American Idol's Top 12 girls took the stage and performed for America's vote during Thursday night's broadcast of the Fox reality singing competition, and a handful of artists shined.

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The 12 girls in the Top 24 performed for home viewer votes and were able to sing any song of their choice. Jax, Tyanna Jones, Sarina-Joi Crowe, Loren Lott, and Joey Cook dominated their competitors with standout performances.

Jax, an 18-year-old musician from East Brunswick, NJ, sang "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)." Judge Keith Urban loved her artistry and originality, Jennifer Lopez said she'll definitely be back next week, and fellow judge Harry Connick Jr. noted it will be fun to watch her going forward.

Tyanna, a 16-year-old student from Jacksonville, FL, took the stage with "Lips Are Moving." Harry called her "ridiculously talented" and unbelievable, Jennifer said her voice is from God himself, and Keith explained she had the chops to take the song's pitch even higher.

Sarina-Joi, a 19-year-old musician from Columbia, TN, sang "Mama Knows Best." Jennifer said she rivaled Jessie J. on the song, Harry called the performance "very strong," and Keith said she was loose, chill and right on point.

Loren, a 22-year-old actress from San Diego, CA, took the stage with "Note to God." Jennifer dubbed it a "brave performance," Harry called it powerful, and Keith said she gave everyone a run for their money.

Joey, a 23-year-old server from Woodbridge, VA, sang "Somebody Like You." Jennifer said she showcased who she is, and Keith and Harry joked that her performance would be like if both guys had a baby together. Keith noted it was "perfect."

The seven other artists delivered great performances, but the judges had more criticism for them that anyone else.

Shi Scott, a 19-year-old artist from Belcamp, MD, sang "Umbrella" and Jennifer said the song got the best of her. While Keith called it powerful and gutsy, Harry said she's extremely talented but chose the wrong song.

Maddie Walker, a 16-year-old student from Ankeny, IA, performed "Love Gets Me Every Time." Jennifer said it wasn't the right song to wow the crowd on the girls' first night of performances.  

Katherine Winston, an 18-year-old musician from Lenox, MA, sang "Safe & Sound." Keith said it was beautiful but she needed more feeling, and Keith explained her vocals are phenomenal although the song didn't really do it for her.

Adanna Duru, an 18-year-old student from Diamond Bar, CA, performed "Rather Be." The judges agreed her performance became out of control once she started belting and rocking out but she went for it and showed how capable she is.

Lovey James, a 16-year-old student from Portland, OR, sang "Love Runs Out." Jennifer said she did a great job, while Harry admitted the song got better as it progressed.

Alexis Gomez, a 22-year-old Spanish tutor from Dayton, OH, performed "Gunpowder & Lead." Harry said she appeared so natural on the stage but shouldn't imitate a record. Keith suggested she sing without her guitar to be more comfortable, and Jennifer loved it.

Shannon Berthiaume, a 17-year-old student from St. Paul, MN, took the stage with a rendition of "Who Know." Keith said she needed to be more committed to the lyrics and energetic. Harry noted it wasn't a good song choice, but Jennifer pointed out she's still a phenomenal singer.

Next week, Idol's Top 24 will be narrowed down to a Top 16 -- eight girls and eight guys -- based on America's vote.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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