American Idol judges give their first standing ovation of the live shows as the ladies take their turn on the stage

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Ladies turn: American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler gave Pia Toscano a standing ovation


The lucky 12 ladies who made it past thousands of other hopefuls performed on the big American stage tonight, one step closer to achieving their dream but already one woman, Pia Toscano, is making her mark.

She got the judges on their feet in a standing ovation with her performance - unheard of so early in the season.

The five favourite ladies chosen over the next few weeks will fast track into the top ten before things really get serious on who will take the American Idol crown.
Lopez said of the ladies: 'They are supremely talented and beautiful both inside and out'.


Great start: Pia Toscano was the last to sing but was by no means the least - she sang an amazing rendition of The Pretenders' I'll Stand By You which brought tears to her family's eyes


'The guys were amazing last night and they girls are just as explosive', she added.
Randy Jackson said at the top of the show: 'This is the final chance for American to pick the ultimate Top 10'.

'It is a full moon coming on and I sense a little nervousness. But they are singing for their lives today and they have to sing and move like there is no tomorrow', Steven said in his inevitable style.


Mixed reviews: Ta-Tynisa Wilson (left) was the first up and sang Rihanna's Only Girl In the World to underwhelming feedback as did Naimo Adedapo who sang Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime


Jennifer Lopez wowed the crowd in a sparkling silver dress with a very daring thigh-high split showing she was going to set a fashion agenda for the live shows and was not going to be outdone by the young up and coming singers.

Ta-Tynisa Wilson had the unenviable task of going first and took on Rihanna's dance hit Only Girl In The World.

She wore a 1950s style tutu dress and moved around the stage but her performance brought a mixed reaction from the judges.


Unique: Naimo Adedapo in her usual flamboyant style wore a bright yellow dress which she had designed herself


Lopez said: 'Being a performer is about moving the crowd and she moved the crowd'.
But Randy disagreed and said he was not moved although Steven said she did a great job and looked good.

Next up was young mother Naima Adedapo who said winning the show will 'change my life'.

She put on a sterling performance of Ella Fitzgerald's Summertime which she did in a more up-tempo style.

But as the song was a stand out for Fantasia in season three she drew inevitable comparisons.


Kendra Chantelle (left) sang Christina Aguilera's It's Impossible while Rachel Zevita (right) sang Fiona Apple's Criminal


She wore a unique yellow dress which she had actually designed herself.
The powerful ending of her song showed why she was a top choice for the judges to make it to the finals.

'You are an exotic flower', Jennifer Lopez said of the colourful performer.
'It was like early Ella Fitzgerald. They way you brought it was unbelievable. I liked it a lot and I like you a lot', Steven said.


Divas: Karen Rodriguez (left) belted out Mariah Carey's Hero and Lauren Turner (right) gave a sterling rendition of Etta James' Seven Day Fool


Kendra Chantelle was selling bathtubs before going through the audition process and although she sounded good she was accused of not bringing enough to the performance.
'Voice hot, clothes hot, style hot', Steve said of Kendra's appearance.

'You belong here but I feel there is more. I hope you make it so others can see that you can do more', Lopez said.

Rachel Zevita who had tried out four times went the sultry route and waltzed on stage wearing a cape which she threw off to reveal a sexy red and black dress.


Star power: The judges were animated throughout the performances and got into the spirit of the live show


She pranced and paraded around the stage and even by the judges but her efforts were in vain as it was compared more to a cabaret act than American Idol material.
'I was happy to be on stage and had a good time', Rachel retorted.

Latin firecracker Karen Rodriguez belted out Mariah Carey's Hero hitting some very high notes.

She looked stunning in a one shoulder green gown and looked comfortable on the stage.


Different styles: Ashton Jones underwhelmed with her version of Monica's All Over Me and Julie Zorrilla sang Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway


'Wow wow wow. Karen. Wow', Lopez said showing that she had goosebumps on her arm.
'I'm glad you went from English to Spanish showing people your flavour and who you are', she added.

