Top 12 Women Perform (AI5)
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| “Top 12 Women Perform” | |
|---|---|
| American Idol episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 159 |
| Written by | Simon Fuller |
| Directed by | Bruce Gowers |
| Production no. | Nigel Lythgoe Ken Warwick |
| Original airdate | February 21, 2006 |
| Episode chronology | |
| ← Previous | Next → |
| "Top 24 Semifinalists Revealed" | "Top 12 Men Perform" |
| List of American Idol episodes | |
On February 21, 2006, one week after the top 24 semifinalists were revealed, the top twelve women performed live on the fifth season of American Idol.
Mandisa performed "Never" (Heart). The judges were impressed, saying she started the show off on a great note.
Kellie Pickler performed "How Far" (Martina McBride). The judges agreed that her vocal performance wasn't the best, but cited her personality as a primary reason she would go far.
Becky O'Donohue performed "Because the Night" (Patti Smith). The performance received complimentary reviews.
Ayla Brown performed "Reflection" (Christina Aguilera). Randy Jackson said he was "pleasantly surprised". Paula Abdul liked it, and Simon Cowell commented that the song showed the limits of her voice. However, he said it also showed emotion.
Paris Bennett performed "Midnight Train to Georgia" (Gladys Knight).
- Randy Jackson's commentary: Alright, so we got a hot one, America, we got a hot one right here! So yo, check it out, check it out. I mean, you know Gladys Knight has been on this show with us, having worked with her in the past, yo man, you surprised me, man! I was like wow, what is going on! You're moving, you're grooving - it's like you've been doing this all your life! And you're like, what, 16? (Paris: 17) I'm just like, I was just blown away, that was amazing, man. I mean, wo! Your mom, your grandmom being amazing singers, you're - this girl's amazing, right, dawg pound?
- Paula Abdul's commentary: My hat goes off to you, you're my Idol, you're my Idol. You're like a little firecracker, you're the Energizer bunny, and you avoided a wardrobe malfunction all at the same time. And you got everybody up dancing and smiling, and you know what? You are a showman - show-woman, I take it. Good for you, baby doll.
- Simon Cowell's commentary: I agree with the guys, you know, you come in here at 17 and just show a ton of girls what you have to do well in a competition like this, which is not play it safe, it's a performance everyone's going to remember, you were incredibly confident - (Paula: Reminds us of someone, huh?) - Yeah, you mentioned Fantasia. And you have the expression we've used early on, which is so important, and it is the likability factor. It's not about being good, it's about being great - that was great.
Stevie Scott performed "To Where You Are" (Josh Groban). The performance received negative reviews.
Brenna Gethers performed "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" Stevie Wonder). The performance received mixed reviews.
Heather Cox performed "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" (AI4 Finalists). The performance received mixed reviews.
Melissa McGhee performed "When the Lights Go Down" (Faith Hill). She received fairly positive reviews. Simon Cowell said she may not be memorable to the viewers, and McGhee pointed out she had not been seen on the show at all until that night.
Lisa Tucker performed "I Am Changing" (Jennifer Holliday). Simon Cowell said that it was the night that viewers would remember Lisa Tucker. He also said that she made women five or six years older than her look ordinary.
Kinnik Sky performed "Get Here" (Oleta Adams). The performance received mixed reviews.
Katharine McPhee performed "Since I Fell for You" (Barbara Streisand). Simon Cowell said she was the best singer of the night.
