Top 12 Girls

So the word so far is this is the year for the girls, or at least that's what Simon says. Well then why does it need to go down to 6 girls and 6 guys? Based on a quick overview of the lineup, I think there are more than 6 great girls. But, you know, let's see how it rolls.

First of all, psyched to see the order of the judges. Ellen, Randy, Kara and then Simon. Ellen's explanation of why she moved away from Simon, hysterical. So much better than Simon and Ryan bantering back and forth with hidden gay innuendos.

First up, Paige Miles -- I don't remember her from auditions. She sings It's Alright which I think David Cook sang during his season. I like that she went rock over diva and she sang pretty well, and was confident, but no star quality.

Next up, Ashley Rodriguez -- I liked her from auditions, but then they replayed how she said she is really into Jordin Sparks and how she sang Battlefield at her first audition and I kind of couldn't. Really, of all the artists in the world you choose to hero Jordin Sparks? I mean, I sang Battlefield all summer to myself, but really? And then she chose to sing a Leona Lewis song? Her repertoire goes back to 2009. No star appeal at all.

Can we talk about the hysterical Old Spice commercial? I actually stop my DVR to watch it -- one of the best commercials I have seen in years.

Next up Janell Wheeler -- I really liked her Hollywood Week audition to Estelle acoustic on guitar. I agreed with Ellen that I really like What About Love by Heart and got psyched just because she was singing it. But the other judges are just pushing originality, originality, originality. So the real way to get through is to change up a song. Well then maybe they should just be singing original songs? Let's see if someone in this group can be a David Cook and really be original every time, but those are hard footsteps to follow in. Maybe if someone can just really sing well the judges will be okay.

Lilly Scott -- platinum rebel. Fixing a Hole by the Beatles. She brings out her guitar. She is original because I don't even know this song. But since I'm typing as I write, maybe I don't care. I'm not a fan of the rebel, so we'll see if she can win me over. Song was boring, but she sang okay. And the judges have found their original. I think she is credible, but I'm not won over, once again agree with Simon.

Katelyn Epperly -- I felt this was original but still catchy. Oh Darling. She has an original quality but also a big great voice and I totally agreed with Ellen that she could have been pushing it, but she may be this. I like that Simon didn't quite know what to do with her, but he liked her. Best so far.

Haeley Vaughn -- Oh, she is annoying in her video package. She got her nose pierced! Whatever. Played the guitar, I wanna Hold Your Hand. I don't even recognize it. She likes to wail and add some country. She is gonna get ripped for all the runs and losing the original melody. But she has something there that needs to still be seen, she isn't done. The judges agreed that she is a little all over the place. I'm not ready to get rid of her yet.

Lacey Brown -- Wow, that was bad. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac which I love. I feel like maybe she was screwed by the background singer of the band? Even the Top 12 guys in the audience looked over to them like something was wrong. Yikes, maybe she can do better, but I don't think she will get the chance.

Michelle Delamour -- Don't remember her from auditions either. Fallen by Alicia Keys, that is already a problem for me. But she starts okay. But didn't anyone watch the past seasons? The Alicia Keys wannabes just never make it. We all know every run by heart, so changing it up is too much. At least she showed she can sing. No wow moment as Simon said. Agree with Kara that if she wants to fill that diva role, she needs to hit it every time.

Didi Benami -- Loved her Kara song in Hollywood week. I am really hoping big things for her. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson, but she changed it up. God I love her voice. Such confidence. I loved it. Simon criticized that too many people are trying to sound like Adele and Duffy -- well you guys picked all of them! Kara got that she changed it up. I think her voice is enough to carry her along. They thought it was sleepy. I hope America sees her value.

Siobhan Magnus -- Saw very little of her before. Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. This girl is a little twisted. The backup singers made it cheesy but her voice is actually interesting. But she might jump off a bridge soon. Wow, I'm torn. Judges thought she might have been too dark. Worthy of staying.

Crystal Bowersox -- The one I was most anticipating. I thought the Alanis was safe, but I really like this girl. I agree with Simon that she needs to not do songs by singers like her, but step out of that box just so everyone can appreciate her more, but I am so glad to not hear another diva wannabe. She is so smart and cool.

Katie Stevens -- Prime end spot - always a big deal. Grandma with Alzheimer's -- we can't hear this every episode. Yikes, was that mean? Feelin' Good by Michael Buble. I had no idea this was a Michael Buble song! She is sultry and strong and sixteen! Nicely done. She is going to go far. Ahh and Ellen and Simon cut her down for singing too old. That is who she is -- she has always sang that way. I need to rewatch this, Kara said she was pitchy? I missed something. Okay, rewatching. She is going for it and isn't hitting it in the middle of each run, but I thought it was right on.

So, Katelynn won it for me tonight, and I also loved Crystal, Katie, Didi and Siobhan. Lacey, Michelle, or Ashley can go. We are really in it! So psyched to have Idol back in and so far, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life and I'm feeling good!

They messed up showing the recaps with idol numbers and poor Paige lost her voice.

Good night and don't forget, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...