American Idol 2008 – Top 8 Women Performances

Week three of American Idol 2008 continued last night with the Top 8 Women performances. The men showed up to compete on Tuesday night so the women knew they had to bring it. I think, once again, the women of Season 7 improved from the previous week although they are still no match for the men for the most part. The good news is that Paula sobered up so things behind the judge’s table were slightly more coherent.

The Best Of The Night

My choices for the top three this week will probably be controversial, but here they are.

• Kristy Lee Cook – As promised, Kristy came out with more of a country sound this week. The big surprise was that she used that sound on a rock song. She gets high marks for making a classic song sound like it could be a hit again in a whole new genre (much like David Cook from the men) and for singing it really well.
  
  

  Kristy Lee Cook – Faithfully

  [youtube ndwPS9aeJ64]
  

• Brooke White – Once again Brooke took a song I hate and turned it into one of the most interesting performances. There’s just something about her voice that draws you in and makes you want to listen. The acoustic thing really works for her. I’m not sure how she’ll fare if she tries to get away from that sound, but she’s fantastic when she’s in her niche.
  
  

  Brooke White – Love Is A Battlefield

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• Carly Smithson – I still don’t care for Carly for some reason, but I thought she handled this song really well. I don’t doubt that she can really sing. I don’t enjoy watching her very much, though. She makes some really strange faces when she hits the high notes. Still, she nailed this song and deserves a spot in the top three.
  
  

  Carly Smithson – I Drove All Night

  [youtube M7C1Et9_nB8]
  

These three ladies were all fantastic this week and in weeks past and won’t be going anywhere this week. I disagree wholeheartedly with Simon’s suggestion that Kristy Lee Cook is forgettable. She was one of my early favorites and has been coming on strong the last couple of weeks. I think she’ll be here for a while.

The Worst Of The Night

Less inspiring are the women in my bottom three this week. I know these are probably going to be controversial too. Well, one of them will be for sure.

• Kady Malloy – Kady was lucky she got to stick around this week. She needed to come out and really wow us. Instead, she came out and underwhelmed. It was a poor song choice and very forgettable. Simon got the best quote of the night with Kady when he told her that he “still has a problem with her massive lack of personality.” We all do, Simon. We all do.
  
  

  Kady Malloy – Who Wants To Live Forever

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• Amanda Overmyer – I want everyone who thinks Amanda sang well last night to do something. Put on some headphones, play the video of her, close your eyes, and just listen to her sing. She’s not GOOD! Yes, she picked the absolutely most perfect song that she can pick for her style. Perhaps the only song she could have picked. But she still didn’t sing it well despite what the judges said. A truly talented singer could change a song to fit their style (like David Cook or Kristy Lee Cook for instance) and wouldn’t have to find a song that fit their style in order to sound decent. Amanda sings anything besides this style and she sucks even worse.
  
  

  Amanda Overmyer – I Hate Myself For Loving You

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• Asia’h Epperson – This was actually a tough call for me. I didn’t think she was especially bad. I actually like Asia’h and she has a compelling story. Unfortunately, the song wasn’t a great choice and she really didn’t sing it as well as Whitney (haven’t they figured that out by now). It was between her and Ramiele Malubay and I thought Ramiele’s voice was just a little bit better this week. Close one.
  
  

  Asia’h Epperson – I Wanna Dance With Somebody

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Despite the fact that my picks disagree with the judges on the show, I feel confident that I have chosen the three weakest performances of the week. All three of these women should be concerned because two of them are going home tonight.

The Middle Of The Road

The men who I picked as “middle of the road” were actually very close to being in the top 3. The women, however, are probably a lot closer to being in the bottom three than they are to being in the top 3.

• Ramiele Malubay – I love this song and I didn’t think Ramiele did badly; I just think she could have done much better. There were parts where her voice was a bit hesitant or uncertain so I agree with what Randy said when he told her she needs to just let it go and sing. She’s in danger of being an upset ouster this week because her story isn’t as compelling as Asia’h Epperson’s who I don’t think sang as well as Ramiele did. Although, I really think the Asian vote will keep her in.
  
  

  Ramiele Malubay – Against All Odds

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• Syesha Mercado – I’m not sure anyone got too excited about Syesha’s performance last night. She was good, but not great. The show ran long so the judges didn’t even get to talk to her which probably wasn’t good for Syesha. Still, she has talent that’s obvious and she’s done well enough in the past that I think she’ll squeak by this week. I could be wrong, though, and she could take Asia’h's place on the chopping block.
  
  

  Syesha Mercado – Saving All My Love For You

  [youtube 5JoKaPWaJEg]
  

Who’s Going Home

I think by now I’ve made some of my thoughts pretty obvious. As much as I hate to say it, I don’t think Amanda gets voted out this week. The judges raved about her performance and people will respond to that. She gets to stay to make a fool of herself (and all of you who voted for her) at least one more time.

I think Kady is a foregone conclussion. Too many bad song choices and too many poor performances have left her out of chances. There’s just no reason to keep letting her slide by.

I think Asia’h is also going to get the ax. The compelling story of her fighting on despite the tragic loss of her father can only get her so far. She’s talented, but so are most of the other women. She hasn’t picked great songs and she hasn’t really stood out, vocally. If there is a surprise it will be with Asia’h. I think either Ramiele or Syesha could end up taking her place. But, Asia’h is my pick to go home this week.

The American Idol Top 8 Women

• Amanda Overmyer, 23, Mulberry, Ind.
• Brooke White, 24, Van Nuys, Calif.
• Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Selma, Ore.
• Asia’h Epperson, 19, Joplin, Mo.
• Kady Malloy, 18, Houston
• Ramiele Malubay, 20, Miramar, Fla.
• Syesha Mercado, 21, Miami
• Carly Smithson, San Diego by way of Dublin, Ireland

For a quick recap of each contestant from a slightly different perspective and to see who Jeff’s picks are, swing by American Idol Season 7: Top 8 Girls Performances – ThinkBox Style and see what Jeff has to say about last night’s episode. As always, please remember that we make our picks independently and without knowing who the other is picking as the best and worst.