Janell Wheeler and Crystal Bowersox have an edge, while Michelle Belamor and Paige Miles need to make up for a lack of screen time. By Eric Ditzian Janell Wheeler Photo: FOX And now, the show finally begins. “American Idol” has bid farewell to dudes in bikinis and chicks with whips , to rocker moms and warring groups of singers caught in bad romances . This week brings the start of the semifinals, when the manufactured reality-show drama gives way to 24 singers taking their turn alone on the stage in the hope they’ll live to sing another week on TV. On Tuesday night (February 23), the women kick off this next phase of “Idol” season nine. Who’s sure to be voted through and who might be going home? Let’s take a look at how these 12 ladies stack up. Ashley Rodriguez This 22-year-old Berklee College of Music student is perhaps the most polished of all the female contestants, from her confident presence onstage to her warm, genuine personality off it. Thus far, we’ve heard her belt out fierce takes on Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” and Beyonc
