After listening to all 12, here are my personal rankings:
- Lisa Tucker
- Paris Bennett
- Mandisa
- Katharine McPhee
- Melissa McGhee
- Ayla Brown
- Kinnik Sky
- Kellie Pickler
- Heather Cox
- Brenna Gethers
- Stevie Scott
- Becky O'Donahue
I'm not familiar with the Jennifer Holliday tune Lisa performed, but as she sang, I was entranced. Paris was so full of soul and fun that I thought she outdid Glady Knight on "Midnight Train to Georgia" and Mandisa exuded that confidence I admire by leading off with "Never" by Heart. She indeed has heart!
Ayla Brown was absolutely lovely performing Reflection. And while I could listen to it over and over I just found Katharine and Melissa's performances to be more entertaining, therefore I ranked them ahead. But I don't think Ayla has anything to worry about.
Brenna had some problems at the beginning of "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" yet ended strong. I was disappointed that she toned down so much. I think that is why I placed her lower than a few others who maybe didn't sing as well.
Maybe Stevie strived too high by taking on Josh Grobin; maybe I expected more from a girl trained in opera. Either way, that song just didn't work for me. Beautiful Becky better hope that her looks can put her through, because her performance wasn't winning me over.
I believe the girls, as a whole, have the boys beat for pure talent this year, but the girls have something working against them. It's my hunch that the guys quickly develop a following (girl fans, naturally) who will vote for them no matter what they sing. The girls will have male fans, but I suspect that the bulk of the voting (and revoting ad nauseum) is done by the females. Therefore, I'm going to say that the two ladies I ranked at the bottom are going to be the ones to be worried Thursday night. My husband agrees with me on Becky, but contends that Kinnik will be joining her in an early exit.
I stay with Becky being the lowest vote getter and Stevie being second lowest.