American Idol - Top 9 Perform

So tonight the theme is iTunes Popular Downloads - the kids get a little more freedom to pick their songs.

We'll start off the night with Anoop singing Usher.

So far I don't think he's doing a bad job, but I'm not blown away. Will one of the judges use the word, "karaoke"? Okay, so no reference to karaoke, but Simon was darn close.

Up next, Megan's going to sing Bob Marley...

Booooooring. She needs to move around more to distract me from her screechy voice. That's really all I'm going to say. Okay, one more.... she needs. to. go. At least the judges are finally agreeing with me on her!

Danny's next with "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts. I LOVE this song, and I can imagine Danny doing it justice. I hope he doesn't disappoint!

He definitely didn't disappoint! Good for Danny! I think he is the best in this group at expressing emotion through his singing.

Allison has some crazy hair this week! I didn't know she played the guitar! She's doing "Don't Speak" from No Doubt. There won't be a lot she can do to satisfy Kara's need for "artistry", but I like it! I'm glad she kept the guitar simple. It was more of an accessory than an instrument.

Well, I'm glad so far that Randy and Kara spoke my mind about her outfit! ha!

Okay, next up .... Scott's piano, accompanied by Scott! They'll be doing Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are". (I'd like his hair just the way it WAS! It's not even the same on both sides! One's puffy and the other is slicked back!)

Oh yeah - he's singing! I was distracted for a minute. Good performance!

Okay, so far tonight I'd rank them: Danny, Allison, Scott, Anoop, and Megan.

Matt Giraud's up next with "You Found Me" by The Fray. So far the first part seemed a little rough - maybe too low for his register. It's not the Matt I've loved every other weeks. Hmmm. Not a bad performance, but he didn't wow me at all.

The judges didn't really like it either.

Lil is going for a big Celine Dion song, "Surrender". I got some goose bumps there at the end! I think she did a good job with it! It's not often someone can do such a big song!

Adam's picking it up this week with "Play That Funky Music". He's definitely entertaining! I don't like his hair, but I like the performance! Wow! What an ending! He just jumped up high on the list tonight!

Kris finishes off the night with ... the piano! And "Ain't No Sunshine". I'm not sure I know the original, but I really like Kris's version! Once again, he's going to be in my top group! I really hope the judges agree!!

(well, Kara finally got "artistry" worked into the night! Good for her!)

Shoot, I'm not sure what I'm going to do now for my top pick! Okay, here's where I have to put them..

Kris/Adam (I just can't decide for #1!!)
Danny
Allison
Lil
Matt
Scott
Anoop
Megan

Thanks for everyone who joined me tonight! I should be on tomorrow night for the results (no more Purdue to watch)!

American Idol - Top 10 Results

Sorry - Purdue basketball game beats Americon Idol. I'll be back with the results later!

American Idol - Top 10 Perform

Okay, so tonight we're going with 50 years of Motown. I hope they have good song choices tonight!

Our Top 10 started out the week with a trip to Hitsville USA - now THAT would be awesome, especially meeting Smokey Robinson and Barry Gordy!

Up first is Matt Giraud with "Let's Get It On". Alright! He's up from the piano! Good move for him! I like it - I don't really know if he "made it his own", but not bad in my opinion!

Kris Allen is up after the break!

Here we go with "How Sweet It Is"! Good an upbeat song! Oh! I love how excited Smokey was during rehearsal - I hope he does the same tonight!

YEA! Wonderful! No wonder Smokey was excited! That was great!

Scott MacIntyre will do "You Can't Hurry Love" - along with his baby grande! Okay, so far I'm not very impressed with the voice.... at ALL. Piano playing, of course, I'm jealous. Well, it's getting a little more entertaining there at the end, but the beginning and middled needed some help, in my opinion.

And Simon and Randy seem to agree. Okay, he's definitely down at the bottom of the list so far tonight.

Oh my ... it's looking to be a good one between Paula and Simon tonight! I can't believe she brought him Crayons and coloring books! And at least Scott realizes someone dressed him funny! ha!

