Despite a few female contestants being stricken with the flu during last night’s American Idol auditions – Kristy Lee Cook and Joanne Borgella appeared especially affected – the women still blew away the men from the previous evening’s set of songs.
Here’s a look at the eight – yes, eight! – performances that we liked the most, along with a few comments from the judges related to them:
– Alaina Whitaker gave a solid, subdued performance of “More Today Than Yesterday.” Simon doesn’t see her going home tonight: “You are sailing through to the next round.
– Asia’h Epperson (pictured) sang “Piece of My Heart” and we fear that Simon is moving in on our favorite when he simply said: “It was my favorite of the night.”
– Amanda Overmeyer rocked out with “Baby Please Don’t Go.” We know Paula is easy to please, but we agreed with her assessment: “I just love everything that you do… You’re authentic… A one trick pony, you’re not.”
– Brooke White impressed with a folksy version of “So Happy Together.” Like David Cook with this song the night before, we loved it. Simon said Brooke “chose the right song.”
– Alexandréa Lushington turned Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel” into a youthful, enjoyable tribute, all while sporting cute peace sign earrings. Randy was a fan: “You blew the doors off that … You stayed on the note. You got it. It was hot, baby. it worked.”
– Ramiele Malubay didn’t sound like an amateur with “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.” All three judges called her a pro, with Simon cooing: “Tonight, you out sung every single person.”
– Syesha Mercado belted out a big, loud rendition of “Tobacco Road.” It left is wanting more. Paula called it “consistent, joyful and fun.”
– Carly Smithson (pictured) closed the night in style with”The Shadow of Your Smile.” Randy summed her up with: “The best vocal of the Top 24.”
Who was your favorite? Who do you think will be voted off tonight?