The Top 8 Girls Perform - 3/9/10

[The4thJudge]

If you've been having trouble sleeping, I'll be happy to burn you a copy of the Top 8 girls performing. It will work like a charm!

This was one of the bigger nights in the AI schedule, the night where what you do determines whether you make it into the Top 12. I've never really understood the big deal about the Top 12 because the Top 10 go on tour. But, whatever. For the most part, it was amateur night at the Holiday Inn. Song choice and sleepy, uninspired performances put at least three contestants on the chopping block Thursday night.

Katie Stevens led off the night with Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway." Katie took the judges advice and chose a young song, but failed miserably. There seemed to be a lack on connection with the song, even though she said it held a lot of meaning for her. She was very flat and very off-key throughout.

Dark horse Siobhan Magnus surprised everyone again with her song choice and performance. She chose "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals. The a capella beginning showed what a beautiful, controlled voice she has. Simon said it was a bad song choice and lacked the wow factor needed at this juncture. I disagree. This girl can sing!

Praise was heaped upon Lacey Brown's rendition of Brandi Carlisle's "The Story." I don't like the song and don't like her voice. I found the whole thing rather boring.

Katelyn Epperly, who I think has an great voice and good stage presence, completely blew it with Carole King's "I Feel the Earth Move." I had to agree with Randy that she seemed to have no connection to the song and there was nothing special about it. She needed to bring it tonight and she didn't.

Didi Benami had her best performance since Hollywood week with Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon." While I'm not a fan of her voice or her style, I think she did a great job and took a risk that paid off.

Paige Miles completely killed her chances with Charlie Chaplin's "Smile." It was a very weak performance and she sounded shaky throughout. She explained that the song made her emotional because of Michael Jackson.

Thank God for Crystal Bowersox. Once again, Crystal soothed my damaged ears. I wondered if she could bring anything new to Tracey Chapman's "Give Me One Reason," and she did. She made it sound like it was her song. She is such a natural. I have been reading some comments lately that she's this seasons Taylor - too old fashioned, won't sell records. I don't see her as old-fashioned but classic and I think she will sell. Singer-songwriters are very in right now. What I would like for Crystal is a Daughtry-like finish. I want her to be able to avoid AI's contract and be signed my someone who will let her be Crystal. Oh, and BTW, did anyone else get nervous that she sat on the amp after her performance? There didn't seem to be surprise from Ryan or the judges, but it did make me worry about her. She seemed very drained after that performance.

Lilly Scott, another one of the quirky female singers this year, sang Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces." I am a huge Patsy Cline fan and I thought the performance was painful. But I guess I'm in the minority after hearing the judges comments and reading some of the blogs and articles this morning.

The night's clear bottom 3, were Katie, Paige and Katelyn. While I think it should be Katie and Paige that go home, I think it will probably be Paige and Katelyn.