Semi-Finals Top 8 Girls

As I mentioned during last week's post, the cut from 8 to 6 is going to be toughest.  We go from 16 contestants to 12 in just one week.  The girls will really need to give tonight all they've got!

The show starts with Ellen snuggling up against Simon... and it is cracking me up!  Ellen is so funny.  I really hope that this is a jab at Kara and how close she seems to sit next to Simon each week.  Has anyone else noticed this?  People always used to have rumors about Simon and Paula... but every week so far, Kara is practically sitting in Simon's lap! 

Simon says its the "worst week to go" and "highest the stakes have ever been".  He's right... so let's get to the performances!

Katie Stevens- "Breakaway": So Katie is taking the reccommendations of Kara when last week she was told to pick a song she could relate her life to.  You can tell she actually put a lot of thought into this song choice.  Although an A for effort and song choice, this performance leaves me even more confused than before.  You would think that this type of song would be exactly the type of music that Katie would do in her professional career.  If that is the case, I definitely wouldn't be rushing out to buy the record.  The vocals just weren't anything that stands out.  Ellen was right when she said that it sounded karaoke-ish.  I also agree with Kara  and Simon that she just doesn't know who she is as an artist yet.  She really has to find something that she connects with.  Simon also wins the award for Best Dramatic Pause when he said "You really sucked..... the energy out of that song".  Maybe he should have stopped after the first three words.  OK... maybe thats harsh.  She is a nice girl... but as the competition goes on I am less and less impressed.  Sorry Katie.

Siobhan Magnus- "House of the Rising Sun":  Shavon tells us that she picked this song in honor of her dad... blah blah blah... I just can't really take her seriously any time she talks because she always sounds like she doesn't give a rip about anything.  As the song starts acapella, Shavon has done exactly what she needs to: grabs our attention.  This is very similar to when Bo Bice did "In A Dream" for those of you that can remember back to season four.  I actually have to say I was impressed that the whole acapella part was on key.  I also thought it was cute when she looked over at her dad when the lyric made reference to "my father".  THAT I can belive... unlike the fakish speech earlier.  Although her face was showing much strain when hitting the high notes on the end, her voice didn't reflect it.  It was all on key.  I actually leave this performance with a much more positive view point of Siobhan (so much that I will actually go back to spelling her name right).  She earned some cool points with me tonight and I am starting to see what the judges have for some reason seen since the beginning.  Although I still don't see her winning this competition, I think this performance will solidify her spot in the top 12.  Is this what she would release as a single though?  That is where I am confused.  Still a good performance though.  I disagree that Simon thought she was better last week.  I think this week she will probably get a lot more people's attention than she did last week.  My personal opinion (and that's why this is my blog! lol...)

Lacey Brown- "The Story": So right off the bat I am confused with this song choice because I've never heard of it.  Has anyone heard this song before?  Lacey sings while sitting on the edge of the stage giving it a relaxed vibe.  The song is very delicate... and for once I think that Lacey found a song that fits her.  If she were to ever have a future in the music industry, this is definitely the type of song that she should (and probably would) do.  Even when she hit the falsetto, it was pretty OK.  Overall, this performance is MUCH better than I would have ever expected.  I was going into this week thinking that she was for sure going to be one of the two going home.  Now I'm a bit worried she might actually stick around.  The judges call it her best performance to date, and I agree.  She needed this type of performance in order to stick around.  With five more performances in the night, the other girls should be worried that maybe the predictable elimination isn't so predictable tonight!  My concern still with Lacey is her marketability as an "American Idol".  This sort of performance tonight was good... and that type of music is enjoyed by many people... but its kinds "indie" and not widely listened to by a lot of people.  It reminds me of something that a hipster, NYC loft girl would have on her iPod... but are teens, frat boys and soccer moms going to love it?  Probably not.  BUT... I won't over analyze her tonight because I think this is leaps and bounds from where she was before. 

At this point in the show, can I say it is already obvious that the girls are stepping it up hardcore this week?  They are making better song choices and delivering pretty good performances.  I wish I would have had this feeling for the last two weeks.  This is the Idol I like. 

Also... can I add that its odd at this point in the show to not have any video clips of the contestants before they sing.  Usually during the semi's Idol is trying to help these contestants build a fan base and give the audience something to connect to.  They shortened the show to an hour and cut out all the video-mumbo-jumbo.  Part of me likes it... let's sing and get this thing overwith.  Another part of me wonders if it will hinder any of the contestants that are bigger "personalities".  We'll see.  Almost as it should be during this 8-down-to-6 elimination show, its all about the singing. 

Now that the commericial is over, let's keep going :-)

Katelyn Epperly- "I Feel the Earth Move": For those of you that read my review of last week, you know that I LOVED Katelyn's performance of Coldplay on the piano.  This week she brings the keyboard out for this Carole King song.  Immediately I feel like this is a downgrade from last week.  This performance felt cheap.  It isn't memorable or anything that is going to make people rush to iTunes for a download.  I feel bad for Katelyn because she definitely had some momentum building and now it kinda comes to a screeching halt.  At the very end of the song, her vocals of the last few notes were impressive (almost reminicent of Kelly Clarkson for me).  Still, it wasn't enough to make up for the first 7/8ths of the song.  During the critique Katelyn says she was trying to be less corny this week (because of Simon's harshness last week) and I think that it probably hindered her.  She had her mind on not being corny... and not on performing naturally.  She needed to just come out and be herself and do what she has done the last few weeks.  To me, Simon's critique of her being corny is off base... and I will feel bad for her if she gets elminated this week while trying to appease him.  But, on the flipside, she should be smart enough to know that if she has been corny the last few weeks and has been SAFE, she should keep doing what she was doing.  I certainly feel like she could be in danger after this performance. 

Didi Benami- "Rhiannon": Tonight Didi brings back the guitar for this Fleetwood Mac classic. Will this help to get the good reviews she's been missing from the judges the last two weeks (but in my opinion has been deserving of!)???  Again... I cannot help but be mesmerized by Didi as she performs.  Her voice is delicate and beautiful, especially on this song.  I think its a great choice for her voice and for her vibe.  As I am getting excited about this performance, I can't help but but my sheild up in fear that judges will hate it again.  Randy doesn't think its a wow moment, but says its an improvement.  Ellen says "Yes indeedy Didi" (gotta love Ellen).  So far so good.  Then Kara says it is "one of her favorite moments so far this season" and that "what I fell in love with on Terrified (in Hollywood Week) I felt with this song".  REALLY?  You are actually enjoying her? What will Simon say?  He says he disagrees with Randy and that it WAS a "wow moment"!  YAY.  Didi is finally getting the credit she deserves... and it brings validation to ME that I am not going crazy.  :-)  The praise for Didi couldn't come at a better time... as Thursday's elmination will be the the most important of this competition. 

Paige Miles- "Smile": After the last two weeks of singing upbeat songs, I really am shocked with this song choice.  Paige has been smiley this whole season, but thing song didn't allow her to smile and show her personality.  The notes sounded very shaky, like she was nervous out of her gourd.  As the song continues, it goes from bad to worse.  She tries to hit some high notes and misses.  The thing about this song is that she could have had a wow moment with this.  Previous Idols like Latoya London, Jennifer Hudson or Lakisha Jones could have taken that song and turned it into a showstopper.  Paige did not.  The judges feel the same that I do and really nail her hard this week.  Although I feel bad for the hard critiques, they are deserved and spot-on.  I have been intrigued that Paige has made it past the last two weeks having no backstory or interesting feature about her.  She was definitely one of the contestants that I felt would be on the brink of being elminated.  Yet, after elminating both Haeley and Michelle last week, I would have thought that she may stand a chance of getting a few more votes simply because she is the last non-caucasian female left! But after that performance, I think she has sealed her fate.  It's almost guaranteed.  It will be weird having a top 12 without an African-American female though!  (I guess I shouldn't talk so presumptuously... gotta wait til Thursday!)

