I thought James was the best by far tonight, just awesome. I really, really liked Casey tonight(so much better than last week), and I absolutely loved Paul tonight. His singing is just so easy - no screaming or all those runs, and he doesn't depend on all those big notes to "make" his performance. I like that he just sings. So many of the contestants seem to think those big notes can make up for an otherwise mediocre performance, if that makes sense. Scotty was pretty good, too. I can actually hear him on the radio right now as a country singer. I am sooooooooo glad that the experts working with the kids told Jacob to tone it down. I actually was able to listen to him tonight without wincing or muting the TV. I still don't care for the "gospel" vibe of his music, but I think he did a really good job tonight, and doesn't he just seem like the nicest young man? I wasn't a big fan of Stefano tonight either, and I normally really like him.
The girls? I liked Lauren tonight, but that's about it. I really think it is going to be the battle of the boys this year.