American Idol

Last night, some of the guys redeemed themselves from the first week of live performances. But, a week after the girls showed up with some commendable efforts, will tunes from the 1970s sit well with them? It’s time to find out.

7:01 p.m.

Carly Smithson

First up, Carly Smithson. While she owns a tattoo shop, this Irish girl also works around the corner in an Irish bar. Go figure. Tonight, Carly sings Heart’s Crazy On You. It’s definitely a song and style that fits her voice. In fact, she sounds a little more hardcore with this tune than she has in past performances. It’s all about being a rocker, showing the diversity. She’s doing her thing.

“It’s great to see that you are healthy,” Paula said, referring to a strain of sickness that hurt some of the girls last week.

“I thought it was a much better performance than last week,” Simon said. “I still don’t think, yet, you’ve chosen or connected with the right song yet. … I don’t think any of these girls can touch you vocally.”

7:12 p.m.

Syesha Mercado

Syesha Mercado says people would be surprised to know she’s done a lot of commercials as an actress in her native Florida. Then she did something pretty incredible; she cried like a baby. I love it. Then, she did something even more incredible; she sang Me and Mr. Jones. This, people, is why Syesha was a favorite of mine since the beginning. She’s got an amazing look and personality and … wait for it … her voice is really soothing. And impressive.

“I don’t think this was a great song for you for me,” Randy said.

“I thought it was a bit indulgent,” Simon said. “The song, obviously, wasn’t written for a girl, so it probably was a silly thing to do.”

Brooke White

Up next is Brooke White, who says people may be surprised to know she’s a beauty school dropout. In fact, she says the reason she quit was because she discovered music while studying hairstyling. Tonight she brings a guitar to the stage to show her talent behind the microphone. Singing Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain, Brooke certainly is a fantastic performer. I’m not sure she’s good enough to win, though. There’s just a little something missing.

“It was a great song choice for you,” Randy said. “… I don’t know if you brought anything to it.”

“Your voice, I liked what you did to it,” Paula said.

“Brooke, I absolutely loved it,” Simon said.

7:27 p.m.

Ramiele Malubay

The tiny Ramiele Malubay is up next. She’s cute and perky, so how could you not like this girl? Plus, she has a pretty impressive vocal talent to back up that spunk. Don’t Leave Me This Way was a little more upbeat than what I expected Ramiele to choose for 70s week. The beginning of the song, which has a slower tempo, certainly was great. The more upbeat parts were where her voice seemed to slip a little bit out of key. It was just average for me.

“Ramiele, you also are one to beat here,” Paula said. “… It just was a song you powered through. I feel like you didn’t get to perform your magic.”

“Astonishingly, I agree with Paula,” Simon said. “The trouble with that song is I’ve heard it too many times at ghastly weddings. … This was one of those performances I’m not going to remember. … I think you’re one of the top three singers in the competition.”

7:37 p.m.

Kristy Lee Cook

She’s a self-proclaimed tomboy. She sold her horse for her chance to win Idol. Now Kristy Lee Cook is singing You’re No Good in hopes of proving she is good. There really is no questioning she is good, but is KLC the best? No. After tonight, I give her a shot at the Top 12, but certainly not the Top 5.

“You’re back, you’re back, you’re back,” Paula said. “And it was a good song choice for you.”

“I couldn’t even remember what you sang last week,” Simon said. “… My only worry with you at the moment is, I don’t know how to label you at the moment.”

7:47 p.m.

Amanda Overmyer

Amanda Overmyer is not only a nurse and biker chick. She’s also a bookworm. Wow, these revealing “secrets” sure are telling us a lot about the contestants. Holy Cruella DeVille! I think Amanda is singing, but I can’t get past that scary hair. And those pants. Oh. My. Gawd. (You know I’m serious, because I wrote “gawd.”)

Um, it turns out she’s singing, er, screaming Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas. I’m not sure what to say about the performance, really. It’s classic Amanda, maybe, but there’s just too much … I’m not kidding, I can’t listen to what she’s singing.
“You got some moves,” Paula said. “Don’t be all shy. … You’ve got to do what feels right. … This was not the right song for you.”

“I thought, actually, in your film, you came over very natural, very cool,” Simon said, before also pointing out the terrible hair. Cue camera panning the outfit and White Rain-induced hairstyle.

