Adam Lambert, Allison Irahata and Kris Allen move on to Top 12

Another brutal elimination tonight on American Idol's path to the Top 12. The top female of the week was no surprise. 16 year old Allison Irahata rocked her performance of Heart's "Alone". She definitely deserved to move on, proving that even without a lot of pre-season media attention, you can still gain the hearts of America with a really great performance.

Adam Lambert was also a shoe-in after his vocal fireworks last night on "Satisfaction". Some people have said that he was way too flamboyant, but I really enjoyed his performance. All night, Randy kept saying how at this stage of the competition, everyone wants to see something big and powerful. Adam definitely brought that to the table, and voters rewarded him for it. A big part of Idol is knowing when to bring it hard and when to change it up. David Cook was a master of it, and look how far it got him...

The surprise tonight was Kris Allen. That third slot was really up in the air for me. It was going to be between Jesse, Kris and Megan. I was sort of hoping to see it go to a woman (Jesse) just because last week was 2 men and 1 woman. I really don't want to see the Top 12 only have 4 girls in it. That would be very sad. Anyway, I think all things about gender aside, Kris did a good job last night, and he looked good, which is always a plus for the pre-teen speed dialers. Hopefully we will see him get better and better since he obviously hasn't peaked yet. A part of me worries that he'll be a repeat of Luke from last season, who, as it turned out, didn't really deserve a spot in the top 12 to begin with.

Now we'll just have to wait and see who the wild cards from this week will be. I expect that Megan or Jesse will get a nod since it's the 4th vote getter of the night that automatically gets the wild card.

I'm looking forward to next week! Good job Adam, Allison and Kris! I could actually see Allison going a long way in this competition, and I can't wait to see more from her!

The Second Group Performs on American Idol

The next set of twelve is up for America's ears and eyes to judge. The votes are the same this time. Voters will put through the top female, the top male, and then the next highest vote getter of the group. Last week's three picks, Danny, Alexis and Michael were in the front row cheering on the next group and getting their first officially look at the competition.

1. Jasmine Murray - The beautiful young black girl from Mississippi was first up, singing the Sara Bareilles hit "Love Song". I knew before she even started singing that it was going to flop. Yes, it's a popular song that everyone likes, but these people need to realize that there is a HUGE difference between a well-liked radio song and a really great performance on-stage, knock em dead kind of song that is going to show-case your voice. She's a cute girl, but I agreed with what all four judges had to say when she was done... she picked a terrible song for her voice on this once in a lifetime, cut-throat level of the competition. I do not expect her to move on, that's for sure, which is unfortunate, because I really had her high up on my list.

2. Matt Giraud - The dueling piano player with a really great voice and a natural musical talent was up next singing "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay. Another very popular song, but Matt would have a hard time not stamping his own personal style onto any song. I don't really know that it's a great go-get-em kind of song, but he tried to spice it up a bit. He's got a Justin Timberlake vibe going on, but I think he put way too many runs into it. Kara didn't that he picked the right kind of song by ignoring his bluesy voice to its best. Paula seems to like him enough for him to keep going, but she also didn't like the song. Simon thought it was verging on "horrible" because he turned his back on the cool ray charles type of piano performance and tried to be a pop song, which he's not. Randy agreed, but seemed to want to urge America to keep him in anyway.

3. Jeanine Vailes - Let me just say, this long haired bartender that Simon said "I can believe you as a recording artist" during Hollywood week has gotten exactly ZERO publicity. I don't think I have ever seen her before in all these weeks leading up to this performance. She walked onto the stage and at first I thought she might blow me away. She chose to sing Maroon 5's "This Love." Right from the start, however, she was very off-pitch! What the fuck? She could barely hold onto the tune! No wonder they haven't show-cased her at all this season. She definitely could have chosen a better song, and the judges agreed. She's a beautiful girl with very long legs and a great body, but she is another one who will probably not be seen again. I thought the judges weren't even going to mention the pitchy problems, but Randy came through for me and laid it out straight. The little thing she did at the end where she held out her three fingers for Idol 03 and said please please made me pretty much over her for the duration. Bye Jeanine.