Steven Tyler meanwhile was playing matchmaker during tonight's show.
The Aerosmith front man was so enamoured by her performance that he swung his chair around to where the guys were sitting to suggest she sing the sing with Jacob Lusk.


Young guns: Hailey Reinhart sang Alicia Keys' Fallin and 15-year-old Thia Megia sang a wonderful version of Irene Cara's Out Here On My Own which received great praise


Jacob's rendition of A House Is Not a Home won him rave reviews from the judges during Tuesday's show.

'You are one of a kind', he told the female contestant. 'You should get with Jacob and sing it with him'.

Former housekeeper Lauren Turner sang a rousing rendition of Etta James' Seven Day Fool.


High hopes: Lauren Alaina sang Reba McIntire's Turn on the Radio and was called a hybrid of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood


She belted out the big number with all that she had and got the crowd on their feet, including her fellow contestants.

'That's how you do it, man. I love that this is Amy Winehouse meets Florence and the Machine', Randy enthused.

'Lauren that was spectacular. I loved it and everybody loved it', Tyler said.

'Your voice is undeniable. Physically you are holding back. You can get in the cameras face and really give it more. It was here but you could take it to another level. No holding back', Jennifer encouraged.



American Idol: Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and host Ryan Seacrest presided over the live show tonight where the ladies took to the stage


Next on the scary main stage was Ashton Jones who took on Monica's All Over Me.
Her performance was not particularly memorable although she did showcase her vocal ability.

'You have the confidence of a queen and you sing so sweet', Steven said, adding: 'We've found one'.


'Your confidence is breathtaking. Really really great. You should be proud', Jennifer added.

Julie Zorrilla looked adorable in a cream prom-like dress and was noticeably nervous.
'I like it but it's not the best I've ever seen you do', Jennifer said clearly disappointed that Julie did not touch her as much as she had hoped.

'I love that song but you did not bring anything new or different to it', Randy said which received a loud boo.

'Great chorus on the song but wrong song for you. You have such a great voice', Steve said.

Haley Reinihart did a questionable rendition of Alicia Keys' Fallin' which in fairness is a tough song to sing.

'It's an amazing song but it did not do anything for you. It was a karaoke kind of thing', Randy said.

'I didn't hear that at all. I heard just the right amount of style or sexy. I liked it a lot', Steven said disagreeing with Randy.

One of the youngest contestants this year, 15-year-old Thia Megia left the judges stunned with her amazing performance.

Steven Tyler called her pitch-perfect. 'I can't believe you're only 15'.
'The mark of a great singer is the quality of the tone of the voice. Your tone reminds me of Michael Jackson', Randy said.

'This is what hot singing is about', he added.
16-year-old high-school student Lauren Alaina was next up. She has been a judge's favourite from the very beginning and Steven has a soft spot for her since she sang one of his songs in her first audition.

The young girl belted out the large number and was fearless on stage and it looked like she had been performing for years.

Jennifer Lopez said: 'You look so beautiful tonight. You don't even have to try. You just look so effortless. It amazes me how much of a natural you are. So great to see and so great to watch'.

'You kill me. You are the best and they haven't seen the best of you yet', Steven added.

Pia Toscano was last but by no means least and gave the best performance of the night receiving a standing ovation from the judges - unheard of so early on in the season.

Her family were in tears in the audience as they watched on in awe.

'That was unbelievable. You've put yourself in the category of singers who have been on this stage who have gone on to do great things', Randy said.

'I knew you were a stand out. You were saving that for when it counts. That was out of this world', Jennifer said proudly.

The public are now in charge to cast their vote to pick their favourite. Ten finalists will be voted - five boys and five girls - with another two selected as 'wild cards' by the judges.


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Julie Zorrilla (Breakaway)


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Kendra Chantelle (Impossible)


American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Naima Adedapo


American Idol 2011 Top 12 Girls Perform - Tatynisa Wilson (Only Girl)


American Idol Lauren Alaina March 2, 2011



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Haley Reinhart



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Ashthon Jones



American Idol 2011 Top 12 - Lauren Turner


source: dailymail