This week on Idol, we were introduced to a new phase of the competition called “Sudden Death” where ten people perform, the judges deliberate, and five are sent home. Wednesday was all about the first set of girls. I came in a little late and missed what seemed to be a country performance by Jenny Beth Willis, but from what I gathered it was pretty mediocre. I did, however, get to see Teena Torres’ entire rendition of “Soulmate” (Natasha Bedingfield). She gave great emotion but that was it. The whole thing was kind of forgettable in fact, her less-than-perfect hair and makeup were more memorable. Judge, Nicki Minaj wasn’t having the best hair moment either (black root-platinum blonde combo, wig), but even SHE had to say something about it.

The following act was the beautiful, Alaskan, Adriana Latonio.  She gave a soulful, old-school(ish) delivery of Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way.” She nailed this high note that allowed us to see that she has range, and no cavities. It was good enough to get both Randy and Keith out of their seats. Then there was Brandy Hotard with Travis Tritt’s “Anymore.” She showed good legs and a cute black romper but it was a very basic performance. Whilst the judges were giving their critiques, I noted that Mariah’s bang was a little stiff and that Randy was sporting a really nice pair of glasses…just FYI.

The next two were incredibly blah. Shuva sang Gaga’s “Born This Way” and there was just too much Christina Aguilera grunting going on for me. Nicki deemed it “very confusing.” Kamaria took the stage in a very Jessie-J-esque outfit and tried to belt out Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All” which was definitely not for her. Randy said it best, as there was “nothing redeemable” about it. When it was Kree Harrison’s time to perform, the vibe shifted instantaneously. Patty Griffin’s “Up to the Mountain” was THE perfect song choice for her. She presented it in an urban-country kind of way, and although there were moments where it seemed like she was competing with the band, I kind of fell in love with her voice. She officially can do no wrong in my book, y’know…except for when she does.

Another of my favorites, Angela Miller, did her thing. I felt like she was being a little reserved but the fact still remains that she has an amazing set of pipes. I do wish that the judges would stop going back to the day she performed her original song, though. It seemed like that was the basis for all of their reviews. Side bar: For a small girl, she seemingly has a “donk.”  After Angela, there was Isabelle Pasqualone, who gave a show-girl(ish) version of “God Bless the Child.” It was nothing spectacular. The night ended with Amber Holcomb, who proved to be one to watch. With finesse, control, and a few runs she made “My Funny Valentine” her own. Her voice isn’t that distinct but the girl knows what she’s doing apparently.

In the end, Teena, Kree, Adriana, Angela, and Amber survived eliminations. Next week the other ten girls fight for their shot at the Idol title. I know for certain that I’ll be holding my breath for Candace Glover and Janelle Arthur and if Zoanette comes out with even the slightest bit of ridiculousness, I’m muting the TV.  And that’s, that…now on to Thursday’s shenanigans.

The night started off on a high, as all of the judges dressed relatively nice. Side bar:  Nicki’s shirt was a little busy….just FYI. The first to hit the stage was Paul Jolly. He sang Keith Urban’s “Tonight I Wanna Cry” and it appeared heartfelt but with certain notes he went too far. I wasn’t as big a fan, as I was initially. Next up was Johnny Keyser with “I Won’t Give Up on Us.” The whole time I waited on him to have some sort of rock-out moment.  It NEVER happened. At the end of his performance I was left underwhelmed. On the plus side, his looks are above average.

Keeping true to his nature, JDA came out in full…costume and glitter. He danced and threw himself to the floor, to the tune of Adele’s “Rumor Has It.” Throughout most of the judges’ critique, he played with his pony-hawk and attended to the audience. I was thoroughly entertained.  After JDA, Kevin Harris delivered a very safe, (at-times) pitchy, “Everything I Do (I Do it for you).” As Nicki went to bat for him, those facial expressions were EVERYTHING! Usually she’s pretty spot on, but she missed the boat on that one.

Next to perform was Chris Watson, also known as head-wrap guy. It began with some awkward dance moves and evolved into a kind of subpar rendition of “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.” Don’t get me wrong he doesn’t have a bad voice, he just wasn’t cutting it. Surprisingly, Nicki went to bat for him too. I didn’t quite understand, but the facial expressions she made while doing it makes for monumental moments in Idol history. Speaking of moments, Devin Velez had a nice one as he sang “Listen” in half English/ half Spanish. He has been one to watch since early on; I’m so glad that he didn’t let me down. Side bar: as he was being evaluated, I spent a lot of time trying to understand the part in Nicki’s wig.

Following, was Elijah Liu who performed Bruno Mars’ “Talking to the Moon.” He has a very young voice, a good one at that. His act wasn’t as amazing as I would’ve liked but he’s just so adorable that it doesn’t even matter. To put it lightly, Nicki isn’t the only one who wants to “have [his] babies.” Charlie Askew was next and he sang Elton John’s “Rocket Man.” It was epic, in the weirdest way.  His hands were shaking and his voice cracked at points nevertheless, he made it work and I was captivated.

The last two of the night were Jimmy Smith and Curtis Finch Junior. Aside from minor male camel toe and the song “Raining on Sunday,” I don’t remember much about Jimmy. I hope that says it all. Curtis Finch Jr. however, was REALLY something else. Equipped with “Don’t You Remember,” he capped off the acts in a real “Curtis” fashion.  I can’t quite articulate his “great-too-much-ness,” it’s something you have to witness for yourself.

In the end, Curtis, Elijah, Paul, Charlie and Devin survived eliminations. Side bar: Charlie gave some really deep hugs to the judges. It was a little creeper-ish, still love him though.  Next week the other ten guys fight for their shot at the Idol title. I know for certain that I’ll be holding my breath for Burnell Taylor, Nick Boddington and maybe even Cortez Shaw.

Now that breaking it down is done and over with, I only have a few things more to say.  All of Nicki’s “Facial expression” moments: Google/YouTube those bihhs.  Kree and Amber’s performances: Google/YouTube those bihhs. JDA’s everything: Google/YouTube that bihh. Last but not least, Charlie and Curtis’ performances: Google/YouTube those bihhs.  Make it happen…like, now!