BEST

Katharine McPhee
Season 5, Love Songs Week

Jordin Sparks
Season 6, Country Night

Tamyra Gray
Season 1, Big Band Night

Syesha Mercado
Season 7, Beatles week

Carrie Underwood
Season 4, Billboard No. 1s Week

David Cook
Season 7, Dolly Parton week

Fantasia Barrino
Season 3, Performance-Night Finale

Anthony Fedorov
Season 4, 21st Century Week

Stephanie Edwards
Season 6, Semifinals

Michael Johns
Season 7, Dolly Parton week

Vonzell Solomon
Season 4, Season Finale

Kady Malloy
Season 7, Semifinals

WORST

Jennifer Hudson
Season 3, Wild Card Round

Ryan Starr
Season 1, pick a week…any week!

Ramiele Malubay
Season 7, Dolly Parton results night

Blake Lewis
Season 6, Bee Gees Week results show

Amanda Overmyer
Season 7, Semifinals

Rickey Smith
Season 2, Disco Night

Haley Scarnato
Season 6, British Invasion Night

Sanjaya Malakar
Season 6, various nights

Nadia Turner
Season 4, Billboard No. 1s Week

Clay Aiken
Season 2, Bee Gees Night

Vonzell Solomon
Season 4, Semifinals

Katharine McPhee
Season 5, Songs From the 21st Century Night

Source

David Cook.

Look, I’m not a huge American Idol enthusiast or am I an avid watcher of the show. If my top profession wasn’t to be a sportswriter/sports journalist, then it’d be a music journalist (I know I’m sounding pompous, but I happen to know talent when I see it). In 2006, during American Idol’s 5th season, I stated, during the top 11, that Taylor Hicks was my pick to win it all. He did.

I gave the 2007 A.I. a pass, failing to watch a single episode during season 6 (and from the sounds of things, I’m glad I did).

In comes 2008, season 7, and I’m checking out the auditions that were showing in February and catching a good gist of who the 100 or so people that were admitted to the opening rounds of the nascent season. Upon hearing David Cook’s couple of performances, I said aloud (yes, I say things aloud sometimes because it’s easier to remember things that way), “This guy could be good, maybe great.” And from then on I established him as my pick to win season 7 of American Idol. And I even have several witnesses to have heard me say that.

In comes the top 24, and Cook starts off — during 1960s week — by singing the classic Happy Together and sharpening a spin on the hit that it made me an instantaneous believer that THIS was the guy who would catch America by storm this year. One of the cool things about D-Cook is that he’s an intelligent dude — a self admitted word nerd and voracious writer (anybody who can write — and write well — gets a thumbs up from me).

The next week — 1970s week — he had another excellent performance, whereas he chose to sing Free’s All Right Now. And while the song was already considered rock, Cook turned it up a notch and into another gear by adding a quick and concise guitar solo in the middle of the ‘cover’. He made a few lyrical mistakes, but he quickly compensated — not overcompensate, like many do — making up for the error(s).

If I’ve learned a lesson from this year’s A.I., it’s that the top 24 weeds out the best from the rest. No-talents like Danny Noriega (reminded me of one the punks that would rather bode well on an inane MTV show), Jason Yeager (his high pitch was the most annoying thing I’ve heard in years) and Kady Malloy (albeit hot, was boring and sang boring songs. Not to mention she had the “dumb ass look” on her face every week, which usually meant ‘You’re sent to hell’ in A.I. But since it worked with Kellie Pickler in season 5, I’ll give Kady a pass on the dumb look, but still a blast at her poor song selection) were ousted by votes casted.

