American Idol Season 9 Review #4: Top 10 Girls

I guess the girls generally stepped it up this week. Better song choices. Was OK to watch. :D

Below are my individual performance critiques.

Crystal Bowersox (Long As I Can See The Light by Creedence Clearwater Revival) I was really surprised by Crystal this week. It seemed as if nothing was wrong with her (she just came from the hospital). She sounded almost pitch perfect! Just effortless! This Americana genre is really working out for her. Amazing! Rating: 9.5/10

Haely Vaughn (The Climb by Miley Cyrus) I really wanted this performance to work out for her. Unfortunately, it was quite disastrous and all over the place. She could have had her moment with this song, but it seems as if she doesn’t quite know yet how to use her voice. I don’t know if this can be attributed to her youth and her lack of experience…I do see a lot of potential in her though. A part of me wants her to stay, because she does these unique twists to songs......and her happy and quirky personality is just so infectious. Another part of me, however, is saying bye bye to her this week. Anyway, this was definitely an improvement from last week’s performance. Rough Rating: 6.5/10

Lacey Brown (Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer) This was an ok performance for me. She did sound like the original at many parts of the song. I could tell that this is the type of music she could totally do. My problem with this performance was that she didn’t really add anything new to it. I do love the tone of her voice, but I think she may easily be overshadowed by the stronger performers, which puts her in danger this week. Not great, not bad. Rating: 7/10

Katie Stevens (Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae) Love this song, but I thought that Katie was bigger than it. She couldn’t do much with it. The song choice was youthful, but I just thought it didn’t showcase her voice. Although I do have to say that I love how she made use of her lower range. She sounds really good singing with her lower voice. I do think she’ll be safe this week anyway. Nevertheless, she has to step it up next week. This was a so-so performance. Rating: 8/10

Didi Benami (Lean On Me by Bill Withers) Wrong song! Her voice is so distinct and unique that it didn’t work out at all with this song. Her vocal styling made the performance a bit messy and screechy. The song showed the weaknesses of her voice. However, I don’t think that the performance was as bad as the judges made it seem to be. Love her voice, but did not love it with this song. Hope she stays. :/ Rating: 7.3/10

Michelle Delamor (With Arms Wide Open by Creed) Now, that was a weird song choice… She started off really well and controlled, however when she went up to her higher register, her voice somehow fell flat. I like Michelle and I really want her to stay! I just did not feel this performance at all. I give her props though for taking a risk. 7.5/10

Lilly Scott (A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke) I really loved the little twists she made to this song. This is a song that’s usually belted, but Lilly kept it simple and cool to listen to. I liked her performance. I just hope that if ever she stays, she learns to develop her stage presence. Rating: 8.5/10

Katelyn Epperly (The Scientist by Coldplay) I loved this performance!! I personally had no problem with the pace she sang the song with. I believe it showcased her voice really well! She connected well with the audience and the song. I also think that Katelyn looked stunning with her look this week! I love how she kept everything simple, with just the piano. My favorite performance of the night, and currently my favorite contestant among the girls! :D Rating: 9/10

Paige Miles (Walk Away by Kelly Clarkson) I sorta did enjoy Paige’s performance. She really has a great voice. But, I just wish that she could’ve just come out with a simple song, showcasing her voice. I find her personality a bit weird though?!?! Rating: 8/10

Siobhan Magnus (Think by Aretha Franklin) I really enjoy watching Siobhan! She’s unpredictable! I loved how tonight she just sang a song which showcased her BIG range!!! She ended the night with a blast! Loved it! She’s a contestant to watch for along the competition! Dark Horse to win it all, I believe! :D Rating: 9/10

Here’s my ranking of the Top 10 girls based on my individual ratings:

1. Crystal Bowersox

2. Katelyn Epperly

3. Siobhan Magnus

4. Lilly Scott

5. Paige Miles

6. Katie Stevens

7. Michelle Delamor (eliminated)

8. Didi Benami

9. Lacey Brown

10. Haeley Vaughn (eliminated)

Lacey and Haeley are in danger this week! For some reason, I feel like there’s a possibility that Haeley could be safe (I don’t know…) I think Michelle is in danger as well.