Top 12 girls tonight. Seacrest says several are suffering from the flu, but the show must go on.

Ryan: What’s the name of the universe you live in (Simon)?
Paula: The black hole.

Kristy Lee Cook, 24

Before: “Amazing Grace,” times two. Great outfit in the audition. Big Sky Barbie.

Tonight: “Rescue me” with a nice country twang. A bit stiff; needs to relax her face and smile.

Randy: Not her best. Pitch problems.
Paula: That’s ok, you’re sick, and you went first. Just don’t let it show.
Simon: Song didn’t suit you. Robotic performance.

Final take: She’s sure to get better as she gets well, and she’s easy on the eyes.

Joanne Borgella, 25

Before: The plus-size model. Last to make it through the final cut. Needs to prove herself.

Tonight: “Say a little prayer for you,” a little off beat. Pretty karaoke, but decent.

Randy: Nervous? A little shaky and unsure, for me.
Paula: It’s very nerve-racking. You gotta pull it together. Liked it, didn’t love it.
Simon: Didn’t like it at all. Average cabaret. Very substandard.

Final take: The judges are a bit harsh, but she does need to do better, and can.

Alaina Whitaker, 16

Before: Cheerleader type. Cute exchange with Simon.

Tonight: “I love you more today than yesterday.” Finally some life on stage. Great vocals. Works the crowd well. Nice smile.

Randy: It’s the year of the young ones. I was like, “what?”
Paula: You proved that… you nailed it. Amazing.
Simon: Very good. Made an awful song sound ok.

Final take: She might be my favorite to win at this point.

Amanda Overmyer, 23

Before: Punky biker chick, rock-n-roll nurse. Janis Joplin wannabe.

Tonight: “Baby, please don’t go.” A bit heavy on the guitar and scat. Comfortable on stage. Maybe too comfortable. Doesn’t show off her range.

Randy: I love that.
Paula: You’re the real deal.
Simon: Authentic. Stand out in the crowd. Not her best performance.

Final take: If we have to go with a rocker, we could definitely do worse.

Amy Davis, 25

Before: Thin brunette. Very unique song choice. Sweet personality.

Tonight: “Where the boys are.” Missing every note. Weird hair. Pretty terrible overall.

Randy: Not great.
Paula: The camera loves you. Nerves got you. Not most engaging song. Lackluster.
Simon: Nothing much to add. Missing the country twang. Dull.

Final take: She didn’t show up tonight.

Brooke White, 24

Before: The goody two-shoes. A mop of blond hair.

Tonight: “So happy together.” Weak voice doesn’t meet expectations. Too much make-up covers her natural beauty. A messy performance.

Randy: Started shaky but worked it out at the end.
Paula: You have your own thing. Picked the right song.
Simon: Right song. Struggling with the relevance.

Final take: What were the judges hearing?

Alexandréa Lushington, 17

Before: Girl next door. Friendly. Ballcap and hoop earrings.

Tonight: “Spinning Wheel.” I hate the song, but she does good and makes it fresh. A little odd on the outfit. Nice range. Good stage presence.

Randy: You blew the doors off that. It was hot.
Paula: You took control and thought about the performance. Dope outfit.
Simon: I didn’t get it. Like a horrible show, like an awful ’60s musical.

Final take: For once, I’m with Randy and Paula. She’s smart. Simon will come around.

Kady Malloy, 18

Before: Brittany Spears impressionist. Struggles with finding her own voice. It’s going to be difficult to tell her apart from Alaina.

Tonight: “A Groovy Kind of Love.” A little slow, a little pitchy. Performance doesn’t match the lyrics whatsoever. Her beauty covers a multitude of sins.

Randy: Ok for me. So restrained.
Paula: We need to see more life and fun.
Simon: Like Night of the Living Dead. Going downhill.

Final take: She needs to avoid doing a 180, and don’t over-think it. Just improve.

Asia’h Epperson, 19

Before: A little raspy. Her dad recently died. Fun personality. Cute.

Tonight: “Piece of my part,” hip hop style. Lively. Great smile.

Randy: I was impressed.
Paula: You had fun up there. Some good moments.
Simon: My favorite of the night.

Final take: The judges were a little too easy on her, but she did well.

Ramiele Malubay, 20

Before: Sushi waitress. “Big voice for a little girl.”

Tonight: “You don’t have to say you love me.” The arrangement too dramatic; doesn’t display her voice all that well. Forgettable. Zzzzzz.

Randy: Very classy. Like a pro. That was hot.
Paula: A force to be reckoned with. Beautiful range. Great performance.
Simon: You out-sung every single person.

Final take: Again, I’m not sure what the judges heard. I hope she gets better.

Syesha Mercado, 21

Before: Lost her voice during auditions, but did an outstanding job. Pretty hair.

Tonight: “Tobacco Road.” Nice rockin rhythm. She got lost a little in the mix. Good presence and attitude. Excellent finish, though.

Randy: All in all, I really liked it.
Paula: Consistent. Joyful. Fun. Big.
Simon: It wasn’t your best, but it didn’t matter. Terrific.

Final take: She’ll be around for a while.

Carly Smithson, 24

Before: Tattoo artist. Irish immigrant. Straight black hair. Makes me crave Dolores O’Riordan.

Tonight: “Shadow of your smile.” Sounds very professional, but not very unique. A bit dated. Nice performance.

Randy: That’s what the show is all about. Best vocal of the top 24.
Paula: You’re reliable. Beautiful inflections. You don’t need the power vocals.
Simon: Didn’t get it. Didn’t meet the hype. Way too old fashioned.

Final take: Agree with Simon 100%. I was expecting more.