AMERICAN IDOL: Top 36 Contestants Revealed

54 contestants remain for only 36 spots.  Tonight they will learn whether they are going home or if they have a shot at becoming the next AMERICAN IDOL.  Ryan tells us that they’ve already made it through the toughest week of their lives (which of course is all relative…just ask Danny Gokey).  Who will make it through (not Tatiana…not Tatiana…not Tatiana), and who will be sent home? And what is this strange and irrational lust I have for Seacrest?

This is the 8th season of IDOL and the second season in a row that I’ve wanted a little Seacrest action.  What is wrong with me? I had a bit of a crush last season, but back in November we sat across from each other at Nobu and I think I picked up on a little something between us.  My name is Kath and I am loving me some Ryan Seacrest (is there a support group or some kind of shock therapy?)

Tonight I was all about live blogging IDOL. Well, kind of.  Although I didn’t post the updates in real time, I wrote my thoughts on each contestant while I watched and then unpaused ye old DVR to hear the final results.  Some I got right on the money, a few I got devastatingly wrong, and most…well most I didn’t have a dog gone clue who the contestants were.

So check out who made the Top 36 for Season 8 of AMERICAN IDOL and who go left behind.

• Anoop Desai – I love the contestants that take you by surprise. I remember Anoop form his auditions and I remember being taken back by his talent back then.  Every time we’ve seen him since he’s been pretty damn great.  I mean hell, he sang “My Perrogative” as his final song.  Love it!  The producers have made sure we know who he is, so I’m pretty sure he’s in. Result: He made it!

• Von Smith – Remember him?  That guy that always insisted on shouting even though he was armed with a microphone? He tells Ryan that singing is why he is alive?  So if he doesn’t make it through does that mean he doesn’t have a reason to live?  Hey, I’m just asking. Von has made a memorable impression on the show, but I can’t say that it’s been the best impression, at least not for me.  I’m thinking that the judges are going to pass. Result: He made it?  Wow. Get your ear plugs ready people.

• Adam Lambert – I wrote something about this guy before and hope much I loved him despite his HORRIBLE Cher impersonation during his last performance.  He’s in.

• Cody Sheldon – I’ve seen this kid in passing throughout Hollywood week but no one has gone out of their way to shine the spotlight on him. Actually until Seacrest mentioned he was the “horror film” kid, I didn’t even know who he was.  He seems pretty young so I think the judges will pass and ask him to come back next year.

• Alex Wagner-Trugman – I can’t remember if this kid has a voice or not, but I do remember him, but only because he reminds me of a little Josh Groban (looks-wise that is)

This season the judges are asking certain contestants to participate in a sing off.  Sing a tune on the spot and go head to head.  The best voice wins.  And wins big.

Sing off -Cody and Sheldon were best buds during Hollywood week, but not they are going head to head and one of them is going home.

Cody: No way.  I know the kid is uber nervous as his whole journey rides on this song, but it was weak.

Alex: Hands down the winner here.

Result: Moving on to the next stage will be…Alex. Dude, that’s rough.  Here you are making it to American Idol but you have to contain your excitement out of respective for the guy YOU just sent home.  Alex handled it well.  Nice job.

• Taylor Vaifanua – No clue who this chick is.  Even when they showed the clips I didn’t remember her.  But she can sing.  Not better than some of the guys we’ve seen but I think she’ll make it to the next round. Result: She’s in

• Also in…Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Calrson, Megan Corkery, Mishavonna Henson, and Stevie Wright – all who we gipped out of a good, tension filled on-air reveal.  But I’m sure they don’t care.  Some of those names sound familiar while others I’m a little wha? Have we met Megan Corkery before and I just don’t remember? The only one I’m a little thrown by is Jasmine Murray who I thought could sing, but I didn’t think she was all that great.  I think the fact that she’s gorgeous played a big part in this one.  Prove me wrong, Jasmine.

Joanna Pacitti – There’s been more buzz outside of the show for this girl than on the actual show herself.  Between her past career as a recording artist to her celeb-dancer boyfriend, Joanna has made a name for herself in the blogosphere.  She sucked ass in Hollywood week and based on her overall performance she should not make it through.  But she can sing and she is hot, so I think she will make it. Result: She’s in.

Update: No, she’s not. Joanna Pacitti is off of AMERICAN IDOL. In her place will be Felicia Barton.

• T.K. Hash, Chris Chatman and Reggi Beesley all ge the big N-O.  Which was expected as we never saw any of these guys before.

• Kendall Beard- Cute as a button, Carrie Underwood wannabe.  She can sing. She’ll make it. Result: She’s in.  (But boy those judges are all about frakking with these poor kids)

• Jenn Korbee – Hmm. Another gal I don’t remember, which is interesting because both she and her husband made it through to Hollywood.  You would think the producers would have played that up more. But oh wait, right, they were too focused or crackpot Tatiana to focus on contestants that really have a shot.

• Kristen McNamara – I kind of like this girl, despite the fact that she was part of that crazy dramatic group from the first week.

Sing Off

Jenn: Kudos for singing The Dixie Chicks.  But I think she sang it too high and it sounded a bit strained.

Kristen: Based on the sing off it should be Kristin that goes through to the next level.

Result: Kristen is in but damn they ripped her apart on her looks. And I’m sure it does nothing for her confidence when Simon insists on telling her over and over again that it was the wrong decision.  This girl is going to be a wreck by the time the show starts.

