Top Nine

I don't want to disappoint Deb, so I'll make sure I get my post out here pronto!

I told Phats early on this season that I thought they were over-pushing the whole "best season ever" thoughts, but I do have to say that even with nine still to go, I do have more favorites than I've ever had before. Maybe they were right!

* Brooke. I just love everything about her. I loved her country sound...I thought she did a good job connecting with the song and the audience. She looked beautiful. And Paula's right - she does a great job of being consistent. I think in this competition that could be a risk to take, because if everyone else changes things up all the time, she could get the boring reputation, but I think she's amazing and I want her to do well no matter what week is her last.

* David C. I just love him. (Seeing a pattern here?) Phats, were you at all happy about the haircut? I know his hair bugs you. I loved his song...I loved the falsetto...I loved the arrangement...and I loved knowing he did it himself. I think he's a lot like Chris Daughtry in that he knows what he wants, he isn't afraid to tackle it himself, and no matter when he exits, he'll become someone big in music.

* Ramiele - I have to admit I enjoyed the sound of the song, but I didn't enjoy watching her. A couple of times I looked away and when I wasn't distracted by the awkwardness, I enjoyed the sound. Maybe it is her age, but she just doesn't seem to have the command that so many of the others have. Maybe in another season she would have stood out more?

* Jason - Quirky is his thing and it works for him. He's kind of a happy go lucky little singer, but it works for him in ways it wouldn't for anyone else. I liked it, but a couple of times, when the camera wasn't zoomed in and I watched him standing there with his guitar, he reminded me of the free credit report dot com guy - selling fish or iced tea or whatever it is to tourists in t-shirts.

* Carly - Brace yourselves. I actually liked her tonight. I like her much better when she's got a softer image about her. When her hair is softer...her voice is softer...I like that side of her. I TOTALLY agreed with Simon about her wardrobe. I'm still distracted by the massive tattoos - and the whole workout looking pants with a dressy shirt...wasn't helping.

* David Archuleta - What a sweetie! I know he is actually younger than Ramiele, but he has a much better grip on things, I think. I loved his song, I loved his voice - and I hope whatever it is that his Dad does that drives everyone so crazy won't end up hurting him in the long run. He's got really good star potential.

* Kristy Lee - I know country is her thing and I know it was a good week for her - but I still didn't get that into it. I am just not a fan. I thought she looked beautiful. Oh and I absolutely could have done without the comment she made to Simon at the end. I know he always says she's forgettable (uh, probably because she is???) but there's no need to be rude to the judges.

* Syesha - Okay this was the one song from this week that I knew, but even though I know it and I know Whitney sang it, I don't have that "only Whitney can sing this song" mentality, so I thought she did a FANTASTIC job. FANTASTIC. Especially sitting down! However, I do respect the power of a song. I don't appreciate it when people try to sing David Phelps and don't do a David Phelps job. So I can see how people loyal to the Whitney version wouldn't like it if she didn't live up to that particular way.

* Michael - He's just so good. At first I didn't think I was going to like the song, but he won me over. I hated it for him that they were out of time and had to rush through it all because he deserved more time to enjoy the praise for that one.

So my bottom 3? Well I'd say Ramiele and Kristy Lee (country fans at least can spread the love this week since they got a dose of everyone trying it?) are my two shoo-ins. My third vote is torn between Jason, Brooke, and Syesha. I don't want any of them to be there, but since Jason was there last week, I question the strength of his fan base...Brooke might be in danger if people were wanting something less safe, and if the Whitney thing gets the best of Syesha, she could be in trouble.

I'd say Ramiele or Kristy Lee should be the one to go, though.