Aaaaaaaaaah!

I'm freaking out a little bit right now. As you know I'm blogging AI episodes for our local radio station (as I bombard you with a couple of them every week!)...well tomorrow morning is my first on air "interview." Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Just wanted to share.

Please excuse me now, I need to go find a paper bag to breathe into!

:op

Recap and Predictions as 2nd Group Competes for Next 3 Spots in Idol Top 12

Well, there…that was slightly uneventful now wasn’t it?! The second group of Idol contestants made it fairly easy on us all last night. Most of the suspected frontrunners fell flat and the fairly good talent certainly wasn’t mind-blowing, though quite entertaining. There was a definite advantage to being the second group to perform, having watched the hits and misses of the first group…and all the strong criticism of poor song choice last week. Thankfully, producers learned from last week also and did away with the awkward family interviews in the Red Room!
Ryan Seacrest opened the show asking America “Where else will you find a welder, a bartender, a font designer, and a comedian…only here.” Heh. I was thinking maybe at the coffee shop in Tasselboro, myself…but ok, we’ll go with what he said.

The four judges were asked for advice. Randy Jackson told contestants to ‘bring it.’ Kara DioGuardi warned them all that there are ‘no second chances.’(…except, say, the Wild Card Round next week, Kara, helloooo!) Paula Abdul ‘hopes you picked the right song’ while Simon Cowell, in true Simon-style, retorted ‘it’s too late for advice now’ as the contestants were seconds away from singing their choices from the history of Billboard’s Hot 100.


Jasmine Murray ~ “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles.
I’ve thought all along that Jasmine has star-quality. She’s one of the contestants I remember thinking could make it to the end of Season 8. She definitely paid attention last week and sang the song that Kara mentioned another contestant should have performed. Jasmine tried, but started very low in her angry rendition of the Love Song…she played it safe, and had one big note at the end, which was disappointing because she has the pipes to go very big.
Randy: ‘Yo,’ (uh-oh!) thought it ‘was pitchy all the way throughout.’ He thought she’d be singing some Rhianna, didn’t know if it was the right song, and told Jasmine she should ‘stay away from the simple melodies’ and not to try to make too much of it.

Kara: Thought Jasmine ‘started very low,’ and it wasn’t her best.
Paula: Agreed with them. She mentioned the ‘confidence you had was great.’
Simon: Was ‘disappointed.’ He described Jasmine as having a ‘great look, definitely got the attitude and the confidence, just haven’t got a great voice.’(Oh, snap!) He also thinks she’s ‘a couple of years too early.’
I: Think that was a kiss off if ever I heard one. I think this was one of the more recent hit songs to be performed on AI, but it was disappointing and Jasmine didn’t live up to her potential with this song.


Matt Giraud ~ “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.
Ah, yes, the dueling piano player, who usually puts a soulful twist on most songs…but failed miserably at doing so with this recent Coldplay hit. Maybe the problem was that it was recently performed live on an award show and it was definitely lacking the piano playing. Thank goodness Matt didn’t attempt the goofy dancing and jumping around that Chris Martin did! Speaking of jumping around, the producers switched up the judges’ remarks, in an attempt, I assume, to help speed them up.

Kara: Was ‘just not blown away.’
Paula: Thought it was a ‘risky song to pick.’
Simon: Told Matt it was ‘verging on a horrible performance’ and to ‘zip it’ when Matt said this song is where he wants to be as an artist, answering Ryan that Matt ‘doesn’t deserve a spot in the Top 12 if he wants to be like that!’
Randy: Still thinks Matt has ‘got mad talent’ but he also needs to ‘stay away from simple songs.’
I: Thought it sounded like Matt was gargling water all through the song.


Jeanine Vailes ~ “This Love” by Maroon 5.
Yay for current hit songs on AI last night!!!…or so I thought, before Jeanine came out and butchered this one, in her distractingly short shorts. I was anticipating greatness from this contestant who’s been previously hidden by producers.

Paula: Complimented Jeanine on her ‘great legs’ and that’s all she could come up with.
Simon: Thought it was ‘terrible’ and ‘painful at times’ and also thinks she has ‘very good legs.’
Randy: Agreed the ‘legs are hot’ but it was the ‘wrong song’ and even went as far to cornily say ‘the best part was the end, that it was over.’
Kara: Told Jeanine her performance was ‘very overdone.’ Jeanine replied that she had ‘been so under the radar,’ and wanted to ‘come out strong’ as noone had seen or heard her.
I: Was disappointed…I thought that AI had kept her hidden because she was outstanding. Hmmm. And I wasn’t won-over by her pitiful begging for votes either. Well, it was nice meetin’ ya, Jeanine! See ya!


Nick Mitchell…Norman Gentle ~ “And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going” from DreamGirls.
Of course we were all looking forward to being entertained by Norman Gentle…who was trickily dressed as Nick Mitchell during the intros last night. After a quick costume change during the commercial break, Norman Gentle appeared and safely sang a song we’ve heard from him already this season during auditions. I do like the guy…and agree with my friend who proclaimed the show ‘dull as hell’ until he got up on stage. The problem I have with Norman is that I don’t think he deserves to be where he is…that it’s really only the Top 35 performing because he’s obviously not taking this serious…and if he WAS being serious…he wouldn’t even be HERE!!! I’d much prefer to see Jamar Rogers (Danny Gokey’s friend) or Rose Flack in his spot, don’t you think they deserve it/want this more? And Norman could still be around to entertain during commercials and as a time-killer between performances. He made his impression on America during the auditions, and isn’t adding anything to that by singing the same song again…I definitely foresee him interviewing celebrities on the Red Carpet for Ellen or something, but enough is enough already. How sad will it be for y’all if Danny Gokey gets eliminated before Nick Mitchell or if someone like Adam Lambert didn’t get more votes than him last night and is going home?? Okay, I’ll hop off my soap box now! :op

Norman Gentle sported his white tuxedo coat complete with tails, but he stripped it off before the end of his song, along with his glasses and sweatband, leaving him surprisingly Nick Mitchell-looking by the end of the song, ’cept for the glistening shirt. His proud (I think?!) parents were watching from the crowd.

Simon: Told Nick ‘I pray u do not go through to the next round.’
Randy: Said it was the ‘most entertaining’ but the ‘vocals were definitely not happening.’
Kara: Doesn’t think Nick is a terrible singer, and ‘at least we remember you,’ even if he ‘does wear the same shirt every week, like Simon.’ Burn!
Paula: Thinks Nick is a ‘true performer.’
I: Was entertained, as usual, but still feel sorry for others who weren’t given his spot.


Allison Iraheta ~ “Alone” by Heart.
I’ve previously called Allison a Kelly Clarkson sound- and look-a-like with magenta hair. Her speaking voice is raspy, so how could her singing voice be anything but phenomenal…even if she doesn’t give the best interviews. When they announced the song choice, I got nervous for her tackling such a big song that Carly Smithson and Carrie Underwood had previously, but Allison rocked it…literally. She turned the chorus into an angry rocker chick performance, complete with electric guitar. Rockin’!

