Though I’ll be an American Idol geek til the day the show retires, I must admit that until last night, I was starting to fret that, save a few standouts like Danny Goeke, this season’s Top 12 would have a difficult time delivering outstanding performances week after week.

But last night’s show restored my faith in the Season 8 talent pool by churning out the most solid semi-final performance episode thus far this season. Of course, song choice played a huge factor in the performers’ appeal. Here’s how a few of the singers stacked up in my book:

A couple potentially strong contestants chose songs that were either too ambitious for their precious pipes or too small for their aggressive vocals.
Arianna Asfar – “The Winner Takes It All” by Abba
Kristen McNamara – “Gimme One Reason To Stay Here” by Tracy Chapman

But some others got it just right (or came pretty darn close!)
Lil Rounds – “Be Without You” by Mary J. Blige
Kendall Beard- “This One’s For The Girls” by Martina McBride
Ju’Not Joyner – “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White Tees
Felicia Barton – “No One” by Alicia Keys

With only 3 of last night’s contestants getting a pass to the Top 12, there’s bound to be some upsets tonight. But in the meantime, don’t you agree that the best sung line of the night was from Lil Rounds when she belted out – “Call this show if you just can’t be without me baby!”?

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