7:57 p.m.

Alaina Whitaker

Alaina Whitaker hates when her food touches each other on the plate. It’s a strange “thing you didn’t know about me,” but at least it’s not “I like books.” Hopelessly Devoted to You is such an Idol song, but it’s not really working out as well for Alaina as I would have imagined. I definitely would say she’s one of the better singers in the competition, but this performance just was a little whiny for me.

“I like that song,” Randy said. “I don’t think that was the right song for you, either.”

“I think you did a real good job, Alaina,” Paula said.

“Alaina, I like you,” Simon said. “My problem is it’s almost as if your grandmother prepared you for this audition. Everything about you, it’s very old-fashioned.”

8:06 p.m.

Alexandrea Lushington

Ryan Seacrest may never be able to say her name without stumbling, but Alexandrea Lushington is probably going to be in the competition for a good while. So, he’ll probably get some practice in before the end of the season. If You Leave Me Now is a surprising song choice from Alexandrea, but I think it was a wise choice. She certainly put her stamp on the performance, though it seemed, at times, she was ahead (or maybe behind) the band. I don’t know what it was.

“Here’s the problem for me,” Randy said. “It was just too safe for you.”

“I was a big, big fan of yours in the early stages of the competition,” Simon said. “But I think you’re struggling. … (That song) is absolutely stuck in its time.”

Kady Malloy

She’s your favorite Britney Spears impersonator this season. She’s Kady Malloy, the one with the jokes. And it turns out she’s an opera singer, too. Straying from opera, tonight Kady sings Magic Man. I’m not sure what it is about this performance, but it certainly is not the best song choice. The girls seem to be struggling in that area tonight, and I think Kady may be the biggest victim thus far. This just isn’t a song you can showcase your vocal range, and that’s apparent here.

“It just never found a pitch from you coming down the stairs,” Randy said. “You never settled on to the note.”

“When you powered, you sounded great, I think,” Paula said. “On the low notes, you lost a little bit.”

“Kady, I think I’m struggling as much as you’re struggling here,” Simon said. “Everything you do on film is impressive. Then you come out here …”

8:21 p.m.

Asia’h Epperson

Did they save the best for last? I’m sure Asia’h Epperson hopes that’s the case. This former cheerleader expects to put a little spirit in her performance tonight. That performance is All By Myself, which Asia’h struggled with a couple of times throughout the song. Still, she looks incredible tonight — and that really does matter. Plus, the song is a power ballad, and that always helps when the going gets tough. Did she nail it? Probably not. But it was one of the better performances tonight.

“I got to tell you what, the highest degree of difficulty, you did a really good job,” Randy said.

“It was great,” Paula said. “You had problems in the low parts, but the ending, that’s what counts on this song.”

“It is one of the diva songs of all time, and you have got to be one heck of a singer to pull that off,” Simon said. “And, unfortunately, you’re not. … The song was too big for you.”

WHO GETS MY VOTE: Tonight’s a tough one, really. I’m going to say Syesha Mercado deserves a few votes — and not just because she’s one of my favorites. The tough part, really, is none of these performances compared to what David Archuleta brought last night with his rendition of Imagine.

WHO SHOULD GO HOME: There’s no question Kady Malloy is in a bit of hot water this week. Things just aren’t coming together for her at this point in the competition. And, if style gets put into the picture at all, consider Amanda Overmyer as good as gone.

American Idol, Amanda Overmyer, Alaina Whitaker, Alexandrea Lushington, Brooke White, Kady Malloy, Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado, Ramiele Malubay, Asia’h Epperson, Kristy Lee Cook

Last night, the guys performed for the first time live for the American Idol audience while the girls sat nearby watching. Tonight, the tables are turned.

And, even though there were a few memorable performances from last night, I really expect this crop of female finalists to shine. As with every season, I think the girls are going to be able to outsing the guys. There’s that advantage to being able to pull out the highest of high notes.

So, are you ready?

7 p.m.

According to Ryan Seacrest, there’s a bit of flu and illness going around among the Top 24. It certainly could keep some of the girls from giving their all, but this also gives them a chance early on to show how they can push through even the tough times.

After the break, the 1960s are returning.

