Paris Bennett, now known as Fayetteville’s own American Idol, performed her second live song on the Fox reality show tonight.

Bennett performed “Wind Beneath My Wings” before both a live audience and the sometimes brutal judges.

Decked out in black and white, Bennett’s pre-performance tape had her discussing her many styles, “I have so many different fashions, people have called me show. Fashion allows you to bring out your personality, and that’s what I do, because you can tell who I am through my fashion. I’m live, I’m little and I give you a show.”

Her performance on tonight’s show was far more mellow than her rousing rendition of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” on last week’s episode and the judges noticed. Apparently the judges felt Bennett’s song choice was too old for her.

Paula Abdul said, “Paris, you’re an amazing performer. You really are another young one that just makes this competition incredible. I just want to remind you to celebrate the fun and the youth that you bring, we know that you’re a great vocalist.”

Randy Jackson agreed with Paula, “You’re like a young Lauryn Hill, you got that whole thing...you can definitely, definitely sing. It’s just, you know, you don’t have to play it safe ever. When you’re this young, I don’t know if I want to hear you sing a song that’s that old. I want you to be that hot, young one for me. All in all still, you still got it going on, you’re still a hot one.”

Although the three judges rarely can agree on anything, Simon Cowell wrapped up Bennett’s critique by telling her, “You don’t want to turn this show into, ‘I’m 17 and I can sound 50.’ It’s boring. We know that you can sing, but everything about you tonight was like you are a little old lady, and that’s a shame.”

Bennett explained her song choice to show host, Ryan Seacrest, by saying that it is her great grandmother’s favorite song. Cowell chimed in to say that that is precisely the problem.

Luckily it’s not up to what the judges think for Bennett to make it through to the next round. Television audiences have the chance to vote for their favorite females tonight and their favorite guys, after their performance show, tomorrow night. The results of both shows will be revealed on Thursday evening’s episode at 8 p.m. on Fox.

You can vote for Paris Bennett by calling 1-866-IDOLS-07 (1-866-43657-07) or by text messaging the word “VOTE” to 5707 on your Cingular Wireless phone. Phone lines will be open through midnight tonight.

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