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And with that disclaimer, the Top 12 girls had their work cut out for them on Monday afternoon (when the show taped Wednesday`s episode), while the guys looked decidedly more relaxed in T-shirts and jeans. They all started in one big circle, withRyan Seacrestmaking his way around for the dramatic show opener, after which all 24 galloped to sidestage, only to get to do right cover for a redo. Apparently, something was wrong with the rotatingAmerican Idollogo over stage left, a mishap which broughNigel Lythgoeout from the wings. Said Ryan: “Uh oh, Nigel only goes up to the point when he`s pissed.”

Hardly. Everyone was in a chipper mood for around two of the Top 24. Ryan, especially, who was passing in and out of his KIIS-FM persona, offering to pay random audience members` bills and some such. Clearly, he had already taken his happy pills. “This will be a fun couple hours,” he promised.

The judges agreed, with Steven making a place of mentioning that there was “a full moon coming on.” His advice to the nervous contestants? “Take it to the moon today, that`s where we`re going.”

The outset to try would beTa-Tynisa Wilson, who choseRihanna`s “Only Daughter in the World” as her call for the week (the finalists had their choice of any song already cleared for use on Idol) with weak results. It`s a recurring problem with shows like Idol which reach to be current, but when you try to translate today`s pop hits in a singing competition, they frequently fall short. This effort certainly did. Rihanna has performed on the evidence before but that doesn`t work this song particularly Idol-friendly and the judges took notice. Randy said her operation was “just OK” and thither there was “nothing special or different about it.” Jennifer was more PC, but advising Ta-Tynisa that part of “being a skilful performer is moving the crowd.”

This consultation was moving on – toNaima Adedapowho wore a yellow dress that she designed herself for the classic “Summertime.” Giving the call a sultry sway, she slowly strutted up to the judges` table, which, as most Idol enthusiasts know, has a disposition to backfire – there`s something about that kind of presumptuousness that doesn`t always sit well with the elector at home. We`ll see how this one plays out, but on first impression, it`s good to classify Naima as a strong performer with good pitch, but it`s loss to have more than that to impress Randy who called her performance “a little lounge act,” and, in no uncertain terms, declared that it didn`t give up to Fantasia`s version. Steven disagreed on the first part, comparing Naima toElla Fitzgerald, while Jennifer said, “you bring color and something different_ you`re like an exotic flower.”

Kendra Chantellecame next and delivered the form of stage-ready goodness that Idol can get behind. A knockout in black leather pants and a frilly rock-n-roll top, she had all the makings of a future Carrie Underwood. But where the season 4 winner had to get her stage confidence (vocal coachDebra Byrdonce commented that it took her all season but to get Carrie to raise her arms), Kendra had it from the get-go. Her interpretation ofChristina Aguilera`s “Impossible” had strength and charisma, and while the embellishments at the end weren`t necessary, you can`t blame a girlfriend for trying a big finish. Said Jennifer: “You have heart. You fought your way into this Top 12.”

Rachel Zevita, likeBrett Loewenstern, is the form of contestant the folks over at Vote For the Worst die for. Not that either is a terrible singer. To the contrary, both have a unique way that some might call kooky and even laughable, but there is talent behind the shtick. Rachel`s eyebrow raising moments were in her song choice, a barely recognizable version ofFiona Apple`s “Criminal,” and the cape she so dramatically dropped to the story at the start (her microphone stand followed suit not long after). Turns out over-emoting and accessorizing didn`t sit comfortably with the judges who deemed her performance too “Broadway.” Said Jennifer: “You obviously belong on stage, you have amazing range, wish we`d seen more of that.” Randy was more blunt: “It wasn`t good,” he said.

The retention of Rachel faded soon enough onceKaren Rodrigueztook her turn. Wearing an elegant, flowing teal gown, the New York native sangMariah Carey`s “Hero” half in English and half in Spanish and, with a squint of the eye, looked like the Statue of Liberty herself standing gracefully at center stage. In the studio, Karen sounded absolutely brilliant. She can belt, emote, jump into her falsetto, and cover downward to earth. The performance impressed so often that she got the first mid-song standing ovation of the night. At least one of the judges (Jennifer) had no words: “Wow. That says it all.” Steven`s take: he called Karen a “one of a kind singer” and encouraged her to get together withJacob Lusk, who very enthusiastically agreed from the peanut gallery (a shot they`d get to cheer on the spot). “Don`t talk too soon,” Nigel taunted.

