Top 11 - Performance Night, Part 1

I'm sitting here with Shelby, watching a day late.

Randy is yawning...Paula is sparkly...and Simon just winked.

Ew, Simon just winked again. What is up with that?

Amanda Overmyer is first - she is the Gretchen Wilson of American Idol this year. She likes the stage better than singing on a flatbed truck. Yeeeeeehaw! Back in the USSR. The backups are SO loud. It's the best I've seen her look - and she definitely looks right at home on stage. She is having a blast... and I'm JUST ABOUT to be won over by this chick! What is going on here?!?!?! Um, hello judges. She IS what she is. I knew she wasn't going to change when I heard her in Hollywood. Why are you surprised?

Kristy Lee Cook - Is it bad to dread hearing a contestant? She has a sparkly top, too. Did she and Paula shop together? You've God to Hide Your Love Away. Poor girl thinks it's a new song. Maybe she just meant new to her. She started out so strong on the verses. It was probably the best I've heard her. But then she hit the chorus and all heck broke loose. Will her cowboy boots be enough to keep her another week? I think she was singing the chorus wrong. I'll have to ask my aunt Mary. Ha! Randy just said EXACTLY what I just said to Shelby about the melody being wrong. Shelby just mentioned that when Paula tells you that you look nice, it's the kiss of death. Simon: "Musical Wallpaper - you notice it but you don't remember it" Classic. Uh oh - I can't even repeat what Kristy Lee just said to Simon. I strive to keep this blog rated PG!!!

David Archuleta - Let's see if the little cutie can remember his words and hold it together tonight. Ahhhhh, the beginning is MAGICAL. When this little guy is on his game, he is ON IT. Lovely. He's kicking butt and taking a bunch of names. His voice is just so pleasant. He has just the right mix of hitting the right notes and adding in the runs and colors. He did what he did best.

I wish Paula would get her bangs out of her eyes. PLEASE!!!!

Michael Johns - A Day in the Life. Wow, that's a tall order to condense this song to a minute and a half. In many ways, I think this is the best he has sounded. He is putting a lot of emotion into it. He had one little flub with the chorus. He was actually singing instead of grunting and growling through it. Just MHO. I like it. Shelby didn't care for it and neither did Randy. Let's see what Paula and Simon have to say... I don't agree with Simon that it was a mess. Aw, he is such a cutie - don't be so mean to him!

Brooke White as the driven snow. That's a very interesting dress. Oh, Here Comes the Sun. Ok, the dress makes sense. Hmm, that little twirl was very awkward. Oh, my. this whole song is very awkward. Very. Awkward. Almost show choir-ish. Uhhh, are Randy and I on the same wave-length? He says the same thing I say, right after. Is Simon going to say she acted like a drunk cousin at the wedding reception?

David Cook - he's doing the Whitesnake version of Daytripper. Hmmm. Ok, I really like it so far. He is confident. He really uses that sideways lip snarl a lot. It wasn't as good as the past 2 weeks but it was better than most. Simon says he looked smug throughout. What's new about that?

I can't blog about the rest... I gotta get ready for church. More later

Top 12 - Performance night

We’re still in St. Simons Island (or Sea Island), GA. But, Aaron is snoring after a long day of golfing so I thought I would watch American Idol. How, you may ask? Because our room has stinkin’ TiVo!!!! Can you believe that??? And of course I thought ahead enough to record it.

Ryan introduces the judges and asks them what they think about it being Lennon-McCartney night. Randy reiterates word-for word what the guy from Billboard just said on the video. Way to be redundant, Randy.

Big set – nice

Syesha goes first - “Got to Get You Into My Life” I honestly didn’t know this was a Lennon-McCartney song. Who performed this song? I don’t like it. She’s not in the pocket. She seems like she’s being eaten up by that big stage. But, she ends very strong. Lucky for her. Ok, Earth, Wind and Fire! Of course! That’s where I heard it. This performance reminds me of the first season when it was bare-bones and had the ghetto setup.

