I’ll say this… at least it wasn’t as painful as Tuesday.  The girls DO seem to be a lot better than the guys this year.  No one had me jumping out of my chair saying “that was awesome,” but I did see a lot more potential.  Simon noted “marked improvements” and some “horrific performances” at the end of the show.  I really only noticed one of Wednesday’s performances to be “horrific” – which brings me to a quick thought about last week’s results:

How did Haeley survive last week?  Ashley’s departure was somewhat predictable, but Janell instead of Haeley?  I can’t even fathom how that happened.  Janell had a rough week last week, but I thought she deserved another chance.  Haeley was dreadful last week and if she follows that up with “horrific” then the result should be a foregone conclusion.  Enough foreshadowing?

Crystal Bowersox – The dreadlocked beatnik continued to espouse frumpiness with a knit black vest over a purple top, black pants and boots.  She shook off what’s ailing her and took things up a notch from last week where I had her singing for loose change.  As Long as (she) Can See the Light she’s not giving up.  I’m not a huge fan of the gospel sound, but she delivered great vocals and all the judges loved it.  Simon even threw in an extra plug for her at the end of the show.  Deserved, because vocally she was the best of the night.

Haeley Vaughn – Black top with black and white above-the-knee skirt.  I suppose it was better than last week, but still painful – dare I say horrific.  Bad song choice and vocals.  Judges didn’t like it, but they tried to be nice about it.  She can stop worrying about The Climb to the top and start packing.

Lacey Brown – Possibly most improved over last week.  Better outfit – Cute white top with poofy shoulders and black print, lots of necklaces and faded distressed pants.  Certainly not the best vocals, but a much better song choice and performance than last week.  And I liked her smile.  Kiss Me, baby.  I hope she’s safe this week.

Katie Stevens – Super cute, but didn’t really do much with the song and the vocals were just ok.  Sky blue/black/white top and black stretch pants.  Flashes of season 5 runner up, Katharine McPhee, without as much talent.  My ears weren’t offended but she might be headed home to Put (her) Records On because other girls stepped up while she took a step back.  Personally I’m indifferent, but realistically she should think about packing.

Didi Benami – Long/wispy peach blouse with brown/orange print and a black belt, black pants and knee high black boots.  I’m putting her in the same camp as Katie but I think she may have a better chance of sticking around.  Slightly better.  She can Lean On Me if she gets the boot this week.  Maybe try some Carly Simon if she stays?

Michelle Delamor – Judges liked the outfit.  I didn’t get it.  It looked like a shrunken white prom dress with a long-sleeve black cropped jacket over black stretch pants.  Add black high-heel elf boots and weird half-gloves.  I thought it was a bad song choice but Kara and Simon welcomed her With Arms Wide Open.  She’s probably ok, but the whole thing left me somewhat indifferent.

Lilly Scott – Cute, black, above-the-knee dress, feather earring and half-calf boots.  I’m sure A Change is Gonna Come, but not for her this week.  She’ll continue to be safe for now.  All the judges loved it and I like the uniqueness in her voice.  I can see her in the top 12 but I don’t think we are looking at the eventual winner.

Katelyn Epperly – White, one-shoulder top and short peach skirt and big gold earrings.  Definitely better than last week – look and sound.  But I’m not sure it was enough to promote her from indifferent.  As Ellen pointed out, it seemed way t-o-o s—l—o—w.  With some help from The Scientist she probably avoided a departure this week.

Paige Miles – Big green earrings, black and white paisley top with silver trim and a black vest, black stretch pants and boots.  Apparently black stretch pants are all the rage this season.  And boots – lots of ladies wearing boots this week.  She sang a song done by the Season 1 winner, so the comparison was inevitable.  Fortunately for me I wasn’t familiar with the original song, so I kind of liked her version.  I think her vocals were decent and I hope she sticks around another week.

Siobhan Magnus – Much better outfit than she wore last week but still needs to do something with the hair.  Kind of a Betty Boop style dress in navy blue and without all the sultry curves.  She added an extra lighter-blue piece with polka dots to complete an above-the-bosom part of the dress where Betty would have showed skin.  Good vocals and I hope she’s safe, but I Think the song was too big for her.  Randy and Ellen really liked it, Kara and Simon like parts.

Quick note – Many have asked what I think of the new judge.  I wasn’t sure what to expect when they announced Ellen as Paula’s replacement, but I like her.  I think she’s doing a fine job.  Still don’t like Kara – She makes a good point now and then, but she talks too much and her head and gestures seem cartoonish to me.

Now the S-H-I-T:

SAFE (for now):  Crystal and Lilly

HOPEfully Safe:  Lacey, Paige and Siobhan

INDIFFERENT:  Didi, Michelle, Katelyn

THINK about packing:  Haeley (actually, no need to think) and, dare I say, Katie.

Any other thoughts?  Comments welcomed.

– Christopher

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