Megan Joy Corkrey is up with "For Once In My Life" ... and at least in rehearsal, in another quasi-maternity looking shirt. I think it's what Smokey called that "half-jazz" sound to her voice that I just DON'T like! I don't think I can comment on her voice any more. We all know I don't like it. So I'll move on to her outfit.... does she realize it's competing with her arm"?!?!?

"Train wreck" ... yeah, good one, Randy! They were all fairly brutal - but rightfully so!

"Ooh Baby Baby" is next with Anoop Desai. It has to be cool to have Smokey there with all that history of these songs to share!

I'm a little bored by the tempo, but he's doing a very good job with the song! He needs to work on the blowing into the mic problem a bit. Probably hard to avoid on that song, I'd suppose.

So half way through the night - Here's how I would put them:

Kris
Matt
Anoop
Scott
Megan

Michael Sarver, who was apparently sick this week, will entertain with "Ain't To Proud To Beg". Okay, not at the top of the list, but not terrible. I'm not sure on this one. I guess we'll wait for the judges....

Okay, so they're putting into words what I was thinking. (Side note, you CAN'T give anything more than 100%... it's a PERCENT.)

Lil's going to forego the phonebook tonight and sing "Heatwave" for us! Oh, she's just GOOD! I don't think she really did much to make it her own though, so I'd put her under Kris and Matt.

(Seriously - what is with Paula tonight? Can she go back under the table and color so the other three judges can give us real comments?)

Adam Lambert's up next with "The Tracks of my Tears". Wow! What a different look for Adam! I'm liking the performance - I think he should have stayed with a toned-down version of *his* look though. I definitely think the guys are dominating tonight!

Wow ... standing ovation ... including Smokey and Barry Gordy!

I could go for a little Gokey after the break!

"Get Ready" for Danny Gokey! He's just SO entertaining! Oh man! There goes the top half of my list! He's just a natural!

(Okay, the judges apparently killed too much time jabbering on the others and barely had time to say two words about Danny!

After the break, last performance is Allison Iraheta!

We'll end the night with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". I'm always excited to hear Allison! I'm really enjoying it - it's just hard to understand some of the words! But AMAZING just the same!!! Wow! I think she'll give the top guys a run for their money!!

(Okay, Paula and Simon are ridiculous!)

So ...

Danny
Adam
Matt
Allison
Kris
Anoop
Lil
Michael
Scott
Megan


I'm really torn on the top half! Bottom of the lineup I'm confident on though!!

Goodnight, all! Thanks for joining me, Karen, Chuck, and Anne!

American Idol - Top 11 Results

Okay, let's see if I can not get annoyed by watching this live. I LOVE being able to fast forward through the commercials!

I'm looking forward to seeing Brad Paisley and the Randy Travis & Carrie Underwood duet! Yea!

Okay, now for the group song - Travis Tritt's "T-R-O-U-B-L-E". Apparently no one bothered to tell Ryan that the song name is spelled out, not "Trouble"! It's nice that they work Scott into it by having him play the piano. Not cool to make the blind guy dance around the floor! Ha!

Okay, after a lot of filler material, Danny is safe and going on tour!

Lil ... I think she'll be safe.

Did Lil and Anoop forget that today is March 18, not St. Patty's Day? Well, doesn't matter - they both got lucky and they're safe!

Allison and Michael are standing now - (Oh, Paula - grow a backbone and say Michael's in the bottom...)

What?!?! Are you kidding me? She was WAY better than Michael! Oh! Surprise! Michael's there, too! They're not leaving much for the 2nd half with only one more to put in the bottom group!

Ahhh, Brad Paisley! He's awesome! I'm actually not sure I've heard this song yet!

Scott - I'm not surprised that he made it in, but I still don't think he's the strongest.

Megan's up next. I hate to be mean, but I'm sick of her! I don't like her quirky voice! Oh well, guess I'll be seeing more of her!

Matt, with his version of Carrie's "So Small", is safe, too! Kris is safe too - no shock there!

Okay, so now we're down to Alexis and Adam. You know there's going to be a break and Randy Travis & Carrie Underwood duet before they give the actual results!

