You're partially correct about why Mandisa is gone. Her success week to week was more talent dependent than the other female singers. Because she is fat, she could not afford to have weak performances. Last week she was bad. This week she was even worse. Too bad she's leaving because I think she provided two of the best performances of the contest thus far with "I'm Every Woman" and "I Don't Hurt Anymore", and I expect that those will remain two of the best performances of the competition.
Taylor wasn't good last night, but he's one of the most talented of the group. I haven't liked most of his song choices, but there's no doubt in my mind that the guy can sing. Listen to "Soul Thing" if you think Taylor is only about the visual aspect of performance.
I loved Mandisa in the beginning but her performance last week was real bad and this week was worse. That's why she's leaving. Occam's razor and stuff....
Simon repeatedly conveys the thought that to be idol there must be not only the ability to consistently perform, but to radiate a star persona.
Mandissa could not do that. While very talented she has no star power. Wearing a tent did not project a star image.
Elliot has no star power and unattractively lacks a toooth. Bucky has no star power and is relegated to the role of sideman of which there are thousands in Nashville. Chris is flat posesses a two dimansional personality totally lacking the critical star plane. Paris shows glimmers of the star power. Kathryn has the smile and projects the quality but shyly slips back into common sometimes. Taylor is all facade. Kellie can sing, she is quite attractive, she has a naviete that will produce a winner.