Idol Chatter & Voice Views

A couple of spoiler sites just spoiled the surprise of what the ladies will be singing Wednesday night.

And I’m surprised on a couple of fronts.

First, the coveted final spot of the night — the spot Idol typically gives to someone they’re sure can deliver — goes not to teen favorite Lauren Alaina, but to pre-Idol wedding singer Pia Toscano.

Someone just asked for my impressions of Pia on Twitter.

I responded with what I’ve written before: I think she’s a dark horse among the gals, underrated at this point because she hasn’t gotten the screen time … of a Lauren Alaina, for instance.

But every time she’s been on screen she’s impressed me with her stage presence and her voice.

The other surprise: Another gal I had pegged as a dark horse, Naima Adedapo, has decided to sing “Summertime” in the semifinals.

Sorry, but Fantasia owns “Summertime” on Idol.

When Idol asked its Hollywood-bound contestants about their all-time favorite Idol moment, more mentioned Fantasia’s rendition of “Summertime” than any other single performance.

Perform “Summertime” on Idol for viewer votes, and you’re bound to pale in comparison.

I also worry a little about Julie Zorrilla performing “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson, and am certainly not looking forward to Karen Rodriguez doing the diva thing and singing Mariah Carey’s “Hero.”

Among my favorite song choices: Kendra Chantelle using that bluesy voice on Christina Aguilera’s “Impossible.”  Tough task. But if she can pull it off … hello, finals.

And poor Tatynisa Wilson. First, Idol paints her as the most inconsistent of the semifinalists. Then they make her go first on ladies’ night.

In that spot, you’d better be unforgettable. Or you’ll be forgotten by the time the voting starts.

If you’re in the mood for having some more of Wednesday’s suspense spoiled, head over to Joe’s Place blog in a bit.

I’m sure they’ll be posting more details from Monday’s taping of the girls’ performances. At least they did after the guys performed Friday.

Those, I avoid.

I’d rather be surprised by something that happens Wednesday night.

Now, the gals’ song choices and their order of performance …

1. Tatynisa Wilson: “Only Girl”
2. Naima Adedapo: “Summertime”
3. Kendra Chantelle: “Impossible”
4. Rachel Zevita: “Criminal”
5. Karen Rodriguez: “Hero”
6. Lauren Turner: “Seven Day Fool”
7. Ashthon Jones: “Love All Over Me”
8. Julie Zorrilla: “Breakaway”
9. Haley Reinhart: “Fallin'”
10. Thia Megia: “Out Here on My Own”
11. Lauren Alaina: “Turn On the Radio”
12. Pia Toscano: “I’ll Stand By You”

Editor’s Note: For my assessment of the Idol ladies and who should advance to the finals, go here.  And check back Tuesday and Wednesday night. I’ll be grading every performance as it happens.