According to the husband, who evidently doesn’t have as much work on his plate as I do, he scanned American Idol-related blogs today and discovered that Carly Smithson was missing from the audience during the guys’ performances last night. Of course, that got the rumor mill flowing today but as tonight’s show opens, Carly is at the front of the line. You know that flu bug that was going around here a few weeks ago? It seems to have made it’s way to California as the girls have been stricken with flu-like symptoms. Will that affect tonight’s performances? Let’s find out.

1. Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Selma, OR
She sold her favorite horse to pay her way to the Philadelphia auditions and it looks like she made a good investment. Singing "Rescue Me" with a bit of twang, Kristy Lee’s performance is nothing more than dressed-up karaoke to me. Randy says it was pitchy and rough around the edges. Paula says how tough it is to go first. Boo hoo. Simon says the song didn’t suit her and the performance was robotic. I just wish I looked that good when I have the flu.

2. Joanne Borgella, 25, Hoboken, NJ
She was great in rehearsals but tonight on "Forever/Say a little prayer for you" she delivers plenty of passion but her voice sounds flu-ish.

3. Alaina Whitaker, 16, Tulsa, OK
The youngest contestant of the season also boasts some fabulous hair. But really, how does she sound? Alaina offers a very mature voice on "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday." Although a bit pitchy, she still gives us the best performance of the evening so far.

4. Amanda Overmyer, 23, Mulberry, IN
This is one of the contestants I’ve been anxious to see perform at this level. Will Amanda do us proud? Rocker chick stays true to herself but I have absolutely no idea what she’s singing. Her voice is different from anything else we’ve ever heard throughout 7 seasons and for that, I’m a fan. But this song … umm … I’m not sure what to do. The crowd loves it.

5. Amy Davis, 25, Cedar Lake, IN
Amy tries her chops at "Where the Boys Are" and 30 seconds in, I’m not sure she’s hit a single note. Is it nerves? Flu? Dude, this isn’t good at all.

6. Brooke White, 24, Van Nuys, CA
David Cook sang "Happy Together" last night and sang it very well. Brooke gives it a try but takes a different approach. She delivers a breathy, yet enjoyable performance, but not as enjoyable as it needs to be.

7. Alexandrea Lushington, 17, Douglasville, GA
This girl is from one of my favorite Georgia towns to just go and shop for things I need. I miss the trees, the dry lakes, the winding roads … but I digress. Alexandrea makes an interesting song choice in "Spinning Wheel" and surprisingly, she gives us the best "performance" of the evening. Her singing is pretty dope too so I see good things for this chick. The husband says "Surprisingly good."

8. Kady Malloy, 18, Houston, TX
It was first made popular in the 60s, but I know it thanks to Phil Collins’ remake back in the 80s. On "Groovy Kind of Love," Kady gives us a soulful, yet, sultry, voice. She’s absolutely beautiful in her evening gown. For me, this is perhaps the best vocal of the evening.

9. Asia’h Epperson, 19, Joplin, MO
This lovely young lady’s father passed away the day before she auditioned and she’s stayed strong through it all. It’s probably no coincidence that she’s chosen to sing "Piece of My Heart" Asia’h has a good voice but something seems to be missing in the beginning. She gets a little strength in the lungs towards the end.

10. Remiele Malubay, 20, Miramar, FL
I love Dusty Springfield but will I love Remiele on "You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me"? Nice, nice, nice voice. My only disappointment is that she doesn’t put the power behind her vocals on the chorus because that’s what makes this song work – at least that’s what worked for Ms. Springfield. She does bring it on a little bit towards the end. The crowd loves it much!

11. Syesha Mercado, 21, Miami, FL
I know this is a singing competition but if they gave out "PRETTY" awards, this beauty would definitely take home the trophy. Best "EARRINGS" awards? She wins that too. American Idol? Syesha rocks the house with "Tobacco Road" but I don’t think that song choice is doing her voice any favors. A lot of people are going to disagree with me.

12. Carly Smithson, 24, San Diego, CA
Stricken with the flu, this Irish native is …Right away I’m hating the song choice but absolutely loving the voice. She needs to work on the way she presents herself if she wants to win though. Vocally, though, they saved the best for last. "That’s what the show is all about," says Randy adding how well she did considering she suffered the worst flu in history. I can’t say because I got my flu shot like a good girl. Randy continues to say that Carly delivered the best vocal out of the Top 24 and Carly adds that "Sick is not an excuse." Paula likes Carly’s beautiful inflections. Simon, of course, doesn’t get it, and says the song was way too old-fashioned. Simon needs to be stabbed in the ears.

Bottom two girls and bottom two guys will be going home tomorrow night so make sure you vote for your favorite girl tonight! I’ve highlighted the names of those I feel are at risk tomorrow night. And hey, post a comment or I’ll quit blogging!!! That’s my "Idol" threat. Ha ha.