Randy: Told Allison she ‘blew it right out da box.’
Kara: Thinks she has some ‘serious chops’ and that Allison ‘doesn’t even know how good’ she is.
Paula: Proclaimed Allison ‘the best tonight.’
Simon: Edited that to ‘the best tonight by a clear mile’ even though she ‘was so boring upstairs with Ryan’ (in her interview).
I: Think she is the best so far.



Kris Allen ~ “Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson.
Another virtually unseen contestant, Kris had a lot to show us tonight. He started the song a little low, but came alive as the song became more upbeat. I think with that jaw line and fangs, if he doesn’t make it singing, just add a little eye liner and he could be on the next Twilight movie!
Kara: Thought the ‘back half of the performance was better than the front half,’ but it was the ‘wrong song,’ and ‘not as soulful as Hollywood.’ (which I guess we’ll have to take her word for, cuz we’ve never seen his HW performance!)

Paula: ‘Disagree completely.’ She told Kris he ‘nailed it,’ and was ‘charming.’
Simon: Agreed with Paula. He thinks ‘the chicks are gonna love’ him and was ‘quite proud.’
Randy: Praised Kris for performing ‘without a guitar,’ which apparently he did in HW(…but who knew?! Certainly not us!)
I: Don’t think he got enough face-time to get the votes, sadly.



Megan Joy Corkrey ~ “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae.
Another victim of adding/taking away a third name, Megan has been an Idol producer favorite since her audition. She’s the young divorced mother with a very unique sound. She stood at a mic stand and shook her hips and tattooed arm wildly and weirdly, presumably getting her dance moves from her toddler, but she sang very well.

Paula: Told Megan she chose the ‘right song,’ and called her ‘interesting, relevant, hip, beautiful,’ and told her she ‘did everything right.’
Simon: Called her a ‘funny little thing,’ thought she ‘over sang the second part,’ and he ‘hopes America votes’ for Megan.
Randy: Agreed with Simon and Paula, telling Megan she’s ‘very interesting’ with an ‘Amy Winehouse’ vibe, and he ‘loves the tone’ of her voice.
Kara: Described Megan as ‘the package artist.’
I: Like her crooning, think she puts out a Joss Stone vibe and would like to see her perform a slow song.



Matt Breitzke ~ “If You Could Only See” by Tonic.
As much as I love this song, I thought Matt would do really well. Knowing that we already have Michael Sarver, our resident “Big Guy” in the Top 12, Matt would have to go big or go home…and I think he’s going home. The song was in sort of slow motion almost, and Matt didn’t have the David Cook grrrrr in his voice needed to pull off this song.

Simon: Really likes Matt as a person, but ‘absolutely hated that song,’ and ‘would’ve talked {Matt} out of it’ had he known it was his choice.
Randy: Thought the ‘performance was so boring,’ and ‘wants a little more edge; more energy.’
Kara: Told Matt it ‘fell really flat.’
Paula: Could tell he put his ‘whole guts, whole soul into that.’ Ooooooookay.
I: Thought it was funny that Matt defended the song choice to Simon and thought that he thinks it was only the song that fell flat…when he watches it back today, he’s gonna feel dumb, cuz they were talking about him.



Jesse Langseth ~ “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes.
We didn’t hear from Jesse until she had a sing-off with Frankie Jordan on the last day of Hollywood week. Obviously, Jesse won the sing-off to perform here. She sang well, looked comfortable, but her voice is verging on whiny to me.

Randy: ‘Yo, it was an okay performance.’
Kara: Described Jesse as ‘slinky, sexy,’ told her she ‘had some issues with a few notes’ and ‘it wasn’t the rangiest song.’
Paula: ‘Found it captivating,’ and told Jesse she has an ‘identifiable sound.’
Simon: Disagreed with Paula, and thinks she’s ‘unforgettable.’
I: Agreed with Kara, I think.



Kai Kalama ~ “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” by Jimmy Ruffin.
One of the early “sob stories” of AI Season 8, Kai cares for his seizure disordered Mom, who was in the audience tonight with his brother. I like Kai’s look, but don’t think he knows who he is as an artist. The song went well, though he looked like he was doing a pee-pee dance all through it.

Kara: Thought he had ‘some pitch issues’ and the song was ‘a little old-fashioned.’ She’d like to see something ‘more contemporary.’
Paula: Told Kai he ‘sounded really good in the song, except for when it fell off pitch a little bit.’ (Well, DUH!)
Simon: Described the performance as ‘very old-fashioned’ and ‘corny.’ He thought there was ‘nothing distinct, nothing original, nothing memberable.’
Randy: Said it’s ‘not what I’m looking for.’
I: Agreed with Simon. Sorry, Kai!



Mishavonna Henson ~ “Drops of Jupiter” by Train.
After being cut during Hollywood week last year, Mishavonna has definitely come a long way. She’s only 18 and is very composed. She sounds quite a lot like Pink, imo. The song went well, although she def played it safe, without any runs or big notes.

Paula: Told Mishavonna ‘it didn’t excite me.’
Simon: Was left ‘really cold.’ He thinks she’s a ‘great singer, but acts like a 50yr old,’ and wishes she’d sing something younger and a ‘bit more fun.’
Randy: Agreed she ‘feels so much older.’
Kara: Wants her ‘to loosen up a bit.’
I: Agree that she def acts older than her age, but I really like her voice, and hope she ‘gets to bring the crazy next week.’



Adam Lambert ~ “Satisfaction” by Rolling Stones.
Saving the best for last…or at least the Producer’s favorite for last…came Adam Lambert. He’s trying to get more intimate with the audience and connect with the songs, or so he says. I don’t know if he pulled it off, but he was definitely one of the more upbeat, louder, and entertaining performers last night…even if it is borderline shrieking at times. He has an Amanda Obermeyer tone, and even sings with the same Elvis lip and tongue action as her, but played it safe with only one big note at the end.

Paula: Didn’t think she was watching AI, she ‘thought it was an Adam Lambert concert.’
Simon: Was ‘finding this one difficult. Some parts were excruciatingly bad, and some parts were brilliant.’ He described it as a ‘love it or hate it performance,’ but thinks Adam’s ‘gonna get through.’
Randy: ‘Loved it,’ calling him ‘the most current artist’ and proclaimed him ‘da bomb’ and ‘Twilight ready.’
Kara: Thinks Adam’s ‘vocal technique and ability is outrageous.’
I: Got my rocker, David Cook, last year thankyouverymuch. Adam is entertaining and has a following, but just isn’t for me…though I think he’ll go far in this competition!


My Predictions ~
Top Girl: Allison Iraheta
Top Guy: Adam Lambert
Next Top Vote Getter: While I’d like to see Mishavonna, Megan, or Kris here…I think Norman Gentle is gonna get the votes!

