Last season, armed with superior talent, the women mopped the floor with the men. Tonight, we learn whether this trend continues, or whether we have further proof that men remain the superior gender. (It’s a joke, hold on to your e-mails, please.)
Let’s quickly move on and take a look at the top 12 women, who perform tonight:
ALAINA WHITAKER, 16
» Tulsa, Okla.
When Alaina opens her mouth two things come out: first, ditzy-blonde blather; then, soulful musical sweetness. Alaina should cut the yapping and just sing.
Turn up or tune out: Yes, Alaina Whitaker does have a Carrie Underwood thing going on. That’s a high bar to match, but she’s got a little talent. Turn up.
ALEXANDREA LUSHINGTON, 17
» Douglasville, Ga.
Alexandrea’s 90-year-old grandmother was far more interesting in the auditions than Alexandrea. Sadly, her grandmother is too old to compete.
Turn up or tune out: If Alexandrea’s grandmother is in the audience, she’s a shoo-in to advance. If not, Alexandrea’s above-average talent will offer only a brief shelf life. Tune out.
AMANDA OVERMYER, 23
» Mulberry, Ind.
Please take out your stereotype checklist. Dark, hedonistic eye shadow. Check. Brooding, I-don’t-give-a-%#& attititude. Check. Dyed hair. Check. Smoky, gravely voice. Check. Yep, she’s a rocker chick!
Turn up or tune out: She’s got the talent to advance for a bit, but Simon hit the nail on the head when he suggested Amanda’s one-noteact might soon get old. Tune out.
AMY DAVIS, 25
» Lowell, Ind.
This year’s low-cut top award goes to Amy. Simon and Randy (and Paula) could barely contain their smirks as they sent her along to Hollywood.
Turn up or tune out: Amy’s forgettable singing voice barely makes the grade against your morning shower voice. But that’s irrelevant. Amy is a cliche proven to make the top 12. Turn up.
ASIA’H EPPERSON, 19
» Joplin, Mo.
I really like the song “I’m Going Down,” and Asia’h hit it out of the ballpark in Hollywood week. Also noteworthy: Her stellar, poignant earlier audition was in memory of her father, who had recently died.
Turn up or tune out: Asia’h has a big, beautiful smile, a radiant personality and cool-spelling name. At this point, she’s my favorite in this entire contest. Turn up.
BROOKE WHITE, 24
» Mesa, Ariz.
Pure-as-the-driven-snow Brooke has never seen an R-rated movie. A bundle of nerves, she bawled her way through last episode’s eliminations. Crazy-girl alarms are sounding at full blast.
Turn up or tune out: I’m confused because Brooke looks a little like this girl I used to date. It shouldn’t be a problem for long, as she gets the heave-ho this week. (I removed my deja vu joke, because that’s just too mean.) Tune out.
CARLY SMITHSON, 24
» San Diego, Cailf.
Sweet-as-sugar Irishwoman Carly has dynamite pipes, an armful of tattoos — very hot— and a tattoo-faced husband. (They own a tattoo shop in San Diego.) The judges are big fans, as are all her fellow competitors. Look out.
Turn up or tune out: Asia’h may be my favorite, but I think Carly’s the front-runner. She’s sticking around for a long time. Turn up.
JOANNE BORGELLA, 25
» Hoboken, N.J.
JoAnne is a plus-size model and once sang the national anthem at Madison Square Garden. I’m intrigued already.
Turn up or tune out: People will unfairly stack her up against “Idol’s” previous bigger ladies, including Madisa and LaKisha. JoAnne is way overmatched by this top-tier talent. Tune out.
KADY MALLOY, 18
» Houston, Texas
Kady does voice impressions, and her imitation of Britney Spears was humorously spot-on. Her Kady Malloy was awfully good, too.
Turn up or tune out: In Houston, Simon called Kady the very best he had seen this season. That’s high praise, so keep an eye on her. Turn up.
KRISTY LEE COOK, 24
» Selma, Ore.
Good-lookin’, down-to-earth country gal Kristy Lee lives in a log cabin, loves camping, fishing and riding horses, and is a kickboxer in training for cage fighting. What else do you need to know?
Turn up or tune out: It’s easy to see why Little Miss All-America (who sang a solid “Amazing Grace” in the auditions) made it this far in this competition. But she’s up against the cream of the crop now, and her weaknesses will soon be exposed. Tune out.
RAMIELE MAlUBAY, 20
» Miramar, Fla.
Ramiele is a little girl with a big voice. She’s a cute lil’ thing, but she’ll need more.
Turn up or tune out: Ramiele is questing to become the first Asian-American “Idol” winner. Not likely. It’s a tough call, but I think she goes this week. Tune out.
SYESHA MERCADO, 21
» Sarasota, Fla.
Syesha lost her voice in Hollywood and spent much of her time conversing via cue cards. The jokes were writing themselves until she took the stage and belted out a pretty good showing.
Turn up or tune out: I don’t have Syesha in the elite class yet, but a few killer performances couldchange that. Turn up.
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