However, every year there’s always a loop hole that allows one or two near-no-talents into the top 12. This year that was Kristy Lee Cook (no relation to the best finalist on season 7 of A.I.). I understand that country music is more popular than what most people seem to believe, but jeez, she was in the bottom 3 how many times this past year? Five or six? I can’t believe Michael Johns, a much more talented singer, was jettisoned from the show a week before her. This is the vibe that exudes the glimpse that American Idol can be a popularity contest and that the voting is rogue. But I digress. Though, that leads to me to this:

I haven’t watched American Idol for almost two months now. Not even the elimination shows (it’s obvious that D-Cook was going to get this far, anyhow). Albeit I’m going to watch it not next week (going to be on the road next Wednesday), but the week after for the finals show. I have a feeling it’s going to be David Archuleta and David Cook, with A.I. Finals commercials going nuts with “David vs. David” premises, drawing in silly casual watchers due to their weirdo ads. Yet, I have a bad feeling that D-Cook, a performer that — in my opinion — is five times better than what Chris Daughtry was during his season 5 year, could lose out to Archuleta for the single fact that Archie is more popular to the crowd, and people love heartwarming stories of seeing a young kid win over somebody that’s more talented in every facet possible. Archuleta doesn’t have a variety of voice change-ups when he’s singing, and that should hurt him, but because this show is based more on popularity than singing (even though Cook’s singing has gotten himself this far alone), it’s Archuleta’s to win, and it’s a shame.

So Top 24 Idol castoffs, Kady Malloy and Colton Berry join forces to cover a Cyndi Lauper classic (and the most, over-covered song ever) Time After Time. I think it sounds awesome. Kady shines the most in the vocals. They don’t harmonize that well, but Colton holds his own at the end.

I hope they aren’t trying to portray, in the video, that they are lovers. Colton is a little too prissy and bouncy to play Kady’s manly love. Maybe they are best friends. Either way, I kinda liked the whole thing. Wonder what it was for.

On the note of Colton, doesn’t he have friends that could let him know that that hair cut is just plain lame? Poor kid.

So the real competition begins and really, with one of my least favorite themes. Oh well… 

My favorite of the night was Brooke White. For sure. My reviews of each…below.

Syesha Mercado – “Got to Get You Into My Life” – Nothing special for me. I still think she has a good voice and a cute personality; I hope she connects with America. I think she will stay around.

Chikezie Eze - “She’s a Woman” – For the first time, I think I enjoyed Cheez-its. WOW. The beginning kind of reminded me of the opening scene of the movie The Jerk with Steve Martin. Ha. Although this was good, he could be a shock elimination. Not sure how much of America likes him.

Ramiele Malubay-”In My Life” – This girl has a good voice. Where has it been for the last few weeks? Like I said, I don’t think she is marketable. If she goes, its neither here nor there. She won’t win.

Jason Castro -”If I Fell” – Coffee Shop – esque (weird fact: As I was writing this portion, Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg came on my player). Agreed with Simon. This kid is good and he should (and deserves to) to far in the competition. Like I said before, Brushfire Records will sign him as soon as the season is done. Maybe a few duets with Jack Johnson and Matt Costa.

Carly Smithson -”Come Together” – She rocked it out. I still don’t think she is amazing. Let’s hope she doesn’t flop twice if she gets signed again.

David Cook -”Eleanor Rigby” – Dark horse, indeed. Get rid of the stupid hair David Cook. He’s good. Won’t win, but he is good. He can hope to endure the same fate as Chris Daughtry. Start collecting your bandmates David for your group Cook.

Brooke White -”Let it Be” – This was my favorite performance of the night. I love the piano. She didn’t try to ruin the song by changing the genre or speeding it up. She “let it be” raw and emotional. Kudos.

David Hernandez - “I Saw Her Standing There” – The scandal and this performance may give David Hernandez the boot tonight. What is this, a high school talent show? Let’s not oversing every word, k? Oh well, David you have a good voice and a good outlook. If you are back next week, keep to your promises.

Amanda Overmyer -”You Can’t Do That” – I am still not sure why she is here, but this was alright. She probably wont go home yet. Its amazing how her face does not match her body. Not sure if anyone else notices that.

Michael Johns -”Across the Universe” – Australian. They have Australian Idol, just so you know Michael. He’s alright. He won’t be going home yet. I kinda like the song though, especially from I am Sam.

Kristy Lee Cook -”Eight Days a Week” – Vomit. Bad notes. Good try though. I wonder if Carrie Underwood could pull this off. At least she didn’t have a mustache this week. She should go home.