4. Norman Gentle or Nick whatever - Norman was in full force tonight with his sparkly silver shirt, white tailcoat and red sweat bands around his head and his wrists along with his khaki shorts. He sang "You're gonna love me." What I like about this guy is that while he's a great comic performer, the man can really honestly sing! He has really done something different that no one else has seen. Simon said "I pray that you do not go through to the next round. It was aguably one of the most atrocious performances we've seen." Norman's response? "It takes one to know one sassy pants." Randy and the others thought it was definitely entertaining and worth remembering. Does he really belong in a vocal talent competition? I'm not sure yet. If he makes it through to the next round, I think it's time for him to come out with a serious, real performance for once. We'll see. I think he's definitely secured a stage for himself somewhere and he will surely have a career after this in one capacity or another.

5. Allison Iraheta - 16 years old, she's decided to sing "Alone" by Heart. What a tough song for a young singer! WIth her bright red hair and her quirky personality, I am not yet sure what to think of her. Paula has called her the Dark Horse of the competition, but we'll no doubt hear her call several people that as the season goes on. I'll tell you this, though, as far as vocals and song choice, Allison owned it tonight. In her black dress, she looked perfectly dressed for the song and her voice was even more perfect. She sang with passion and showed her range very well. I think out of the first five, she is the most likely to be voted through so far. Hard to believe someone with so much confidence and self-awareness is only sixteen! The judges loved her as much as I did! Randy even said she "Blew it out the box" which I think is a huge compliment. Kara said, "You don't even know how good you are. You have serious chops." Paula told her she could sing the telephone book and make it great. "You are by far the best we've heard tonight on that stage." What did the hard-to-please Simon C. have to say? "You're the best tonight by a clear mile. It's like the competition just started right now." Everyone after her is going to have to work hard to get any better than that. She has some work to do on her interviewing skills though...

6. Kris Allen - The 23 year old sweet boy from Arkansas chose "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. My fear right off the bat is that it's hard to sing an MJ song. He's just an original and it's like getting up there and singing Celine Dion. It started off pretty boring honestly, but when he got to the chorus it got a little bit better. He's definitely the best guy so far tonight, but I'm not voting him through solely on that performance so far. It only makes me anxious to see what will come next I guess, if I'm being honest. This is an example of a guy who is just better with his guitar. Period. Kara agreed that the ending was better than the beginning, but without his guitar, he's not as original. Another guy chose the wrong song. Paula disagreed completely. She thought he chose a good song and that he nailed it. Simon agreed with... Paula. Wow, surprise surprise! Haha, Simon thinks the "Chicks are gonna love you." He is good looking for sure... Randy thought he did a good job without his guitar. I'm still not convinced he's going to make it through, but I think he's got a shot. Only time will tell as the other half of the show begins.

7. Megan Joy Corkrey - "Put Your Records On" Megan is such a cute girl. I don't particularly like the tattoos covering her shoulder, but I love her hair. I think she has potential. I love that she is herself on stage. The song wasn't exactly amazing, but it was okay. Paula loved her and Simon hopes that she goes on to the next round. They all seem to think that she's relevant and current. Kara said, "You're what we call a package artist. With the right song, you could be a breakout artist." Kara is definitely bringing the business end of the critique to the competition, which I think adds a valuable aspect to people watching and hoping to make a career out of this. Some of the judges compared her to original artists like Amy Whinehouse and Nelly Furtado. Perhaps... but can American Idol foster an artist like that?

8. Matt Breitzke - The welder with a heart of gold was up next. He sang "If You could only See." by Tonic. He might not be the best looking guy in the competition, but there's something about him that you can't help but love. He's got a nice voice and he's definitely got that every-day guy vibe that America is in love with right now. If he walked into a recording studio right now I think they would laugh at his size and his bald head, but he may have a chance on Idol. He doesn't compare to Danny G of course, and his performance was a bit karaoke, but he's decent. The judges all basically said he chose the wrong song, but he said he disagrees and probably would have done the song even if he knew they didn't like it. That right there makes me want to not vote for him. If you're in a competition and every one of the judges tells you not to sing a certain song, for god's sake dude, don't sing it! He's sort of in the same category as Michael Sarver, though. He's a regular American working dad, and there might be a surprise vote for Matt just like there was last week for Michael.

