This week the guys were much better than the girls.  The guys didn’t have any stand out poor performances like their female counterparts. Katie Stevens started out Tuesday night with a bad rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s hit “Breakaway.”  I think Kara hit the nail on the head when she said there are contestants that know themselves and those that don’t.  Sweet Katie is clearly in the category of those that do not.  She is missing a key component in surviving and succeeding in this competition, which is know thyself and the kind of artist you want to be.  Having an idea of who one is and objectively being able to see how others see you is critical in this contest.  She lacks maturity and objectivity.  Unfortunately her performance this week missed the mark and fell flat.

Paige Miles is also someone who is still too unsure of herself, both inside and outside of her head.  She got too caught up in the emotion of the song (Charlie Chapman/Michael Jackson’s “Smile”) to carry the song well.  She has the vocal chops just like Katie, but can’t seem to get out of her own way.  Katelyn Epperly is also at risk for going home this week.  I really like her personality, crazy curly hair, and penchant for vintage Madonna looks (circa “Into the Groove”).  However no one’s gonna get excited about Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move” and that gawd awful purple jumper that she was wearing!  It left me wondering “what WAS she thinking???”

Standout performances were of course, the genuine and honest, Crystal Bowersox, singing Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason.”  She had to sit down after her performance and with nothing being said about last week’s reschedule because of her illness, I’m curious to know if she is going to be able to keep up with the rigorous schedule and emotional fortitude that is needed to win.  Send out some prayers, I think the girl is in need.  The second highlight performance was DiDi Benami who sang a chilled out version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rihanna.”  DiDi has a very specific sound that can be really off if the right song is not chosen.  The same can be said of Lacey Brown (who did a good job with “The Story” from Brandi Carlile) and Lilly Scott (who was a little off with the Patsy Cline classic “I Fall to Pieces”).  I think the difference between the three girls is that Lilly has a better sense of herself, which I’m sure the experience of busking can get you.  I’m betting that experience and insight is what is going to take Lilly all the way.

As for the guys this week, I loved Alex Lambert singing “Trouble” (of Ray LaMontgne fame).  He did a great job and I think he’s in it to win it.  Damn, I didn’t pick him in my Top 3 and I may be sorry.  I’m really rooting for him.  Casey James <sigh> did great with “You’ll Think of Me.”  Yes, sir.  I will.  I do.  But that’s for another post.  But the show stopper of the night (which, it was the last performance…aptly placed), was Big Mike with the Maxwell version of “This Woman’s Work.”  He killed it.  I think he even surpassed Maxwell’s version (though Kate Bush is a goddess and will never be dethroned!).  He brought me and Kara to tears.  It was such a touching tribute to his wife and the recent birth of his daughter.  Certainly it was the biggest moment of the season.  Simply awesome.

The guys didn’t suck, so it’s hard to say who will go home.  I voted for Todrick to go just because I think wearing gloves should be the kiss of death like Michelle’s mini gloves last week.  Todrick performed Queen’s “Somebody to Love.”  He actually did a great job singing and it certainly was a bold move, but he has such a Broadway quality to him that I don’t think he truly belongs on American Idol.  If he leaves tonight, he can do so with his head held high.  But will please someone fix his funky eyebrows!  They bug me!!!  My second choice to go home tonight is Aaron Kelly.  I just don’t like his look or his singing style.  I really hope that the teen vote goes to cute and unassuming Tim Urban who sang (well) the Jeff Buckley version of “Hallelujah.”  Andrew did a good job with “Genie in a Bottle,” but it may be too little too late for him.  Lee Dewyze did a fair job with “Lips of an Angel,” but it didn’t really wow me.  I think that Lee has longer staying power than Andrew, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Andrew gets the boot tonight.

Idol and wine for the eliminations.  My loser vote goes to Paige, Katie, Aaron and Todrick.  I can’t wait to see if I get it right this week! Cheers friends!

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