[CounterCounterCulture]

Whew! My girl Syesha (yeah, she's already got a fiancé, big whoop) survives. C'mon Syesha, OWN the song next week. Show 'em what you're made of. My other girl Brooke (yeah, I know, she's already married, story of my life yada yada) seems to be in a good position in this competition.

David Hernandez had rebounded in the earlier rounds, now finds himself back in peril (he might survive if he has Danjaya’s “gay vote”). Kristy Lee has been perpetually on the ropes, and tonight didn’t help whatsoever.

And it was Hernandez to get the ax. T'was a shame. He used to be in my Top 5 of the guys, particularly on his performance of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" (the best performance of that night), but between exposure of his male stripping days to his poor performance Tuesday finally did him in.

Kristy Lee's performance Wednesday was much better than Tuesday's.... could still simplify and slow down the arrangement a bit. I like her personally (her looks don't hurt either), but she's been on the edge of elimination for too long and don't know how much longer she'll last.

[CounterCounterCulture]

Amanda Overmyer – Back In The U.S.S.R. – Meh. Pretty much what you’d expect from her.

Kristy Lee Cook – You Got To Hide Your Love Away – Meh. Her arrangements just never do it for me. Nice girl, but it’s time to say goodbye.

David Archuletta – The Long And Winding Road – Straight up crooning. Good voice. Nailed it.

Michael Johns – A Day In The Life – Tough song to truncate, so the arrangement was a little awkward. Mostly good vocal with some glaring bad spots.

Brooke White – Here Comes The Sun – My girl Brooke. Another good vocal. It’s all right? It’s better than all right. :-) Oh, but gosh, stop being soooo nice to those judges. That exchange went on too long.

David Cook – Day Tripper – Rockin’ guitar back. He’s never been my cup of tea, but his style works well with this arrangement of Day Tripper. Not sure if I cared for the Frampton voice box gimmick, but it was minimal enough. My personal favorite of his work thus far.

Carly Smithson – Blackbird – Takes a chance with a ballad. Borderline. Looked a little pained.

Jason Castro – Michelle – Safe (except for having to learn a little French). Adequate.

Syesha Mercado – Yesterday – My girl Syesha kicked it up a notch or two. Very emotional. Really took ownership of the song this week. Loved it!

Chikezie Eze – I’ve Just Seen a Face – Wow, it’s like two different songs with the harmonica break. Chikezie’s callin’. First part OK; Second part was better.

Ramiele Malubay – I Should Have Known Better – Goes with a hat and more up-tempo song. Adequate. Best notes are the ones she belts out. Walking was a bit awkward.

My rankings for tonight
1. Syesha
2. Chikezie
3. Brooke
4. David C
5. David A
6. Michael
7. Jason
8. Carly
9. Ramiele
10. Amanda
11. Kristy Lee

My rankings overall
1. Brooke
2. Syesha
3. Chikezie
4. David A
5. Carly
6. Jason
7. Michael
8. David C
9. Ramiele
10. Amanda
11. Kristy Lee