9 Jesse Langseth - Singing "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes, she did a good job. She's original just like Megan, but for me, Jesse is a lot more interesting vocally. I like her look, too, with her very cool red curls and her beautiful eyes. I think she's interesting. Randy thought it was okay, but he said in this round it should be a blow out not a so-so cool kind of thing. She questioned what he meant by that and he said she should have stretched her voice a bit more rather than staying in a medium range. Kara liked it and Paula finds Jesse captivating and "cool". Simon disagreed with Paula and said that Jesse is forgettable. Time will tell. I personally think she might be interesting, but she's also borderline annoying. She didn't really compare to Allison, though.

10. Kai Kalama - One of my very favorites from the auditions, Ky's story about taking care of his mother really touched my heart. He sang "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" and he walked out on the stage looking good in all black. You can tell he took what the judges told him about trying to be more confident and sexy to heart. I honestly almost wish they had mentioned his mom on the video before his song. I just love her. At least she was there in the audience juking it out. Good, solid performance from Kai. Kara called him out for being a bit too old fashioned pitchy, but she liked it. Paula thought he showed that he is a good performer with a great voice. Simon said that he thought it was just corny and old-fashioned... the sort of thing you will hear in any wedding or hotel all across America. He and Randy both thought it was just too safe. It has to be heartbreaking to hear Randy say, "Sorry that just isn't what I'm looking for." Poor Kai, I really like him.

11. Mishavonna Henson - Singing "Drops of Jupiter" by Train, she has a great sense of style. She took a great song and made it her own. She has really nice control of her voice. I really like her, and to be honest I got chills when she got up there. Paula didn't think it was a very exciting song and Simon sort of agreed. He thinks she's a great singer but that the performance left him "cold". He thinks she's too serious for an eighteen year old. Randy thought it was a cool song, but that she didn't do an amazing job. Kara actually liked the song and her voice, she just was hoping Misha would let loose a little bit and shake it up a bit. Well, I liked her. Would I choose her over Allison? I'm not sure. Personality wise, I like Misha better... but Allison's voice was better... hard to choose.

12. Adam Lambert - The final performance of the night was by Adam Lambert, the broadway singer from LA. Singing "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, Adam hit the stage in all black and bling. He's a good looking guy who puts it all on the line every time he gets on stage. I think that even if Adam doesn't make it through the vote, he'll be back as a wild card for sure. I personally thought he did an awesome job. He proved that he has more than just a broadway style voice. He's got that rocker voice also. I love him. I think that out of everyone this season, even Danny... Adam is my number one favorite. Paula gave him a standing ovation. She said that it didn't feel like an American Idol competition as much as it felt like a professional concert. Simon said he's finding it difficult. He thought parts were excrutiatingly bad and other parts were brilliant. "It's a weird one for me. I think you're gonna get through, though." Randy loved it, saying that he is the most current and relevant people they've ever had on the show. Kara said that tonight showed how his vocal range and ability is amazing. And I have to say thank you Adam for not trying to hold up a 10 +2 on his fingers when Ryan said Idol 12 for his number.

When they went back through the performances of the evening, my predictions for who is going through were solidified. Allisan Iraheta and Adam Lambert should definitely be the top male and female performers. Next in line it is a toss-up between Mishavonna, Kai, and Jesse. All the others don't have a prayer. Those are my thoughts on American Idol's second round of Semi-finals. What do you think? We'll find out live tomorrow night.

Season 8: Brutal First Round Eliminations

Let's face it, last night was one part disaster and one part genius. Performances from Casey Carlson, Stevie Wright, and Jackie Tohn were all over the place, while Ricky, Anoop, Danny were fantastic. Tatiana was just okay. She wasn't anything special. Honestly, she's sort of a nutcase. Just like every year, however, you just never know what the American people will love.

The brutal thing about this year is that they are eliminating 9 of the 12 singers. 9! In previous years, they have eliminated contestants four at a time. It almost seems unfair to pit 12 talented singers against each other and then shoot them down 9 at a time. One bad night and you're toast.

