Ok, here's my rundown, while wondering what some of the people
here have been smoking.
Mandisa - Started the night off
really well. I'll admit that I haven't been her biggest fan, just because I can't see myself buying anything that she produced, but she really impressed me last night.
Bucky - Wow. Ok, it wasn't
bad, but it was a long way from
great. Still think he's worlds better than the twerp or the pretty boy, but he's got a ways to go to catch the frontrunners, and I'm no longer sure he's got it in him.
Paris - THERE was the girl I remembered from her audition. Still, as I pointed out before, I don't think she's much more than a more talented Fantasia clone...and that just isn't good enough this season.
Chris - Ok, I was STUNNED by how great this performance was...until finding out that it wasn't his, but was actually a cover that Live did. Still, he did a GREAT job with that cover...just not as impressed as I was before learning that.
Katharine - Sorry, but I've got a serious crush on this girl

She is seriously

, and has a voice like an angel (and maybe even a
naughty angel...lol).
Taylor - Again, sorry to those that didn't like him, but I would pay to see him perform, and enjoy every minute of it. The man is a serious talent.
Lisa - Ah, Lisa. Once again, I just don't get it. She's got SO much talent, but there is just something missing from her performances. She'll go back to be a
star on Broadway, though.
Kevin - PLEASE stop with the Josh Grobin comparisons. This kid isn't worthy to carry Josh Grobin's luggage. Sure, he sings in the same style...in the way that a paper airplane is "in the same style" as an F-14 Tomcat. He REALLY needs to leave.
Elliott - To be honest, I couldn't get over the fact that his looks have improved SO much, just from a little styling (he no longer looks like a homicidal Amish guy

). Not a fan of his, but good for him in improving his style.
Kellie - And THERE is the Kellie I liked way back when.

I think some people must just be determined to dislike her, because she did a GREAT job with that song.
Ace - Better only than Kevin on the night. On the plus side, it's now easier to make fun of him when my wife says he's cute
Side note: They need to get Barry as a consultant on this show. Overall, last night was
awfully good (with the couple, rare exceptions) and I credit him with a lot of that. I've never been a big fan of his, but I have a lot more respect for him after watching him help the contestants with their arrangements and things last night.
My order of preference, based just on last night:
1- Kathryn
2- Chris (Was #1 until I found out about the Live thing)
3- Taylor
4- Kellie
5- Paris
6- Mandisa
7- Lisa
8- Elliott
9- Bucky
10- Ace
11- Twerp
I'll be
shocked if America agrees, though.
