Last week the AI judges (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) narrowed the field of competitors for this year's available recording contract. Since we've already met the final twelve men in contention, let's turn our attention to the ladies.
Ayla Brown (of Wrentham, MA) is a classic overachiever. She has set her sights on both music and sports, so really it comes as no surprise to find that she isn't quite sure what ranks higher — landing in the AI Top 24 or attending Boston College on a basketball scholarship. The 17-year old follows in her parents' footsteps as her mom is a local television personality while dad is a politician.
Twenty-two year old Heather Cox hails from Jonesville, North Carolina, and claims to have begun singing as a toddler. She, like Brown, is also an athlete. She loves track and field but wishes that she could compete for Olympic Gold as a gymnast. Becky O'Donohue is another finalist that has been singing since she learned to speak. The 25-year old Dobbs Ferry, NY, native also excelled at basketball in her college days. Seems to be an athletic trend amongst the ladies this year. O'Donohue's musical influences and interests range from Pat Benetar to Scottish music, with lots of variation in between.
Brenna Gethers (25, from Mt. Vernon, NY) has "diva" written all over her. She has clashed with everyone up to and including the judges. Her ego and attitude have made her difficult, but Gethers IS talented. She is also quite serious about her desire to grow and take criticism from those who can help to better her skills. Kellie Pickler is the polar opposite of Gethers when it comes to demeanor. This 19-year-old from Albemarle, NC, has had a difficult life and making it this far in the competition has been a shock to her. This small girl packs a vocal wallop but does it with a sense of humility that I've never seen on this show before. I think even if she isn't your favorite, you cannot help but want to see her do well. Katharine McPhee (age 21) hails from Los Angeles and has an amazing voice. She cites her influences as R&B artists and it does show in her performances already. I have to admit, I have a soft spot for anyone who admits to owning a Cirque Du Soleil album.
Article comments
1 - Chris Evans
I personally love Mandisa, Paris, and Kellie. Can't wait 'til next week.
2 - John
I think Kellie Pickler, Katherine McPhee, Lisa Tucker and Paris shouldn't be left off either, but the 1st 3 are my favorites.
Hmm. I thought the guys were supposed to sing on tue and then the ladies on wed. So is it really true the ladies sing first on tue?
3 - Trinket
This is from Fox's site:
Next week, American Idol is on three nights â€" Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8/7c! The Top 12 Girls compete on Tuesday. The Top 12 Boys compete on Wednesday. You vote both nights and the first results show is Thursday.
4 - Ty
The thing is, Paris should NOT be in American Idol.
Idol is all about people who can't get a break, getting their break, like Kelly Clarkson who was a waitress in TX before getting her big break.
From the audition, it's obvious that Paris' grandma could get her that break. After all, if Randy Jackson is in AWE of your grandma, chances are you can get that break.
Paris should have never been allowed into AI, and now that she is in, I hope nobody votes for her, because she doesn't need Idol to get a recording contract.
5 - Joanie
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