AI: Top 9

Don't feel much like blogging since I haven't felt well the past few days and Addison suddenly came down with some illness overnight and I had puke duty. I'm exhausted from lack of sleep, lack of food, dehydration...and not feeling very creative. So, I'll be brief.

1. Anoop Desai - I didn't like the song or the performance. His look is improving a bit and I thought his stage performance was better.

2. Megan Joy - The song she sang is still not along the lines of what she should be singing, and again I'm left unimpressed. Where did the eclectic singer I liked go? Not feeling it, Megan.

3. Danny - good as usual...though not my favorite song. That's what makes this NOT my favorite performance of his. Ah well, we'll see what next week brings.

4. Allison - looks reedikulus. Go home. The instrument didn't help either. Somebody needs a metronome.

5. Scott MacIntyre - not bad, but it's nearly time for him to go. I like him, but we all know he won't win. He really doesn't have the vocals.

6. Matt Giraud - I didn't like it. Paula was right, it wasn't really him.

7. Lil Rounds - Holy smokes. I thought when I first saw her that she looked gorgeous tonight, but that dress...not flattering. Song was weak at first, but she pulled through at the end.

8. Adam Lambert - I wouldn't expect any different.

9. Kris - Wow. Good job! But Kara? "I've got 3 words for you: That Is Artistry!" Seriously? Those are 3 dumb words. I was expecting something a little more profound than that. Nice try though. Still, Kris you might have been the best of the night.

Who's it gonna be? Who's it gonna be?

We've got Matt and Michael in the bottom three. I don't think Matt should be there, but Michael probably should be. Much to my dismay, Allison is still safe this week. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's going to be Megan. Now, I like Megan, but she did awful last night. What the...? It's Scott. Huh. I'm hoping it's Michael going home still. The suspense is killing me. I definitely thought Matt would be going back to his seat, but alas, it's Scott.

Can I just say here that that duet with Joss Stone and Smokey Robinson was terrible? I started fast forwarding about halfway through. It was painful. Ugh. I also have to say that Simon's tshirt looks like a cheap-assed undershirt that's been washed way too many times. Come on Simon.

See, now they have professional artists singing on the show and it's quite obvious that they are singing live...not singing along with recordings of themselves. I sing along to recordings too, does that make me a potential idol if I can sing along? Get real. Also, lately whenever I've heard Stevie Wonder performing, he doesn't seem to be on his game. He seems to struggle for his mic and the harmonica playing has been atrocious.

MICHAEL IS GOING HOME! Please, don't save. Please don't save. Oh, thank god, he didn't get the save. He's still a cutie though.

FOXNews.com - 'American Idol' Admits Pre-Recorded Vocals Used on Group Numbers - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment

FOXNews.com - 'American Idol' Admits Pre-Recorded Vocals Used on Group Numbers - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment

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“Due to extensive choreography and to balance their voices with open mics against a screaming audience, the Idols do sing along to their own prerecorded vocal track during the group performances only," Do they think it sounds better that they are singing along to their own prerecorded vocals? How ridiculous. I saw this about the performance last week, but his week you could really tell. I'm very upset that they've taken the amateur nature out of the group performance. As cheesy as they always are, I'm offended that AI thinks this is okay. Boo on you!

American Idol: Top 10

Okay, the obligatory "Motown Week"...we do it every year. I'm hoping they don't disappoint.

1. Matt Giraud - "Let's Get it On" - Well, Smokey was all full of compliments for him. I think he made a good choice playing the piano on this one. The tempo was very weird. Fast and slow. I also didn't like that the music was so soft in the background. I have to wonder if they were having mic problems. I wasn't impressed overall. He had good moments, but overall I didn't care much for it. (apparently the judges didn't agree with me)

2. Kris Allen - "How Sweet It Is" - Oh boy, he's consistently fell short of impressing me. Well, not bad Kris. Much better than Matt, I thought.

Paula actually looks halfway normal tonight. With the exception of the prom-y dress, as long as she's sitting, she looks good.