I guess we’ll see tonight at 8pm!! And then next week the third group performs Tuesday, with results show on Wednesday, and the Wild Card Round (which helped save Clay Aitken and Jennifer Hudson in the past) will air Thursday, completing our Top 12 for AI Season 8.

Does anyone even remember who’s left to perform next week??! Vision-impaired Scott Mcintyre, right? And the Pacitti-replacement, Felicia Barton. Oooh, and Jorge, Nathaniel and screechy Von. Idol producers just might have some entertainment left up their sleeves…

3 Down, 9 To Go...

24 MILLION votes cast last night and y’all couldn’t send a few thousand Anoop’s way?! Psssssssssssssh. (Okay, okay, that’s my only whine about last night’s result show, but I’m about to start campaigning for Anoop to be picked in the Wild Card Round. Anoop for Idol!!! I’m LadyKong and I approved this message.)

Ryan Seacrest told us there were about 10 million more votes Tuesday night than there was at this point last year. Voted through to the Top 12 were the girl and guy with the highest amount of votes, as well as the next highest “vote-getter” (as Ryan explains it), regardless of gender.
America voted after the contestants sang their choices from the history of the Billboard’s Top 100 Songs and Alexis “young dirty single mom” Grace, Michael “oil rigging daddy of 2” Sarver, and Danny “the widower” Gokey are now in the Top 12 of Season 8.

Only 20,000 votes separated Michael and Anoop…which, I guess when we’re talking outta 24 million votes, isn’t entirely a lot…I definitely underestimated the MommyBloggers voting for the hard-working, struggling family man of the show, and the TeenyBoppers voting for the guy singing the only one of these songs they’ve ever heard in their young lives (besides the butchered Taylor Swift one).

Notable mentions were Jackie Tohn, Ricky “who?” Braddy, the one and only Anoop Desai, and Tatiana “Tee-Hee” Del Toro…who surprisingly refrained herself from a breakdown on air, but I’m sure Idol producers will have some juicy behind-the-scenes footage for us next week {evil laughter}.

Those not yet put through to the Top 36 each week will go home for now, but will be brought back in early March for the Wild Card round, in which the judges pick three of the remaining contestants, completing the Top 12.

Tuesdays performers will include Megan Corkrey, Kris Allen, Mishavonna Henson, Matt Breitzke, Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Jasmine Murray, Kai Kalama, Jesse Langseth, Adam Lambert, Jeanine Vailes, and…drum roll, please…Norman Gentle, sweatband and all.

Don’t forget to vote, People! Or your favorite might not get the chance he/she deserves!!! {subliminal message: NOT NORMAN!!!}

First Group of 12 Performances, Recaps, and Predictions

It was a night of high hopes, big dreams, last shots, and poor song choices on American Idol last night. The first dozen of the Top 36 sang, starting off what Idol promised to be the most talent-filled year yet…too bad nobody mentioned to the contestants to bring their “A” games. Weeding out the greats from this group won’t be terribly difficult…of course, that’s taking for granted that America wasn’t too generous with their pity votes last night!

As Kara DioGuardi claimed being on Idol has changed her life, Paula Abdul (in true Season 7 style) tried to invoke her {failed} wisdom on contestants with her confusing advice: “You gotta hit that center stage and make magic happen in a minute and twenty seconds and if you don’t….look to the right, look to the left…whoever’s better…you’re gonna go home.” [crickets] There’s something to look forward to in Season 8...more cooky Paula-isms! Woohoo. Simon of course reminded the contestants they’ve “got one shot.” Oh, and he likes Ryan’s hair this year…mmhmm.

Jackie Tohn ~“Little Less Conversation” by Elvis.
Jackie prefaced her performance saying her “goal is to get Miss Abdul up on those feet.” She has an Amanda Obermeyer sound to her voice, except that unlike Amanda, we can actually make out the words Jackie’s singing. She was entertaining, jumping around and I thought she rocked the white/black polka dotted dress she was wearing…wait a minute…that was no dress. The camera zoomed out and the lights glistened off the chest-high spandex leggings and pleather 6-inch wide red belt…what the…? I thought, okay, she took a risk, but when her high-top sneakers took up more TV screen than she did, I tragically toned out her voice and flashed back to Paula Abdul’s video for “Opposites Attract.” You remember, the cartoon cat that she danced with had on a leather jacket and Ronald McDonald-sized high tops…yup, Jackie’s were that big.

Randy: ‘Wasn’t blown away,’ but was entertained.

Kara: Told Jackie she can ‘work a stage, girrrrrrrl.’

Paula: Liked her trousers (oh, we’re calling them trousers now??!) and thought Jackie showed she’s a ‘true performer.’

Simon: Thinks she has a ‘good voice,’ but that Jackie ‘played the clown tonight.’ He thought her ‘performance ungainly, song a bit gimmicky,’ doesn’t think she did herself any favors, and he ‘didn’t like the trousers or what your wearing tonight,’ as he eyed her huge high-tops.

I: Agreed with Simon…100%. She went for the funny and when that’s put up against what we all expected to see from the other girls’ potentially powerful performances, we thought she’d fade to the background…little did we know…


Ricky Braddy ~“A Song For You” by Leon Russell.
In the 37 or so seconds that Ricky Braddy has appeared on the previous audition episodes, I don’t think we heard him sing for more than 10 of those seconds…Last night, Ricky sang well. A little show-tuney for my taste, but he can sing some big notes!

Randy: Thought Ricky was ‘unbelievable,’ had ‘beautiful tone,’ and that ‘THIS was the start of season 8 right here.’ Ooooookay.

Kara: Told Ricky he ‘killed that,’ and described his performance as ‘amazing’ and ‘effortless.’

Paula: Mentioned his lack of on-air time in previous weeks, but was ‘proud that America gets to see how talented’ he is and that he ‘deserves to go very far in this competition.’

Simon: Wasn’t jumping out of his chair. He doesn’t think Ricky ‘has, at the moment, any star quality.’ He told him he has a ‘great voice, but you don’t have self-belief or charisma right now to be what we would be looking for this year.’

I: Agreed with Simon again. He said ‘at the moment this is a nice, shy guy with a very good voice.’ True dat. All I knew of him going into this performance was that he’s a Danny Gokey look-a-like when he wears his glasses. Ricky didn’t have his glasses on last night…but I’m thinking maybe in the future (if he has a future on AI) he should wear glasses, and hope to get some Danny Gokey votes by accident.


Alexis Grace ~ “Never Loved A Man” by Aretha Franklin.
At Alexis’ first audition before the judges, their advice for her was “to dirty yourself up.” She came to them a cute, petite, blonde mommy but they were looking for hair-dyed sexy mama…and she delivered. She must’ve gotten out some of her daughter’s kool-aid and framed her face with strawberry flavored mix, probably took a pole dancing class, and voila, AleXXXis Grace was born. Alexis did sing well, and definitely dirty…she had soul in her voice, believed what she sang and delivered a great performance.

Randy: Told her she ‘done found the dirt, done found the soul.’