Does it seem like the audience is smaller this year? I don’t like it. I don’t like the feel at all. I miss last year’s stage and setup. I like the bigger, more energetic audience.

Chikezie – I like ole Chikezie. Do I think he has longevity? No. Sorry. Oh, my Ryan. What are you doing? Ooo, I LOVE the way he started this song. Although I have to admit that I thought he might’ve been a little bit off-beat. But I guess he wasn’t. Say what you want – Chikezie entertained tonight and no one will forget his performance tonight. His mom cracks me up. Her Holy Ghost experience is directly tied to how well Chikezie does. Oh no! What is wrong with Ryan tonight? Is he just trying to kill time? He’s making an ass of himself.

Ramiele Malubay – Who knew Ramiele was so dull? Her backstory is boring me to tears. “In My Life” is a great song, but it may be her undoing. Ooo, she botched the first 2 or 3 notes. Ew, this is just not good. I like the tone of her voice so much, but she is just not singing this well. Bad move starting on the steps, too. She looked very awkward trying to walk across the stage. Now we know why she stayed put in previous performances.

Jason Castro – my personal favorite. What’s up with the flowers in his hair? Aw, he’s so cute. I love him. This is a hard song to sing with all the jazz chords! Man, if he just had a few voice lessons, he would kill it. He is so endearing, even if he does have some strange facial expressions. The song was not boring, Simon. Oh, gee. The Kardashian family is there. Wonder who Kim is scamming on.

Ooo, Simon just threatened Ryan Seacrest. Was he hinting that he would fire him? Interesting.

Carly Smithson – “Come Together” Cool. Ok, she’s having fun with it tonight. She is definitely in her element tonight. But can I just say one thing? I HATE the lyrics of this song! Toe-jam football? Gag.

David Cook – I don’t want to be mean but he just strikes me as a sweaty person. Ew, with painted fingernails. “Eleanor Rigby” I had decided long ago that I didn’t like this guy, so WHY is he winning me over lately??? I loved his “Hello” version last week. Now, I’m totally digging this tonight. Loved the arrangement. Stellar. Dang it. Why can’t he suck? Who in the world does he remind me of???

Brooke White – possibly the nicest girl in the world. “Let it Be” She sounds like Old Country to me tonight. I liked last week better. She should’ve stepped away from the piano. Ugh, she’s not only boring me to tears but she is so out of tune when she tries to jam it up. I don’t think she’ll go home but it was not her best performance. I can’t believe Simon said it was. He must really like blondes.

David Hernandez – it’s so weird how he keeps skirting around the whole gay stripper thing. Pizza Bistro? Nice try. I think he’s one of the best singers in the competition. He just has such a great voice. One of his runs on this song went a lot sour, though. He is commanding the stage. I guess he feels right at home on stage. With or without clothes, ha ha. I can’t resist. It’s too easy! Interesting – the judges are slamming him. Have they caught too much flack from keeping him in the competition? He took the criticism well. Aw, what a good attitude for a stripper.

Amanda Overmyer – I just have to admit that I don’t like her voice. I agree that she can perform. I just don’t like HEARING her. This is the prettiest she has looked in the entire competition. Hang on a second... She didn’t change the lyrics in this song. She said “Don’t be talking to him” Strange.

As the show has gone on, I have completely forgotten about Syesha’s performance. It seemed so amateur. And it just seems like the rockers are ruling this year.

Michael Johns – such a cutie. Tennis coaching. Ha! Love the shirt with the Vegemite on it. I tried that for the first time at Christmas, thanks to my neighbors, the Scholls. “Across the Universe” Great song. Wow, this is the best I’ve heard his voice. Great pitch. I wish he would control that vibrato a little bit. I liked it.

Kristy Lee Cook – her days are numbered if there is any justice in the world. Alaina should’ve been in the top 12 instead of her. Kristy, have you heard of a little production called “Nashville Star”? Poor little girl – it wasn’t even great singing. She botched every single run. She just has this “I’m scared to death” look on her face. It’s boring. Redundant. Gah, they need to vote her outta there. Simon’s hair looks horrendous this year. A huge fan base? Really? I hadn’t heard.

