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1. Carly Smithson, "I Drove All Night"- Carly definitely won the night. The strongest performance AND she proved she's the strongest singer in the woman's group. My biggest beef: What'up with the high-reaching nautical pants? Must be popular in Ireland. 8/10

2. Brooke White, "Love Is a Battlefield"- She may not be one of the stronger singers, but it seems like creative choices and a certain quality of standing-out can often trump sheer talent. I found her downscale LIAB an interesting take, kinda like a defeated Pat Bennatar. She was very smart to lose the band entirely. Maybe she can make it forward in the competition by being the more vulnerable, scaled-back, individual and 'authentic' singer because I don't think Brooke can battle her vocals against the AI band and come out on top. 7/10

3. Syesha Mercado, "Saving All My Love For You"- There was a diva-off tonight between Syesha and Asia'h's, "I Wanna Dance..." And the winner was definitely Syesha. She hit all the high notes, had the greater control, and picked the better song. Syesha is a great singer and this song was very good, very serviceable, but nothing earth-shattering or which will jump out at you. 6.5/10

4. Amanda Overmyer, "Hate Myself For Loving You"- The most difficult act to quantify. I guess people's appreciation of Amanda is a matter of taste. I didn't particularly like her performance at first, but like it more with later listenings. But could I listen to a whole CD of her vocals? They would have to balance her voice out with more instruments, but maybe. Anyway, I liked it. 6/10

5. Asia'h Epperson, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"- More high pants! She does a fairly good job with this diva song. I'm not a huge fan of this song on Idol, but this version of IWDWS is far singer-friendly than Jennifer Fuentes's. Asia'h doesn't attempt the high notes in the last fifth of the song which was probably a smart move. She's got a good voice but not quite as good as Syesha. 5.5/10

6. Ramiele Malubay, "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)"- Ramiele Malubay has one of the strongest voices in this competition, but this was her most bizarre performance. She sings the entire song with ONE stone-face expression. The whole time, zero expression in face and voice. I mean, this song is all about pride, anger, indignation. Ramiele had no emotional connection with the song whatsoever. Someone needs to give her the 411. 4/10

7. Kristy Lee Cook, "Faithfully"- I can best describe this as a great voice set to elevator music. Kristy definitely has the voice to do well in this competition, but she still needs those creative choices and personal uniqueness which would make her stand out. 2.5/10

8. Kady Malloy, "Who Wants To Live Forever"- Proving to be the most frustrating contestant, Kady FINALLY finds her strong voice and applies it to a woefully tuneless song. Queen's WWTLF was an aria which later builds up with guitar. There's no way the AI band can translate this, and Kady should have never even considered this as a choice. 2.5/10