3. Scott MacIntyre - "Can't Hurry Love" - Ah man, who dressed him? Not nice. His hair is looking a little more tamed lately though so I'll forgive the pink pants...for now. Um...well, what can I say? I thought it was a good arrangement, but not the best performance. I can see him doing wonderfully in the studio. He's so cute when he's bouncy.

4. Megan Joy - "For Once In My Life" - Smokey said she's one of the most original performers they've had on the show. I'd agree. Not sure about this song though. Again, I think she'd do much better in a studio. She seemed like she was pushing this song too hard. I don't feel like we heard the Megan we've heard before.

5. Anoop Desai - "Ooo, Baby, Baby" - I don't think Anoop gets the credit he usually deserves. He has incredible control of his vocals. On the downside, I think he slowed this song down waaayyy too much. Although he performed well, it almost bordered on boring because it was so slow. He'll be alright though.

6. Michael Sarver - "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" - WTH? Paula pretty much thought it was horrible...strange. I didn't think it was that bad. Huh. I mean, certainly, again, not the best, but I didn't hate it.

7. Lil Rounds - "Heat Wave" - If I hear one more time "she could sing the phonebook", I think I'll scream. I mean, honestly. I don't like her look at all. The flapper dress looks silly. Not on board with the vocals either, but everyone loves her, so they'll probably disagree. Hm. Mostly all the judges agreed but Paula who thought she was amazing and looked amazing. I agree it was not the right song.

8. Adam Lambert - "The Tracks of My Tears" - Not sure I like the slick look. Just because you're singing Motown doesn't mean you have to wear the costume (Lil!). It was good. He's about the only one who really puts the emotion into his performances and songs. I really feel like he feels the song...at least he acts like it, which is his thing I guess - acting. I'm hoping he's genuine. I have a hard time reading him. How awesome to have Smokey stand up after his performance! The whole evening has been very disappointing and there isn't anyone I was ready to vote for...but he brought it back.

9. Danny Gokey - "Get Ready" - He owned the stage and did an awesome job. I can see this being a competition between Danny and Adam now. A real professional! I disagree with Simon "clumsy"? Whatevah.

10. Allison Iraheta - "Papa was a Rolling Stone" - pheh.

In summary, everyone sucked but the last 3. Not sure who will get kicked off after last week. I still can't believe they took Alexis out. I'm going to throw out Michael as my pick to go tonight.

Top 11 BOOTOFF

Ah man. I gotta listen to Allison for a little while longer.

Carrie Undersood isn't looking so much like skin and bones anymore which is a good thing...but maybe it's the dress. She was looking awfully sickly skinny though for awhile. I'm glad to see she's looking healthier.

I cannot BELIEVE Alexis was the bottom in voting. That's ridiculous. I think it definitely should have been Michael and how nerve-wracking to have to sing in front of the judges while they are huddling together trying to decide whether or not to keep her. I feel badly for her especially since they aren't really watching her. Apparently it didn't pay off...and I'm sorely disappointed.

Idol Top 11

So, I downloaded the iPhone app last week for American Idol. I can read everything I never wanted to. They also have confessionals each week (though yesterday it was still at week 1 - not sure I can wait a whole week for updates)...am I obsessed? Anyway, when you see the contestants speaking candidly about their experience I think it really makes or breaks them for me. Now, one person I wasn't crazy about was Adam Lambert, but after watching his confessional, he's growing on me. On the other hand, Allison is still wearing on my nerves.

1. Michael Sarver - "Ain't Goin' Down til the Sun Comes Up". Oh, Michael. That was atrocious. What can I say about it other than it was awful! He coulda picked any song he wanted...country is his genre, but I thought it was just terrible. I know it's a difficult song because it's so fast paced, but you could practically hear him gasping for air. He might be going home.

2. Allison Iraheta - "Blame it on Your Heart" - She may have a mature voice, but she's not. Sure, she's different and I like her voice, but her personality is like nails on a chalkboard. To add to her immaturity, those braces...I would think if you're going on a weekly televised competition, you might have those taken off for awhile. She looks like a little kid even if she doesn't sound like one when she sings. I still think her mom looks like Martha Stewart. I'm not sure precocious is good.