Kara: Was ‘diggin’ it’ and commented on what a pleasure it has been to watch Alexis come outta her shell.

Paula: Thought Alexis was ‘fantastic, with a quiet confidence’ that she loves.

Simon: Said she was ‘by a mile, the best contestant’ out of the 3 thus far. He used her as an example against Ricky Braddy that she has the self-belief and confidence he’s lacking and told her she could be the ‘dark horse’ of the competition, and was reminded of Kelly Clarkson 8 years ago at this same stage of the competition.

I: Think Alexis definitely gave them what they were looking for, but I don’t know if she’s the ‘one to watch’ like Simon said…there are only so many songs she can snarl her lip at and get dirty with…eventually, she’ll have to be serious and composed, and I wonder if the judges will like what they see then. Meanwhile, I realized my DVR makes the TV picture jump crazily when there is a lot of white on the screen (note to self: call TWC!), and the picture jumped more than my kids did at the BounceZone when Alexis was on the screen. Somebody get that girl to a tanning booth!


Brent Keith ~ “HickTown”
I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little skeptical when it comes to Brent Keith. He’s had previous shots on a country music reality show and has recorded one song that I know of, hence the skepticism…why hasn’t this guy “made it” already? He’s got a country look to him, right down to the dimples and scruffy facial hair (think young Josh Lewis on Guiding Light), but his song choice was definitely one that didn’t showcase his vocals. It was just a fun crowd pleaser without any range.

Randy: Thinks Brent has ‘a new edge to country with the old country swagger,’ that he’s a ‘very good country artist’ and pictured him at a chili cookoff…with Simon on the steer. Thanks for THAT image, Randy!

Kara: Told him she thinks he played it ‘a little safe tonight’ it ‘wasn’t rangey enough’ and she wished he’d taken more risks.

Paula: ‘Wants America to remember his {previous} auditions’ and told Brent he should ‘go for more risk.’

Simon: Said Brent’s performance ‘was not safe, unforgettable,’ and he was the first of many contestants that he told ‘may have just blown a massive opportunity’ by being forgettable.

I: Agreed with Kara mostly…although Brent replied to Simon that he ‘doesn’t think the country fans will forget that performance.’ And maybe, they won’t…but I think I already did.


Stevie Wright ~ “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift.
Let me just start by saying that nobody can do Taylor Swift songs but Taylor Swift…and I’m not entirely sure that is a compliment. Taylor has a unique voice, albeit rather baby-ish, and not vocally strong at all. I love her songs, but listen to them more for the lyrics than to be blown away by her powerful pipes. Stevie Wright has powerful pipes, but she stifled them with this too fast, too low, too whiney, breathless song. It was a total 180 from when she sang “At Last” for her auditions and the judges told her she was trying to be too old. 17yr old Stevie then chose a song sang by a teenager and this is what she got:

Randy: ‘Wasn’t feelin’ it’ and told Stevie if they’d seen that song the first time, he didn’t know if she’d ‘be there right now.’ Ouch.

Kara: Agreed with Randy, and thinks Stevie may be in an ’identity crisis.’

Paula: Agreed with them both and critiqued the ‘low range was too low’ for Stevie.

Simon: Thought ‘it was terrible’ and told her there’s ‘ZERO chance’ she’s making it through to next round.

I: Agree with the summation of the judges’ comments…I wouldn’t say there’s zero chance, because there are definitely enough pity votes floating around…and the judges have given her some very confusing feedback about her songs, but this song choice was terrible. Doogie Howser and Ted Danson didn’t seem to enjoy it either. And what is up with everyone wearing sneakers??!


Anoop Desai ~ “Angel Of Mine” by Monica.
AnoopDogg is in the house, as Randy says. I think he could sing any song, and his voice is definitely unexpected. I have yet to read up on his southern barbeque thesis, but will have to do that soon. He played it a little safe on this song, not many runs, and should watch that he doesn’t lose control of his tongue, but overall, it was a good performance.

Randy: Has ‘mad love’ for Anoop, but ‘the whole thing was a little sharp’ for him. He told him it ‘wasn’t your best, but I’m still a huge fan.’ Ditto, Randy!

Kara: Thinks Anoop has ‘great potential’ and she feels like he’s ‘connected to what he’s singing about.’

Paula: Told him he ‘has a Brian McKnight feel’ to his voice.

Simon: Asked Anoop why he chose that song; he thought it was ‘too grown up’ for him, and a ‘bit too serious,’ but he’s ‘got massive likeability.’

I: Still think he’s great…I’m definitely massively in like with Anoop. He told Simon he chose that song because it’s all about thanks to the people behind him, and he gave credit to the band and his parents. He’s just a thankful guy, I guess…and yes, massively likeable.


Casey Carlson ~ “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police.
Only slightly more disturbing than Casey’s song choice was the faces she made while singing. She set her jaw so many times while over exaggerating the words that at one point, I thought her jaw had locked open. And we can add a #6 to when the list of things Randy does when the audition is going horribly…The Yo.

Randy: “Wow. Yo. Uh, uh, er, uh, ooh, a, oh. That was not good for me,” and he thought it ‘was weirdly karaoke.’

Kara: Told Casey that ‘everything about that was wrong’ and told her ‘nobody goes near those songs.’ She described the ‘weird dancing and motions’ as ‘so overdone’ and thought the performance ‘fell really flat.’

Paula: Thought the ‘phrasing was weird’ and that Casey wasn’t connected to the song.

Simon: Flat out told her the ‘singing was just atrocious’ and ‘doesn’t tell us or anyone what kind of artist you want to be.’

I: Agree. It was just BAD. And Ryan told her maybe she’d get the chance to do better next week. Helloooo, that’s not the way the show works this year, oh, host of ours.


Michael Sarver ~ “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw.
The gentle giant tried to go rocker, and I don’t know if he quite pulled it off. Michael has sung mostly slow songs in previous auditions and his rocker-scrunched faces, weird stomping and passing his microphone hand-to-hand 23 times in his minute and twenty seconds was a bit distracting.

Randy: Thought it ‘started out a little rough pitch-wise’ and likes Michael better on the ‘soul thing.’

Kara: Didn’t think it was his best performance, but he did ‘connect with the audience.’

Paula: Was also distracted by the mic passing

Simon: ‘Heard a lot worse tonight,’ and told Michael ‘if you get through, it’s because people like you’ (and not necessarily because his performance was great).

I: Hoped it would go better for Michael, but I’m now wondering what Matt Breitzke will do when he performs in upcoming weeks.


Anne Marie Boskovich ~ “Natural Woman”
Which is sort of an ironic song choice because judges had previously asked her to be less natural and more “star.” Anne Marie pulled off some high notes, but didn’t really connect with her eyes.

Randy: “Yo,” (see, I told you that’s not a good sign!!) he told Anne Marie that’s ‘not the right song choice’ and called it ‘subpar.’

Kara: Said it all ‘feels a bit old-fashioned.’

