Fox, Wednesday, March 3, 2011, 8 PM (ET) Here is a run-down of Wednesday night’s female performances on “American Idol:”
TATYNISA WILSON
Tatynisa Wilson looked good, but I agree with Randy, “It was just okay. Nothing special or different from the Rihanna version. You had pitch issues. I didn’t quite get it.”
NAIMA ADEPAPO
Naima’s jazzy version of “Summertime” was, as Randy said, “A little lounge act-y.” (Hard to outdo Fantasio Barrino with that particular song, anyway.) Hated both of her dresses (yellow and blue). Naima apparently never heard the saying (Mies Van der Rohe): “Less is more.”
KENDRA CHANTELLE
Kendra was the “total package,” attired in a black latex catsuit and looking very sexy as she sang her Lauren Hill song. Great teeth, too, and there are not many blondes in the competition.
RACHEL ZEVITA
This weird little package sang a Fiona Apple (“Criminal”) song and Randy nailed it when he said, “It wasn’t great. It wasn’t good.”
KAREN RODRIGUEZ
The Hispanic contestant (who sang “Hero) in both English and Spanish was well received. I am willing to admit that her ethnicity and her great command (“Definitely a one-of-a-kind singer. I love it. I think you’re fantastic,” said Steven Tyler) will potentially win her a spot. I just like some others better, including Kendra. I fear that blondes will fall victim to the Spanish sung by Karen, but, for me, Kendra is more attractive and did just as well vocally. Still, a smart move to constantly appeal to Judge Jennifer Lopez, and my husband says Karen is one of his favorites.
LAUREN TURNER
Lauren sang her a** off, causing Randy to say, “That’s how you do it” and to compare her to Bette Midler, Amy Winehouse and Florence of Florence & the Machine. The Big Question: is she attractive enough, beyond her powerhouse undeniably great voice?
ASHTHON JONES
This Nashville contestant has “the confidence of a queen” as Steven Tyler put it and “all the makings of a diva” as J-Lo echoed. .Jennifer Lopez said, “Your confidence is breathtaking. Really, really good” and Randy admitted that he didn’t like the song much, but “I like you.” Randy felt she should sing some Diana Ross material.
JULIE ZORRILLA
Silver dress girl faltered. All judges said things like “Not the best thing from you” and “It didn’t quite work for me” (Randy).
HALEY REINHART
I liked Haley’s Alicia Keys song, but Randy did not. The other two judges loved her singing, as did I. (The hubby is not so sure). I’m rooting for the girl from Wheeling, Illinois.
THIA MAGIA
I liked the a capella opening but detected some pitch issues. She did nice things dynamically (loud and soft), but the feather duster dress and her extreme youth mark her as someone I would tell to come back another year (she’s still only 15). [I still think cutting the 25-year-old they cut to make room for Thia got screwed…on her birthday, yet!]
LAUREN ALAINA
One of the youngest contestants in the competition, this just-turned-16-year-old earned deserved raves. “So great to see, to watch. Amazing.” (Jennifer Lopez). Alaina’s voice was called “effortless” and Randy said, “I don’t even believe you know how good you are.” One aside: While I realize that Lauren was singing a rock song, she was the only one of the female contestants who did not dress up and looked sloppy, among all the girls. Her voice should pull her through, but I can just see how she would be groomed, as Carrie Underwood was, were she to achieve stardom. (At one point, Randy said Lauren’s voice was like “a cross between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.”)
PIA TOSCANO
Save the best for last. Pia is gorgeous and the judges gave her a standing ovation. Need I say more?
