Gina performed The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You," to the delight of everyone, even Simon. It seems she's a shoe-in tonight to us.
'Idol' judges 'Stand By' Gina
Local contestant's performance called her best so far
By MIKE MITCHELL Staff Writer
Simon Cowell summed up Gina Glocksen's Tuesday night "American Idol" performance in one sentence: "Gina, that wasn't one of your best performances ... it was your best performance."
Cowell's words were barely audible under the thunderous applause from the studio audience. It was clear that Glocksen had stunned even herself.
The praise was unanimous from all of the "Idol" judges - which also includes Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul - and it appeared Glocksen regained form after stumbling last week on a rendition of "Paint It, Black" by the Rolling Stones.
The lesson: What a difference a song, an outfit and a week can make.
From the panel's commentary, it appeared the Naperville resident might have had the runaway performance of the week, after her solo of "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders.
"Knowing who you are, using the right song, the transformation from week three or four to tonight is literally ... well, actually it's not just your best performance, but the best performance so far tonight," said Cowell, almost spellbound with her song.
Glocksen continued to smile and thank the audience and panel for their kudos. Cowell's reaction couldn't be more opposite than last week's analysis, when he said Glocksen butchered the Rolling Stones' hit and needed to work more on her vocals. He used the word "horrible" to describe it, and it was the first time Glocksen was considered by show critics and some national media to be a likely cast-off for last Wednesday's results show.
She survived.
So Tuesday night's performance indicated the 22-year-old is durable and willing to make adjustments. Instead of simply moving around the stage, rocking and dancing, she exemplified how strong her voice can be.
She proved to be the kind of singer the panel had considered her at the beginning of the semi-finals."You choose wise songs," Jackson said. "This was a perfect song for you."
"I love the fact that you're improving each week and you're coming into your own," Abdul said. "It really was your best performance so far."
Meanwhile, oddball Sanjaya Malakar continued to shock "Idol" enthusiasts by appearing on the show with his hair in a mohawk while singing in less-than impressive fashion. The 17-year-old is a favorite of anti-"Idol" Web sites and continues to accrue criticism from the panel and viewers.
His mediocrity has become a draw and talking point about the show, making some of the other singers lesser known.
Another performer will be voted off at 8 Wednesday on Fox.
March 28 Naperville Sun
Her performance last night was spectacular. While Lakisha and Melinda do have fantastic voices I don't necessarily see them pushing themselves and I definitely don't think that they are acting as if they want it as bad as Gina. Last nights performance, in my opinion, puts her in the top 3 at this point.
She did awesome on tuesday the song Smile is a beautiful son and it was more beautiful the way she did it, she is a fantastic singer, I voted for her but it was not enough.
She will make through and become one of the greatest singer of our time you'll see.