Speed Gibson

This was definitely not Ladies Night. I dare say the best acts of the night - Carly and Syesha - were bested by at least three of the boys last night. Seven of the ten had serious pitch problems, typically in the soft passages and lower notes.

Carly Smithson couldn't quite land "Crazy On You" but certainly did well enough to be safe. Syesha Mercado's voice carried her through a bad song choice and a horrible arrangement. Honorable mention goes to Brooke White, whose one mistake was scoring it below her range, causing pitch problems.

Kady Malloy's "Magic Man" was the worst by far. She missed every note, had no power, and showed no stage presence at all. Joining her I think will be Amanda Overmyer, but Asia'h Epperson was just about as bad.

Amanda should have been the one doing "Crazy On You" instead of Carly. She might have won the night with it. But she was lost doing Kansas, no fit at all for her. There was a flash of brilliance, but otherwise she wandered in and out of key. Let's face it, she's a one trick pony, might as well leave now.

Asia'h was the final act, usually selected by the producers to have the show finish strong. I was initially happy with the song choice, even if the judges weren't, as it's a perfect vehicle to start small and finish big. Epperson couldn't handle it, though, partially because she was somewhat victimized by another shoddy Rickey Minor arrangement. Mostly, though, she just doesn't have the vocal range for this song, and this song doesn't require anything exceptional.

The rest of the performances were entirely forgettable.

So, I say that Kady and Amanda leave tomorrow night, but Asia'h should start packing her bags, too.