Paula: Thought Anne Marie was ‘less safe’ and ‘better than previous auditions.’

Simon: Told her she would win a contest for the best hotel singer in California.

I: Did see a wider range than in previous performances, a bigger voice, so to speak…but still wasn’t loving it..and who didn’t giggle at her clumsy plop down on the hard wood part of the sofa…and the awkward joking about it from Ryan. Oops.


Stephen Fowler ~ “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson.
Ryan introduced Stephen as “the guy who promises not to forget the lyrics tonight.” And immediately I thought he jinxed him…but alas, he did remember the horrible lyrics to this awkward song filled with goofy grins and squinty eyes.

Randy: “Yo, it wasn’t even in the right place for you,” he said as he explained Stephen’s pitchiness.

Kara: Didn’t think Stephen was connected.

Paula: Thinks choosing to sing this song was a ‘kiss of death’ because ‘it belongs to one artist.’

Simon: Wished Stephen had forgotten the lyrics and told him he thought it was a ‘pointless performance’ of a ‘terrible song’ with a ‘terrible arrangement’ and ‘awful keyboard’ and he even threw in ‘atrocious’ and ‘corny.’

I: Hated it.


Tatiana Del Toro ~ “Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston.
The incessantly dramatic, giggly girl definitely saw herself in a different light when she watched back the past few weeks of episodes, I think. She started the song quite low, but did great on the high notes, and does have a powerful voice hidden underneath her psychotic demeanor and horrible dresses. The whole hip-shaking as she sang ‘making love the whole night through’ was very disturbing.

Randy: Thought she ‘had some moments.’

Kara: Thinks it’s ‘like a roller coaster ride’ and isn’t sure where this ‘reserved Tatiana’ fits.

Paula: Deemed Tatiana the most talked about contestant this season, and isn’t ‘used to demure Tatiana.’

Simon: Told her she’s a ‘complete and utter drama queen desperate to be famous.’ (Well, duh, isn’t that why they’re all here…to be a famous performer??!) He thought Tatiana’s performance ‘surprisingly wasn’t bad’ and was ‘better than expected.’

I: Agree with Simon about it being better than expected, but cannot believe the judges were all begging her to be crazy Tatiana again, as they tee-hee’d her off the stage.


Danny Gokey ~ “Hero” by Mariah Carey.
It was a very smart move by Idol producers to have Danny sing last. Many fans were probably only tuned in last night to see him perform. When he goes for the big notes, it’s great. He was a little pitchy at times, but had many awesome riffs…and left Kara screaming like a…uh, never mind.

Randy: Proclaimed Danny as the ‘redeemer of the night’ with his ‘blazin’ hot’ performance.

Kara: Told Danny he ‘is the hero and gives us all hope.’

Paula: Thinks he was ‘stellar’ and ‘has two words with hypen: sold-out arenas.’

Simon: Said it ‘wasn’t fantastic, it was good’ and left Ryan talking about human organs…we’ll go with hearts.

I: Agree wholeheartedly with Simon. There’s a lot of hype to the Danny Gokey likeability factor, based on the sob story that Idol producers crammed down our throat repeatedly. I like Danny’s voice, I think he’ll go a long way in this competition (if not all-the-way, based on sympathy votes), but I think when he and the judges (and you) watch his performance back today, it won’t be as stellar as they thought…there were some harsh points.

My Predictions ~

Top Girl: Crazy Jackie Tohn, who was surprisingly one of the best female vocals last night (and funner to watch than Alexis Grace, the other top female), unbeknownst to us in the first five minutes.

Top Guy: Danny Gokey gets the votes.

Next Top Vote Getter: I’m hoping Anoop Desai, based on likeability…but I’m sure he’ll be back in the wild card round if America happens to vote for what’s-his-name with the best vocals…oh yeah, Ricky Braddy.

What about you?? Care to make a prediction?!

This Just In...Joanna Pacitti's OUT!!!

...and Felicia Barton is in.

After last night's episode aired on the west coast, FOX released the Top 36 list of semifinalists, which included Felicia Barton's name, and not Joanna Pacitti's. The press release included a note saying it has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition.

Hallelujah! Oh, sorry...did I just type that?! Yup, I did. I apologize to the Pacitti fans, but I've always thought she's had many, many, many chances to make it in "the biz" and hasn't been relevant as of yet.

We didn't get to see much of Felicia Barton's auditions, but thank goodness for youtube! A search of her name brings up a very powerful rendition of Alicia Keys "No One."



I think she's gonna do really well...why hadn't we seen her earlier??!?!

American Idol Season 8, Top 36

54 contestants converged on the Judges’ Mansion on the fifth and final day of Hollywood Week, hoping to be accepted as part of the Top 36 who’ll make it on air singing for America’s votes.

Gone are the days of the awkwardly loooooong walk across a huge room to the chair in front of the judges, and riding in an elevator while a peeping tom-like camera captures your real emotion that you think is concealed behind closed {elevator} doors…now, you have to take the stairs…by way of the garden and oddly placed over-the-top furniture.

The contestants were gathered in a holding room, where they began their trek to the judges’ room with well-wishes and crossed fingers...and ended it with tears of happiness to have made it to the Top 36 or tears of sadness for the end of their Idol journey, literally.

Here in this holding room, contestants were forewarned by Ryan that the judges remain undecided about a few of them, and that some of them may have to ‘sing for your life,’ as Simon so poetically put it.

Anoop Desai was the first contestant to make the trip up to the room where the four judges reigned from their poshly over-stuffed red thrones. Producers flashed back to his Group day performance and more of his “My Prerogative” solo. The decision, judges said, was unanimous…he made it to the Top 36. (YES #1)

Von Smith didn’t appear in Hollywood week again after his disturbing faces and screeches during his a cappella audition Simon described as ‘indulgent nonsense’ and child-like. Von told cameras “This is why I’m alive…” Well, you can go on living, Von, you made it to the Top 36. (YES #2)

Cody Sheldon and Alex Wagner-Trugman became fast friends during Hollywood week. No surprise there, they’re both equally and awkwardly nerdy. Cody went upstairs first and was singing a terribly off key, rushed, and breathless song when Alex arrived in the hallway and realized what was about to happen...the first sing-off of the day. Alex’s song was much more on-key and he was put through (YES #3) and it was the end of the road for Cody Sheldon, the young horror movie maker.

It’s no secret I don’t enjoy Adam Lambert, but he does bring an original edge to Idol that no one else does. He’s not the awkward nerd or the country guy or the rocker chick (obviously), but I’m not certain what his label is. I don’t think it’s the rocker persona that he’s been trying to portray, and I think Kara’s comments from his a cappella audition rang true. She said “it’s too music theatre, I’m not touched,” and it 'wasn’t genuine.' Still, he’s been a judge favorite since the beginning and we’ll see what America thinks of him when he performs in the Top 36. (YES #4)

As Idol broke for commercial, we caught glimpses of upcoming footage and I flashed on how greatly dramatic it would have been for the judges to make Danny Gokey and his BFF Jamar Rogers have a sing-off. Would it happen? Hmmmm.

