Welcome to Week 1, Day 2 of The Examiner’s “Idol Chatter.” We’ve got a long road ahead of us, folks, and far too many women trying to hitch a ride. It’s time to open the door and start shoving people out of our moving car. Tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox, the 12 remaining women get to prove their worth.
Alaina Alexander, 24
» West Hollywood, Calif.
Alaina sobbed her way into the Top 24 last week. She claims to be clumsy, and that every time she falls in front of people she gets embarrassed. “Idol” could use a first-rate, life-defining onstage spill, so Alaina might be worth keeping around if this is a good possibility.
Turn up or tune out? Criers make for funny early exits and heartwarming triumphs. The first seems more likely. Tune out.
Amy Krebs, 22
» Federal Way, Wash.
Amy appears to be one of the more talented singers. Like Alaina, she says she trips “ALL the time.” More great news, viewers!
Turn up or tune out? Could go far; check back once we get to know her a bit. Turn up.
Antonella Barba, 20
» Point Pleasant, N.J.
If she’s nearly as unpleasant as her stuck-up best friend, Amanda (who was shown the door in Hollywood), let’s hope for a swift hook for this Jersey Girl who claims she wins eating contests.
Turn up or tune out? She received a lot of early air-time. Could spell a prolonged run, given the corollary to nice guys finishing last. Turn up.
Gina Glocksen, 22
» Naperville, Ill.
Brimming with (over)confidence, Gina has already guaranteed an “Idol” victory and dismissed the talents of her fellow singers. Her personal goals in life: “To be rich and famous!” Ugh.
Turn up or tune out? History will repeat itself for ex-“Idol” reject. Tune out.
Haley Scarnato, 24
» San Antonio, Texas
Haley has the looks, and she claims she can really dance, too. But is that it? She also claims to frequently fall down onstage. (This is too good to be true!)
Turn up or tune out? Should be here for a few rounds, at least. Turn up.
Jordin Sparks, 17
» Glendale, Ariz.
Jordin’s young. She’s talented. She’s personable. She was the “Overall Spotlight Winner” for the Gospel Music Association Academy in 2004. She says Tony Dungy is her idol. That’s quite a resume.
Turn up or tune out? A recipe for success … but is her voice good enough? Turn up.
Lakisha Jones, 27
» Fort Meade, Md.
This year’s Mandisa? Blessed with a great voice, Lakisha passed through Hollywood with humility and dignity. Simon told her she was a great singer. Bonus points: She has a young daughter. Cha-ching!
Turn up or tune out? Finalist potential. Turn up.
Leslie Hunt, 24
» Chicago, Ill.
Leslie has crazy eyes — the eyes of stalking ex-girlfriends and neurotic co-workers. What would she do if she wasn’t on “Idol”? “I’d continue on this path like my hair’s on fire!” Keep this one around for humor’s sake — at a safe distance, of course.
Turn up or tune out? A snowball’s chance in hell. Tune out.
Melinda DoolittLe, 29
» Brentwood, Tenn.
This old-timer cries every time she advances to a new round — in the annoying way. There’s a lot to look past. (Insert mean-spirited Simon barb here.)
Turn up or tune out? Be very unhappy if you drew Melinda in your office “Idol” pool. Tune out.
Nicole Tranquillo, 20
» Philadelphia, Pa.
Mediocrity, thy name is Nicole. It’s likely you’ve already forgotten about this student and avid hip-hop dancer. FYI: Nicole aspires after mutiplatinum albums. (Good luck.)
Turn up or tune out? The first to go. Tune out.
Sabrina Sloan, 27
» Studio City, Calif,
Sabrina is married, she first began singing at 3 years old atop a Chuck E. Cheese table, and she was musically trained at Northwestern University. That’s all you need to know. Really.
Turn up or tune out? Also tough to beat in battle for First Eliminated. Tune out.
Stephanie Edwards, 19
» Savannah, Ga.
Stephanie has proved she has the chops to advance far in this competition. What she has yet to prove: If she has the personality and spark that will win over fans and keep them voting for her.
Turn up or tune out? Finalist potential. Turn up.
Watch it
» American Idol
8 p.m., Fox
The top 12 female contestants perform tonight, for your votes as well as for the critique of judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. But at this stage of the competition, what the trio says has little to do with whether a contestant is voted through or not. As Ryan Seacrest might say, “It’s up to you, America.” – Zap2It.com
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
