AIIX recap, Semi-finalists x 8, Gals (03/09/10)

So, we’re back on schedule with the gals going first. I was 2 for 4 last week, predicting Jermaine Sellers and Haeley Vaughn would be off. Not totally surprised by John Park going, but somewhat surprised that Michelle Delamore was let go. Park, John (as the Koreans would call him) still has the love that Shania Twain gave him to put in is back pocket. Sounds priceless, like a MasterCard commercial.

01 – Katie Stevens, Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson)
I think this song did nothing for Katie’s voice. I get that she tried to pick a younger song, but she was pitchy and came off as amateur. She’s like the girl that can’t say no. Randy wanted a bigger song. Ellen wanted a younger song. I’m surprised they didn’t recommend the Sara Bareilles song (“Love Song”) that they always recommend to a contestant to sound younger. Randy said it paled in comparison to the original. Ellen liked that she took a younger song, but didn’t feel like she connected to it. Kara said she has a great voice, but she doesn’t know who she is an artist. And that her voice is years older than her. Simon echoed the “haven’t worked out what type of artist you are” sentiment. I think if you cut Katie’s hair, she would look like Brandon Call, JT from “Step By Step.” I think Katie’s in trouble on Thursday night.

02 – Siobhan Magnus, House of the Rising Sun (The Animals)
Loved Siobhan’s top tonight, as it had a Japanese obi-esk feeling to it. One of my favorite ties is from a line called Kanajo and it has a part of an obi in it. Siobhan started a cappella and rocked it. You can’t deny her voice. She didn’t have that “note” like last week, but I think she’s a close second to Crystal right now. Randy said he’s surprised by her every week. And he also joked that the judges have all these suggestions for her every week and she never pays attention to them. Ellen gushed, “you are why I love music.” Kara loved the a cappella start. Simon, however, was under impressed. Not only does Siobhan look like Ally Sheedy with Demi Lovato’s smile, but I also think she has a little of Dana Delany (in Desperate Housewives) in her. She’s safe on Thursday and I think she’ll be in the final 2 with Crystal.

03 – Lacey Brown, The Story (Brandi Carlile)
Lacey definitely has her own style and threw it all in your face this week, with the leopard print sweater over a neon orange/pink top and lime green nails. To go with the Annie Lennox hair too. It’s all a little bit much for me. And I am not a fan of her voice. She’s got a real weird tone to me. Randy thought it was her best performance in a long time. Ellen thought the song was something written for her. Simon didn’t love the song, but said Lacey sang it real well. She was praised so much tonight that I think she may be in trouble on Thursday.

04 – Katelyn Epperly, I Feel the Earth Move (Carole King)
I don’t know why, but I feel like Katelyn looks like a PTA mom. Or a somewhat younger version of one. And that hair screams of Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally.” I thought this song was pretty karaoke. I get that she played the keyboards, but they seemed more like a prop than something that added to the song. Randy didn’t feel the vibe and said it felt “put on.” Ellen said that was not the song to wow people with. Kara didn’t feel like she was competing up there. Simon likened it to request night at a restaurant that she was working at. I think Katelyn may have reached her ceiling in this competition. Vocally and performance-wise, she’s overmatched, but that doesn’t mean she’ll go home on Thursday.

05 – Didi Benami, Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac)
Didi has the same voice as Megan Joy, but better. Just think if Megan Joy (with her looks) had Didi’s voice. She may have gone to the final 4 last season (I think she made it to the final 9). I really liked this song tonight. And I think Didi looks like she should be on one of those shows on the WB right now (90210 or Gossip Girl or One Tree Hill). Randy said she was a whole lot better than last week. Ellen quipped, “Yes, indeedy, Didi,” which was pretty funny. Kara called it one of her favorite moments of the season so far. Simon called her head and shoulders above everything else tonight. And called her “wow moment” the whole performance. I think Didi should be safe tomorrow. And I also think she looks a bit like Laura Prepon from “That ‘70s Show.”

06 – Paige Miles, Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Paige looked very uncomfortable up there tonight and kind of out of her element. She said that it was an emotional song for her (because Michael Jackson covered it and she was a huge MJ fan) and that her emotions got the best of her up there. Randy said it didn’t work for him. Ellen called it sad and heavy instead of inspiring and uplifting. Kara called it all wrong. Simon thought it was a horrible choice of song and the arrangement was awful. Paige has a pretty good voice, but she has underwhelmed so far. I think she’s in big trouble Thursday night.

07 – Crystal Bowersox, Give Me One Reason (Tracy Chapman)
When I first heard this song choice, I thought, “how predictable.” But then Crystal came out and totally rocked it. Played the electric guitar and just killed it. She reminds me (performance-wise) of Bo Bice. Both real good singers that probably didn’t want to go the AI route, but their circumstances led them to this show. So I read somewhere that her illness last week that hospitalized her was considered “diabetic complications.” Again, she’s a dead ringer for Julia Stiles, but crossed with Jason Castro (dreds). Randy said he loved that. Ellen said she needs new adjectives for Crystal. Simon said she’s definitely in the top 12 and that she’s the one to beat. They’ve practically crowned her the champion already after only 3 weeks. I agree with their assessment, but it’s hard to keep that momentum going from so early on. Ask David Archuleta about that. 100% safe on Thursday though.

08 – Lilly Scott, Falls to Pieces (Patsy Cline)
My wife Kristin always thinks of Madonna singing “Santa Baby” when Lilly sings. And that album “A Very Special Christmas” is my favorite holiday CD of all time. Hands down. The Pretenders’ version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is my favorite holiday song, although Whitney Houston’s “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and the Eurythmics’ “Winter Wonderland” are close. Back to Lilly. Do you think wardrobe has fun with her? She definitely has her own style, but in a way that fits her. Not like Lacey. And is Lilly harkening back to Betty Boop with her voice? Randy called it well done. Ellen loves her originality. Kara thought she made Patsy Cline feel current. Simon called her very brave for her risky song choice. I just don’t get Lilly. Not at all. She’s going to go way farther than I want her to in this competition. She won’t win, but it pains me to hear her every week. But she’s definitely better than most of the others.

A lot has been said about how good this top 24 is. But not by me. I think this is the weakest top 24 in recent history. I was wondering when they’d run out of talent for this show. I think this is the year. No one blows me away, but I do like Crystal and Siobhan. But that’s it. I like Andrew too, but he has to get back to his “Straight Up” performance.

I’ll post bottom 2s tomorrow.