American Idol's top 10 women

Ryan claims the guys put on an awesome show last night, then the 'ladies' parade across the screen. Simon and Paula are giving each other the eye; it's interesting, Simon's getting a lot more cheering and squealing this year.

Randy claims the guys were on fire, Paula says they surprised us; uh, okay. Carly Smithson starts first, says we would be surprised that she works at an Irish bar. Uh, really? Shaking and bouncing in a black outfit, fierce look, belting out Crazy on You. Not crazy about the song, the whole thing is just eh to me, although she can definitely sing. Randy says good towards the end, beginning was rough, pitch problems, oversing--she's fighting to keep a smile on her face; Paula says not bad, Carly goes on about how much she likes the song; Simon says better than last week, points out that she's totally out of breath, still haven't connected--you are an incredible singer, none of the girls can touch you vocally, but you haven't had your moment yet, in the end though I think you're the one they've all got to beat. She blabs on about how happy she is she got to sing the song--she really doesn't get it, this show isn't about ego gratification.

Syesha Mercado, who says she's done a lot of commercials; she has funny facial expressions. Mimics a baby crying, for some reason. In black with a big scarfish thing around her hair; song is waaaaay too low-energy, like a finesse song. Middle is better, Mr. Jones or something; I think it'd be better if she was singing this later, once she's established her persona, the whole thing is kind of nebulous, except for the refrain. Randy says not a great song choice, show off your big voice more, goes nowhere when it's too soft; Paula says you're off-pitch when you go soft, nice try though; Simon says a bit indulgent, kind of silly to sing a song not written for a girl, audience boos him big time, says he was put off when she started it.

Brooke White thinks we'd be surprised by the fact that she went to beauty school, she likes wondering what she can do with people's hair. Ooooh, like it; playing the guitar, in orange, perfect song choice for her husky voice with good tone, You're So Vain. The totally perfect song, it just flows, she's just strong enough, with irony and color in her voice, cracks just right. The look is perfect, too. My favorite female performance this year, maybe. Randy loves the song choice, not sure it was unique, was this song about someone up here?! Paula says perfect song, suits you, liked her familiarity; Simon says he absolutely loved it, totally perfect song, the artist genuinely chose the song, totally connected, not old-fashioned, this is why you're here. She's very nice, keeps saying thank you, and thanks the band, too. I'm telling you, possible darkhorse, if she can keep her confidence together....

Ramiele Malubay next, in a fun purpleish top, Ryan tries to speak Spanish with her, she's like oh my god as the audience laughs. Says she was really sad, her friends were cut last time. She used to Polynsesian dance as a kid; mmm, don't think people are too surprised. She was really cute as a kid, now is a bit too made up. Hmm, good voice, it's hushed to start, a bit compelling; not sure about the song, Don't Leave Me This Way. It speeds up a bit, yeah, it's just not speaking to me; odd choice, I think. It's fun on the refrain, but the rest of it is just okay, her voice sounds a bit swallowed up too; performance is pretty repetitive too. Randy is like the boys liked it, it was just okay, a little rough, bad song choice; she seems so sad, Paula says your vocals are truly amazing, you powered through but the song is too much the same; she looks anxious as Simon says astonishingly he agrees with Paula, thought you were much better last week, I think you're one of the top three best singers in the whole thing, just not one of your best. She says afterwards she changed it four times, didn't want to do a slow song, afraid of being called Lullaby instead of Malubay. Yo--don't read the message boards!

Kristy Lee Cook next, I like the sideways look she gives the camera as we go to break. Says people would be surprised that she's a tomboy. Uh, nobody's surprised by that.... In cool silver top, black pants; lots of attitude, very bouncy, a bit too aware of the camera--You're No Good. Stands like she's riding a horse again; I think the problem with her is her voice just isn't that great, so performance has to really carry her. She looks a bit timid singing, even, like the attitude has to be pushed out. Plus her tongue's really red for some reason. Not bad, in the sense I enjoyed it, but nothing wow either. Randy says much better than last week, no breakout moments but pretty in-tune; Paula says you're back, good choice; Simon says big improvement, but not sure what you are yet, the country route might be it, you have real potential.