Casey was the first called up to the front. She had a good attitude, and I think deep down she knew she was going home. And... she is. Casey was the first one eliminated, followed by Steven. I really liked Steven in Hollywood week, but he just didn't pull it together.

Alexis Grace was the next one called up, and being one of the best performer's last night, she was rewarded by America for her talent. She is in the top 12! A well-deserved vote. At her initial audition, the judges loved her voice, but told her she needed to "dirty" herself up a bit. She really took their advice to heart and found a funkier personal style. I love the pink in her blonde hair. Here's my question though... do we really need to hear the contestants sing the same exact songs they did last night all over again? They could cut out the cheesy group songs and the repeat performances for all I care, and just make the episode short and sweet at 30 minutes. Anyway, well done Alexis, you deserved it.

You would think that people would understand by now that it's all about the song choice. At this point, these people have had a month or more to come back from Hollywood week armed with their opening song choice. In some ways, I feel bad for the people who just got it wrong once and couldn't recover, but at the same time, if you don't know your voice well enough to know what songs fit your style, maybe you just aren't ready for an opportunity like this.

Next up on the chopping block were Jackie and Ricky. Jackie has a sort of deluded confidence. Sure, Simon is a bit of an asshole, but when it comes to recognizing good and bad in the music business, the guy is gold. Both Ricky and Jackie were not chosen for the top 12. I thought Ricky was great, but he's just the product of a really tough group of guys.

Anoop and Michael were called up together. I can sympathize with Michael as a dad and a real American worker, but damn, I thought Anoop was awesome last night. Michael really could have done better, and apparently most of America thinks he deserves a chance to do better next time. He got a ton of publicity in the show's auditions and Hollywood episodes, and I think he's voted through on the fact that he's super likeable. I feel for Anoop though, man. He rocked it last night. I fully expect to see him in the wild card show in a few weeks. Ryan said that out of millions of votes, only 20,000 votes separated Michael and Anoop. That right there indicates that Anoop was #4 on the voting list. The #4 vote getter of each week gets a wild card shot, so Anoop will be back.

The process of elimination says that if they are choosing the top girl, the top guy, and the #3 person overall, Alexis was the top girl and due to Ryan's comments, Michael was the overall #3 person. So, that means the rest of the girls up there can kiss their chance goodbye unless one of the judges liked them enough to pull them in for a wild card. That just leaves the question of who was the top male vote winner? I don't think there's really a question about it being Danny, but only time will tell as the episode continues.

Before we can find out, however, Ryan has to shamelessly plug the Walt Disney World "American Idol" Experience. The opening event brought together all 7 previous idols for the first time. It's kind of a cool concept though. People get to perform in front of a live audience and fake judges who look like the real deal give them comments while the audience votes on the best performer.

Woohoo, wasn't expecting to see last season's Carley (can't remember her last name) and Michael Johns. I am so happy to hear that Michael is finished with his first album and it'll be coming out soon. He was really one of my favorites from last season. I don't know if I approve of the black jacket and the slicked down hair, but other than that he's looking yummy. It's amazing how much American Idol makes people grow as performers. These timid auditioners trying to make the top 12 will be so much better if they get the chance to tour and perform on that big stage a few times. I always did like Carley. The girl has some serious pipes, that's for sure. I think the sort of screaming style she has gets old after a while though. It was good to see them up on the stage, but I have to feel for the people still sitting there waiting to hear their fate.

Now we're back to the results. Ann Marie B. didn't even get asked to walk down to the stage. Country guy was asked to stand up too right where he was, followed by Stevie. All three were eliminated. That must truly be a heartbreak for all of them.

The final two standing were Danny and Tatiana. There's really no question here is there? Tatiana got tons of publicity for being a drama queen throughout the auditions, but can her crazy personality upstage Danny's story about his wife dying just a few weeks before the auditions? No way. I think he's sincere, but he's defnitely going to milk that one for all it's worth. In some ways, I start to think, "No one else was fortunate enough to lose their spouse in a heartbreaking way so that they could use it to get sympathy votes." But then again, it isn't like he killed her. And it isn't like he's a shitty singer. The guy deserves it for sure. It's just that when you add his good looks, his charming and sincere personality to the fact that he can really sing and that his wife died and he's going through some hard times, he's basically going to be unstoppable for most of this season. I see Danny getting to the top 3 or 4 at the very least.

