Semi Finals: The Gals

The girls definitely mixed it up and gave us some real surprises...both bad and good. To me, the Top 5 is obvious, however, America does not vote on singing talent alone. The girls brought sexiness, sassiness and even some cringe-worthiness. How did they stack up in my book? Let's take a look...it's reading rainboooowwwwww. *ahem* Moving on....

Ty-Tynisa Wilson (♪) - Yikes! This was a ROUGH way to start the show. I don't think that TyTy (yes, I just nicknamed her...much easier to type) ever got on pitch through the entire song. Her notes were so sharp you could cut yourself on them. I was hoping for more from TyTy but didn't expect it based on what we saw of her in Hollywood...and she lived up to my expectations.

Naima Adadepo (♪♪♪) - Ok, wasn't sure about Naima, but I had her listed as a potential upset in my Predictions blog. After this performance I will say I like her but don't think she is at all what Idol is looking for this year. She definitely should go the jazz music route and would be a hit I have no doubt. She is just a little too old fashion for this season...but definitely stands out from the crowd with her look and style...and those eyes!

Kendra Chantelle (♪♪♪♪♪) - Perfect score...she did AMAZING. Some people do not agree with me (you know who you are) but I do not care. This girl has amazing pipes and style and should already be a star! I am afraid her lack of airtime in the initial rounds, compared to what other contestants received, will be a detriment to her as she has not been able to build a fan base. It will be a real shame if she does not get put through to the Finals as I think she will give some of the other girls a run for their money.

Rachel Zevita (♪♪♪) - Honestly, I think the girl did a decent job. Was it VERY Broadway? Yes. She looked like she took offense to that when Steven said it, but it's really not that bad, she could do well there. I like how she totally changed up the song to something completely different that fit her style. Do I think she should make the Finals? No. She is not what Idol is looking for this year.

Karen Rodriguez (♪♪♪ 1/2) - I like Karen, I think she has spunk and style and star quality; however, this performance left something to be desired for me. I think Karen has more to offer, but we did not see it tonight.

Lauren Turner (♪♪♪) - Another scarcely shown contestant prior to the Top 24. She has a decent voice, but is lacking that "artist" feel that is dominating the show this season. I'm not sure what to think of her...I liked her voice but she seemed awkward on stage. She seems like a contestant we would have seen in Season 1 or 2...if that makes any sense.

Ashthon Jones (♪♪♪♪) - We all know I have been touting Ashthon as one to watch this season and I still stand behind that. She is definitely the standout R&B diva of this season and she looks like a star! She has great stage presence, confidence (without being cocky), seems sweet and down to earth AND had solid vocals. She made me proud!

Julie Zorilla (♪ 1/2) - Here is one of those "surprising: bad" moments. I have been a fan of Julie and she has a great voice, but she did not show it at all with this performance. She needs to be doing songs in her higher register as that is where her money is...she is not a low register singer. It was just all wrong tonight and the only thing that will get her through is that we have seen A LOT of her so far on the show and people may have already invested in her.

Haley Reinhart (♪♪) - Soooo yea...um...where to start. Ok, a positive...Haley has a nice voice...however, she over sang and OVER performed. I think she was trying to be sexy? I dunno I literally LOL'd one time during her performance....plain and simple she came off COMPLETELY cheesy and fake. Definitely blew her one chance.

Thia Megia (♪♪♪♪) - This girl does NOT sound 15. Her voice is mature beyond it's years and is pitch perfect and pure. I liked how she brought it down and did a stripped down performance in contrast to the other high energy ones of the night. Starting out accapella is always a strong move on this show. However, she is very low key and although we have seen more of her than of other contestants, I don't know how much of a fan base she has built, but Jasmine Trias of season 3 proved that the Asian/Philippino vote can be very STRONG!

Lauren Alaina (♪♪♪♪ 1/2) - This girl will no doubt make the Finals and most likely sail through this competition for the long haul. I enjoyed every moment of her performance and it doesn't hurt that she reminds me so much of Kelly Clarkson either. :) Another one who shows that talent knows no age!

Pia Toscano (♪♪♪♪♪) - A second perfect score of the night from the ladies! At first I was shocked that Pia got the "pimp spot" over Lauren, but it did not take long to see why. This girl pulled out all the stops at JUST the right moment in this competition. I had no idea she had such a range! I get goosebumps even watching this performance over again on You Tube! Outstanding! And again...another total package!

What a night! The girls definitely brought their "A" game and it is going to be another tough group to make cuts from. Based on MY ranking I believe the Top 5 girls are: Kendra, Pia, Ashthon, Lauren A and Thia. I would not be surprised to see Julie's fan base give her one of those spots despite a lack luster performance. I guess we will see what America is thinking tonight AND THEN see who the judges pick. I am very curious about this part because on Tuesday Ryan said the judges will pick a wild card, then last night he kept referring to Wild Card'S.....he's playing games and I don't like it. Anyway, tonight should be a good show...

Peace out!