Crystal Bowersox- "Give Me One Reason":  Tracy Chapman is the exact kinda vibe that Crystal could strike gold with in pop music.  As the song starts, Crystal makes that very apparent.  Her voice is impeccable.  She's interesting.  She's unique.  She is one of the people that is actually making this competition interesting.  As her performance wraps up, I can't help but be in awe of how great her performances have been during the entire semi-final round.  The last three weeks have been great for her, and she is easily carving a path to the finale in May.  Also... can I just talk about how cute she really is?  So the teeth are a little rough (but WAY better than they were in Hollywood Week!  Idol must have sent her to a dental cosmetic surgeon before the semi's)... but other than the teeth, she really is an attractive girl.  She has a roughness, but yet a softness about her.  It's hard to pull off both those things at the same time.  Even the picture I use her on the blog shows that she really is a photogenic girl.  It's another aspect about her that I love... that inner beauty that becomes outer beauty.  The judges of course love the performance... in fact Ellen says she is running out of adjectives to use.  Well, Ellen, grab a Thesaurus because Crystal is going to be around for a long time. 

Lilly Scott- "I Fall To Pieces": When Ryan annoucned that she was singing a Patsy Cline song, I was really hoping it was "Walkin' After Midnight" because I could really hear Lilly singing that song... but she chose I Fall To Pieces.  At first, I was VERY worried about this performance.  The starting stanza of the song had some very rough notes in it.  Especially notes in the bottom register.  As the song continued and her voice was able to get higher, she started to get more relaxed into the performance and it sounded a lot better... but still, I'm not 100% in love with this because of the terrible beginning.  I do appreciate that she takes chances and sings songs like Patsy Cline... especially in this stage fo the competition when its not required!  Most contestants would only do it when they are forced to during country week!  The judges all love it and love Lilly (not much of a surprise).  Kara says she managed to take a very old song and make it sound current.  Simon said that it was a big risk that she took and that it wasn't a wow moment.  Still I think Lilly is very safe...  She's one of those contestants that will have amazing weeks and will have off weeks.  I think she's built a strong enough fan base by now that she will be OK. 


Here is my personal ranking of tonight's performances:
1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Didi Benami
3. Lilly Scott
4. Siobhan Magnus
5. Lacey Brown
6. Katelyn Epperly
7. Katie Stevens
8. Paige Miles

Predicting who will go this week is difficult.  Well... half difficult.  I think Paige is a given.  That performance was way below anyone elses tonight.  If she doesn't go home, its a miracle.  The second elmination belongs to one of three girls: Lacey, Katelyn or Katie. It's hard because you can look at it from the perspective of just this week, or taking the last three weeks all into consideration.  The elmination will depend on what which viewpoint America takes.  I wouldn't be surprised with any of the three.  I hope it is not Katelyn, because I have really grown to like her over the past few weeks.  Katie... I thought she has been a strong competitor from the beginning but will be boring if she doesn't pick songs she connects with.  Song selection only gets harder as the competition goes on with the themes and such.  If Katie couldn't pick good songs during the semi's when basically she could pick ANYTHING, I'm worried about how she will perform in coming weeks.  Finally... Lacey.  Although tonight was a HUGE improvement over the past two weeks, I still don't think that it was a memorable performance enough for people to vote for her.  She's been underwhelming so far and I think many watchers have been surprised that she hasn't already gone home in previous weeks.

Taking everyting I've said into consideration, I feel that Paige and Lacey will be the two contestants to leave us this week.

What are your thoughts?

I've also added a cool new poll... so you can vote for who you think should/will be elminated.

Top 20 Results

With tonight's show we go from 20 to 16 contestants.  That is a huge cut!  Next week will be even worse... going from 16 to 12.  We will lose a quarter of the contestants!  (That could be good or bad... lol...)

Tonight's show starts off with an amazing, chart-topping, performed-live version of Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling" (sarcasm definitely intended).  This performance was crap, and it was obvious that they were lip syncing.  Who ever picked that song should be fired.  I mean... its elmination night and you have them singing that "tonight's gonna be a good, good night"?  Not for four of them!

We get right to eliminations and we will see a boy eliminated first.  Ryan asks the top row to stand.  In this row we have Big Mike, Casey, Todrick, John and Tim.  We know that Big Mike and Casey are safe... it has to be one of the other three.  Ryan calls Tim first.  Although he was atrocious last week, he actually did much better this time around.  Ryan tells Tim that he's safe.  Next is Todrick.  Ryan gives Todrick his comment recap and asks him to stay standing (innnneresting...).  Then Big Mike and Casey are safe.  Duh.  It's now between Todrick and John.  There is actually something I like about both of them, and I would rather see other people in thier place, but I can't say I didn't see this coming.  Ryan announces that the eliminated contestant is John. 

Personally... I'm kinda bummed about this.  I think that given last year's semi-final format (groups with wild card), John probably would have made top 12.  He would have been that "Anoop" like contestant that everyone really just likes, but may not have the best marketable future in music.  I would have liked to see John go further.  He's a good looking guy... he's likable and polite... but maybe just a bit forgetable.  I guess Simon was right; Purple Haze is getting thier lead singer back.  I'm sure that group will be in much higher demand now though!  :-)  Best of luck to John.

After a commercial break, we return and Ryan says that we are going directly to the second guys elimination.  This piques my interest.  Usually they go back and forth... 1 guy, 1 girl, 1 guy, 1 girl.  Are they leaving both the girls eliminations to last for a reason?  Is there a shocker?  We will see!

The bottom row of guys is Lee, Aaron, Alex, Andrew and Jermaine.  To me... this is easy.  It has to be Jermaine.  As if it wasn't already easy enough... Ryan makes it even easier by telling Lee, Aaron and Alex they are all safe... so its down to just Jermaine and Andrew.  Seriously?  You couldn't make it at least a little bit questionable Idol?  For sure Andrew is safe. 

And I was right.  Jermaine is gone.  And if you ask me, it was a week too late.  He makes some sort of "I'm OK... I've got God" speech... and then he sings another horrible rendition of What's Going On.  So horrible that I fast forward right past it.  (I love DVR for just such instances).  Jermaine may not have a future in music... but if there are any adult footed pajama designers out there, you may have a spokesperson!

After another commercial, it's time for Danny Gokey to perform!

(hitting fast forward on DVR)

Any of you that read my posts from alst season know that I was never a big Danny Gokey fan.  Meh.  So he's trying the country thing... probably because he knew that he would never make it in pop music.  I'm surprised he didn't go the gospel route though.

OK... I have to move on.  That was entirely too much text about Danny Gokey.

With the guys, my elmination predicitions were two for two!  Let's see if my predictions for the girls are correct as well. 

Now we are on to the girls eliminations.  Top row stands up.  We have Lilly, Paige, Katie, Michelle and Didi. With this group, I initially think it has to be Michelle or Paige.  Lilly is safe... and so is Paige.  So it's gotta be Michelle... right?  Katie is safe too.  It's gotta be Michelle... right?  Now it's Michelle and Didi.  Ryan reads the judges comments from the night before which basically equate to: "Didi, You sucked.  Michelle, you were alright".  Now I'm getting worried because I REALLY like Didi.  Ryan asks Kara for her opinion.  She says after watching the performance back on TV, Michelle was a little less impressive than she was in the studio.  What she should have also said at this point was how AWESOME Didi was when she watched it back.  but of course, she doesn't.  Kara predicts it is the end for Michelle.  Ryan reads the verdict... and Kara is correct.  Bye Bye Michelle.

