American Idol 5: 10 Female Finalists

1. Katharine McPhee sang "XXX" by Stevie Wonder.  Katharine has a really pretty face, doesn't she?  That was probably the most striking thing about tonight's performance.  **If a contestant knows that she'll be going on first, she should think about singing a more interesting song.  Grade: C  Final analysis: Being first and boring is a bad combination.  Does Katharine run the risk of getting eliminated this week?
2. Kinnik Sky sang a country song that I never heard of.  Kinnik has a nice voice, and the song was "fun".  Other than that, I don't really have much to say.  (What I have been noticing is that depending on her outfit, Kinnik can at times resemble a female impersonator.)  Grade: B-
3. Lisa Tucker sang a Jackson 5 song that I never heard of.  Lisa had an awesome vignette.  She is such a likable, pretty, well-spoken young woman.  Lisa has all that, plus she's reasonably talented.  Tonight's song was pretty decent.  Grade: B
4. Melissa McGhee sang a song called "Why Haven't I Heard From You" by Reba McIntyre (which -by the way- I haven't ever heard of.)  Melissa -like Lisa- had a really good vignette that will help pick up some votes.  Melissa's clothes were really pretty tonight, and the song fit her voice well.  The only thing that might give Melissa problems tonight was that her song wasn't fantastically memorable; but considering the quality of performances tonight, it should be good enough to get her to next week.  Grade: B
5. Heather Cox sang "Hero" by Mariah Carey.  I know this song from karaoke, and I don't think that Heather sang this song any better than a lot of people I've heard try it.  The judges didn't think much of it either.  Grade: C-
6. Brenna Gethers sang "Last Dance" by Donna Summer.  I don't get it.  I actually like the song, but the judges and my wife said it wasn't any good.  (So I am changing my original "B" grade accordingly.)  If her song was as bad as the judges said it was, Brenna could really be running the risk of getting eliminated.  Grade: C
7. Paris Bennett sang "Wind beneath my wings".  Paris showed us a more serious side than she had before.  I wonder why. Grade: B
8. Ayla Brown sang "I want you to need me" by Celine Dion.  Ayla sang the song really well.  I think her song was my favorite of the night.  I'd characterize her singing as "effortless".  The only problem with Ayla (and it is a big one) is that I doubt that America has "fallen in love" with her.  I don't think that people feel what she feels.  I hope that she doesn't get eliminated on a night when she was the best on the show.  Grade: A
9. Kellie Pickler sang "Let's Give them Something to Talk About" by Bonnie Raitt.  I wonder whether Kellie watches videos of Dolly Parton for inspiration.  Kellie is getting to be more Dolly than Dolly. 

•       Humble roots: check 
•       Cute Accent: check  
•       Country flavor: check 
•       "Aw Garsh" outlook on life: check

Anyway, Kellie's song was reasonably good, and although not as good as Ayla's, it will probably be much better-received. Grade: B

10. Mandisa sang "Cry" by Faith Hill.  Mandisa sang big again with her big voice.  She seems to be best when she can find songs in which she can yell into the microphone.  Simon was right inasmuch as she will eventually find a song that she'll just "nail".  Grade: B

Tonight's best:  Ayla, Mandisa, and Kellie

In trouble:  Heather, Kinnik, Brenna,  Ayla?