A montage of YES’ followed, including Taylor Vaifanua, Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Carlson, Megan Corkrey, Mishavonna Henson, and Stevie Wright. (YES #5-11) There’s a lot of young talent in this group of girls. Young girls who are hoping for a break and to make it big.

A girl who’s already had a big break in Hollywood, including a record deal, album cut, and videos made is Joanna Pacitti. She’s also been a judge favorite, despite forgetting the lyrics of most of her Hollywood songs and asked them to “give me a shot.” Ummm, sorry honey, but you already had yours! Every contestant here is vying for the chance to do everything you’ve already done in your short life and make themselves relevant in the music industry…which…obviously, you didn’t. I don’t think America is going to stand for that, but the judges did, and Joanna made it to the Top 36. (YES #12)

TK Hash (Paula’s fav returnee from last year) and two previously unseen contestants Chris Chatman and Reggi Beasley didn’t make it.

Kendall Beard did, though. (YES #13) The judges described her as ‘commercial,’ having ‘the whole package,’ but told her she chose boring songs. I think Simon needs a t-shirt made quoting his “We came all the way to Puerto Rico and the first contestant we put through is a blonde Texan.” :-D

Our second sing-off of the day was between Jenn Korbee, who auditioned with her husband Tom (but passed him after Hollywood group auditions) and Kristen McNamara who survived the wrath of Omarosa 2.0 during her group performance. They each sang and the judges told Jenn it was the wrong song choice and she hasn’t been connecting to her songs. Kristen was told she has a strong voice but is having an identity crisis and the way she dresses is ‘off-putting.’ Judges deliberated and we overheard Simon ask “Do you want the attractive blonde or the other one?” The girls were called into the room and Simon told Kristen she made it through, but he absolutely disagrees with the decision. (YES #14) There's a confidence booster. Yikes!

Three names we have heard a lot so far this season are Alexis Grace, Scott Mcintyre, and Lil Rounds. Not surprisingly, they’re all through to the Top 36. (YES #15-17) Alexis was upset and obviously torn over leaving her baby girl to follow this dream, which will inevitably benefit her little family in the long run, hopefully. Lil Rounds, being a mom of three, can probably sympathize with Alexis. Both are great singers, Alexis is more soulful while Lil has been trying to knock out way too many Whitney Houston songs. I’ve never been as ‘blown away’ by her songs as the judges have been. She did seem rather cocky before her walk upstairs. Thankfully, Simon told her that looking back at the footage it wasn’t “as clear cut as you think.” High-five Simon! (And thankfully, no awkward high-five attempts were made by Ryan Seacrest, who was left hanging by Scott Macintyre earlier this season)

A few less-seen contestants were turned down, including Felicia Barton, Ashley Hollister, and Devon Baldwin.

Frankie Jordan was a Salt Lake City standout. She is an ‘edgy’ sahm with a ‘great personality’ who judges said ‘overcooked’ her group song in Hollywood. Jesse Langseth is a raspy-voiced, confident singer from Kansas City. Both girls chose horrible songs for their sing-off. After Frankie’s song, Simon said she “definitely made it easier” for them to decide…which may have been a compliment, had it come from anyone other than Simon Cowell! The judges deliberated and Simon argued “neither” girl make it. Jesse Langseth was put through (YES #18) and Frankie Jordan returned home, pushing her baby’s stroller. And in true Simon-style, he told her “If it’s any consolation, Frankie, you wouldn’t have won anyway.” Ouch.

Shera Lawrence (WHO??!?) told the judges this was a tough day because she sees “people and thinks maybe this is the last time I’m gonna see them.” “Uhhh, Shera, it is,” Simon informed her. She didn’t make it, and neither did Derik Lavers…another unknown-to-date contestant.

Allison Iraheta, a 16yr old Kelly Clarkson look-and-sound-a-like with some seriously magenta hair from the San Francisco auditions made it through. (YES #19) Kara proclaimed her to have ‘raw, natural talent.’ I look forward to actually hearing some of it.

Then came the much anticipated Danny Gokey/Jamar Rogers judgments. I still held onto the hope of a drama-filled sing-off, but apparently Idol producers are less cruel than I (for once) and the guys went upstairs separately. Not surprisingly, sob-storied Danny Gokey made it through (YES #20) and his true friend and support Jamar Rogers didn’t. Judges told him “you’re a good singer, but you’re not gonna be here this year,” and Paula and Randy told him to come back. Whaaaaaaat?! I hope he gets a backbone and goes to find another way to make a break into the industry and not wait around for Season 9. It may be hard to believe, but American Idol is not the end of the world. Jamar told cameras this is “far from the end of the road for me.” I hope he follows it to another music label!

Ricky Braddy, Matt Giraud, Ju’Not Joyner, Jorge Nunez-Mendez, Brent Keith, and Stephen Fowler made up the next montage of contestants who made it through to the Top 36. (YES #21-26) Despite Stephen’s forgetting the words twice and walking away from the keyboard while singing “Time of My Life” (I had previously written it was David Cook’s “Light On” he walked away from…I knew it was one with easy and well-known lyrics, I was just so distracted by him forgetting them, I guess!).

The integrity of Idol as a show is now in question, based on the judges putting through Nick Mitchell to the Top 36. (YES #27)…or should I say when they put through Norman Gentle?! Nick Mitchell showed up for the judgment but wasn’t put through until he told the judges “In my dream, I’d be able to do the character…” And Paula told him "that is what we all are looking for. You made it through.” Huh? He’s purely there for entertainment purposes, but talk about identity crisis! I would be furious if I’d been refused past this point while that shmuck (no matter how likeable of a shmuck he is) was put through!

Jackie Tohn was an easy choice for the Top 36. (YES #28) Her voice is smoother and less-screechy during slow songs, and her face less scrunched, than in upbeat songs. She has a David Cook grrr to her voice that will hopefully help her go far in the competition.

A not-so-easy choice was Tatiana Del Toro. She came screaming into the judges’ room, and I still hear that horrible voice and annoying laugh echoing in my head most nights. Watching back her Hollywood audition, I surprised myself by thinking maybe she had a good voice…but that all went out the window when producers decided to edit in the clip of her mid-screech claiming she’s ready to “prove to every guy who said I’d have to sleep with him to get my album out.” After Paula noticed her wearing a Paula Abdul star bracelet, she gave Tatiana the matching ring from her finger...and I couldn't help but wish it was her consolation prize as they were about to walk her out the door...but alas, the judges told her she’s Top 36 and Tatiana screamed back out of the room. (YES #29) Crap. I don’t know how much more of her I can take.

I don’t think Nathaniel Marshall wanted to take much more of her either, based on the faces he made when she came happily screaming back into the holding room. He’s an equally drama-filled contestant who found himself in a sing-off with his friend, Jackie Midkoff. Jackie sang “When A Man Loves A Woman” not-so-great, but with a country twist, and as we watched his previous auditions, I didn’t remember liking him as much as I did then.

