LIVE Blogging AMERICAN IDOL Tonight – Top 12 Guys

I’m thinking it’s going to be well before the end of tonight’s 2-hour AMERICAN IDOL when I’m going to regret this whole live blogging thing, but what the hell, I’m watching anyway, right? I hope you’re watching and that you’ll add your own commentary throughout the night as the Top 12 guys take the stage and sing songs from the 60’s.

David Hernandez is first up tonight and is taking on “Midnight Hour”. I really dig this guys’ voice. It’s so rich and thick. His nerves were apparent in his eyes but not in his voice, well at least not until the very end when he hit a few warbly notes. Overall I thought he did really well tonight. Randy and Paula were excited about his performance. Simon thought it was better than he thought it was going to be, and told David he needed to loosen up. 1-866-IDOLS-01

Chikezie Eze started off rough from the very first note. He chose “I Love You More Today than Yesterday” and to be honest I didn’t even know what song it was until the chorus. I thought it was a pretty cheesy and boring performance. Something from a cover album. The judges didn’t love the performance although Paula and Randy tried to be nice. Chikezie made the fatal mistake of talking back to Simon tonight. Dude, have you not seen this show before? That’s the kiss of death. I’m officially over this guy. See ya. 1-866-IDOLS-02

[These long commercial breaks are going to get annoying as the night goes on, but for now I’m loving it since I’m eating dinner during the breaks.]

David Cook is one of this year’s rockers and I was kind of digging this guy through Hollywood Week. Tonight he’s taking on “Imagine Me and You” and like all the other guys tonight he starts it off a little slow before the build. I’m liking his performance but I can’t help but compare him to Chris Daughtry a bit and Daughtry was a bit more authentic right from the get go. Overall a solid performance and I’m still pulling for this guy. As for the judges, overall they liked it and Simon thought he “almost” made it believable…which is a compliment…almost. 1-866-IDOLS-03

Jason Yeager is another contestant we don’t know much about. Did we even know that he had a son? I thought he was 20 or so. My bad. Tonight he chose to sing “Moon River”? Yes, that’s a question mark because of all the songs he could have chosen from the 60’s, I’m surprised he landed on this one. It’s a nice song, and he does ok with it. I thought his performance was all a bit bright eyed and cheesy. It certainly wasn’t memorable. But let’s see what the judges have to say. Randy liked it but reminded him not to lose focus. Paula said some nonsense. Simon thought it was very cruise shippy, and I think he was right on. 1-866-IDOLS-04

[Remember what I said a few minutes ago about appreciating the commercial breaks? Yeah, I’m done with dinner and therefore over all the breaks. The downside to live blogging is that I can’t start the show 20 minutes late and fast forward through the commercials.]

Robbie Carrico is up next. This is the guy that dated Britney Spears back in the day. Hey, it’s what I remember. He’s singing “One” by Three Dog Night. So far I’m liking the guy more than anyone else tonight. I know we have a long way to go, but he sounds really great and this song really suits his voice. I think he could work on his performance a bit more, but I’ll take it. Randy and Paula thought he was really good. Simon thought his performance made sense, but he questioned his authenticity. 1-866-IDOLS-05

David Archuleta is too cute for words in that little boy way. The little girls are going to eat him up. His version of “Shop Around” is a little awkward but that’s probably just the nerves. He has such a nice voice, but it didn’t break through at any point during this song (does that make any sense). His voice cracked on a few notes, and I held my breath during his last note which he just barely made.But despite all that, I really dig this kid. Randy really loved it. Paula thought it was a bold song choice, and in her praise just started rambling. Simon says “when you got it, you got it” and said it was the best performance of the night so far. Personally, I’m still waiting for the David Archuleta who can sing like he did when he was younger. 1-866-IDOLS-06

[Clearly the producers are trying to get us to love this guy. He has the goods to back it up. But when Ryan gets all cutesy with him and David has to remind him that he’s 17 (and not a little kid) it was borderline awkward. Cathy just asked if they ever had theme night for the Top 24 before. I don’t believe they have. I don’t remember the themes ever kicking in until the second week. I kind of wish The Top 24 could choose their own songs so we could get to know them a little more. Amanda Overmyer must be excited…she can sing Joplin tomorrow night.]