David Archuleta – Gosh, he looks so TINY! NO WAY! He just flubbed the lyrics! Good for him for pushing through. He looks SCARED to death. Aw, I just want to hug him. Oh, he is botching this whole song. It’s very Show Choir. The song is bigger than he is. I was NOT expecting this at all. Man. Too bad he didn't save "Imagine" for this week. Bummer.

If I have to pick someone to go home, it’s going to be either 1) Kristy Lee Cook, 2) Ramiele or 3) Syesha I think the guys are safe this week.

Say it ain't so!

How can this be???

I'm ashamed to admit that I came in DEAD LAST this week in my Fantasy American Idol picks.

You know what this means, don't you?

It is time for me to get serious.

I have relaxed this year in my AI dedication... half-heartedly watching, not doing my "research", etc.

No more!

I shall make a victorious comeback this week! I cannot let my fans down. People are looking to me to be an informed blogger, if not a winner in AI Fantasy-land.

I shall do my level best from here on out.

Or not.

Whatever.

Top 16 - Women

It's 12:30pm and I'm just now getting around to watching AI. Man, life is just too busy sometimes. Ha! ;-P

Some of these girls look different every time I see them! What is up with that? Carly, especially.

Oh, goodness, Paula's hair. Is that a belt buckle in her hair?

Ashai'h - She starts out strong with Whitney... she is so dang cute! I really like her voice and didn't think I would. She has a better sense of pitch than most of the other girls... and while she's dancing, no less! Impressive. Uh oh, Paula is up dancing. I liked this performance. Simon, you're a boob. She did a good job.

Kady Malloy - I'm a little ticked that she stayed and Alaina went home last week. I know it's not her fault, but still. Oh, gag. Her voice sounds pretty bad. She doesn't have the control for this song. She is hitting "some" of the big notes... but not enough of them. Thank you, Randy, for saying what I just said! I liked her better last week.

Man, I miss Season 5. Daughtry. Mandisa. Even Taylor Hicks. Elliot. Where are those loveable characters?

Amanda - Joan Jett, of course. At least she doesn't look like the freak she did last week. That was scary. This is not as bad as last week. She is a performer. Nothing boring about her, I guess. I still hope she gets voted out. Well, crap. I picked her to go home and now Simon is singing her praises. She ain't going anywhere. She is so pretty when she smiles... please, smile more Amanda.

Carly - huh? What is this song? Oh, I drove all night. Didn't Celine do this? Man, she is so Steve Perry when she belts. I wasn't impressed with this performance. She sings the notes, but I feel ZERO emotion from her. Zero. I'm just bored. Aw, her mom is cute.

Kristy Lee - She's going to do a country version of Faithfully. What do you want to bet that Rnady brings up the fact that he played on this song? What in the world are Paula and Simon doing over there? making out? One week Kristy Lee looks young and hip and the next she looks... odd. This is an odd week for her. I didn't care for her performance. She's a sweet girl.

Ramiele - Ok, now Ramiele knows how to EMOTE in a song! yes! Most of these girls would slaughter the beginning of that song. I'm sick of this song in this competition, though. Ramiele's tone is just GORGEOUS. She had a few bobbles, but more than made up with it in her tone and performance. She had some great moments in this performance. Oh, my - Paula is in rare form. I bet Ryan loves Ramiele because she's shorter than he is.

Brooke - Alright now, THIS is the best I've heard little miss Brooke. She has secured her spot in the top 12. I would buy this single right now. Fabulous. Interesting. Modern. Loved it! Randy, you are so on crack tonight. Stop talking between yourselves, judges! This is the time of the contestants.

Syesha - Aw, I recorded this song in one of those Sound Choice Studios when I was in, like, 9th grade or something. Memories. I honestly thought Syesha did better than Whitney in places. If you listen to the original recording by Whitney, there are some places where she is a little out of tune. Seriously. I thought Syesha did a great job with it. I wasn't expecting her to, and I'm not sure she deserved the pimp spot (last performance of the night).