7:09 p.m.

Kristy Lee Cook is up first. After amazing the judges with her renditions of Amazing Grace, she comes to the competition with a fair amount of experience under her belt. If she makes some money on the Idol gig, she plans to buy back the horse she sold to pay for her chance to audition. So, does her version of Rescue Me have her on the right path?

I have to say her version of Amazing Grace is much more interesting than tonight’s performance. She certainly has a great, smooth voice, but I’m not sure Kristy Lee Cook, as a singer, can stand out among some of the tough competition she’s facing this season.

“Being sick, being the first one, that’s a double whammy,” Paula said. “But having said that, don’t ever let that get in the way of your shine. …”

“This is an important part of the show,” Simon said. “This section, we get to see what you’re made of. … The song didn’t really suit you. … I thought your performance was robotic.”

Joanne Borgella is up next. I have to admit, her combination of a great story — she’s a plus-size model — and her rich, inviting voice are really appealing to me. I can’t say she’s my definite No. 1 favorite, but she’s at the top of the list at this point. Let’s see if she can keep herself there.

Tonight, I Say A Little Prayer for You is the song she chooses. There’s no doubt she can do better with a different song, but you still can tell Joanne has a voice that’s unlike some of her competitors. I’m not sure where she stands right now …

“You know, that was pretty good,” Randy said. “The first part of it was a little weird for me. …”

“We’ve definitely seen you in the previous auditions where you have this unbelievable, strong sense of yourself,” Paula said.

“I didn’t like it at all,” Simon said. “… What you just did there was a very cabaret version of a cabaret song. … It was very, very substandard.”

7:25 p.m.

On the eve of her birthday, Alaina Whitaker is hoping to use her Carrie Underwood-esque looks to get her to the next level. The 16-year-old Oklahoma native (she really does have a lot in common with the Season 4 winner) has some of the same charm as the likable female finalists that have come before her.

There’s no doubt Alaina has been the highlight of the night — even though she’s only the third to perform. But I think her performance tonight proves she has a chance of going far in this competition. Definitely, she’s a great singer, and her rendition of More Today Than Yesterday was a great way to celebrate her birthday.

“It’s such a feel-good song,” Paula said. “… You proved that you come out here, you nailed it. You had the best ending that I’ve heard on that song.”

“I think you’re very good,” Simon said. “I do.”

7:36 p.m.

Amanda Overmyer auditions for her chance to be a Season 7 finalist.

She’s the female resident rocker this season. And Amanda Overmyer has a voice unlike any rocker chick that came before her — at least on Idol. Tonight she’s trying her hand at Baby, Please Don’t Go.

I won’t deny Amanda has her craft down, but she’s not what I’m looking for in my next Idol winner. She’s the kind of girl I’d love to see fronting a band at the bar down the street while I throw back a few beers. That’s definitely what she can provide to the music world.

“Amanda, I just love everything you do,” Paula said. “You’re authentic. … This is who you are.”

“I really like you,” Simon said. “I like you because I genuinely think you’re authentic. … I hope you stay around for awhile.”

7:45 p.m.

She’s one of the few female contestants we know little about. Amy Davis is a tradeshow model who hopes to make herself more known this year.

Tonight, she makes an attempt by singing Where the Boys Are. Already, in her first performance, Amy has created a look for herself that makes her stand apart from her earliest airtime (though it was little) on Idol. As far as the performance itself, Amy definitely could do better. It was just a little bland — needed some salt and pepper — for me.

“I didn’t think it was great, and here’s why,” Randy said. “… When you scoop up to the note, you have to hit that note dead on.”

“I’m going to say something very positive, the camera loves you,” Paula said. “… I don’t know if it was the most engaging song for you to sing.”

“There’s nothing much to add,” Simon said. “… As Paula said, you looked great. But you didn’t sound great.”

Brooke White sings her way into the next round during her Season 7 audition.

Brooke White, the resident nanny, is another one of my favorite girls this season. She has a great look and a pure voice. Her heart certainly is out in the open this season, which could help her find a spot in the hearts of America, too.

Tonight, Brooke takes on Happy Together. The performance as a whole is pretty good. It’s definitely enough to keep her safe this week and likely for several weeks to come. I’m just hopeful she can do a better job choosing songs in the future. Her incredible talent cannot be showcased on a tune like Happy Together.