Danny Noriega, who I have to constantly remember is not Christian from Project Runway, kind of annoys me with his drama queen attitude. He’s a little obnoxious so his performance better rock. Danny is channeling Elvis tonight for a little “Jailhouse Rock”. First off the boy’s pants are way too tight. There are children watching. To steal from Simon’s box of comments, I thought it was all a bit karaoke. But let’s see what the judges have to say. Randy thought it was “kinda hot”. Uh oh, is it wrong that I’m already tired of Paula and it’s only night one? Simon thought the performance was verging on grotesque. I’m ok with those comments because I’m already not a fan of Danny and his ‘tude. The judges are already arguing and Ryan needs to cut them off. Why does Paula and Randy always get to say their peace and then still feel the need to jump all over Simon’s comments. Annoying. 1-866-IDOLS-07

[We’re just a little over half way through and I already need some wine.]

Luke Menard is up now and I don’t think I’ve ever heard him sing before. Why are all these Idols married? Come on, he’s hot. I love the song he’s singing tonight and hopefully by the end of his performance I will remember the name of it. Hmm, I think Luke had a rough time tonight. Especially compared to the other performances, I thought his voice sounded really weak. There was nothing behind it. Randy and Paula were down on his performances so I can’t imagine that Simon will like it. He didn’t…he thought it was forgettable. Luke disagreed…Luke was wrong. 1-866-IDOLS-08

Colton Berry thinks he looks like Ellen DeGeneres and my God he does. He’s admitted to his musical theater background and that could hurt him if he can’t reign him in. Colton too is taking on Elvis with “Suspicious Minds” and forgive me for bringing up Daughtry again but he did this song so well in his season so it’s tough not to compare. I’m kind of surprised because Colton was much better than I thought he would be. That being said, I enjoy his performance more when I don’t have to actually watch him and I could just listen. Randy and Paula were ok with it, and Simon thought he did it well but he doesn’t have any relevance in today’s recording industry. 1-866-IDOLS-09

Garrett Haley is someone we haven’t seen much of so far on the show. I have no idea what to expect. Wow, this kid has a very pretty voice. I can’t say that this rendition of “Break Up is Hard to Do” is doing anything for me. It’s just a bit too slow. There weren’t many chances for Garrett to break out but when he did I could really see his potential. Bad song choice but I was really impressed. Randy thought it was boring. Paula had some relevant comments – I know, right? Simon totally ripped him on his appearance but the kid took it in stride and I kind of liked how he handled it. 1-866-IDOLS-10

Jason Castro is making American Idol history by being the very first contestant to ever play an instrument during his performance. This could go either way, but I’m interested in getting to know Jason Castro a little bit more. He’s singin”Daydream” and it’s completely refreshing. He certainly doesn’t have the strongest vocal but I’m not sure it matters because it was unique. I really, really liked it. And the judges better too or else. Randy thought it was just alright. Paula was blown away. Simon thought it was in the top 2 performances of the night. He said it was effortless because Jason just has “it”. 1-866-IDOLS-11

Michael Johns is up last tonight, and I’m sure just the way the producers’ wanted it. His take on “Light my Fire” by The Doors was really good, but a little shaky at times (but that might have been by design). I wasn’t blown away, but he was good. The judges all loved him (no surprise there). I think he’s capable of a lot more. 1-866-IDOLS-12

So there you go. The Top 12 guys have performed and now it’s your turn to vote. Pick up the phone and dial and keep your favorites around.

I can’t say there were any major breakthrough performances for me tonight, but these are obviously a talented group of guys. Not a Sanjaya among them. Here’s how I would rate the performances tonight.

See ya next week: David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Michael Johns

Safe but you better step it up: David Hernandez, Robbie Carrico, Garret Haley, Danny Noriega

We might be saying goodbye to: Chikeze Eze, Luke Menard, Colton Berry, Jason Yeager

Done and done. Ok, I’ve said enough. Share your thoughts on tonight’s performances.