AI7, Semi-Finalists, Gals x 12 (02/20)

I hope this new font does away with those missing characters in the e-mails that I send out.

So I really hate this ‘60s theme. And can Ryan Seacrest get any more annoying when he over EMPHASIZES certain words?

Let’s get right into it, because it’s late…

01 – Kristy Lee Cook, Selma, OR (Rescue Me)

So she trains horses back in Oregon and the story goes that she sold her best barrel horse to have enough money to go to audition. I don’t know how true that really is because I was reading somewhere that she actually signed with a record label in 2001. She’s been described as a blonde Brooke Shields, although I think she may look like a younger Kyra Sedgwick. She’s eye candy, but nothing special. Pleasant voice, but it was probably because I was listening with my eyes instead of my ears. Randy said it wasn’t her best and she had some pitch problems. Paula said it was tough because she’s been sick and she was the first one on stage. Simon said the song didn’t suit her and that she didn’t belt it out. Called the performance robotic. I hope she makes it through, but she could be on the bubble tomorrow night.

02 – Joanne Borgella, Hoboken, NJ (I Say A Little Prayer)

In her bio she says she’s a plus size model. Or, as I like to call her, a mini-Mandisa. She was the one who go through last with that girl Cardin. I have to tell you, whenever I hear this song I think of the Rupert Everett version in “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” So this one didn’t hold a torch to Rupert’s. That scene in the restaurant always cracks me up. Especially when the guy in the lobster outfit is waving his hands, er, claws to the beat of the song. And his intro to set up the song kills me too. Randy said it was pretty good but also shaky in parts. Paula said it was nerve racking and she liked it but didn’t love it. Simon didn’t like it at all. Called it a cabaret version. I get the feeling someone pissed in his Cheerios this morning. Joanne may be in the bottom 3 tomorrow.

03 – Alaina Whitaker, Tulsa, OK (More Today Than Yesterday)

I think she looks like cross between Carrie Underwood and Bevin from One Tree Hill. Bevin Prince is her real name and she also played one of Sharpay’s friends in High School Musical 2. Yes, if you’re new to these recaps, I love me some high school programs, although my sister-in-law can’t seem to get me to start watching DeGrassi High. Alaina changed this song up a bit and she can definitely sing. She wore a pretty funky top though. One that I could see Lucy Liu wear on Cashmere Mafia (which I’ve come to like now too). Randy called it the year of the young ones (Alaina turns 17 tomorrow). Paula said it was a feel good song and she nailed it. Simon thinks she’s very good (read: he thinks she’s hot). He hated the song, but sees her sailing through after that performance. She should be safe tomorrow.

04 – Amanda Overmyer, Mulberry, IN (Baby Please Don’t Go)

Elvira alert! Amanda’s only 23, but she looks older. Maybe it’s her gravelly voice? She’s a hard core rocker though. She makes last year’s resident rocker, Gina Glocksen, look like Spandau Ballet. This song was on the Blue Chips soundtrack, but done by John Mellencamp. Anyways, Randy loved the bluesy rock version that Amanda did. Paula loves everything she does. Simon said he really likes her. Called her genuinely authentic and that she stands out in the crowd. But he didn’t recognize the song, which is odd because it was part of the British Invasion… Amanda should be safe tomorrow.

05 – Amy Davis, Lowell, IN (Where The Boys Are)

She’s a trade show model, but she reminds me of that Victoria’s Secret model, Frederique van der Wal. Must be the eyes. Her song was vanilla, boring and forgettable, but then again, it was okay because I think I was listening with my eyes again. Randy said it wasn’t great, she had pitch problems and mentioned something about scooping that I really couldn’t understand. Paula said the camera loves her (which really means she sucked), but it was lackluster and the nerves got to her. Simon said she looked great but didn’t sound great. He said it was a boring arrangement that didn’t work without a country twang. I think Amy’s in big trouble tomorrow night.