We shall see what happens. I'm guessing Kady and Kristy Lee Cook have seen their last days.

Top 16 - Men

I'm a day late and a dollar short here so I have to hurry. The usually witty comments might be at a minimum today. Ha, that was pretty funny though.

Luke Menard - Oh, my. Wham? He's not even in costume. How about a Member's Only jacket or tight-rolled jeans? What about the signature dance move that George Michael did in this video? This performance was TOTALLY phoned in. He either didn't commit to it, or he just doesn't have the gusto to push those notes out just a little bit more. I thought it was lackluster and boring and just a little bit awkward. I'm not sure his "good looks" are going to be enough to keep him here another week.

David Archuleta - David's going 2nd this week? Hmmm, I always thought they put whoever they wanted to go home in the #2 spot. But, DANG. He starts strong. I have chills. I never particularly liked this song...he's making me love it. I love love love what he does with his melodies!!! This guy is a smart singer. Now, there are times when he bobbles out of tune just a little, but not as bad as everyone else. I love the way he starts and then gets up from the piano. I love his tone. This guy is brilliant. He sells it. And he's socially conscious. Last week was Imagine and this week is Another Day in Paradise. How can he lose? He'd have to pull a Milli-Vanilli and admit he's lip-synching.

Danny Noriega - I have a love/dislike relationship with little Danny. I love Tainted Love. I love his singing (usually) but can't stand his prissy little attitude. Or, do I???? He's addicting, in a scary sort of way. If he had been on pitch, this would've been a kick-butt performance. He had some good MOMENTS, but the song as a whole was just out of pocket. It was fun, though, and I think 12 yr old girls everywhere were probably voting for him like crazy last night.

David Hernandez - His most embarassing moment? A booger? Yeah, right. Try getting yourself outed nationwide for being a gay male stripper. And darn it - he's SUCH a good singer. I think he's better than little David Archuleta at times. Ooo, Celine. This should be good, because he has the chops. Why do all of the contestants sound out of breath? This was NOT a good song choice. I was wrong. He usually is SPOT ON with his pitch, but he was all over the place. I love watching the judges are skirting around the whole stripping issue. Ha, is he flirting with Randy?

David Cook - Technical difficulties... we will get back to David.

Michael Johns - Oh, yes! Breakfast Club! This guy is so adorable. I have to agree with an acquaintance - you listen to the beginning and the end but sort of just tune out in the middle because it's nothing spectacular. Just more of the same... which is not BAD. Anyway, I just love him. Mediocre or not.

Back to David Cook - Hello? Seriously? HE is doing Lionel Richie? I would never have guessed that... but I LOVE IT!!!!! Up until this performance, I was not to impressed with Mr. Cook. He has won me over - for the time being. That was an awesome arrangement. He has definitely secured himself a place in the top 12.

Jason Castro - ooh, he's singing "Hallelujah" And I like it! I think this performance is magical. I had NO hopes of Jason doing well... but I think he did. I was scared of him singing without his guitar. It was sweet and it captured me. Yes, he cracked a little bit, but it was charming, I thought. I liked it so much I ran it back and watched it again. I hope he doesn't get sent home. (Paula is sounding crazier than ever tonight. Scary.)

Chikezie - He sounds like Luther Vandross. He sang this in his first audition and it made me take notice. I don't think he did quite as well tonight as he did the first time. It wasn't as much of a slam dunk as I was expecting. Yes, Paula is crazy. Coo-coo.

Honestly if I had to pick 2 people to go home, it would probably be Luke and Chickezie.

Top 20 - Women

I'm in a hurry tonight, so let's get on with it. (It's almost time for the results show)

Carly Smithson - I am soooo jealous. "Crazy" by Heart is one of my all-time favorite songs and it's always been my dream to perform it live. Carly definitely has the pipes for it and gave me several chillbump moments... but Anne Wilson, she is not. I just didn't particularly like the "arrangement" of it. Not the band, so much, but her choice of phrasing. In fact, I would've had her start it slower and build up to the rock-ness off it. My opinion. The girl can sing. Randy - must you accuse everyone of having pitch problems? She didn't in the beginning or end - like you said. It was the middle, where you said she did well.

