Reviews

11:39 AM CST on Thursday, March 2, 2006

Do any of the women want to win? In week two they continued to struggle, most making poor song choices or lacking stage presence. The remaining 10 men sing tonight, and two of each gender are eliminated Thursday.

1. (tie) Paris Bennett and Ayla Brown: Even if she's too young for such an old-lady song ("Wind Beneath My Wings"), at least Paris (top) went all out Tuesday. She has a big showy voice, and this is a big showy show. Manuel Mendoza

Maybe all of that cardio Ayla does helps her lungs because they seem so pure. Plus, you've got to like a girl who can go from Sporty to Posh Idol with one stroke of the blush brush. Darla Atlas

3. Lisa Tucker: The youngest finalist is also the most professional sounding, and she had a few soulful moments, especially at the end. MM

4. Mandisa Hundley: Yes, the most regal female in the bunch may have missed a few notes, but she delivered big chills toward the end. And the viewing audience is all about the chill factor. DA

5. Melissa McGhee

6. Katharine McPhee: The odds-on favorite has a subtle torch style, but this competition is not about nuance. She better turn up the heat soon. MM

7. Kellie Pickler

8. Heather Cox: Shouldn't the self-described Idol stalker know not to attempt a "pointless" rendition of a Mariah ditty, as Simon accurately described it? Plus her Bambi-in-the-headlights look doesn't inspire viewer confidence. DA

9. Kinnik Sky

10.Brenna Gethers