Ryan Seacrest has been talking about "brutal" cuts all through the season, but so far, nothing in the 12th edition of "American Idol" has been particularly surprising. Including Tuesday night's girl semifinals, which gave the ladies the opportunity to shine -- opportunity that some took with more success than others.
This season's female contenders have been dubbed more than once "the strongest ever," and the most viable threat in recent editions to the men's five-year reign as champions. Tuesday night's performances solidified this opinion. Nevertheless, half of the girls will go home Thursday, when the voting closes and the results are up.
In a few words: Angie Miller and Candice Glover run the show, with Kree Harrison and Amber Holcomb following closely.
Candice Glover has been a very consistent performer throughout the competition, and she did not tune it down for Tuesday. Her performance, saved for last, pleased judges Keith Urban, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey with her flawless rendition of John Legend's "Ordinary People." Jackson complimented her range, calling it "ridiculous."
"You are one of the best singers in this whole competition," he added.
Angie Miller took the chance with her performance to wink at the close-knit community of "American Idol." She chose to sing "Never Gone," by last season's finalist Colton Dixon. She showcased her talent behind a piano, and refrained from walking away from it mid-song. Judge Nicki Minaj told her that "trumpets should sound when you walk in the room."
Even Colton Dixon spoke out to say that Miller "killed my original song. She has my vote."
Many reviews point out at these two impressive singers to lead the run towards "Idol's" final. Next to them stand Kree Harrison and Amber Holcomb. Harrison particularly wowed Nicki Minaj with her rendition of Faith Hill's "Stronger."
Holcomb earned a standing ovation from all four judges after her display of vocals with the late Whitney Houston's "I Believe In You And Me."
Reviewers agree that these four stellar contenders should go straight to the final, but opinions are divided on who should occupy the coveted fifth spot. Some fans are pointing at Janelle Arthur, who performed Elvis' "If I Can Dream," others prefer Aubrey Cleland's "Big Girls Don't Cry," originally by Fergie, which earned praise from the judges.
And there were the others, who besides having reached far in the competition, simply did not bring enough to the table to enter the last stage. Zoanette Johnson, who had performed brilliantly until now, performed a pitchy, rough "What's Love Got To Do With It," which left her previous admirers at the judge table cold. Tenna Torres looked as "Lost" as her song by Faith Hill, and Breanna Steer sang Beyoncé's "Flaws And All," which pretty much sums up her performance.
A special mention must be made about Alaskan Adriana Latonio, who sounded good while singing "Stand Up For Love," but was preceded by Miller, Holcomb and Harrison and followed by Glover. Her performance was adequate, but not enough to shine in between the biggest stars.
Who do you think will make it to the 12th "American Idol" final?
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