Okay, so I was a little wrong. Alexis is in the bottom three. Of course, one goes back to the couch... I'm going to say Allison!

Okay, so that leaves Alexis and Michael. I don't think they're going to use the judges' save on either of these two.

I can't tell - did Carrie cut her hair or is it just pulled up?

Oh, this is cool. I LOVE this song, no matter which one sings it. This would probably be the one I buy off iTunes!!

Well, now we're back to the judges. Okay, so they would "consider" using their save on one of them. I'm going to guess they'd save Alexis, but I really don't think they'll use it this early!

Wow - I'm shocked! Michael's safe and Alexis is out! I wonder if the judges will save her? And what does that do to the number of eliminations in later weeks?

Nope, no save for her.

Next week - we'll see you WEDNESDAY and Thursday. President's speech beats American Idol! We'll be back with "50 Years of Motown!" See you then!

American Idol - Top 11 Perform

Okay, so I went out for St. Patty's Day, so this is DVR blogging this week - and it's COUNTRY WEEK!

Welcome to American Idol, Randy Travis!

Up first, Michael Sarver singing "Ain't Going Down 'til the Sun Comes Up". It was okay, but didn't showcase his voice. There are some bigger songs he could have chosen. Judges agree with me!

After the break, we have Allison Iraheta with "Blame It On Your Heart". Well, right off the bat, I love it! Still hard to believe she's 16. I'll probably say that every week! I bet the judges love her! I did! And the judges did!

Kris Allen will bring us back to Garth with "To Make You Feel My Love". One of my favorite songs! I like the way he's changing it up a little. Not too much, but like Randy said, making it his own. Beautiful! Wow! Simon said "terrific" and other nice things! Judges are liking him too!!

Lil Rounds is going to sing "Independence Day". Oh, big song for Lil, but I think she can do it! She's changing up the first verse a little, but nothing too much. She definitely has a big enough voice for the chorus! So far I'd put her above Michael, but Kris and Allison are still on top.

Adam Lambert is up next with "Ring of Fire". It's a strange arrangement. I suppose for the arrangement, he's doing a good job, but it's hard to let go of the original Cash version!! Kudos to him for being different and showing his vocals, but I'll take the country version any day! Kara's confused but happy, and Simon thinks it was rubbish. I agree with them!

Scott MacIntyre with Martina's "Wild Angels". Beginning was a little slow, picked up at the end. I agree with Paula that he's leaning on the piano too much. He's not standing out from the crowd.

Alexis Grace is going to sing a Dolly Parton song, "Jolene". I'm not quite sure what to say on this one. I think she did a good job. Changed a little from Dolly's, but I'm not sure that's what she needed to do. Judges agree for the most part.

Danny Gokey sings "Jesus Takes The Wheel". Wow. Very nice!! That's about all I can say! He's definitely up into the top half so far tonight!

Anoop Desai with "Your Always On My Mind". Not sure I can put my mind around Anoop doing Willie. Randy T. says there's promise! I can't wait! I love it! I'm definitely glad he stayed around for this week! "Zero to hero" according to Simon! I totally agree!!

Megan Joy Corkrey is singing "I Go Walkin' After Midnight". Man, oh man. Whatever it is about her voice that they say is quirky ... I JUST DON'T LIKE IT. Judges are liking her. She's not in the bottom of the night though.

Last up, Matt Giraud with ANOTHER Carrie Underwood song, "So Small". Why are they all picking songs from Carrie? There are SO many other Grand Ole Opry members to choose from! He's doing his own version at least! Not sure I liked the very, very last note. Will have to see what the judges think!

So, my top picks for the night: Kris, Allison and Anoop

Bottom picks: Michael, Scott, and Alexis

American Idol - Top 13 Results

Okay, so tonight two contestants will get voted off, and there's supposed to be an announcement about a change to the whole process. I wonder if it'll actually be something significant or just a little change all hyped up?

Yes, everyone .... THIS is American Idol!