Syesha - I had a feeling she wouldn't do very well this week. This girl has pitch problems. I'll just go ahead and say it. She's beautiful. She has a great voice. She just needs to learn how to stay in TUNE. Not a good song choice AT ALL, I will agree there. There were so many better choices out there.

Brooke - Good choice with the Carly Simon. She started strong - like the guitar playing. When she got to the chorus, though, she got very shaky, as usual. Use your diaphragm, girl! Big breaths. She's a sweet, cute girl, though. She'll probably make it to the top 12. Nice - strong ending. I'd like to hear more of that grit in her voice!!!

Ramiele - are we surprised she hulas? Nah. And she has something in common with Sanjaya! remember that? Ooh, I love this song - Don't Leave Me This Way. She needs more freedom and runs at the beginning. Oh, girl, don't get so into dancing that you get off in your singing. I could've stood to hear more backups on this song. You know - other than this song being incredibly boring and having a weird ending, it was just ok. She is a good singer. Stays on pitch most of the time. Hate the outfit, but what do I know? Ha ha, Simon says he's heard this song at ghastly weddings? I bet! This song at a wedding??? Whatev.

Kristy Lee Cook - obviously this little girl is feeling better. She kicked it off strong and fiesty. Gotta love some Linda Ronstadt. There is just something missing from this performace, though. Ouch, what was that? Phlegm? Lousy ending. Is she holding back?

Amanda Scary - Hmmm, she and David Cook should get along well. They both like to read. Oh, my word. She looks horrible. I'm sorry. I don't mean that to be hurtful, even though I am PMSing like crazy. She just did herself wrong by doing her hair like that and... everything else. The beginning of the song was AWFUL. The ending of the song - the very ending - wasn't too bad, surprisingly.

Alaina - I like this girl. I didn't like for my food touch when I was a little girl, either. Hopelessly Devoted is such a fun song to sing. But man, she did better last week. I was looking forward to her getting to that big part of the song, and she blew it. I can absolutely overlook it, though. She is good. She will come back.

Alexandrea - Oh, man, this song takes me back! I don't know what to think about this gal. I think she is a fine singer, and usually a great performer... and she tries hard every time she's on stage. She MIGHT make it into the top 12.

Kady - what is it about this girl? Honestly, I think she should just be an impersonator. I actually like the song tonight. (or last night) Always love me some Heart. She had some really good moments.

Asai'h - I was wondering if anyone was going to do this song. I got really worried when she hit the first chorus and her voice dropped out. The first verse was a little shaky and let me tell you that is a HARD song to sing and a hard part to sing. I wish Carly would've sung it. I would LOVE for this girl to get some lessons and learn how to focus the sound more and use her resonation. She SOOOO sings from the back of her throat. It could be so much better. I love her personality, though, and he charisma. Love her.

Top 20 - Men

And we start tonight with Paula's hair looking WAY better. Has she been reading my blog, perhaps? Or maybe just her hairstylist has.

It's 70's night. Can't we just let these kids pick their own music? Must we give them a decade to choose from? Grrr.

Michael Johns - Straight out of the cage with Fleetwood Mac. Ouch. BAD song choice. Now I severely regret picking him as my top choice this week on the Fantasy Idol site. Gee. This really stunk in places. I would've definitely lowered it a step or so. He improved towards the end. Were the judges even listening??? It was not that great. In fact, it was downright painful in places. However, it is not easy to sing Fleetwood Mac and considering that, he actually didn't do that bad. I would've liked for him to actually put a new spin on the song. That might've bene better. He's a cutie, though, and seems to be really nice. He's not going anywhere.