What I don't get at this point is that the camera seems to be panning more to Didi trying to get her reaction... as if she was unfairly kept when she should have went home.  Kinda like they always used to pan immediately to Sanjaya when he was safe every week and someone else went home in his place.  I think this is lame.  Sure the judges ripped Didi the night before and she was crying.... but it was completely unfair.  Maybe they just thought that because the waterworks came out the night before that they may come out again.  Either way... leave Didi alone.  Maybe I'm having my Chris Crocker moment here.  LEAVE DIDI ALONE!  :-) 

Back to Michelle.  She seems quite shocked, which I don't get.  Maybe Kara and Simon's comments the night before had her a little over confident.  I think she just had this wall up that didn't allow us to truly connect with her or like her.  I don't have any issues with her going home.

Oh... and at this point... I'm three for three.  YAY!

On ot the last female elimination.  The final row of girls is Katelyn, Crystal, Haeley, Lacey and Siobhan.  This is a perfect setup for me to go four for four with Lacey going home!  I hope I'm right.  First Katelyn is safe... then Crystal.  Neither are surprised.  They skip over Haeley and Lacey and go straight to Siobhan.  She is safe as well.  Now its down to Haeley and Lacey.  It's gotta be Lacey.  Just like Michelle, she doesn't connect much with the audience either, I don't think.  Haeley is just so darn bubbly and likable that people had to have voted for her.  Still... I think it could go either way.  Ryan asks Simon what he thinks and Simon says its obvious, but states no name.  He said that America knows its obvious too.  Ummm... not me Simon.  I'm hoping it's Lacey... but worried there is a chance it could be Haeley.

If I were a betting man, I would have lost money.  The result is that Haeley is eliminated.  OK... I know people may hate me for this, but I actually would have liked her to stay around for another week!  She was interesting and likable at least.  Lacey is a snoozefest.  I'm sad to see her go!  She was rough around the edges (sometimes REALLY rough), but overall, I didn't hate her performances. 

I do have to say, that last night during Haeley's performance of The Climb, I did look at Rich and say "this is one of those songs that would be a great farewell song for your last performance".  Maybe I jinxed her.  Now the poor youngin' has to sing lines like: "There's a voice inside my head sayin' You'll never reach it" and "Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose".  Of course you are gonna start crying during your song.  I'm a sap when it comes to stuff like that.  I think its because I can almost feel myself in their shoes and know how incredibly sad and overcome with emotion someone must be during that exact moment.  I mean... this huge dream has become a reality and is now crushed.  For someone that young, it will be quite a growth experience for her. 

So this week, we say goodbye to Jermaine and Michelle (YAY!) and John and Haeley (*tear*).  As I said before this review started... next week is really going to be the insanse elimination week.  Cutting four more people...  The contestants better bring it next week! 

Here is my photo ranking as of the first two weeks:

I'm exahusted!

Hey readers!

Just wanted to say that I'm sorry I posted the boys and girls top 10 reviews so late!  I wrote them during the shows on Tuesday and Wednesday, but never posted either because I fell asleep with the laptop in my lap!  LOL... I've had an event at work that I've been up early every morning... so I have been lacking sleep.  I hope to be on track in future weeks and have them up the night after the performances....

I wanted to put up my predictions before tonights show, so here they are!   Enjoy!  (and comment!)

Semi-Finals: Top 10 Girls

First of all... let me talk about how mad my DVR makes me when it doesn't tape Idol.  Errrr.... 

Luckily we realized it about 30 minutes into it and recorded the rest.  And doubley-lucikly mjsbigblog always posts the videos online.  And tripley-luckily we are the west coast so the videos were already posted when we wanted to start.  So as I am writing this, we are actually watching the first few videos online at almost the same time we would be watching them otherwise.  :-)

So Crystal is back!  Yay!  Although Ryan told us last night that she would be good enough to perform tonight, I was a bit worried.  I mean, switching the shows was pretty serious... so I thought she must have been really sick.  Surprisingly, they put her up first!  So let's get to the reviews:

Crystal Bowersox- "As Long As I See The Light":  We learn that Crystal is a twin (actually something new we didn't know yet... much more exciting than some of these boring "betcha didn't know..." facts).  As she starts to sing, I immediately feel that this song is a great fit for her.  She's got the grit to make the song work... plus she has the believability factor.  It's just a great song choice.  And can I just say, its hard to believe that this girl was in the hospital yesterday with a threat that she may not be able to perform?  FOR REAL???  I cannot tell.  Also, I'd just like to add that she really looks great.  Her first audition clips she was looking kinda rough, but the stylists have made her look softer and more appealing without losing who she really is.  I think tonight is a standout performance for her.  I love that Kara just said Crystal sang "You Oughtta Know" last week... that brings the lols.  Pay attention Kara!  Not sure if agree with Simon's comment that it was like the "Kelly Clarkson moment".... But it was good.  Definitely enough to solidify her position in the top 8 girls for next week.

Haeley Vaughn- "The Climb":  Haeley is a crafty cutey, as we learn that she makes her own headbands.  We also revisit the fact that she has a hard time not smiling.  I don't know why that's a bad thing... but it is kinda cute to watch her attempt a mean face.  :-)  Speaking of mean faces, I can tell Simon will have is mean face on after this performance.  As she starts singing, all I am thinking is that this SHOULD work, in theory... Miley kinda has a young, pop-country vibe to her... and that is exactly what Haeley is going after.  Personally, I don't think its as bad as the judges will think it is.  Sure she's not a superstar yet... but are we supposed to expect that at this stage in the show?  I was right about the judges comments.  They thought it was really bad.  Simon said EXACTLY what I just typed... that "in theory, it should have worked" (damn, I'm good...) but that it is a complete and utter mess.  The thing about this stage of the competition is that people who are memorable get voted for, and I still think she is memorable and easy to connect to... so I don't think she'll go home tomorrow.  There are still lots of girls left though, so we'll see.

Lacey Brown- "Kiss Me":  This is the exact song that Kara suggested last week.  We see that flashback clip... and I honestly think its probably a good choice.  At least picking it, they can't criticize her song choice!  :-)  Well... they will still have things to criticize because this is hurting my ears!  Anyone else feel the same?  Yikes.  I personally haven't liked much of her at all so far, and this isn't helping.  I don't know if its because some of the notes are really sharp... but it just seems like she's singing right after she has sucked on a lemon and the notes are being puckered up.  I'm not impressed.  Thankfully, neither are the judges.  Except Ellen... for some reason she's digging it.  I mean, I guess I kinda see where she's coming from because there is something likable about Lacey's style and look... but I just could NEVER see her as the winner of the show, and you've got to look at contestants in that way.

Katie Stevens- "Put Your Records On":  OK... how cute is she, really?  I love the clip of her saying "give me a kiss" in different languages.  She just has this young, adorable vibe about her that I like.  Now the song choice?  Not sure I'm digging it.  All I can think of is Megan Joy singing this song last year... so she's got some bad history behind her.  At least the only way she can move is forward!  And she does!  Personally, I think this is a good performance.  Really, she has that trained type of voice that can sing anything though.  The performance isn't good because the song is a good fit for her... its just good because she's a good, talented singer.  What she needs is a song that will 100% match her and she will blow it out of the park.  It hasn't happened, yet, but I have confidence it will.  I agree with Kara's comment that she should find a song that fits what she's going through in life.  I think if she sings about something important to her, she will make that connection and show us the true star she is.