Amanda Overmyer next, says she's a bookworm, likes reading bios of rock icons. She and David Cook should meet up. In her usual tough girl black; good energy coming out, weird dance moves, but authentic song choice, Carry on My Wayward Son. Seems to be a bit ahead of the music, and her voice seems off-key. Totally hate the dancing stuff, more writhing than anything else. Kind of a mess, no cohesion, and song isn't that great. Just kindof of painful. Randy says not the right song choice, too many instrumental breaks, too much melody for a bluesy girl, very pitchy; Paula claims she can dance, ha! Her parents kind of have a whatever look on their faces, odd. Not the right song; Simon says you were natural in the video, everything on stage felt contrived, including crazy hair, indulgent choice, ugly song, didn't get it. Paul says you're better without all the crazy makeup and stuff.

Alaina Whitaker, who I really don't remember--my gosh there are a lot of white girls (and guys) this year. Says she doesn't like the food on her plate to touch each. Okay... shows her eating bad Chinese food, says she used to use a different fork for each food. In formalish blue gown; gosh, this is a mistake, look is too old, and her song choice is bad, too slow and soft, and she's oversinging to make an impression; Hopelessly Devoted to You. It's painful to listen to, actually, she's almost shrieking to hit the high notes. This might be it for her. Randy says he likes the song, but bad choice, very pitchy, you overshot stuff, not my fave; Paula asks if she loves the song, she says yeah... Paula says good job, not as bad as Randy thinks; Simon says he likes her, but it's almost like your grandmother prepared you for this audition, all very old-fashioned. On a positive note, you're a dark horse, gotta become relevant. Nah, I disagree, there's no there there. Simon is giving Ryan the business again over being gayish, Ryan really doesn't like it, just hits back at him per usual.

Alexandrea Lushington says she was a poster child for the Atlanta fire department, talks about singing at Ground Zero impromptu. In hoodieish; oh, her voice gets swallowed from the get-go, sign of a bad song choice. This is not good, seems weak, trying to push it, If You Leave Me Now. This is bad, she's going to be out after this. Just no energy at all, she's off-key, it's the worst female song we've seen this year. She knows it too, looks defeated afterwards, Randy asks what do you think, she says it's over.... Randy says you've got great skills, but a safe choice, boring; Paula says still not bad, your own version; Simon says I was a big fan of yours, you're struggling, bad song choice, you weren inconsistent, looked uncomfortable. I like her afterwards talking to Ryan, she's a cool person. Hope she doesn't go.

Kady Milloy, says she's been singing opera since she was a kid; I really like her, hope she gets it together; has a great voice, singing opera in the bathroom. She does an impression of Simon that's pretty funny. In black sundress, great outfit; stumbles a bit coming down the stairs. Totally the wrong song for her, voice is totally swallowed up. A bit more personality coming out at least. Wow, Magic Man--interesting choice; not crazy about it cause it's not melodic, a bit all over the place. But man, she's a great performer, attitude and all. Wish she'd just sing! The song is almost more spoken than anything. Randy asks if she loves it, she does, he says some interesting song choices, never quite on pitch; Paula says great when you powered, but low notes were off, you have many hidden talents, you need to find yourself; Simon says we're all frustrated because on film you're great, opera too, actual performance is bad, didn't go anywhere. She shrugs it off, I had fun.

Asia'h Epperson says she was a cheerleader, loved it; I'm mixed on her, see what happens tonight. Wow, compelling start, in white, slow and powerful, All By Myself. A good song choice, weird spin on the refrain--starts low, second word cuts high; it's passionate, but hard to get other versions out of your head. She's building steam, has a HUGE voice. Still feel like she's always flat, but man, she can sing. Randy says we know you've been sick, hard song to sing, but you were good; Paula's excited that she pulled it off; Simon says you didn't pull it off, not good enough of a singer, close but no cigar, you're not that good, shouldn't have attempted it. Shows you up, a silly decision. Know your limitations, Simon says to Ryan, like you have in your career. It's true, Ryan doesn't try to be more than he is.

I guess I'm predicting Alaina and Alexandrea.... Not a bad night, but I'm still waiting for someone to make me rewind the tape and watch their song again.

Brooke White
Kristy Lee Cook
Asia'h Epperson
Kady Milloy
Ramiele Malubay
Syesha Mercado
Carly Smithson
Amanda Overmyer
Alaina Whitaker
Alexandrea Lushington