American Idol

The guys went last night. Now it’s time for the girls to sing their favorite songs from the 1980s and try for their chance in the Top 12. This is it.

7:01 p.m.

Asia’h Epperson

Let’s get to it. First up tonight is Asia’h Epperson. She has shown some big promise, and she certainly has one of the most heartbreaking stories coming into the show. So, was it a good choice to pick I Want To Dance With Somebody? Whitney Houston always is a tough choice, but Asia’h handled it. Was it the best? Of course not. Was it better than most of the other girls would have done? Of course.

“It was a tall order for you to take on …” Randy said. “But, you know what? … That was hot.”

“You nailed it,” Paula said. “You really nailed it.”

“I’m not quite so enthusiastic,” Simon said. “At best, it was second-rate Whitney Houston.”

7:09 p.m.

Kady Malloy

“I really thought I was going home, because Alaina was so great,” Kady Malloy said after last week’s close call. This week, she performs Queen’s Who Wants to Live Forever. It certainly is a much better performance than she’s given in the last couple of weeks. Is it enough to save her? I’m not sure. I don’t think she’s all that memorable … just average, really.

“You hit the big notes really well,” Randy said. “Some of the smaller notes, you didn’t support them.”

“I think, to date, this was, for me, your best performance,” Paula said.

“Kady, I think it was definitely better than last week,” Simon said. “I’m still having issues with your massive lack of personality.”

Amanda Overmyer

Now it’s Amanda Overmyer’s turn. She’s lucky to still be in the competition, but this should be a good week for her. There are plenty of good chick-rock songs from the 1980s. What she chooses, though, is I Hate Myself for Loving You. At best, this is a C-grade karaoke song. It’s not something you try to sing on Idol. Truly, it’s time for Amanda to go bye-bye.

“That’s the kind of songs you should be singing,” Randy said.

“You found your niche,” Paula said.

“Amanda, if I’m being honest, I thought it was fantastic,” Simon said. “I thought you absolutely nailed that song.”

For the first time, I actually disagree with all of the judges. I don’t know what it is, but I’m really not seeing the potential here. What am I missing here?

7:24 p.m.

Carly Smithson

After, yet, another plug for the iTunes downloads, it’s Carly Smithson’s turn. I’m thrilled she chose I Drove All Night, which is a great Cyndi Lauper/Roy Orbison/Celine Dion tune. It’s been done and redone by some great performers. I have to say, though, Carly isn’t having her best night with this song. The ending, without question, was the highlight of the performance. She’ll be OK, though.

“Yo, Carly, you keep smashing it every week,” Randy said. “Dude, another great performance.”

“So, dude. Dude, let me tell you something,” Paula said. “You are like a dependable dog.”

“Carly, once again, I don’t think you chose the right song,” Simon said. “I know that as the Celine Dion version of that song.”

Kristy Lee Cook

Next, it’s Kristy Lee Cook, who needs a solid performance this week. Otherwise, she could be in a bit of trouble. Her song of choice — Journey’s Faithfully. This was a solid song choice, I think, but I’m just not sure she is holding up to what was expected from her in the earliest weeks of the season. If she survives tonight — and I’m not certain she will — the big guns are going to have to come out.

“This is cool, man,” Randy said.

“That could be a hit for you in country music,” Paula said.

“I think it was good that we heard a country influence,” Simon said. “Having said that, I still think your problem is that you’re forgettable.” Simon, I agree.

7:36 p.m.

Ramiele Malubay

She definitely shouldn’t have a problem cracking the Top 12, but Ramiele Malubay still has something to prove. Sure she’s one of the best female singers in the contest, yet she has to step it up a bit if she wants to have a realistic shot of winning Season 7.

First off, I have to say this was a song I hoped someone would sing. So, choosing Against All Odds already helps Ramiele win some votes in my book. Even though the timing felt a little off in a couple of places, I think she handled the song with professionalism and charisma. I think it’s safe to say I could listen to that recording on repeat for at least an hour or so.

“Another big song, big vocals,” Randy said. “I thought it was a pretty good vocal, but find that confidence again.”

“You have such a beautiful face,” Paula said. “There’s such an innocent, pure voice that comes out.”

“Because you’re so little and cute, it was quite good,” Simon said. “I thought it was quite old-fashioned. I didn’t hear the big money note … and I’m not jumping out of my chair on that. Sorry.”

7:46 p.m.

Brooke White

Next up is Brooke White. Last week, she had an impressive performance that really helped her stand out in the crowd. Tonight, she takes a seat on the edge of the seat to try and impress America with her version of Love is a Battlefield. A great song, it’s a tall order to fill, as they say. Brooke is doing a phenomenal job this season improving week over week. This week is no different. Her voice is unique, which is crucial seven seasons into the series. I think she’s one of the best tonight, but I don’t know what the judges will say … I’ve been a little off base from them tonight.

“I really liked it,” Randy said. “I don’t know if you brought anything new to the song …”

“I thought it was a very wise choice that you did that,” Paula said.

“I thought it worked, purely because it didn’t have the band with you,” Simon said. “Two weeks running, you’ve done a great performance.”

7:55 p.m.

Syesha Mercado

Closing tonight’s show is Syesha Mercado. One of the definite strongest female contenders, Syesha has a chance to pull ahead of the female competition with tonight’s performance. Her choice? Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston. Again, with the Whitney. It’s not a good idea. Still, Syesha pulled together a sweet, tender performance. She should have no problems sailing through to the finals. But it wasn’t up to her full potential, in my opinion.

“Good, good,” Randy said.

“A bit predictable, but good,” Simon said.

WHO GETS MY VOTES: Brooke White, without question. Aside from her, the girls weren’t that impressive. Following so many incredible performances last night, they just didn’t stand up to the guys this week.

WHO SHOULD GO: Kady Malloy and Kristy Lee Cook are the most forgettable contestants of the night. But I still think Amanda Overmyer should be gone. The rock chick thing isn’t working for me. It’s a bit tired.  The judges, however, loved her.

Tune in tomorrow to see who goes home. Plus, a performance from Season 6 runner-up, Blake Lewis. This is the first in what’s sure to be many guest appearances this season.

American Idol, Asia’h Epperson, Ramiele Malubay, Amanda Overmyer, Carly Smithson, Kady Malloy, Syesha Mercado, Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, Blake Lewis