Seeing as we`re even getting to recognize these contestants, theBette Midler-esqueLauren Turnerwas another who had shown promise in the other episodes but was really an unproven entity. So it makes sense that she pulled out all the stops, delivering a pitch-perfect interpretation of “Seven Day Fool” by one of her favorite artists,Etta James. Her gritty delivery prompted another standing ovation, with Randy declaring, “That`s how you do it, man!” He compared Karen toAmy WinehousemeetsFlorence WelchmeetsEtta James. Said Steven: “Spectacular.”

Ashthon Jonesdidn`t do as easily with her claim on Monica`s “Love All Over Me,” even though Jennifer told her she had all the makings of a true diva: “big hair, the body, the moves.” Ashthon`s response: “I get it from you!” Well played. But sucking up to the judges didn`t do all that often when it came to her critique. Randy said he didn`t love the song, but more than that, she had to run on her stage presence. “You`reDiana Ross, baby,” he insisted.

Julie Zorrillamust not have watched muchIdolin her past because if she did, she would live better than to try aKelly Clarksonsong. But alas, that`s exactly what she did, taking on Kelly’s 2004 hit “Breakaway” and not really delivering. The definition of pitchy, she was all over the position for lots of the call and never really got it together. In the end, Julie felt like a pale comparison, which is, of course, the kiss ofIdoldeath.

Now, if this were theSimon Cowell-eraIdol,Haley Reinhart`s choice ofAlicia Keys` “Fallin`” might have done her in good then and there. Cowell, after all, loathed the strain and pretty much had it banned. As it was, many of the journalists sitting in section G let out a collective groan, but it`s a new time and, in the end, Haley pulled it off. Jennifer`s advice: “get out of your mind but a small bit.” Steven, on the other hand, insisted the convention was spot-on. “It was merely the correct number of sexy.” Have to pass it Haley for giving props to bandleaderRay Chewwho worked with Keys in her formative years. Someone did her homework!

The expectation had been building forThia Megia, one of the youngest contestants to carry the Idol stage this year, and likeScotty McCreadybefore her andLauren Alainaafter, she did not disappoint. Thia`s choice of “Out Here On My Own” from the originalFamecouldn`t have been more perfect. It was also brave. Thia started off a capella, adding a piano accompaniment after the first few verses, and sounded great all the way to the end.James Durbinwas so wowed by Thia`s turn that he literally stomped his feet in applause, causing even the judges to wait around wondering, “where`s that pounding noise coming from?” Her performance prompted perhaps the most coherent critique Randy has always given. “The target of a keen singer is the choice of tone,” he said, before comparing Thia to “the late, greatMichael Jackson.”

With just two slots left, it was time for Lauren Alaina to shoot the stage. The sixteen-year-old had been the hum of season 10 for lots of the preceding two months, would she impress on the big stage? Yep. Her hold onReba McIntyre`s “Work on the Radio” had the crew on its feet and clapping along while she line danced her way up and refine the circular platform. Her last note lingered long after as this way was genuinely tickled. Perhaps Jennifer put it better when she told Lauren, “You don`t yet get to try. The sound is good so effortless.” Randy took it a step further, comparing Lauren to previous Idols Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Said Steven: “You defeat me. I know you. You`re the best.” And there you get it. Presumptive winner, anyone?

Last on the girls` line-up was the lesser-knownPia Toscano, who took onthe Pretenders` “I`ll Stand By You” and got the first judges` standing ovation of the season. Was it good? Yes. Great? Up for debate. In the studio, Pia`s last note sounded more penetrating than pitch-perfect, but between the push of the crowd and the gaudiness of the band, it`s light to get carried away. Certainly enough of contestants are all too intimate with the sensation. Still, Steven, who by this charge had his knee up on the arm of his chair, fully embracing the laid-back rocker vibe, thought it was “gorgeous,” while Jennifer commented, “I knew you were a standout, you were saving that for when it counts. It was out of this world.”

And there you get it. Five of these girls will go through based on highest vote totals, and at least a pair will make a prospect to contend again in a wild card round. Who do you think earned a guaranteed slot on the Top 10? And who deserves a second shot?