American Idol

The brutal cuts and the Group Day are over. Now it's time for more solo performances and the patented "American Idol" Rooms of Doom, but we are not learning the semi-finalists Thursday night (Feb. 17). They still have the Las Vegas rounds yet to come.

Haley Reinhart is first with "God Bless the Child" and she has such a bluesy, growly voice, it's wonderful, though a little theatrical. She is followed by Asthon Jones and Thia Megia, who also both blow it out (despite Thia's crazy Cosby sweater).

After the girls were off to a hot start, Adrian Michael, Caleb Johnson, Frances Coontz struggle with the band, then Clint Jun Gamboa does some screamin' on "Georgia On My Mind." Maybe that's some people's taste, but I prefer that song much quieter. It's beauty is lost when you embellish it like that, I think. Kendra Chantelle and Sophia Shorai also tackle "Georgia" and I like their versions better.

Chris Medina and Carson Higgins are both doing "My Prerogative," though they are doing very different styles. Medina's version doesn't work quite as well as Carson's upbeat version, but they'll probably both be OK.