Danny is through to the top 12. I love that when Ryan asked Tatiana how she was feeling, she gave some crazy answer about it being up to faith and love and etc etc etc. When he asked Danny how he was feeling, he said, "You know what? I just want to find out." I love that honesty. When I saw Tatiana act like she was about to pass out from not making it, all I could think was "good riddance baby."

As far as the top 3 three of this first round goes, I feel sure that Danny was probably the very top vote winner, with Alexis and Michael close behind, followed by our probable wild card, Anoop. So there you have it, our first 3 in the Top 12.

Next time it will be Megan, Chris, Mishavana, Matt, Alison, Matt G., Jasmine, Ky, Jessie, Adam, Jenine, and Nick aka Norman Gentle. My predictions there? Matt Giraud, Adam Lambert and Jasmine. Either Matt G. or possibly Ky Kalama too. I think I'm slowly realizing the guys are more talented this year than the girls. Of course, we haven't gotten to Lil Rounds yet. She could win it all. Good first round guys and congrats to Alexis, Michael and Danny.

American Idol: Kansas City Audition Recap

One thing is clear... these people are insane! They looked like they were having an awesome time though. I think it might be fun just to simply be there and to be a part of the auditions, golden ticket or not.

I won't go over every single person we saw audition, but there were definitely a few that stood out in the crowd. Ashley Anderson, for one. She might need a hair makeover because her bangs were just... well, wrong. But damn, the girl can sing. She was very smart for choosing a song written by Idol's own Simon Cowell. I think she has some serious vocal chops, so I'm looking forward to seeing her in Hollywood.

Kasey Carlson was a cute and sweet girl who made it through, but honestly, I don't think her voice is going to be strong enough to handle all of the different songs needed in the competition. I would compare her to Kristy Cook. Good looking and smart, but just not very talented. Following her was Brian H.. For him, we need a new word for suck. The sad thing is that this guy wearing a black V neck with a gold ugly necklace on is terrible and doesn't know it.

Oh, and I have to mention that there was a great moment amongst the auditions where the dude said, "Sorry, can I start over?" and Simon just looked him with zero emotion and very clamly said, "No." I fucking loved that.

Vaughn Smith is one to look for in the semi's with his very nice big instrument and wide range. And I can't write a recap without mentioning Michael Castro. Yes, you guessed it! Jason's brother! He has red and black spiky hair instead of long dreads, but he seemed to be just as talented as Jason. He definitely has a different kind of personality and seems a bit more confident, but at the same time he's very much like his brother. Simon, however, said he was "Good-ish". Kara... well, she seemed to like him a bit toooooo much if you ask me. As he walked out she looked turned on when she said, "Cocky, that one. Cocky." I think she likes him.

One of my favorite to audition was 20 year old Jessica who lives in Oz with her 93 year old grandmother. The little segment they shot at her house was over her grandmother saying, "These are my crazy pills." and holding up a bottle of perscription medicine. Omg, I laughed my ass off. Not only was Jessica a talented singer, but I also want to see her in the finals just so we can see more of granny.

Honestly, there were a lot of talented people at the KC auditions. Matt B, India (sans her sweet sister Asia that was being extremely sweet and supportive) Jamar, and Danny are all headed to Hollywood. Danny is one to mention here as well. Four weeks before his audition, his wife Sophia died. She had some kind of condition she battled since she was young, and it was so sad. You could really hear in his voice how much he loved her. And when he sang, he didn't do the poor me thing and mention his loss to the judges, which I respect. He just sang his heart out, and he did a damn fine job of it. THey all said that he was one of the best they've seen so far this year. The only problem with Danny is that I'm afraid the producers will milk the death of his wife until the well runs dry. I certainly don't want to turn on an entertaining show and be reminded of how he lost his wife every single week of this show's finals. If that makes me a heartless bitch, then fuck off.