3. Kris Allen - "To Make You Feel My Love" - Garth Brooks is getting a run tonight. I'm not sure that it should really count if a country icon sang the song. This was not a Garth Brooks song. He just sang it and Kris wasn't even singing the same version, so isn't it really a Bob Dylan song and was Bob Dylan even a member of the Grand Ole Opry? Hm. He's probably still safe since he sounded good, but who doesn't sound good singing this song (except maybe Bob Dylan - obviously I'm not a huge Bob Dylan fan, but he was robbed for credit here).

4. Lil Rounds - "Independence Day" - Seriously, the only country music she's heard was from movies? Not sure I appreciate such a closed-minded musician. I like an artist who can appreciate and knows music from all genres. I don't like that they twanged up the song for her...not necessary and seems fake. The beginning was shaky and I think she only picked the song for it's strong chorus. But not the best choice. The judges were right that she could have picked any other song and been stronger. She could have. She certainly came across as uncomfortable and forced.

5. Adam Lambert - "Ring of Fire" - Um, Randy Travis quite obviously didn't like him. At ALL! Whew. That was akward. So, this was certainly Adam...but I might have nightmares. His Elvis persona came out in this song. Being different. It was funny how melodic some of it sounded, but then went right into creeeepy...but strangely I liked it. I didn't see Randy Travis' wife clapping and I thought that was kind of rude. It was still a good performance, odd as it was. I hope Johnny Cash would have been able to appreciate it for what it was. I dunno, the country followers can be quite closed. It's scary.

6. Scott MacIntyre - "Wild Angels" - I agree it was a weird song choice. I had a hard time hearing him at certain points, I think it was too low, but it certainly picked up. Not bad. He hasn't really blown me away yet though. Well, except for that whole playing piano and singing together thing. I'm impressed by that.

Oh, Paula...you are really getting too old to be wearing tops that low cut. You do not have an attractive chest...it's yucky. Put a sweater on and cover that stuff.

7. Alexis Grace - "Jolene" - who the hell thinks she looks like Dolly Parton? So, not. Brooke White sang this last year and I think I remember the judges hating it. This is a much better version. Good job Alexis! I don't think this is an easy song to sing...but she did an amazing job. Does Simon have some kind of attention deficit or something? Man, he's squirrely. Alexis seemed very annoyed by the judges criticism. I don't like when they talk back. Still.

8. Danny Gokey - "Jesus Take the Wheel" - Poor Danny, gettin all nervous with Randy T. It's cute he got all star struck. Interesting song choice, but he's good. I think he did very well. Even with the standard "pitch problems" he sounds amazing. Reminds me so much of David Cook last year. Just raw, natural talent. I love him, and I don't usually like male singers much, but I'd buy his albums. This might even deserve the actual CD so I can drool over the pictures in the insert! :)

9. Anoop Desai - "You're Always on my Mind" - Not bad Anoop...not bad. I think he'll be sticking around for awhile. I hope anyway. I like to hear him sing.

10. Megan Joy - "I Go Walking After Midnight" - Perfect song choice for her style, I think. She looked gorgeous too. Wonder what makes the contestants change their names. I mean, she goes from Megan Corkrey to Megan Joy Corkrey to Megan Joy. There were some really sharp notes, but considering she's sick, she did well. Still like her.

11. Matt Giraud - "So Small" - Interesting that the guys are picking all these chick songs. I'm a little annoyed that Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and Garth Brooks are the top picks for the evening when there are so many amazing country artists and country songs. Maybe the pool of songs was small, but overall I'm disappointed with the evening. Disappointed with this song too. I really didn't care for this performance. I think it could potentially send him home, but I thought that last week too. I'm ready to see him go.

Michael Sarver or Matt Giraud - GO HOME!

Props to Megan, Adam and Anoop for being a little different.

Til tomorrow....

