Idol Semi-Finals

Some brief thoughts, as I've gotten out of the habit of tape-delayed blogging.

This season's semi-finals are as good a reason as any to abolish the "6 guys, 6 girls" in the Top 12 thing.

Because the girls killed the guys this week. Absolutely murdered them. And it's going to be really hard to see most of them go (especially if any of the 2-3 who didn't pass muster make it through)

At a maximum, I'd keep 4 of the guys (Jacob, James, Casey, and Robbie). Which means 8 girls. Which, based on last night, honestly, still means losing someone who did a good job.

A few of these girls have to go (and though I'm hopeful Julie sticks around because last night was NOT her best performance... last night she was subpar). These are the 8 I thought did well enough.
- Naima (early in the episode)
- Kendra (underexposed in auditions)
- Karen (apparently there was some backlash about the Spanish? If so... lame)
- Lauren Turner (underexposed, personality may not mesh with audience)
- Haley
- Thia
- Lauren Alaina (overexposed/hyped?)
- Pia

Of those, my guess is that Kendra and Lauren Turner wouldn't make it through because of underexposure... and I, personally, would opt for Julia (who can do better) over Haley, but, again, not based on last night's performance.

What are your thoughts?

American Idol Is Dead! Long Live American Idol!

Ah, American Idol. The last dominant bastion of network TV.

Let's get this out of the way: last week's Top 24 performances SUCKED.

I mean, really, really, really sucked.

Katie Stevens and Andrew Garcia, both bequeathed with the inaugural Pimp Spots, were, at best, mediocre. No stars were born in the first semi-final round.

Until hearing the performances, I had been "best three months of the year!" And then, after the two nights of singing (if, in some cases, it can so be called) was considering just writing the season off. And there are those who probably have.

But that was Season 7 and Season 8 thinking. Hell, in a lot of ways, that was every-season-except-seasons-one-and-six thinking.

Why?

Because those season all had major frontrunners who delivered. Constantly. Sure, a hiccup or two along the way... but never so early. Looking specifically at S7 and S8... we had Archuleta and Lambert. Both were anointed, from the first performance, as Top 2.

And they were.

And they were both beaten by someone in the competition we didn't really notice right off the bat.

Guess what? Without that clear frontrunner, this is the most interesting season of Idol in a few years (not the most exciting, not the most talented... the most interesting). Because, like Seasons 1 and 6 (when the overall talent pool, arguably, was at its weakest), we get to DISCOVER someone through the process. Every contestant gets to grow (or leave). There will be no Anointed One this season. No Presumed American Idol.

Which, for the show, means a tad less positive press than last year with Adam Lambert. But for the viewers, if you can stick with it as the contestants improve... it should prove more rewarding.

Which brings me to Crystal Bowersox who may be the only hope this season has for an exciting, Adam Lambert-esque figure (something that is possible WITHOUT being Anointed). She's Adam Lambert's antithesis, of course, with her indie-rock stylings compared to his glam rock. But she needs to stay in the competition. Hence the night change for the Men and the Women this week... so that she can sing. Because while Idol may seem like an odd place for a musician like Crystal... Idol needs her to be this season's lightning rod.

It will be interesting to watch this season to see if the talent pool rises to the occasion. Because it will be fun to discover a new Kelly or a new Jordin (two of the three successful Idol winners at radio). I do want it to be a girl this season, though I wonder with the last two years of Teen Girl Voting Block if it's even possible any more. A female contestant has to relate to the young female viewers... I wonder who it'll be...

Off to watch the Top 10 Men perform... my ears bleeding at the thought...

Performance Finale

Lambert: Mad World not as good as the first time.

Allen: Ain't No Sunshine better than the first time.

Lambert: A Change Is Gonna Come outstanding.

Allen: What's Goin' On merely okay.

Kara: Wow, she let her name be attached to that song? Not good for either contestant. Out of range / wrong key for Kris, and far outside Adam's genre.

Le shrug.

At this stage it doesn't matter *to me* who wins (especially with Allison Iraheta out of the competition... she had the most distinctive sound this season even if her song choice was rarely spot on and she didn't do the now-seemingly-necessary rearrangement of her songs... listen to the studio versions of her songs, she's amazing).

Adam and Kris were both amazing in their own rights and ways throughout the season, and they're in very different places for the industry. And, no doubt, both will be getting record deals.

In the long run, I don't think winning Idol is going to help or hurt Adam's career. Winning Idol will help Kris' career.

Conversely, a Kris win hurts Idol, as a show. Adam is the reason the show has been buzzing so loudly this season, even if the Nielsen ratings reflect a decline in viewership. An Adam win is electrifying, and his not-the-Idol-single debut single release, and album release, around the time of the Idol premiere will be a massive PR boon... no matter how bad it might suck (and it sooooo could... I mean, just because you have Christina Aguilera's pipes doesn't mean you go on vocals runs all the time instead of singing melodies... which is where I, again, point to the studio versions of Adam's songs, which restrain his screaming and runs in a way that makes even the more offensively outrageous performances listenable). Kris is safe and I don't think his single/album will create the whirlwind of buzz that Adam's will... even though they probably will be more radio-friendly (in an easy-listening, Adult Contemporary sort of way).

Ultimately, a Kris win tomorrow night simply means a disappointment for the show. Not for viewers or listeners.

That said, I think Kris will win. You either love or hate Adam. It's hard to hate Kris. You might find him bland, but you don't hate him. He's the underdog, and he will likely pick up more of Danny Gokey's voters than Adam will (because people had already made their decision on Adam).

Oh, and, yes. I'd love Adam to win what with the whole "he's probably one of us gays" thing.

PS - What'd you all think of Glee? I liked the longer rough cut I saw months ago better... but, darn it, if those last minutes with the kids singing "Don't Stop Believin'" isn't still massively uplifting and creating of the warm fuzzies. Hope you stuck around for it.

Top 7 Redux

Briefly... this pre-double-elimination performance show was, for me, essentially a repeat of the first time around. Adam, Kris, Danny, and Allison (in that order) performed very well (in fact, I think that Adam's version of "If I Can't Have You" will become a prom night slow dance staple this year?) while Matt, Anoop, and Lil floundered. Unlike last week, though, I think based on the performances, Matt should be the one of those three who stays. We shall see.

Top 7

Movie tune night! I don't like how much time they spent talking about last week's overrun and that Simon won't be critiquing all of the contestants (because only two judges will be critiquing each singer). Ridiculous (if true).

I question Allison's choice of a song that David Cook nailed last season. Her take on "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" is very faithful to Aerosmith, but it doesn't have the fireworks Cookie had. Is it me or is she starting to sound hoarse (on both belting notes and on non-belting notes)? Glad Simon gives her a big endorsement, it's totally true with how bad Lil has flailed at the performance stage. Allison is the female frontrunner.

Anoop is singing Bryan Adams ("Everything I Do"). What is this, Scott MacIntyre? Oh, god. I'm concerned, though I dunno if I'd go for the, um, gruff that Quentin was recommending? Why is Anoop wearing a letterman jacket? His preppy look usually works, but not tonight (it went form preppy collegiate to high school). I think that I can tell Anoop that it's not worth dying for. Randy and Kara love it. Maybe I was prejudiced from the song choice?

Adam is singing "Born To Be Wild." YAYZ, go Princess! OMG, Emo!Shag is back! Is it just me or is Adam just kind of having a little rock concert during his performance instead of, y'know, playing the role of contestant on Idol? Which I'm all for. Really. Because WE ALL KNOW HOW THIS SEASON ENDS. Not my favorite performance, but he had to go uptempo after last week's "Mad World" (or, maybe, he should have just sung "Mad World" again...? Donnie Darko, what?) Definitely a performance the haters of the Adam Lamber Shriek will not like. Notice that Simon is commenting on Allison and Adam, but not Anoop? I wonder if Simon has chosen who he's going to critique? PS, Paula: "Fortune favors the brave"?