“It doesn’t matter what the song is, you’re supposed to sing the living daylights out of it,” Randy said.

“What this competition is about is originality,” Paula said. “That’s what I love about you. You have your own thing.”

“I think you chose the right song,” Simon said. “But there are times tonight I feel like I’m in a washing up liquid commercial …” OK, Simon. You’ve been in America long enough to not say things like “washing up liquid.”

8:01 p.m.

Alexandrea Lushington’s turn has come. She’s another shining star in this group of good singers, but will she make herself stand out above the rest?

Her rendition of Spinning Wheel was above average. I’m not sure what was going on with the highest notes — they seemed a little squeaky — but I think she’ll be safe. Alexandrea certainly has a lot of personality, and her voice is still pretty fantastic.

“I saw more confidence in your performance than in any other performance tonight so far,” Paula said.

“I didn’t get it,” Simon said. “I didn’t think the vocals were great.”

8:12 p.m.

Another little-seen finalist this season has been Kady Malloy. Simon called her the best of the season earlier this year, so we’ll see if that works out in her favorite. OK, this girl does Britney Spears impressions. I love it.

Groovy Kind of Love was a phenomenal song choice for Kady who, clearly, is the best performer of the night. Having not seen too much of her before now, I certainly think she’s proven she has a strong voice — and sense of identity — at this point in the competition. My guess is Kady has gained herself a large group of fans based on tonight alone.

“You know what, I love that backstage stuff,” Randy said. “This song was OK for me.”

“What we all knew when we first auditioned you, and what we fell in love with was your personality,” Paula said. “… I want to see the life of you more.”

“Actually, amazingly, for once, I agree with Paula,” Simon said. “That was like Night of the Living Dead. When you do the Britney, you’re brilliant. Then, when you do you, the lights go out.”

Even though her dad died two days before her audition, Asia’h Epperson kept his dream alive. So far, things are working out well.

Asia’h Epperson blew me away earlier this season with her rendition of How Do I Live. It was incredible, especially since it came two days after her dad died. All of this, plus her voice, also made her one of my early favorites this year.

Tonight, Asia’h chose Piece of My Heart to try and win America’s votes. And she chose to wear some gigantic earrings that were slightly distracting. But, as far as the vocals, well, they were pretty good. I know she can do better — we’ve seen it. Still, I think Asia’h could be the one to get my votes tonight.

“You did your thing with it,” Randy said.

“You had some really good moments in that song,” Paula said.

“For me, it was my favorite of the night,” Simon said. “You let you. You’re fun. You’re likable.”

8:27 p.m.

Ramiele Malubay has one of the most powerful voices this season. And she’s been one of the most exposed stars as far as airtime is concerned. Her look and story certainly has been followed since her original audition.

You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me was an interesting song choice for Ramiele. But I have to say it was pretty smart, too. It was unexpected, and she nailed it. I expect the judges will say she made it her own, which is crucial. Let’s see …

“You took your time, you started it slow, it built up,” Randy said. “… Very classy. Almost like a pro, man. That was hot.”

“You’re a force to be reckoned with,” Paula said. “… You had a really great performance.”

“I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t like you when I first saw you,” Simon said. “… Tonight, you outsung every single person.”

8:37 p.m.

Next up is Syesha Mercado. And, while I know I’ve thrown around the term “favorite” a little bit, I have to say Syesha certainly made her way to the very top of my list of female finalists as soon as I saw her first audition. Let’s see if she can keep herself there.

Tobacco Road was not the song I thought Syesha would choose, but it seems to work for her. This performance is further proof Syesha has the voice, the look and the charisma to go far in this competition. And, based on this, I’m going to say she just took the “best of the night” honors … so far.

“All in all, I really liked it,” Randy said.

“Consistent,” Paula said. “Joyful. Fun. Big.”

“It wasn’t your best, best performance,” Simon said. “… You are probably one of the most talented girls in this competition.”

8:46 p.m.

She’s already one of the most controversial contestants this season. But Carly Smithson also has a powerful voice to back up her professionalism. The simple fact she didn’t have a work visa to compete in Season 5 certainly should help her gain some sympathy votes (not that she doesn’t have the talent) this year.

