LIVE Blogging American Idol – Top 12

Yes I can finally LIVE blog Idol…woo hoo. It’s all about the original Diva, Diana Ross tonight. She’s mentoring the contestants. Her hair is something fierce. Let’s get to it.

First up…

Brandon Rogers – I think Brandon has one of the best voices in this competition – probably the best of all the guys. I thought that song didn’t work for him, he has more talent than the song allowed for. Does that makes any sense? Did he just forget the words? I think he did. (1-866-IDOLS-01)

Judges: Randy wasn’t impressed and thinks it wasn’t good enough. Paula thinks it was his nerves. Simon was harsh and thought he was a backup singer of a backup singer. Not good.

More homoerotic banter between Ryan and Simon – just make out already!!

Melinda Doolittle – I kind of hate that Melinda is going second. I like when she performs towards the end because it’s like a treat for me, and it helps me get through listening to Sanjaya. Mel is singing “Home” from The Wiz. What can I say, she’s fantastic! One piece of constructive criticism here…I would really love to see her in some new outfits. She wears these dresses that I think age her a bit too much. But really, she is the one to beat in this competition. She’s just fabulous. (1-866-IDOLS-02)

Judges: This wasn’t Randy’s favorite performance but he still loved it. Paula is CRYING, oh here we go. Take the meds Paula, take the meds. Simon loves her – she reminds me of a young Gladys Knight. Praise all around as expected.

Chris Sligh – “The hair” is singing a different arrangement of “Endless Love”. I don’t think Ms. Diana loved him messing with her hit too much. Chris lost the glasses tonight. Ok dude, you messed with the song a bit too much for my liking – sorry but I love the original. He has a great voice, but to be honest I am a bit too distracted with the arrangement to really love it. Oh and the background melody, it’s ripped from Coldplay. Not my favorite performance of his. (1-866-IDOLS-03)

Judges: Randy thought it sounded like Coldplay..ha! He thought it was a mess. Paula didn’t like the arrangement. Simon really hated the arrangement, and he thinks he Chris should bring back the glasses.

Gina Glocksen – Performing “Lovechild” was a good choice for Ms. Gina tonight. I think she has something really coll about her voice. She has this rocker look but she can really back it up. Does she have a shot at winning this competition? Nope, not with LaKisa and Melinda around, but I still had fun watching her. Of course now that I wrote that she stars pushing the notes and going a little sharp. Don’t push it. (1-866-IDOLS-04)

Judges: Randy wasn’t feeling the excitement. Paula thinks Gina is better than her performance. Simon thought she chose the right song, and stayed within her image which is good, but he said it wasn’t good or bad.

Ryan just went into the break saying “Sanjaya has a mountain to climb”…ain’t that the truth.

Sanjaya Malakar – Diana Ross said “Sanjaya is love”. GMMR says “Sanjaya is…” Oh forget it. He’s singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and OMG he got a perm!! I wish my hair was so versatile. Well I can say this about Sanjaya, he’s consistent…consistently the WORST performer of them all. He’s making be beg for the return of Kevin “Chicken Little” Covais – at least he was cute. Am I harsh? Yes. Is it deserved? Absolutely. That was HORRIBLE!!! (I’m not giving you his number for fear that one of you might actually use it)

Judges: They are all going to hate it – let me predict that. Randy didn’t think it was good and he said it was “unlistenable” but he likes the hair. Paula said he needs to explode with his vocals. Simon hated it.

Haley Scarnato – She’s got great hair, and if her voice was better she could make it further based on her looks – I mean it worked for Katharine McPhee. I really love her song choice of “Missing You”. OMG I thought she was doing fine, but OMG she forgot the words too. People this is the Top 12!! You can’t forget the words in this stage in the game. You are here on borrowed time courtesty of Sabrina Sloane. Way to blow your shot sweetheart. (1-866-IDOLS-06)

Judges: Randy was a little surprised and shocked. Paula starts with saying she looks lovely – which is the kiss of death. Simon says he didn’t think it was that bad and she bursts into tears. Simon is strangely VERY supportive. Interesting!! He definitely wants to bang her.

Promo for Blades of Glory…this movie is going to be classic. Sorry but I just can’t wait until March 30th to see it. Ha!

