Up is down and down is up, apparently, because weird stuff was going on with the girls last week.
First, they were blown out of the water by the fellas. Beyond that, a couple of the gents proved themselves to be the favorites in the entire competition. Then, to top it off, Alaina and Alexandrea were both shown the door in favor of far inferior singers. I never claimed to be an expert here — but somethin’ ain’t right.
Let’s run through tonight’s performers before this thing gets any more confusing.
RAMIELE MALUBAY, 20
Ramiele has consistently demonstrated a powerful, capable voice, and she’s risen to the top of the ranks among the ladies. This fashionable Filipina has also flashed a sprightly attitude that could lead to big things.
Turn up or tune out: Ramiele is endearing and talented. Idon’t know much, but there’s no way she’s going home yet, right? Turn up.
CARLY SMITHSON, 24
Carly returned from illness for a solid if unremarkable performance of Heart’s “Crazy on You.” The judges again gushed about her natural talent, but how long can Carly keep coasting until she really has to start producing?
Turn up or tune out: Carly’s easily got the pipes to last longer than this. Right? Turn up.
ASIA’H EPPERSON, 19
Asia’h remains a Scott Fuller favorite, but in this space last week, I wondered whether she had the goods to take on the best. We got our answer last week — Asia’h tussled with Celine Dion’s “All By Myself” and was soundly drubbed. Yikes.
Turn up or tune out: This former cheerleader looked good but sounded bad. (What’s with the halting vocals?) Her radiant smile was barely a nightlightafter she botched Wednesday’s finale. Let’s remember better times having watched her star fall. Turn up.
BROOKE WHITE, 24
Brooke made the season’s wisest choice yet with last week’s “You’re So Vain.” Not only did she really nail it, but whaddaya know, she even looks a lot like Carly Simon! High marks all around.
Turn up or tune out: Now, I am expecting more from Brooke. As Asia’h’s stock fell last week, Brooke’s rose. I suppose that makes tonight the rubber match. Turn up.
KADY MALLOY, 18
» Houston
Kady is a mystery wrapped in a Britney Spears imitation. The judges — and this judge is decidedly in their corner — seem genuinely baffled by her lack of success. She’s got the pipes; why, then, was “Magic Man” so terrible with a capital T?
Turn up or tune out: If I were a betting man, I’d wager on a comeback this week. You can flip a coin only so many times before heads finally arrives. Turn up.
SYESHA MERCADO, 21
» Sarasota, Fla.
Syesha grasped her limits and scored a big hit with “Me and Mr. Jones” last week. (The Billy Paul classic is a song I’ve always loved.) Her sweet, understated performance was one of my favorites, despite what Simon & Co. had to say about it.
Turn up or tune out: If history is our guide, Syesha is solid enough to stick around a little while longer. But what’s with the outrageous baby cry? There’s guaranteed to be a joke on reserve after that unusual impersonation. Turn up.
KRISTY LEE COOK, 24
» Selma, Ore.
Some people are buying American, even when foreign cars may be better. Some people will always vote Republican, even when they find themselves siding with Democratic candidates. And some people are casting ballots for Kristy Lee Cook, even when she’s unquestionably the least inspiring singer out there.
Turn up or tune out: Tomboy/country gal Kristy Lee has the resume fit for either a prom queen or the star of a made-for-TV movie. I like Burger King as well as the next guy, folks, but there’s prime rib out there, and you’re choosing something off the $1 menu. Tune out.
AMANDA OVERMYER, 23
» Mulberry, Ind.
Amanda’s performance of “Carry on Wayward Son” was B-A-D. Her rendition was so indisputably bad that it’s obvious she was carried through by fans taken with her authentic-rocker-chick persona. Sure, she’s memorable, but so is liverwurst.
Turn up or tune out: If tonight’s showing is any near as disastrous as last week’s, Amanda has no business being in the top 12. It’s time to yank her mic cord. Tune out.
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
