Nine women

American Idol's cutting the women down to six; with a twist--no Paula as Ryan starts the show. Okay.... By the time they get through the show's nuttiness, Paula's in her seat, complete with jokes about her having been under the desk.

Jordin Sparks, my favorite female, starts and talks about how big a part of her life football is--she's just picked up a bunchof guy votes, oddly doesn't mention her dad's an ex-NFL player. Hmm, interesting song choice--filmy striped top, jeans; Heartbreaker. Comes out firing; a bit shouty, but lots of dramatic moments too. I'm not nuts about the song, but it really shows she can pretty much sing anything; feels pretty authentic, too. Crowd likes it, goes nuts; Randy says it's weird, when the girls come out it's great; not best, but good. Paula loves her energy, says she's getting better and will be here for a long time. Simon's not as crazy about it, saw it as manic and shrieky, but you'll be here. She scrunches down to be at the same level as Ryan, it's very funny.

Sabrina Sloan, who wanted to be the 'next Katie Couric'. In tiger-y tight dress; doing Lose Control; I for some reason have never really like her, she's a bit sharp but has a good voice... the song does nothing for me though. Nails the last note; I mean, it's okay, I'm not captivated or anything, nor is the audience. Randy says okay all around, not the best, wish more melody; Paula says good; Simon says lacking the emotion that Melinda, Lakisha, Stephanie have, it's like a hotel resort performance, need some personality.

Antonella Barba, who's this year attractive but hated female. Whoah, she plays the violin. In standard good outfit, all black short dress with thigh-high boots; big smile for the camera. She's off-key, doing Put Your Records On--but it's a good song, so I enjoy her performance, You're gonna find yourself someway, somehow. Randy likes the song choice, and ending, but pitchy otherwise--and you're a better singer than you've shown. Paula gives a tepid review, struggling for something to say. Simon says you've gone as far as you can go, you're surrounded by amazing singers and just don't measure up. He says you've taken a lot of stuff from the media and have handled yourself well--to which the audience gives her a hand--I just wish you can sing better. Ryan asks straight out if you deserve to be in the final 12, she defends herself, says I'm myself, don't compare. Simon jumps in on her again, then Randy--this is all only going to help her, she and Sanjaya should form a club.

Haley Scarnato, who says she was a gymnast. In red top and black pants; she really shouldn't be here, her voice is at best ordinary, does an utterly forgetabble, schmaltzy, If My Heart Had Wings. All her gestures are pretty much the same, with her right hand; ugh. Randy is like interesting song choice, but it's kindof who you are; just okay, no pizazz, no Yo! Paula says well, I guess it's like who you are. Simon says the problem is I don't know your name, haven't made any impression. In a very odd chat with Ryan, she says well, every week you just gotta do what you have to do, clock in and clock out. Yeah, that's what America is looking for--someone who puts in her shift and then goes home.

Stephanie Edwards, who says she's been singing forever, but used to be shy. She's totally going the Fantasia route, in a tight black/turquoise-striped dress. She can definitely sing, a big voice--but for me, I just don't care about her. Plus she has some pitch problems, to my ears, hard to listen to, wanna turn down the volume. Randy says a valiant effort, but just okay, pitchy problems. Paula thought she was darn-near flawless, slightly behind the beat sometimes, but great. Simon says you're one of the best, but a bit copycat; enough to make the final twelve though.

LaKisha Jones, easily messing with Ryan before, says she's terrified of all animals. In brown outfit; belts out slow and controlled version of I Don't Wanna Hurt Anymore. It's good, but again--nothing we'll remember next week. Odd choice, everyone knows Whitney's version. Randy says not your best, but good enough. Paula says good; Simon says you brought passion, talent, believability--and a nice outfit. He's right, it's classy and normal versus last week's odd. Her aunt and mother are going nuts in the audience, it's all good.

They come back with Ryan messing around with the women, throwing pillows around, trying to mess with Gina Glockson, who handles it well. She has lucky charms, apparently; which are all weird. In punk outfit or something; does an unmelodic rock song that starts well, but deteriorates, the audience is just standing around. She's definitely her own person, lotsof shrieking, good energy but whatever, I don't really like it. Randy says pitchy but you're true to yourself. Paula says good, but don't oversing and fall flat. Simon says it's obvious you enjoyed that, looked comfortable; really hope you make it through because you're a breath of fresh air, just choose better, more melodic songs. It's interesting, with her there are moments when I like her, but then others when I really don't.

Close with Melinda Doolittle. It hasn't been a great night, people have just been okay. For some reason she talks about OCDish qualities she has. In black and white dress; comes out and just belts out I'm a Woman, she's very believable, it's a strong performance, but I wonder how many guy votes she's gonna get outof this. It's big and all that; but not great to my ears. Randy says the best of the night, a total pro, you ready to just go make a record. Paula says you're likeable and lovable--which I don't know about; she's definitely a bit weird. Simon starts off with you little tiger, I thought we had a pussycat--I loved that, it's nice that you're enjoying all this and not just seeing it all as a stepping stone.

I guess say goodbye to Haley and Sabrina... oh well, now the show's about to start for real; maybe people will start busting out once they make the top 12.

Jordin Sparks
Melinda Doolittle
LaKisha Jones
Gina Glockson
Antonella Barba
Stephanie Edwards
Sabrina Sloan
Haley Scarnato