Me talk funny

Addison has been talking up a storm lately. About 90% of the time I can understand what she's saying (maybe 80%??). Her simple language is cute, but also makes me wonder why we have to cloud our language with extra words? Addison gets what she wants usually with simple sentences. "More cereal", "I need milk", "juice", "chocolate malt" or simply pointing at something and saying "more". She'll even say "tv on" when she's ready to watch a favorite show or "no!no!no!" if you try to watch something that you enjoy instead. That's pretty clear and doesn't need a bunch of extras for me to understand what she wants. "Help" is a word though we've been working on. She gets very frustrated when she can't do something and often throws a fit. We encourage her to ask for help before she blows her top, but that doesn't always work either. By that time she's so angry at what she couldn't accomplish and the novelty of it has worn off so she just ends up pissed. No one is happy then. We're also trying to teach her to say "potty", but that's a no-go for now. I'm hoping soon. Anyway, back the language thing. I think we have the weirdest language on the planet. It's such a mishmosh of words from other countries ~ which is, I guess, what makes up our country. It's what makes ours such an eclectic nation. It also makes our language the most confusing. Spelling is going to be a nightmare. I'm pretty good at it, but the nature of our language certainly doesn't make it simple. I think I remember as a child wondering why the word "of" was spelled with an "f" and not a "v" like it sounds. There doesn't seem to be any reason why it can't be phonetic. This all comes to light as we try to teach Addison the right names and expressions for things. I keep getting reminded of how many different ways there are to say the same thing and how confusing that can be. It's impossible to teach a 2 year old to talk! Why can't we just go back to the caveman language we started out with...grunting and pointing. I mean, they got by, right? They understood each other with just a handful of sounds. Maybe we should be removing words from the dictionary, not adding to it. We need less words, not more. Ponder. Later.

Top 13 BOOTOFF

Not sure what I think about this Judge Save thing. AI, we can only take so many changes. I'm so confused.
So, Jasmine. Really? I'm kind of surprised. I mean, I don't care for her much, but I didn't really think she'd be going home this soon. Ah well, she can go home, finish HIGH SCHOOL (!) and move along in life. Seriously, they need to raise the age limit.

Okay, so the judge save thing is sucking. The contestants are already crushed that America didn't vote for them, then they have to stand in front of the judges for the final judgement and to get a no...crushed again. Isn't this the 3rd let down for Jasmine alone? That's rough. Especially for a 16 year old.

Not surprised about Jorge much. Interesting. Didn't look like Paula was all that involved in the decision-making process dancing around while Jorge made his last performance.



Let's see how next week goes.

American Idol: Top 13

Top 13! I can't hardly believe we've made it this far! We're just that closer to the finale. Yay!

Here we go...

First order of business: What the hayell is Paula wearing? Feathers? She looks ridiculous. That out of the way, Michael Jackson? I have my doubts about this week. There are going to be some pretty dumb song choices I can tell already.

1. Lil Rounds - They seriously need to find some new clips of her. We keep seeing the same clips of her kids and hubby over and over. I wanna see something new!
"The Way You Make Me Feel" - Not as good as last week. I also really hate her outfit. It's like somebody dragged out their prom dress from 1985, cut it off and called it a top. I wasn't really that crazy about the song and it wasn't as good as the judges say.

2. Scott MacIntyre - "Keep the Faith" Yay! Piano! He's so cute. And he does much much better behind the instrument. Still not the best singer, but he'll make it a long way I think. Not sure he'll win, but he'll get far enough to matter. This was a good performance.

Is it me, or does it completely look like Paula's had some botox around the eyes? Something looks off. I think she tries to cover it up with her hair and makeup, but she is a little puffy or something. I'll bet you she'll have her hair up next week.

3. Danny Gokey - "PYT" Started off weak, I didn't like the a capella part. I hate this song. What the hell is a "tenderoni"? This was a terrible performance in my opinion. I mean, he picked it up after he got started, but I really couldn't hardly stand it. And I like you, Danny, I just wasn't feelin' it, dawg. And Paula - "going out on a limb" about Danny taking it all? Wooo. That's a hell of a limb there. DUH! Stupid that she picks this song to say it. Anyway, he's a cutie with loads of talent. We'll see you next week Danny. I heart you.