We also saw Anupe, the geeky grad student who made it through, as well as Andrew with his cheerleader fans who didn't. Asa, the band director with the absolutely adorable 4 year old daughter was one of my best picks. He was hot! Vocally, I mean ... :)

Among the saddest and most pathetic of the day's rejects were Michael Nicewonder and Mia. Michael was convinced that he was an undiscovered star. He sat clutching a medal he won in Elementary school while he told Ryan that his mommy doesn't support him and says that he is not a good singer. The judges agreed with.... (Pause for emphasis like Simon tends to do) Michaels Mother. He couldn't sing, and let's face it, the dude was homely. Mia, on the other hand, has potential to be cute, but she's also a bit lacking in class and vocal talent. She was asleep through half of the day's lines, but the judges gave her a wake up call when they said she wasn't good enough. Her response? "That's not right and God's Gonna Get You!" Wow, talk about taking it poorly.

The final audition of the night proved to be the very best one. Lil Rounds, a 23 year old mother of 3 young children, wowed the judges with her vocal talents. Randy said she reminded him of a mix between Fantasia and Mary J. Blige. Wow! I wish someone would tell me something like that. Simon called her "classy", and I agree! She has some serious vocal talent, for sure. And Idol is exactly what she needs right now. Recently, a tornado hit her family's apartment complex and they lost everything. Her and her husband have been struggling to recover for the sake of their three children. American Idol might be just the thing for them... I think she really has a good shot.

Next week's auditions go to Louisville and Salt Lake City. There are six more cities in all, and this year there will be a total of 147 people that will make it to Hollywood. What do you think of the season so far? Do you like the new judge?

American Idol Season 8 Begins!

Last night was the premiere of American Idol's 8th season! For the past few years, we have seen a very heavy emphasis on auditions, and this year is no different. The premiere was full of human interest stories, strange people, great talent, and heart-breaking tales of misfortune and hope.

It began with a quick review of the journey to this moment. All of the past winners, past auditions, and the great music along the way. As for the intro, it was basically the same thing, only this time David Cook's face was on the marquee. "Who will be next?" Ryan asks. And that is the real question.

AUDITIONS: PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Doesn't it seem like there are just more and more people every season? Do you think it will ever slow down? It's hard to say. At this point, American Idol has become a lottery of sorts. Millions of people are just praying they have the lucky winning ticket that will take them away from their dull and boring lives and into a fun, new exciting life filled with fame and fortune. And the great part is... it really happens for some of them. Not most, of course, but a rare few that have that special something Americans relate to.

How many times throughout the audition process will we hear the words: "It means the world to me." and "I just don't understand what they're looking for." and "America hasn't seen the last of me." Sometimes I wonder if these people even watch the show. And then you have to think, of course they watch it. They are representatives of all the people watch the show and vote on the winners. Scary thought considering many of them have no clue what they themselves sound like.

Just a quick review of some of the more memorable Phoenix, AZ auditioners.

