Tuesday, March 10, 2009

American Idol - Top 13

So we FINALLY reached the real competition. It's about time. It has seriously been dragging this year! Could the show be ready to die? We won't go into that tonight, let's just get into the performances.

Quick note: two are leaving tomorrow. Simon said it was to up the pressure, but actually it's because the finale already has an air date. And in order to have two people go head-to-head there has to be a double elimination at some point. Makes sense to have it be this first one.

Tonight was Michael Jackson night. Not so thrilled with that. Don't the judges frown on people singing his songs? Whatev. Time to start.

Lil Rounds - The Way You Make Me Feel - Came out strong. Obviously comfortable and confident. Good song choice. Randy loved her "spin" on the song. Kara said that she hopes that we get to hear her on the radio one day. Paula called her a force to be reckoned with. And Simon liked it, but called it a lazy song choice.

Scott MacIntyre - Keep the Faith - He played the piano tonight. And killed. You can tell he's so much more comfortable behind the piano. He was SO good. Kara liked the message that his song delivered and that he stays true to himself. Paula said a lot of things. Good things. Simon hated it because nobody knows it. Kind of a lame excuse. But he does still like Scott. Randy thought the performance was safe.

Danny Gokey - P.Y.T. - Looked good, sounded good. Paula danced. Always a good sign. Paula said that he's on his way to the finals. Simon called the vocals brilliant, but the dancing hideous. Randy "loved it all." Kara called him joyous.

Michael Sarver - You Are Not Alone - It sounded good, maybe great. Not quite amazing, but close. But this song was super overplayed when it came out. And I'm old enough to remember that. But he is pretty dang good. Simon said he's not the best singer, but he made up for it with passion and heart. Randy said he was born for this. Kara said that tonight showed her he really can sing. Paula said it was beautiful.

Jasmine Murray - I'll Be There - It's easy to forget she's still in high school. She's REALLY good. I thought there were a few spots that could have been better, but she was seriously good. Randy said it was pretty good. Kara said she sold it and complimented her stage presence. Paula echoed the stage presence, then said that there were some moments that were better than others. Simon thought it was a little bit robotic at times.

Kris Allen - Remember the Time - I actually liked it. I didn't love it, but I definitely liked it. He played his guitar. There was one part in particular that sounded rough to me. He looks really good up there though. Hubby even commented that he looked like he was having fun. Kara was happy to see him with his guitar. Paula called him engaging and "kinda adorable sexy." Simon called the vocals okay and him likable. Randy loved the guitar.

Allison Iraheta - Give In To Me - She's very much the little rocker chick. I liked her. Paula loved her. Simon thought it was a good performance. Randy said she's one to watch. Kara told her to keep being the rocker girl.

Anoop Desai - Beat It - This is the least geeky I've seen him look yet. He's almost cute. I actually really liked him. Which surprised me because I was totally wondering if he could pull this song off. He's so obviously comfortable up there. He killed it. Totally. Paula called the song "untouchable" and thought Anoop's version was karaoke. Simon called it horrible. Randy thought it was the wrong choice. Kara said she felt "disconnected" for the first time.

Jorge Nunez - Never Can Say Goodbye - Honestly, his performance didn't grab my attention. He was good, but I just wasn't as impressed. Maybe it was the song choice. Randy said he wouldn't have chosen this song for him. Kara didn't feel connected again. Paula asked him why he chose that particular song. Simon called it corny and complained about the arrangement.

Megan Joy Corkrey - Rockin' Robin - She shouldn't dance. Her awkward little moves remind me of the dancers in the Austin Powers movies. I don't know if the song was quite right for her. She sounded good, but I don't think it was the right song to show off her voice. It was still pretty fun. Kara wants to see more range. Paula felt disconnected. Simon called it a stupid song choice. Randy questioned the song choice too.

Adam Lambert - Black or White - I just have to say: his strut when he first started was kind of sissyfied. He can rock with the best of them, I will give him that. I felt like he was shouting for most the song. But he was entertaining. Paula called him comfortable and seasoned onstage. She just loves him, let's leave it at that. Simon said it was in a totally different league than all the other performances of the night. Randy called him the most current contestant they have. Kara said she hoped MJ is watching that performance tonight.

Matt Giraud - Human Nature - He played the piano tonight, which seems to help him so much. And it totally did tonight. I think he killed it. He was much more the Matt we saw in Hollywood. Randy liked him. Kara said she hopes to see him for many, many weeks. Paula was blown away. Simon called it solid.

Alexis Grace - Dirty Diana - She's just good. There's nothing bad to say about her. She totally closed the show AWESOMELY. Kara said she was a naughty girl and she liked it. Paula liked her. Simon called it over the top. Randy said it was good, but not great.

Lil was probably the best of the night as far as the biggest crowd pleaser. But I seriously enjoyed Anoop. I'm not voting tonight though. I don't text in nearly enough times to actually make any difference. I'll just criticize the choice of the adolescents that text and dial repeatedly until they develop carpal tunnel at twenty years old.

We shall return with results tomorrow.

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