Ugh, Matt Giraud is also singing Bryan Adams ("Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman")? Okay, um, hi... Anoop is not Scott MacIntyre tonight. Matt is. Me go sleeps now? Ooof, there's a LOT of pitch problems. And melody changing. And sheer suck.

Danny singing "Endless Love" ... okay, not the song I'd have picked (um, far from?) but I'll bite. Also... no glasses? Danny needs teeth whitener. OMG, Quentin's "stick your hands in your pockets and stop gesturing you crazy person, let it come out in your voice and eyes" advice is right on. Once again, though... Danny fails to heed some great advice (perviously: not singing some words her was advised to during "Get Ready"). Unlike Matt and Anoop, even though it was a slow ballad, it's really expertly sung. But, like Simon says (ugh... really wish I hadn't typed that...) it's very traditional. Also, check the dead wife story! Remember that?

The other contestants should be afraid because Kris is singing the perfect song in "Falling Slowly" from Once. What a great, subdued song. What a great, subdued movie. What a great, subdued performance (although, to be fair... it's not like he reinvented the song, he sang it pretty much entirely the same way it was in the movie just like Gokey... it's just that this was the perfect choice... wish he'd done falsetto towards the end instead of taking a beat and belting the key change). This week is everything last week wasn't. It'd be really interested to see him do the song with nothing but him and the piano (and him playing the song). Barring a surprising turn from Lil... night goes to Kris (oh, who are we kidding, night goes to Princess Lambert)? HOW THE HELL IS THIS AN OBSCURE SONG, IT WON THE GODDAMN OSCAR LAST YEAR. Sorry. I know, it's obscure. But WHY? IT'S SO PRETTY. Whatever. Randy is wrong. This particular judgment makes me really pissed the show didn't figure out how to fit it all into an hour (ONCE AGAIN... this week over by 3 minutes because Idol was already set to go to 9:01pm rather than end at 9pm) and let everyone, particularly Simon, speak out on all of the contestants. Seriously.

Lil sings "The Rose" and I think she's done. Stick a fork in her. Only thing saving her this week is, um... Matt, actually. There has to be a gospel song out there Lil could have sung, because that quarter-ish of the song was actually good. I get what she's saying to Simon, I do, but jeez, you wouldn't have to defend yourself if you PICKED THE RIGHT SONG, or even something in the right ballpark.

Bottom 3: Lil (staying if she's lucky...), Anoop, Matt (going home?)

Will the judges bust out the Judges Save if Lil is up for elimination? I don't think so at this point. That "tool" should really only be used if, say, for some awful reason Adam or Allison or Danny are voted off.

Tie In!

Lol, the visitor from Fringe is in the Idol audience. Nice one, Fox.

Wow, the show must mean business tonight. No weird rock star judges introduction.

The oldest remaining contestant this season on Idol is only 4 years older than me :'(

I kinda just want to watch the show and not comment on each performance unless it demands it. I mean, come on. This contest is already decided. And everyone else is so boring.

Alas.

Gokey - "Stand By Me" - I've already kind of forgotten that his wife died. Need a reminder. He's pitchy at the beginning, but once it goes away from gospel it works.

Um, did Ryan just remind the audience that Idol is the number one show in America? Why? This interview with Kris = Kris doesn't know English good.

Kris - "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" - A bubble burst in Kris' ascendance in this competition. This is the least "Kris" performance thus far. Why does he even have that guitar with him? Too funky for this white guy (Lambert previous performance reference zing!) He's won enough fans to push him through.

Lil - "What's Love Got To Do With It" - Lil needs an amazing performance tonight. She's been floundering around the whole finals thus far. This song choice seems a step in the right direction and right category (I mean, versus Celine...) but it doesn't work. Poor Lil. Did she really used to be the frontrunner?

I don't recall this thing post-performance last week Ryan says "we have to talk about." Whatevs.

Anoop - "True Colors" - Zzz? The judges go gaga over it. If that's Anoop's version of "True Colors," it's not something I'd choose to hear again. Except in, like, a "put me to sleep" mix along with every one of Scott's performances?

Scott - "The Search Is Over" - Speaking of... wow, one of the oddest video packages this season. He's got a guitar instead of the piano. But when the song starts, he's not playing it. Weird. I was going to make some sort of "tit-for-tat" comment about how Kris played piano last week. Scott eventually strums out some chords. Having him standing and performance instead of at the piano is awkward, actually, because he's visually impaired and thus doesn't know where the camera is at any time to mug it.

Allison - "I Can't Make You Love Me" - WHAT? NO NIRVANA? I would've died if she sang "Come As You Are." Dunno if it would've been the right song choice, but I'd have died? Unlike Anoop, Allison's slow song didn't bore me to sleep. It was a change of pace because she's usually all rock-edge-crazy.

Matt - "Part Time Lovers" - Well, he's definitely dressed like Justin Timberlake circa 2002 / "Justified"... solid. Judges rush through any critique because...

SONOFABITCH LAMBERT IS CUT OFF. Grrr argh. DAMN YOU, LIVE SHOW TIME MANAGEMENT.

Oh. Wait. I recorded Fringe. Forgot I had season passed it after the show's post-Idol return in January was much better, quality-wise.

Princess Lambert - "Mad World" - Another stripped down Lambert performance. And his hair's totally under control. ZOMG! Amazing how he out-sings everyone in the competition (by a country mile) while sitting on a chair. He almost gets through the performance without a scream (and, by the Lambert standard, it's really not a scream). Haunting. And almost entirely in falsetto... good lord. Well, we know one of the songs he'll be performing in the finals.

Bottom Three - Lil, Scott (going home??? pweeze?), either Allison (because America doesn't vote for her for some reason...) or Kris (who was sub-awesome tonight)

Buh Bye

Glad Simon agreed with me on who ought to have been in the Bottom 3. Second time I've been surprised at Allison being in the hot seat.

But thank god for the results. Megan completely flailed when it came to live performance time. Until her elimination, when she brought out the CRAZY FACES. She obviously expected / knew she was going home and had fun, got to say her goodbyes.

Also.

Can the show PLEASE bring live group performances back? Or if you're going to pre-tape it... PLEASE don't do it with lip-synching! This show is supposed to be about singing, and yes they aren't being judged on the group numbers, but... COME ON!

Looking forward to "year of your birth" songs next week.

BTW... talk about making a song different / your own... the beginning of Lady Gaga's live-on-Idol version of her own "Poker Face" was CRAY CRAY. Wouldn't have worked on the show as a performance (hi-hokey!)

Top 9

I still don't really know what the theme of this week is. Popular digital downloads...

Gonna speed through tonight, have a lot of other stuff to watch tonight (and just got home form a three hour script session... yay, so many notes... but mostly in a good, inspiring way)

Anoop - "Hung Up" - Not the Usher song I'd have chosen if I were choosing to sing an Usher song. Why doesn't Anoop smile while performing? He seems to sneer when going on runs. Kinda odd for me. I love Kara's take on Anoop's take.

Megan - "Turn Your Lights Down Low" - She loves the song. I don't know the song. I'm so over her nasally atonal voice. And her "dancing." She should've chosen "I'm Like A Bird" by Nelly Furtado. Just saying. Oh, Kara's suggestion for Adele's "Chasing Pavement" is a good call! I love that Kara is becoming the audience's new Simon! Yay! Boo!!!! I'm convinced the show could fire Randy and Paula and the show would not only be just fine, but would be better. Okay, leave Paula because Simon needs someone to berate.

Danny - "What Hurts The Most" - I want him to sing the Cascada version of the song instead of the Rascal Flatts'. I'm so tired of these contestants being genuine. Can't someone have a good, uptempo fun time AND be a great singer? Danny sings it very well, but I'm kinda over his schmaltz (maybe it's because Scott has drained my patience).

Allison - "Don't Speak" - Didn't know/remember she played guitar. Brilliant song choice. Not-quite-up-to-par performance. I wanted it to be haunting. It was good, but not haunting. I wish when the chorus kicked in she had stayed with the guitar and left the percussion out of it (that would've been very a David Cook move). Simultaneously, the ending worked for me, so just the transition from subdued-guitar-performance to rock-belting was rough. Love ya, Allison, but this wasn't your best. Paula calls Allison's guitar an "ax" and I die. I. Die.