• Emily Hughes - This colorful lead singer of an all girl rock band impressed the judges with her rendition of "Barracuda". It really was amazing, and that song is incredibly tough to make sound good, trust me. I think she has potential. Wonder what her band will say though, when she ditches them for a solo career?
• Randy - The cliche' from top to bottom who thinks that getting a couple of tattoos, wearing black leather pants and a bandana will all make you a rock star. He was sorely wrong. And seriously, what kind of guy cries the entire day? What a pussy.
• J.B. - One of the many promising 16 year old kiddies to audition so far. He touched my heart when he said this is, "My chance to change my life, to change my family. We're struggling. This is my chance to help out the family." I think he just expressed what thousands upon thousands are feeling right now in this country. Talented kid.
• Micheal Gerr - WTF?? He was scared as hell, and had every reason to be. He sucked.
• XRay - You have to give him props for being excited and entertaining. A star, however? Not on American Idol.
• Ariana - This super cute, super sweet 16 year old girl with her sweet little smile and her "Adopt-a-Gram friend" program where teens perform at a local senior home, is the antithesis to the early rocker girl Emily. I think she really has something special and she makes it seem so easy to sing well. You have to wonder if she can handle the pressure of Hollywood though. She'd be a great girl for Little David Archuletta, though, don't you think?
• Elijah Scarlet - Possibly the lowest bass voice I've ever heard in my life. He has no chance of ever being the front and center star, but he might make it in a group or something like that. He seemed sweet, but totally clueless.
• Leah Marie - Speaking of clueless... poor sweet Leah Marie. She was actually wearing a short denim skirt, cowboy boots, and a pink shirt and cowboy hat. (cowgirl? whatever) She says she is Kara's biggest fan, which I'm sure made her feel good, since not many people have even acknowledged her so far. She just couldn't sing though bless her heart. Her voice was way too nasal. At least she kept a smile on her face. Good luck with your song-writing career sweetheart!
• Stevie Wright - Another 16 year old wonder child! Her voice is deep and sultry and I loved it. Paula even went so far as to say she has "Kelly Clarkson strength." Wow, huge compliment.
• Michael Carver - Oil rigger, roughneck, cutie with a sweet family and a very surprisingly strong voice. He did seem to have some pitch problems, so I'm not thinking he'll make it to the finals, but you never know. Simon did wink at him...
• Katrina - Two Words. Bikini Babe. She's incredibly beautiful. Her ass is huge (in a good way), and her stomach is flat. She was wearing nothing but high heels and a bikini. I don't even think Simon and Randy would have cared what she sounded like. She gave a pitiful rendition of ... shit I can't even remember what she sang anymore. But when she was done, Simon just said, "Let me kick this off.... Yes!" Randy chimed in his agreement, but the women were not so fast. When Kara tried to explain to her why she didn't have the "chops" to handle such a big song, Katrina fired back "Yours wasn't any better." Damn! Cocky bitch! But they put her through. Wonder if she'll show up in Hollywood in clothes....
• Sexual Chocolate - He has style, but just not the voice.
  
• Brianna - Talk about personality carrying you over... she got a no from Randy and Kara, but a yes from Simon and Paula. And in case you were wondering who wins in case of a tie now that there's four judges... Simon wins all. His final word got her through to Hollywood.
• Deanna Brown - I tell you what, there is something original and special about this girl. I liked her all the way around. She reminded me of a Janis Joplin sort of talent. Simon asked her if she'd ever tried to make it in the music business and she said yes, which will probably gain her a beating on forums everywhere from people who believe this competition should be all about amateurs who never had a shot (yet they loved Little David, go figure)... but I don't care. I loved her. And when Simon asked why she hadn't gotten her break yet, she just looked him dead in the eye and said, "I just haven't fallen into the right opportunity yet." Damn. Well said.
• Cody - Let the youngster talent continue with young 17 year old horror buff Cody and his stylish long black hair and beautiful piercing eyes. He sounded great and got passed through easily.
• Alex - "I missed a Spanish test for this." That cracked me up when he said that. Other people are talking about how they need this for their families and people are leaving behind huge salary jobs and stuff... and poor Alex missed a Spanish test and risked a B, lol. Simon wasn't into him, but everyone else thought he had some potential, so we'll see you in the wood.
• Scott McIntyre - Human interest story supreme. The kid born blind who learned to play piano and sing because music was his passion. He went to college at 14 and graduated at age 19, studied in London, and has a heart of gold. He really did sound good, and I can't wait to hear him play piano and sing. Of course, Ryan Seacrest was the fucking retard who went to congratulate the blind guy by giving him a high-five. When he realized the guy couldn't actually see that he was holding up his hand for a high-five, Ryan just grabbed his hand and said, "I'm giving you a high-five... and there it is." Poetry Ryan. Poetry.

All in all, Phoenix came out with only 36 yellow tickets to Hollywood out of thousands who auditioned. Next stop? Kansas City, home of David Cook! That show will air tonight at 8pm EST.

American Idol Recaps and News

I am hoping to make this site all about American Idol News, past and present! I am a huge American Idol Fan, and I think this season is one of the best ever. Check out my recaps so far in American Idol 7 by going to my Reality TV Worth Watching blog. More posted here though soon!