David Archuleta -”We Can Work it Out” – I will allow him to have his off weeks. He didn’t seem to have any confidence this week in the song and that was to his detriment. It’s okay though; he can shake it off and come back next week with a dreary, slow song and make America love him again. I don’t think he is in danger of leaving, yet.

Real life can be a b*tch sometimes and right now in my line of work, it’s absolutely abysmal.  I’ll spare you the boring details and just tell you that between now and Easter Sunday (3/23) I might not be able to be as timely in my posting as I have been (translation – my posts will be even later than usual…sometimes) so please be patient with me.  I’ll try to make it worthwhile.

Here are my comments on the Top 8 Gals’ performances of last Wednesday night.  I would have picked Kady and Syesha for “das boot” so having picked Danny and David Hernandez to go, I’m 2 for 4 and 7 for 12 on the Top 24 – after seven seasons I’m finally getting better at this!  Huzzah!

Aisa’h Epperson - I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Nice to hear her back in good form this week.  Strong vocal, lively performance, spunky personality – this gal is smokin’ and she did a great job especially with a Whitney song.  Good rapport with the prickly Brit – just keep smilin’, girlfriend!

Kady Malloy – Who Wants to Live Forever

BIG risk taking on a Queen song, particularly not one of their more well known but a very powerful anthem that needs the power vocals.  Controlled vocals, sincere performance and a must-win attitude but I must agree with Simon on her lack of emotion coming through.  Most likely due to inexperience in performing but if she can’t connect with the audience then she is in trouble.

Amanda Overmyer - I Hate Myself for Lovin’ You

Got to admit but that was one kick-a** performance of the Joan Jett classic.  Actually sang in tune and found the melody this week, strong command of the stage and just the right rocker edge to pull it off.  The site-which-shall-not-be-named won’t need to help her tonight because she’ll get plenty of REAL votes.

Carly Smithson – I Drove All Night

Big song for an equally big voice – she really knows how to sell a song and I don’t understand why Simon is going on and on about her abysmal song choices.  I. Just. Don’t. Get. It.  Anyway, this gal is about as safe and safe can get and will go really far in the Top 12.

Kristy Lee Cook -  Faithfully

She really has a big old voice in that little body but could do with a little less screaming on the high notes – just not attractive.  I’m not sure about the song choice, however, but she has great diction and I could understand the words for the first time!   I agree with the country twist but the performance was a tad subdued and that’s where some of the other gals may make a bigger impression than her.  Could be on the bubble.

Ramiele Malubay – Against All Odds

The little gal with the big voice and equally large stage persona – great song choice, controlled performance (maybe a tad too much) and the camera just loves her.  She deserves to stay and get the chance to get better each week. 

Brooke White – Love is a Battlefield

Despite a few dropped pitches here and there that was a strong acoustic version of this Pat Benatar classic.  She is the true dark horse of this competition and I think she’s Top 5 material for sure because she makes intelligent musical decisions and is not afraid to take a risk. 

Syesha Mercado – Savin’ All My Love for You

Not a great song choice and it sounded too much like last week’s pick.  I was not impressed at all but giving her the pimp spot this week was an attempt to keep her in the competition and it just might have worked, given the judges’ positive or neutral comments.

Final thoughts — it’s a shame Aisa’h left before her time because she really was a diamond in the rough and would have grown into a great performer and crowd pleaser.  I wanted Luke to stay but deep down I knew he would go.  Kady just wasn’t consistent and Danny…well…let’s just say his final performance was his best and leave it at that.

Check back in a day or two…I’m working on choosing some Beatles tunes for our Top 12 that I think they should perform this week.  Maybe I’ll even get a couple right.  Who knows?

Getting the boot last night were:

Asia’h Epperson

Kady Malloy

Danny Noriega

Luke Menard

I’m sad to see Kady Malloy go. I really liked her. It’s about time Luke Menard got the boot. He stayed 3 weeks too long. I was glad to see Asia’h leave too. I just never quite got her. She was OK, but frankly she annoyed me. And Danny…what is there to say about Danny. He’s a fireball that’s for sure. I liked the energy he brought to the show, but his best performance was his initial audition. Oh well. I’m pretty happy with the top 12.

