"Idol" is a battlefield

Who would have guessed an acoustic take on a Pat Benatar song could be one of the highlights of Wednesday's "American Idol" show? Well, the chances rise exponentially when you learn the lowlights include not one, but two, botched Whitney Houston songs and a countrified "Journey" number.

I'm not sure I buy this whole "I've never seen an R-rated movie, I never swear and my husband and I only have sex once a month in the missionary position with the lights off" business, but there is something interesting about Brooke White (has a ring of Snow White to it, no?) being part of the top 24, among so many caterwauling faux divas. It's Brooke and Jason Castro who bring a refreshing subtlety and mellowness to the program.

Also refreshing is Amanda Overmyer, who brought her cool rock chick persona back this week with Joan Jett's "I hate myself for Loving You." I mean this crazy bitch burned down a pool and walked away from a semi truck crash to bring her laidback attitude to the "Idol" stage. I, for one, want to see her in the top 3.

The more likely bet to go that far is Carly, who is being touted as the most powerful female singer. While I liked her take on "I Drove All Night," I much prefer the Cyndi Lauper version to this Celine Dion-like interpretation. Bonus points for working at an Irish bar, though.

The rest of the night was fairly mediocre: Against all odds, Ramiele follows Chosen David with a Phil Collins' song; Kady proves her imitations are still better than the real thing; Syesha and Asia'h do Whitney Houston, quite poorly — but Syesha more poorly than Asia'h; and Kristy Lee proves the most interesting thing about her was in her past. According to her embarrassing video, KL used to impersonate a dog as a child — barking, walking on all fours, even drinking out of a dog dish. I have a bad feeling this was meant to inspire the male audience to imagine a bit of doggy style action and pick up the phone. but let's hope they use their hands for other means and she goes home on Thursday night. I don't particularly want to hear "Faithfully" by Journey turned into a country song. I didn't want to hear the song, at all.

If she has any decency, she'll take Syesha with her and we could forget the pair ever existed. I know it's a brutal thought, but "Idol" — like all things love — is indeed a battlefield, and there must be casualties.