Just when I thought we’d finally be rid of one of the drama queens, Idol producers decided to throw one last sob story at us…the life and times of Nathaniel Marshall…mom in prison, living with grandma, yada yada yada. NOOOOOOOOOO! I screamed at the TV, predicting the inevitability of the judges’ move. KEEP THEM BOTH! I begged them (surprisingly, no children were awoken in my home). But to no avail. Jackie Midkoff was sent packing with a request from Randy to come back next year, while Nathaniel Marshall and his skinny red jeans and multiplying-by-the-day headbands will return. :o( (YES #30)

Another contestant who Idol producers have been hiding, Jeanine Vailes, was put through to the Top 36. (YES #31) As was early sob story favorite, Kai Kalama, who is singing for his seizure- disordered Mama. (YES # 32) Of course we’ll be hearing more from Anne Marie Boskovich and some guy named Kris Allen. (YES #33-34)

The final sing-off of the day, and auditions, was between Matt Breitzke "the welder daddy" and Michael Sarver "the oil-rigging daddy." We’ve seen more of Michael’s auditions on air, and Matt had been critiqued as ‘just a good bar singer.’ Oh no! There’s only room for one manly oversized guy trying not to look like Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel Air when they danced to their 50’s music, right??! If I hadn’t been keeping track of the number of yes’ thus far, and if there wasn’t only 1 minute 59 seconds left of the episode, I never would have guessed that both these men would have made it through to the Top 36. But, I did…and so did they. (YES #35-36)

Well, there. So I guess Idol producers do need to take a look at their employees, ‘cause it does appear that the leaked Top 36 list was accurate. Finally, it’s time for America to begin voting, and the results will be far from predictable in these early stages, I’m sure!

The Top 36 will be broken into three groups. Each group will sing on Tuesday over the next three weeks, followed by America’s voting each Tuesday evening, and a live results show each Wednesday. From each group, America will choose which three contestants will proceed: the top-voted male and female contestant, as well and the next top-voted contestant, regardless of whether it’s a male or female. This will repeat for the next three weeks, at which time America will have chosen 9 out of the Top 12, and the judges will choose the remaining 3 contestants in a wild card round.

This Tuesday's singers are: Casey Carlson, Stephen Fowler, Jackie Tohn, Ricky Braddy, Anne Marie Boskovich, Brent Keith, Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, Stevie Wright, Danny Gokey, Tatiana Del Toro, and Anoop Desai.

I can’t wait to see what songs they all choose!! My early favorites are...practically ALL of them. Who are yours?!

American Idol Top 36 are Revealed Tonight! 8pm on FOX

We caught a glimpse of the Top 36 last night, now it's on to the Judge's Mansion (new this year) to reveal the Top 36 one contestant at a time. I'd love to hear who your favorite contestants are! I believe it's going to be the guys' year as the judges had predicted early on...the guys definitely seem to have more powerful vocals than the ladies.

I like Anoop "Anoopdogg" Desai, a lot. Have you looked him up on youtube? His Clefhangers concerts look very entertaining, but I don't know if he can make a song his own. I guess we'll see soon! Of course, there'll be Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver giving him a run for his money.

I can't recall a favorite female contestant...though there is an obvious dislike!! Tatiana Del Toro, prom dress girl who thanks and loves everybody, even the boom holder. How ridiculously annoying is she? And talented?? I haven't seen it yet!

I remember liking Casey Carlson early on, but Idol seems to be hiding her voice...which is more than than she hid in her pics on campusgirls dot com!

I did find Michael Castro and Leneshe Young...in the holding room that didn't make it to the next round. And how crazy is it that Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle is still in this? I think he can sing, but doesn't have the whole package...so he dressed it up in a crazy Night at the Roxy shirt and acts out to distract the judges...it's woooooooooorking! Nick obviously doesn't have confidence in himself...and frankly, neither do I.

Contestants got to audition with an instrument if they chose. Dueling Piano playler Matt Giraud did well, imo. And I was looking to see Scott Macintyre (tunnel-vision blind piano player) be more comfortable behind the keyboard, but he was visibly nervous, his hands were shaking when he sang a previous Idol song. I must have been thinking out loud while our family watched AI last night, because my 8yr old said, "'he's too nervous, Mom, I can see it in his eyes.'" Uhhhhh...apparently someone hasn't been paying attention to the interviews! :op

Many great singers forgot the lyrics in their individual Hollywood auditions, including the girl we all love to hate 'cause she's already had a record deal, Joanna Pacitti...and Stephen Fowler pulled a Brooke White (complete with keyboard) and restarted his song, Dave Cook's "Light On." But unlike Brooke, Stephen fudged it up a second time, and did a walk of shame off the stage...He was placed in a holding room with Joanna and many others who had forgotten their lyrics, making the contestants who hadn't forgotten theirs, very nervous. But their room made it through to the next round...tonight's episode.

Tonight is the 2-hour reveal of the Top 36 contestants. This is the "we-reviewed-the-tapes-and-you're-just-not-that-good" episode. Can't wait to see them all...and if Paula has a stiff neck from that necklace she wore...what was that made out of, frying pans?!

Kati

As Promised, Group Auditions = Drama!

“Forget the words, you’re OUT!” Simon’s voice echoed through the Kodak Theatre. Suddenly, any contestant who thought they had their group routine down was in an instant panic.

Contestants broke off into groups of 3 or 4 late in the previous evening. Drama ensued as some contestants were left without a group wandering shamelessly begging to be a part of someone else’s. Holy flashback to the kickball days of getting picked last for the teams! The groups chose songs, learned the words and tried to get some movements down to impress the judges, many of them working into the wee hours of the morning, or not getting any sleep at all.

I have to question the whole group performance day. I mean, this is a contest for the next American IDOL, singular, right? We’re not looking for the next boy band, here judges! Why the runaround? Answer: great TV drama, obviously…this one episode is as close to “reality TV” as we’re gonna get from AI. From here on out, it’s all posed interviews and happy faces…and Ford commercials.

Sadly, many favorites were sent home this evening due to the fact that they were so caught up in the drama and forgot their words, or the group performed so poorly together that it just made their own voice sound that much worse. And, even though Simon didn’t stick to the ‘one shot’ deal Tuesday evening, the judges definitely followed the ‘forget the words, you’re out’ warning. Rose Flack (sweet young orphan with dreads) and Austin Sisneros (the blond Archuleta) forgot their words, as did Emily Wynne-Hughes, whose band was scheduled to go on tour in Europe before she got her Golden Ticket and canceled. Ouch.

Thankfully, several divas were sent home, including Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell and Nancy Wilson, who is sure to give Omarosa a run for her money in future reality TV, I’m certain, after their drama-filled auditions. But, the only shot of Deanna Brown and David Osmond we saw last night was of their faces when they were cut from the competition. WHAT?!!?! Idol cut an Osmond?? Their Utah viewer ratings just took a huge nosedive!

