Semi Finals: The Dudes

Well, let me start off by saying that I apparently got wrong info about how the Semi Finals would work...I guess there is no "Bakers Dozen" as I so wittily (is that a word??) named them. It's just going to be a dozen +1...not as witty. I digress...the point is even 2 less talented people will get to be in the Finals and that just made the competition even tougher! Last night was a great start to what is turning out to be a promising season. The talent pool is deep this year and with only 1 shot during this semi final round...it's sink or swim! So, let's dive right in to the guys performances (wow...lots of swimming references!)

If you are an avid reader of my blog (one of the 7 or so lol) you know I rank the contestants with music notes (you know...kinda like stars....) in my weekly blog based on their performances...unlike many things on Idol this year, THAT will stay the same. Here we go....

Clint Gamboa (♪♪♪ 1/2) - Let me say, I am not a fan of this kid and I am sure America is not either after ousting "little" Jacee from his group during Hollywood week; however, "Jun-Bug" did a pretty good job on this song that has been sung to death on Idol. It was a good, energetic start to the show and his vocals were on point. Decent job.

Jovany Barreto (♪♪) - Zzzzzzzzzzzz...Oh, oops...sorry, I nodded off. Yea..boring! I have never felt Jovany was good enough to advance out of Hollywood and he proved me right. His voice isn't bad, but it is amateur and he has NO stage presence. This is an example of a song that has been sung to death and was NOT resusitated. Like Randy said, he brought nothing new to the song. He better hope his muscles are big enough to carry him into the Finals...but I doubt it.

Jordan Dorsey (-♪) - Yes, a NEGATIVE star, my first one ever, for many reasons. First off, I have never been a fan of Jordan's and this performance did not help his case. Seriously...Usher "OMG"?? OMG is right but NOT in the way I think he was hoping. Then he has the nerve to say this song is NOT the kind of artist he wants to be NOR shows who he is....OMG is more fitting after THAT statement. How about DUMB? 

Tim Halperin (♪♪ 1/2) - Tim, Tim, Tim...you let me down here. I had previously stated that Tim/Paul were vying for the same spot but that I liked Tim just a little more...this performance changed that for me. This was boring and did not show off his great vocal ability. He did not seem into it at all and it was sort of just a blur for me about half way through. Sad. 

Brett Loewenstern (♪♪♪ 1/2) - Brett has always been someone I liked...he is unique in every way and seems very genuine. He took this song and made it his own and showed his style as a performer. Brett is not going to be for everyone...I think people will either love him or hate him...the constant hair tossing was a bit much, but everyone has their little subconscious ticks. Do your thang boy! lol

James Durbin (♪♪♪ 1/2) - Is it just me or did anyone else notice the intense effects they had on James' mic. Bleh. Yes, James does have range vocally, and tonight he did seem to be able to control the screeching a little better than normal and keep it on pitch and that is why I have given him 3 1/2 "notes"...however, I just am not a fan. Something about him is just offputting to me. Rawk on though, dude.  

Robbie Rosen (♪ 1/2) - Going into this round of the competition I liked the kid, but I listed him as an "on the fence" for me. Tonight, he pushed himself to the wrong side of that fence. I don't mind some good vocal runs in a song, but not every sentence...sounded like he could never find the melody. Yikes! Again, nice vocal tone, but this kid is not ready for the competition yet. He needs to take some time to mature his vocals and figure out who he wants to be as an artist.

Scotty McCreery (♪♪♪♪) - The night took a whole new turn, for the good, when this kid took the stage. He is my favorite male contestant this year and I have no doubt, win or lose, he is going to be a big star in country music. However, I think he is going to go VERY far on this show. Great job!

Stefano Langone (♪♪♪ 1/2) - Stefano is another favorite of mine this season. I previously said that I felt he and Jovany are going to be splitting votes as they are vying for the same voters but Stefano deserves to win that battle and have a spot in the Finals over Jovany. This guy has range and presence and seems genuine. Yes, he wavered on that 1 high note, but overall his performance was solid.

Paul McDonald (♪♪♪♪) - Rod Stewart's son is in the competition?? Seriously though, this guy comes off as somebody who should already be established in the business. He has a look, a unique voice, quirky stage presence...kinda hard to believe he needs Idol to be honest. He rocked this performance and is definitely the "total package artist" type they are looking for this season.

Jacob Lusk (♪♪♪♪♪) - Ooooo we be havin CHURCH up in here, people! First perfect score of the season from me! I will admit, I was not a fan of his the first time I saw him, until his solo performance in Hollywood; ever since then I have looked forward to his performances with great anticipation. This guy puts it ALL on the stage when he sings and he shoots to the rafters with those high notes! SANG my brotha!!

Casey Abrams (♪♪♪♪) - Another stellar performance. I am diggin this kid because not only is he super talented musically, he has a sense of humor!! He takes his music seriously without taking himself too seriously. This kid is dorky-cool and I like it! Props for pulling off this performance after being in the hospital like the day before it taped! Kudos my man!

Well, this is going to be a tough one folks...only 5 of the 12 guys can make it through on America's vote, however, to me, the choice is clear. I think the Top 5 guys that will go through to the finals are: Jacob, Paul, Scotty, Casey and James. I think Stefano or Brett could pull an upset though and knock one of these guys out (hopefully James...fingers crossed, lol). Will America agree? Do you agree? I guess we will see (a poem to end this blog!).

Peace out!