by Lindsay Strouse

 

American Idol opens up with an image of Ellen canoodling on Simon’s lap as Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ryan Seacrest try to contain their laughter. Simon says tonight is the worst night to be sent home because everyone is so close to making the Top 12 and are most prone to making mistakes. Here's how the contestants did tonight:

 

Katie Stevens - “Break Away” by Kelly Clarkson
Thankfully, she chose a song this week that is much more age appropriate for a 17 year-old girl. While she did heed their advice, there was nothing exciting about the performance. She seemed flat for a good portion of the song and nothing stood out to me. Randy thought the song was too big for her and that she needs to connect to what the song is saying. Kara thinks Katie has a great radio voice but hasn’t yet figured out who she is as an artist. Simon agrees and gives her a 10 out of 10 for trying and taking all their notes.

 

Siobhan Magnus - “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
Siobhan decided to sing this song as a sort of surprise and tribute to her dad. She is adorable and commands attentions during her performance. During the acapella beginning of her song, you could hear a pin drop in the audience. She has such a distinct, interesting voice that really sets her apart from the group. Randy loves her because of the many risks she continually takes and Ellen says she is the reason she loves music—it moves people when she sings. Simon wasn’t as impressed as the others because she didn’t have any moments in her performance like she had last week. The audience had Siobhan’s back and immediately booed this comment, of course.

 

Lacey Brown - “The Story” by Brandy Carlyle
I am absolutely in love with Lacey Brown’s voice, her style, everything. Perched on the edge of the stage, she had a very simple yet captivating performance. She didn’t exactly wow me at any point during the song, but it was very well done. Both Ellen and Randy thought it was her best performance to date and that she makes her singing seem effortless. Kara says this is the kind of songs she should be singing when and if she makes it, and I absolutely agree.

 

Katelyn Epperly - “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King
I feel like this girl belongs in the music “Hair” playing Sheila. Clad with a keyboard, she gives a respectable but forgettable performance. There’s no doubt she has a nice voice, but I think she has been coasting a bit on her endearing personality and luscious blonde locks. Unfortunately, she made yet another bad song choice and once again didn’t connect to the song. Kara felt like she wasn’t even competing tonight and was just going through the motions. She seems like a nice girl, but I just don’t see any star power or potential winner in her.

 

Didi Benami - “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac
Using a guitar for the first time since Hollywood week, Didi had a good but safe performance. I didn’t notice anything special about the song or performance, and while I wouldn’t say there is anything wrong with what she did, I don’t think it’s enough to make people pick up their phones. I feel like she was only giving me a taste of her voice instead of showing me all she’s capable of. Kara and Simon thought a bit differently than me—this was one of Kara’s favorite moments this season. Simon agrees and says that Didi is “head and shoulders above everyone else tonight.” Her “wow” moment was the entire song.

 

Paige Miles - “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin
Oh, the things nerves can do to us. The performance started off a bit awkward, but I thought it would get better as the song progressed—I was wrong. It was off-key and didn’t work in any way, shape or form. The arrangement was awful and certainly didn’t help her cause. She has so much potential, but it could very easily be forgotten because of this one bad song choice. Paige says the emotions got the best of her during the rehearsal and tonight’s performance. I feel for her, but I think it’s the end of the road for Paige on American Idol.

 

Crystal Bowersox - “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman
This rocker used an electric guitar to help her performance, but her voice is more than enough to get her through to the next round. She is nothing but herself and is so comfortable onstage which makes her such a joy to listen to. She gave a great performance and will have no trouble sailing through to the Top 12. The judges give her the title of best performance of the night. Maybe some of the other girls should look up to her to see what she’s doing right, because right now she’s their biggest competition.

 

Lilly Scott – “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline
You don’t see too many people playing a mandolin on this show, but then again you don’t see too many contestants like Lilly Scott every day. I’m a huge fan of hers—she has the “it” factor. I wish she closed the show every night because she always delivers a solid performance. She is so original and the judges love her for it. And major props for making a Patsy Cline song sound contemporary. Simon thinks her song choice was a bit risky for this week, but I think she’ll be just fine for next week.

 

 

SEE ALSO

American Idol Season 9: Top 8 Male Performance Recap

 

 

Don’t miss out on American Idol's Top 8 Male Performances tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 10 at 9/8c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

 

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse

 

For more American Idol links, visit SirLinksALot.net