The Twelve American Idol Women Compete

The Twelve American Idol Women Compete

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The Twelve American Idol Women Compete 2/21/08

Download last nights performances on iTunes.com

February 20, 2008 Episode

By Marcus

With a few exceptions, last night’s men performances were forgettable. Let us hope that tonight the women make up for it. We must remember that the entire purpose of this program and of its massive promotion is to find a superstar. Not just someone who stands out in the local choir or bar, or played a lead in a high school or community musical. No. This is the search for stardom.

First up was horse trainer Kristy Lee Cook who actually sold her barrel horse to raise money for the flight to the American Idol audition in Philadelphia. Tonight she sang “Rescue Me” with minimal enthusiasm. That’s too bad because she is a physically attractive woman who has some talent. But overall, her performance was simply, one big yawn.

Next we had plus size model Joanne Borgella singing “I Say A Little Prayer.” She was a powerhouse during Hollywood Week but totally fizzled tonight. Again, it was just a simple nice but not outstanding performance. Her voice even crackled during the first half and the second half of her song was just “okay.”

After those first two boring singers, up popped birthday girl Alaina Whitaker. She

turns 17 on the 21st and she gave us a delightful birthday present. It was a great version of “I Love You More Than Yesterday.” She has cuteness, energy, presence, and exciting vocals. She will be a major contender for the Idol crown.

Rocker chick Amanda Overmyer survived a crash into an 18-wheeler. Tonight we survived her gravelly heavy metal piece with almost incoherent vocals. But man, her guitar player was playing hot.

Trade show model and graduate student Amy Davis needed to make a better effort with her version of “Where The Boys Are” to really stand out. Don’t get me wrong, because she sang it well. But just well, rather than extraordinary.

With her turquoise blue eyes, nanny Brooke White wobbled through “So Happy Together.” Again, it was okay but not remarkable.

After a dry spell of singers, we finally witnessed a real performer in the person of Alexandrea Lushington. She has stage command, audience eye contact and thoroughly entertained us with “Spinning Wheels.” She is another contender to be watched.

Recording studio assistant Kady Malloy told us that she is overly obsessed with music. Her version of “Groovy Kind Of Love” was gentle and a little placid. She really needs to let herself go and sparkle; otherwise, she will just be another forgotten singer.

Atlanta waitress Asia’h Epperson fried the bacon with a sizzling “Hold On.” She will be back next week, and the week after, and the week after that. She has that natural stage ease that cannot be learned.

Petite Ramiele Malubay has a powerful full-range voice. She does need help with stage choreography and wardrobe, but needs no help whatsoever with her singing. I think that the early money will be on this woman to place in top four.

I think that we have found our “it” girl, Syesha Mercado. A working actress with music in her soul, she held our attention from intro to ending note with “Tobacco Road.” When you hear her and see her perform, you just want more of her. And that wanting is the elusive “it” of stardom. She is definitely a serious contender for this season’s winner.

The last woman to sing was tattoo shop owner Carly Smithson singing “The Shadow Of Your Smile.” It was a good vocal but not brilliant and I doubt people will be talking about it tomorrow. Especially when compared to some of the above singers who knocked us away with their singing.

What can we say about tonight? We can positively state there are some extremely talented women singers and this competition will only get more interesting.

And don’t forget to return right here tomorrow evening to learn who gets the boot to their Hollywood dreams.