All About

American Idol

Frenchie Davis

Considering Frenchie Davis' status as the ''bad girl'' of American Idol — she got the boot from the show after nudie photos popped up on the internet — I was hoping she'd be cast as Rent's naughty minx Mimi. (Imagine Frenchie rocking ''Take Me Out Tonight''!) No dice. Instead, Davis smoothly integrates herself into the ensemble and shines in smaller moments as a bag lady, HIV support-group member, and mother. It seems to take 525,600 minutes before we get to hear Davis' solo during the opening of act 2, but time seems to stands still as her powerhouse voice swoops and soars with emotion. Her stage time may be limited, but her stage presence is still Idol worthy. B+