Former Housemate Mike's American Idol Power Rankings: 3/9/10

All of my dreams came true last week as Michelle lost. On the other side, though, I was sad to see Haeley go, even though she sucked really bad last week.

This week, the girls really brought it overall, and a pretty decent shake-up has occurred on this list accordingly. Last week’s ranking for the contestant is in parenthesis after their name.

1. Siobhan Magnus (2) – I could see where many could think that Crystal had the best performance tonight. I disagree, and will explain why in the Crystal section as well. The performance of the night for me once again came from Siobhan Magnus, the new number one. I loved the song choice, “House of the Rising Sun” is one of my all time favorites. The a cappella opening was terrific, and I was emotionally enthralled throughout. An absolutely perfect, heartfelt, on point vocal throughout. Simon Cowell needs to watch the TV recording of this, because he could not have been more wrong, like with Michelle last week but in the opposite direction. Siobhan, not, Crystal, is the one to beat.

2. Crystal Bowersox (3) – That being said, Crystal also moves up one this week. A super authentic feel and delivery of “Gimme One Reason” with an incredibly powerful and impressive finish. My main problem is her song choice this week and, frankly, every week. I’m going to predict her next three songs — “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell, “You Were Meant For Me” by Jewel, and “Come To My Window” by Melissa Etheridge. Regardless, her last two performances were both in the top three of the respective week, and Crystal moves up one to the two spot.

3. Lilly Scott (1) – Lilly falls two spots after being number one for the first two weeks. And she was still really good, but only fourth best of the week. I love Patsy Cline and was very excited by her song choice. Simon said two words that I had already written down in my notes — cute and quirky. I liked her in a more country context, impressive that she could pull that off. I loved her energy, she was a just a little more off than usual. She’s still terrific, and I can’t wait to see her in the top 12.

4. Didi Benami (6) – And she’s back in the game! I was so happy for Didi this week. On “Rhiannon”, Didi had such good inflection and tone. I loved the intensity in her face. She’s the only contestant who didn’t move and I won’t criticize for it. She had a quiet intensity to her delivery and facial expression that really impressed me. I loved this performance, right up there with Crystal and Siobhan. Welcome back, Didi.

5. Katelyn Epperly (3) – After last week’s awesome performance of Coldplay’s “The Scientist”, Katelyn made it appear that she can only be riveting on ballads. What a poor time to not be energetic, singing a Carol King song. I needed a little more force from her here, a little more performance. It was good but not memorable. I think this week had the clearest cut bottom two of the season, but if there is to be an upset ousting, I’d pick the lackadaisical Katelyn Epperly.

6. Lacey Brown (9) – A big three spot jump this week for Lacey. I’ve never heard the song she sang, but she really nailed it I thought. She was outdueled by Didi, who has a somewhat similar voice, but I think she did enough to stick around. I agree with Kara that this was her best by far, so it would be weird if she survived on mediocrity and lost now. Really nice vocals and inflection, excellent octave transitions. I hope we keep this Lacey and lose the old one.

7. Katie Stevens (5) – And now the bad news. As great as this episode was, it featured two painful performances. The two positive to Katie’s this week are 1) she had two solid though not great performances going into this week and 2) she was only the second worst of this week. It was flat and boring from the start and never got better. By the time she got to the upper register of her voice I was already lost. Katie seemed to have no connection to the song whatsoever. She has a nice little voice, but the other girls really outshine her in every way. She really blew it this week, and I’d be shocked if she’s not gone on Thursday.

8. Paige Miles (8) - I’m not sure anyone has made me more angry this season. At least Michelle did Creed, so it was supposed to suck. No one desecrated a song this year quite like Paige did. I’m a big MJ fan, too, and “Smile” was actually his favorite song, not just one he recorded. The judges nailed the arrangement. Awful. Even if her vocals being off the piano were intentional, it didn’t sound intentional or good. It just sounded messy. I think she’s terrible. Massively overrated. She has a demographic to her own right now, but I hope that doesn’t allow her to take anyone else’s spot in the top twelve because she clearly doesn’t deserve it.

Down with Katie and Paige! Long live Siobhan!

Now, if I can only get a miracle elimination of Lee Dwyze…