06 – Brooke White, Mesa, AZ (Happy Together)

So Brooke is a nanny and this was the same song that David Cook did last night. Brooke’s got a nice husky, folky sound to her voice. But she looks like she needs SP500 when she ventures outdoors though. She’s got a real natural, simple beauty to her. Randy thought it started rough, but then on the back part she got her slaying on (which confused Simon). Paula likes her originality. Simon thought she chose the right song but wants her to be less nice. It’s kinda weird though because he’s kinda flirting with her but she’s married and her husband was in the audience. I think she’s safe tomorrow.

07 – Alexandrea Lushington, Douglasville, GA (Spinning Wheel)

I don’t know who Alexandrea looks like. I wanna say Roxie Roker from The Jeffersons, but I may not be remembering her right. Or the comedienne, Adele Givens. Alexandrea gives a spirited performance to this song though. I like her. Randy said she blew the doors off. Paula said she took control of the entrance and whole performance. She also said she could hear that version on the radio today. Simon didn’t get it. Said the vocals weren’t great and called Paula on her “go to” radio comment. I still think Alexandrea is good for tomorrow night.

08 – Kady Malloy, Houston, TX (Groovy Kind of Love)

Kady’s so tan I think she looks like a surfer girl, but I don’t know where she’s surfing in Houston. Her song sounded like it could’ve been in a Disney movie. Take that for what it’s worth. I remember Phil Collins’ version of this song in the early ‘90s. Kady’s a pretty girl, but she makes some weird looking faces when she’s contemplating things at times. And she also kinds reminds me of the chubby Bush daughter. Randy thought the song was okay but it was too restrained and controlled. Paula wanted to see more life in her (like in her intro when she was imitating Britney Spears!). Simon thought it was like the night of the living dead. Then the judges proceeded to try to offer suggestions to her while I think she just wanted to get off the stage. Poor girl. I think she wasn’t horrible and should be safe tomorrow.

09 – Asia’h Epperson, Joplin, MO (Piece Of My Heart)

Asia’h’s been through quite a bit as her father passed away 2 days before her audition. She did a good job with this song. Randy loved it. Paula liked how she had fun up there and it had some good moments. Simon called it his favorite of the night because she has a good voice and she let go. She’s definitely safe for tomorrow.

10 – Ramiele Malubay, Miramar, FL (You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me)

She’s a sushi girl back in Florida. She’s got a pretty common Asian look. One that I could probably see at either Straits Café on Santana Row or at the 4. You pick. In the beginning this song always sounds to me like Hopelessly Devoted to You from Grease. This little girl has a big voice though. She mentioned Jasmine Trias in her audition. She puts Jasmine to shame. I think Ramiele is my favorite girl, along with Syesha. Randy said she took her time and built up the song. She made it very classy. Paula called her a force to be reckoned with. Simon admitted that he didn’t like her at first (it was probably because she said if Jasmine Trias can make it, so can she), but told her that she outsung every single person so far tonight. She should be safe tomorrow and I’ll say she should make it to the final 12.

11 – Syesha Mercado, Sarasota, FL (Tobacco Road)

I like Syesha. I think she has the whole package. Looks, voice and stage presence. Randy said she has a powerful voice and he really liked it. Paula called her consistent and joyful. Simon said it wasn’t her best, but she was probably one of the most talented of the girls. I think that’s a fair assessment. She should cruise to the final 12, along with Ramiele.

12 – Carly Smithson, San Diego, CA via Ireland (The Shadow of Your Smile)

She owns a tattoo shop in SD now and cops to the fact that she was signed to a record deal at the age of 15. Is it fair to have people who had records out before compete in this competition? Carly definitely has a big voice, but she needs a total makeover. Her hair is bad. I think there’s something wrong with her teeth too. Randy loved her, saying that’s what this show is all about and it was the best vocal so far this season. Paula called her the lucky coin in the pocket, as she’s old reliable. Not sure I’m following that analogy, but then again, does Paula ever make sense? Simon said he didn’t get it and that there is so much hype to Carly and he doesn’t see it. I’m not a big fan of hers either, but she does have a good voice.

So that’s it for now. I think:

Top 3 – Syesha, Ramiele, Asia’h

Bottom 3 – Amy, Joanne, Kady/Alaina

Seeing the girls tonight really made me feel like a guy’s gonna win this year.