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Oh, those tricky ‘Idol’ producers, hyping up Lauren Alaina when New York’s own Pia Toscano is truly “the one.” Yes, as Ryan reminded us at the top of the episode, we’ve got three months to go, which means there’s enough of sentence for colossal musical miscalculations, wardrobe disasters and straight-up fatigue but Pia Toscano may simply be the female ‘American Idol’ Nigel is hoping for.

Pia’s performance of The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You” was nothing short of perfect. But don’t have it from me. The judges gave Pia the first standing O of the season. Randy and J.Lo hoisted mounds of hyperbole upon the Howard Beach native but leave it to Steven, whose commentary thus far was sleepy and irrelevant, to sum it up with panache; “After Monday and Tuesday, even a week says ‘WTF.” I concur.Lauren Alaina represents Pia’s toughest competition, at the moment. Lauren “found her lane” as they say with a Texas-size performance of Reba McIntyre’s “Turn on the Radio.” Randy compared the southern belle to a combination of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Lauren ditched her mall attire for a more mature look, which J.Lo said was beautiful. And the folks below the Mason Dixon line are certain to reply to Lauren’s down home charm (she’s apparently calling fellow Georgian, Ryan Seacrest, “Peaches.”) She’s the following ‘American Idol,’ ya’ll! But there’s definitely some competition brewing. Thia Megia, who seems to be fearless, went with an A Capella version of Irene Cara’s “Out Here On My Own.” Randy compared her vocals to Michael Jackson and Steven said the fifteen-year-old’s pitch is so perfect, it doesn’t matter what she sings.Karen Rodriguez and Lauren Turner should likewise be no brainers for the Top 10. Karen brought some Spanish flavor to Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” which J.Lo went daft for. However, the MySpace contestant’s Celine Dion-esque gown has no occupation in a competition that’s largely decided by people below the age of forty. Lauren did her “bluesy, soul thing” to Jully Black’s version of Etta James’ “Seven Day Fool.” This was a key performance for Lauren, who hasn’t been pimped much (but deserves to be). J.Lo encouraged the New Orleans girl to get in the camera’s face a bit more. I’m hoping we’ll get to see her rock out as the season goes on. Last season’s Crystal Bowersox and Siobhan Magnus are sorely missed. I get a belief the other seven ladies aren’t going to make it in, at least not by America’s vote. Kendra Chantelle and Haley Reinhart both put in solid performances but neither was particularly memorable. What’s worse, I incline to confuse blonde chicks.Julie Zorrilla, an early frontrunner, may have blown her ‘Idol’ chance’ going with Kelly Clarkson’s deadly “Breakaway.” The judges panned it all around, though J.Lo tried hard not to. Julie’s chances tomorrow will ride mostly on whatever following she built prior to tonight’s performance. Another trip to the “mixed messages” department via Randy Jackson. He’s been talking ad nauseum about “bringing something different and singular” to each song. I thought Rachel Zevita did that with a Broadway spin on Fiona Apple’s “Criminal,” but it “didn’t function” for Randy. But I was surprised he didn’t at least have her props for mixing it up. You’re mad confusing, dawg! I did concur with Randy’s assessment of Ashthon Jones’ take on Monica’s “Love All Over Me.” Both he and J.Lo agreed she’s more of a Diana Ross-level diva than an average Top 40 R&B singer. For my money, Naima Adedapo delivered with Gershwin’s “Summertime” but the inevitable Fantasia comparison came from Randy, who also said the operation was “loungey.” Steven, however, loved Naima’s “new, old timey thing.” And I reckon we’re all in understanding that the high tone at the end was spectacular. Unfortunately, I can’t say there was anything spectacular about Ta-Tynisa Wilson’s number. J.Lo took Randy to labor over Ta-Tynisa’s version of Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In The World) but I’m in accord with the big dawg here. And apart from the slow performance, the whole thing sounded really off key to me. But perhaps that’s only my twenty-year-old TV speakers. Tomorrow night we get our Top 10 results and despite reports to the contrary, the judges wild card picks, according Ryan. I’m calling Lauren A. Lauren T. Pia, Thia, and Karen in the Top 10. Tell me I’m wrong (and why! in the comments below and put your vote for the madam of your quality in our poll, below. Also mention that David Cook will be performing tomorrow night, with Lee DeWyze taking the ‘Idol’ stage again, at some point late in the season. And don’t block the premier of J.Lo’s video for “On The Floor!” Can’t. Wait.‘American Idol’ returns with the Top 10 live results show tomorrow at 8PM on FOX.