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The women pull out interesting night on American Idol, some thoughts

By April MacIntyre Mar 4, 2010, 16:04 GMT

01/30/2010 - Kara DioGuardi - © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

The drama surrounding the sudden hospitalization of American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox had a happy ending as Bowersox wowed the crowd and the judges as the first up singer for the women last night, on FOX.

Bowersox look a bit pale and tired but she sure didn't sound worse for the wear.  Her rendition of  "As Long as I Can See the Light" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
insured her place as one of the true contenders for the AI crown.

The b-roll that prefaced each Idol was an interesting peek into their lives, a bit of who they were, and it was well done. Bowersox's big reveal was her twin brother, who looked like the local banker.

Going into Wednesday night's Top 10 Girls performance show, the obvious schism between Seacrest and Cowell was never more evident as it was last night. Did you catch all the barbs our fellow TV moguls were slinging at each other? Cowell actually  was restrained as Seacrest questioned him outright on his comments to Haeley and had to take a swipe at Simon's poker face, courtesy of alleged Botox.

Another judge observation noted was Ellen's seeming discomfort in her skin at being put on the spot for her opinion. Sometimes she just kills (the snuggy line was great) and then she is oblivious, (the guitar gaffe to Katelyn).

Ellen is no Hollywood lightweight, she has hosted major award shows and has had a slew of primetime TV shows, films and is a king of afternoon chat.  She needs to take to heart some of that "find your confidence" advice she and Kara dole out like Randy's use of the word "pitchy."

After Crystal, Idol's "tough cookie" came the rest of the ladies, let's discuss:

Haeley Vaughn sang "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus

It is hard to not love Vaughn, a crafty girl who makes headbands with Elmer's glue. However her performance revealed her age and lack of vocal training and the judges laid bare Haeley's embarrassing performance.

Lacey Brown sang "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer

Brown is a very unusual, pretty woman who has a knack for reinventing cast-off thrift furniture.  Her "Kiss Me" was much better than the pop dirge she sang last week, "Landslide."  Her voice is good but not top dog quality compared to some of the competitors this season.

Katie Stevens sang "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae

I love her voice. She is a baby! Yet she sings like an old soul and there, my Idol friends, lies the problem.  Katie ages when she croons. It drives all the judges nuts too, as Ellen shared that her song choices are what she hears at her dentist office. This girl is vexing for me because she is SO talented but she is not a popster.

Didi Benami sang "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers

Oh. My. Gawd.  Who is advising Didi? Her voice is too thin to take on Bill Withers, sorry, I said it.  Benami's cache is her package, her comely looks, and quirky Edie Brickell-meets-Lucinda Williams vibe that she can work like a pro. However the judges smacked her around for the lame performance and made the girl cry.

Michelle Delamor sang "With Arms Wide Open" by Creed"

First off, how pretty is Michelle? Lovely girl that reminds me of Leona Lewis, and lets give it up for our mixed race babes who get the best qualities of each group and turn out total stunners.  Her song choice was interesting, and hopefully the religious girl has all her prayers working overtime to get her to next week.

Lilly Scott sang "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke

This lady is our other soulful white girl, who gives Bowersox a run for the dough.  I would suggest some low lights colored underneath that platinum hair around her face to set off her pretty eyes and features.  This girl is brilliant, like Crystal, and has "it."  The judges agreed with me and I hope to see her to the end.

Katelyn Epperly sang "The Scientist" by Coldplay

Katelyn Epperly is a recording engineer (in training) who is a sly contender, Her version was accompanied by piano and she did a very slow tempo which made Ellen short circuit and forget she was playing the piano as she praised her guitar work.  Hope to see more of her.

Paige Miles sang “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson

What a beautiful voice she has, and her song choice was criticized by the judges as being the perfect song for Kelly Clarkson (co-written by Kara) and too wordy to showcase her voice.  Kara also had odd notes about Paige not scowling enough when she sang certain lyrics. Kara's a bit of an "all about me" diva monster this season, there...I said it.  

Siobhan Magnus sang "Think" by Aretha Franklin

My Cape Cod homegirl Siobhan Magnus is wicked awesome. I loved her Mohawk, the bone in her nose and her great fearless tackling of Aretha (what white woman does that?). Randy agreed with me and was blown away. She has charisma and a set of pipes, look out Crystal and Lilly!

Talk back and tell me what you think: