Top 10 Girls Lose A
Bit Of Steam
The female semi-finalists of American Idol 6 weren't quite as shiny Wednesday as they were last week. With ill-fitting song choices, low energy and some vocal problems, the girls let the guys take the edge this week. The competition is still full of major talent on both teams, but the battle is strong, and there's little room for average performances. So here's to hoping that everyone is on their top game next week.

We are pleased to have with us this week our first guest panelist of the season! One of our most loyal readers, sixteen-year-old Chris D. joins us from Niagara, Ontario Canada.
Following is the It's Destiny! panel's take on the AI6 Semi-Finals Round Two: The Girls.

Gina Glocksen "Alone"
Chris D.: One of my all time favorite songs. Certainly a more appropriate choice for who she is than her Celine Dion songs; there's still an identity issue there. The end was a bit shouty, but overall a solid vocal and she's probably the best white female vocalist this year. However, I think I prefer Farmbot's...err...I mean Carrie's version. Still, a great performance of a song that is fast becoming overdone on the Idol stage.
Score: 9.0
Tammy: I have to disagree. For me, Gina's version had no sense of nuance and too many sudden, off-putting, halting notes. The harmonies with the backup singers on the chorus were a wee bit atrocious, too. Still not seeing the appeal of this one.
Score: 7.6
Liza: Gina was a bit pitchy in the chorus, but I think Charlotte the backup singer was responsible for making a mess of it. Maybe Melinda should have offered to help her out. I think "Alone" was definitely more of what I would expect from Gina. She's more of a rock singer than a Celine lite.
Score: 7.5
Destiny: I think Gina would do much better to choose songs that don't put her in direct comparison with the big belters in the competition. In other words, she should stop choosing songs full of glory notes. She has a good voice, but it's not outrageously good. She could mask that (and make herself stand out) by stylizing her songs and her physical appearance in a more "edgy" way. For someone who has spent so much time trying to get on the show, she surprisingly lacks the savvy to really play the game.
Score: 8.0

Alaina Alexander "Not Ready to Make Nice"
Chris D.: This is a TOUGH song to sing. I was actually surprised how good she sounded at first. As it went on however, it fell apart. it was nearly a deja vu of how Kati Durst's performance turned out on this past season of CI. Props to her for attempting it though.
Score: a rather generous 7.0
Tammy: Ohhh...this was quite terrible. Was there anything redeemable about it? This is supposed to be an emotional, personal song, and Alaina delivered none of that. But I would have settled for her just being able to SING it well, and she failed horribly in that department too.
Score: 6.2
Liza: I don't know if trying to sing the most recent Grammy-winning song is a good idea. I agree with Chris and the judges - it started out pretty nice but then went painfully out of tune. It IS a hard song to sing, especially the bridge, which I thought she actually handled fairly well, but there were too many out-of-tune notes.
Score: 5.5
Destiny: I don't think this song should ever be a cover song- it doesn't really make sense for anyone other than the Dixie Chicks to sing it. On top of that, the range and style of the song are totally wrong for Alaina. For as long as she claims to have been trying to get her foot in the door of the Los Angeles music industry, the girl has no excuse to be as clueless as she is about what kind of singer she is. She should only be doing simple Pop tunes. She is not a belter or a diva or a rock star. She could, however, be a Pop princess, and if she embraced that she could be very successful on this show. It's frustrating to see her make so many bad choices. Wasting such a golden opportunity doesn't make me want to root for her, no matter how charming and adorable she may be.
Score: 5.5

LaKisha Jones "Midnight Train to Georgia"
Chris D.: On a song that can either have emphasis on vocals or performance, she (as expected) stuck to her vocals- which were strong. I disagree with the on-site judges; I felt it was on the same level as last week, as she was slightly over-hyped on her previous appearance.
Score: 9.0
Tammy: Hey these are Idols, they should be able to put forth a strong rendition that highlights both vocals and performance! Okay, yeah, 90% of them are incapable of it, but still. I suspected that LaKisha wouldn't be able to successfully follow up 'And I Am Telling You', and think I've been proven right. While her vocals were strong, there was not nearly the same connection to the song and the audience. It was very middle-of-the-road, when we know she is capable of a lot more.
Score: 8.0
Liza: I also had doubts that she would be able to live up to her last performance, which I agree was overrated. I think she chose her song wisely. It's a lively enough song in her preferred genre that can get the audience involved (I know I always want to do the Pips parts when I hear the song). LaKisha did well but not nearly as good as last week.
Score: 8.5
Destiny: We've already seen a version of this song on AI that had both strong vocals and performance. Anyone remember Paris Bennett? Well, this didn't come close. LaKisha's performance fell short in both departments. It was good but it wasn't amazing. And at this stage of the game, and with these players, amazing is mandatory every week. Come on, girl! Do what you're capable of!
Score: 8.0