Shadow of Your Smile was a great song choice. And Carly certainly can sing — remember she did have a recording contract as a teenager. There’s no doubt she’ll make it quite far this season.

“The best vocal of the last two days,” Randy said. “The best vocal of the Top 24.”

“I know how hard this week was for you,” Paula said. “You don’t even have to power your voice.”

“I’m on my own here,” Simon said. “I didn’t get it. There’s so much hype about you. … I thought the song was way too old-fashioned for you. … Everything about it, for me, was a letdown.”

WHO GETS MY VOTE: There’s no doubt Syesha Mercado was my favorite of the night. I also thought Asia’h Epperson put a lot of soul and energy into her performance, and that’s worth a phone call or two for sure.

WHO SHOULD GO: This is tough, because there certainly are a lot of good singers on the female side. I think Amy Davis certainly was forgettable, which spells trouble. As far as a second person to get the boot, I think, unfortunately, Joanne Borgella could be in trouble (I’ll be throwing a couple of votes her way, just in case).

American Idol, Amanda Overmyer, Alaina Whitaker, Alexandrea Lushington, Asia’h Epperson, Ramiele Malubay, Amy Davis, Joanne Borgella, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado, Kady Malloy

She’s one of the early favorites on this season of American Idol. Carly Smithson has a great story — the Irish singer was a would-be finalist on Season 5, but problems with her work visa kept her from continuing on that season.

Smithson, who now is a Top 24 finalist on Season 7, has shed many tears already on the emotional journey to this point in the competition. But what some people may not know (or maybe you do, because it’s been fairly well publicized) is that Carly Smithson formerly was Carly Hennessy. And she recorded a CD for MCA in 2001. Here’s further proof, as if it were necessary. Plus, you can watch the video for her song, I’m Gonna Blow Your Mind, posted above.

This kind of exposure begs the question, is it fair for such a contestant to be part of the Idol competition? Does it really matter? Or are we all just interested in seeing some fantastic singers and musicians?

Personally, I don’t know what to think. Part of me is like, who cares? Smithson has talent, and that’s a lot better than being forced to see a second-rate performer Simon Cowell no doubt will compare to a karaoke singer or cabaret performer week after week.

The other part of me feels this competition wouldn’t have given such exposed performers such a chance during previous seasons. I mean, did anyone else have a full-on professional music video for their expected first single? I don’t think it’s happened before this season. That’s where I want to say, “Not fair!” Then, again, I would much rather hear the good singers battle it out — even if that puts Whitney Houston on stage against Miley Cyrus. (No offense to Whitney or Miley, of course.)

American Idol, Carly Smithson, Carly Hennessy

Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell greet the top 50 finalists this season to determine who will make the Top 24.

Hollywood Week was rough for some of the 164 finalists during Season 7 of American Idol. And only 50 contestants remain. Tonight they go one by one up the elevator to see who makes the Top 24. It’s time to see.

7:02 p.m.

The judges finally have made their decisions. And the elevator rides begin …

First up is Ronald Hodge. He gets disappointing news, and he must make the ride down the elevator with a “no.”

Nina Shaw also didn’t make the cut. Nor did a few other girls.

But it’s Carly Smithson’s turn. She got turned away in Season 5 after not having proper work permits. The Irish favorite certainly has had a strong week, plus she’s already had a somewhat established career. (I promise to write more on that later.)

Even though Carly was emotional — tears and emotions were running quickly — but she officially became the first Top 24 finalist in Season 7. And certainly she’ll be a favorite.

7:13 p.m.

David Cook becomes the first guy to make the Top 24. He’s definitely the resident male rocker of this year’s competition. As far as the resident rocker chick? Of course Amanda Overmyer made it. How could she not with so much exposure this season?

After a few more disappointed singers take the ride down the elevator with tears in their eyes, it’s David Archuleta’s turn. The 16-year-old also gets a spot in the Top 24. Grandmas and teenager girls everywhere are celebrating. David’s youth and boyish looks certainly will make him a favorite among these two important groups of voters.

7:22 p.m.

Kristy Lee Cook, another singer who has recorded an album in the past, has been saved this season by her renditions of Amazing Grace. Even after a difficult week in Hollywood, she makes the cut. So, what will her past experience mean for her future in the competition?

