American Idle

Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez were eliminated tonight as the Top 13 were whittled down to 11.

Wow, didn’t see this coming. I thought for sure Jasmine Murray was headed home after trying to sing a song like “I’ll Be There,” but Jorge?

Jasmine was the first to be eliminated. She sang her song one last time, which can technically save a singer after the rule change in which the judges can now save one person from being eliminated. But the judges can only use it once per season and only until the Top 5.

Unfortunately for Murray, her time was up on the show and the judges chose not to save her. She’s got a bright future ahead of her, though.

Halfway through the show Jorge Nunez was called down to center stage to join Anoop Dog. Anoop was saved from elimination, which forced Nunez to sing his song to save his life on the show. I thought it sounded better, the MP3 of the video is below, what do you think?

In my opinion, I think the judges may have made their biggest mistake by not saving Nunez. But with Grand Ole Opry Week coming next, Nunez may have been off at that point, anyway.

Little Jasmine Murray decided to sing a big song tonight, one that has been covered by the likes of Mariah and Whitney, and she may be going home tomorrow.

As Randy said, it was “dangerous” but he did add she sang it fairly well.

Depending on how the others do in the voting, she could be going home with that choice of song. She really needed something more peppy in my view.

It was announced today that the Top 13 will sing Michael Jackson songs tomorrow night as American Idol 8 rolls on. Well, that’s gonna be interesting. Jacko’s songs aren’t easy to sing, especially his newer ones. But let’s look at who’s gonna shine and who won’t tomorrow night:

Adam Lambert - Lambert should be the easiest one to pick, since he’s all about theatrics and the boy can sing. I could see him choosing something daunting, like “Rock With You,” and making it his own. But I can also see him singing “Thriller,” so it’s hard to say. I’d say “Billie Jean,” but David Cook owned that song. Anyone stupid enough to sing it (and there will be one) could be eliminated.

Anoop Desai - Anoop’s style is perfectly suited for a Jackson song, like “Smooth Criminal.” Or if Lambert doesn’t choose “Thriller” Desai might choose that. Or “Leave Me Alone.”

Danny Gokey - This performance has “Heal The World” written all over it. If not that one, then something that is inspirational. It would be a huge mistake for Gokey to go big.

Lil Rounds - Look for Rounds to make her move on Lambert’s top spot tomorrow night. She will choose something obscure and sing the hell out of it. It could be something like “Butterfly,” a newer song that is one of my faves.

Jasmine Murray - Notice a trend here? You should, because Jackson songs are hard to sing. That said, I think Murray is gonna have a good week.

Jorge Nunez - He has a big enough voice to tackle “Rock With You.” While I think it would be utterly stupid for him to do such a thing per Paula’s warning, he just might. And if he hits it, he could be the next breakout star on the show. I can also see him singing “The Way You Make Me Feel.”

Michael Sarver - The Texan is gonna move up this week, because he has that big voice that Jackson songs are suited for.

Kris Allen - He may not be singing “Man In The Mirror” but I’d bet money he will be. If he falls flat, though, he could be going home early.

Alexis Grace - She has enough soul and voice to pull off one of the trickier songs, but I think she’ll go the Danny Gokey route and choose something safe.  

Scott Macintyre and Matt Giraud - This is a tricky week for Scott and Matt. Neither of their voices are suited to this type of music and with a bad week, Matt could be going home.

Allison Iraheta and Megan Joy Corkrey - I think one of them could be in trouble this week, especially if Anoop Dog or Matt blows the roof off. That would open the door for a shock elimination. Look for something off-the-wall with these two girls.

Stay tuned tomorrow night for the show! Should be the best one yet.

After the Top 13 (not the Top 12) were announced, it was time to go out and party like it was 2009. Except for all of the usual faces (you know, the ones who had earned their way into the finals) there was one, in particular, who crashed the party.

What in the hell was Bikini Girl (above photo) doing there? Was she a guest of someone? Like, maybe Simon? LOL It’s possible, and I guarantee that because we saw her last night at the post-wrap party, we have not seen the last of her.

God, no! I thought we were rid of this broad. She’s more annoying than Tatiana!! I thought Kara had a hit out on her. Just kidding. She doesn’t, but apparently I (and the rest of America) were wrong. We aren’t. She’s back.

And she looks like a damned turtle–or a mermaid, take your pick–in that shimmery green metallic getup. And look at her boobs, all mismatched like one is bigger than the other. Other than that, she’s just a hot mess, obviously someone Simon would get with.

And other than that, half of America is cheering right now, particularly those with a pulse and a penis. The other half is throwing things at their computer screen.

Jasmine Murray struggled so mightily during the semifinals that you knew–after hearing her at Hollywood Week–that it would be a matter of time before she started doing well.

And tonight was her night, although she did start off a bit rough, as most do. By the second minute she got her groove back and was belting it out, finding those so-called “bright spots” that Randy referred to after she sang.

Kara said she was surprised by her big voice, and so was I. Who knew that little 17-year-old had pipes like that? Paula said her notes “fell off” but Murray seemed “determined” to make it through.

And Simon called it a “very, very brave song choice.” Agreed, because if she hadn’t brought it, Jesse Langseth was waiting in the wings and so was Von Smith.

Tonight begins what should be the most exciting round of all, the WildCard round. We’ll break each singer down when the fun begins and hopefully have for you their performances, as soon as they’re released. And there is some serious talent in this group, so watch out.

The WildCard round includes the favorites:

Von Smith - Smith just has to do what he does best and that’s sing tonight. Doing that should get him into the Top 12. After his semifinal performance I think it’s a high probability he’ll make it through.

