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Last night was the men's turn, tonight it was the ladies.  As a group, the ladies were less impressive than the men, but there will eventually be enough standouts to make the competition interesting.

Is it me, or does it seem that this year more contestants are being seen perform for the first time in the sound studio round than before?  Sarah Mather, Melinda Lira, Celina Rae, Jessica Sierra, and Aloha Mischeaux basically made their singing debut on tonight's show.  By this time, I think that a lot of people have already made some "early leans" as to whom they'll like the best.  It has to be tough acquiring a fanbase at this stage of the competition.

Tonight's notables:

1- Vonzell Solomon was first up.  Looking good, and singing a nice version of "Heatwave."  I am happy that Vonzell performed well, as she is one of my favorite contestants.

2- Carrie Underwood came out, looked pretty, and did her thing.  I was all set to be underwhelmed with Carrie because I assumed that my expectations would be a bit too high (see Anwar last night.)

It turned out that she sang her song really well.  She is a really strong contestant in this competition.

Seeing Carrie onstage, don't you think that she'd look good in some of Stevie Nicks' clothes?

3- Nadia Turner looked awesome and sang great.  Those clothes looked fantastic on her.  (She'll get my vote tonight.)

4- Eleventh contestant Jessica Sierra sang the best ballad of the night.  (I can't remember what it was though.)  A lot of the ladies on tonight's show didn't really do anything to distinguish themselves.  I recall Jessica's performance being the best among those contestants.

5- Aloha Mischeaux finished the show with a lively and funky performance.  The judges liked her, and I think that she will be able to gather a following on the strengths of tonight's performance.

Unimpressive tonight, but I really hope they do better next time: Amanda Avila, Lindsay Cardinale, and Celine Rae.

Below expectations tonight: Mikalah Gordon, but the judges seem to want to give her a pass at the beginning.  She'll be good for ratings if she sticks around.

This one lady named Melinda Lira sang a song that didn't really sound right on my television, but the judges were (at least mildly) impressed.  I wonder if (yet again) this is a case of the singers sounding better in front of you, rather than over the air.  (I recall a number of times that Ruben, although sounding so-so on particular nights, was very warmly praised by the judges.)

Tonight's Top Three:

1) Nadia Turner   2) Carrie Underwood   3) Vonzell Solomon

In Elimination Jeopardy:

Janee Castine, Sarah Mather, Celina Rae, Amanda Avila, Melinda Lira, and Lindsay Cardinale.