In addition to the revamped judges’ panel this year including our own, Keith Urban, American Idol is changing things up a little bit with its new “Vegas Singoff” round. The Top 40, consisting of 20 girls and 20 guys, will take the stage to perform in front of a live audience before the judges narrow it down to a Top 20. Once a Top 20 is chosen, America takes over the voting again.

Ladies first! This week, the 10 girls started off the performances. Last night, the first 10 took the stage and the judges chose 5 to move on. Tonight, 10 of the guys will go and the judges will again pick 5 to stay. Next week, the process continues.

The first girls into the Top 20 are: Teena Torres, Kree Harrison, Angela Miller, Amber Holcomb, and Adriana Latonio.

Representing country music right now is Kree Harrison. Kree is an aspiring country singer who lives in Nashville and briefly had a record deal with Lyric Street. Last night, she sang Patty Griffith’s “Up To The Mountain.” I automatically compare covers of this song to Kelly Clarkson‘s breathtaking version that she wowed us with on Idol Gives Back in 2007, but Kree did a very good job with it and got a standing O from Keith & Nicki!

Kree was one of my favorites last night. Another was Angela Miller, who performed one of her original songs and continues to impress with her talent. I think they are two to watch this season!

My other favorite was country singer, Brandy Hotard. I think she has a great voice and was one of the best female contestants. Needless to say, I was very disappointed that she was eliminated and thought the judges made a mistake letting her go.

It’s been quite a while since a woman has won American Idol. Let’s see if the ladies have what it takes this season! Will they finally take the crown back from the guys?

Share your thoughts with us! Who was your favorite contestant last night? Did you agree with the judges’ decisions? Who would you have advanced to the next round?

Tune into Fox tonight at 8 p.m. est. to see the first 10 guys perform!

If you missed last night’s episode, here are videos of Kree and Angela’s performances:

Kree

Kree Harrison – Vegas Singoff – American Idol 12 by IdolxMuzic

Angela

Angela Miller – Vegas Singoff – American Ido 12 by IdolxMuzic

Related posts:

1. Keith Urban Officially Joins American Idol
2. “American Idol” Top 8: Skylar Laine
3. American Idol: Skylar Laine