Yawn....oh, I'm sorry, were the top 12 girls on? Okay, so I watched. This whole 5 hours a week of Idol is already getting to me. I could be reading War and Peace or something. But, hey, pop culture is calling me and I'm doing the dirty work by answering and blogging. You owe me!

I wish I could say the girls "blew me away", but the whole evening was more blah than wow. Yes, I understand about the flu and bronchitis decimating the pack. And unlike Simon, I'm even cutting them some slack, still....

Nevertheless, I must pick someone, so, as with the boys, let me pick who I'd like to see as the top 6 girls--based solely on tonight's performances (with a little consideration as well for Hollywood week).

First, Brook: Yes, she's the nice girl who Simon wants to take over to the Dark Side. I hope they'll be very "Happy Together". But darn it, I just LIKE her. Her voice is authentically sweet, and she seems so...nice! And, Brook scored points with me for coming up with the best quote I've ever heard from an Idol contestant regarding what the experience is like, "This journey is emotional because its attached to something I love." Are you feeling the love?

Second, Kady: Poor kid, she put in a decent performance (with what seems like a beautiful voice) and then had the judges basically tell her (after telling so many others to "just be themselves") that she should be like she was when she impersonated Brittany Spears. What? So, if I'm getting this right, she should be someone else in order to be herself? Honestly, she looked as confused as the judges sounded. Randy, Paula and Simon: were you listening to yourselves or Kady?

Third, Ash'H: Confident/presence/one of Simon's favorites. Judges loved her, America will too.

Fourth, Ramiele: Big, deep, smoky voice in a tiny package. Randy: Sang like a pro. Paula: Force to be reckoned with. Simon: Out sung everyone/most consistent. Believe me, I liked her a lot-and that's saying much for the lackluster kinda evening this was. (Serious Idol contender? You bet!)

Fifth, Syesha: Consistant and fun, Simon called her one of the most talented girls in the contest. Adding that she "got it". I agree, although Tabacco Road probably wasn't the best song choice-but she did a good job with it anyway. (Another contender? Sure.)

Sixth, Carly: Over at last, and what a voice to end with. Somehow I've missed Carly along the way, but despite another victim of bronchitis, she wowed me. What's up with those judges? They tell them to sing the '60's and then complain when it sounds like the '60s's. Okay, so they need to make it current and their own. I liked what she did with The Shadow of Your Smile. Despite Simon's cabaret comments, I agree with Randy that she's at least one of the best vocals of the 24. (Again, a contender.)

Interesting that the last half of the field seemed to hold the most serious contenders tonight. I know, some would include Amanda-we need a rocker in the girls, right? If she's there for the top 12, I won't be disappointed, but before I can get enthusiastic I need to hear a little more-she may be authentic, but authentic Janis Joplin doesn't cut it for me. I hope there's more.

I can't say anyone was begging to be sent home, and that whole illness thing has to color it somewhat, so I'm leaving it up to America. I'll save my strong opinions for the weeks that count.