Tonight, we see the Top 12 girls take the stage for the very first time in “live” competition. I’m going to say it right here and now…I think it’s about time a girl wins this competition again. I’m going to find a favorite and champion her!
See what I think of the girls at this stage of the game, after the jump. Leave YOUR thoughts in comments.
Ashthon Jones – Ashthon was able to manage “And I’m Telling You” pretty well when she sang it in Hollywood. Not sure she’s a compelling enough presence though. It’s hard to tell, she hasn’t had much screen time. She’ll have to nail it tonight to make an impact.
Haley Reinhart – Haley has a mature style for a teen. She’s got some major pipes, and when she reigns in that big voice of hers, I like it. Keep it simple Haley, and you’ll go far. It helps that the judges love her.
Julie Zorrilla – I wasn’t impressed with Julie’s audition. She’s got some weird affectations when she performs. Maybe she’s used to performing with an instrument, because once she was behind her piano in Hollywood, I got why the judges loved her so much. The spoilers say she biffed her performance Monday night, but I think the judges love her so much, they’ll put her in as a wild card if American doesn’t like her.
Karen Rodriquez – Karen’s got a big voice with a Latin flava. She’s a welcome addition to this group of girls. I’ve liked her performances so far. If she can bring it to the stage tonight, she’s definitely got a shot.
Kendra Chantelle – Kendra benefited from being paired up with a popular boy, Paul McDonald, in Las Vegas. She’ got a sweet singer-songwritery type of vocal, but I’m not sure she has enough charisma to make it on her own on the Idol stage.
Lauren Alaina – Lauren is like a cross between Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler. She’s got pipes and personality. She’s only 16, but seems a lot older. She’s definitely one to watch. She’s a lock for the Top 12/13.
Lauren Turner – It’s a little early for me to declare a favorite, but I have a feeling Lauren Turner is going to be it. Love love love her big bluesy voice. Spoiler reports say she did very well on the big stage Monday night–with the judges comparing her to Amy Winehouse. If she’s that good tonight, she’s got a shot to advance.
Naima Adedapo – Naima’s quirky look has proven to be more interesting than her singing so far. The spoilers reveal that she’ll sing “Summertime”, a song many consider to belong to Season 3 winner Fantasia. I don’t think she’ll do herself any favors with that one.
Pia Toscano – Pia has been little seen so far, but the few glimpses we’ve gotten of her reveal a polished and talented singer. She’s got the pimp spot tonight, so expect her to make the Top 12. I’m smelling dark horse.
Rachel Zevita – Rachel is adorable, quirky and all over the place. If she doesn’t hit it out of the ball park tonight, she’s going to have trouble advancing. Yet, I find her intriguing and find myself rooting for her–she’s shown some real flashes of talent in the moments we’ve seen her in this competition.
Tatynisa Wilson – Tatynisa has barely had any screen time, and what little we saw, she was forgetting her words. She’s fodder, I’m afraid. She’s going to have to make an impression tonight to stay in the game.
Thia Megia – She’s barely 16, but she’s been singing for years. She’s known to many, having competed on America’s Got Talent a few years ago. She’s already got a fan base, so I’ll be really surprised if she doesn’t advance. I find her singing polished, but affected and robotic.
