( continues...) came out of that mainly unscathed, so props for that because Ms. Aguilera is no joke.

Haley Reinhart – Also known as the note killer. And she’s singing Fallin’. Great. The granddaddy of the non-song song. And yet, she was doing her thing on this song. She sounded really, really good. Great tone to her voice and the pitch was right in the pocket. The runs were crystal clear. Lots of power, did interesting things with the melody. She oozed confidence up there. Wow. She was great on a crappy song. “If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.” Ha! Steven Tyler, I love you.

Thia Megia – I just don’t get this girl. She’s such a big ball of nothing. And is she singing that Irene Cara classic from Fame, Out Here on My Own? This is so school pagaent. Oh, this is tragic. What 15 year old even knows this song? I sang this song once during a summer camp concert at the Hollywood Boys and Girls Club, but I think this movie was out in the theaters at the time and I was like 12. I wouldn’t sing it if I were going on American Idol. It’s like watching someone’s granddaughter perform at the family restaurant. Is this star material? I don’t know. I don’t think so. What do they see in this girl? I just don’t see it. I don’t get it.

Pia Toscano – In the pimp slot? Huh. I’ll Stand by You. It’s pretty. Much less vibrato than I remember from earlier rounds and a much more pleasing tone. It’s . . . competent. But after some of the previous performances that were serious highlights, was this really pimp slot worthy? And the end was mighty shouty. Eh. It wasn’t a bad performance. But that’s no show closer, honey.

These ladies turned it all the way out:

Karen Rodriguez – Hero. I was so scared, I really thought this lady did not have the voice to take on Mariah. But you know what? She shocked the hell out of me. She kind of tore it up on this song. It wasn’t Mimi by any means, but that was a good thing. I liked the bilingual flava. She could work that latin pop thing. Half those girls can’t sing at all. Thalia? Paulina Rubio? Yeah, they don’t have a voice like this girl. I kind of was not knowing about this one. She blew it out of the water. Again, perhaps the best attempt at Mimi we’ve seen on this show.

Lauren Turner – I was hoping she would do well ‘cause I like her. And she still needs a make over real, real bad. But as far as the voice goes? She is so, so serious, y’all. I love this girls voice! 7 Day Fool? Oh, yeah. She can do that whole Adele/Duffy/Amy Winehouse thing. What a cool song choice. Oh and she just let loose on the last part of that song. What? She’s crazy good. It was a perfect full complete sentence. I will use that as a compliment tomorrow. I don’t know what JLo was talking about. I didn’t need any sauce on that plate. I thought she brought it just fine. And better than fine. Homegirl can just blow.

Lauren Alaina – This girl can just sing. And she’s fun. A little firecracker. I don’t know the song, but I want to own this version of hers right now. I would buy it on itunes. Today. I got my ninety nine cents ready. Strangé, lady. I love your 700 million year old ass. A natural. JLo has that right. This girl was born to do this.

I have no idea who'll make top 5. I'd take Karen and the Laurens A. and T. After that, it's a crap shoot. Haley sang really well tonight. I still think Naima is interesting and she didn't sing poorly tonight. I just had issues with the song choice. So I'd probably take those two. I think the judges will probably favor Thia, Pia and likely Kendra to either of those two, and probably to Lauren T. when you get right down to it. I really only think Julie, Rachel and Ta-Tynisa are completely out of the running.

Seriously? You liked Lauren A?? Huh. I thought she was awful! But then, I love the song (it's Reba)

Yep. I enjoyed Lauren A. A lot. Probably helps that I've never heard that song before so I have no expectation about what it was supposed to sound like. I just thought she sang well. The song was fun and she had fun and she filled the stage up.

On a totally separate note, Alek Wek on ANTM is faaaaabulous!

Alek Wek is fabulous ... the models in the competition? I can't get enthusiastic about any of them. I may have burned out on ANTM.

I was terrified for Carla because Tom kept mentioning things about the vegetables lacking, despite way praising the broth.

Me too! But I think that the last chef was going to get that edit no matter what.

TC - Mike is still a jerk but of course, now that Antonia is "family" he's rooting for her, as opposed well..forever when he hated her and thought she should go home. I was sorta hoping that he'd go. I was glad about the outcome, and how nice was it that not only did the cheftestants get their geneology done, but a family visit too (Carla's husband was just beaming while they were talking about her food.. what a cutie!)

I can't get enthusiastic about any of them. I may have burned out on ANTM

Toddson, totally agree. I frankly don't care about any of them, and we may delay the rest of the season until the summer when there is nothing on or ya know, never.

Richard's sourpuss face whenever he doesn't win is getting on my last nerve. I'd hate to break the news to you, buddy, but the women on this show have just as much a right to be there as you do! And I'm getting really sick and tired of Mike getting all pissy about Carla's simple yet tasty food. She decided to do something completely different for the quickfire challenge and won--deal with it.

Survivor-- Woo Hoo! I was thrilled to see Russell get taken out.

I like what we see emerging from tribe members who were not prominent earlier. Looks like there are some strong players on both tribes. Also, I am digging the whole Redemption Island thing. You have to think about who you vote off from the very beginning.

Richard's sourpuss face whenever he doesn't win is getting on my last nerve

I'm kinda with you on that, but OTOH, I hate that people feel like they have to be happy when others win. My favorite Oscar moment ever was when they were announcing the winner of best supporting actor, and you know how they have the tight shot of the nominees? Well, when someone other than Samuel Jackson won, you could clearly see him saying "Damn!" it was hilarious! Everyone else had a frozen smile on their face.

And I'm getting really sick and tired of Mike getting all pissy about Carla's simple yet tasty food.

fixed that for ya.