Wow, what a way to kick off the Finals. I admit I was VERY nervous when they announced Michael Jackson was the night’s theme. However, I was pleasantly surprised by everyone overall, except for a couple. I’m also a little nervous about this so called “change to the rules” in regards to elimination nights and the judges that we are going to find out about tonight. Who KNOWS what it could be, but apparently it could “alter the face of the competition”. Are the judges somehow going to take control of who actually gets eliminated? The may follow the format of some of their sister shows like "Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew" or "So You Think You Can Dance". In these shows, America votes but the judges get the final say in who goes home out of the 2 (or 3) least vote getters. Not sure what I think about this. It could be good and it could be bad. The good would be keeping from having a “shocker” elimination like we usually have. The bad is the judges keep someone like Anoop or Jasmine over someone better. Anyway, we will find out tonight I guess. So, the performances…let’s discuss…
Lil Rounds – An okay opener. She did a fair job with her song, however I felt it was way too safe for her. There is not much range in that song and the melody pretty much stays within a few notes range. Did not show off her abilities to me. Of course, the judges pimped her hardcore…that’s getting to be an annoying occurance. I like her, but she is just lacking something. I can’t help but compare her to Fantasia and, to me, she does not measure up in talent or personality or stage presence so I think that is the problem for me.
Scott McIntyre – Ok, I know I sound like a broken record but I do not think his vocals are up to par and I think he is overly praised as some amazing singer by the judges unjustifiably. I just don’t get the whole Scott craze…sorry. Booooring.
Danny Gokey – Attention: It’s officially a bromance for me and Danny. Of course, he has no idea who I am so it’s one-sided, but that’s just a technicality. ANYWAY…his performance was stellar. Seriously, he reminded me why I picked him as my fave from the first moment I saw him. That gritty, powerful growl he does like he did in the chorus of this week’s song, gave me goosebumps…the first time this season. Seriously, can we just crown this guy the winner and be done with it? I agree with Paula…he will SAIL to the finals and, in my opinion, ultimately be named the American Idol of Season 8. That’s right, I’m calling it…I called it back in the initial audition rounds…and what!?!
Michael Sarver – Tonight, Michael showed us that he belongs in the Finals. He has a solid, soulful, rich and controlled voice. He did a good job with his song, although near the end I felt he might have lost the melody a little bit. I still say he should go country, because it would suit him, there is nobody else getting the country vote and it would set him apart from Danny and Matt who already hold the “soulful white boy” image this season. Country fans have also proven to be very dedicated, so it would be a wise move for him to make it he wants to stick around a little longer.
Jasmine Murray – Bleh…no surprise here for me. Jasmine tried to take on “big notes” and she felt flat, literally. She is not a power singer. I find the tone of her voice unpleasant and just don’t really enjoy hearing her sing. I think with more experience and training she could improve on that though. She has the basis to be a good singer, just not yet. I think she is in jeopardy tonight.
Kris Allen – The unknown contestant. Still can’t believe he made it with virtually no exposure prior to the Semi’s. Not really sure what image he is going for…is he country, is he R&B? Confused. He has an ok voice however by the end of the song he was pushing too hard and screeching to hit those notes…which he failed miserably at. I just wanted him to stop trying! Will his looks, which apparently is what got him here, going to be enough to keep him?
Allison Iraheta – I don’t know what it is but this girl just looks A LOT older than she is, and not in a good way. She looks like she has lived a hard life, ya know what I mean? Anyway, I am just not sure what I think of this girl. I am leaning towards, over rated by the judges. She does not have a very good upper register, if at all. Not sure why Kara complimented her on the “soaring high notes” or whatever she said. It was ok, and she has enough personality and individuality to stick around, so she will be fine.
Anoop Desai – KARAOKE!!! It’s the only think I could say during his whole performance. Ugh, awful. He is grasping at a gimmick to maintain his stay on the show. He thinks people like him for the whole “My Perogative” bad-boy song type of thing…NOT WORKING!! I was totally annoyed with his cocky attitude and face at the end of his performance too, like “Yea, that’s what’s up, I just rocked it out”…Um, NO, Annop, you did NOT rock it. THANK YOU JUDGES FOR AGREEING WITH ME….KARAOKE!! Sadly, his fanbase will go into high gear and keep him safe since he was bashed by the judges. Blerg!
Jorge Nunez – Yes, this guy can sing but I cannot watch him while he does. His facial expressions drive me bonkers. Was surprised how poorly the judges responded to him. Anyway, I think he is in danger, unless Puerto Rico bands together and all votes to keep him (a la Jasmine Trias and the Phillipines in Season 3). We shall see.
Megan Corkrey – Love this girl. No, she does not have the strongest vocals, BUT she plays to her strengths and makes wise choices with her songs. ROckin’ Robin…could not have picked a better one for her voice and style. She is cute and I do not find her schtick annoying (at least not yet) like others apparently do. The "caw-caw" at the end was GREAT!! LOL Whatever, she is cute but she might be in danger.
Adam Lambert – The kid can whale! He has pipes! He has stage presence! However, he overdid it a little bit this week. I love his range and his ability to go all over it with no effort but this was a little much in the upper register and not always so flattering to the ear. Whatever, he is a star and will be completely safe for now.
Matt Giraud – Much better from Matt. He is back in his comfort zone and it showed. I love his Timberlake vibe. He is unique in this competition which helps him stand out. He will be fine.
Alexis Grace – Wow, oversing much? They gave her the “pimp spot” and I think she let it get to her head just a wee bit. Overall she did ok, but many spots were forced and fell short of being on pitch. Not a good song choice for her because there were too many lyrics to fit in to her soulful style. Made her seem out of breath and behind the beat at times. She will be safe though without a doubt.
So who will be in the bottom? I predict Jasmine, Jorge and Kris. If there is a 4th person (since 2 are going home this week), I think Megan will be there, but will ultimately be safe. Again, we have no idea what the big change will be for the elmination shows, so it may be hard to predict who will actually go home. However, I am going to say Jasmine and Jorge will be the first disowned from the Idol family. We shall see!
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