Women at bat

American Idol's back with the 'girls', eight of whom are in their twenties. I'm beginning to develop a theory that Ryan feels a need to slightly diminish everyone around him, stemming from his Napolean complex.

Simon tells them the biggest mistake they can make at this stage is to not stand out--I'm not so sure about that.

Gina Glocksen up first; given that she did well last week but was among the lowest vote-getters, she's gonna have to knock it out of the park. In ugly promish burgundy dress; sings a prom song too, Alone. Bit off-key; second half if better from an energy point of view, totally rocks it out. But she's screeching and off-pitch, so hard to listen to. Randy likes the song despite pitch problems, Paula continues liking her--Simon says good choice but vocals felt forced, bit confused as to who you are, wants something more edgy and a dress style that fits that.

Ryan chats up Lakisha Jones, who says she's blocked out the media buzz and is nervous. Alaina Alexander, who looks great in a slip-like rich blue outfit with sequins. Does Dixie Chicks' I'm Not Ready to Back Down; good passion, and pacing; voice is good, not great, seems a bit out of breath. Weird foot movements; all in all, pretty good. Randy says it started off good, but pitch problems, a mess--she sticks out her tongue at that. Paula says the same, but not nearly that bad. Simon says you ran out of steam, lost it halfway through. Oh-oh, doesn't bode well for someone I like; she asks for advice from the judges, just gets them bickering about Simon's slam on Randy.

Lakisha up; dedicates it to her 90-year-old grandmother, who does not look nearly that old. Strong genes run in that family. Big orange top, small black skirt. Midnight Train to Georgia; very confident and a really nice tone to her voice. Doesn't blow it out like I thought she would, voice is under control, as is the performance--which isn't that stellar, actually. She's definitely not going to win; will get pretty far, but ultimately she's not an Idol. Randy says it started out rough, but good overall. Paula loved it; Simon says you're a great singer, but not as good as last week, gotta act like a big star--didn't like the outfit, either (he's right).

Melinda Doolittle, who dedicates her song to her vocal coach and stylist, who are also her close friends. All blue velvet outfit; does Funny Valentine. Whoah, nice big note; it's a very jazzy, intimate performance, slows the pace down and plays with the phrasing. Gosh, her voice really shines; so comfortable up there. Just a pro, gives it her all, especially at the end. Audience really likes it; Randy says it was unbelievable, up there with Lakisha as the one to beat. Paula calls it astounding, likes the phrasing; Simon says simply, that was incredible. The best vocal we've had this year; repeats his line, that she has great talent but no ego, a breath of fresh air. She's got this like stunned look in her eyes.

Antonella Barba, in a great 70ish sundress, doing Celine, Because You Love Me; oh-oh. Awww, she dedicates the song to her brother, Vincento; such a Jersey girl. She seems to be having mike problems, goes in and out; also rushes a bit. Slightly off-key the entire time too--but performs it well; doesn't do a bad job on the high notes. Randy says you're drop-dead gorgeous, but totally the wrong song, too big, pitch all over the place; Paula says it was a lot better than last week. Simon says vocals weren't good enough, worse than last week. She makes a random attack on Simon about Jennifer Hudson, he defends himself, rightfully, by saying it was the audience's choice, they put her on the show to begin with. She's definitely got spirit; maybe that, and her looks, and the notoriety, are all she has at this point--it'll be enough to push her to the top 12.

Back, Ryan makes a funny joke, ten girls on the stage tonight and Sanjaya has better hair than any of them. Ah, my fave, Jordin Sparks; another brother dedication, the photos are hilarious, she breaks down talking about it. What a great person; in bluish promish dress, looks elegant. Oh gosh, she can sing--so smooth, and performance is great, doing Reflection from Mulan. It just soars out effortlessly, it's almost unfair. A tiny bit rushed, maybe; but I really enjoy listening to her. She's sobbing at the end; Randy says a few pitch problems, but overall unbelievable story. Paula says there's something about you that's infectious, you're just a good human being who'll be around for a long time. Simon says it wasn't your best, but excellent compared to everyone else--massive potential at 17. Wow, even her dad is tearing--and he's an ex-NFL player!

Stephanie Edwards, whose family videotaped a lot of her pre-audition moments. In elegant white gold gown; seems to be rushing a bit, may just be the song, which I don't like, You Set Me Free. Kindof a flat performance, like she's trying, but it's just not connecting with me; hits a big note, but I don't know. A bit like Fantasia, but without the interesting weirdness. Definitely can sing, ends on a huge note--but I don't know. Randy says good, but Beyonce-lite, be yourself; Paula says you were fantastic, brilliant--says the audience is silent cause they disagee with what Randy says, but I disagree. Simon agrees with a pleased-looking Paula; thought it was terrific.

Next, Leslie Hunt, who just seems to be on the wrong show--a nice person and all that, but there are literally thousands similar to her. Whoah--I like her song, though, Nina Simone's Feeling Good. Very still, and controlled, and her voice works with it. Dance movements are totally whack; but she can sing, in brown top and odd whiteish skirt. I like it, she's in control; skatting at the end is a bit nuts, but overall she went for it and nailed it. Randy says it was pitchy, but liked the beginning, and that she's back in her jazzy element; Paula echoes, Simon slams Paula, says her scatting at the end reminds him of Paula talking. Simon says you're lost among the big voices, your best probably won't be enough. Plus, although he doesn't say it, she's just a little weird.

Haley Scarnato, who runs out all nuts, paisley top and leather pants--Queen of the Night; man, it's a mess. She's like forcing it, rushing, and voice is all over the place. Dance movements are just embarassing, like something you'd see at a bacherolette party. Weird song structure, very disjointed, she's just echoing her backup singers for a lot of it. Ugh. Randy is just cracking up, says there's more background parts than lead vocal parts, Simon sticks in that's why she chose it; didn't like it. Paula says better than last week; Simon gives her an A for effort, but manic verging on insane at one point. Calls her one of two or three very vulnerable girls tonight, leaving her looking devastated and crying.

Close with Sabrina Sloan, who in what can't be a good sign I forgot existed. No pre-chatting with her, straight to the tape. Which is low-energy and boring. Sleek black outfit; sings He Fills Me Up, and it's just pedestrian. Totally non-memorable; she has a big voice, and puts her all into it, but for whatever reason I just don't care; pitch problems, as well. It's like anything you can see anywhere in Vegas or Orlando. Randy says nice overall, big voice; Paula loves her, calls her a big contender. Simon says good, but don't confuse power with shouting; bad song choice, shouldn't be comparing yourself to Whitney; you'll be back next week. Adds you're a great singer, will be a player--but not jumping out of my chair.

At this stage, you've either gotta be great, or really interesting. I think Jordin, Lakisha, Melinda, and Antonella are locks to make the finals. Everyone else is fighting for the remaining two spots--I think Haley is gone this week for sure, Gina probably with her or else Leslie with her known lack of support. My guess is Stephanie will get the other spot; which means the last spot goes to whoever can step it up next week.

Jordin Sparks
Melinda Doolittle
Lakisha Jones
Leslie Hunt
Alaina Alexander
Stephanie Edwards
Antonella Barba
Sabrina Sloan
Gina Glocksen
Haley Scarnato