American Idol: Will Pia Toscano survive America's vote? Why judges say, 'yes.'

Overall, Wednesday night was a solid showing from the American Idol Top 12 girls. But with talent like Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, and Jacob Lusk on the boys side, the ladies really need to prove that they have equivalent talent on their team.

Ta-Tynisa Wilson started off the evening with Rihanna's, "Only Girl." First, you have to give the girl kudos for her outfit. The ruffles of the dress were particularly cute and she tried her best to really engage the crowd, which is likely more difficult for Ta-Tynisa than say, Lauren Alaina who has already garnered so much air time. The Doting Duo, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, liked her performance but Randy disagreed, saying that he thought it paled in comparison to Rihanna's version. Jennifer immediately countered saying that "Being a performer is about moving the crowd, and [Ta-tynisa] moved the crowd." But Randy was having none of JLo and maintained that he was one of the crowd and was decidedly not moved! Way to blow it out the box, Randy!

Naima Adedapo chose "Summertime," and wore a very yellow dress that she designed herself. Since Naima's chances of being cast on Project Runway are slim, it was important for her to demonstrate that she could really sing. In a theme that was destined to repeat itself over the course of the night, Randy was not completely thrilled, while Steven and JLo seemed relatively easy to please. It is refreshing and encouraging to see Randy offer something more than bumbled, illogical phrases or feigned toughness and in this performance he was right, Naima certainly didn't "Wow" us but she worked it out in the end. Steven Tyler said that Naima reminded him of an early Ella Fitzgerald and proclaimed that was exactly what the show needs.

Kendra Chantelle rocked a great outfit (typically vinyl pants are not very impressive but she wore them well) and sang "Impossible," by Christina Aguilera. Randy was a little worried about her song choice but her bravado reminded him of Lauren Hill and made him feel good. Another contestant who got little air time, Kendra may not be well known to viewers but turning out a solid "B" performance certainly helped her case. As Jennifer Lopez said, we've only scratched the surface of Kendra and she may well have it in her to go far but America may not be invested enough in her to wait.

In a previous article, Rachel Zevita was compared to last season's Siobhan Magnus. But Siobahn, though always theatrical, infused her performances with real conviction; Rachel's performance of Fiona Apples', "Criminal," came across as staged and forced and, as an astute viewer pointed out, her outfit made her look as though she had just raided her mother's closet. The judges all agreed that her performance was more Broadway than recording artist. It is a tough break for Rachel because middle America was likely a little unsure about her to begin with, so she really needed to come out with undeniable talent and she just didn't convince us with this performance.

Did Xavier Roberts ever make a Latino Cabbage Patch Kid? If so chances are she wasn't as cute as Karen Rodriguez. Karen sang a bi-lingual version of "Hero," and then professed her love to her mother at the end of the song. Seriously, this girl is adorable. The judges loved that she sang in Spanish, Randy even said he liked the Spanish parts better, claiming it was the language of love. (Ummm, Dawg, that would be French.) Of course, Jennifer Lopez replied, "It is a Romance language."

Thankfully, Steven Tyler, pointed out to Jennifer that "the term Romance Language refers not to the pop-culture definition of the word romance but instead, refers to the Italic languages sub-family, descended from Vulgar Latin, the language of ancient Rome, hence the term Romance."

(Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention!)

Some callous viewers might suspect that Karen is milking the Latino angle. But this has been a cultural vacuum. Before Jennifer, there was no Latino presence on Idol . . . although former Idol judge Paula Abdul was engaged to Emilio Estevez once upon a time.

Lauren Turner sang Etta James's, "Seven Day Fool." Randy loved her "bluesy soul flavor thing" and Jennifer agreed that Lauren's voice is undeniable but that she could have given more to the performance portion of the song. Steven said it was the "perfect, full complete sentence," whatever that means. Lauren's performance was akin to James Durbin performance the previous night: it was actually very good and really got the momentum of the show going. This contestant has a confident, strong personality that may put off some viewers but after this performance, she is proving that she has one of the better female voices.

Ashthon Jones really tapped into her inner diva with Monica's "I've Got Love All Over Me," and when Steven commented that she has the "confidence of a queen," Ashthon replied, "Why thank you, Baby."

Thank you, Baby?

She's talking not only to a rock and roll legend, but a man four times her age! Confidence is one thing but too much confidence comes across as egotistical and even a little disrespectful. Her performance was not the of caliber that she is capable of and the judges felt that R&B didn't showcase her voice as well as a Diana Ross song would have. After her performance, she tried to play up to Ryan in a rather groan-inducing, awkward moment. Hello, Idol . . . this isn't live anymore, couldn't you have spared viewers by leaving Ashthon's coquettish mannerisms on the editing room floor? No doubt she would have thanked you after watching herself in this episode.

Up next was Julie Zorrilla. Julie always had a rather glamorous fashion sense but tonight her dress, jewelry, and upswept hair looked totally out of place on the stage; It seemed as though she swung by to belt out a tune on her way to a cotillion. She went on to sing the Kelly Clarkson song, "Break Away." Poor Randy, no one ever heeds his advice about song choice and how important it is to choose a song that will not be compared to the original. But judging from Julie's vapid grin, Randy's words may not have sunk in. She comes across as superficial, and that will be her downfall; in fact the harm may already be done.

Haley Reinhart sang "Fallin," and was disappointed to hear Randy call her performance karaoke. Karaoke was an overstatement but Haley certainly didn't showcase her unique, raspy vocals. Steven disagreed and felt she had just right amount of style and just right amount of sexy. JLo would have liked to see her get out of her head a bit more, as Haley seemed a little too deliberate with her movements.

Thia Megia's performance was the antithesis of a James Durbin performance. It was quiet, subdued and completely void of all personality and emotion. On the plus side, she wore the BEST DRESS EVER (didn't you love the way the little little ruffles quivered as she sang?) and Thia is technically very good. But her voice does not seem to be inspired by any real emotion. Some might attribute lack of emotion to her youth, although Lauren Alaina debunks that theory with every performance. The judges liked Thia's rendition of "Baby Be Strong for Me," and the quiet way that she performed it. Steven even compared her tone to Michael Jackson!

Lauren Alaina sang, "Turn on the Radio," by Reba McEntire. It was a great performance with relatively good vocals and the little giggle at the end of her song reminded viewers just how young Lauren really is, though you would never guess it watching her perform. Randy hit the nail on the head when he remarked that he doesn't believe Lauren knows how good she is and that she reminds him of a cross between Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Memories of some of Carrie's early Idol performances were definitely brought to mind watching Lauren Wednesday night. Despite speculation about a Lauren Alaina backlash due to the excessive hype early in the season, she will likely breeze through to the top five. She deserves it.

The first standing ovation of the semi-finals went to Pia Toscano. If you were perplexed by the enthusiasm that Pia's version of "I'll Stand By You," inspired in the judges, you're not alone. And while many have pointed out that Pia has a definite sharpness to her voice, the judges seem oblivious to it, especially Wednesday night. Based on the response that her song received, she'll likely make it through; if not with the top five, definitely with a wild card.

Who's probably safe (including the wild card)?

• Lauren Alaina
• Pia Toscano
• Karen Rodriguez
• Ashthon Jones
• Naima Adedapo
• Thia Megia

Leaving the following girls in danger of seeing their Idol experience end this week:

• Rachel Zevita
• Haley Reinhart
• Julie Zorrilla
• Lauren Turner
• Kendra Chantelle
• Ta-tynisa Wilson

Voting commences both via phone and Internet and the finalists will be revealed Thursday night.