OK...the last group of 12 performed tonight. Here's my take:

1. Von Smith - probably the best "opening act" of the 3 groups. Other than a bit shouty and a bit pitchy in places, not bad. I don't think he's going through though.

2. Taylor Vaifanua - better than Von for sure. She sang an Alicia Keys song, but didn't make it sparkle. It was ok, just didn't knock me out: a forgetable performance. She probably won't make it through.

3. Alex Wagner-Trugman - Sorry, but the guy's simply dorky and is not even a good singer. I don't know how he made it this far. He's gone for sure.

4. Arianna Afsar - All the 13-year-old boys are no doubt going ga-ga over this gal, who (unfortunately) sounds her age: 17. Her voice just hasn't matured yet. She's certainly cute, though. I'm pretty sure she'll be gone as well.

5. Ju'not Joyner - The judges thought it was pretty good, but I was bored stiff until the last 30 seconds of the song. I don't think he'll make it through.

6. Kristen McNamara - This girl did not sound like I expected. I thought she was another Barbie Doll Blonde Bimbo, but she can sing real sultry and bluesy. Nice job. She has a good shot at making it through tonight.

7. Nathaniel Marshall - Mr. drama queen himself can't even sing as good as Boy George. I seriously doubt he'll get too many votes. He has a squeaky, shrilly voice and is painful to watch.

8. Felicia Barton - What a cute mom - who can actually sing. She has a serious shot at the next round.

9. Scott McIntyre - I don't know...I didn't think he sounded all that good; he looks weird pretending he sees the audience, but he may get quite a few what I'll call "sympathy votes". If he put shades on like Jose Feliciano or Stevie Wonder, I think he'd be better off.

10. Kendall Beard - Ahh, the Prom Queen and Barbie Doll of the bunch is vying for the next Carrie Underwood slot available. She's not a bad singer and is just as gorgeous as Carrie.

11. Jorge Nunez - Wow, this guy can sing! He had a couple of pitchy notes, but the guy does have a big heart that reaches out and grabs you. I hope he makes it through.

12. Lil Rounds - the standout of the evening. Yeah, this girl can sing. She's a shoe-in for the next round.

This group had 3 weeks to prepare instead of just one or two, so the song selection was better (they learned from the others' mistakes). However, I'm having a hard time getting my vote down to just three. I thought that five were quite acceptable. In my order of personal preference:

1. Lil Rounds
2. Felicia Barton
3. Kristen McNamara
4. Jorge Nunez
5. Kendall Beard

Now, I think America will vote as follows:

1. Lil Rounds is a certainty (she should make the finals)
2. Scott McIntyre
3. Felicia Barton.


Larry
http://www.audibleresponse.com
http://www.myspace.com/larrywilliamsproductions
...now writing/producing with Natascha: http://www.myspace.com/nataschacorrigan