Didi Benami- "Lean On Me": Why does it not suprise me that Didi meows backstage before performing?  LOL.  She seems like the type of girl who will grow to be one of those crazy cat ladies.  I still like her though.  "Lean On Me" is an interesting choice... I like the beginning and how she switches it up.  It's hard to take such a familiar song and make it your own without murdering it.  I REALLY like what she's done with it!  She is someone I would download her stuff right now... and I would go see her live.  I love her voice.  It's distinct.  I understand how some people may not like it... but for me, I think this is relevant and enjoyable.  Clearly I am alone.  The judges are ripping her!  WHAT?  Seriously??!?  I am honestly stumped.  Last week I thought she was great too... and for some reason the judges didn't like it.  Does she sound that dramatically different in the studio?  Kara says "it really wasn't good"?  REALLY?  Simon says she blew an awesome opportunity?  I just. don't. get. it.  Now Didi is crying!  I would be too if I just sang that good and the judges ripped me.  Hopefully the tears will score her a few more votes. 

Michelle Delamore- "With Arms Wide Open":  Michelle loves kids. And she loves God.  She she leads a children's choir at her church. That's nice.  Predictable.  But nice.  In her favor, I do have to say that she was pretty impressive last week.  She came out of obscurity (being one of the less featured contestants) to making a good mark for herself.  Can she keep the momentum going?  Not so much.  This performance is not doing it for me.  Creed is a weird choice.  I definitely commend her for picking a song we don't expect... but this just isn't the right one.  She's trying hard to change it up... but in the end it just sounds like she's trying hard.  Meh.  This probably will turn out to be two steps back for her.  Randy and Ellen don't really like it either... but then Kara says it is her favorite performance of her's ever?  OK... what show am I watching?  You just slammed Didi?  Really?  (gosh... I probably sound like the president of the Didi fan club...).  I don't get it.  Personally, I feel like Michelle could definitely be in trouble this week.

Lilly Scott- "A Change Is Gonna Come":  We find out that Lilly plays lots of instruments... including some that I don't even really know about!  Well, we can chalk that up in a long list of things that make her intresting and unique.  When hearing that this is the song she is going to sing, I am a bit worried.  It's one of those songs where it is IMPOSSIBLE to improve on the original.  There is no way to go but down.  I am really not liking this.  I feel bad because I want to like her, but this song isn't working for her.  I think she needs something a bit more melodic... as the range on this song is crazy.  Of course, in proper form for tonight's show, the judges are IN LOVE with it.  Whatevs.  I'm over tonight's judges reviews. 

Katelyn Epperly- "The Scientist":  Idol shows us clips of beautiful Katelyn sitting behind a sound board because she is supposedly studying to be a recording engineer.  Yeah right...  The only time this girl will be mixing stuff is if the techie doesn't show up to a gig and she's gotta set the levels herself during sound check.  I was set on being a Katelyn hater before last week's performance... then she kinds turned me around with "Oh Darlin'".  I hope she can impress me again tonight.  Coldplay is unexpected choice.  I like that she is giving the piano a try.  OK... halfway through this performance and I am IN LOVE.  I think this is amazing and completely unexpected.  She has me in the palm of her hand with this dramatic song.  I think this is proving that there is more from Katelyn that what we may have originally bargained for.  Randy digs the piano.  Then Ellen says she didn't like it because it was too slow and she was falling asleep???!?  Ellen!  C'mon, really?  Sure the song was slow, but she had me hanging on every word.  Now Kara doesn't like it either.  WHAT GIVES?  At least Simon says it was an improvement... even though she says she looks corny.  Personally, I loved this.  This is the type of performance I vote for.

Paige Miles- "Walk Away":  Gotta love a girl who loves taking it old school with a coloring book and set of crayolas!  :-)  She does have a colorful personality to match as well.  I'm honestly suprised she survived last week.  At least she has a better spot (towards the end of the show) this week... so it may bode well for her if she rocks it.  "Walk Away" is a great Kelly tune.  One that is fun and poppy, yet with a bit of rock grit.  Paige is doing pretty well with this actually.  It's a little karaoke for me... Really good karaoke though.  Some of the notes were off... and one of the runs was really too ambitious, but overall its not anywhere near horrible.  Randy likes it, and Ellen likes that she changed it a bit.  Then we find out Kara originally wrote the song... whoopdee doo.  I do have to agree with Kara that the song is meant to have a little more angst and she did sing it pretty happily.  Not really the vibe intended.  I'm wondering if this is enough to keep her aroudn though.  I doubt she'll make top 12... its just a matter of if she will leave this week or next. 

Siobhan Magnus- "Think":  We learn at Shavon (sorry.. thats the way I'm going to spell it) used to have a mowhawk.  Not really surprising.  In fact, I kinda wish she still had it.  Might make me like her a little more.  Right now she's just annoying to me.  "Think" is a huge song!  I find it hard she will pull this off.  She doesn't do as bad as she could have... but there were DEFINITELY some sour notes in there.  Especially that first high note she went for.  Ouch.  The long note was pretty impressive though.  For some reason, people like this girl, so I'm sure she'll stay... but she's nothing I would download or buy a ticket for.  The judges rave (of course... unsurprising at this point).  At least Simon keeps it real by saying she's talented but there were parts of the song that were terrible.  It's the truth!


My personal ranking for the week:
1. Katelyn Epperly
2. Didi Benami
3. Crystal Bowersox
4. Katie Stevens
5. Paige Miles
6. Lilly Scott
7. Siobhan Magnus
8. Michelle Delamore
9. Haeley Vaughn
10. Lacey Brown

And for my predictions:  Many people will probably call for Haeley to go home this week, but I think she at least has another week in her.  I think she's too likable with too much backstory.  I would be surprised if Lacey doesn't go home this week.  To me, she has got to go.   For the second prediction, its a toss-up between Paige and Michelle.  I think Paige had a much better performance this week, but I'm trying to determine who will bring in the votes.  Tough... but tonight, I think the two eliminated girls will be Lacey Brown and Michelle Delamor.

Semi-Finals: Top 10 Guys

First off tonight, Ryan announces the last minute change in plans.  The guys will perform tonight and the girls tomorrow because Crystal had to go to the hospital with an undisclosed sickness.  This does give the guys one less day to rehearse... but Ryan did say "the guys agreed to switch". 

Speaking of switching... Ellen switched seats this week.  I wonder why that is?  Did other people think that Ellen on the far end was as awkward as I thought it was?

Let's get to the performances!

Michael Lynche- "This Is A Man's World" : Michael shares with us about his musical theatre background. He had to do double duty with football and musical theatre.  Sounds like the story line straight out of Glee!  :-)  Michael talks about last week's judges comments and how he agreed with them and they are "here to help us".  He said he is choosing this song to show Simon how he has improved over last week.  I don't think it was a very effective choice.  A lot of the song is just speak-singing.  It didn't allow him to really shine.  It's really choppy and just didn't show a lot of power.  I'm afraid, especially with it being the beginning of the show, that this performance might be forgotten by the time voting opens.  I do have to say that Big Mike's look in the all black was good.  It was definitely a step up from last week.  I'm surprised with the judges comments.  I felt like the comments were already scripted before he performed.  Was that performance really worth all that praise?  I personally don't think so... and that is coming from someone who has been a big fan of Big Mike so far.