More important, will her new friend Brooke White make the cut. She also had a bit of a difficult time making it through Hollywood Week, but her “I’ve-never-seen-a-Rated-R-movie” story certainly makes her an interesting one to watch. Plus, she has a beautiful voice.

After getting tears in her eyes before she even makes it off the elevator on the way to see the judges, it appears the pressure could be too much. Brooke sees this as her last chance to become a real recording artist. The good news, for her and her fans, is she’ll make it.

Danny Noriega had fantastic success during Hollywood Week, helping him make the Top 24 this season on American Idol.

Next up is Danny Noriega, who quickly got a “yes” from the judges. Jason Castro, Luke Menard and Alexandrea Lushington also quickly made the cut.

Ramiele Malubay, another one of this year’s more interesting contestants, also got good news. “Sweet little thing, isn’t she?” Simon said as she left the room.

7:34 p.m.

After a few disappointments, Michael Johns takes his turn in the elevator. Much like Danny, Michael’s true talent really shined throughout Hollywood Week, turning the judges heads. And it paid off with a unanimous “yes.”

Syesha Mercado was up next. One of my definite favorites — and I do mean one of my few favorites — she struggled with losing her voice during Hollywood Week. I’m thrilled she’ll be around to compete in the Top 24.

Even though it wasn’t a unanimous vote, Robbie Carrico joins the Top 24. This former boy band member certainly has changed his look and style, and it’s already clear he’s going for the Bo Bice style that worked so well for the Season 4 runner-up.

7:43 p.m.

Garrett Haley, Kady Malloy, Chikezie Eze, Amy Davis, Alaina Whitaker and Jason Yeager were quick to get a “yes,” taking away valuable spots. Next up was Asia’h Epperson, who lost her father just a couple of days before she went to audition for the show.

The emotional journey paid off for Asia’h, as she, too, will be a competing to try and get America’s votes.

Even without Simon’s vote, David Hernandez got the support of Randy and Paula to send him into the next round.

Next up is another of the season’s early favorites, Josiah Leming. His story — living in his car — got him great camera time. But the road ended for the teenager just before making the Top 24. This denial certainly will have fans across the country disappointed. Even before the live show, Josiah was gaining fans throughout the country. Maybe next time …

Even though I haven’t been the biggest fan of Josiah throughout the season, I can’t help but feel a little bad for the kid. Seeing that much disappointment on his face, tears streaming down his cheek, it’s what makes this show so appealing. This means everything to him.

7:54 p.m.

With just two guys and two girls left to hear the news, there’s only room for one of each.  Colton Berry and Kyle Ensley take a seat side by side, waiting to hear the news. … And Colton makes the cut. But Simon still gives Kyle a pat on the back, saying he believes the singer’s performances during Hollywood Week should have given him a chance in the Top 24.

So, what about the girls?

The final two, making the walk together, are Joanne Borgella, the resident plus-size model, and Cardin McKinney, a professional musician who moved to Nashville to try and push her career to the next level.

After a long day, the two women are equally emotionally drained. The good news goes to Joanne, who I must say is one of my other early favorites. I just love the plus-size model story. Plus, she has an incredible voice.

So, before we go — cue Ferras‘ Hollywood’s Not America — there are several more scenes of rejection from the final cuts before the live shows begin. It looks like the rumored Top 24 that leaked last month was filled with truth.

As we move forward, who are your favorites?

American Idol

If you missed last night’s episode of American Idol, featuring San Diego auditions, you missed the best contestant to enter the competition this season — Carly Smithson.

The 23-year-old actually made it to Hollywood after auditioning in Season 5, but was disqualified the next day after finding out her U.S. citizenship paperwork wasn’t completed. But she’s back. And that’s a good thing.

After six successful seasons, I have to admit I was a little worried about the show being able to pick through all the people just wanting a little TV time and those handful of true, genuine performers. If Carly Smithson doesn’t go far in this competition, it will be a disappointment.

Watch the video, and you’ll see what I mean. She actually sang a Whitney Houston song. And did it justice. This never happens.

Clearly, you know my favorite contestant at this point. What about you? Who’s standing out in the crowd?

Carly Smithson, American Idol