American Idol: Top 8 Women

(S06E18) Paula is momentarily missing when tonight's show begins, but is back just in time to get things started. After last night's snoozefest, I'm hoping the girls will wake up this competition. And luckily, I'm not disappointed.

It's "just a different show" with the ladies, as Randy points out early. The girls pick better songs that showcase their voices. And their voices are just better than the boys anyway. The women seem to understand that NOW is the time to show us what they've got. Gina finally finds her comfort zone. Melinda gives another flawless performance. And LaKisha, Stephanie, Jordin, and Sabrina prove they are solid, Top 12-worthy contestants.

My guess is that Antonella's luck has finally run out. And Haley is just out of time. But the remaining six ladies are going to give us a heck of a battle. And one of them is going to be the next American Idol.

Once again, things get started quickly.

JORDIN sings Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker." I like Jordin, but I thought the song seemed a little rushed, and she seemed out of breath by the end. Randy thinks that even though Jordin had problems, she's still better than all of the boys. Paula says Jordin is getting better every week and will be around for a while. Simon is not quite as enthusiastic, calling Jordin's performance a "bit manic" and "shrieky." But he thinks she will "100 percent" be back next week.

SABRINA sings "Don't Let Go." It's not Randy's favorite performance, but still she "did her thing." Paula thinks Sabrina's voice "soars" and is "an amazing instrument." Simon says she is a great singer, but lacked emotion, and was a bit robotic. He also says it was like a "hotel resort performance." However, all three judges agree that Sabrina belongs in the Top 12. I agree Sabrina should advance, but worry only because I keep forgetting her name, and wonder if others are having trouble remembering her, as well.

ANTONELLA sings Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On." Randy calls it a cool song choice, and liked the ending. However, he thinks she's a better singer than she's shown. Paula calls it the right song for Antonella's range, but warns her to watch her bottom notes. Simon is speechless. Then he breaks it down for Antonella: "You've gone as far as you can go . . . you are surrounded by some pretty amazing girl singers." He applauds Antonella for the way she's handled herself with the internet controversy, but just doesn't think her voice is going to get any better. I agree that it wasn't her worst performance, but I'm so ready for her to go home (and take the controversy with her).

Antonella responds (with less snottiness than last week) that she wishes the judges wouldn't compare her to the other singers, because they're all "unique." Simon responds, "Let's get real." And before it can get too ugly, Paula tells them to move on to a "warmer place."

HALEY sings "If My Heart Had Wings." Randy thought it was okay, just had no "pizazz" and "no like YO." Paula says Haley sang it well and looked great. Simon thought it was horrible, like some "ghastly high school musical performance." According to Simon the problem is that he doesn't even know her name, because she hasn't made an impression. And this performance didn't help. Like Antonella, I don't think this is Haley's worst performance. She's just out of her league. And it's time to go home.

STEPHANIE sings "Sweet Thing." Randy says it was just okay, but brought too much comparison to Chaka. Paula thought it was "darn-near flawless," and says Stephanie has a beautiful voice and great showmanship. Simon thinks she's one of the best, but has a tendency to be a bit of a copycat. Still he thinks she's done enough to advance to the Top 12. According to Randy, Stephanie has the "Yo Factor."

LaKISHA sings Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing." Randy calls it another great performance by "The Great LaKisha." Paula says that LaKisha is staying here and "working on being the next American Idol." Simon says she brought passion, talent, and believability. And he thinks she looks beautiful tonight. It's not her best performance, but LaKisha makes it look so easy, you almost expect every performance she gives to be a show-stopper.

GINA comes out rocking for a change, singing Evanescence's "Call Me When You're Sober." Randy says that finally the real Gina came out tonight. He tells her to "keep the edge alive" and keep the "Yo" going. Paula agrees that the song suited Gina's style best, but tells her to watch over-singing. Simon says it's the first time Gina has looked comfortable performing. And even though she screamed the song, he thinks she's a "breath of fresh air," and he wants to see her come back next week. This is definitely the first Gina performance that's gotten my attention. And as long as she stays away from boring 1980s ballads, I think she has a chance at staying around for a while.

MELINDA sings "I'm A Woman." Randy calls it the "hottest" one tonight. He thinks she's a "consummate pro," and is ready to make a record. Paula calls Melinda "phenomenal . . . lovable," and "brilliant on stage." Paula can't wait to see what Melinda will do next. Simon calls her a "little tiger." He thinks it's great that she's enjoying every moment on the show, unlike some ungrateful ex-contestants (i.e. Jennifer Hudson), who have complained about the show, calling it a "stepping stone." I wonder if Simon and Jennifer are ever going to kiss and make-up, and put an end to this silly feud. As for Melinda, I too love her, but still wonder if the kiddies will connect with her.

The Revelations:

• Jordin says football is her life, and there was a time she wanted to play.
• Sabrina was the high school news anchor and wanted to be next Katie Couric.
• Antonella plays the violin.
• Haley was a gymnast but turned to singing after too many injuries.
  
• Stephanie has been singing since she was three, but used to be really shy about it.
• Lakisha is terrified of animals.
• Gina has several lucky charms including a troll, Pickle, and a pillow.
• Melinda has some OCD quirks.

Tomorrow: Live Results Show #3 -- The Top 12 will be revealed. Carrie Underwood sings, and there's a big announcement.

For more Idol coverage, check out People.com.

And don't forget to visit AOL to Rank the Girls.