Jason Castro - My new personal favorite after last week. Too much makeup is my first thought. Was he afraid Simon would make a comment about his pale complexion this week since Garrett Haley is gone? Ok, his interview WAS quite weird. He starts his song and it's the Bee Gee's. Or wait, is it Andy Gibb? Can't remember. He starts out very strong. But it quickly loses steam. His high notes were not good. But he's very likable. You know, when you think about the songs of the 70's however... were there any really BIG showstopper songs? I guess if you go the disco route, which I happen to like. But still, for guys, there weren't a lot of big voices that I can remember. We had a LOT of men singing in falsetto back then. Odd.

Luke Menard - How ironic that he mentions that in order to do acapella music, you have to be flawless. Hmmm... did he forget that tonight. Tough song choice, but a good one for his voice type. Too bad he isn't really nailing it. He's a handsome guy. Maybe that will carry him... He definitely has done himself a favor by picking up the tempo and flirting with the camera. Maybe people will forget that he's sharp for half of the song and flat the other. Now the song is getting boring. And he tried to play with it at the end and it didn't really work. But, all in all, I think people will remember him as doing well. Ha, Ryan just called him Dawson's Creek. Funny.

Robbie Carrico - the first thing I noticed was that Robbie's hair looks awful. Did he and Paula trade hair? It's just way too girly. Oh, I love it. Ryan's face when Robbie said for Simon to get used to it was priceless. Ooh, Hot Blooded. Foreigner. Lou Graham. 70's Rock. Robbie has a good voice. And how nice of him to use his fingers when singing "fever of a hundred and three". Psh. I seriously do not buy him as a rocker. And last week he was WAY better. Three Dog Night was a much better choice for him. Hmmm, Paula is so flirty tonight!

Danny Noriega - Oh, this kid. He is so... sooo Jessica Alba! He's more Jessica Alba than Jessica Alba is! Honestly, I like his voice. I just wish he wasn't so fiesty and girly. Nice job on the song, though. If I didn't have to LOOK at him and his funky facial expressions, I would really enjoy his music. I will take his slow vibrato over Michael John's super-fast vibrato ANYDAY.

David Hernandez - Apparently David works topless in a gay bar according to Vote-For-the-Worst.com. So, are we surprised to learn that he was really good at gymnastics? Nah. He can do a mean cartwheel. David has some SOLID vocals. And thankfully, he is showing much more personality this week. Wow - I really enjoyed this! Nice. I love love love his voice. Why are people always so surprised to get a good remark from Simon? He just tells the truth, usually.

Jason Yeager - Hmmm, so David plays numerous instruments. Maybe he will redeem himself this week, because he stunk last week. OH! The Doobie's! One of my favorites. Yes! PERFECT song for little Jason. He is still a little Show Choir'ish for my taste, but SUCH an improvement! You go, Jason. Oh, my, though - that cheesy ending! Ugh. RANDY!!!!! WHAT????? Pitchy? Compared to most of the other guys this week, he was definitely NOT pitchy. I disagree with the judges on this one. I liked it. Simon was dead-on on the choreography at the end. But they were really cruel and merciless on this poor, nice guy. Boo.

Chikezie Eze - I don't know this song from Adam, but I like it! It's so much better than last week. However - I wasn't sure what key he was in at the beginning. ??? Did he just get off??? Oh well, not to worry, he got back on-key. Nice song choice. Very clever. He redeemed himself this week... and I done lost myself my Fantasy Idol fo' sho'. I picked ole Chikezie to go home this week.

David Cook - He plays the guitar backwards like Jimi Hendrix. Redemption draweth nigh for David this week. For me, anyway. Last week was ridiculous and I hated it. This week, while still a bit ridiculous at times, it was quite enjoyable.

David Archuleta - Gee, the little guy has a fan club already. I'm trying to guess what song he will sing while they go to break... dunno. Let me fast-foward. "Imagine" Ok. It's nice. I like it, and usually people destroy this song. David has such a great voice. It was solid.

I am just too tired at this point to make a guess as to who is going home. Maybe I'll make my picks after the girls sing tomorrow night.