American Idol: Season Seven Top 10 Girls

Can the girls once again top the guys, or was David Archuleta's performance big enough last night to outshine them as well?

Carly Smithson works at an Irish pub, with her people. She sings "Crazy On You" and already so excited about this song choice. I'm a sucker for Heart, and frankly, I love it. Randy's not huge on it, and Simon isn't sure that she's connected to the exact right song, despite her amazing vocals.

Are you surprised to learn that Syesha Mercado did a lot of commercials? Not me. I am surprised to hear her fake baby cry though. That's something the devil made. Syesha sings "Me and MISTER Jones." She's selling it, but the notes aren't quite there consistently. Simon thinks it was a bit indulgent, and complains that it's off-putting because it's not written for a girl.

Brooke White went to beauty school. After Idol, you can catch her on Shear Genius! I wonder what she thinks when she sees Jason Castro's hair? Our resident hippy hairdresser tries "You're So Vain," accompanied by her own guitar until the band comes in at the chorus. I really like her voice, but she doesn't have much range. Plus, the smile and bounce move could use some help. Randy thinks the song was about Simon (guess he's not so vain). Simon absolutely loved it (surprise!). Perfect song for her!

You may be surprised to hear that Ramiele Malubay stole her hairdo from Project Runway's Christian. Just joking! She used to Polynesian dance. She sings "Don't Leave Me This Way," and she starts out really well -- she's one of the few girls who seem comfortable singing softly. The transition to her bigger voice is awkward at first, but she saves it. Girl can sing. Randy thought it was just ok. Paula feels similarly. And Simon agrees. Wow, very rare for the panel.

Kristy Lee Cook shocks us by revealing she's a tomboy who rides horses! Gasp! "You're No Good," is a quote that would apply as her song choice, as well as her overly reflective outfit. She sounds much better than she did last week, and seems to have some personality. She's just kind of blah for me though. Randy likes it. Paula is happy she's back. Simon thinks it a big improvement, but that Kristy is a mystery.

The big secret about Amanda Overmeyer is that she's a bookworm. Aw. Her and David Cook should do it. O. M.G. She's singing "Carry on My Wayward Son." Could this be any awesomer...oh wait. It turns out she can't actually sing. She can only yell. The chorus is good but the verse. Wow. Randy isn't into it. Paula likes her moves, but thinks the song choice was off. Simon thought the whole thing was contrived, whereas her video was natural. Whoa though...no need to dis the song.

Is it bad that I hard Ryan tease Alaina Whitaker's song ("Hopelessly Devoted to You") and I groaned? That's not her surprising fact though. It turns out she doesn't like the food on her plate to touch each other. She sounds good, but those high notes are a little rough. Still, she has a nice old-fashioned voice. Randy doesn't think that it was the right choice. Paula likes it better than Randy did. Simon is wondering if her grandmother prepared her for the audition. It felt pageanty, but he thinks she' a dark horse.

BTW, I think we need a moratorium on "Simon only wears one thing" jokes.

Alexandrea Lushington was the poster child for the Atlanta Fire Department and she sang at Ground Zero. She sings Chicago's "Please Don't Go." Man, I was really wanting to hear "Make Me Smile." Plus this isn't great for her voice. She's a little crazy, she likes to move...this is all too restrained. And, she's jazzy. The end is nice as a result, but the whole song was weak. Randy asks her how she feels, and she replies "It's over." He wants her to push herself harder. Paula likes her and the song. Simon thinks she's struggling, and the song is stuck in its time period.

Kady Malloy is a closet opera singer. Or, a bathroom opera singer, as the case may be. Yeah! More Heart! Kady sings "Magic Man," starting from the stairs. It's kind of vampy and fun, but weird on her. Randy thinks the song choices are...interesting. Paula thinks she's too many things, and needs to be one thing, well. I don't think I can relay Simon's comments, because he apparently HAS NEVER HEARD MAGIC MAN BEFORE. Umm...deportation?

In the blow-the-audience-away David Archuleta spot is Asia'h Epperson. She was a cheerleader. Oh my god, she's singing "All By Myself." She misses a note in the beginning, and she knows it, she cracks a smile. These low parts are tough on her. Once she gets to the belting, it's much stronger, but I'm not that impressed overall. It was kind of just an excuse to show off the upper range. Apparently she's been sick, and Randy and Paula think she brought it home. Simon doesn't think she's a strong enough singer to pull off such a diva song and it was a silly decision.

Not a great week for the ladies, and yet, I am not sure who's going home. In hindsight, Carly really was the best. And Amanda Overmeyer was probably the worst, but will America turn on her that quickly? If I had to send two people home it'd be her, and Kady Malloy.