madman's Viewpoint:

Last night's show was my favorite show every year, the first top twelve competition. The theme was Soul but Nerves were a bigger factor for some of the contestants. This is the point where you have to start showing what you've got, or go home. No holding back. If this season follows the pattern of previous seasons, we won't see their best for a few shows, yet. It takes a while to adjust to the fast pace and the spotlight. In the meantime, ready or not, someone has to go home.

LaToya London

It's always hard to be first.. She has poise, tone, and range and sings a song like she is in control. Probably a finalist. A possible winner.

Amy Adams

Do you remember what Amy sang? I like Amy, but her singing doesn't match her hair. She exhibited the kind of "soul" found at a Republican fund raiser. My suggestion - be as wild as your hair. Set it free.

Matt Rogers

Matt is nice guy, kinda bear-like and cuddly. He could make some money singing on weekends after his regular job, if the kids don't take up all his time. Good guy, but not the American Idol.

Camile Velasco

I can still hear that raspy, unique sound that first attracted me to Camille even over the sound of her scared racing heart. In the 60's, someone would have given Camille a double shot of Southern Comfort before she went on and she would have been great. Someone needs to introduce her to anxiety reduction techniques or meds. Otherwise, she's going home.

Jon Peter Lewis

Cute can take you a long way in life. When it's on the same train with unique, it's a rare combination. Combine it with tone deafness and you have Jon Peter Lewis. Cute, unique, and unable to hold a tune. I see him going about halfway before that train takes him home.

Fantasia Barrino

Love her or hate her. Fantasia's the kind of talent that makes people argue. Is she great or is she awful? In my book, she's the top. Her talent is a natural extension of her life. Southern, black, gospel. It's where all the best soul singers started. You can say Macy Gray all day, but I say Billie Holiday without the sadness.

George Huff

Could not have picked a better song for his voice. Haven't heard a man sing soul like that in years. I think George is great and will be in the final four.

Jennifer Hudson

the best and worst thing about Jennifer Hudson is that she has worked singing regularly on a cruise ship. She got the good vocal practice in, but she didn't leave behind the polyester costumes and overwrought facial expressions common to theme park and cruise ship performers. She has the voice, but she needs coaching and styling. She needs to practice in front of a mirror.

John Stevens

Cute, sweet, flaming red hair and deep blue eyes. Sings one style that appeals to his grandparents. I never thought he should be here. Still don't know why he is. Wrong venue.

Leah LaBelle

OK, so her parents were Pop Stars in Bulgaria. Maybe she should consider trying it there. Maybe singing on key means something different there. Maybe not. This is what happens when you tell your children that they can be anything they want to be if they just work at it. No, they can't. If you don't have the talent to sing, you will NEVER be a great singer. Trust me, I know.

Jasmine Trias

Two girls from Hawaii. two distinctly different approaches. This girl has got it all. She came out of the shadows and stood out from the crowd. I say Final Four for sure and lots of good things in between.

Diana DeGarmo

Lots of talent and energy and good singing. And she's only 17. She'll knock their socks off on country, too. I think she'll be one the most adaptable to different styles.

All in all, it's a Woman's World on American Idol this year. Thank goodness for George Huff. He's gonna be working hard in the group numbers, because he might be the only male left by mid-point.

kwasiba's Viewpoint:

LaToya London

I love her and think she is easily one of the best up there. Unfortunately, I think she's too professional seeming for the crowd. I don't think America will put her through all the way because as of yet, she hasn't really connected. She doesn't need this competition, therefore, she doesn't need the audience and they don't feel like they have to root for her.

Amy Adams

Completely concur. Kind of like the pictures on the fast food menus...they never look like that when you get your own. Amy LOOKS like a wild woman....nah, scratch that...she looks like a cutie with pink hair who idolizes Celine Dion. How much ya wanna bet she does at least ONE Celine song before she's done?

Matt Rogers

Everybody's buddy, cute as hell but painful to watch. Whiteboy singing Hard To Handle was hard to handle. Pack those bags now....

Camile Velasco

REALLY agree with the Southern Comfort way of life for her. She's not living up to her potential and her voice is too thin for her to get too far.

Jon Peter Lewis

I LOVE HIM!!!! The dancing should be done in small doses (keep us coming back for more rather than using it all up and becoming boring), and no, he's not the American Idol, but he's got a completely different style that I happen to love. Let's just hope no one snatches up his dad for musical dancing commercial endorsements...

Fantasia Barrino

This girl is IT!!!! She's got everything she needs, plus enough attitude to keep everyone just a little off kilter. I'm just praying she never posed nude for a porn site cause she needed the money.

George Huff

Best song choice of the night. He's fun and he's got talent. I just hope his smiling doesn't go from endearing to annoying.

Jennifer Hudson

I'm still on the fence with her. She's got a great voice, but I hope she benefits from the opportunity to learn about the professional aspect of the biz from this. She may make it to the finals (if she doesn't it's not because of her voice), or she may wash out.

John Stevens

I love John, but his performance was just BORING. I think in 7 or 8 years when he's managed to garner some life experience under that belt, he'll be a much better performer. The boy's only 16. (Did anyone else think he looked like a freaking GIANT walking with his grandparents???)

Leah LaBelle

Yeah...go pack those bags now, girlie....but hey...you can always get a job singing at Disneyland when you graduate!

Jasmine Trias

Wow! I'm not an overly big fan of hers..the whole cutesy thing wears thin, but I can see her in the top 4...go girl!!!


Diana DeGarmo

Whenever I see this girl, I'm surprised at her pipes. She chose a good song and revved it up appreciably. I hated her jeans, which made her look lumpy in the middle, but I liked the top. She always looks mischievous. Can't wait to see her further performances.

Losers of the night: tie between Matt & Leah