Okay, so the judges get a "save" card to play. I think he confused me about when and how often it can be used. Well, that's Ryan for ya!

Now for a little group sing-a-long and a recap of last night.

Michael Sarver's up first and he's safe! Allison's next. I'm sure she's fine! (Yes! She is!)

Jasmine's next. Oooh, she's in the bottom three! She's not my favorite from the night, but I'd think she's going to be safe!

Okay, after a little confusion, Matt's safe and sitting back on the couch. Whew!

Now we have Kris and Megan standing for results. I'd definitely pick Kris over Megan!
Ha! Tricky Ryan!

Oh wow, so Megan beat out Jasmine! I just don't get whatever it is that everyone seems to see in Megan's "quirky" voice. It just annoys me!

Sad to see Jasmine go! She's adorable - this won't be the end for her!

Okay, time for a little entertainment break. Too bad I can't fast forward though this! Kanye West. Bah! Okay, so he really needs to decide if he's going to wear tight jeans or baggy jeans. They look like they're supposed to be fitted, but he just didn't pull them up all the way. Or there's just extra fabric in the ass on purpose. Baaaad!

Okay, now back to the reason we're all here!

Scott's up! He's safe! Whew! No one tried to give him a high-five and missed!

Alexis, aka Dirty Girl, is up .... and she's sticking around for another week!

Danny's up next. Not even a worry - of COURSE he's safe!

Oops, Anoop! I think you're heading to the center stage! (Yep, there he is!)

Adam's next. Now, I didn't really like it, but I DO like HIM, and I'm sure he'll be back!

Our little foreigner... Jorge! Ha! Ryan thinks he's funny again!

Now to compare him to Lil. I think Jorge will be joining Anoop center stage.

Okay, my prediction .... Anoop will be staying! He's shown more promise than Jorge, I think!

Ooooo! Kelly's in the house! Woohoo! I missed that earlier! WILL the judges judge her? I think it'd be weird to come back to that same stage and not feel like you were back in school in front of your old teachers!

Okay, back to the decision-making... and yes! Anoop's safe and I seriously doubt the judges will save Jorge. Hope, he's outta here. Simon didn't drag that one out at all!

Okay, so we're down to the Top 11 for next week. I wonder what the theme will be? Guess we'll have to wait and see!

Goodnight, America!

American Idol - Top 13 Perform!

Well, I'm a little behind tonight, but will try to catch up to live time!

Like Ryan said, it was nice to see the judges actually walk out on stage rather than just always sitting at the table.

Tonight's songs will all come from Michael Jackson!

Lil Rounds ("The Way You Make Me Feel") - I like it! I really do think she could sing the phone book! I hope they all do this good tonight!

Scott MacIntyre ("Keep the Faith") - So nice to see him with the piano! I have to admit that I don't think I know the original, but he's giving me goose bumps!

Danny Gokey ("PYT") - Wow! Again, I don't know the original, but man! That boy can sing! Energetic and entertaining!!

Michael Sarver ("You're Not Alone") - This guy has a big voice, and uses it well!! I have to say I actually agree with Simon - he's probably not the BEST singer, but he has the passion that shows through!

Jasmine Murray ("I'll Be There") - Okay, so I really like Jasmine, but I'm really not impressed with this song. I actually forgot to keep watching it for a minute! Good, Paula and Simon at least agree with me!

(Is it just me or does Paula look like she let a 12-year old do her makeup and hair? She looks raggity...)

Kris Allen ("Remember the Time") - He's got his guitar tonight! He sings sideways out of his mouth... but it sounds good no matter what side of his mouth it comes from! ha! Not blown away, but I liked it! Entertaining and current!

Allison Iraheta ("Give in to Me") - wow! She cut her hair! I keep having a hard time remembering that she's only 16!! I think she did a good job! I like having a rocker girl in the mix, but not outrageously so!

Anoop Desai ("Beat It") - He's not going to be able to do a lot with this as it's THE song. Hmmm, I don't think he should have tried it. It's almost like not touching a Whitney song. He just couldn't make it his own, and you can't match the original. Too bad, I like Anoop!

