Semi Finals: Top 8 Girls

This is the final week of Semi Finals and after the girls and guys perform we will have our 12 Finalists for Season 9! Then they will take on "the big stage" starting next week; THAT is when the real fun begins! So, let's see how the girls did this week.

Crystal Bowersox ♪♪♪♪ - Crystal continues to prove why she is the favorite to take the whole show. Stellar vocals! She is an artist. What else can I say? Best of the night. However, word of advice for Crystal is not to become stagnant and have the same sound every week. She needs to be able to bring something new and keep her performances fresh. Just a bit of advice for my girl.

Siobhan Magnus ♪♪♪♪ - Siobhan is quickly becoming another of my favorites. I love her quirkiness in interviews (and in her clothing choices at times) but when she steps up to sing it is game on! She will be a fun one to watch in the Finals to see what she brings each week. She is full of surprises, and I like it.

Didi Benami ♪♪♪ 1/2 - As you may recall, I did not think Didi's performance last week was as awful as the judges did; however, tonight Didi was magical! Her voice is entrancing. It's obvious that this season we have a crop of girls who are not the cookie-cutter pop diva's, which is refreshing. I would say out of the "Indie Trio" (Lilly, Lacey and Didi), Didi is the most polished vocally.

Lacey Brown ♪♪♪ - Finally Lacey had a solid performance in which she showcased her abilities and did not come off sounding immature or shaky. I agree with the judges, this is the best we have seen her. She pulled this performance out at JUST the right time! Combined with her obvious fan base she already has which has kept her safe thus far, I think this performance will ensure her spot in the Finals.

Lilly Scott ♪♪♪ - Lilly is another artist this season. She has her own style and while it is not always technically the best vocal, it is true to who she is and there is a market for her in the music world. I really like Lilly, but this was not my most favorite performance by her. Still, good stuff though. 

Katelyn Epperly ♪♪ 1/2 - I really like Katelyn, and I do not think this performance was bad vocally, but like Kara said, it was disconnected. It came off to me very 1980's but not in a stylish was, more of a one hit wonder kind of way. Katelyn is much better than this performance and I hope people remember what she is capable of and vote for her, I believe she deserves a spot in the Finals.

Katie Stevens ♪♪ - I really like Katie and was rooting for her but she has faltered in the Semi's and this week was no better. Ultimately, she needs to take some time, get some experience and hone that raw talent she has and figure out what kind of music/style she wants to be and then come back and try again. It's a shame because I had high hopes for her.

Paige Miles - I could not even give her 1/2 a note for this performance. Wow, completely terrible? It almost feels like she threw this one. I mean, what in the world?? THIS is who Simon calls "the best female singer" of the bunch? I have no words. If this is a tactic for sympathy votes to get into the top 12, then I would call her brilliant. Otherwise, ouch.

Tonight is going to be a tough night, because obviously these people left have a fan base, the question is how strong is their individual fan bases? Paige has been kept around without having any previous exposure on the show prior to the Finals and I think that is partly due to Simon's praise. Tonight, though, she fell slat on her face and sang the most painful version of "Smile" I have ever heard...and without a glimpse of a smile on her face. Does she understand emotions? Just curious. Katie has sort of been a favorite with the younger people and grandparents, but I think her lack of vision has become evident and she cannot continue to simply be a puppet for the judges critiques. Here is another spin...Lacey. History has shown that people who have struggled one week and been kept safe and then come back the next week and do well get the boot that week. Could Lacey's solid performance this week cause people to stop voting to save her? That is a great possibility this week! Based on my analysis though, Katie and Paige should be the 2 ladies who say goodbye on results night; however, you NEVER know what America will decide. If my theory regarding Lacey is true...then I think Paige will benefit from that and we could see Katie and Lacey go. Will be interesting to see whose fan base is stronger.