John Park- "Gravity":  OK... I really like John, and he really needs to shine this week.  Last week was not good at all!  We learn a bit about his background... that English is his second language. He also mentions his acapella group Purple Haze at Northwestern University.  He talks about how hard it was to take the harsh judges comments last week.  Well then John... let's knock this out of the park and get some good comments!!!  First of all, as I said about Big Mike, the look is MUCH better this week.  I think the casual jeans and white tshirt is good on him.  I think that Shania would have told him he had a "good bottom end" in those jeans!  LOL!  Ok... I'll stop... and get on to the performance.  It was better than last week, for sure, but still not a homerun like he needed.  The song choice was more contemporary, but it almost showed how much more awkward he is.  I'm wondering what genre he would go with as a musical artist.  I don't think that John Mayer is it... but what is?  The judges were pretty much in agreement that it was "better" but not great.  Simon says that the performance is not authentic or special.  He says that Purple Haze is going to get thier lead singer back this week. 

Casey James- "I Don't Wanna Be": We learn that Casey hasn't watched American Idol before, but has got the chance to go back and look at some previous performances of the song he's performing tonight.  You all know I am not a fan of performing songs that been performed multiple times on Idol before... so if he does this Gavin DeGraw song, it better be good.  Then, they show some clips showing Casey's "pre-show ritual"... where he's looking in some cardboard box.  What's in the box?  He said he will tell us if he makes the top 10.  LAME.  If that is a ploy to get people to vote for you, then you need to think of something better.  So... the performance.  I LOVED the electric guitar.  He definitely has skills with that, and I really hope he continues to includge guitar in his future performances.  I also liked his bluesy, acoustic guitar from Hollywood Week.  The singing was good... but nothing too special.  I think past performers (Elliot Yamin & especially Chris Richardson) have done better jobs with this song.  Gavin DeGraw really puts some power into the original version, and I think he wasn't pushing the song enough.  It was almost too easy for him I think.  I agree with Simon and Kara's comments when they said he took two steps back tonight.  Simon really hit it on the head when he said he didn't have the "grit" needed for the song.  The "grit" is what I meant by not pushing the song with his power.   There is no way Casey would go home this week... but I think it could habe been better. 

Alex Lambert- "Everybody Knows": Alex, Alex Alex... I know Ellen made a comment about it last week, but what is up with the mullet??!?   Speaking of WTF moments, Alex tells us that he has his own made up language?  Ummm, exsqueeze me?  How does that help you?  Weird.  Then Alex talks about how nervous he gets being on stage because he hasn't performed much before.  He is happy to be playing with his guitar this time around because it makes him feel more comfortable.  So the performance?  Call me crazy, but I actually really liked it this week!  His voice definitely has a distinct quality about it, and finally he picked a song that was able to show that off.  The song choice... the guitar... the acoustic-vibe... it is ALL an improvement.  Before tonight, I would have thought he would be going home this week... but he is moving way up in my rankings this week.  Ellen has my favorite comment of the night "Under that mullet is a Sam Cooke voice"!  LOL.  I also agree with Kara that its hard to not root for him.  He's really likable and sweet... and I think if he would get rid of the mullet, he'd be much cuter and would get a lot more of the girl votes (away from Tim Urban... PLEASE!).  I know there have only been four performances, but as of right now, this is the performance of the night. 

Todrick Hall- "What's Love Got To Do With It?":  OK... I don't know if the stylists were all sick last week... but so far all of the guys look MUCH better this week, including Todrick.  The silver jacket and tie can't be pulled off my many people, but it works for him.  We learn that Todrick was the first black Fritz to ever be in the Nutcracker at his performing arts school, and that has given him the confidence to know that he can do anything.  I really think that is great... He talks about his dancing background, and that many good pop artists out there today sing and dance, and he's hoping he can infuse his talents to fall in line.  I agree with him.  But this is a singing competition... so you gotta have the chops.  Again, I think Todrick's performance this week is a great improvement over last week's Kelly Clarkson mess.  For being a dancer, his vocals were very much in key.  When I heard he was going to be singing Tina Turner I was a bit worried, but I think he did pretty decent overall.  He toned it down, and sang it well.  I think its interesting that Randy told him to stop changing the arrangements of the songs.  If he didn't, he would just fall back into obscurity like other contestants.  Ellen encourages him to use his dance skills when he sings for future performances.  Kara says she missed the Todrick she saw at his very first audition.  Simon tells him he's getting it "completely and utterly wrong" and he should just stick to dancing.  Hmmm... well I'm not ready to give up on him just yet.  I still have confidence that he can be an entertaining part of this cast.  He has no chance to win the whole thing though....   He could be in trouble.

Jermaine Sellers- "What's Goin' On": I still am shocked that Jermaine made it through last week.  We learn that Jermaine "rocks his onesie"... lol... pretty ridiculous... but he shows the one-peice pajama outfit that he wears because his dad keeps the house cold to lower the heat bills.  LOL.  I guess I give him credit for revealing such an embarassing part of his life.  He talks about last week's judges comments and that he thinks Simon was way too harsh.  Sorry Jermaine... but he wasn't.  That performance of "Get Here" left me asking, what's going on?  And... unsurprisingly, this weeks performance has me asking the same question.  What's going on with him being cast in the top 12 guys?  I think that the other Jermaine (Jermaine Purifoy) should have made it through in his place.  The notes are all over the place.  He's trying to add rifts in to make it more exciting but it makes it more of a mess.  He makes weird facial expressions (especially awkward during an iconic song like Whats Goin' On).  I agree with the judges that he tries way too hard and that its forced.  What I disliked more than his performance was his attitude.  "I know God" he says.... OK... well does God have IDOLS-06 on speed dial?  'Cuz you're gonna need it.

Andrew Garcia- "You Give Me Somthing":  Andrew breakdances?  Wow.  Some of these "things you may not know about me" are often predictable, but I didn't see him being a breakdancer!  His moves were actually pretty good!  He talks about his mis-step last week with "Sugar, You're Going Down".  He's hoping to take the judges reccommendations and put them into this week's performance.  Well... after hearing him sing, I hope he goes back to his old self and forgets what the judges tell him... because I really didn't like him much tonight.  It's weird to not see Andrew without his guitar!  Him taking unexpected songs and switching them with his acoustic guitar is his strong suit.  I agree with the judges that he peaked with "Straight Up" during Hollywood Week.  How can he get that spark back?  He needs to stat!  He really is good... and was easily one of the front runners... but did he peak too early?  People say Adam Lambert peaked too early last year (he was his best around top 8/7/6) and that may have been what lost it for him last year.  But to peak during Hollywood Week?  We haven't seen that before.  I highly doubt he'll go home... but he really needs to get his stuff together.