The top 12 consists of:

Kristy Lee Cook

David Cook

David Archuleta

David Hernandez

Jason Castro

Chikezie Eze

Syesha Mercado

Ramiele Malubay

Amanda Overmyer

Carly Smithson

Brooke White

Michael Johns

 My top 3 favorites: David Archuleta, David Hernandez, Brooke White.

Just got off the phone with DC Vodkalips. We’ve settled into a good rythm; pounding cocktails left and right. Good grief, how else are we suppose to deal with that atrocity of a hat that Paula’s wearing. At least she’s not giving Simon a hand job…yet.

Anyway, Ryan’s has announced that he and Lionel talked this afternoon and that he loved David Cook’s performance of Hello. We’re shocked? No! David’s into the top 12. Wait…here’s a shocker…David Archuleta is IN. HOT DAMN! My dread boi made it.

In so far…

David Cook
David Archuleta
Jason Castro

Commercials are over; another cocktail in hand. Of course in my house it’s never quite that simple. My 9 year old has decided to practice soccer and is using the staircase to really pound it out which has freaked his dog the hell out and DAMN! I just spilled my cocktail!

Oh sh*t, DC Vodkalips is calling and wants to chat about what a total mess Kady Malloy is. She’s out…thank dogs-n-cats forever! According the Ms. Vodkalips, Kady’s tits look like an Irish scrubwoman’s. And with that pronouncement, she’s off for another cocktail (me too).

Joining the “in” crowd

Brooke White
Sayesha Mercado

We’re back! Cocktail refreshed! Screamed at the dog and the boy…typical…they’ve ignored me. Thank Buddha Idol loves me still. WooHoo…there really is an Allah…stipper boi’s in! So’s Michael Johns. That leaves three…oh wait, there goes Luke…cool, that means it comes down to Danny and Chikezie. Don’t know who to root for there…I mean, they both from SoCal. Thank God the Jitterbug is over…bleck!

And by the way, Ryan needs to stop tellin people to take a stool. As Ms. Vodkalips pointed out, it rather sounds like he’s suggesting they take a sh*t! Anyway…joining the fellows…

David Hernandez
Michael Johns

Doin the chicks now…Ramiele’s in! So’s Carly. Hot Damn! Amanda’s in. Oh Damn! We’re down to Asia’h and Kristy Lee. Oh great…typical Ryan…callin out a commercial. Off to refill the cocktail…

Ramiele Malubay
Carly Smithson
Amanda Overmyer

Paula’s blathering on about some somethin…what? Oh Lord…she believes in both of them…oh wow…Simon says Asia’h’s goin home…but who’s out…Asia’h is OUT…WOAH!!

Rounding out our top 12 girls

Kristy Lee Cook

I know I’m a little bit Drunk Paula right now, but damn, I’m gonna miss me some Asia’h – weird ass spelling and all. I mean hell, she managed to purrrform right after her dad died…shouldn’t that be worth somethin? I demand a recount! Oh wait…we ain’t in Florida and she ain’t Bush! So hmmmm…I’m onna miss ya girl!

Danny and Chikezie up now.  Danny cryin like a little biatch…no shocker there (just to be fair, I am too…least I ain’t on national TV).  OH MY F’ING GOSH…we sent Danny home?  And kept Chikezie…bleck!!!  I know I bagged on Danny but you know, I got kinda fond of that little flamer.  Big kisses!!  Ya did good.

So there ya have it…our top 12 includes a one namer…

Chikezie

TMTH…I’m outta here!

After three decades of theme weeks and millions of votes, America has pared down the Top 24 to just 12 contenders to vie for the title of American Idol.