Scott - "Just The Way You Are" - ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. I can't even watch the performance. I must fast forward. The judges liked it. Dammit. Whatever. OVER IT. Who painted Scott's hair, like, orange, and made it stand up like that? FIRE THEM.

Matt - "You Found Me" - If you're going to choose a Grey's Anatomy soundtrack band, why not go for the big hit ("How To Save A Life") or, like, the be-all-end-all of Grey's music ("Chasing Cars", yes, I know, not The Fray)? Anyway. He's singing and playing the piano in the middle of a group of girls. The wha~!? Like Anoop, this was karaoke with a couple riff-ish things. It's better than Anoop simply because he's playing the piano and honestly doing more interesting things with his hands than with voice (until the end when he dares to go falsetto). Paula uses the word "aborted" and I die. I. Die. Shockingly, I agree with Paula, after Matt was eviscerated for singing Coldplay, why sing Coldplay-lite? Matt should've sung JT's "Cry Me A River." Agree with Simon/Randy on OneRepublic's "Apologize" (though, again, I wish people would sing "Say (All I Need)" which is an AWESOME song that never got US attention).

Lil - "I Surrender" - Wig #2! At least her hairpiece choice is right on. Our first Celine take in the finals this season (and, blissfully, by the only female finalist who has the chops to maybe pull it off). Why didn't she bust out Mary J Blige's "No More Drama"? That could've been a "Summertime" moment (I think MJB's Grammy 2002 performance is AMAZING). Yeah, I know, she auditioned to MJB and has been compared to her... so what!? Man, Simon mentions MJB's cover of U2's "One." Damn, I love that cover.

Adam - "Play That Funky Music" - This is a Most Downloaded? Loves it. Sweet Jesus, Princess is wearing bell bottoms (or at least some big-ass-boot cut slacks). Not loving the hair tonight. It doesn't fit with, um, "funky." Paula puts Princess in the same league as Steven Tyler and Mick Jagger. So, basically, the screeching-high-pitched-rock-belters. Compliment, what?

Kris (PIMP SPOT) - "Ain't No Sunshine" - OMG we're already done! I love that the show isn't 120 minutes any longer. YAY. Kris plays the piano, too. Matt and Scott, consider your territory encroached upon! So, tonight, thanks mostly to Adam just having fun instead of trying to fully knock it outta the park... Kris wins the night (though Adam is close... c'mon, folks, we all know who wins this season, right...?)

Bottom 3: Anoop, Matt, Megan (going home)

Wednesday. Too Much Wednesday

I know it's only an extra hour of Idol tonight, but because it's the performance show and not the easily-skipped-through results show... tonight just seems so much more daunting (what with Lost and South Park and Damages etc).

Anyway. Motown night.

Matt Giraud - "Let's Get It On" - Oh, man, Marvin Gaye. How many Marvin songs are we gonna sit through tonight? The problem with Motown night isn't the quality of the songs, it's, as Simon said (sigh), making them your own instead of doing the karaoke version (or at least doing a respectable carbon copy of the original as opposed to "karaoke"). Anyway, to Matt's performance... I like that he steps away from the piano (NOTE TO SCOTT MACINTYRE... YES, I KNOW, YOU'RE BLIND). The growls and falsetto breaks just make him more of a Justin Timberclone, though. But nothing wrong with that (plus, he's a far better singer and performer than Chris Richardson). The TD has a sense of humor after "beat around the bush" there's a cut to Kara and Paula. Lulz. I'm dirty tonight! Yay! Paula compares Matt to a great pair of worn in jeans.

Kris Allen - "How Sweet It Is" - Marvin Gaye... 2 for 2! Okay. I'm going to say it. Kris is the far-better (and far-hotter) version of Jason Castro from last season. The almost-entirely-stripped-down-to-acoustic guitar thang he's got going on in nice and different from the original. The performance doesn't feature a ton of notes, but interestingly with Motown music, the more acoustic version actually shows Kris' voice off because of not doing it like the original. Dammit, Jason Castro fans, if you flame my comment section again, I'm going to be so angry. Oh, Simon-Ryan banter.

Scott MacIntyre - "You Can't Hurry Love" - Oh, COME ON, SCOTT. I have nothing to say about this. It's all very predictable. I'm over Scott. Blandsville. At least it was more uptempo (er, after the opening). Paula uses the word "rubato." OMG. Paula's crayons and coloring book gift for Simon when he does the weekly "answer the question answer the question answer the question" bit is WIN. EPIC WIN.

Megan Joy Corkrey Joy Megan - "For Once In My Life" - This should've been Megan's week to shine, with her bluesy voice. Though I was totally feeling the brass instruments. Megan makes me sad that Alexis is gone. Because Megan... well, she sucked tonight (maybe she should recontract the flu?) There're only two other girls left in the competition. And Alexis was such a better vocalist (even if she had bad song choices). I guess the judges and producers knew something when the Top 13 was made from 8 men and 5 women. Megan's voice, at this point, is like nails on the chalkboard. I dunno what Megan the judges know, but she's always hitting bad notes and giving weird phrasing and rhythm (and WEIRD dancing). I'm really having trouble getting over how similar she looks to Nelly Furtado tonight. NEXT!

Anoop Desai - "Ooh Baby Baby" - Okay... I must admit that when I hear the title of the song, all I'm thinking is Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It." Anyway. Obviously I don't know the song (sorry!) But I do have a knee-jerk, uninformed reaction! Too slow. Too high for Anoop. Take those two together and you have... hotel lounge (at, like, 4am)? No, they already used that on Scott... wedding? No, they did wedding for Lil Rounds last week. Cruise ship? Do we have our first cruise ship of the Top X of this season's Idol?? Hm. The judges liked it (Simon did give it a "musical"). Maybe it's my unfamiliarity with the song.

Michael Sarver - "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" - Aw, he had the flu. Not gonna save you tonight, Michael. Sorry. Much like Scott, I'm over Michael and have little to say. Maybe the judges will provide some entertainment? I have a feeling "indulgent" will come up in the critique? Looks like Megan will be safe this week. Witness Michael's heart breaking as the camera goes close up on his face as Simon says "you are participating in this competition but have no chance of winning" etc etc.

WOO GLEE PROMO. Hm, they changed the line from Jane Lynch that was in the version I saw ("You think that's hard? Try living with Hepatitis, that's hard." became "Try being waterboarded, that's hard." Weird!)

Lil Rounds - "Heat Wave" - Do it, Lil. Do it! Also, extensions? Weave? Hi! I'm kinda surprised by Lil's song choice. Yes, it's uptempo and it's not the obvious song, so kudos for both of those aspects (perhaps too uptempo, though). Why is shying away from a song (or arrangement) with a string of glory notes? This should've been her week not to shine, but to OWN. And she just kinda borrows? She's still gonna make it to the Top 3. Love the flapper dress.

Adam Lambert - "Tracks of My Tears" - Oh, princess. I'm captivated. Way to change it up. Just me or did the slicked back hair and suit thing = Elvis (the, y'know, hot years)? Or maybe it was more Matt Dallas...? I'm worried that Adam overuses his falsetto... but, y'know, when a performance is like this WHO THE EFF CARES? Dear Kara, "One of the best performances of the night" is eight words, not six. "The best performance of the night" is six. That's what you meant, no? This was like, the super awesome Robin Thicke version of "Tracks of My Tears."

Danny "Why Does Ryan Have a Trumpet While Introducing Me" Gokey - "Get Ready" - Hm, the Black Eyed Peas covered this a couple years ago. Smokey gives great advice in the video package. If Danny didn't sing the "You're alright" and "You're outta sight" this would've been... um, what he sang. Bad Gokey! Bad! Listen to the mentor! Yes, I know you need to breathe at some point, but... well, you figured it out in the rest of the song. WTF was Danny doing marching with the backup singers?