Aaron Kelly- "My Girl":  Aaron's "betcha-didn't-know" is that he loves photography.  Wow.  Shocker.  This dorky, closeted kid loves photography?  OK... I'll stop and be nice.  He also talks about how Simon gave him a confidence booster last week?  Would it show on stage?  Well... I do have to admit that he came out looking a little more confident this week.  He was deifnitely confident in his riffs and runs because EVERY NOTE was turned into TWENTY-SEVEN notes.  It was a little annoying.  He was trying wa-ay-ay-ay-aaaayyy toooo-ooo-oooo  h-h-h-aaaaarrrrdddd.  His voice definitely has a Rascally-Flattsish vibe to it, so I think maybe he needs to go more in the country direction with every song he sings.  If he was smart, he would go in that direction, because country is really the only genre that engages Idol finalists that finish lower than 3rd or 4th (Bucky Covington, Kellie Pickler, etc....).  Simon suggests that Aaron try to be more like Justin Beiber.  That was weird.  They are nothing alike.  Then... Ryan has to put Aaron on the spot and ask him if he likes Justin Beiber.  Really Ryan?  Wasn't

Tim Urban- "C'mon Get Higher": Tim's surprise fact is that he has a big family?  C'mon... really?  There is nothing more exciting about you?  Jermaine can't sing worth a damn, but he at least supplied us something fun with the whole onesie thing.  Tim also relives Simon's slam last week telling him he shouldn't have made the top 12.  Well... it was true because last week was a disaster.  This week?  Actually not a complete disaster.  It's because he picked a much, much better song for his voice.  I was actually surprised that it didn't have as many sour notes as I expected.  Although it was better, it wasn't anything special. I was happy to see Ellen get a little more blunt with her commentary... telling him that singing is not his thing.  I agree.  He's cute... has a great smile... I think he should stick with modeling and maybe acting... but there's no way he's going to be a huge pop star.  He's too Kris Allen-ish, without the Kris Allen vocals. 

Lee DeWyze- "Lips of an Angel":  I actually really liked Lee's video package this week.  I enjoyed that he talked about the fact that he's made bad choices in the past.  Even with those bad choices, he knows deep down he's a good person.   He is really hoping to make an impact this week with no guitar... and with a changed up arrangement of this Hinder song.  The song choice was pretty appropriate.  I still think his voice just sounds a bit too underdeveloped.  There is no way he'll be able to survive all the different theme weeks of the top 12 without sounding rough.  I personally didn't really like it.  The judges seem to think it was good though.  In fact, Simon says he's the best singer out of the guys?  REALLY SIMON?  I haven't heard it!  Does anyone else disagree?



Here are my personal rankings for the guys this week:
1. Alex Lambert
2. Casey James
3. Andrew Garcia
4.  Tim Urban
5. Lee Dewyze
6. Michael Lynce
7. John Park
8. Todrick Hall
9. Aaron Kelly
10.  Jermaine Sellers

Predictions are tough... because tonight was pretty horrible for these guys.  It really could be anybody (except Alex... and the people who were front runners before tonight like Andrew and Casey).  I predict (and hope) that one of the two to go home is Jermaine.  I'm over him, and surprised he lasted through last week.  Unfortunately, I also think that tonight might be the last for John.  I really like him and think he has potential... but he just hasn't made a strong impact just yet.  I wouldn't be surprised if Todrick goes either... but I doubt that two African-American males would be eliminated in the same night.  So my prediction for Thursday's evictions are Jermaine Sellers and John Park. 

Gender Switch!

So supposedly Idol is making a last minute switch to have the guys perform tonight and the girls tomorrow.  Rumors are spreading that a girl is sick and so they are doing the switchup.  Will be interesting to see what Ryan has to say about it tonight. 

If you go to americanidol.com, it does confirm that the guys are performing tonight.  One of the backup singers on Idol tweeted that there is lots of "potential drama" at Idol today.  Can't wait to get the story.

UPDATE:  It's Crystal Bowersox.  Fox just issued a press release saying she had "a medical issue" that would prevent her from performing tonight... so they are hoping she is better by tomorrow. 

Top 24 Eliminations!

Our first elimination show and we already have a little bit of drama!  Sheesh! 

First, let's talk the performances.  Allison Iraheta didn't do herself justice last night.  I actually have her album and it has MUCH better tracks on it than "Scars".  When I listened to the album I was shocked to hear some songs I actually really liked.  She sounds like a combination of Kelly Clarkson and Pink... but this performance didn't show that at all!  I think she sounded worse than some of the girls that are in the competition right now... and she's had a whole year to get her act together.  Oh... and Allison... Thanks for reminding us why you are so awkward on stage.  When Ryan was interviewing her, I felt like we were watching a combination of a 13 year old girl going through puberty and a 47 year old crack addict.  She was awkward and unfocused.  Just odd.

Now Kris on the other hand... he was pretty great!  At least I thought he was.  "Let It Be" fit his voice... and on the contrary to Allison, Kris reminded us what a male contestant on Idol should sound like (which in turn proved how horrible the guys were last night).  Plus... I mean, he's already so darn likable that its hard to not like him even more when they show footage of him visiting Haiti, and the fact that 100% of the proceeds from the saled of "Let It Be" will be donated to charities for Haiti.  Kris is doing well at maintaining his wholesome, midwest, do-gooder appeal.  Props!

In other Idol news... Ryan announces that after a small hiatus, "Idol Gives Back" will be returning.  I think this is a smart move on the producers part.  When you have this pop culture machine, why not use it to do some good.  I also understand why they didn't have it last year, with the economy in the hole and everything.  It's a great political move to bring it back this year and donate funds to Haiti and other well-deserving places. 


So on to the eliminations... girls first.  According to my predictions, I went 1 for 2 last night.  Ashley Rodriguez was sort of a given, I thought.  And after her reaction last night, I am very glad to see her go!  Did anyone else catch that bitchiness??!  Ryan was trying to interview her and she just had a pissy look on her face and all she would say is "I've got to sing now".  Maybe she was continuing to say that because she was trying to hold it together and not emotionally breakdown on stage.  Whatever her tactic was, it was piss-poor because there is no way I would every even contemplate purchasing music from this girl now.  I did find it kind of fitting (and funny) that she had to sing "Happy" again... with the lyrics "so what if it hurts me?  so what if I break down?  so what if the world just throws me off the edge..."  For some reason I just find it poetic when people sing after being eliminated and the song is talking about how much their world sucks.  :-)

As for the second girls elimination, I was actually pretty surprised.  When it came down to Janell Wheeler and Katie Stevens, it was a given.  There was NO WAY Katie was going home during the first round.  With her backstory...and performing in the pimp spot... it just wasn't going to happen.  Keep in mind, Ryan never said that they were in a "bottom two" or anything.  For all we know, Katie could have had the most votes of the night!  The producers just like to play with our fickle hearts.

But on to Janell. I was quite surprised with her elimination. I really liked her Hollywood Week performance of "American Boy" and I'm surprised that didn't buy her a little more time.  I think she had a lot more in her than we saw with "What About Love" on Tuesday night.  She definitely has talent... and its hard to see someone like her go home without seeing her full potential.  There are other girls that I am bored with already and would have liked to see go home in her place.  But... with the "characters" that we have in the girls group (Crystal, Haeley, Siobhan) you really have to stand out to get votes and I think Janell just blended into the background.  Personally, I would have rather seen Lacey or Paige go home this week.  But oh well... I should have voted. 

Oh... one more thing:

Dear Ashely Rodriguez,
Take a lesson from Janell on how to exit gracefully.  She thanked everyone for the opportunity, thanked the band, thanked the judges.  She talked about how honored she was to be part of this show.  If you need a piece of humble pie, I'm sure Janell Wheeler can bake it for you.
Love, Matt


On to the boys... I was 1 for 2 with my predictions here as well.  Unfortunately, my prediction for Joe Munoz was correct.  He wasn't the worst singer on Wednesday... but his personality and backstory just weren't enough in comparison to some of the others.  I think when he sang the song the second time, it was better than the first.  Maybe because his nerves weren't there this time around.  Too sad for Joe... But on the bright side, not many teenagers can say they went through that experience!  Pretty cool!

