AMERICAN IDOL: Top 36 – Group Two (Live Blog)

(SPOILER ALERT for those of you on the Left Coast)

I just walked in from work and it’s already time for AMERICAN IDOL.  I’m going to be living blogging tonight’s episode. Sorry that I didn’t give you the heads up on this one, but with LOST and DAMAGES tonight I thought that live blogging IDOL might be the best use of my time.

Ryan is playing it casual tonight in jeans and a polo shirt.  Can’t help but wonder if he’s going to call Paula out on her comments about four judges being one too many.  I doubt it. But the claws are out – in response to Paula’s comments Kara said in a statement, “Paula has a right to her opinions, but I was disappointed by her comments, and hurt that she did not address them to me in person.” Ohhh snap.  GIRLFIGHT!!

Tonight’s going to be interesting.  There are a few familiar names in the lineup tonight including Norman Gentle, my favorite Matt Giraud and in the pimp spot – Adam Lambert.

Just a reminder…the girl and guy with the most votes as well as whomever comes in third will be moving on to the Top 12. I’m hoping there’s some real competition tonight.  Last week was a little lackluster.

Here we go…

Jasmine Murray
Song: “Love Song”
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• My Thoughts: This is a simple, sweet song and she’s trying just a bit too hard.  If she wanted to vamp it up then she should have picked another song.  I can’t imagine that this is going to be enough for her to make it to the next level.  I’ve never been as impressed with her as the judges have been. Sorry, but it just didn’t work tonight.

• The Judges: Not a good start to the night.  None of the judges were impressed. Simon likes the whole package, but he doesn’t think she’s ready for this all right now.  Jasmine knows she’s going home.

Matt Giraud
Song: “Viva La Vida”
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• My Thoughts: He hasn’t even started to sing and I’m nervous.  From what I’ve heard so far, this guy deserves to be there.  The song choice could go either way.  Hmm.  I liked that he picked a relevant song but there was something missing from the performance.  And I’m not being biased because I’m such a fan, but I felt there was a lack of energy with the band.  Matt definitely has some vocal issues tonight.  His voice was cracking all throughout the song.  Not nearly good enough to make it on I fear. But unless there are other people that blow me away, Matt still gets my vote tonight based on his past performances.

• The Judges: Kara was not having it.  Paula wasn’t thrilled but she hopes he is around for another chance.  Simon thought he did the wrong thing tonight.  Randy was wants him to sing the more bluesy stuff.  Bummer.

Jeanine Vailes
Song: “This Love”
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• My Thoughts: Who is this girl?  Have we ever seen her? She certainly has great stage presence but she can’t seem to stay in key. The second half of the song was better than the first part but not by much. Not sure about the song choice, but any choice can be saved with an amazing voice.  I think this was the first and last we will see of Jeanine.

• The Judges: They liked her legs.  That’s about it.

Nick Mitchell aka Normal Gentle
Song: “I am Telling You”
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• My Thoughts: Hold on to your hats people.  I will say that I liked Nick’s opening video.  He knows exactly what he’s doing and his role in this competition. He was full on Norman tonight.  Funny as all hell. I mean the guy yelled out “Doogie” to Neil Patrick Harris sitting in the audience.  That was awesome! But here’s what went wrong – he didn’t give it his all.  The bright spot for Norman to date has been combining his antics with his good voice.  Tonight he didn’t bring the vocals at all.  Entertaining as all get out but I think it’s going to end tonight.For what it’s worth, I just went back and watch it again and laughed my ass off! I don’t think Nick deserves to be competing in the Top 12 but if he could perhaps come back to do a cameo every few weeks I’d be fine with that.

• The Judges: The were all amused but I don’t think anyone wants him to make it to the Top 12. I’m still laughing so I think he did well.

Allison Iraheta
Song: “Alone”
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• My Thoughts: Ok this girl is a little off the charts. Bizarre.  What is she on?  Sister is taking on “Alone” by Heart.  The same song rocked in IDOL history by Carrie Underwood and Carly Smithson. How’d she do? Damn good! I thought she brought some authentic chick rock to the stage tonight.  There were a few note slipups but I think it’s worth it to overlook them and focus on her great overall performance.  Color me surprised.

• The Judges: Randy, Kara and Paula were all digging her. Simon thought she was the best tonight by a mile.  He complemented her on her confidence and voice. He said she was one to watch.  I agree.

Kris Allen
Song: “Man in the Mirror”
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• My Thoughts: Another kid I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.  Way to go producers. I don’t trust guys name Kris with a K, but I’ll try to keep an open mind.This song could have gone either way but I think he performed it well.  He’s got a strong, clean voice. He nailed the ending of the song.  He came alive in the last 45 seconds of the song.  Wow, I’m liking this guy.  Why have you been hiding him?!By the way, can you tell I’m typing as I’m watching?  Sorry for being a little all over the place.