Allison Iraheta (PIMP SPOT) - "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" - Ooh, we like the bluesy, smoky quality in her voice tonight. I kinda want her to take the jacket off. And the lace-tablecloth-leggings. Why was this girl in the Bottom 3 last week (or, in the words of Kara... "what? America are you kidding?") That was the soul we expected from Lil given this week's theme. SIMON DREW A MOUSTACHE ON PAULA'S FACE WITH THE CRAYONS. Yayz. Loves it.

Can I be honest? Much as I've grown to enjoy Matt, Kris, and Anoop... I really want the last four singers tonight to be the Final Four.

Why did the judges rush through Danny's critique? They didn't seem that in danger of spilling over past 10pm. There certainly seemed like there was time to tell him to work with someone on, um, what to do with himself while performing (wink! point! march! fail!)

Bottom 3: Obvs. Sarver (going home). Megan. Scott.

Country Idol Night

I'm not the biggest country music fan. But that's not the reason I'm not doing a detailed liveblog of tonight's Idol. I'm in hardcore writing mode and, you wouldn't think it, but commenting on Idol is actually kinda time-consuming.

Anyway, back to pilot writing.

All's Right With The (Idol) World

Two of the three people who should've gone home based on Tuesday's performances did (I'll admit, I did need a bit of convincing from friends that Jasmine would be eliminated, but in watching her performance again and the critique and taking into account the fact that America didn't vote her through the first time... "meh" just ain't enough).  Jorge versus Anoop... Anoop was obviously going to win in viewers between those two.  Glad that I was wrong about Michael's decent early performance would be forgotten and people wouldn't feel the fervent need to vote him forward.

... how many pairs for glasses does Danny have?

BTW, Kelly Clarkson's new album has a bunch of filler, but just as many radio-ready hits (in both uptempo pop and power ballad forms... including a song co-written by Judge Kara DioGuardi and Katy Perry that is pretty rocking and has a really sweet message you wouldn't expect from Ms. I Kissed A Girl).  Yay, Original Flavor!  And I know she's totally not into the whole "stick figure pop starlet" thing... but, honey, you could kinda stand to lose 20 pounds... I mean, you're beautiful.  But... anyway. I hope the contestants were taking notes. Kelly even schools Pretty Princess with that signature breathy-throaty-growl and her sheer power, control, tone, and presence.

Wait, so they're going to bring back former Idols every week to perform?

... does that mean we're going to have to listen to TAYLOR HICKS!?  DEAR LORD NO.  Hopefully it's just former Idol contestants who have made a music career.

The Jackson 13

Yay, main stage!  Awkward judge introductions!  Right off the bat live technical mistakes!

So, um, who's the unlucky contestant who sings "Billie Jean"?  And Kris obviously can't sing "Man In The Mirror."  Amusing that someone (can't remember who, they didn't make it through) was heavily criticized for daring to sing a Michael Jackson song and... it's Michael Jackson catalogue night!  Yay!

One request: let Adam Lambert sing "Scream."  He can sing both the Michael AND the Janet parts.

I think it would've been better to hold the Double Elimination episode for later.  That's just me.  Maybe it's a budget / airing duration thing.

Lil Rounds - "The Way You Make Me Feel."  Did she steal Paula's asymmetrical one-shoulder ruffle thing?  Whatev, Lil makes it work... ish?  She's a little intense with the camera stares a couple times.  This isn't a big song, vocally... but she finds a way to work with it.  And I kinda enjoyed her dancing?  Better than the Megan Corkrey... whatever she calls that hand swaying motion.  Great way to start the evening.  We've got a semi-lucid Paula, who compliments the glam squad then says it's like angels singing.  And we've got slip-of-the-tongue Simon who wants 5 minutes with Lil to sort her out (she'd be better with the same colors without that GODDAMN RUFFLE SHOULDER).  And Ryan has started to address the IDOLS00/IDOLS13 sex phone line controversy by saying "be extra careful."  Lulz.

Scott MacIntyre - "Keep the Faith."  I recently read something that said if Scott weren't blind, he wouldn't be in the Top 13.  After this performance (yay, piano), I kinda agree?  Glam squad... where are you?  DO SOMETHING WITH HIS HAIR.  Kara mentions that it's not the most obvious Michael Jackson song, but it's about the message... on that, I disagree.  It was too schmaltzy for me.  But I am impressed he learned the piano in one week, with everything else going on with being the Top 13.  Paula is lucid about the song's composer... and then loopy with remembering a conversation with Simon that didn't take place!  Loves it.

Danny "Stop Talking About My Dead Wife, Please" Gokey - "P.Y.T."  Now this is a Jacko song you can sing the crap outta.  Is it just me or is he kind of shouty-not-quite-gospel?  That said... it's awesome.  And boy is using the stage and the audience.  Energy!  On my feet!  Fun!  Wow!  WTF is Paula talking about?  Agree with Randy that the uptempo was a surprise... and a welcome one.

Michael Sarver - "You Are Not Alone." Sucks to follow that act, let alone without a commercial break!  Also, sidenote, I know there are a lot of contestants, but where are the REALLY BIG HITS?  This isn't going to be another of those stupid "using the other half of the same artist's songbook next week" like last season's Beatles disaster for the Top 11, is it?  Michael misses a couple notes throughout, unfortunately (surprisingly, Simon doesn't directly call him on that... though, yes, Michael is very heartfelt).  He's one of the mid-range people I just like... but this didn't do it for me.  By "one of the best so far," I assume Randy meant "better than Scott"?

Jasmine Murray - "I'll Be There."  Jasmine's mom seems so much more supportive and less of a stage parent than David Archuleta's dad was.  Back to Jasmine... I was hoping she'd do something uptempo.    But after last week getting the compliments that she can handle big songs, I understand her wanting to power ballad belt.  She's a bit pitchy, but I loved the falsetto note at the end.  If Jasmine makes it through (Randy's "Not that bad, really" is such a non-compliment), she MUST sing something modern and uptempo... and if the theme doesn't allow it, she MUST make a song modern and uptempo.  Listen to Simon!

Kris Allen - "Remember the Time."  OMG what's that thing on his cheek.  MAKE UP!  Chris's video package says he has a wife (of five months!  wow!)... and there goes the female fan contingent voting for the cute guy (only not because, women out there, you can totally steal him... :eyeroll:).  Anyway.  Guitar!  This is so much better than his "Man in the Mirror"!  Kris is growing on me as a dark horse.  He wasn't featured at all, but he can make this all very fun!  His voice isn't the best of the bunch, like Michael, and I don't see him winning.  But perform like this and he'll make it pretty damn far and certainly score some major-Indie contract.  I hope Kris sabotaged the other contestants.  What did he help them with??  OMG what is going on between Paula and Simon??  Randy: "Very well job done, baby."  Snerk.

Allison Iraheta - "Give In To Me."  Love the teased hair.  Allison is transforming herself into Rock Chick.  Yay, glad there's going to be one of those this season.  Question... where are the REALLY BIG HITS?  Love that Allison is responding to Simon's "it's a bit serious" with "it's not a very happy song."  Nailed him!

Anoop Desai - "Beat It."  Ah.  Here are the big hits.  I adore his parents.  He's got personality in his video packages... but honestly besides some showmanship walking around like a rockstar, his voice is pretty pain?  Patrick Stump did this song better in the Fall Out Boy cover.  I predict a "karaoke" critique?  OMG AND THE KARAOKE CRITIQUE COMES FROM PAULA.  PAULA GETS A BOO.  AND SHE RELISHES IT.  And the critique goes downhill from there.

Jorge Nuñez - "Never Can Say Goodbye."  The opening of this performance has the EXACT same tone and tempo as Elton John from last week.  PLEASE.  Someone call this out for hotel lounge/cruiseshippery, or at least, like, Barry Manilow opening actness.  I feel like the show has de-Latin-ed Jorge.  Where was the passion the judges loved from him.  Jorge said he had no choice for the week (which he means he was forced into a theme, as he later said he picked the song).  Hahah, Simon says "You sort of did" when Jorge says "I wasn't going to sing 'Bad' by Michael Jackson."  BRITISH WIT YAY.

