And the next person to move on is..."Tamika Tyler."
In Tamika's pre-recorded clip, she talks about her child, and says how people will think maybe she can't be both a good performer and a good mom. But she says she is a great cook and a good little housekeeper and a good mom, and she reads her son stories every night.
Tamika chooses Martina's "When God Fearin' Women Get The Blues."
My thoughts: Unlike Christy last week who chose a Martina song, Tamika can totally sing this song. She's got an awesome voice. 10 out of 10.
LeAnn: Why do you think that a woman hasn't won Nashville Star?
Tamika: "I would say that the right woman hasn't been here so far."
LeAnn: "Do you think you are the right one?"
Tamika: "Am I the right one? Well, let's let America decide on that."
Anastasia - "I am loving me some Tamika. I just want you to know you are the lead horse in the pack. The one to beat. And, the one advice I can say, after watching you over a few weeks is.. love the song like you do your baby, and then we'll feel it just a hint more."
Tamika - "That's great advice. Thank you."
Phil - "Stupid good. Just stupid good. I don't know what else to say. A Martina song...and you sing it like that. I mean, only LeAnn Rimes can sing it that good."
To this the other judges and LeAnn all say "Suck up!"
Bret - "Tamika, even thought you didn't sing one of MY songs... (looks over at Phil), I will say this. That's ok. I'll say that's even better. Because I'll tell you what. You've got it. And last week I gave ya advice to bring it out and just let me feel it. And tonight's performance was absolutely brilliant. And next week I want more of it. I want a little more of it. Bring it."
For the seventh performer of the night, America has decided to keep around Casey Simpson.
In Casey's pre-recorded tape, she talks about the criticism from the judges, last week, and how it was cool to be called "Hot" by Bret, but she'd really like to get criticism that she can use about her singing.
Casey performs "Me and Bobbi McGee," originally by Janis Joplin.
My thoughts: She's got her hair straight again, and I think she's singing much better this week. She is putting herself into the song. She's no Janis Joplin, but I think she did a fair job. 6 out of 10.
LeAnn: "Now, I gotta ask. Did it bother you a little last week when Bret's criticism was 'you were hot?'"
Casey: "It didn't bother me that much. Trust me."
The Judges Comments:
Bret - I don't think there is anything wrong with saying you are hot. You're a pretty girl. Right? You're a beautiful girl. My opinion is this. You picked a great song. I would say this... vocally...are you familiar with Sugarland and "Baby Girl?" I think a song like that in your vocal range would just be a little bit better. This is a tough song to sing for anybody, and you did a good job, but I think.. next week, just give me a great job."
Anastasia - "I'm sorry, I love Bret, but I disagree. That song is either wrong for your voice, or your voice is just wrong for my ears."
Phil - "It's hard to cover Janis Joplin, man. You need fire, fire, baby, fire."