• The Judges: Kara thought the 2nd half of the song was better but she didn’t think he was as good as he was in Hollywood Week.  Paula thought he nailed it. Simon is going to agree with Paula – he liked the performance.  He was quote proud of him.  Randy thought it was a nice jump off.

Megan Corkrey
Song: “Put Your Records On”
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• My Thoughts: I didn’t think I remembered much about Megan until I saw her audition footage. She has a very distinctive voice. And wow she picked the perfect, contemporary song for her style. I’m not sure she fully pulled off as there were more than a few problems with her pitch. She was a little awkward on the stage but it kind of fit with her personality. She’s not getting my vote tonight but I think she will.

• The Judges: Paula thought she did everything right. Simon called her a funny little thing. He thought she oversang the second half, but he hopes that people still vote for her.  Randy agrees with Simon (shocker). Kara thinks she’s a ‘package artist’ – she’s got the looks, the voice and thinks she just needs the right song to be a break out star.

Matt Breitzke
Song: “Tonic”
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• My Thoughts: The Roughneck made it through last week, can the Welder do it this week?  That might be a little too much blue collar for IDOL.  Matt’s not a bad looking guy, but I enjoy him more when I’m not looking at him.  It’s like the voice doesn’t match the look.  I thought he sounded great.  I’m not sure he’s right for this competition though.  He should be the front man of a bar band.  Sorry to pull from the judges bag of tricks, but I don’t think Matt has star potential.

• The Judges: Simon hated the song and the performance. Randy thought the performance was boring. Kara thought the performance was flat.  Paula didn’t think the performance celebrated what they saw in Hollywood.  Matt got a little cockly during the judges comments and I think he lost a few more votes because of it.

Jesse Langseth
Song: “Bette Davis Eyes”
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• My Thoughts: Not a bad performance I guess but I’m not a fan of this girl’s voice.  It’s definitely distinctive but for me it was a little nails on the chalkboard.  I can’t imagine listening to a whole CD of this chick. I have absolutely no idea what the judges will say.

• The Judges: Randy thought it was just an ok performance. Kara thought she had a few good moments. Paula found her captivating. Simon thought she was forgettable. Jesse is one of those people that always needs to say something.  Shut it ‘shida!!

Kai Kalama
Song: “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”
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• My Thoughts: Kai is already a fan favorite so he’s got that going for him. What he doesn’t have working from him is some seriously bad hair. I like the curls but they are all matted to his head.  He has a nice voice, but he’s a little cheesy.  I didn’t love the song.  I think he should have picked something a bit more of this time, but I think he did a nice job with it.  He was one of the better performers of the night, but I don’t think that’s a ringing endorsement.

• The Judges: Kara thought the song was a bit old fashioned. Paula thought he sang the song well except for the parts he fell off pitch. Thanks Paula.  Simon thought he was corny and found nothing distinct. Randy agrees with Simon (ugh) and thought it was a really safe performance.  Not good feedback for Kai.

Mishavonna Henson
Song: “Drops of Jupiter”
1-866-IDOLS-11

• My Thoughts: I remember Mishavonna but I don’t think she’s made much of an impression on me to date.  Her performance was just alright for me, dawg. Like many of the other contestants, the second was better (until the last note), but it didn’t blow me away. Another one with a distinct voice, but I think I like her more than I did Megan.

• The Judges: Paula didn’t like the song. Simons was left cold. Randy thought it was a bit boring.  Kara thought she was a good singer but doesn’t know where she would fit in the music world.  I was left thanking God we only have one more performance.

Adam Lambert
Song: “Satisfaction”
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• My Thoughts: Adam was a standout for me since his first audition.  What little we saw of him during the group performances in Hollywood Week he was great.  But Adam lost me a little bit when he channeled Cher in his last solo performance in HW. He actually sounded like a girl. This guy has some serious skills and I hope to be impressed.  So was I? Ugh…not really. Listen, the kid can sing but everything was just so over the top. He has a GREAT voice but I find him a bit annoying. Maybe I’m in a bad mood tonight. I thought I was watching Criss Angel taking on Simon Cowell.

• The Judges: Paula was all up in his grill.  Simon had mixed feelings on the performance. Randy was all about this guy.  Kara was floored by his rage.  I am floored that I made it through IDOL.

Guys, I was so NOT impressed with tonight’s twelve.  Besides Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle, the only other stand outs were Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen.

Here’s how I THINK it will go: Allison, Kris and Adam
Here’s how I WANT it to go: Allison, Kris and Matt (with Norman Gentle coming back every other week for an encore performance)

Before I turn the commenting and voting over to you, may I leave you with these special words from tonight’s episode: I’m not living without…Doogie.”