Jorge Nunez ("Never Can Say Goodbye") - I like his voice, but I don't think I like this song (no matter WHO was singing it). Not sure the judges are going to like it. Reminded me of a cruise ship performance.

Megan Joy Corkrey ("Rockin' Robin") - Oh! I like her better as a brunette! Okay, I thought I was going to hate this, since I haven't really liked her so far, but for being fairly cheesy with the wing-flappin' arms, I actually liked it a little!

Adam Lambert ("Black or White") - I'm not sure if it's my headache or not, but I REALLY want this to be over! He's entertaining, but this just seems screechy.

Matt Giraud ("Human Nature") - So he's got the piano out too. So far, difference between Matt and Scott is that Matt's a singer who the piano too. Scott's a piano player. Very nice!!!! I liked that a lot!!!

Alexis Grace ("Dirty Diana") - A lot of screaming going on. Okay, maybe it is the headache talking. The last note didn't seem right, but the rest of it seemed good! Not in my very top, maybe middle-ish.

Okay, so my top picks for tonight...

Danny
Michael
Allison


Skipping to my bottom picks...

Anoop
Jorge
Megan

I'm off! (always a *little* off) Can't wait for the results and whatever this surprise change is tomorrow night!

Thanks for joining me, Karen and Chuck!

American Idol - Wildcard Night (Judges' Choice)

So tonight we hear from the 8 contestants that the judges brought back to fill the last 3 spots in the Top 12! (wow - that's a lot of numbers! Let me just add that this is the 3rd AI show this week and I've watched them in 2 days! ha!)

There's no voting for the fans tonight. After all 8 perform, the judges will pick their top 3. First up -

Jesse Langseth ("Tell Me Something Good") - Okay, I didn't really like it, but I won't say that she did a bad job.

Matt Giraud ("Who's Loving You") - He's definitely showing us more of his bluesy side! Not bad. I'm still not completely blown away, though. Here's hoping the night gets hotter!

Megan Joy Corkrey ("Black Horse and a Cherry Tree") - Okay, I'm thinking there's going to be a "pitchy" comment, and something about her little twisty move. Geez. Again, still not blown away. Grrrrrr.

Von Smith ("Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word") - Boring. Blah. (Wow. First thing Simon said was "boring". Eeeek! I'm becoming Simon!)

Jasmine Murray ("Reflection") - I really do like her! So far I think I like her the best tonight! (I think Paula and Simon are gonna throw down soon!)

Ricky Braddy ("Superstition") - I think he did a good job, but maybe I just don't like the song. At least he showed his personality!

After the break ... Tatiana and Anoop. Let me just say, I HOPE they only brought Tatiana back because she provides some drama and they really have NO INTENTION of putting her in the Top 12!!!

Tatiana Del Toro ("Saving All My Love For You") - OMG. She loves everyone and everything, doesn't she? And where did the accent come from? Beginning wasn't good. Dang it. I hate that she can sing though! I hate her freakin' personality!

WOW. Is it just me, or has Ryan gone a little toooo far more than a couple times so far this season?

Anoop Desai ("My Prerogative") - I just crack up at the voice that comes out of him! You just don't expect it! He had BETTER make it in the Top 12! Fantastic!!

Judges? Whaddya say?? Hmmmm? Yeah, the liked him. They're trying not to say it, but they liked him.

Now time for deliberations!

Up first to center stage is Jasmine .... Randy says she's through! Yeah!

Next up, Ricky. Kara has to give the bad news - his personality wasn't enough.

Megan and Tatiana. Paula's dragging on. Woohoo! Tatiana's gone! Not sure I would have put Megan in either, but I'd pick her over Tatiana.

Jesse's center stage now. Awww, no Jesse. Von's up. Paula's letting him down easy.

So it's down to Anoop and Matt.

WHAT? Matt over Anoop!?!?! Okay, I officially hate Simon now. I'm sure it wasn't just his decision, but ...

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!! They're putting through 13, not 12!!!! Anoop's in! Okay, I guess I don't hate Simon after all! LOL

G'night y'all! I'll be seeing you next week!!