We just met Ryan’s Nana…aw, he’s not a spawn. And look there is Nigel Lythgoe sitting in the audience. Can’t wait to see Nigel on So You Think You Can Dance!!

Phil Stacey – If Phil can pull this song off half as well as he did with Diana, then it could be awesome. I’m secretly pulling for him. This song suited his voice very well. “I’m going to make you love me”…well you have Phil (God I am so damn cheesy – sorry). I think he is up there with the best of the guys – especially after this performance. Nice job baldie. Awww, one of his fan support signs is a pic of his baby saying “Daddy, I’m voting for you”. (1-866-IDOLS-07)

Judges: Randy thought his vocals were great, but the song was a bit boring. Paula agreed. Simon thought it was “ok”. He thought he shouted a bit. He didn’t think it was outstanding but not bad at all.

LaKisha Jones – Oh heavens – LaKisha is singing one of my favorite songs of all time “God Bless the Child”. Don’t screw this one up. If it was anyone but LaKisha (or Melinda) I would be worried. FAN-FRAKKIN-TASTIC. She didn’t screw it up…I can breathe now. On to the judges. (1-866-IDOLS-08)

Judges: Randy things is was “sensational”. Paula was teary a little and thought it was great. Simon said you either got it or you don’t got it and she has got it. He said she and Melinda are in their own league.

Blake Lewis – Diana likes his new take on “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”. OK 2 seconds into it and I really like his techno/electronic take on the song. He really does bring something original to every performance. He doesn’t have the strongest voice, but with every performance I can’t but think that it’s “radio ready”. No idea what the judges will say about this one. (1-866-IDOLS-09)

Judges: Randy is afraid he “Blake-izing” every song. Paula thinks he did it well. Simon didn’t get it at all. He actually completely disagreed with what I just said about the son being ready for the radio.

I just had a HORRIBLE thought. When J. Lo and Gwen Stefani are on the show do we have to listen to the Idol contestants perform their songs? PLEASE I must know in advance so I can make plans for that night.

Stephanie Edwards – The third best female singer on the show is up next. Diana thinks Steph has “star quality”. I’m not sure I know “Love Hangover”, do you? Stephanie’s voice is reminding me of Beyonce a bit tonight – am I the only one? Listen, this was another wonderfully strong performance by Stephanie. I think her only fault is that she isnt’ Melinda or LaKisha. I think she should be around right to the end with them though. (1-866-IDOLS-10)

Judges: Randy didn’t think it was her best vocal. He also said she forgot the words, but I guess I didn’t notice it. Simon felt the arrangement was not good and he was outsung by M & L, and that she chose the wrong song. (GMMR – I’m surprised the reviews weren’t more positive, because she’s clearly such strong vocals)

Chris Richardson – Yeah, Diana Ross was overly polite to Chris in the rehersal – that’s not a good thing. This kid has so much style. I think he’s overperforming it a bit with the dancing and gestures though. It’s amazing to me how much he really reminds me of Justin Timberlake. I think I think it’s a good thing, but I’m not sure. I’ll get back to you on it. (1-866-IDOLS-11)

Judges: It was half good/half bad for Randy. Paula thinks he nailed the blend of classic and contemporary. Simon thought the vocals were dreadful…just terrible. He’s going to get much further on his looks though.

Jordin is up next. I keep forgetting about her…not a good thing.

Jordin Sparks – “If We Hold On Together”. Oh lord, she’s sitting on the stage – I don’t know why this bugs me but it does. Jordin looks absolutely scared shitless. She has a gorgeous voice, especially considering her age. Here comes the heartless GMMR, but I’m kind of waiting for someone to fall on the stage in the middle of the performance. Not Jordin, but someone in some season. He he. This is what I would call a “nice” performance. It didn’t blow me away, but I wasn’t cringing either. I really like her voice, but she doesn’t blow me away like the others. (1-866-IDOLS-12)
Judges: Randy really loves it and put it up there with M & L. Paula was really impressed too. . Simon thought it was a little “gooey”. Simon thought it was a very, very good vocal and said she put herself into the finals. (I guess I missed something)

Picks for tonight: Melinda, LaKisha, and Stephanie. I will vote for each a few times and then spend my time trying to keep Blake and Phil around!!!

Going home – Well Chris Sligh’s arrangement could hurt him. But it WILL be Sanjaya, and hmm…Haley?

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