[kevkrom]

Okay, without having read anyone's witty comments yet, her'e my breakdown for last night:

1. Siobhan - Quirky girl really does have a big voice. Nice rendition of the song and one of the few things I'll remember. Easy winner of the night.
2. Didi - I like Didi, and she did a credible, if not particularly memorable job here. I think she could have a reasonable run once the cookie cutter contestants start dropping out.
3. Crystal - Something bugs me about Crystal, and that doesn't even include concerns over her health (she needed to sit for critique -- that never happens!), but I can't place a finger on it. Good bluesy style, but nothing that really screams "different" or "relevant".
4. Katie - 4th through 6th is pretty much a toss-up for me, they all had major weaknesses. I'll put Katie at the top of the group because she's trying, bless her heart, to find a personality, but she's got a great voice. (Side note: hey, Ellen, how can it be the right song choice and not fit her at the same time?)
5. Lilly - I completely disagree with the judges. There was no contemporary feel to this at all, it came across as karaoke to me.
6. Katelyn - Um, no. Especially the hair. Not a great song choice and not particularly well delivered. And yet she's a far sight better than the two that followed...
7. Lacey - I want to like you. Really, I do. But your three live performances have actually made me start to hate you. As a person. For making me go through that. Now go home.
8. Paige - That was... really, really bad. Pitch problems, bad song choice, no confidence. If you have any desire to really do this, pray to be voted off, work with a quality vocal coach, and try next year.

[Palladin]

hmmmm..Crystal sitting for a critique. Pregnant, maybe?

[b9]

Crystal - Something bugs me about Crystal

Simon calls her a "busker" and she agrees!
From Wikipedia:
Some of the most famous groups and superstars started their careers as buskers. Joan Baez, Beck, Roni Benise, The Blue Man Group, Pierce Brosnan, Jimmy Buffett, George Burns, Cirque du Soleil, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Stephane Grappelli, Woody Guthrie, Bob Hope, Jewel, Steve Martin, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Page, Penn & Teller, Gerry Rafferty, Edith Piaf, Simon and Garfunkel, Pete Seeger, Rod Stewart, Joe Strummer, Stomp, and Robin Williams. Many other buskers have also found fame and fortune.

Not bad company!

Crystal isn't a paperdoll. She has grit and guts and knows where she comes from and who she is. No pretense. Loves to perform.
She's already won, IMO.