4. Michael Sarver - "You Are Not Alone" - Um...no. He's alright, but I'm b-o-r-e-d....zzzzzz. Boo. He might be going home tomorrow. Didn't do the song justice...it's such a nice song. I hardly recognized it. Wha??? Were the judges even listening to the same song? Ugh. They know nothing.

Looks like Paula's feathers are trying to choke her. Hmm.

5. Jasmine Murray - "I'll Be There" - She looks a little like Gladys Knight I think. Anyway. It was a good performance, but about midway through she fell a little flat. And the popping with the mic was driving me nuts. Wasn't the best for me...but again, I think she'll go through a couple more rounds.

6. Kris Allen - "Remember the Time" I can't even here his guitar. Was he really playing? It was a valiant effort, but what a weird song to pick. Another MJ song I'm not crazy about. He did alright, but it wasn't fabulous. Strange to dance around with a guitar. The foot moves seemed akward.

Paula's dress is falling apart.

7. Allison Iraheta - "Give in to Me" Different persona shown of her this week. Somebody musta told her to tone it down a bit. She was much more mature sounding in her interview and the song was rocking. Good job and she wasn't nearly as annoying as she has been. (Her mom kinda looks like Martha Stewart)

8. Anoop Desai - "Beat it" - His look is getting better. The stylist is doing him good. Singing...oh man. He may have blew it picking this song. He did alright, but "beat it"? I dunno. I don't think he's endearing enough to the public to be able to pull this off just yet.

9. Jorge Nunez - "Never Can Say Goodbye" - Is everyone in Puerto Rico related to Jorge? 40 some people...how many people actually live there? Okay, so the song was good. Maybe one of the better of the night. Not THE best. I'm still standing by the fact that I don't care for him...but he sings nice. :)

10. Megan Corkrey - "Rockin' Robin" - I don't really understand why these people come on saying they are doing this for their families and how much it pains them to be away from their families. What do they think is going to happen? They'll be on tour for at least 6 months, not to mention endless interviews and IF they win the competition it just gets worse. Anyway...this was a good song for her...she's so silly! Her weird dancing and the bird call at the end --- from anyone else it would irritate me to no end, but from her, it's just cute!

11. Adam Lambert - "Black or White" - what is it about him that I don't like? I dunno. The hair? The dramatics (theatrical dramatics, not the hysterical dramatics like the headband dude.)? The rocker stuff? I'm not a rocker girl. Still, he's good. He knows what he's doing. I'm usually impressed after he sings. 'Nuff said.

What is that nonsense hanging from Paula's arm?

12. Matt Giraud - "Nature" - Ah, man. A crying dad? He's a shoe-in this week. Another instrument dude. Nice. I like it. I mean, singing is one thing, but to coordinate your hands moving all different directions making pretty sounds AND sing is genius to me. This song seemed short to me. He did a good job though.

13. Alexis Grace - "Dirty Diana" - She just looks so tiny. A tiny package of talent. She's got the gumption of Carrie Underwood. She'll be one to make it to the top as well. Could it be Alexis and Danny? I dunno, we'll see. I hope the weird number doesn't hurt her.