Megan (Joy) Corkrey - "Rockin' Robin."  Fun but hokey.  I have nothing else to say.  Okay, the graphics on the background screen were SO retro-kitsch.

Adam Lambert - "Black or White."  Oh, sad, he's not doing "Scream."  Still, this'll be fun.  Dear lord, please let the best shot we have at an openly(ish) gay American Idol TONE IT DOWN from two weeks ago.  I'm so glad he's not wearing all black again.  Go glam squad!  Yay, making a big deal of the "equality" lyric!  Okay... he toned it down... a bit... Much less camera mugging for one.  Far fewer rock shriek intonations.  Adam is a consummate performer and I refuse to fault him for that.  Oh, don't make the pretty princess cry, Paula.  After Kara says "I hope Michael Jackson is watching tonight" Adam mouths "I love him!"  Aw, princess!  The show (er, Paula...) has now predicted, tonight, a Danny vs Adam finale.  We'll see... but that's a probable pairing.

Matt Giraud - "Human Nation."  Yay, piano!  Wait, I already said that.  There's a MARKED difference between Matt behind the piano and Matt not behind the piano.  Smooth, solid, but kinda unmemorable... maybe I just haven't turned on Adam Lambert's performance yet.

Alexis Grace (PIMP SPOT) - "Dirty Diana."  Glad they gave this slot to Alexis, since they couldn't give it to Lil/Danny/Adam again (yet).  She performed so long ago it's hard to remember her!  Wow, so all three of the women on the show (Jasmine and Allison are girls at 17 and 16...) are mothers.  I'm loving the purple/pink backlighting semi-silhouetting Alexis.  There are some moments where the backing vocals are too loud and it sounds like Alexis is off the beat (though she's not).  Kara: "You're a naughty girl, and I liked that."  Give out the sex phone line numbers!  IDOLS36... ok... lame...?

DVR cut off before the clip reel.  Whatevs!

Ringers: All did as expected.

Also: Allison gets this week's "top of the rest of the pack" award

Bottom three: Anoop, Jorge, Michael.

Going home... by performance it'd be Anoop but I just don't know.  I don't think so.  I also don't think Jorge leaves yet.  So... Michael?  He went early in the program and wasn't critiqued to the point that fans would vote for him thinking he was in danger (not that Michael is as good, but see Carly Smithson last season, after weeks of poor critique, she gets a good critique and is eliminated).

EDIT: I forgot about the double elimination.  Jasmine will certainly be in danger tonight, as well as the above 3.

Oh, And

It would be nice if, when something live airs, say, 10+ minutes long on the east coast, if Time Warner Cable would change the recording time for the west coast airing 3 hours later... that'd be great.

I'm talking to you, American Idol (which didn't even air the final TWO wildcard selects until the 9pm hour) and America's Best Dance Crew (which I couldn't record at 10pm, so started recording at 11pm, but the 10pm airing ran long... and right at 11pm was the "crowning moment" ... finale suspense ruined!)

Incidentally, sorry Beat Freaks!  You ladies kicked butt... however based on last week's two performances, it was Quest Crew.  And they've been amazing, too, pretty much all season.  We'll get a girl crew as the winner of this competition, yet!

Borat

OMG THE BIGGEST TWIST IN IDOL HISTORY!!!

Not.

But I'm alright with all four of the peeps who got through.  8 guys and 5 girls.  Feels a bit off after two seasons of 6-and-6.

Also!

Glee promo!  WOOOOOOOO!  And OMG I totally said "they're going to premiere it after the Idol performance finale."  AND THEY ARE.

EXCEPT!

They're saving the REST of the series for fall.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?

It's a risky move.  It has a lot of potential to pay off and a lot of potential to fall flat on its face.  I gotta hand it to Fox, though.  It's different.  And it's probably better than a summer season that would be ignored / treated as burn off.  This way, potentially, people fall in love with Glee on May 19th, Fox promotes it all summer, releases a DVD of the pilot in early September, and commits a significant amount of its fall launch muscle to relaunching the show in a regular timeslot (a thought... Tuesday @ 9pm, so that it stay in the same timeslot when Idol returns in January 2010? or if House is staying on Mondays @ 8pm, then Mondays @ 9pm in the fall, then when Idol and 24 return in January, it moves to either Tuesday or Wednesday after Idol).

9 of 12

I'm cool with the voting results.  I think that Jorge was a surprise to the judges.  I think they expected Felicia.  A lot of people did.  I also think that if Felicia had gotten through Jorge would have been a wildcard contestant (in place of Jessie, who as the judges said, was a commercial break change... based on the voting results from last night).  Even though the judges said they finally noticed Felicia and that she proved she had a right to be there last night, they didn't give her the wildcard (again... they didn't put her through to the Top 36 or put her in a sing-off, so there's stuff they saw that we didn't... after all, she didn't get a ton of screentime... that didn't make them want to put her through).  Anyway.  /bitter (kinda)

Let's talk wildcard people.

Anoop - d'uh.  He was barely the 4th place vote getter behind Michael Sarver in Group 1.  And the judges love his vibe and personality.

Megan - Very pretty girl who didn't pick the correct song in the semis, but we've seen her be much better.

Jasmine - Very pretty girl who didn't pick the correct song in the semis, totally choked, but we've seen her be much better.

Matt - Good looking guy who, like Jasmine, previously wowed but choked with song choice.  Plus, he plays an instrument, which if he makes the Top 12, mixes things up.

Brady - Good looking guy who got no screentime, sang early in his Group semifinal, and got screwed.  An obvious choice for a second shot.

Jessie - IIRC, she was told by Simon that she wouldn't win the competition in her sing-off.  However she did surprisingly decently in her semifinal performance and she proved she knows music by being specific and asking questions.

We here at Travis Yanan Watches TV are cool with all six of the above wildcard picks.

And then there were the head scratchers (for me).

Von Smith - He shouts.  His style is lacking.  But Kris occupies the "cute male who is an extreme longshot but will get by for a while on a decent voice and his looks" category.  Also Kris is much cuter than Von and has a better fashion sense.  And compared to the other people in the middle of the pack from Group 3 (here comes the bitter), he would NOT have been my pick.  In fact, that he's the ONLY ONE from Group 3 who got a wildcard pick SHOCKS me.  We're clearly missing stuff about Von and about girls like Kendall and Kristen that puts Von over those two (not to mention Felicia).

Tatiana del Toro - I have to admit, she surprised by singing well in Week 1... she was the second best female out of a DEEP pool of SUCK.  But she didn't get voted through because she's SO GODDAMN ANNOYING.  A friend of mine lives on the same floor of her apartment in LA (I've discovered since her apparently temporary elimination) and the crazy, annoying Tata is COMPLETELY the real Tata.

Now.

Let's be honest.

The Top 12 right now has 6 guys and 3 girls.  The 8 wildcard picks are 4 guys and 4 girls (which is a potential reason any/all of Kendall, Kristen, and Felicia were passed over).  The judges won't be forced to pick 3 girls.  But, tomorrow night's performances unheard, I suspect that 2 of the people moving forward will be women, and the guy is going to be Anoop (unless he is epic fail, in which case probably Matt Giraud?)  Again, tomorrow's performances unheard, I'm guessing Megan and Jasmine.

What does the Top 12 need on the female side?

We've got Alexis Grace, the small girl with the big voice.

We've got Allison Iraheta, the young girl with the big voice.

We've got Lil Rounds, the R&B ringer.

We're lacking a country singer (would've been Kendall, but... Megan comes close?  I just don't think Jessie's going to make it).

We're lacking a pop princess.  Here's where I think Jasmine can fit in, though her wheelhouse sort of coincides with Allison (young girl) and with Lil (R&B).  Jasmine has to sing something Pop tomorrow night.  I recommend Beyonce's  "Halo" or "If I Were A Boy," or Rihanna's "Take a Bow".

We're lacking a rocker chick (would've been Kristen, but... well, no one based on what we've seen... oh, hell, I'll go there, Adam Lambert is our female rocker LULZ).  Okay, Allison is a little rock.

