How did Gina do tonight?

By Mike Mitchell Naperville Sun

After auditioning in two cities among more than 100,000 people and surviving more than a half dozen rounds, Gina Glocksen was on the biggest stage of her life.

To better understand the enormity of the moment, Glocksen was getting coached by one of the biggest stars of all time—Diana Ross. And during Tuesday’s “American Idol” episode, Ross might have given Glocksen one of the biggest compliments she’s ever received.

“Gina has incredible vocal ability,” said Ross, during a taped audition before Glocksen’s performance.

But she didn’t receive any other compliments Tuesday.

The final 12 contestants had to perform songs by Diana Ross and received coaching from the Motown legend before they took the stage. Glocksen, of Naperville, performed “Love Child” on TV’s highest-rated show ever.

The 22-year-old marched out from behind stage, bouncing like a star with her red-streaked hair, tongue piercing, black coat, tight jeans and high heels and immediately had the audience clapping in sync with the beat. It’s apparent she had taken the judges’ advice about establishing an identity on the big stage—something she avoided in earlier rounds with conservative dress style and song selection.

Still, that didn’t win over judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. The three judges agreed to call it a fair or decent performance from Glocksen, whom they’ve begun to favor in the competition.

“So once again, I want to say I’m a Gina fan,” Jackson told Glocksen right after her performance. “But I didn’t feel any excitement. I’ve seen better from you.”

Cowell was mild about Glocksen as well.

“It was OK,” said Cowell, who was extremely critical of other performances Tuesday. “It wasn’t terrible; it wasn’t fantastic. It was a good song for you (though).”

For the most part, the “Idol” judges were unimpressed with the rest of the contestants. Lakisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle, already heavy favorites to win, were the only knockout performances of the night, according to Cowell.

But this is the best time for the format of the show to change. In the semifinals, the men competed against the men and the women competed against the women. Each week, two men and two women were voted off the show. Typically the women far outperformed the men. It was no different Tuesday.

However, in the finals, one contestant will be voted off each week, regardless of gender.

Based on the judges’ comments and audience reaction, Glocksen might be safe for another week. However, numerous upsets have already occurred this season.

And if Glocksen wants to win the competition, she is going to have to perform better if she wants to overcome Jones and Doolittle.

When "Idol" returns at 8 p.m. tonight on Fox, one singer will be sent home.

March 14, 2007