Who's going home? Michael and Kris

Giggles for Quarters

A week ago, we went to Sam's Club. This is usually a trial because Addison is starting to really not like shopping trips to the store. Well, maybe it's more me. I'm sure she'd love to take over the store and run around and play with all the cool things on her level. I mean, why'd they put them there if they weren't to be played with, right? My concern is that people don't know to get out of her way. They don't know to expect a 2 foot tall human to come darting out of every aisle. They don't understand her irratic pattern of darting either. It's no fun to run in a straight line. Crooked is really the way to go. Adults seem to be irritated by this. They don't want to have to play a defensive lineman with their carts against a small child. Adults are not always up for games with children...especially in the grocery store. Anyway, getting back to Sam's. Because the items are generally huge and numerous, it takes awhile to get through the line which seems to be the most boring part of the trip. I try to entertain Addison, but again, she'd rather be running around people. This particular trip I noticed one of those coin things near the exit. It's the kind where you put a coin in and it travels around and around in loops down a drain of sorts. "Aha!" I thought. Addison might like that. I dig around in my wallet to find a quarter. Why a quarter? Couldn't I have picked a penny or a nickel? Seemed like cheaper entertainment, but for some reason I thought a quarter would be more fun to see circle the drain. That's where the rest of my money goes anyway, so why be stingy now? This time I have the satifaction of seeing it go down the drain. So...I give the quarter to Addison who neatly puts it in the plastic holder. I tell her to let go and she does. The quarter does as it should and circles around and around and around and around. Great big wide circles at the top and as it gets nearer the bottom it spins faster and faster making a cool kind of metal to plastic sound. You would have thought I'd tripped a clown she was laughing so hard! She found this incredibly amusing which brought tears to my eyes (darn motherhood hormones). Obviously I had to get another quarter out and try again. Same drill. Same result. Giggles galore. Pretty amazing contraption if I do say so myself. Those quarters twirled around for a long time! So, for 2 quarters I get 2 hysterical laughs from a child. I'd pay a million dollars to hear those giggles all day. Fifty cents is a bargain! P.S. You're welcome Children's Miracle Network for my donation. I'm sure we'll be seeing you again.

WILD CARD SHOW

1. Jesse - Tell Me Something Good - It was okay, but I don't care for the song.
2. Matt - Who's Loving You - Hm. He's got chops. Okay. I'm still lost on his personality though.
3. Megan - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - I still like her even though she's probably not the best vocalist. She's one of those who is more about personality than singing
4. Von - Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word - horrible.
5. Jasmine - Reflection - better song choice, but she still doesn't appeal to me.
6. Ricky - Superstitious - This is always an ambitious choice, I think, whenever anyone decides to tackle it. He did a good job. Could he be in the top 12? Maybe.
7. Tatiana - Saving All My Love For You - ugh, ugh, ugh, argh! Oh, yeah...when did she suddenly get such a heavy accent. AND...why didn't she pick a new song? I'm getting a little tired of hearing her sing this one over and over and OVER again. Okay we get it...you can sing Whitney. That don't mean you can sing. I think she's trying to play the "different" card by bringing out that accent since it worked for Jorge. Only problem is - Jorge is real. Tatiana makes me hurt. Why do I think this isn't the last we'll hear of her?
8. Anoop - Perogative - Interesting song choice, but it showcased his vocals and shows that he's modern. He's good. I think he needs some time to grown on people...but he's a good possiblility.

Who'd they pick?

Jasmine, (don't agree), Megan (cheering!! yay), Matt (He's good) , and Anoop (Good pick). Thank GOD Tatiana did not make it through so the rest can be forgiven.

Week 3 Boot off show

This was by far the worst group yet. I can't tell you how happy I am that this nonsense of going through all 36 contestants is over. Lots of people have said that they don't like the new judge. I think I like her still. She's better than Paula and I think she's actually offered some good constructive criticism.

Here's who's made it through:
Lil Rounds - okay, she deserves it
Scott MacIntyre - of course! He'll probably do well if he gets to play his piano. I look forward to seeing what he does. I hope he does not do pop and sticks to the ballads and maybe folk genre. He would do well to perform similar to Brooke White last year...being that she did best with her instrument.
Jorge - eehhhh. I think it's the crying thing. I think you'll most assuredly make it through if you cry. Especially to the camera. I definitely think there are better singers than he. He won't last long.

Wild card. So, they pick 8 people to weed out again. This is torture. How many times do we have to go through the bad singers again?

Randy's picks: Von Smith (dumb choice), Tatiana (!) Oh, my GOD! Truly torture. I cannot stand her and I just got an instant headache. GRRR!
Kara's picks: Jasmine Murray (another dumb choice, they're wasting that spot), Matt Gareau (yeah, okay)
Paula's picks: Ricky Braddy (maybe), Jesse Langseth (not bad)
Simon's picks: Megan (the first GOOD pick, so far...love you Simon), Anoop (he was good too)

Very very very disappointed they didn't send through Felicia...she definitely deserved it more than Ta....I can't even say it. BOOOOO!