The second elimination was definitely more interesting.  Looking at the bottom row of contestants (Alex, Tyler, Casey, Lee, Jermaine and Andrew) I thought it HAD to be Jermaine.  Then... Ryan announced Jermaine is safe.  Really America?  After that performance of "Get Here", more of you voted for him than Joe?  Wow... I am surprised.

It comes down to Alex and Tyler.  Even at this point, I was sure that it was Alex going home and not Tyler.  Let me clarify... not because I wanted that to happen... but it just wasn't what I expected.  When it is annoucned that Alex is safe, I was about as surprised as he was!  By the look on his face, Alex thought he was going home too.

So its Tyler... which I agree with.  I didn't think he vocals were good at all... and his whole schtick is a little overdone.  I think Tyler could also eat a piece of humble pie... blaming his elimination on the judges not giving him any constructive criticism during Hollywood Week.  Lame.


Well we made it through week one!  Here's a photo illustration of my personal rankings of the semi-finalists thus far:

Semi-Finals: Top 12 Guys Perform

With the girls performances behind us, we finally get to see if the judges are correct by pimping out this season to be "a girl's season".  There were a few impressive performances, but all in all I was left uninspired.  I'm looking for some inspriation in tonight's guys performances.

One thing is for sure.... I wasn't inspired by Simon's hairy chest at the beginning of the show.  I think that Ryan was right when he told Simon he missed a button a two.  I also appreciated hearing Ellen comment that it sounds different in the studio than at home.  After all... she is representing US... the at home viewer.  It's cool to hear her viewpoint of things.  Thus far, 19 Entertainment, great job nabbing Ellen for the judges panel.  I think it was a strong decision.

So as if the guys weren't terrified enough, Simon starts off the night saying: "If you forget the words, your career is over."  No pressure guys. 

So let's get at it!

Todrick Hall- "Since You Been Gone": I was super impressed by his audition song.  Very creative.  Will that creativity transfer over to his performances on the live shows?  Well... you have to hand it to Todrick for taking a creative chance with an R&B, jam version of this poppy Kelly Clarkson gem.  This performance was a great way to start of the show.  He has piqued my interest in hearing more from him.  There were definitely some wobbly notes.... but he compensated with his showmanship.  He almost had a bit of Adam Lambert to him (in stage presence, not vocal chops).  You could tell his dance background just by his natural movements on stage... he's comfortable up there thanks to all of his years of dance background.  Simon's comments were a little too harsh.  Was it stupid?  Did he murder it?  I really don't think so.  It was a worthy attempt to show off some creativity that just wasn't quite executed as well as it could have been.  All in all... I think we will see Todrick next week.

Aaron Kelly- "Here Comes Goodbye": Aaron has been a little dorky so far... lacking the real star quality... although he is comfortable on stage.  BUT... he did forget his lyrics during Hollywood Week, so will the same happen to him once he hits the live stage.  Well... he remembered the lyrics... but thats about all I can say in his favor.  He is a combination of Chicken Little, David Archuleta and Billy Gilman (with no traces at all of Justin Beiber).  I felt this performance was a bit awkward, just as Simon said... but he's definitely going to be around next week.  The song choice was predictable and boring.  Rascal Flatts?  Another emotional male power ballad?!  We all saw that coming.  But he's not really playing that "creatively-twist-up-songs" card at this point in the game.  In fact, I don't know if he's the kind of contestant that will ever play that card (and in the recent years of David Cooks, Adam Lamberts and Kris Allens, its almost a necessity to be a successful Idol contestant).  The performance was pretty karaoke.  But decent karaoke.  For those of you that didn't know, Aaron was the winner of the "American Idol Experience" at Disney World in Orlando.  They gave some guaranteed audition spots to people wo made it through several levels of competition there.  It's cool to see that actually works (and makes me want to go to Orlando now to check it out).  But just as the people at Disney who probably voted him the champion, he's gonna have to count on the tween and soccer mom vote to make it very far on the show this year. 

Jermaine Sellers- "Get Here": We haven't learned too much about him so far, besides the borderline-diva behavior during Hollywood Week when he called out the band.  That was definitely a little shady.  If he's a smart guy, he will give his props to the band tonight.  This song choice initially seemed to me like it would be fitting... but I really didn't like this performance.  There were some pretty horrible notes in there.  The last note was flatter than a pancake.  Ellen was too nice when she said he tried too hard "a couple of times".  A COUPLE OF TIMES?  I think pretty much the whole song.  He gets and E for effort.  It was way too much.  Unfortunately for Jermaine, with his bad wrap from Hollywood Week and this performance combined, it could be a recipe for disaster.  I agree with Simon that he may have totally blown his opportunity.  Even though they brought the Hollywood Week music director on stage to show that they've kissed and made up, I think that the damage is already done for Jermaine.  Without much backstory, he needed to wow us like Kris Allen did during his first week last year (with little to no backstory). 

Tim Urban- "Apologize":  (Speaking of Kris Allen... lol...)  Here's the guy that we're all waiting with baited breath to hear.  He's the guy that filled in the last spot in the top 12 when Chris Golightly was disqualified for being under contract with a music label.  It was cool to see his whirlwind behind-the-scenes story.  I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions of making it so far into Hollywood Week... getting cut... and then coming back.  As of right now, I feel like he has too much of a Kris Allen vibe going on.  The look, the voice, the wholesomeness.... its all a little too reminicent.  Will that be a blessing or a curse for him?  THEN... as if all that wasn't enough, he picks "Apologize" which Kris sang last season.  Once he started singing, it was easy to kabosh the comparisons.  His voice is not nearly as pure or mature as Kris's.  The high notes were ATROCIOUS.  His performance skills were totally weak.  He tried to look in the camera and make a connection, but it all seemed unnatural.  I agree with Simon that if he makes it through, it will be on looks alone.  I hope for the show's sake that he doesn't make it and that some better singers do make it through.   I scoff at the quote from him saying that he's "more unique" when he has his guitar.  You mean "more like Kris Allen", right? 

Joe Munoz- "You & I Both": Who the heck is this guy?  Did they feature him at all during the auditions?  I certainly don't remember.  He's got to make a big impression tonight to make up for his lack of coverage.  Well first of all, I do have to say that he has a nice smile!  I think that will appeal to the young girls... especially because he's a young guy.  For some reason I like the lilttle latin scatting vibe he put on this song.  I think if he would have just been a bit more confident and pushed those vocal stylings, he could have left a stronger impression.  But, for chooosing a Jason Mraz song, it actually didn't sound like Jason Mraz (which can easily happen on this show).  It was unique... but I just don't know if the vocals were on point quite enough to make it as effective as it could have been.  He seemed nervous, which you can't blame him for.  I agree with Simon that Joe doesn't seem like a guy who could become a mulit-million selling recording artist.  Of the guys so far though, he has made me want to hear more from him.  Not quite enough to pick up the phone and vote incessantly... but enough to hope we see him next week.  I guess it will just depend if the following singers will make us forget about this possibly forgettable performance. 

Tyler Grady- "American Woman": I do have to say that Tyler's audition is one of the most memorable.  For me it was memorable because when he walked in I just knew that he was one of those gimmicky guys that was trying to pull off a fake persona... but then after he began to sing, my whole thoughts on him were turned around!  He ended up being quite a good singer.  Will this contintue into the semis?  Well he starts off American Woman with a bluesy vibe and I think that he's gonna switch it up completely from the original version.  But then those familiar beats of the original version kick in.  The vocals were PAINFUL!  I don't care what kind of character or persona you are trying to represent... at this point in the competition you need to be able to sing a whole song without your voice cracking or hitting sharp/flat notes.  The promise that I was hoping to see with him all diminished after this performance.  Randy hit it right on target when he said it was "style over substance".  I think Tyler will probably still be around after this week... but does he deserve it?  I'm not quite sure.

