AI 11: Women's Semi-final performance review

Women's Semin-finalist Performances Review and Predictions

Previously I skipped over some of the women in my reviews as they didn't stand out. I think this episode confirmed that.

Chelsea Sorrell
The hometown girl and all, but I'm still not a fan. Interesting take on the song, but more served to highlight that she wasn't in the same league.

Erika Van Pelt
Admittedly confused here. The problem is that song is done all the time and so my brain hurts hearing it. I do like her tone though and the performance was solid. Just having a mental block with the song choice.

Jen Hirsh
Though I have liked her throughout, I didn't like this performance as much. Mostly because the audience seems to reward the big notes more than anything. Song coice again may be skewy me as I just didn' tlike this song too much.

Brielle Von Hugel
I seem to hate the youth of our country, but again I struggle with kids singing certain songs. Certainly ones they could not relate to. I did like her engery, confidence and stage presence. But given that the song was done a lot in Hollywood Week and it just sounding funny to my ears with a child's voice, this was not great.

Hallie Day
Still a front runner and this performance helped that. Even with my bias towards Michael Buble, she didn't seem too pale in comparison (though a few parts got away from her). Her overall looks and stage presence help out as well.

Skylar Laine
She definitely brought the energy and swagger again, but this time it seemed more appropriate and polished. Sticking to country helped but it will be interesting to see what happens if she makes it to further round.

Baylie Brown
Just seeemd off key the whole time. I couldn't get past that.

Hollie Cavanough
Brought the solid, good tone, controlled voice again. It's one thing to have big notes, but control is important and this seperates her from many other women (and men). This performance brought her up to the front as well.

Haley Johnsen
Love the song – the original and the Marilyn Manson version actually. I liked her stage show – did well to stand out. Unfortunately I just didn't like the voice that went with it.

Shannon Magrane
Good overall performance. A safe performance really – calm, controlled, nothing crazy or too difficult, but all done well.

Jessica Sanchez
Thanksfully another young one that doesn't sound like it. Good presence and control. Well done all around.

Elise Testone
I seem to favor those that can play an instrument as well (3 of the guys as well at least). I like the voice.

So let's get to the judgements.

Top 6 in
Jen Hirsh
Skylar Laine
Hallie Day
Hollie Cavanough
Shannon Magrane
Jessica Sanchez

Bottom 4 out
Chelsea Sorrell
Brielle Von Hugel
Baylie Brown
Haley Johnsen

On the bubble:
Elise Testone
Erika Van Pelt

It is interesting though as I could see voting on the women difficult. Jen and Hallie's performances might not have beeen as good as prior ones, but their reputations so far should carry them. Shannon is a fan favorite, but went safe. Elise and Erika have different voices and that could be good or bad.

So now I'll watch the results show and see.