Not to worry though, there is still some serious talent in the remaining contestants. We all know Joanna Pacitti can sing, she has had a previous record deal after all. And Brent Keith Smith made it to Hollywood in Season 2 and was a contestant on Nashville Star previously. Jackie Tohn’s a little crazy for my taste, and Adam Lambert a little screechy, but they’re both still here. As are Casey Carlson, Frankie Jordan, Jorge Nunez-Mendez, Jasmine Murray, Lil Rounds, and many others.

Matt “dueling piano player” Giraud, Michael “oil rigging daddy” Sarver, Danny “widower” Gokey, Jamar “Danny’s friend” Rogers, and Matt “welder daddy” Breitzke all had stellar group auditions!! Idol judges have been quoted in articles saying this year is full of male talent, and these guys certainly are evidence of that!

We didn’t see Von Smith sing anything after Tuesday’s catastrophic audition. Nor have I seen Anoop Desai perform for a couple days (besides the teaser at the end for next Tuesday’s show) and where is Leneshe Young? I think she might’ve been in a crying contestant montage and I missed it. :o( They didn’t air Scott Macintyre’s group performance (but really, how evil was it to make the blind guy learn choreography with a group?), and where is the super sweet Kai Kalama who takes care of his mom?

I think American Idol producers are still holding back a few contestants from the viewing audience. Contestants we haven’t even seen perform yet. Presumably, they’ll have some talent. We never met Jason Castro last season until he was in the Top 24. And while we’re on the subject of Castro brothers…where are they hiding Michael? We only saw him celebrating Tuesday, but I didn’t spy him last night, did you?

There are two more Hollywood Week episodes next week, when individual auditions reconvene, and contestants get to audition while playing instruments if they wish, which is when Brooke White shined last season. I can’t wait to hear some big talent, even though I’ll miss Rose Flack and feel sorry for Emily Wynne-Hughes…but here’s hoping someone scoops them both up onto a record deal before they have to swallow their pride and come back for American Idol 9!

Either Idol Needs New Plumbin,’ or This Guy’s Full Of…

I’ve been looking forward to last night’s first of four AI Hollywood episodes all weekend. The Little Engine That Could climbed his mountain chugging “I think I can, I think I can, choo choo!” and I as I conquered our ever-hemorrhaging laundry pile over the weekend, I quietly chanted “Two more days…one more day, woo hoo!”

That was before last night, when I discovered that (supposedly) the Top 36 list of American Idol semi-finalists has been “leaked” onto blogs and into email inboxes everywhere. I read the list…and I might even post it below, but now I just feel like the little kid who’s older sister told me everything I’m getting for Christmas ’cause she went shopping when mom got my presents (Thanks again for that, Sis!). Of course I still want to watch, but there was less height in my skip to the couch last night.

Season 8 Hollywood Week began with a warning from Simon that everyone gets “one shot.” And then it was Boot Camp day where, for the first time, contestants met with stylists, vocal coaches and received an inspirational visit from Barry Manilow. ½ of the contestants would then audition, while the rest went on a sightseeing tour until their auditions the next day. That’s the group to be in right there!

8 contestants line up in front of the judges and sing one song a capella, then pass the mic down the line to the next person. The first round of auditions proved that Simon’s “one shot” may not have been as strict (nor singular) as it sounded, seeing as Lil Rounds sang Whitney…not so great and Von Smith sang a terrible song disturbingly bad and I was momentarily paralyzed by the horrible sound coming from his vocal chords and his distracting facial movements…though not quite as shocked as he was to be put through to the next Hollywood round.

If those auditions didn’t show us that the judges weren’t taking this as serious as they sounded…how about the fact that Nick Mitchell, a.k.a. Norman Gentle, survived another day?! While I must admit he gets me giggling, I can’t help but feel sad for him. I think Nick Mitchell can sing, but Norman Gentle doesn’t think he’s got the whole package and is only prolonging their inevitable rejection from American Idol. Who knows? Maybe Nick will come back in the group round and shock us all, but I’d quicker think that Norman will be making guest appearances on the Ellen show or Jay Leno. It’s been fun anyway!

Judges attributed the wrong song choice to much of the failed auditions, including Jessica Furney (who takes care of her 93yr old grandma), Jesus Valenzuela (who brought his two little boys into his first audition), Sharon Wilbur (who brought her doggie Sasha), Patricia Lewis Roman (who’s family had a mini-parade after her first audition), and 16yr old Monique Garcia Torres (who’s little brother had more confidence in her than she had in herself), obviously.

An FBI agent named Erika Wesley, who hadn’t been on air before today, was the only one of her line of eight contestants who did not make it through, and came back to confront the judges politely, yet forcefully. Her occupation is listed as FBI agent, and Paula said she ‘was a fan, but was beat down by the others.’ I think she just didn’t want her name “accidentally” placed on Homeland Security’s Watch List once Erica gets back to work. Simon, Randy, and Kara may find flying a little tricky these next few months. {evil laughter}

I was excited to hear from Emily Wynne-Hughes once again. She’s the red-streaked blond haired Barracuda singing girl from the Phoenix auditions. Emily had practiced with the vocal coaches on a 1940’s song and got rave reviews from them, but once on stage, Emily panicked and belted out a No Doubt song that did NOT showcase her smooth vocals at all. I was sad to think she’d be leaving, but once again Simon proved the “one shot” deal was lax when the judges (nay, producers) wanted a star to return…Emily will be returning for group auditions.

Out of the 147 who received a Golden Ticket to Hollywood (although I only counted 138 online), 104 will return for Group auditions, including a few names we all surely recall: David Osmond, Rose Flack, Adam Lambert, Jorge Nunez-Mendez, Jasmine Murray, Frankie Jordan, Alexis Grace, Scott Macintyre, Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell {eye roll}, Danny Gokey, and Anoop Desai…who I have to say is my favorite so far. Mostly, I think, because he wasn’t thrust on us as one of the AI’s “sob stories” this year, but also because I found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5O1O06m14s

Puzzling to me was the absence of some contestants, such as Michael Castro, Joanna Pacitti, and Anne Marie Boscovich. We did catch glances of them celebrating their promotion to the next round, but weren’t shown their audtions. Oh well, I guess AI is holding them back for the four hours of Hollywood week left to view (Wednesday February 4th 8-9pm, Tuesday February 10th 8-9pm, and Wednesday February 11th 8-10pm, when the Top 36 will be introduced).

Tonight should be a fun episode! Group audtions = DRAMA, and I do love me some drama :o)

How Rude!

We took the monkeys shoe shopping over the weekend and while at a double-laned stoplight, waiting for the green light, we heard another car rudely honk his horn (a MAJOR pet peeve of KingKong)...

KingKong (as he turned around to look behind us): What the F? Who
just tooted??!!
MonkeyButt (from the backseat): Me.