Melinda Doolittle "My Funny Valentine"
Chris D.: Stunning. Great arrangement. Wow
Score: 9.9
Tammy: I didn't really care for it. She sounded lovely, but it was a bit deadly dull for my liking.
Score: 8.0
Liza: Agh! Knife through my heart, Tammy! I thought it was amazing. The arrangement, the runs, the pitch-perfect vocals. She really put her own spin on this song and made herself stand out vocally. Brandon really really needs to take some lessons from Melinda on how to move from the back of the stage to the front. This was such a mature, professional performance. I loved it. And she looks terrific. I really like her outfit.
Score: 9.5
Destiny: Well, I guess this is a polarizing performance. I am about to turn that knife in your heart, Liza, because I'm with Tammy in that I found it rather lifeless. Yes, her voice sounded good, but the whole thing was soooo mellow. Nothing about this performance would make me declare Melinda the one to beat. If it weren't for the adoration of the judges (and my fellow panelists), I would have thought Melinda could be a major contender to be going home this or next week. I don't get it.
Score: 8.0

Antonella Barbra "Because You Loved Me"
Chris D.: A slight improvement over the ripe mess that was last week (though that wouldn't have been too difficult). Vocally it was an utter mess, though I applaud that she puts her own spin on the songs she selects. She's sure to get the pity vote considering the goings on and with continued support from votefortheworst.com, she's sure to make it to next week.
Score: 5.0
Tammy: Good gravy, but I hope you aren't a soothsayer, Chris. I'm not sure my ears can tolerate another week of this shrill, quivering voice. And if by 'puts her own spin', you mean 'horribly mangles', then I completely agree. Heh. Seriously though, tackling a Celine song when you're nowhere near that good? This girl must be completely deluded as to her level of talent. And yet? Sadly, still better than last week.
Score: 5.1
Liza: What in the world goes through this girl's thought process when she chooses these songs (and that fugly dress)?! Seriously! Celine? Antonella seriously thinks she can sing a Celine song? She can't handle Aerosmith and she thinks she can sing Celine. Anyway, Antonella had serious problems staying in tune. And when she sings, I feel like she's doing just that - singing and not feeling any of the words. There is no emotion to speak of. Her comments to Simon were beyond stupid because, as Simon said, it wasn't the judges who voted out Jennifer Hudson - it was the public. And it wasn't after Simon gave her negative comments either. And Paula needs to shut up too because it wasn't her and Randy who put Jennifer through. Randy picked J-Hud as his wild card. Paula forced Leah LaBelle on us. At least Simon gave us George Huff! < /rant >
Score: 4.0
Destiny: First off, Jennifer Hudson was never given the praise or support she should have been from Simon, so I totally disagree with his claims. As for Antonella (I liked the dress, by the way), I agree that she has no sense of what material suits her. She and Alaina need to be hit in the head and made to get a clue about their identity as potential Pop princesses. They could be good at that! And it could be fun to have on the show. But, as I said earlier, continued ignorance doesn't make me want to root for them to stick around. As EnVogue says, they're never gonna get it.
Score: 5.5

Jordin Sparks "Reflections"
Chris D.: Her lower register seemed a bit off tonight. Despite the breathiness at the end, the latter half of the song and the big notes were on point (which is all that counts it seems).
Score: 8.25
Tammy: I agree about the weakness of the lower register, it was very apparent that she was struggling there. Very few people can sing this song well, and I wasn't overly impressed by Jordin's version. The whole thing came off a bit like an entry in a low level talent show (although, depending on who you ask, that's exactly what AI is). Jordin still doesn't tear into the song and command the stage the way she needs to if she wants to win this thing.
Score: 8.1
Liza: I third the agreeance on the lower register and the breathiness. I think Jordin's voice is just divine on the chorus. So pretty. And she is a really sweet girl and very likeable.
Score: 8.0
Destiny: I love this girl. I agree that she had some vocal/breath problems at points in the song, but it was still pretty terrific. I think her vocals and performance skills are definitely in the cream of this season's crop.
Score: 8.5

Stephanie Edwards "Dangerously In Love"
Chris D.: I appreciate that she's modern and makes relevant song choices (even though the majority of modern music isn't my cup of tea). I really liked this, however, and Randy gets the award for most pointless criticism of the night.
Score: 9.25
Tammy: Once again I must bring my dose of 'bah, humbug!'. I thought that Stephanie outright butchered this song. This song has the potential to be a showstopper, but she struggled with the runs and had some pitch issues as she reached into her upper register. And delivered none of the passion that this song deserves! Did.Not.Like. But, to end on a Happy Paula Note, she looked very pretty in that lovely white dress.
Score: 7.0
Liza: This was way ambitious. Like Chris, I also appreciate the moderness that Stephanie brings to the show, not to mention the fashion! She always has such great dresses. I thought she successfully brought the conviction, and she nailed the glory notes, but overall, I definitely wanted to hear Beyonce's version over hers.
Score: 8.75
Destiny: I don't love this song, but I loved this performance. Stephanie's voice is so appealing, and her star quality is undeniable. I, too, love her modern sensibilities and the way she stylizes and crafts her performances. Just like last week, she left me excited to see what she does next.
Score: 9.0

