The Search for Elle Woods, Episode 6

Hi there, readers; I apologize for the delay on this post (and all others after it for awhile). This was my first week back at school; I'm studying abroad in Europe this semester, and to prepare for the travel ahead, I have a three week class sequence to take. Needless to say, my days have been hopelessly devoted to church history, western civilization, and architectural design...there has been little time to write and update. 

This week's episode was a little uncomfortable to watch; with only five girls left, there's a heightened level of intensity; every audition means more, every girl's performance in the workshop exercise is even more scrutinized, and the stress is taking a toll on the contestants. This week, both Autumn and Natalie went blonde, evening the playing field, and the girls were tested to see which girl could set herself apart and exhibit both her "inner and outer Elle." The girls sang the "Legally Blonde" ballad with Andy Karl....so whose name was on the list? Who was sent packing?

Autumn admitted that she was not a fan of her blonde hair, and I  have to admit--neither am I.   Because she is a little on the pale side, I think she would be better off with a more strawberry blonde color; this blonde washes her out too much.  After a rough few weeks, Autumn needed to excel this week.  Not only was her publicity shot inventive and fun, but her "Legally Blonde" audition was by far the strongest of all the girls'.  She really evoked Elle's utter devastation and disappointment.  I hope producers choose her; if not, I at least take comfort that, as the most talented of the bunch, this opportunity will open many doors for her.

What a shocker! Bailey copied Laura Bell's pose!  I never expected that at all...I have never been a fan of Bailey's, and this week certainly did not make a convert out of me.  Bailey did not connect to the material at all this week; her performance lacked sincerity, vulnerability and believability and I feel like she spent more time crying about the inch cut off of her hair than she did thinking about the motivations and emotions she should be portraying.

Lauren gave the second best performance this week.  I absolutely loved her singing (her slide during the word "drive"--wonderful--like candy for the ears!) and am extremely excited to see her perform "What You Want" next week.  However, I think her age will ultimately work against her.  I doubt producers will give someone so young the role of Elle; anchoring a show is an extremely large task for an eighteen year old, plus she looks extremely young (even next to Andy Karl who looks younger than Christian Borle).

Natalie won the challenge this week, and I am not sure why.  There is nothing particularly innovative about a short girl standing on top of a few books, but okay then...I have been a fan of Natalie's since the beginning, and though I knew she was not right for Elle, I was upset to see her sent home this week.  She clearly had a much stronger voice than Rhiannon, and on principle, that should have earned her another week to stay.  But alas, Natalie was sent back to the sun, back to the shore, back to who she was before.  However, I am hoping to see her show up in something...perhaps Penny in Hairspray?

Oh, Rhiannon.  First, you say that Emma should have stayed over Autumn, and then you give poor performances in both the photo challenge and the audition.  As huggable and adorable as I normally find you, you were not my favorite person this week.

Rhiannon's audition this week was the weakest by far, and there is absolutely no way she'll make it past next week.  She does have an interesting personality, but that can only go so far.  She is not ready yet; there is absolutely no way she is capable of handling the material and belting out the score eight times a week.  I felt myself cringing during her belting (so many poor notes!) and realized that she plays Elle very young...and very dumb.  Rhiannon and Bailey emphasize Elle's ditzy side more while Autumn and Lauren attempt to emphasize that she's actually intelligent.  I said this earlier, and I'll say it again--Rhiannon is better suited to Margot.