American Idol: Top 13

I might be crazy, but I'm going to blog about American Idol as I watch...at least this week, anyway. Beware...some stream of consciousness may follow...

Guess what? The stakes are higher than ever! 13 in the final...but only one can be the American Idol.

Do they always introduce the judges like this? Simon announces two will be going home. Big surprise. Well at least one lucky soul got to feel like something special for an extra week.

Oh my gosh! The music of Michael Jackson! They're all doomed! Video montage of how wonderful MJ is follows.

Lil Rounds
Growing up in Memphis? Music and barbeque baby! Life has been tough for this young family. But they sure do have cute kids. "The day you let go of your dreams is the day you let go of your life" says Lil.
Oh dear. Not my favorite outfit. I don't know this song, but I don't really know much Michael Jackson apart from the usual suspects. I guess she's okay, but I got distracted by a post on Tess Gerritsen's blog (go read it...I just love her and her honesty) Randy thinks she was great. Kara says she hopes we get to hear her on the radio. Paula compliments what she's wearing, and says she's a force to be reckoned with. Simon thought it was good, but lazy. Oh yes, Simon agrees with me about the clothes!!! (I enjoy when Simon agrees with me, but think he's clueless when he doesn't ;)

Scott MacIntyre
Almost completely blind from birth, Scott has always had an affinity for music. His sister is also visually impaired.
"Keep the Faith"
Scott plays the piano and sings this nice song which surprisingly I've never heard. It's all well and good but fairly average. He just learned the song this week. That's cool! I agree with Kara that is has a nice hopeful message (the song) She loves that he's true to himself. Paula says it's magical to see his instrument at his fingertips. The composer of the song is here...she loved it. (according to Paula) Simon hates the song. Simon says art is fine just not on this show. Randy liked it, but felt it was safe.

Danny Gokey
Nice little video about the family.
Guess what? I've never heard this song! But I like it. I like Danny's voice and he sings an upbeat song with energy even if it's totally corny.
Paula says you know an artist when you can close their eyes and know who they are. Choked up, she predicts he'll make it to the finalists. Simon says he's a great vocalist, but not such a great dancer. Randy says he's got it and he even liked the dancing. Kara says..."you have joy!"

Michael Sarver
Everyone's delighted to see him back home. He had a tough life and wants to be a good dad. Awww.
"You are Not Alone"
This is not really doing anything for me.
The judges seem to disagree with me, they like him. "You bring your game." Kara says. Paula compliments his personality and song choice.

Jasmine Murray
Now we go home with Jasmine to Mississippi. She has a very nice looking supportive family. They think she rocks. They think each other rock.
"I'll Be There"
OMG!!!! I know this song. From Mariah Carey, I think, though, not MJ.
OUCH. This is not going well.
Randy brings up he recorded this with Mariah. He thinks she did a good job. (we disagree) Oh well, "it wasn't that bad." isn't exactly the best praise. Kara suggests she should have taken it a half key down and compliments her stage presence. Paula says she was under at times, but had brilliant moments as well. Simon says she made a good attempt, called her a little robotic. "Act your age," he says.

Kris Allen
Kris and his wife decided this would be a great way to start off their marriage! He's hoping to get rich off of Idol so they can live comfortably. To be fair, they are adorable.
He's playing the guitar and singing a song I don't know. It's all pretty average to me. Actually, it might be slightly less than average.
Kara points out he helps the other contestants, and wants to give him props. Paula says he helped them b/c he knows Michael's catalog so well. They all get distracted by the Paula/Simon shenanigans. Simon says it was interesting....unsure the song suited the guitar. Simon thinks he shouldn't have brought the wife. Randy liked it.

Allison Iraheta
Her family gave her tremendous support.
Hey, I know this song! Is she our token rocker this year? I haven't been paying close attention in the earlier weeks admittedly. This is pretty decent. By that, I mean that I like it better than a few of the others. I don't know if I'd like to listen to her every week, though. She is pretty cute, though.
Paula says she's a rock star. She compliments her hair. Simon says it's glad she knows who she is but should lighten up. (I think he's just looking for something to say) Randy says she's got it!

Anoop Desai
We go to Chapel Hill and learn that Anoop was spoiled as an only child and his parents tried to instill some Indian values in him. They seem charming.
"Beat It"
Oh yes, I know this one. Brings back some memories of these little boys I used to baby-sit for....they were always soooo serious, but they'd put this tape in and dance around and get into it. So cute!
Yeah, I'm not blown away, although it's not terrible either. (His parents are so cute!) Paula didn't like the song choice. Simon says he looked a bit stupid. Randy agreed it wasn't good. Kara gives a bit of constructive criticism. Anoop is looking forward to coming back. Simon regrets making it a top 13. Wow. Pretty harsh, don't you think?

Jorge Nunez
Jorge has a nice big Puerto Rican family. His appearance on American Idol is unifying his family. Pretty dang sweet. (even though we are a small island..our heart is big....LOVE IT)
Yeah, but Jorge as a performer is not necessarily my style. Come to think of it, neither are his vocals.
Randy loves Jorge but thinks it was all a bit old fashioned. Kara thought it lacked emotional connection. Paula asks why he chose it. Simon gets to the heart of things....corny and old fashioned!

Megan Corkery
Megan has always wanted to do this. She wants to be a star. She got a divorce which was tough but she's got an adorable little boy!!!
Megan's got a little growling thing going on. Yeah, okay, I'm just ready for this to be over. She just doesn't sound good to me. Oh dear, she does some really weird little bird noise at the end.
Kara says..."that was really Megan" Paula loves that she's quirky and unique. Paula felt disconnected. Simon says it was a stupid song choice. Randy agrees. They ask Gordon Ramsey what he thought and we can't hear it. Simon says he doesn't know what he's talking about!

Adam Lambert
A nice little video....I like it.
One of the more interesting performances tonight, at least. Actually, really pretty good if not totally my style.
Paula says, "wow!" Paula says he is comfortable and seasoned. Simon thought it was in a totally different league. Randy adds, "since day one you were the most current" Kara says he hit notes she didn't even know existed! He seems to be a fan favorite.

Matt Giraud
Matt is playing the piano and singing and I can barely hear him. He sounds okay, I guess. I think I might fall asleep, though.
Randy says it was a bit pitchy, but good. Kara says he's talented. Paula throws out a bunch of positive words. Simon says it was very good. (we're short on time!)

Alexis Grace
She has pink tinged hair. She's always loved music. She works hard at being a mom.
I've just come to the realization that I don't really like any of the girls! This girl is okay, I guess, but no one really stands out. That first girl might have been the best. Kara liked it. Paula thought it was good, but cautions her on her oversinging. Randy thought it was good. Simon says not as good as you thought.

Okay, here are my overall feelings. I'm probably in the minority, but I like Danny best. I just really like his voice. After him, I enjoyed Adam, Lil, and Allison. No one else has really made a big impression on me, and I think that 13 is too many. Next week's recap will be much easier to write!

How about you? Who did you like? Who would you like to send home?