The Girls

I'm back at home this week, in my pjs with my kitty and s.o. by my side. No snacks yet, maybe after the first hour. I'm hopeful that tonight will get me feeling good about Idol again. I found the judges to be much more engaging and interesting tonight, and have a much better feeling about Ellen. I agreed with Simon on many levels. Rather than go on and on about each contestant, all of whom were pretty good, I'll just talk about my top ones.

* Paige Miles - preschool teacher - sparkly smile, missing energy not sure why; maybe it's the song since I expected some blues or soul from her; Simon's right about the song choice; she'll hang in there. Didn't realize voting starts tonight - people might get tired of it if they start now - I won't start until I really start caring about one or two people. She shouldn't have taken on Leona - it's like the Whitney, etc. syndrome. Not so good for her.

* Janelle Wheeler - What about love? voice is a bit flat; she sang so well in the last week; too bad...Simon's right again. So is Kara. It always comes down to song choice - pick something that doesn't overwhelm your voice and give it your own choice.Easier said than done, I'm sure. These poor kids aren't pros yet.

* Lily Scott - she looks a bit rough around the edges, so maybe she'll be interesting. There you go, take a Beatles tune and make it your own! That's what they're talking about. She's got a great style - not like every blondie on the street. Ellen agrees! Simon doesn't think she has star power but it's early - they don't reveal stardom til later in the season. Glad the judges liked her. I think she'll hang in there for the long term. One of my favorites.

* Didi Benami - I like her voice and style; I can see her going far because of her special style.

Simon didn't like her but we can't agree every time. OK maybe the song was a bit sleepy but I like her. I'd vote for her.

* Michelle Delamour - pretty powerful voice; sounds quite professional; nothing really unique; but a very beautiful girl. Do something really interesting, make it your own and you could go far.

Simon, quit picking on Ryan! It makes me squirm when you hint about his gayness. Doesn't matter...even if he doesn't want to say it.

* Siobhan Magnus - A favorite from the beginning. Beautiful girl that doesn't look like everyone else. A little edgy but has style which is nice. Liked her song choice that showed her range. Star power!

* Crystal Bowersox - I think they whitened up her teeth which helped a lot. Too much harmonica - you gotta sing girl. She did create a good vibe with the audience. She is fresh and new and she stands out from the others. But Simon's right - there's a lot of these kinds of street singers. She will go far on the show but needs to listen the judges, for right or wrong. Even though I like her look, she's going to have to let them mess with that hair at some point. She seems to be very shy so she might have to come out of her shell a bit to get the audience to like her.

That's about it - we'll see how the guys do tonight...