3rd 12 of 36

Yay, the end is almost nigh!

Von Smith - Kris Allen has filled the "obscure white guy" role, thank you for playing.  Also, Kris is cuter.  Just saying.  Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need To Can Get By."  Whatever, let's talk style.  Suit pants and jacket.  Red tinted sneakers to color match with an American Apparel red sorta-stripped V-neck shirt that IS NOT TUCKED INTO THE PANTS.  Oh, my (later: yes, Simon is right about style... never thought I'd say that...)  The only thing worse would be if he were wearing flip-flops.  I enjoyed the performance, and in last week's sh!tshow he may have had a shot... I doubt it this week.  But the judges loved it enough for wildcard.  I'm not getting a ton of personality off of Von.

Taylor Vaifanua - I remember this girl from auditions!  She's the one who needed to wash her hair.  "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys.  Nice song, but, um, the verses are pretty monotone / mellow, right?  This is a really pretty, soulful song when Alicia does it.  And I can tell from the first line that Taylor doesn't have the experience to understand WTF the song means and the emotion that should be behind it.  It's not a disaster like a lot of the performances from weeks 1 and 2 of the semis... but there's no glory in that song.  Not sure how I feel about those leather legging things (I think those alone say what it's like to go shopping with Taylor, Kara).  Were they connected to heel boots?

Alex Wagner-Trugman - Um, he obviously wasn't paying attention to Brooke last week!  Don't google yourself!  Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues."  Remember when song titles were that long?  Oh, lord, his video package is just screaming "please, teen girls, worship me!  Love me! ... please?"  Homeboy needs to learn to work a mic stand.  And a stage.  He has an... interesting growl note right before the first chorus.  Seriously.  Needs to work on working with that mic stand.

Ariana Afsar - WHOM??  And she's doing ABBA?  And "The Winner Takes It All," well, at least it's not "Dancing Queen..."  I don't get this choice, and there were some problems in the beginning (and a flat note or several near the end).  But I'm digging the dress.  That's a win, right?  Oh, wait, I saw straps.  I thought it was strapless.  Sigh, we have our first unqualified disaster and disturbingly silent audience.  I mean, Alex was bad, but I have to be honest I wasn't expecting much of anything and the judges were really disappointed with Ariana.

Ju'not Joyner - Plain White Ts' "Hey There, Delilah" is so not the song I expect to come from this guy.  And it's already a really slow song.  He makes it slower and softer than it needs to be, and I'd rather have an acoustic guitar than the piano.  I predict Simon will say he was put to sleep.  I kind of was, but at the same time I get that it was a different interpretation and that in and of itself warrants some positivity and getting used to instead of snap judgment.  What's with the handcuffs hanging from his pants?  Is that a thing now?  There are a lot of pitch problems.  But the judges were very happy with it.  Hm.  Ju'not is very, um... overshare (NOT "TMPI," Ryan...)

Kristen McNamara - "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman.  Holy hell, a *fun* retro song that my friends sing at karaoke!  This was the girl Simon completely disagreed with the other judges about in the "sing off" between her and some other blonde girl (because, y'know, they can only have so many?)  Those shoes don't go with that dress (yes, I know, I'm kind of in a sartorial place right now, please forgive me in the morning).  Kara... I'd love to see this girl sing "So What" by P!nk.  Paula remembers what this girl sang in Hollywood Week, gives cogent feedback, yet can't pronounce ABBA correctly.  Loves us some Paula.  I enjoyed this.  Hope to see more of her.  And when she comes back for the wildcard... sing "So What" by P!nk.  Oh, her post-performance / panel critique interview is precious.  PRECIOUS!

Nathaniel Marshall - DRAMZ DRAMZ DRAMZ DRAMZ DRAMZ DRAMZ DRAMZ DRAMZ.  I don't want to see goofy, good-natured, humble Nate.  You were put here for TEH DRAMZ.  "I Would Do Anything For Love" by Meatloaf!  WTF, Nate?  That's totally the other hammy queen's wheelhouse (seriously, Adam is so going to be belting out a Meatloaf song one of these weeks).  Good lord, I can't even talk about what he's wearing (including not wearing his nose ring).  I CANNOT.  I liked the opening... ish?  But as soon as it went more uptempo, the song overtook Nate.  Why didn't Nate sing The Killers?  Hm?  HM?  And now Paula is remembering something ELSE specific from Hollywood Week?  Did someone give her Adderall during the commercial break before Kristen sang?  Now *I'm* remembering Nate's "Disturbia," or at least the snippet we heard of it, and I remember being quite stricken by it in a good way.

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Jay Karnes is guest starring on House!  DUTCH!  And he was on Burn Notice last week!  DUTCH!

Felicia Barton - They really do need to explain Felicia's presence here... though they're going to have to do it in the context of "she was the 37th choice and someone got disqualified so she's in on a technicality."  Interestingly, she wasn't part of any sing-off.  Hm.  Odd, right?  Alicia Keys song number two for the night... alrighty then.  "No One."  This girl has the pain in her voice.  She sang the song the way Alicia does.  Until the chorus when she can't, apparently, because her voice breaks perhaps?  This girl has underdog written all over her sequined shirt and I want to love her.  I do.  It's probably top of the female stack for the night... thus far.  But the ringer hasn't gone yet.  Felicia's earned a wildcard performance, no?

Scott MacIntyre - Okay you guys, I know, I know.  He's blind.  But can someone fix his teeth PLEASE?  I mean, I know vampires are in and all but the FANGS ON THIS ONE.  And while we're at it... the hair?  PLEASE?  Bruce Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain?"  What song dat?  Alex should take notes from Scott on how to work a stage.  Scott's good, ya'll.  Looking forward to Scott being able to perform with the keyboard.

Kendall Beard - HOT GIRL HOT GIRL HOT GIRL.  We don't have a "traditional" hot girl in the Top 12 yet.  And she's got all the "aw, shucks" I can handle.  Martina McBride's "This One's For The Girls."  Yellow is clearly Kendall's signature color.  The babydoll works on her figure, but I feel like just about anything would?  I can't tell with country whether someone is flat, sharp, or just twang.  Vocally she loses it towards the end and I feel she kind of gives up?  But she has fun doing it?

Jorge Nuñez - Elton John "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me."  And a second Elton song!  The rules of "selections from the Top 100" baffles me.  Y'know how last season all I wanted was for David Archuleta to open his eyes while he was singing?  All I want is for Jorge to stop looking directly into the camera.  I'm horrible, he has a lazy eye, I know.  He's obviously got a good voice, but I don't know what this song says about him as an artist.  Where was Simon's cruise ship / hotel lounge comment?

Lil Rounds (PIMP SPOT) - So, um, not only am I predicting who has been getting into the Top 12... but I'm predicting performance order?  Go me... also, I'm scared.  Okay, not really.  They put the three ringers from auditions / Hollywood into the three semifinal weeks and then gave each the pimp spot.  Anyway.  The performance.  Mary J Blige "Be Without You" I LOVE THIS SONG.  GO LIL.  But if you were gonna sing Mary J for me, could you do "No Drama" next time?  Kthxbai.  SHE EVEN SELF-CENSORS THE CURSE WORDS.  She didn't carry the final note out, but, y'know what... WHO THE EFF CARES!

Top Female: Lil Rounds

Top Male: Scott MacIntyre

Next best... I want it to be a girl from this round to even the genders out a little more.  I'd love for it to be Felicia Barton, and I think she has the underdog element, if not the screentime fanbase, to pull it off.  We can get Kendall and Kristen (the show needs a female country singer and doesn't have it yet) in the wildcard round.  If it's gonna be a guy... Jorge or Ju'not.  But I'm hoping for Felicia.  I dunno.  This week there's only one standout in Lil, and no one even coming close.

Wildcard choice recap (we only get 8 or 9 total, but here's 4 from each week that I suspect covers the field)

Week 1: Ricky Braddy, Anoop Desai, Ann Marie Boskovich, Tatiana del Toro (lulz...?)

