Overall, American Idol Season 12′s Top 10 made a solid debut. There were a couple of outstanding performances and only one I would label a trainwreck. We’ve been hearing it all season long, but the girls definitely proved tonight that they’re way stronger than the boys. At this point, I wouldn’t mind if the Final Four were all ladies. Problem is, I just can’t figure out which one I love the most. With exception to Janelle, the other four are just too close to call.

Before we get to the performances, how hilarious was it that Nicki Minaj was stuck in Los Angeles traffic as the show began? In twelve seasons, I can’t believe this hasn’t happened before. When Ryan jokingly asked which judge gave Minaj the wrong time or tampered with her vehicle, Mariah stayed silent. #priceless.

Eventually, the “Super Bass” rapper made it but looked a bit disheveled. She sported dark sunglasses and a hoodie when she first appeared. I wonder if she received a scolding from Nigel regarding her tardiness. Without further ado, check out the performances below, along with my rankings and who I predict will be leaving tomorrow.

American Idol 12 Top 10 Performances

Curtis Finch, Jr.

Song: I Believe
Original Artist: Fantasia

YES!!! Curtis is first which means he stands a good chance of going home. I figured someone would snag Fantasia’s coronation song. Though it would’ve sounded better with Candice or Amber, I’m glad Curtis got it. It’s one of my least favorite coronation songs. That said, Fantasia slayed it and worked it like the rent was due. Finch on the other hand never seemed comfortable with it. He did fine with the chorus, but was a bit tepid during the verses. Definite bottom three IMHO. I’m sure Minaj was happy she was stuck in traffic during this. The best part of his performance was that jacket. Apparently, I have the same taste as Randy. GAG ME. The paisley print is kinda hot #justsaying

Side note: Turns out this worship leader is a big ‘ol thief. The National Enquirer is claiming that Curtis stole a laptop computer from a fellow choir member only to resell it to another choir member. LOL. So stupid.

Janelle Arthur

Song: Gone
Original Artist: Montgomery Gentry

I was wrong when I referred to Janelle as the poor man’s Carrie Underwood. That’s too good for her. She’s the poor man’s Lauren Alaina. OUCH. Clearly, Janelle is never going to take any chances. She’ll just attempt to coast by with mediocre country covers. I like the energy and the sassiness, but vocally… not good. Hopefully, like the title of the song, she’ll be “gone”. Minaj update: She arrived but with sunglasses on. Clearly, her eye makeup wasn’t done yet.

Devin Velez

Song: Temporary Home
Original Artist: Carrie Underwood

In his package, he mentioned that he was not going to do a ballad. Ummm, what’s this!!! Emotionally, I believed him and I liked that he strayed from his wheelhouse to do country, but it was slightly boring. As Randy said, a little too safe. With all that in mind, vocally he delivered. The song just didn’t allow him to go anywhere. Sorry Carrie.

Angie Miller

Song: I Surrender
Original Artist: Celine Dion

I think girlfriend read my notes. Angie sexed it up tonight, but not in a hoochie way. That dress and shoes were tight. A little surprising she went with a Celine Dion number, given Jimmy Iovine’s critique. He told her she comes off a bit beauty pageant. Angie nailed the key change and all the money notes. A tad melodramatic at points, but well done. The performance was a bit old school Idol, but I enjoyed it since tonight was all about honoring past winners.

Paul Jolley

Song: Amazed
Original Artist: Lonestar

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Jimmy Iovine. His feedback about Paul oversinging was bang on. To survive in the competition, all Jolly has to do is provide mediocre performances. His awww shucks country boy next door looks will help him coast through. I may sound like a hater, but I’m not. Tonight he was pretty good, but there are far superior singers in the competition. Side note: What was up with Randy’s comment about his “sexuality?” I wonder when Nigel is going to drop the bomb that Paul is a homo? Probably when Paul is close to winning Season 12. LOL. I could be wrong with his sexuality, but my gaydar goes off big time every time he appears on my TV.

Candice Glover

Song: I (Who Have Nothing)
Original Artist: Ben E. King

Hands down my favorite performance by Jordin Sparks during her Idol run. For the first few moments, I was afraid for Candice. It didn’t start off like Jordin’s stripped down version, but then after a couple of seconds, I saw where Glover was taking this. She made it more contemporary and urban than Sparks’ dramatic interpretation. Candice absolutely slayed it. Halfway through I found myself black girl snapping all over the place. Her runs were everything- unexpected and controlled.

Lazaro Arbos

Song: Breakaway
Original Artist: Kelly Clarkson

Minaj called it. He looked like Ricky Ricardo tonight. That was the least of his problems. This was not good at all. It’s by far the worst of the night. I agree with Randy that the song is too big for him. Lazaro needs to stay away from Kelly’s discography. Side note: What was up with the sweeping country visual background? So random. If Lazaro isn’t in the bottom three, it’ll show just how big and dedicated his voting contingent is. This kid isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Kree Harrison

Song: Crying
Original Artist: Roy Orbison

I knew Kree would take on Carrie, but didn’t expect this choice. This was definitely one of Underwood’s shining moments on the show. Kree nails it. This woman’s tone and range is phenomenal. As good as it was, I think it was a tad subdued. It’s the kind of performance you’ll applaud for but might not rush to the phone and vote for. Nicki summed it up perfectly with her weird waffle/syrup analogy. I just hope Kree amps it up next week. She needs a showstopper to show she’s #inittowinit. Crap… did I just quote Randy?

Burnell Taylor

Song: Flying Without Wings
Original Artist: Westlife

I’m probably going to get flack for this, but doesn’t Burnell look like those hearing impaired kids from Sectionals on Glee’s first season. Seriously!!! His hand movements sometimes have me wonder if he’s trying to sign something. But I have to say, I love it. It’s like he’s conducting himself. By far the best male singer of the night. I agree with Keith Urban that Burnell’s timbre in his voice is amazing. There’s just something about this kid I love. He has a 90s R&B vibe about him that really resonates with me. America, you better keep him in.

Amber Holcomb

Song: A Moment Like This
Original Artist: Kelly Clarkson

It’s a funny thing with Amber. When she sings Whitney Houston songs, she doesn’t sound like Whitney. But when she sings other songs, she has definite Whitney moments. Case in point, her rendition of Kelly’s coronation song. Though it lacked Clarkson’s emotion (as it should given that Kelly won the show), Amber delivers a solid performance. It’s amazing how relaxed she looks when she goes for those money notes. So effortless. Is it me, or does Amber look super hot tonight. Dang, girl looked fiiine. Those red lips are to die for.

American Idol 12 Top 10 Performances Ranked

• 10. Lazaro Arbos
• 9. Curtis Finch Jr.
• 8. Janelle Arthur
• 7. Devin Velez
• 6. Paul Jolley
• 5. Kree Harrison
• 4. Burnell Taylor
• 3. Angie Miller
• 2. Amber Holcomb
• 1. Candice Glover

Bottom Three Prediction

Janelle Arthur and Curtis Finch Jr are definitely in the bottom three. Even though Lazaro deserves to sit on the dreaded stools, he probably won’t due to his rabid fans. Most likely, Devin Velez will undeservedly take Lazaro’s place. I think the first elimination will come down to Curtis or Janelle. Since there are other country artists in the competition, I think Janelle is vulnerable. I’m going with her. If Curtis goes though, I wouldn’t mind that either.

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What did you think of tonight’s performances? Who was your favorite? Who do you think will be in the bottom three? Sound off below.

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