(At this point in the show, can I just say that the judges were right saying its a girls year?  I'm definitley uninspired by the guys performances as of now)

Lee Dewyze- "Chasing Cars":  Lee is someone we know little about.  The little I know about him I don't like him so far.  The singing was rough in Hollywood Week in my opinion.  In terms of personality, he comes off as an arrogant frat guy. He's like that guy that drunkenly makes an ass out himself in public and thinks he's the funniest guy on the planet.  OK... enough of me bashing the personality of someone I don't actually know... LOL... :-)  On to the singing.  Chasing Cars is one of my favorite songs.  Truth is, it is a very simple and easy song to sing... so already Lee isn't pushing himself too much.  I didn't hate it.  It could have been worse. The raspiness of his voices makes him interesting, but I still just don't think he has the chops.  There was a lot of pitchiness.  One thing I do have to say after watching the whole performance and the judges comments is that my thoughts on Lee's personality have somewhat changed.  He does seem endearing now at this point.  I think eyes say a lot about someone... and his eyes were really showing how much he wants this and how much he cares.  He was listening to the judge's comments intensely as if he was taking every word as a recommendation (which is something the others should do).  You could tell on his face that he was 100% in the moment and wanting to be the best he could.  So... for what its worth, he's kind of won me over in personality aspect.  The singing aspect?  Meh.  Not loving it as much as Simon.  It will be enough to keep him around though.   

John Park- "God Bless the Child": The most memorable thing about John Park so far is Shania Twain telling him he had a "nice bottom end"... LOL.  I love that they played this moment over again and that John played it up... especially the marriage proposal.  So cute and funny.  :-)  I would love to hear Shania's reaction to this!  So.... the first verse of this song was pretty horrific.  His bottom end wasn't quite as nice this time around.  It got better once he took the mic off the stand and got into it a little bit.... but it still was just a little on the rough side.  This was a terrible song choice for him.  The song didn't showcase his voice.  When the judges use the critique that it sounds like "a cruise ship singer"... I think this is a perfect example of that.  It is a singer that is just singing a karaoke version of a standard.  It was nice at the end to see that he picked the song because it has sentimental meaning to him.  I just didn't see the emotion.  Hopefully he'll be around next week to show off something more, because I really want to like him.

Big Mike Lynche "This Love"- It's easy to say that Big Mike is the most likable of all the Top 24 so far.  We fell in love with him during Hollywood Week when his daughter was born.  Would this likability be transferred into this performance?  I think so!  I think this was the best performance of the night so far.  His voice really lends itself well to Maroon 5.  He has this great pop/neo-soul vibe about him.  If I have any negative critique about the performance, I would say it almost seemed too easy and safe for him.  The music seemed all in his range and he had a sense of ease throughout the performance.  I would like to see him push himself a bit more in the future.  I agree with Kara that if there had been better performances up to this point we may have listened with a more critical ear.... but because the show has pretty much been crap so far, Big Mike sounded amazing.  There's no way this guy will go home just yet though.  I think he will sail through to be part of the top 6 guys.  He's just got that overall charisma and charm that will draw people in to vote.

Alex Lambert- "Wonderful World": So... the plastic 80's sunglasses, the mullet, the sense of entitlement.  So far I am liking very little about Alex.  I would like to hope that he could win me over... but its going to take a lot.  Let's see.  Wonderful World is a GREAT song... by James Morrison who is a great artist that not many people know about.  The song actually fits Alex's voice pretty well (although the James version is much better!).  I think he was halfway right with this performance, but it still wasn't quite there. He definitely didn't seem comfortable on stage.  He didn't 100% believe in himself.  It was actually quite laughable when he gave the camera that "come hither, teen girls" look on the last note.  He was trying... I'll give him that.  But it was still awkward.  Ellen proved to us why I love her with the banana reference, saying that he is like a banana that is just not quite ripe... and you really want to eat it, but you know it would be better if you let it sit around and get ripe.  I think she's right!  Alex could be really good.... but we have to let him sit around on the kitchen counter for a few more days. 

Casey James- "Heaven": I am so on the fence about Casey up to this point.  I mean, people seem to think he has this sexy vibe about him, but I really don't see it.  Maybe its because I don't really like guys with long hair... but I don't buy it.  I've enjoyed the bluesy guitar in Hollywood Week... but I don't understand how commentators thus far have already named his one of the front runners.  I don't see the star quality.... but maybe we will tonight.  Let's see.  Well, off the bat I have to say that he was smart to do the bar stool with guitar and starting the song off with just him and no band.  That made this performance a bit more memorable.  What wasn't memorable was the vocal.  It was atually quite rough in spots.  When he's in a normal, easy tone of voice, sure he sounds good.  But at any point that he went up for a high note, it sounded like he was shrilling!  Yikes!  Two more points for Ellen for saying she felt bad for Casey for the distraction happening at the judges table, and that it wasn't fair... because it wasn't!  Hello Randy, Kara and Simon???!! During performance time, the show is NOT about you.  I kinda felt bad for Casey because you could tell he was almost starting to crack up laughing... and the song was not that kinda song.  But anyway.... in the grand scheme of things, there is no way that Casey would be going home tonight, so I guess I should just relax. 

Andrew Garcia- "Sugar, We're Goin' Down": OK... let's be real.  There's a reason this guy has tonight's "pimp spot".  He is easily the most talented guy so far.  His vocals during his audition and Hollywood Week have blown the other guys out of the water.  I certainly hope that he will rock it tonight so that he can make up for this HOT MESS of a show.  The song choice was interesting and unexpected... which I think are two adjectives that we will continue to use to describe him throughout the season.  I don't think that the performance was as bad as the judges seemed to think it was.  I think they gave him a hard critique to push him.  It would have been easy to say he was "the best of the night" and leave it at that... because really he was.  But I think they wanted to give him a critique he could work with.  I think we've got some great things to


OK... so ranking these performances is TOUGH.  There were no great ones, a couple good ones, and a lot of "meh" ones.  But here's my stab at a ranking:
1. Andrew Garcia
2. Big Mike Lynche
3. Lee Dewyze
4. Todrick Hall
5. Joe Munoz
6. Alex Lambert
7. John Park
8. Aaron Kelly
9. Casey James
10. Tyler Grady
11. Tim Urban
12. Jermaine Sellers

And now for my predictions:  The predictions are a predicament, to be honest.  I feel pretty safe saying that Jermaine Sellers is one of the two going home.  The second spot is a bit more difficult. 

It should be Tim Urban.  Simon even said himself that they made the right decision initially to not include him in the top 24.  The vocals were some of the worst of the night.  Unfortunately, what should happen and what will happen are two different things. 

I think it is more likely that someone like Joe Munoz goes home.  Although I personally had him ranked #5 out of 12, I don't think he left a memorable impression after tonight... and people have to remember you in order to vote for you.  With hardly no backstory at all, the public has nothing else to remember him by.  I hate playing the race card (but I'm going to...) I am secretly hoping that the latin community might save him and give him another chance.  I really would like to see more. 

There are other people deserving of going home in my opinion... like Tyler Grady.  That performance was really really not good.  What Tyler has that Joe is lacking... is backstory and pre-arranged fanbase.  Thanks top Idol featuring Tyler so much, I think he'll be (unfairly) safe.

So... the final verdict:  Leaving tonight will be Jermaine Sellers and Joe Munoz. 

What are your thoughts?  Please comment!