Real Kato Blog: American Idol, Week 3: The Women

Predictions: Haley and Antonella are out.

Jordin: 7/10.
She sings "Heartbreaker", which is a fun rock song to start the night. It's a little pitchy, though, and her breath control isn't good: it's like she's taking a breath every two words. It's a little karaoke-ish, and the performance isn't edgy enough for this song. Randy says it was hot: not her best, but "dope". Paula says it had energy, it was exploding, it had artistry. Simon said it was manic and shrieky, but she's done well, and she's showing her personality.

Sabrina: 8/10.
It's soulful. She's hitting it, as usual. It's a little nasal, but good. I actually like her, though I predict her ethnic appearance will hurt her in the long run, and that she may not have enough pop-star potential to win. Randy says it was solid: he didn't like the song choice, because he wanted more melody, but it showed her big voice. Paula says she can sing and that she looks beautiful. Simon says she's a great singer, but she lacks emotion; the performance was robotic, like what you'd see at a hotel resort.

Antonella: 6/10.
Yawn. This song is pitchy and boring. It's like a school recital. Randy says it was pitchy in the middle; the ending was good, but overall it was just OK. Paula liked the song choice and says the upper end was OK, but the low range was trouble. Simon says she's gone as far as she can go; the voice just isn't going to get better. But she gets props for getting through all the media ruckus (about the porno photos).

Haley: 4/10.
This is corny. What song is this? It's like a kids' TV show theme song. Weak. I don't get it at all. Randy says it's kind of who she is, but it has no pizzazz. Paula also says the song reflects the kind of artist she is, and that she sang it well. Simon says it was just horrible, like a high school musical; and when it comes down to it, he doesn't even know her name.

Stephanie: 9/10.
She's got a nice tone; it's soulful and strong. I just wish we heard some different kinds of stuff; she's a little too easy-listening sometimes. Randy gives her an "A" for effort, but says it's not that great when you compare it to the original performance. Paula says it had great showmanship, and that it was darn near flawless, except for falling behind the beat a little. Simon says it was one of the best; she has a tendency to go a little copycat, but it's good enough to get her in the final 12.

Lakisha: 9/10.
Wow again. This is a challenging song, one that none of the other competitors would be able to handle. And she's nailing it. It's great. Randy says it may not be her best, but it's another great performance from the great Lakisha. Paula liked it. Simon says it had passion and believability, and that tonight she looks beautiful.

Gina: 8/10.
Pretty good song for her. It's pitchy in spots, but she's got power and personality. I'm starting to like her more and more. Randy says there's some pitch problems, but likes that she showed who we thought she was. Paula says this is her style, but be careful not to oversing. Simon says that she finally looks comfortable, and this is what we wanted from her; there was some shouthing, but she's a breath of fresh air.

Melinda: 9/10.
She sings W-O-M-A-N. I like her confidence and her energy this time. It's really, really good; my only complaint is that it's a little old-fashioned. Randy says it's the hottest performance of the night, and that she's a consummate pro. Paula says it's phenomenal; she's likable and lovable. Simon says "You little tiger!" He likes that she's enjoying the experience instead of just seeing it as a stepping stone; 1 million percent we'll see her back next week. Gee, I wonder who the judges' favorite is?

Standings:
Lakisha: 9.2
Melinda: 8.8
Stephanie: 8.7
Sabrina: 8.2
Gina: 8.0
Jordin: 7.7
Antonella: 5.5
Haley: 5.3

Eliminated:
Leslie: 6.6
Alaina: 6.0
Nicole: 7/10
Amy: 6/10

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