Without further ado, America, here are your Top 12 contestants (in the order they were announced):

1.  David Cook

2.  David Archuleta

3.  Jason Castro

4.  Brooke White

5.  Syesha Mercado

6.  David Hernandez

7.  Michael Johns

8.  Ramiele Malubay

9.  Carly Smithson

10.  Amanda Overmyer

11.  Kristy Lee Cook

12.  Chikeze

But we also said good-bye to four singers.

First to go was Kady Malloy, who expected to go home last week after a mediocre performance.  Unfortunately, she didn’t improve this week and Kady sang her last song as an American Idol contestant.

Next we said goodbye to Luke Menard.  The Hoosier only had one decent performance during the semifinals and choosing a Wham song this week didn’t win him any points with most of those who survived the ‘80s bubble gum rock the first time. 

Seeing Asia’h Epperson go was a bit of a shock for me.  I think she has a beautiful voice, but she has struggled a little the last two weeks.  Of the four going home tonight, Asia’h is the one I’ll miss most.

Lastly, we finally send Danny Noriega on his way.  For me, this one has been a long time coming.  I actually would have been upset if he made it to the next level.  Unfortunately, his departure means we have to hear “Tainted Love” again.

The hour lead off with an encore performance from last year’s runner up Blake Lewis, who hasn’t given up his beat boxing.

What do you think America, did we get the finalists right?

In the end, I got 10 out of the 12 in my predictions for the Top 12.

—————

Here’s a recap of the semifinals:

Top 8 Women Perform

Top 8 Men Perform

Top 20 Results Show

Top 10 Women Peform

Top 10 Men Perform

Top 24 Results Show

Top 12 Men Perform

Top 12 Women Perform

A Closer Look at Top 12 Men

A Closer Look at Top 12 Women

The drama of the top 12 played as expected on tonight’s “American Idol.” The pleasant surprise was that the horrible Danny Noriega was booted.

Noriega’s personality grated on America like nails on a chalkboard. The rest of the departures –Kady Malloy, Asia’h Epperson and Luke Menard — were the weakest of the bunch.

Now it’s a real crap shoot. Chikezie, Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado and Michael Johns are on the bubble. I’m surprised that David Hernandez and Amanda Overmyer are still in the competition. David Archuleta and Brooke White remain the ones to beat. They have been the most consistent of any of the contestants.

For more details visit my American Idol blog…
So so far after a performance from Blake Lewis a brief glimpse of Chris Sligh in the band, Ryan announced that the following are safe so far…

• David Cook
• David Archuleta
• Jason Castro
• Brooke White
• Syesha Mercado
• David Hernandez
• Michael Johns
• Ramiele Malubay
• Carly Smithson
• Amanda Overmyer
• Kristy Lee Cook
• Chikizie

Going home…

• Kady Malloy
• Luke Menard
• Asia’h Epperson
• Danny Noriega

Eliminated: Kady Malloy, Luke Menard, Asia’h Epperson, Danny Noriega

Well tonight another four get eliminated in order to make up the Top 12. Today’s special guest was Blake Lewis – last year’s runner-up, who sang a song from his new CD. He still does beat boxing… He told the judges that they were being good this year… Ryan pointed out to the judges that Chris Sligh was part of the band ( he was a AI6 contestant) … wonder what he is doing now…

So here it goes…

• David Cook is in the Top 12 and apparently Lionel Ritchie loved his version of “Hello”
• David Archuleta makes it to the Top 12
• Jason Castro makes to the Top 12

So the suspense continues… So back from break and now showing recaps of the girls, so I guess it will be 3 girls sitting down in the Top 12 seats…

• Brooke White makes it into the Top 12
• Syesha Mercado – Ryan asked the judges if she should move on they all said yes and so did America – Top 12
• Kady Malloy doesn’t make it to the Top 12

Back from commercial…

• David Hernandez makes it – so his stripping didn’t affect the votes
• Michael Johns makes it – no surprise there
• Luke Menard gets eliminated

So we know now its between Chikizie and Danny Noriega… who will it be?

Now back to the girls…

• Ramiele Malubay makes the Top 12
• Carly Smithson safe – no surprise there…
• Amanda Overmyer is safe

So its between Kristy and Asia’h and we go to break…WAY TOO MANY OF THESE!