American Idol WEEK 3

First, let me tell you that I’m annoyed with the iTunes thing. You can buy the performances online. What they don’t tell you is that it’s the exact performance from stage. Last year, once they got to the top performers they started selling the songs on iTunes. I could appreciate it because it was generally the full version of the song and done in a studio. For that, I would pay 99 cents. This is a rip-off that they are charging the same for these short version, non-studio, non-seasoned singers versions of songs that already exist that you would pay for a full-length professional version from the original artist. Pass on these…they’re not that good yet. Boo to iTunes. I’m betting the performers aren’t getting royalties from any of the songs they sell.

1. Von Smith – I think he tries too hard. He’s good when he gets going, but he’s hard for me to watch. He just works too hard. Or rather, his face works really hard. It’s exhausting. This was not a good performance to me. I’m not even sure I even know this song. He always looks like he’s ready to start bawling too and that’s just going to annoy me. Nah. Pass. And I absolutely HATE when they act out their numbers. PLEASE stop doing that!
2. Taylor Vaifanua – Another high schooler…but she doesn’t look or act like one, so I can probably look past that. Her performance was good but not mind blowing. I don’t think she’ll make it. Is it possible that Paula actually made sense tonight? She was totally right! Wow. Taylor really needed to show how she could be different and that song was not “it”.
3. Alex Wagner-Trugman – He’s funny. Taking on an Elton John song is bold, but he did…just okay. I’m not sure he’s good enough to do that. He could be good too, but this was like an act for me. The entire performance he was trying to be something he’s not. And, um…he looks just like his dad…only younger. He’s goofy and akward enough to make it through (maybe).
4. Arianna Afsar – What’d they save all the teenagers for this show? Again, though, she doesn’t act like a teenager, so she’s okay. She’s cute and possibly good enough to make it through, but the song was incredibly akward and seemed like she sang it a little faster than the music, but once she gets over the nervousness, she’s good. I kind of hope she makes it through.
5. Ju’not Joyner – first of all, was he wearing handcuffs on his pants? I don’t get it. So, he’s a good singer, but I’m thinking the judges are going to think he sang it too slow. In a minute and a half, you really need to pick a song that can showcase your voice and when you’re singing it that slow I’m not sure there’s enough notes to do that. He pulled it off though. I shuddered when I heard he picked that song. Was a little shocked actually, but he did a great job. I can see him going through and lasting awhile.
6. Kristen McNamara – I love Tracy Chapman! Not sure can pull it off. She’s not soulful enough. I can tell she’s a karaoke host (?), is that what she said? Anyway, all I could picture was her standing on a tiny stage in a bar singing to a screen with words on it. She did okay, but I could pass on her.
7. Nathaniel Marshall – ugh. I don’t like drama. I especially don’t like people who are overly dramatic. Who told him the headband thing was any kind of look? Stop it. Just stop it. What was he thinking singing Meatloaf. No no no no no no. Please. No. Go away. I don’t need to say anymore. No chance he’ll make it through. Bleh. He was not good. They are all lying.
8. Felicia Barton – This chick was l.u.c.k.y. to get called back. She totally reminds me of Natasha Bedingfield. She’s very good. Had some tough spots, but she did very well overall I think. Might be my favorite of the evening.
9. Scott MacIntyre – Mandolin Rain. Good song. He’s good, but I’m not sure the best of the evening. He has a very good chance of making it through though. I think he could be an American favorite just because he’s such a good guy. I would very much like to see him play and sing with his piano. How cute is he?
10. Kendall Beard – peppy, blonde Texan. Don’t we have enough blonde country singers? Anyway, not the worst. Not the best, but she did pretty well. She’s at the top of the list of people to potentially make it through even though she had some note problems. It was very much like the original version and I think just about anyone can sing that song, not terribly special, but it was good.
11. Jorge Nunez – He was good. That’s all.
12. Lil Rounds – She is a great singer, but I’m not convinced that she appealed to the masses. It was a good performance. I’m not sure that R&B listeners are watching this show and won’t be voting, but I could be surprised.

My predictions: Scott MacIntyre, Felicia Barton and Ju’not Joyner (or maybe Jorge or Lil).