American Idol- Top 8 Girls Performance Night

1. 

Welcome back to the competition, Lacey and Didi! Prior to tonight, I would not have cared too much if either of them were voted off. Thursday night will be interesting. I feel there are two clear cut choices for who should not make the top 12. But as we’ve seen many times on Idol, who should go home is not always who does go home.


Katie Stevens- Breakaway: Katie has had enough chances to give a wow performance or at least perform a song that gives me some idea that she’s somewhat close to being a star. This was just a safe song choice with a not so great vocal performance. Grade: C-

Siobhan Magnus- House Of The Rising Sun: Singing a song a cappella does not always mean that the singer is giving an honest, beautiful rendition of the song, even if she’s in tune. Would you have guessed that House Of The Rising Sun is about a whorehouse? I felt that Siobhan lacked a connection to the song. Despite this, I think she was unfairly criticized for not having a moment like last week. Part of the rule for having a “moment” like Siobhan had with that note last week is that it can not be easily duplicated. I still think her vocal performances proved she should make it far this year. Grade: B

Lacey Brown- The Story: This was by far the best showcase for her voice so far. Where has she been? I’m just hoping it’s not too late for Lacey. Grade: A-

Katelyn Epperly- I Feel The Earth Move: Carole King is such a natural fit for Katelyn, but that might be the problem. She did nothing at all with the tune and just produced a carbon copy of the original. Her singing wasn’t bad, but as Stringer Bell says it was just a 40 degree day. Do you ever see anyone get excited about a 40 degree day? Grade: C

Didi Bermani- Rhiannon: Might as well copy and paste from my Lacy Brown comment. This was by far the best showcase for her voice so far. Where has she been? I’m just hoping it’s not too late for Didi. Actually, I’m fairly confident it’s not too late for her. She’s very bubbly and likable. I’m sure a lot of people are thrilled she finally gave a performance that matches her radiance. I absolutely love her phrasing.Grade: A

Paige Miles- Smile: Ughhhh. I never was a fan even when Simon kept insisting she has one of the best voices of the season. This was as big of a disaster as any this year, and the feedback portion was unquestionably the most awkward of Season 9. Hopefully she is a lock to go home this week. Grade: F

Crystal Bowersox- Give Me One Reason: When Ryan announced the song choice, I just nodded and said “yep, of course.” It’s such a Bowersox song selection, yet she still surprised me by how great she was. I was never a fan of “Give Me One Reason” but I like Crystal’s version more than the original. She’s so good. Grade: A

Lilly Scott- I Fall To Pieces: Thank you, Simon. Until he uttered the word “quirky” I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I’ve felt Lilly’s been overrated. Like Lacey and Didi, Lilly’s voice has a quality that sets her apart from the traditional singer. Unlike the other two girls though, I get the impression that Lilly’s performances never move beyong that quirky quality. She just doesn’t move me the same way Didi can when she’s picking the right songs. Grade: B-

Who Should Go Home: I will be stunned if Paige is on the show next week. The second choice could be a little trickier. I think it should definitely be Katie, but was Katelyn’s ho-hum performance so dull and forgettable that people vote elsewhere? Was Lacey’s great comeback a little too late? I still say the two who should be voted off, will be voted off.