(Oh good Governor we are only 48 minutes in)

• Alexis Grace – This year’s Nikki McKibbin. I remember Alexis from throughout the competition but I don’t remember ever being bowled over by her.  I have no clue if she’s going to make it.  But I’ll go with yes? Result: She’s in.

• Scott McIntyre – I’ll be honest with you.  I was very impressed by Scott’s first audition, but since then I don’t think he has really shown me much.  I’m pretty sure that’s he is going to make it through, but I have to wonder if it has more to do with his visual impairment than his voice.  It’s a hell of a story, but would he have made it in on talent alone?  I’m not sure. Result: Welcome to Season 8, Scott!

• Lil Rounds – She should make it through based on her sassy name alone.  But she also has crazy talent.  She’s so in. Result: Yeppers.

• Felicia Barton, Ashley Hollister, Devon Baldwin – buh bye, ladies. We hardly knew thee (just as the producers intended).

• Frankie Jordan – Another mother in the group.  Remember when IDOL was all a bunch of younguns.

• Jesse Langseth – Wow, have I just not been watching this show at all?  Another one I don’t remember.

Sing Off

Frankie picked the right song that worked really well with her nerves.

Jessie is unique but I don’t think she’d last long in the competition. My vote goes to Frankie.

Result: Jessie is in. And after Frankie’s reaction I’m kind of glad she didn’t make it.

• Shera Lawrence, Derick Lavers – it’s a no.  And it was tough to watch.

• Allison Iraheta – She’s 16 and she’s good, but not great.  But she’s going to be in.  I just feel it. Result: Yep, she’s in.

• Danny Gokey –  Of course they have to mention Danny’s wife.  Let this guy compete based on his talent already!! Whatevs this kid is totally in.  Hell, he might even win. Result: D’uh.

• Jamar Rogers – Please please please make it through! I want these best friends to be in this together. I’m going to put it out there that he’s in. Result: Nooooo!  Oh I am officially sad now. Ugh. [tears]

• Ricky Braddy (who?), Matt Giraud (who I think is my favorite so far), Ju’not Joyney, Jorge Nunez, and Brent Keith are all through.

• Stephen Fowler – He’s the guy that messed up the lyrics (twice).  I really loved his voice. I hope he’s in. Result: He’s in.  YES!  I love that he got another shot despite the hiccups.

• Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle – This guy continues to crack me up even though he should probably annoy me. I know some people will just hate him, but I like that he keeps going back to the Norman character.  He’s not looking to be the next big singer, he’s looking to be the next big star. I get that it’s not what this competition is necessairily about, but I think it would be cool for the judges to give him a chance to prove himself ou there. I would LOVE to see the show bring this guy through and shake the shit up a little bit in Season 8. Result: Sweet Goodness he’s in!!  What?  Love it!

• Jackie Tohn – She’s got a little bit of crazy and a little bit of talent.  She wouldn’t make my Top 36 but as we all know it’s not up to me. (Imagine if it were?) Result: She’s in. This is going to one quirky ass season.

• Tatiana – No. Just no.  Please God no. I can’t. I can NOT take this crack pot on the show this season. I don’t care if she can sing (and she kind of can), she needs to shut the F up. Results: NOOOOOOOOOOO!! What the F? And you know what?  The “vote for the worst” crew is going to be all about her.  I can’t believe this. The faces of disgust on the other contestants were hysterical.

• Jackie Midkiff – I don’t remember seeing him but I really dig him.  He’s adorable and he’s got a good voice.

• Nathaniel Marshall – Drama.  We already have enough this season.

Sing Off

Jackie: Maybe not his best performance but I’m still digging him.

Nathaniel: One to one I think Nathan was better but I would still give it to Jackie.

Result: Nathaniel is in. Ugh.

• Jeanine Vailes is in. Kai Kalama is in too.  As is Anne Marie Boskovich. Kris Allen is in too. Good news all around.

• Matt Breitzke – The Welder. A surprisingly good voice.  I don’t think he’s the right fit for this show.

• Michael Sarver – Roughneck, but also former reality show contestant (Nashville Star) has been strong throughout.

Sing Off

Matt has a nice voice and I think he should make it in over others, but I’m not sure that was the right song choice for him.

Michael has to be in.  He was that much better. He has a sweeter voice and a better range.  And he’s way more marketable.

Result: WOW…both guys are in.  Nice! Good choice judges!

And there you have it…your Top 36!

• Anoop Desai
• Von Smith
• Alex Wagner-Trugman
• Taylor Vaifanua
• Jasmine Murray
• Arianna Afsar
• Casey Calrson
• Megan Corkery
• Mishavonna Henson
• Stevie Wright
• Joanna Pacitti
• Kendall Beard
• Kristen McNamara
• Alexis Grace
• Scott McIntyre
• Lil Rounds
• Jesse Langseth
• Allison Iraheta
• Danny Gokey
• Ricky Braddy
• Matt Giraud
• Ju’not Joyney
• Jorge Nunez
• Brent Keith
• Stephen Fowler
• Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle
• Jackie Tohn
• Tatiana Del Toro
• Nathaniel Marshall
• Jeanine Vailes
• Kai Kalama
• Anne Marie Boskovich
• Kris Allen
• Matt Breitzke
• Michael Sarver
• Adam Lambert
  

It’s way to early to pick the top contestants, right?  Screw it – it’s all about the guys this year.  I’m going with Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud, Ju’not Joyney, Adam and Lil Rounds making it pretty damn far.

Let the games begin! The comments are open.  Who are YOUR favorites of these Top 36?  Did someone you love get cut?  Are you shocked by some of the “talent” that made it through?  The floor is yours.