By Mike Mitchell Naperville Sun
Who’d ever think that red-streaked hair and ripped jeans would be the suggested attire for a young woman.
After being criticized for not establishing an identity by “American Idol” Judge Simon Cowell one week ago, Gina Glocksen came out Wednesday night and danced in knee-high black boots and ripped gloves and rocked with a full band.
She took Cowell’s advice and it worked.
“It looks like you really enjoyed that,” said Cowell, shortly after Glocksen’s performance. “This is the girl we thought we were getting. I really, really hope voters decide to keep you. Gina, you are a breath of fresh air.”
Overwhelmed by the compliment from the usually acid-tongued judge, the 22-year-old Naperville resident said “that’s the Simon I love.”
Since joining the semi-finals, Glocksen has taken mostly a conservative approach by singing a Celine Dion hit and wearing a pink dress. Though her previous solos were both solid showings, Cowell was reluctant to shower praise because he was worried he hadn’t seen the real “Gina.”
Judge Randy Jackson agreed.
“Finally, we get the real Gina,” Jackson said. “This is who you are. Keep the edge.”
It was good timing for Glocksen to take a chance, since “Idol” contestant Haley Scarnato was criticized for her choice of song and lack of style.
“I don’t even know who you are,” Cowell told Scarnato.
Last week Chicago-resident Leslie Hunt was voted off the show for a performance that underwhelmed “Idol” judges. But it was still a shock considering there were a few contenders that performed much worse and survived fan voting.
Nevertheless, it be would be hard to imagine Glocksen not collecting enough votes to advance to the final 12 next week. Glocksen, who was also the lead singer for the local punk rock band Catfight, turned her best and most memorable performance since competing on the hit show.
Four more contestants—two women and two men—will be voted off the show Thursday night at 7 p.m. on Fox.
March 8, 2007
For what its worth, she looked good. We'll see, her eyes looked funny. It was a good loook for her.
Unbelievable. Haley must have gotten sympathy votes after Simon was so mean to her. With Haley still around, and the guys not very strong, Gina should be able to survive 3, 4 maybe ever 5 more weeks. Good for her.
Gina will make it all the way, I will easily say top 3. Haley has the talent and I think she will be top 6 or 7. Next to go will be freakloser Sanjaya. He's as tiring as watching paint dry.