It's ladies night at "American Idol" and every female contestant is desperate to prove that she has what it takes to continue on. The pressure of group night leads to plenty of tears and as much drama as any good reality show could ask for. This week, the judges (a.k.a. Nicki), are particularly inconsistent and don't seem to be judging the contestants on any talent-based criteria. One inspiring performer powers through forgotten lyrics, while others are shunned for being unprepared. So who survived the judges' mostly random selection? Find out below.
The night kicks off with a round of solo auditions from each female contestant, which proves to be just as brutal as the judges promised. While favorites like Briana Oakley and Candice Glover easily make it through, it's the end of the road for Mariah Pulice, who inspired the judges in Chicago with her beautiful voice and battle with anorexia.
The undeniably crazy Kez Ban is anxious for her audition after hours of cheering on her fellow contestants left her hoarse. Luckily, her stage presence and Nicki's obvious love for her allow her to continue on to group night.
Group night gets off to a typically rocky start. Each group has the seemingly impossible task of selecting a song that all of its members are comfortable with and finding a way to make it work.
The first group of the night is the "Swaggettes," consisting of Kamaria Ousley, Melinda Ademi, Candice Glover, and Denise Jackson. The judges are wowed by all four members' performance and all are put through. But let's be real, with a name like "Swaggettes," how could they not be?
Next up is the very country "Raisin' Cane," With all four members donning cowboy boots, the girls win over the judges and Morgan Leigh Boberg, Lauren Mink, Brandy Hotard, and their fourth (unnamed?) member all make it to the next round.
Savannah Votion, the only member of her group comfortable with harmonies, feels the pressure to pull through for her team. Unfortunately for Savannah, their performance of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" is lacking and only group member Daysia Hall makes it through. Savannah is pissed and would like it to be known that she will NOT be returning "Idol."
Janel Stinney is feeling emotional and things are not going well for her group, which can't get her to keep it together. Janel feels left out. She's crying. It's all very dramatic. After performing a horrible rendition of "If I Die Young," in which Janel forgets every word, Nicki jumps to her feet and gives them a standing ovation, showering Janel in praise. She LOVES them. While it is unclear how and why Nicki chooses her favorites, it is quite clear that Nicki gets what she wants. All four, which includes Cristabel Clack and Kriss Mincey, continue on.
Following the Janel disaster, is an almost equally disastrous rendition of "American Boy" by Jett Hermano, Seretha Guinn, Tenna Torres, and Kiara Lanier. Despite the fact that Nicki practically declared her undying love to Janel after her truly dismal performance, she is disgusted by this group and Seretha is sent home for lacking "star power."
Zoanette Johnson is placed in a group with three country singers and doesn't know how to cope. The way rehearsals go, things do not look good for the group, but somehow, they pull it together. Zoanette, Erin Christine, and Isabelle (one name only because she's very important) are put through. Unfortunately, it's the end of the road for Lauren Bettes.
The next group consists of Shira Gavrielov, Alisha Dixon, Liz Bills, and Courtney Calle. Liz is not down with the group and separates herself from them, leading Courtney to rightfully announce, "Liz thinks she's better than us." The judges also seem to think Liz is better than them and only put her through. Shira won't go down without a fight, however, and begs the judges for another chance. Tears are shed, but she still goes home.
"Somebody That I Used To Know" seems to be the cursed song of the night, and the next group made the poor decision to make a last minute switch from "Total Eclipse of the Heart" to the Gotye hit. Stephanie Schimel and Holly Miller make it through, but Alex Delaney and Kalli Therinae are cut.
"The Dolly Chicks" do a pretty decent rendition of "Sin Wagon", and Britnee Kellogg, Haley Davis, and Kree Harrison are all sent on. Early favorite Brandy Neelly, however, is cut.
The final group of the night is Kez Ban's group, and clips throughout the evening of her poor work ethic and general kookiness point to a disastrous number. Miraculously, the group pulls off their performance of "Be My Little Baby." Typically, Nicki adores them and tells Kez Ban that she's a psycho and she loves it. Everyone (Kez Ban, Angela Miller, Janelle Arthur, and Breanna Steer) is through!
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.
