Songs From Their Birth Year

In general I would think it was a wise move to pick fairly well known songs since they are at least 16 years old by the time you are singing them, but at least 2 people picked songs I've never heard before?! I liked Ramiele & Syesha, and except for a few minor things felt that Carly & Brooke did well also. Kristie deserves mention for being beyond smart and choosing the ultimate patriotic country song to almost guarantee her a few more week in the competition. Michael was great for the first time in just about forever and then there was David C.! Wow, thank you Ryan for pointing out that it was Chris Cornell's version, who cares David killed it and gets extra brownie points for doing it at the end of the show.

Top 3: David C., Michael, Syesha

Bottom 3: David A., Chikezie, Jason

bye bye Amanda

The hour format is a bit much but I am pleased with the results. Now on to next week and songs of...

The Top 11 Do the Beatles

Wow, a second week of classic hits just wasn't as kind to the contestants as the first. I think that most of them tried to do something different to some how stand apart from last week and unfortunately most of them did so in a slightly bad way. David A. was one of the few who definately shined, back on his game he gave a stunning performance of "The Long and Winding Road", and Syesha came back with a lovely performance of "Yesterday". David C. and Carly also ranked high on the list of favorites. I would like for this to be Amanda's week but think perhaps Kristie has finally done herself in. Until the results...

Top 3: David A., Syesha, David C.
Bottom 3: Michael, Amanda, Kristie

Bye-Bye David H.

So the first of the finalists fall. It seems strange this season that we are sending home singers who could have easily won previous seasons. I really am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out. Good bye to David H. who suffered more from rumors than a bad performance, may Amanda follow you next week. TTFN

The Top 12 & Songs From Lennon & McCartney

It was a strange night, I thought most of the contestants did well but unlike the judges I really enjoyed the performances that were closer to the originals. Brooke was fantastic and Ramiele was note perfect. Chikezie sounded good but looked a little like he had taken dancing lessons from Taylor Hicks. Amanda was shouty and mumbly as usual and Kristie didn't really pull of her country version of "Eight Days A Week" but she did get my attention. Poor David A. I feel so bad for him, it was obvious from the beginning that he was uncomfortable and once he lost the lyrics he just never got ahold of the song again. I'm not to worried for him at this point though as he definately has the popular vote, my guess is Syesha has had her last chance.

Top 3: Brooke, Ramiele, Chikezie
Bottom 3: Kristie, Syesha, David A.

Down To The Top 12

Tonight was the big night, the reveal of the top 12 finalists! I was happy beyond words to see Danny go, a little sad that Asia'h went, and totally unsurprised by Luke and Kady's exit - overall the night was pretty much what I expected. I am looking forward to next week and songs from Lennon & McCartney.

Congratulations - Amanda, Brooke, Carly, Chikezie, David A, David C, David H, Jason C, Kristie, Michael, Ramiele, & Syesha

Top 8 Girls Do The 80's

I don't think the 80's were as kind to the girls as they were to the guys, but overall it wasn't a bad night. Kristie totured "Faithfully" and Kady was way out of her league with "Who Wants to Live Forever", but the rest (even Amanda) had good performances. Brooke surprised me once again with how good she was, it was a smart song choice and she owned it.

Top 3: Brooke, Ramiele, Carly
Bottom 3: Kristie, Kady, Amanda

Top 8 Guys Do The 80's

Well the 80's were too tough of the guys, overal I felt that all the guys gave good vocal performances. Danny still annoys me with his over the top dramatics but at least he was in tune. I really enjoyed David C. this week and thought that Jason C. gave a great solid performance I just wish he had more to offer.

Top 3: David C., Jason C., David A.

Bottom 3: Michael, Luke, Danny