Leslie Hunt "Feeling Good"
Chris D.: Something about this girl is just so endearing and I actually like her quirky stage mannerisms. I felt it was good, but she can't seem to reach the level of some of the others in this competition, therefore it got lost in the shuffle. Completely average.
Score: 7.3
Tammy: Yeah, the girl is infinitely likeable, but she seems to be performing songs that are an ill fit for her, and it just comes across as false. She has the personality to get the audience on her side, she just needs to prove vocally that she deserves to be there.
Score: 7.2
Liza: She's a total oddball. I thought it was interesting that she sang this the day after AJ did (and, funnily enough, in a lower voice). This kind of song seems to be right up her alley, and the beginning was pretty good. But I REALLY hated the scatting and the outfit, and it was a weak ending.
Score: 7.0
Destiny: Leslie goes on my list of girls who have no clue what kind of songs they should be singing on this show. It's so frustrating! If she would eliminate power notes and just give us her easy, beautiful tone on a platter, she could go far. She needs to study the path Theresa Sokyrka took on Canadian Idol. There is a niche on American Idol for an artsy, folksy singer that has yet to be filled. I don't know if Leslie is the one capable of successfully filling it, but it would be nice to see her try.
Score: 7.0

Haley Scarnato "Queen of the Night"
Chris D.: An improvement over the pageantry and inappropriately-smiley performance of last week, however it did come up short vocally and the whole thing was rather manic. Oh no. Here come the dreaded Whitney Houston comparisons. At risk.
Score: 6.75
Tammy: This performance reminds me of when a really drunk girl leaps onstage during karaoke night and thinks that she can cover her lack of talent with enthusiasm and volume. I think we've seen the last of this one.
Score: 7.0
Liza: Ha! I think I saw a couple of those kind of girls last weekend at a karaoke bar. I appreciate that Haley is trying something different from the usual Celine fare, but this is NOT the type of song she should be singing. She sounds terribly, uh, soul-less on this. And hearing her sing this song (and not Whitney) makes me realize how derivative the song is. It totally reminds me of a mixture of "Free Your Mind" and "Black Cat".
Score: 6.0
Destiny: I, too, appreciate that Haley tried something different than what we've seen her do before. It wasn't great, but it was undoubtedly the best she could do.
Score: 7.5

Sabrina Sloan "All the Man That I Need"
Chris D.: Another excellent performance. It seems I've turned into Destiny with all my gushing! This is definitely the best batch of girls ever. Simon's critique struck a nerve with me however; he always complains that song is too old. A contestant can't always be peppy and if he has a problem with it, why are these types of songs recommended? Uugh. Back on topic- for someone who had a lack of airtime going into the semi-finals, she is doing a great job of securing a place in the Top 12.
Score: 9.25
Tammy: Does this mean that I've turned into Liza, as I disliked every single performance that the girls delivered? Yes, including this one. I thought the delivery of the song was rather anti-climatic, and a few of those high notes were definitely NOT on pitch. But she's far from the worst tonight, and will live to see another week.
Score: 8.2
Liza: BWAH! You guys kill me. Twenty bucks says Destiny loves this. I thought it was good but not all that. Sabrina had a few spots that were a bit screamy, and the ending was not strong at all. But she looked the best she's ever looked on this show, and shouldn't have anything to worry about tonight.
Score: 7.75
Destiny: Well, looks like I come out on top, because two of you now have identity problems, and I just made twenty bucks! I did NOT love this (pay up, Liza). I thought the song was littered with pitch problems. I still do think she's one of the top four girls in the competition, but that is solely based on last week's showing. I have to disagree with all of you, and the judges, on that she has nothing to worry about in terms of the voting. Her lack of airtime before the semi-finals, combined with the four other similar "power" singers at her heels, make Sabrina anything but a shoe-in. She has to produce a showstopper every week. Otherwise I fear she may be the one to be "ripped off" this year by losing a spot in the Top 12 to an unworthy candidate.
Score: 7.5


Who Should Be Eliminated:
Chris D.: Antonella, Alaina
Tammy: Haley, Alaina
Liza: Antonella, Alaina
Destiny: Alaina, Antonella

Who Will Be Eliminated:
Chris D.: Alaina, Haley
Tammy: Haley, Alaina
Liza: Alaina, Haley
Destiny: Haley, Alaina

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