Where is the SPARK?

A too normal opening for the semi-finals for American Idol Season 9, to me. I follow 8tv's AI which is delayed by one day therefore so far I've only watched the girls' performance.

When the judges and Ryan said that this is the season with the most talent and it's the girls' year, i seriously doubt if the girls really of the IT factor. Like most people have said, they have problems with picking the right songs and the rights songs are really important to show how great of a singer and most importantly a performer they are. Star quality is equally crucial at the same time because knowing how to sing in pitch isn't really what AI is looking for anymore. The lack of stardom among the girls this year is really a big disappointment to me. Even some of the early favourites like Katie Stevens are not doing as good as expected. No one wowed me. However i must say a few girls really know who they are as a performer such as Lilly Scott and Didi Benami! Love them both! Lilly's jazzy performance is captivating in my notion because it's refreshing and unique, which i think is what should be brought to this show at this stage. I just love looking at Didi singing, she is so sincere and she is so connected to the songs that she sings. She reminds me of Brooke White except i think that she is even better! One of my early favourites apparently didn't do so well, to my sadness - Janell Wheeler. Well i have to be honest, i am drawn to her in the first place mostly due to her looks than her voice. Hehe. But then she proved that she can sing when she sang American Boy during Hollywood Week. She just has to choose the right songs. I really hope she stays longer in the show. I think many people would like Katie but she is kinda a common and cliche singer. Typical big voice and diva-like singer who can sing the phone book, not so unique anymore, don't you agree? I guess after watching AI for so many years, especially after last year, my taste has changed so much in the sense that i no longer look for decent singers. Adam Lambert has definitely changed the standard.

And, no hope for the guys i think. Hehe.