The top twelve guys performed on “American Idol” last night, and voters had their work cut out for them in narrowing the field down to five contestants. Their job will be a little easier tonight as they decide which of the top twelve female contestants to vote through to the finalists’ group. There are clear-cut standouts, but a few of the girls might as well start packing. It’s all about the votes, however, and we’ll find out the results tomorrow at 8pmET on FOX when the 5 girls and 5 guys who have received the most votes are revealed. The judges will each add a pick also.
Pia Toscano – I’ll Stand by You; The Pretenders
Pia was the star of the night. She showed off an impressive range and a strong voice, bringing the audience–and the “American Idol” judges– to their feet. She might as well start rehearsing, because she’ll be around next week for sure.
Lauren Alaina – Turn on the Radio; Reba McEntire
Lauren lit up the stage with the liveliest performance of the night. It’s hard to take in the fact that she’s only 16. Hers is raw, natural talent. Randy Jackson says she’s a mix of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Although we haven’t seen that greatness quite yet, I get where he’s coming from. She has it in her.
Thia Megia – Out Here on My Own; Irene Cara
Thia makes the viewers want to just sit back and enjoy her voice. Her tone was the best of the night, and her composure is amazing. Thia is only 15, and I have a feeling she has a great career ahead in the music industry.
Naima Adedapo – Summertime; George Gershwin
Jennifer Lopez compared Naima to an exotic flower, and that is a good analogy. I loved the way she sang tonight. The arrangement was upbeat and Naima worked the stage well. Randy Jackson said it paled in comparison to Fantasia’s version, but I disagree. It was a totally different rendition, but just as good.
Lauren Turner – Seven Day Fool; Etta James (Jully Black version)
Lauren has a ‘sing from the gut’ type of delivery, and I liked it. She started out a little slow, but built it up nicely. I hope she stays around so we can hear more of her powerful voice.
Kendra Chantelle – Impossible; Christina Aguilera
There’s something about Kendra’s voice that draws me in. She was a bit screechy in parts, but overall, I liked her range and her approach to the song.
Karen Rodriguez – Hero; Mariah Carey
Karen combined Spanish and English lyrics for her performance. She had a few weak moments, but she also had some very strong ones. The judges loved her delivery and the way she made the song her own.
Haley Reinhart – Fallin’; Alicia Keys
Haley was border-line for me. She does have a raspy quality to her voice, but it doesn’t seem effortless at this point. She was trying too hard to incorporate the growls. Randy was disappointed that she didn’t break into some Janis Joplin. I tend to agree. I think she needs to relax and find her niche.
Ashthon Jones – Love All Over Me; Monica
Ashthon certainly exudes confidence and composure. She has a look reminiscent of a young Diana Ross. The judges loved her performance, but I wasn’t so impressed when she went off key a few times. I wouldn’t write her off yet though-I’d like to hear her try another style of song.
Ta-Tynisa Wilson – Only Girl (in the World); Rihanna
Ta-Tynisa opened the show. She looked great and worked the stage well, but her vocals were weak at best. It was tough to listen when she went off key so many times. I’m sure nerves got the best of her.
Julie Zorrilla – Breakaway; Kelly Clarkson
Julie may have bought a ticket out of “American Idol” tonight. I’m not sure why she chose a Kelly Clarkson song. Other contestants have failed trying to sing Kelly’s songs, and their voices were stronger than Julie’s. It was a weak performance.
Rachel Zevita – Criminal; Fiona Apple
It started out strange-with Rachel shedding her black cape-and it went downhill from there. She looked confident, but perhaps should have worked more on the vocals than the stage maneuvers. I’d be shocked if Rachel went through to the “American Idol” finalist group.
Vote for your favorites this year online at ‘American Idol’s’ website.
“American Idol,”2011 Top 12 Guys
“American Idol” Judging the Judges
Source: “American Idol,” 3/02/2011; FOX TV
