OK, I'm coming around on Carly

The "American Idol" ladies were certainly better this week than last, but after watching the last two nights, it's the opposite of last year--the men, as a whole, seem to be significantly better than the women. One significant factor: It does seem that more of the men are willing to mix it up, change song arrangements and take risks than the ladies, who for the most part come out and just sing the song like it was sung originally. So on a night when the judge name-dropping spiraled so completely out of control that we may need a one-hour special so that Randy and Paula can outline what records and videos they worked on and Paula grip on her sanity seem to get a little bit looser, let's get to the show.

Asia'h Epperson (I Wanna Dance With Somebody)--So Simon tells Asia'h last week that she shouldn't choose such big songs, and she goes ahead and chooses a Whitney Houston song. Granted, it's not one of Whitney's most difficult songs to sing, but it's still got some vocal gymnastics. I thought Asia'h did a pretty good job, but I am a little worried for her future on the show if she keeps singing these "big" songs, as Simon puts it. I like Asia'h's voice because it's sort of different, with a little bit of a raspiness or hoarseness. But that kind of voice doesn't seem like the right kind of voice to sing big, belt it out songs. She totally flubbed that high note last week (maybe it was her being sick, but who knows?), and I just wonder if that could happen again if she keeps shooting for the stars, especially this early in the competition.

Kady Malloy (Who Wants to Live Forever?)--The second contestant of the night to disregard Simon's advice. When Ryan said Kady would be singing Queen, I was hoping it was one of their more fun songs. After all, Simon did urge her to show more of her personality. Instead, she sings a really slow Queen song and doesn't show any particular personality or flair. She sang it OK, but nothing special, and then Kady revealed that she didn't even know what Simon's criticism meant. Oh, well. Kady, he just meant look like you're having some fun on stage, be a little playful and young. But why am I bothering to explain? She's not reading this blog, and she likely won't be singing on Idol again next week.

Amanda Overmyer (Hate Myself for Loving You)--So Amanda's most embarrassing moment wasn't having nude pictures of herself released on the Internet during her appearance on American Idol. What a great country America is! Anyway, this song was right in Amanda's wheelhouse--as a former Nationals baseball announcer used to say--and she hit it a long way. Very well done, but I do wonder how many other songs are in her wheelhouse, and whether everyone will tire of that wheelhouse in a few weeks.

Carly Smithson (Drove All Night)--I've been tough on Carly the last couple weeks, but I really liked her tonight. Voice sounded great, she looked the best she has all competition, and she had this really imposing, kick-ass stage presence that I really liked. She had this look and body language which seemed to say, "If anyone else tries to come on this stage, I'll punch them in the face"--or something like that. As for Simon's comments that this wasn't as good as the Celine Dion version, I don't really know the Celine Dion version. I know the 80s version by Cyndi Lauper. And speaking of Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" would have been a great song for Kady Malloy to sing tonight. Kady, if you're out there, I'm willing to manage your career.

Kristy Lee Cook (Faithfully)--Kristy did listen to Simon and incorporate a country twang into her performance. It still seemed to surprise Randy, but we didn't need more evidence that Randy barely pays attention. As for Paula and Randy thinking that it could be a hit country record--maybe, but not with Kristy singing it. She wasn't bad, but she wasn't particularly good--it was that dreaded "forgettable." As for Kristy's comment that finishing in the top 10 was "OK with me," that's fine to say when you're eliminated, but don't say that's your ultimate goal. I'd hope you'd want to win.

Ramiele Malubay (Against All Odds)--When I think about top vocalists in recent times, Phil Collins doesn't come to mind. And yet, whenever someone else sings this song--whether it's an Idol contestant or Ann Reinking at the Oscars--they always seem to run into trouble. Actually, Ramiele, after a really rough beginning, finished strong in the more belty second half of the tune. While she should make the final 12, I just don't see her going very far.

Brooke White (Love Is a Battlefield)--Finally one of the women rearranges a song, and it's successful, too. I think Brooke has got to be considered a darkhorse--her voice may not have anywhere near the power of Carly, but she knows what songs to use it on and rarely hits a wrong note. I enjoyed it.

Syesha Mercado (Saving All My Love for You)--They were running out of time, which is why the judges' comments were so curt. Maybe if Paula hadn't spent so much time babbling about yogurt, Syesha wouldn't have been shortchanged.But Simon did sum it up pretty succinctly--"good, but forgettable." Competent, but nothing surprising or special. Interesting, though, that she was in the pimp spot tonight. Do the producers see something in her that I don't?

Who's going home? I think Kady Malloy is an obvious first choice. Second choice could be just about anybody except Brooke and Carly (and maybe Asia'h), but I'll say Kristy Lee Cook. Fingerhut out.