Look, it’s not like these ladies in the Top 24 of “American Idol” suck. But I think there was a distinct difference in the quality of performances from the guys Tuesday night to the girls Wednesday. I think the judges turned in a lousy performance last night as well, propping up several of the singers who just plain sucked, and doling out unnecessary criticism of others who were pretty good. So with that, I’m going to give you the recap based on my own thoughts, and add what the judges said……

THE REALLY GOOD
Naima Adedapo did a super cool version of “Summertime” and for my money, was one of the best of the night. She took that song and made it sing, and if you think that’s easy to do, get in front of a mirror and try belting it out and hitting the notes. There is also something exotic and awesome about Naima. J-Lo said she was like a colorful, exotic flower; Randy said it was a little “loung-y” for him. Dude, whatever! And Steven said Naima reminded him of a young Ella Fitzgerald. Wow.

Haley Reinhart took on Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’,” a monstrous task considering the source, but she damn near pulled it off to perfection. Randy said it’s a great song that did nothing for Haley, and that it was karaoke-ish. Say WHAT? Thankfully, Steven vehemently disagreed with Randy, and said “If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong!” Ha! He said it was sexy, which it was, and J-Lo agreed with Steven and I, not with Randy. Yeah, take that, Dawg!

16 year old Lauren Alaina has been one of my faves from Day 1 and I hope America sees that in her, too. She did a boot-stompin’ version of Reba McEntire’s “Turn on the Radio” and did not disappoint. J-Lo said that Lauren doesn’t even have to try, she has a natural gift; Randy agreed but added that he knows Lauren can do even more, and then added that Lauren reminded him of a cross between two Idol champs—Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. WHOA, Dawg. But hey, he might be on to something. What could Steven say after that? He simply agreed.

THE GOOD
Lauren Turner did Etta James’ “Seven Day Fool” (I’m told it’s the Jully Black version) and it was very good. Lauren’s got some mad pipes and has a chance to make a lot of noise if she hangs around. Randy said, “That’s how you do it!”; Steven said it was spectacular, which is a stretch; and J-Lo said Lauren’s voice is undeniable but that she felt like she could do even more.

Thia Meghia did a pretty flawless version of Irene Cara’s “Out Here on My Own,” something that was impressive as is, but when you consider she’s only 15, well, holy crap. There was nothing flashy or big-voice-y about it, but that’s why it was good. Steven said Thia has great pitch; J-Lo said she was really special; and Randy said he loves the tonal quality in Thia’s voice and that it reminded him of a great deceased singer named Michael Jackson. Again, WHOA Dawg.

Pia Toscano closed out the night and all I can say is it must have sounded much better live than it did on TV. She did “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders and it was good, but, well, maybe I’m missing something. I thought it was kind of screechy in spots and just good, not great. Randy noted that Pia got a standing ovation, which she did and that it was amazing; Steven said it was over the top; and J-Lo said Pia was already a standout but that this performance vaulted her to new heights. Well, okay then.

THE PRETTY GOOD
Kendra Chantelle took on “Impossible” by Christina Aguilera, another one that was risky considering the source, but she did a decent job with it. Randy said he loves Kendra’s vibrato; Steven said her voice was good and that she looked hot in her leather pants; and J-Lo said she loves the heart Kendra shows but that she knows Kendra can do even better.

Rachel Zevita did a quirky version of Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” that was sort of Broadway-ish. Still, I thought it was decent. Steven said he loved Rachel’s strut but that it was “too Broadway;” J-Lo said she didn’t see enough from Rachel; and Randy said it wasn’t very good. Man, I thought that was harsh.

Ashton Jones took on “Love All over Me” by Monica and it was pitchy but not horrible. Steven called Ashton the “confidence queen;” J-Lo said Ashton has all the makings of a diva; and Randy said he liked Ashton and her confidence but didn’t love the song choice.

THE JUST OKAY
Karen Rodriguez did a weird version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero” in which she inserted some Spanish into it, clearly trying to generate votes from an entire race (sorry, I call it like I see it!). But the thing is, she was really nothing special last night. It was like a theme park performance. But the judges went apeshit—J-Lo said “Wow, you gave me goose bumps!”; Randy said Karen figured out a way to make it her own; and Steven said it was one of a kind and “fantastic.” REALLY? I just didn’t see it.

THE NOT VERY GOOD
Ta-Tynisa Wilson kicked off the festivities last night and set the table with a horrible rendition of “Only Girl in the World” by Rihanna. It was terribly off-key and awkward and a bad way to start. Steven said it was a beautiful way to open the show; J-Lo said it started off shaky but that Ta-Tynisa took it home; and Randy said it was just okay and nothing special, and that there were pitch issues. Yeah, that’s my Dawg!

Julie Zorrilla is someone I had high hopes for, but yikes. She did Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway,” and it was, well, pretty bad. Maybe it was too ambitious and not the right choice, but either way Julie really blew it. J-Lo said she liked it but it wasn’t Julie’s best; Randy said it wasn’t different enough from the original, which immediately made everyone compare it to Kelly’s awesomeness; and Steven said he liked the choruses but it was just the wrong song for Julie. Yep, pretty much.

So there you have it. Tonight we have to endure a marathon 2-hour results show, in which the Top 5 guys and Top 5 ladies will be announced and automatically reach the finals. After that the judges will choose wild cards, but I’m not sure if that will happen tonight or not. Actually they’ve been pretty secretive about the process this season, but it’s no doubt going to be different. Anyway, see you back here tomorrow morning with the results!