American Idol Season 9: The Top Ten Girls Perform

The top ten ladies on American Idol's Season 9 took the stage on Wednesday, March 3rd. For the most part, they all delivered respectable performances. The theme of the evening was 'start out weak and get stronger'. Two of the vocalists, Crystal and Lilly, are, in my opinion, leading the pack.

The Good

Crystal Bowersox remains my favorite of the top twenty American Idol contestants. Simon was impressed that she didn't come back from the hospital full of self-pity (Breaking News Views reports that she was having complications from diabetes). The judges all love her...who wouldn't? Crystal showcased her truly raw, natural talents singing Credence Clearwater Revival. I liked the fact that Simon had to eat a few of his "coffee house singer" words. The girl can really sing.

Lilly Scott has a distinctive voice that draws a person in. I enjoyed her addition of the 12-string guitar. Singing an old Sam Cooke tune, her unique style was apparent. She adds a flair seldom seen on American Idol.

The So-So

Siobhan Magnus is constantly reminded by the judges of her "different and interesting" persona. There is something about Siobhan that is intriguing. She tackled an Aretha Franklin classic. The talk of her American Idol performance was the one 'ridiculous' note she hit. She was pitchy in parts, but really gave it her all. I enjoyed it.

Lacey Brown, singing "Kiss Me", surprised me this week. I thought her American Idol performance was ten times better than last week. Her interesting tone was more apparent. Last week I had almost forgotten about her distinguishing sound.

Katie Stevens is continually told by the judges that she should act younger. I think she's just an old soul at heart. Maybe that's her niche. Although this America Idol performance of "Put Your Records On" was mediocre, Katie's strong, clear voice has much potential.

Didi Benami is an emotional girl who has trouble listening to the American Idol judges' critique. I think her sensitivity, however, is part of what comes through in her voice. I like her vocal stylings very much. The Bill Withers' song wasn't a good choice, but she'll figure it out.

Michelle Delamor sang "With Arms Wide Open" with great conviction. Many of the American Idol competitors seem disconnected to their songs...not Michelle. She was off-key in part, especially at the end, but has a good, strong voice.

Paige Miles is always a pleasure to listen to on American Idol. She is a happy girl, but that could have been part of the issue last night. "Walk Away" required a different approach emotionally. Paige has a powerful voice.

Katelyn Epperly sat at the piano this week. She wasn't an outstanding player on the Coldplay song, but it added a nice touch. Katelyn has a good voice, but she appeared out of sorts. I believe that she, along with the other American Idol contestants, is still having difficulty adapting to the cameras.

Haeley Vaughn may be leaving the American Idol group tonight. Although she has potential, I think her less than perfect performance was a reflection of her young age. She didn't connect well at all to the Miley Cyrus song. The fans often vote for personality, however, and Haeley certainly has that.

The top ten American Idol girls need to take note of the judges' comments; however, they are receiving lots of conflicted messages. If they find their own comfortable niches, their strong points should begin to emerge soon.

American Idol Season 9: The Top Ten Guys Perform