• Kristy Lee Cook
• Asia’h Epperson

Finally… and Simon was right Asia’h Epperson is going home ( he said most probably because of song choice) and Kristy Lee Cook is safe. Danny Noriega is very emotional…and he gets eliminated… when they said Chikizie it was if he was sure he was the one going home… so that is our Top 12

Guys: David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro, David Hernandez, Michael Johns, Chikizie

Girls: Carly Smithson, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado, Amanda Overmyer, Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Malubay

Asia’h Epperson – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” - AH, I am disappointed because as each week goes on, I grow less impressed with Asia’h. I loved her in the audition and Hollywood week. I think the top 24 has showed her weaknesses more than her strengths. Either way, she is still beautiful. I hope she isn’t a surprise elimination tonight.

Kady Malloy – “Who Wants to Live Forever” – Why? Last week Simon told her that she was boring and had no personality, so this week she follows it up with a slow, boring Queen song? Ok, bye Kady.

Amanda Overmyer – “I Hate Myself for Loving You” - I was floored. The whole performance I was finding reasons to like her, cause vocally, she sounds like poo. The Judges loved and praised her. I don’t get it. It is okay, she won’t win.

Carly Smithson – “I Drove All Night” - She’s good. I can’t get over the major flop though. If she has proved to fail miserably in the music industry, why would Idol want to give her that chance again. Have you heard the album? I mean it sold 368 copies, so someone must have. I’m sure its on itunes now. Plus, um…she is Irish. Oh, and how come we have failed to mention the Amy Winehouse tattoo on her arm?

Kristy Lee Cook – “Faithfully”  – Bye Kristy. Mariel Hemmingway. Whatever. I’m not a fan. Doesn’t surprise me that she was dropped from her major label before she could put out a cd.

Ramiele Malubay – “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” – Good voice. Not sure how marketable she would be though. She needed more confidence last night like the judges said, but I think she’ll be safe. Plus, I love that song!

Brooke White – “Love is a Battlefield” - So it was alright to me. I felt that it was played so safely, whereas most people thought it was SO crazy that she stripped down a Pat Benetar song. I think the bigger risk would have been to do a real version of the song, like the original. It would have possibly been the breakout hit like Carrie Underwood doing a cover of Heart’s “Alone”. That was Carrie’s defining moment on the show that lead her to the finals and winning the show. Think Brooke, think.

Syesha Mercado – “Saving All My Love for You” - Well, this was my favorite performance of the night. Her voice is just so good. And she is cute to boot. Shes probably safe.

Going home tonight? Hmm, hopefully Kady and Kristy, maybe Amanda. Hope its not a surprise boot of Asia’h.

You’re as drunk as I am!  You played the game right?  Then you’re as drunk as I am!  Geezus…just how smashed was she?  At one point, she full on had her head over in Simon’s lap.  My good friend DC Vodkalips wrang to say that Paula was plastered.  Geez, if that lush knew something was wrong, then she must have been one hot mess.  Thank dogs-n-cats that she’s got a driver.  Favorite quote of the night came from Drunk Paula -

I don’t understand what’s going on here!

As mentioned in a previous post, our good friends over at Harvey’s place, TMZ, seem to have a damn spy cam over at the studio.  I’m diggin that for real.  Once again though, just like their big reveal that Danny Noriega was the best in rehearsals, we were told that Brooke was the worst.  Granted, I was pretty damn drunk by the time we got to Brooke, but I thought she pretty dang well rang that bell.  Harvey, come on…you guys always have the best info…what gives with the slippage?

It’s my opinion that the boys are just stronger this season.  However, there are a couple of the chicks that I’m diggin on.  Ok, not diggin like David Cook when he said, as reported by TMZ, that he could “do” one of them, but you know, diggin…(geezus I sound like Drunk Paula).