(and now I need to hit the books! I was supposed to be studying something other than vocals!)

American Idol - Top 36 Night 3 Results

Okay, so here we are, ready to pick the 7-9 of the Top 12!

First to stand up is Lil ... and she's through! Awesome!

Now standing we have Arianna, Taylor, Alex, Kendall, and Scott! Oh, big surprise ... ONE of them is through. And now it's time for a break! Silly Ryan!

Arianna's out. Taylor's out. Alex ("the Growler") is out. Kendall's out.

That leaves SCOTT! (Like we're surprised!)

Standing up, we have Nathaniel and Kristen. They're both out.

Next up - Felicia and Von. And both of them are out.

Down to Ju'Not and Jorge. They're center stage.

Oh wow! Yea for Jorge!!! They should have a translator on hand for him if they're going to keep giving him good news!

Oh! They're going to announce the Wild Card show!

So next week we'll be hearing:

Von Smith (from tonight! Good, cuz I was torn putting him in my tops!)
Jasmine Murray
Ricky Braddy
Megan Joy Corkrey
Tatiana Del Toro (noooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Matt Giraud
Jesse Langseth
Anoop Desai

American Idol - Top 36 (Night 3 of 3)

Okay, so tonight is really LAST night, and it's not live, except I've made sure not to watch any of the results yet, so it's DVR-live blogging!

First up, is...

Von Smith ("You're All I Need to Get By") - I wasn't sure at the very first line, but then it just got better! I agree with the judges that it was great start to the night!

Taylor Valfauna ("If I Ain't Got You") - Does this song ever speed up? It's been a long day ... I'm falling asleep...

Alex Wagner-Trugman ("I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues") - I like his "feud" with Simon ... Okay, he needs to leave out the gravely stuff. He's trying too hard. Wow. Not sure I remember the judges making fun of a contestant quite that much before! I'm not saying it wasn't funny .. just a little much!

Arianna Afsar ("The Winner Takes It All") - I don't know this song at all, so it's hard to tell how's she's doing comparitively... but no, I'm not impressed. Judges are surely going to say she needed to do something younger! (Yep, they did. Simon says it was like being at a funeral!)

Ju'Not Joyner ("Hey There, Deliliah") - wow, beautiful song and beautiful performance! Judges liked it too!

Kristen McNamara ("Give Me One Reason") - Blonde Barbie and this song don't really go together, but she has a great voice!! Judges are giving her mixed reviews. Great voice, but not quite sure who she is...

Nathaniel Marshall ("I Would Do Anything for Love") - (what IS it with the headbands? At least he's not wearing a baby tee with stretch pants!) He's not doing a bad job, but I'm not completely wow'd yet.

Felicia Barton ("No one") - I'm liking it! I'm glad she got called back to the show!

Scott MacIntyre ("Mandelin Rain") - I love his voice! Wow!! I think he's my favorite of the night by FAR!!! He'd BETTER be back so we can have him with the keyboard!! Wow, Simon didn't gush, but his was still the strongest comments!

Kendall Beard ("This One's For The Girls") - Well, I was hoping for a country girl to make it through, but even though she's doing a decent job with this Martina McBride song, I really don't think it's enough to get her through to the top 12. It'd be a good karaoke night though!

Jorge Nunez ("Don't Let The Song Go Down On Me") - He definitely has a big voice! I think he did a great job! I would like a little more of his accent in there! Paula's crying, and yes, Jorge's so darn cute! I love that he can't speak in English when he gets so emotionals!

Last up!

Lil Rounds ("Be Without You") - She looks great! Ooo! I think she just gave me a chill! Amazing! I think my fave girl, if not overall fave, tonight!

So my top three:

Girl: Lil Rounds
Guy: Scott MacIntyre
Next Overall: Jorge Nunez

American Idol - Top 36 Night 2 Results

Okay, took a few days, but I finally had time to watch Results night!

And the winners are ...

Adam, Allison, and Kris!

(And Megan was the last to be eliminated, so I guess my picks were pretty close!)