‘American Idol’: Zoanette Flounders, Kree Harrison Soars As Top 10 Ladies Perform

Ryan Seacrest is coming to you live, from a rainbow!

When we last turned in, the Top 20 contestants were determined in sudden death auditions in Las Vegas. We were introduced to the Top 10 ladies and Top 10 gentlemen of season 12 of American Idol.

Tuesday’s show is live from Las Vegas, and voting has officially begun. By the end of this week, five men and women will go home and the remaining men and women will constitute the top ten Idol contestants.

The ladies are up for elimination tonight. The judges, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey will be giving feedback, but ultimately, the choice is in the hands of the voters. They all look great, except for Randy, who is trying very hard to be the guy in the quirky blazer.

The ten ladies take the stage in preparation for their performances. My favorites, Kree Harrison and Zoanette Johnson are included. We get an extended explanation of how to vote and I’m wondering why we don’t do the presidential election this way.

Zoanette likes her peach cobbler with icing. She is up first and steps out with Tina Turner‘s “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Sadly, she seems to have forgotten the opening lyrics, but never misses a beat with some that she made up on her own. Despite a pretty sloppy performance, I still love her. I’m pretty confident this was her last night. It was definitely no “Circle Of Life.” Even Nicki looks skeptical.

Keith says, “I do love the way you perform.” However, he tells her it wasn’t her best. Nicki starts out with, “You know I love you, and I always tell you the truth.” She adds, “With this particular song, you really gotta be on key and stuff.” Randy tells her, albeit kindly, “That was a mess, babe.” Mariah says it wasn’t her favorite performance but calls her a “bundle of festivities.” Ryan tries to ask her about her new hair and she zings, “It’s my own because I bought it.” Good for her.

Breanna Steer is next. Her song features a very strong harp accompaniment. It certainly didn’t have the sass of her last performance. Keith disagrees, however. He liked her song choice. His only word of caution is don’t try to be Beyonce. Nicki disagrees with the song choice and really disliked it. Randy was okay with the song choice but wanted more big moments. He thought it was a little safe. Mariah agrees with Randy and struggles to diplomatically add something to the critique.

Aubrey Cleland, in case you forgot, is gorgeous. She’ll be up next. Aubrey’s from Oregon and grew up with cows. She sings a Fergie song that I can’t stand, “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” but I’ll try not to hold it against her. She does a decent performance and definitely looks fabulous. Nobody has blown me away tonight so far.

Keith thought this was a good song choice but felt the melody held her back. Nicki also compliments her looks and liked the song choice as well and loved her overall. Randy agrees with the other two and compares her to Rihanna. Mimi compliments her outfit. She is indeed, very pretty.

Janelle Arthur sits atop a stool for her performance. Let’s see what the judges have to say about the country girl who made it by the skin of her teeth the last time we saw her. Keith enjoys her classic country voice. Nicki loves her, calling her “my little marshmallow that I want to eat.” Randy enjoys her “throwback sound.” Mimi calls it a very good job and it’s praise all around.

Tenna Torres is back to the side part and belts a Faith Hill ballad with a lot of big notes. Keith liked it. Nicki praises Tenna’s hair and boobs. Randy praises her for not over-singing. Mariah loves her too.

Angie Miller again takes a seat at the piano for her next song. Keith is moved to sing “Angie.” Nicki’s another one who loved it and thinks she’s a shoo-in for the top five women. Randy calls her a star. Mariah praises the song choice.

Amber Holcomb is going to be singing Whitney Houston and I will immediately vote for her if it’s “My Name is Not Susan.” She delivers “I Believe in You And Me” with her classic R&B sound. I declare it the best performance of the night so far. Keith compliments her singing and her confidence. Nicki can’t stop gushing about her and instructs her Barbz to vote for Amber. Randy concurs. Mimi calls her one of her favorites.

And now, one of my favorites, Kree Harrison is next. I love that she’s a jeans-and-pumps kind of girl. The others may have the vocal talent, too, but Kree is the only one who make me think, “This woman has lived through this shit.” Keith loves, loves her so much. Nicki calls her “my wife.” And the two of them have the cutest little banter. Randy congratulates her on a stellar performance. Mimi says that she’s always pleasantly surprised by Kree’s vocal choices. She should win this whole thing.

Adriana Latonio from Alaska is the youngest female contestant. She looks very pretty in yet another prom dress. Keith doesn’t think the song choice was great. Nicki tells her to work it out and come back next year. I love her sassing the crowd when they boo. Randy agrees with Nicki that it sounded “pageant-y” and boring. Mariah tries to blame the song in yet another crazy, rambling critique. I’m trying to imagine Mimi being a vocal coach and giving the most confusing direction ever.

Candice Glover is the last contestant of the evening. She sings a bluesy version of John Legend‘s “Ordinary People” that prompts Keith to do his goofy head bob and Mariah to throw up her hand in respect. Keith calls her “superb.” Nicki literally only can salute. Randy dubs her one of the best. Mariah is decisive and calls her “amazing.”

I hope you all remembered to vote like good little Americans! Now, let’s hear it for the boys!