Week 2: Matt Giraud, Megan Corkrey, Jessie Langseth, Mishavonna Henson

Week 3: We'll see, but... Ju'not Joyner, Kristen McNamara, Kendall Beard, Jorge Nuñez

6 of 12

Yay!  OMG I'm so shocked that America didn't put Nick through but GO AMERICA!  YES, WE CAN HAS!  And, yay, my non-Nick #3 made it through, too!  I'm actually 6 for 12!  Woot!

Meanwhile, I'm stepping away from my ZOMG over Adam Lambert.  Girlfriend needs to step away from the overdone, Christina Aquilera-esque runs during his performances (as impressed as we are that he's got those pipes) and SING A F***ING MELODY.  And stop mugging for the camera.  During the group sing... oh, man, it was just Mug City.  And the "Yayz, Iz in teh Top 12, lulz" repeat of "Satisfaction"... come on, man!  Love that they made him sweat it out against Nick, who I think we can agree, people seriously thought was gonna squeak through as a spoiler.  Really looking forward to him singing something Bowie or Aerosmith

How awkward for Alexis, Danny, and Michael to sit through the whole show on those bar stools...

Of this group, I am hoping Megan and Jessie get a wildcard shot.  Maybe Matt Giraud.  Maybe Mishavonna.  Interesting... the "hot girl with mediocre (by finalist standards) voice" category is NOT getting through in the new format.

Kris' reaction to getting in won me over (but calling this group of semifinalists the best group... I question your taste, sir!)  And, like Michael Sarver last week, his moving-on-up performance is superior to the vote-for-me performance (he fixed the beginning pitch issues, IMHO).

Hey!  It's a retrospective of Idol-crowning moments... and here's Brooke White! (or should that be "and here's Brooke White...?")  Yay, she didn't start over ;)  I always felt Brooke was last season's "should be playing small venues of her own singer-songwriter music, but her range is way too narrow for this show" contestant.  This song is very smooth, and I love that she connects with it emotionally (hint, hint, this season's contestants... don't just sing technically, sing emotionally).

Next week... Lil Rounds owns the stage, Ryan makes us all feel awkward when he talks to Scott MacIntyre, and we all get so over Nathaniel "DRAMZ QUEEN" Marshall.

2nd 12 of 36

Seacrest is wearing a short-sleeved polo shirt.  I don't understand.  When did this become casual Tuesd--- Wednesday on the main stage?

Um, yes this group has an advantage.  Merely competent or safe ≠ moving onto next round.  Especially if you didn't have screen time before.  I mean, then you kind of just have to be like "I know I'm boned, so I'm going to make the most of this one shot and hope the judges pick me to be in the wild card round.

This week's theme is the Billboard Hot 100.  Did last week have a theme?  Better the semifinals have a theme like this than last season's 60s/70s/80s, since last year every comment was like "not current, dawg."

Jasmine Murray - I kinda expected her to bust out a Beyonce ballad (Randy says Rihanna, but let's be honest, Beyonce's songs are more range-y)?  But don't think Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" is big enough to show off her voice.  But she shows me generally wrong, going on some fun runs and using the stage.  Go, Jasmine!  But, honey, lose the coat.  Hopefully her screentime will get her through because I like this girl.  The young kids, thus far, have not had great song choice.

Matt Giraud - Why is boy not playing the piano on this?  I bet he's got a bang-up, slowed-down, piano-accompanied version of "Viva La Vida" somewhere in him.  He's way too breathy for me.  But I actually understand the lyrics coming out of his mouth, which is something I often don't do with Chris Martin.  Glad he didn't do Justin Timberlake because too obvious... but that probably would've worked better for him.

Wow, two favorites felled by poor song choice.  Apparently the second group of semifinalists did not learn from last week.  Or the first seven seasons of the show.

Jeanine Vailes - One of my "Who dat?" people.  "This Love"?  Really?  This is such a staccato song, but just because a song is your favorite doesn't mean it's appropriate for you.  If you want to sing this kind of song, yeah, sing Rihanna.  Not Maroon 5.  But you know what?  And she's got some great legs.  Yes, Paula.

OMG THIS IS THE EPISODE OF BROKEN DREAMS

Nick Mitchell - OMG.  He's performing as Normal Gentle.  I can't handle it.  I just can't.  He is staying.  He's totally through to the next round.  Sanjaya.  SANJAYA!  Well, Tatas didn't get through... a girl can dream.  You know what, this is the judges' faults.  Can this please be the time the producers step in and keep him off (actually I guess if the producers intervene they'd keep him on... buzz buzz buzz).  Nick/Normal/whatever is like the genre-savvy kid who calls everyone on the Starship Enterprise on the sci-fi bullshit.

Allison Iraheta - I love this girl's red hair.  I think it has it's own personality.  Please let her not hall prey to the poor song choices of the other young kids.  OMG.  Heart's "Alone."  YES!  YES!  Even if this song is owned on Idol by Carrie Underwood.  Still, we know the heights the song can soar to.  The first performance of the night as far as I'm concerned.  I'm worried the judges will say it's too old for her?  I'm so glad they didn't.

Kris Allen - Attempting a Michael Jackson song.  Can we get a David Cooke-"Billie Jean" style brillz perf?  Or is this going to be Steven Fowler?  And does anyone know who this kid is (besides being attractive)?  He had one great moment in the middle of song and after that it got better.  I don't think the beginning was as rough as Kara implied.  Simon's comment = wildcard round (I believe the wildcard round is judges picking 9 contestants... not necessarily from the Top 36, and giving them another performance... not sure if the viewers or the judges ultimately decide which three move on from there... give Ricky Braddy from last week another shot, judges!)

Megan Corkrey - She auditioned with and is performing the same genre of song.  OMG, shockingly appropriate choice!  But it's a boring song (and not very range-y)... as catchy as it is.  And I don't think she does as well with it as she should have (not that it was bad, per se).  Megan has no stage presence and NO idea what to do up there behind the microphone.  Paula's right on the Nelly Furtado... similar facial structure.

Matt Breitzke - Tonic's "If You Could Only See."  Well, I love the song itself.  Matt actually sounds kind of similar to Emerson Hart?  This isn't a big, showy song, though.  Matt's got a better voice than this performance.  He's got great pitch, but I didn't get any "wow" here.  Pretty bland.

WHY DO ALL OF THESE SEMIFINALISTS SUCK AT PICKING SONGS FOR THEMSELVES

Jessie Langseth - Her video segment was entertaining.  She's spunky.  I don't have any idea what this song is, which upon investigation on Google, I ought to (even if it predates me).  Honestly, between Jessie and Megan for Little Miss Raspy Voice... I think Megan wins.  Jessie talks back waaaaaay too much (and too much "mm hmm" when she isn't talking).  And she needs Nicole Kidman Forehead Reduction Surgery (yes, yes, I'm a bitch... it's almost 1am and I have three more performances and Lost to get through, then sleep and work in the morning).  Simon saying she has a good voice, and her sucking up to Randy with the Q&A session could give her a chance to follow through on his advice.

Kai Kalama - "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted."  I don't know why I'm saying this now, but none of the contestants this season have attempted reinterpretations (or less-traditional covers) of these songs.  It's karaoke town.  Back to Kai... he's got a totally competent voice.  But, just like Jessie... that song had, maybe, 7 notes he needed to hit.  But, Simon... why would anyone play this song at a wedding?  Maybe a bitter divorcée's settlement party?

Mishavonna Henson - "Drops of Jupiter" by Train.  I can't remember what this girl sang before, but I do know this song has more range than Maroon 5's "This Love" so I'm hoping for better than Jeanine.  Something is up with Mishavonna's facial expressions?  I loved the soft note she injected into a number of the verse lines.  This isn't a blow-me-away, wow-factor, but considering the crapfest tonight has largely been, it's nuanced and entertaining, well... it's still a weird choice.  I don't think this performance was nearly as tragic as the judges have made it seem.  The advice to let loose and have fun is spot on, though.