Let’s see if I can “bring it all together” for ya…

Amanda Overmyer – Ummmm…hell yeah!  The rocker chick is back and doin her thang!  Joan Jet eat your heart out.  Seriously though, I’ve decided that’s my theme song right now – “Hate myself for lovin you” except I ain’t talking about Amanda rather about my love life…but that’s a whole ‘nuther Oprah!

Carly Smithson – Love the accent!  Love the tats!  Love, love, love this song!  Sorry, in the midst of all my rap, hip hop, trip hop, electronica, you’ll find Ms. Celine doin’ this song.  Crazy I know!  Carly knocked it out the park!

Brooke White – Another great performance – “Love is a Battlefield” – Damn right!  She’s just a little bit too holy and wholesome for me.  Everytime I see her I think, she needs to be dirtied up…just a little.  Then she sings and, for whatever reason I really like her.  She’s like a straight version of lesbian crooner K.D. Lang.  Ok, maybe not…but sorta ya think?  Whatever?!  Point is…I like her!

So, who don’t I like?  Well, for sure I think it’s time for good ole Katy Malloy to pack her bag of weaves and voices and head back to wherever talking wigs come from.   Love her many and varied voices.  Can’t stand to hear the one that is her.  bleck!   I don’t know who the hell should go home with her though.  I mean, we could send Syesha Mercado.  She’s not bad…but…or…we could send Kristy Lee Cook, but damn, I actually really like her (red tongue and all).

My top 6

Amanda Overmyer
Asia’h Epperson
Brooke White
Carly Smithson
Kristy Lee Cook
Ramiele Malubay

You watched?  What u think?

American Idol is down to the final cut before the Top 12 and the ladies brought their A game to ‘80s night in a battle royale for the elusive six spots.

I thought I knew who the Top 6 women would be when I did my predictions for the Top 12, but the performances tonight have me reevaluating my thoughts.  This evening was the best overall night of performances this season.

Although I’ve been a fan of Amanda Overmyer, I wrote her off as not appealing to the larger audience.  But when Amanda is in her groove, she is dynamite.  And tonight she was definitely in her groove.  Joan Jett was the perfect artist for her to pick for ‘80s week and she nailed “I hate Myself for Loving You” wonderfully and solidified herself a member of the Top 12.

Beautiful.  That’s the only way I can sum up Kristy Lee Cook’s version of the Journey hit.  She personalized “Faithfully” with the little country twang the judges have been asking for and the result took my breath.

Brooke White gets bonus points for customizing “Love is a Battlefield” to fit her personality.  The song felt very intimate.  But, that said, her version lacked the power that Pat Benatar gave the song.  Brooke did an excellent job, but I prefer Benatar.

When Asia’h Epperson sang “I Want to Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” with so much energy, it made me want to get up and dance (although not like Paula).  Simon called her a second rate Whitney Houston, but I think she did Whitney justice and secured her spot for next week.

As expected Syesha Mercado came out with another big song.  She put in a solid performance with Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love for You.”  But these big songs are really a safety net for Syesha.  I’d like to see her try a something a little different.

Carly Smithson is another one with a powerful voice.  And she showcased it tonight with the Cyndi Lauper tune.  “I Drove all Night” started out kind of weak, but she pulled out with a big finish.  But I have to agree with Simon that the song just wasn’t a good fit for her.

Can anyone really top Phil Collins?  Ramiele Malubay gave it a try tonight with her performance of “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now).  I think she might have overshot herself a little.  It was a solid performance, but since the rest of the girls really came to play tonight it might not be enough to cinch a place for Ramiele.

Kady Malloy surprised me twice this evening.  First by picking a Queen song.  I’d never pegged her to sing Queen.  Then by not slaughtering “Who Wants to Live Forever.  While it was one her better performances, I’m not sure it’ll be enough to save her.

Based on the performances tonight, I’d have to send home Ramiele and Kady.  What do you think?

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Here’s a recap of the semifinals:

Top 8 Men Perform

Top 20 Results Show

Top 10 Women Peform

Top 10 Men Perform

Top 24 Results Show

Top 12 Men Perform

Top 12 Women Perform

A Closer Look at Top 12 Men

A Closer Look at Top 12 Women