AI7: Top 12 Gals

It was the gals' turn to show us their stuff on American Idol... "excuse city" commenced immediately with talk of a flu/bronchitis outbreak amongst the contestants... though apparently affecting only the girls and only screen-time favorites, Kristy and Carly (coincidentally enough, two more of those contestants that were previously signed to a recording contract). 

The show got off to the rough start, but most of the serious contenders were in the latter half of the show.

As I did with the guys yesterday, I will group the ladies ala Southwest Airlines no assignment seating... so now that those with small children (ugh!) or those who need some extra time getting settled in have been seated...

Boarding Group A:

Ramiele ("You Don't Have To Say You Love Me")
Syesha ("Tobacco Road")
Alaina ("More Today Than Yesterday")
Kady ("Groovy Kind of Love")

My standout of the night was Ramiele ... this song tends to make (AI4's Nadia) or break (AI6's Stephanie) a contestants and Ramiele was certainly the former with a controlled and strong vocal.  A typical American Idol equation goes something like "loud = good"... so that's part of what got my attention with Syesha, but she certainly fits the mold of what the show is all about.  Also fitting that Idol mold are the two young blondes, Alaina and Kady.  I was a bit surprised by the criticism of Kady, while the song was a tad slow, I still thought it was pretty strong.

Boarding Group B
Asia'h ("Piece of My Heart")
Alexandrea ("Spinning Wheel")
Carly ("Shadow of Your Smile")
Brooke ("Happy Together")

I admit to a bit of backstory fatigue of Asia'h (dead father) and Carly (Irish tattoo artist fessing up to previous recording contract)... that little catch in Asia'h's voice kind of bugs me, but overall she is a good singer, personality, performer and I expect her to make it to the big show.  Carly was kind of "eh" for me... but blame the "eh" song or the bronchitis, she gets into this group partly based on her past.  Not sure Alexandrea's vocals were the best, but solid enough and a good performance.  Brooke eked into this group, she brings something different to the table, though not ultimately Idol material.

Final Boarding Group
Kristy ("Rescue Me")
Joanne ("Say A Little Prayer'")
Amanda ("Baby Please Don't Go")
Amy ("Where The Boys Are")

Kristy made the fatal flaw of being bland... and incessant talk of being sick earned no sympathies.  Was a bit surprised by the hallow quality of Joanne's vocals, though probably just nerves (again tough to sympathize with that... time to step up!).   I am sure many folks might be surprised about where I have put Amanda... but put me in the "just don't get her" camp... I know that's the way the song is sung, but as the judges like to say "this is a singing competition"... and I didn't hear much of that from what, despite what Paula says, from this still one-trick pony.  And poor Amy, a boring song and very shaky... I can't imagine she survives tonight's elimination show.