Randy: Angela, that is ... You have forced every one of the contestants to step up their game.
Anastasia: Yeah, I totally agree with Randy. I love the grit. I love the emotion. And you are so real. But, part of this job is to look your best. And, in that video clip, you were underdressed to go to Wal-Mart. And, you must always... take a note from Randy, Blake and Reba McEntire. You always gotta look like a star.
Blake: You know, I get the feeling from watching that clip, you know. You've never been handed a damn thing in your life. You've probably had to work hard for it. And, I think that you're a fighter, and you probably have that advantage over... and I want you to use all those experiences that you have, because you've got so much soul. Use that when you're looking for the right song. 'Cause you're not going anywhere. You're gonna be here for a while.
Jewel: Hey, I go to Wal-Mart looking just like that too, so don't worry.
Angela: Well, ya know.
Jewel: So, that's your brother Zac over there. (they show Zac sitting with the other contestants)
Angela: That's Zac.
Jewel: Were you guys competitive growing up?
Angela: Of course. We just.. you know... it's all in fun, but we were very competitive.
Jewel: And then, have you ever thought of if it comes down to like, just you and your brother at the very end of the show. What's your home town going to vote for?
Angela: I think they should vote for me. And, if I'm not there, they should vote for Zac.
Jewel: Angela Hacker, everybody.
My thoughts: Angela has a really gritty voice, and this song really fits her voice. She's very emotive when she sings as well. Great job!
The next finalist to perform is Rickiejoleen.
In her pre-taped video, Rickiejoleen had this to say:
"I am 18, and I'm from Tempe, AZ. I'm not your typical girly girl. I'm very tomboyish. I wouldn't be able to be the performer I am if I didn't condition myself. I didn't go to school after the 8th grade at all. My parents tried to get me into homeschooling, which didn't work. And, I threw that to the side. And, I was playing almost every night. I was doing a show in a bar almost every night."
Rickiejoleen performs "Boondocks."
Anastasia: Rickiejoleen, you just gave a powerful performance, filled with pitch problems. And, I really think you have something. You've just got to move away from the local bar gimmicks, and find a style worthy of the national stage.
Randy: Well, I think you were born to perform.
Blake: I think you're pissed off about something. And, I'm not sure, but, I don't know how you can use that. I also think that you have a great bottom end...and your voice is good too.
Jewel: Now, speaking of hecklers like that, I heard that we have something in common. I grew up singing in bars at a really young age. I heard you did too?
Rickiejoleen: Yeah, about 11-12, I started. I was playing about three nights a week.
Jewel: That's really ambitious. What made you start getting out and doing that?
Rickiejoleen: I guess I've always been a performer, and it kind of snowballed. And, here I am.
Jewel: Rickiejoleen, everybody.
My thoughts: One thing... wrong song choice. This is a song of harmony and it doesn't sound right sung by a single voice. Her voice isn't all that great, in my opinion.
The final female of the night is Meg Allison.
In her pre-taped video, Meg had this to say:
"My name's Meg Allison, and I'm from Chicago. I think that when people see me, they're like, 'Oh, she's normal. Probably, was in a sorority.' My older sister, Emily, is disabled. It's really shaped me as a person, as a songwriter. Part of my, like plan, you know, for doing this, is to say the things that she never could. Keith Urban doesn't sing with an Australian accent, and all of a sudden I think my Chicago accent, which is nasally, and we say 'peetzaa,' and 'Chikawgo.' I think that goes away when I sing."
Meg performs "Walking After Midnight."
Blake: Alright, I think you've got a great voice. I think you're a little bit afraid. And I know it's easy for me to say. You're on stage, singing for millions of people. But, I that's holding you back a little bit, I think.
Anastasia: Actually, I totally agree with you. I love your voice. I'm quite torn right now, because when I heard you sing 'weeping willow' your body language was just that, but your voice was like a beautiful flower. So, I think you just need more time to develop.
Randy: Meg, I think the most important thing about you, is the way you love your sister. And I think that will carry you far. But, I do think you're at least a half a fret too high.
Jewel: So, I was interested, because you travel around the country, and you gig in different places. Every city has a different feel. What's it like going from Chicago to Nashville?
Meg: Well, Chicago is really rowdy, and loud. And Nashville's audience is quiet, and attentive, and they really listen for the songs. And, you never know who is in the audience. Even your mailman is a songwriter here.
Jewel: That's totally true. Meg Allison, everybody.
My thoughts: I think this is a good song for her voice, but I would have liked to hear her sing it just a tiny bit faster. Ouch. That last note was awful!
After the break, we see the five female finalists front and center, ready to find out which one of them is going to be eliminated tonight.