Little blonde girl Alexis Grace hit the stage on American Idol 8's first Top 36 performance episode a relatively anonymous no-name and left a serious contender for the Idol crown. Grace had received a fair share of screen time over the audition episodes, but failed to make much of an impression. She was implored by the judges to dirty herself and her image up some before she performed in Hollywood. While the transformation was strictly cosmetic, Alexis managed to outshine most everyone and gave a great performance. She was voted in by America – no small feat, given the fact that her screen time wasn't significant and that she performed early in the episode. It remains to be seen whether Alexis was just a one-performance wonder or if she'll have some staying power, but she at least has our interests piqued.
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 - Main Page
American Idol 8: The Official Top 13 Slideshow
Strengths:
When you hit the ground running like Alexis did, you have to admire the confidence that had to be there. Alexis clearly believes in herself, but not in a smarmy, Tatiana del Toro kind of way. Her voice is self-evident – big, soulful and well-controlled. Alexis did what few little white girls could even consider – she sang Aretha and came away looking good.
Weaknesses:
Her dirtied up image struck me as false. You don't want to become known as a poseur on American Idol – the voters will sniff you out eventually. Grace might not have as big of a voice as her first performance let on, and we don't know what kind of stylistic range she has. Her personality didn't appear electric either, but when you're bringing personality up in the weakness category, you know someone is solid.
Best-Case Scenario:
She turns into this season's Kelly Clarkson (who Simon actually compared Alexis to) and just out-sings the rest of the competition. If she sets a tone early, and gets on the judges' good side, she could roll all the way to the top two or three.
Worst-Case Scenario:
Grace was a one-song wonder. Next time out, she proves that the Top 36 performance was a fluke and that her voice isn't nearly as good as it first seemed.
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 - Main Page
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Matt Giraud
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Megan Corkrey
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Anoop Desai
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Alexis Grace
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Michael Sarver
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Danny Gokey
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Jasmine Murray
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Allison Iraheta
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Kris Allen
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Adam Lambert
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Lil Rounds
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Scott MacIntyre
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Jorge Nunez
-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)