were her pumps. I’d like to see her stay around a week or two. I think Joanne and Amy are goners, along with Jason Yeager and Colton.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s with the weird eye popping?

    That distracted me, too. (Elliott, was that you? LOL)

    Hey, David Cook, in the background, whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s with the grim look?

    I thought he was just mesmerized by Kristy’s sexiness… ;)

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Baby, Please Donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Goà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  are the only words I and the close captioner understood.

    Were there other words in there? And we thought Robbie’s song had so few words already…heh. I still like Amanda, though. I also hope/wish she would consider doing a Beth Hart number (perhaps Bottle of Jesus).

  • Kirsten

    Yay! MJ recovered my post from last night. Thanks MJ.

    Kirsten, you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Amy will go home?

    No. Normally, I would. She sang terribly. She wasn’t memorable. I don’t remember any pre-Idol buzz about her at all. A trifecta of doom. I even had her and Kady as my initial picks for being booted.

    But I cheated. Before I posted, I snuck a peak at VFTW and saw that they had selected Amy as their pick. Now, I don’t think that VFTW can get you the win (not enough worsters, yet), but I think that a small number of power dialers on Top 12 night can save you. Last year there were 32 million votes for 24 contestants. That’s an average of 1.33 million per contestant, but I’m betting that the vast majority of those votes go to the top 6 each night. The remaining 6 probably get only about 100-200K votes with only small differences (in the 10s of Ks) between them. 100 people voting 200 times can easily make the difference at this stage in the game.

    I think VFTW can save her for one week. I don’t think she will survive much longer unless she pulls a rabbit out of her hat. Although, sometimes you get some sympathy points for being really bad. Being “meh” is about the worst you can be. Often the people who go home the first night are just those that were forgetable.

  • idolbeat

    I am wondering why AI has chosen to hide Alex. At least last night, she was shown during Hollywood week, playing the piano and singing Amy Winehouse. She is a very talented songwriter (at 17), singer, pianist and performer. She brought electricity to the crowd, with little previous camera time and had Randy and Paula saying she could be on the radio right now. Out of all the performances last night, she was the only one you would hear at a club – in the pop and r&b genre and the only one last night you would have danced to.

    mj: hehe to Alex Andrea, *itch! I think she just wanted people to remember her name, since she is not being pimped!

  • idolbeat

    duplicate?

  • jersey

    Kirsten, normally I would agree with you and not choose the VFTW choice as the first one voted off because I do think they can save people, especially in the early rounds. However, Amy was SO bad last night, I think they may have been the only ones voting for her so I still pick her to leave, lol.

  • Margaux

    Carly’s “Shadow of your Smile” was played this morning on the local AC station.. they do a “call in and play American Idol Judge” the morning after every show.

    To my ears, it sounded no better on the radio than it did on TV last night — pinched and screechy in the high registers. But the DJ and the call-in contestants all loved it and thought she was the best by far.

    If that’s an indication, America is falling for the pimp.

    Do stations get to pick which songs they play the morning after, or is that a canned deal they get directly from AI? The DJ got to spend the weekend with Tony Cowell and his girlfriend, so I could well believe there’s pay-for-pimpage at America’s radio stations.

  • Little Boy Blue

    I wonder why nobody is mentioning DIALIDOL nowadays. Have they lost their credibility ?

    If not, it looks like they’re predicting the following to go home : Amy, Joanne, Chikezie and Garrett.

    And BTW haven’t we seen the likes of Chikezie in the past ? Anybody remember Ricky “Hercules” Smith of Season 2 ?

  • St.Lucia

    Do stations get to pick which songs they play the morning after, or is that a canned deal they get directly from AI? The DJ got to spend the weekend with Tony Cowell and his girlfriend, so I could well believe thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s pay-for-pimpage at Americaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s radio stations.

    What an interesting thought Margaux….I don’t know. It wouldn’t surprise me, really, if it was a “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” kind of deal with AI and the radio stations…but I also distinctly remember a local station of mine playing Sanjaya last year for laughs…as if there would be any other reason. So I would like to think they pick their own songs…

    But who knows.

  • abbysee

    Randy was Carly’s manager, now that is news to me. I thought he was one of the VP’s there. I never heard of RAndy managing anyone……oh well.

  • jersey

    LBB – Dialidol doesn’t really predict those four to go home. They just happen to be listed last. Statistically, according to Dialidol, ANY of the girls could go home, and eight of the boys are in danger of going home.

  • Karen

    Hey folks, a request … one of my non-MJ friends wondered what the Carole King song was that Brooke sang with her piano in Hollywood. I’m too lazy to revisit past digests. Anyone know off the top of their head?

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    The song is called “Beautiful”.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Randy was Carly’s manager

    Randy was NOT Carly’s manager. He worked in the A&R department at MCA when she was signed there.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    True, but the A&R department is the arm that finds and works closely with the artists’ development. Kinda shady connection there, IMO.

    I also don’t think she came clean last night by admitting she was signed. She made it sound like the label folded. She neglected to mention they put $2 million into her project and she sold less than 400 copies.

    That said, I don’t see her in the finale. We’ll see.

    ETA: Great recap, MJ. Oh, and you’re not alone. I like AlexANdrea quite a bit. She’s my fave girl so far. Loved what she did with the song and her stage presence. Thought her outfit was cute and age appropriate as well.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    That said, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see her in the finale. Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll see.

    I don’t either, pj, because it’s glaringly obvious they want a teenager – and probably one of the young guys. I hate that on so many levels. Why not have a spin-off competition called “Teen Idol” and make the minimum age of “American Idol” be at least that of a legal adult? JMO.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Carie, I don’t mind the younger performers, but I HATE the only 17!!!11!! comments.