American Idol...Who's leading the pack of girls?

We're down to the top eight girls and it's about to become six. Of the soon to be six, which girls do you believe are leading the pack? Who are the frontrunners? I

It seems Randy would put Siobhan Magnus on that leader board. Randy said that he "loves what she does."

Simon on the other hand, holds Crystal Bowersox with high regards. He thought this competition was "hers to lose."

It wouldn't be fair not to add Katelyn Epperly in a close second or third spot for the girls although after Tuesday night, the judges agreed her performance was "nothing special."

What do you think? Do you agree with the "grades" the judges are handing out so far? Are they leaving your favorite behind? Who do you think is leading the pack for the girls?

'American Idol': Who will make the top 12?

This is probably the biggest week for idol eliminations. This week will determine the top 12 idol hopefuls. After the top 12 are announced, then only one person will go home each week until the "American Idol" is announced.
 
Katie Stevens opened the show Tuesday night singing Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway". The judges all agreed "it was not good". Katie could be in trouble for this all important week.  

Paige Miles went second with  "Smile"by Charlie Chaplin. Randy said "it didn't work". Simon called it a "peanut performance."
 
Siobhan Magnus and Crystal Bowersox both brought solid performances with "House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals, and "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman.

The rest of the girls brought on mediocre performances but good enough to get them through.

What do you think America, did your favorites bring on the performance needed to make the top 12? Do you think there will be any upsets?

'American Idol': Elimination for Michelle Delamor shocking?

Thursday night on American Idol is, for some, a one way ticket back home. This week the two guys sent packing were John Park and Jermaine Sellers. John left with "no regrets." Jermaine did not see his elimination as a failure and looks forward to the future.

On the girls side, 16-year-old Haeley Vaughn's goodbye did not come as a shock to most, but Michelle Delamor's exit might have stunned a few.

Michelle had been one of the judge's favorites all through Hollywood week and before. After reviewing the tape of the girl's show, however, Kara thought Michelle's vocals had serious "technical" issues.

Do you think Michelle's elimination was a bit of a shocker? Did you expect her to get the boot? Were there other girl contestants that you think should have gone before her?

Will the unique 'American Idol' contestants sell records?

What are the judges looking for in an American Idol? Do they want uniqueness or someone who will sell them records? Does it take uniqueness to sell records or good vocals or both?

In the case of Lilly Scott, she definitely has her own style as does Crystal Bowersox but can they sell records? Can you envision them singing on the radio or at a local summer fair with a stool and a guitar?

The past American Idol contestants that sold records did not have such unique voices. Examples include: Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry. The unique voices we remember that did not sell records so well would include Fantasia, "Mr Soul Patrol" Taylor Hicks, and the beat boxer of season 6, Blake Lewis.

Do you vote for unique or what you would buy on the radio? Would you buy a cd from Lilly Scott or Crystal Bowersox?

'American Idol:' Siobhan Magnus hits a high note

The way Santa Clause was stunnned by Rudolph's nose, the judges were beyond stunned with that note! I'm talking about the note that somehow came from the vocals of Siobhan Magnus. Singing Think by Aretha Franklin, Siobhan got a "dope" from the Dawg. Simon calls her a "funny little thing", but there was nothing funny about that note. Siobhan just catapulted herself so far ahead of the rest she can set herself on cruise control for a few weeks.  

Lilly Scott was her original self, starting to get a little boring. Not much variety in her style. Katelyn Epperly sang the Scientist by Coldplay. All of the judges agreed it was good but a very slow song. Ellen said if she was babysitting, it would have "put the baby to sleep".  

Chrystal Bowersox bounced back from her illness to get great reviews from all the judges. She sang, "As Long As I Can See The Light" by Creedance Clearwater. The second week didn't make a difference for Haley Vaughn. The judges were in agreement it was a mess. Randy said it was excruciating. It really didn't matter what anyone else did Wednesday night because everyone will be talking about that note! What did you think of that note? Love it? Hate it? Amazed by it?

You can watch Siobhan's performance here.

Are 'American Idol' Judges Feeling Sorry For Contestants?

Are some of the comments from the judges coming from their "softer" side? Are they feeling sorry for the contestant because they are timid, shy and nervous to be on stage?

Hello, they want to be a singer...typically you do this on stage in front of people. The judges raved over Alex Lambert's performance of Everybody Knows. Simon said it was "a million times better than last week".  Ellen told Alex he had the "most unique style".  

Aaron Kelly sang, My Girl, by the Temptations and Kara liked it, she liked it a lot. These are the two performers who proclaim their stage fright and nervousness to the world. Are they going for a sympathy vote? Are they getting the sympathy vote?

On the other side, you have Todrick Hall bringing his truly unique style to each song he picks along with great stage presence and the judges are tearing him apart. Simon is going as far to tell Todrick to just "move and not sing".

Does a contestant have to be shy and scared to perform to get a good critique from the judges this year? Do you think the judges are giving in to the underdogs?

Crystal Bowersox health update

American Idol was forced to rearrange its broadcast schedule this week due to the illness of one its top-ranked contestants, Crystal Bowersox, who was hospitalized due to complications from her diabetes. This morning, Ryan Seacrest and Idol executive producer Ken Warwick offered an update. There's still no word on whether she'll be performing tonight. If she can't perform, she'll be eliminated.

UPDATE 7:53 P.M. EASTERN: Crystal just announced on Facebook that she's performing tonight! "Don’t worry, my ‘beetus (diabetes) is under control. Thanks for all your well wishes, thanks to the boys, and the producers!! Can’t wait to perform tonight."