Adam Lambert (PIMP SPOT!) - I'm so happy Adam has the pimp spot.  As I've said before, he's either going to be glorious or I'm going to extremely sad because he's gone all musical theater over-the-top.  His hair has grown out a lot and even though it's flat-ironed, he looks like he has Hobbit hair in the video segment (I think it's mostly that tuft over his right ear from a full-frontal angle... it's far better once he comes on stage so yay).  "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones.  So, um, did he just make love to the camera?  I think he did.  He's certainly having fun with it.  Goddamn it, I hate tenors and their ability to hit all those high notes.  GOOD LORD, that wasn't even falsetto.  There's a lot of runs.  Perhaps too much?  But I don't think it pushed it into the over-the-top place.  And I disagree with the overly emoed out all-black clothing and ONE FINGERLESS LEATHER GLOVE (and Randy not-quite-namechecks-but-refers-to Pete Wentz, Edward Cullen, and Gerard Way... yeah).  Well, I guess that answers the question of whether there's going to be a standout performance in this round... go, Adam!

Top Female: Allison Iraheta

Top Male: Adam Lambert

Next best... well, we all know Nick Mitchell is getting through... but this is a tough one otherwise.  I'd have gone with Kris Allen and either Megan Corkrey or Mishavonna Henson (who I didn't hate like the judges seemed to even though their comments weren't really about singing ability or even singing the song, but it being the wrong song and her not showing the right personality).  Kris would be my first choice of those in the case of Nick not making it through.

Thus far the show has really utilized the pimp spot to feature the best of the bunch... and they've both been guys.  Can we switch it up next week and get a girl in the pimp spot?  Lil Rounds?

3 of 12

Can I call it OR CAN I CALL IT, BITCHES!?

I think we'll be seeing more of Anoop, though.

Out of everyone, I think the poorest hand of this new elimination / advancement format was dealt to Ricky Braddy, who got no screentime prior to the performance and did well (not amazing, but very well), but went early.  And, yeah, no screentime.  Does not bode well for people in the next two sets of 12 who weren't featured.  They're really going to have to blow people out of the water to survive.

Based solely on what I remember about next week's performers and assuming no one screws the pooch, my expectations are Adam Lambert, Jasmine Murray, and... sigh... Normal Gentle (if Nick Mitchell performances as Gentle, I think he's a lock...)

12 of 36

Now this is a change of format.  I wonder how the show put each set of 12 semifinalists together... note how not all of the ringers are in a single group.  Only 3 being put through in each set (highest vote getting male and female, plus next highest vote getter), plus the judges' 3 wildcards (um, but there are 4 judges...? maybe it's one per group of 12?)

Yay!  I love this part of Idol... we actually get to HEAR THESE PEOPLE SING.

Yay!  Simon vs Ryan!

Jackie Tohn - Loved this girl in auditions.  Great personality, amazing rock-chick vocal edge.  HATE her outfit.  The backing music is way too low key.  On the other hand, it's all about her voice (and those pants...)  I suspect if she doesn't make it through, she could get a wildcard berth because her voice is so wildly different from everyone else's.  I'm with Simon on the trousers (and the song choice).

Ricky Braddy - Who?  Oh, and he's singing one of the songs I'm incredibly sick of (thank you, Cupid pilot fifth act).  Ricky starts out very lounge-y (IMHO), but I actually liked him breaking into falsetto, and I have to say he won me over.  Very smooth.

Alexis Grace - Rut roh, singing Aretha.  Love the hair.  Love the lipstick (maybe a shade too red?)  But, um, wow?  I officially hate this "send three through" thing (provided everyone is as good as the first three have averaged out to).  When it was 12 guys sing, send two home, 12 girls sing, send two home... you could count on a couple screwing up and cracking under pressure or choosing wrong songs.  Oh, good, I won the battle with the plastic bag wrapped around my Pad Kra Pao.  OMG NPH and Ted Danson in da house!  When Ryan said "and your girlfriend..." I thought Alexis was a lesbian, but then, no, it's her dad's girlfriend.  I feel bad that she's in the first half-hour because it's the least watched.

Brent Keith - Hot guy alert!  But can he sing?  WOW.  Live on-air VIDEO PLAYBACK ISSUES!  Blanchester is totally a portmanteu of something and Manchester, right?  Eh, I'm not a country music kinda guy, so it might be that, but I don't see Brent going through.  Poor, forgettable choice (once again, I agree with Simon).

Stevie Wright - Who?  She's singing Taylor Swift... who is of course known for her vocal prowess?  Oh, Stevie.  Leggings are not pants.  Don't you read GoFugYourself?  Hard to do anything with that song because there's no opportunity to go on riffs.  It's all rapid-fire lyric.  Girl's having fun, but not a lot of stage presence.  And some FLAT notes.  So, bad song choice... because of responding to judges' critiques (at least partly due to that).  HAH!  Simon says "but they listen to me" in response to Paula's "America votes" when he said Stevie won't be through to the next round (um, d'uh).

Anoop Desai - I love it when guys sing songs from female artists.  This is such a great song.  I miss the 90s.  There's a lot of backup singing... isn't there?  I wish he wouldn't hold those notes out all the time.  Give us a run!

Casey Carlson - BUBBLE TEA!  That's all I can think about.  This girl looks like a mix between Mandy Moore and Annie from 90210.  Not sure if that's a good (Mandy) or a bad (Annie) thing... I don't get the song choice for her.  Thank you, Kara, for complimenting Casey while tearing her down and ACTUALLY ADVISING HER.  You don't touch The Police, dammit.  Poor girl is going to cry onstage.  The air is completely sucked out of the room.  Why didn't this girl sing, like, "Everytime" by Britney?

Michael Sarver - Woo!  Heart this guy.  Oh, splech, he's singing the theme song from One Tree Hill.  Okay, aside from that factoid, I do like this song (separate from OTH, which as we all know, I think is landfill).  This song was waaaaay more uptempo than what I expected Michael to sing (given the songs he's performed).  Dude's got chops, though.  Put him through, America!

Ann Marie Boskovich - Oh, THAT'S who she is.  Yeah, I totally forgot her from the auditions.  Girl's got, like, a hot Celine Dion thing going on?  Love the dress.  Not as good as Alexis' take on Aretha, but I didn't think she was as bad as most of the judges made her out to be.  Certainly the second best female tonight thus far...

Steven Fowler - I want him to move from the one spot he's shaking around in.  After the judges critiqued Michael Sarver on switching the microphone between hands... Steven did it a couple of times.  He may have remembered the lyrics, but I think he was flat for a lot of the time and the song was, as Simon so often puts it, utterly forgettable.

Tatiana del Toro - This girl was so annoying (and teh dramz... TEH DRAMZ!) throughout auditions and Hollywood Week, is there any chance people will actually vote for her?  Singing Whitney Houston... you better work it, girl.  Um, what?  From the first note, the annoying girl is gone.  Can someone just not let her talk to people?  No interviews?  No video pods?  She's got a pretty damn good voice (though some of those low notes were too deep for her) and it wasn't consistent.

Danny Gokey (PIMP SPOT) - I kinda like his interview hair.  OMG he's SINGING MARIAH.  Screw Anoop's Monica song.  This is balls, man.  BALLS.  And everything we've seen of Danny says he wouldn't sing it unless he can own it because I don't think Idol had a technical singer like him (certainly not a male one) since Melinda Doolittle.  HOLY SHIZ KEY CHANGE.  Damn, boy, you deserved that m*****f***ing pimp spot.

If the gods are just...

Top Female: Alexis Grace.

Top Male: Danny Gokey (anyone else think this guy is Robert Downey, Jr in a slightly-overweight suit?)

Next best... Michael Sarver and Tatiana del Toro (I AM SHOCKÉD).

Middle of the road options who, if this semi-finals section weren't like this, would get another shot: Jackie Tohn (for the fun of it), Ricky Braddy (he was good, but early, and not great), Anoop Desai (because according to the judges he's likable), Ann Marie Baskovich.

So, basically, I'd chop 4 of these people off instead of the 9 that will be cut, and give the other 8 another chance to earn their way forward.  Life's hard, bitches.