Anoop Desai - Anoop did not impress as well as he should have in the semifinals but he will get another chance tonight. I predict Anoop will have the hit song of the night, making for an electric atmosphere and getting through to the Top 12.

Megan Joy Corkrey - The Sandy, Utah native (above photo) is unique enough that if she has a good performance tonight, she’ll have a good shot at making the Top 12.

Watch for these contestants also:

Jasmine Murray - Her vocals are good enough that if she picks the right song, her age won’t have anything to do with it. Also keep in mind that the ones already selected in the Top  12 are older and so it would make sense to put her through.

Jesse Langseth - Jonny Lang’s sister is another one who hasn’t exactly overwhelmed people, but with this second chance, she will be in a battle with Corkrey to see who makes it through. Both are the eclectic singers of the bunch.

Others who might make it through but it’s remote:

Matt Giraud - Matt is a piano player and we already have one in Scott MacIntyre. Unless, of course, Idol decides to do a dueling pianos type of thing, which would suit Giraud just fine.

Ricky Braddy - That dance is catchy, but there are already too many guys on Idol 8.

Tatiana Del Toro - I don’t know what Idol was thinking by allowing her through to the Wild Card round, but if she does make it through I may just boycott the rest of the show. And I’m not joking. I can’t believe they left out people like Jackie Tohn, Junot Joyner and Brent Keith Smith for this lady.

And finally, there may be a twist to the Top 12. Word has it there may be a 13th added. If so, is that gonna be David Osmond, who went home far too early in the estimation of many? Or will it be Norman Gentle? Interesting times await us tonight.

The second week of the Top 36 is upon us. Let’s breakdown each singer’s performance, shall we?  It started out horribly, with the first three singers bombing big-time. But then Norman Gentle (above photo) took the stage and all was well (and hilarious.) And then we met Allison Iraheta (bottom photo), who may just be the dark horse in Idol 8. Here’s the complete wrapup in order of performance:

Jasmine Murray - 16 years old from Starkville, MS/audition city: Jacksonville, FL - “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles - Murray was pitchy throughout the song, according to Randy Jackson. Others said she was all over the place and did not start out well. I just thought it sounded too much like Sara, which is a major no-no at this stage of the competition–unless you can really bring it. Simon said she’ll do well “in a few years.”  

Matt Giraud - 23 years old from Kalamazoo, MI/audition city: Louisville, KY - “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay - The dueling piano man pikced a risky song, according to the judges. Simon even said it “verged on a horrible performance.” What it tells me is some of these singers may not be as good when they don’t have their instruments.

Jeanine Vailes - 27 years old from Sherman Oaks, CA/audition city: San Francisco - “This Love” by Maroon 5 - I hate to say this about anyone, but this was by far the worst performance of the night. And since there were many, it’s not a compliment. Which is too bad, since Vailes — who didn’t get any airtime prior — seems like a nice lady. Simon made a few comments about her legs and lips. Typical.

Nick Mitchell - 27 years old from Brookfield, CT/audition city: New York, NY - “And I Am Telling You” by Jennifer Hudson - Mitchell came out as Norman Gentle once again, to the delight of the audience. I don’t know if anyone else saw this, but his dad was glaring at him at the beginning of his performance. LOL Maybe he was in deep thought. Simon knows this guy’s a threat, saying “I pray you do not make it through to the next round.” Guess what, Simon? He’s in, after that performance. Hilarious and solid. Ryan even made mention of him going to “2nd base with the logo.” Heh.

Allison Iraheta - 16 years old from Los Angeles/audition city: San Francisco - “Alone” by Heart - Allow me to introduce Iraheta (oh wait, I already did! LOL) to the rest of America. She basically kicked ass and took names this evening, even sounding like Kelly Clarkson in parts (and I thought she sounded like Amanda Overmyer,too).

Kris Allen - 23 years old from Conway, AR/audition city: Louisville, KY - “Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson - Allen took a tough song and made it his own, albeit in a baritone. I wasn’t thrilled by it, but it was better than most this evening. Since he is a hit with the ladies, I do think he has an outside shot at making the Top 12.

Megan Joy Corkrey - 22 years old from Sandy, UT/audition city: Salt Lake City, UT - “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae - If my predictions are correct, Corkrey (middle photo) is making it through because of her looks. Not because of her singing — which is okay. The judges called her a package deal, which is accurate. She’ll be in deep trouble once she hits the Top 12 but for now I think she may be the one female who makes it through. That does leave Iraheta out, but Iraheta should be back in the WildCard anyway.

Matt Breitzke - 27 years old from Bixby, OK/audition city: Kansas City, MO - “If You Could Only See” by Tonic - Such a great song, but Breitzke made it sound like he was playing in a bar band. He’s done.

Jesse Langseth - 25 years old from Minneapolis, MN/audition city: Kansas City, MO - “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes - Another great song that Langseth could have used to her advantage. Instead she played it safe, which is never a good thing unless you have Adam Lambert’s talent. She doesn’t and I think Simon summed it up when he said she was forgettable. I think the Idol judges would have found a reason to eliminate her anyway, with her record.

Kai Kalama - 26 years old from San Clemente, CA/audition city: San Francisco, CA - “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” - Kalama was way out of his depth tonight and it showed. Simon called him a backup singer. Ouch. He’s a nice guy, though and he’ll resurface somewhere in the music industry. But he’s done here.

Mishavonna Henson - 18 years old from Irvine, CA/audition city: Phoenix, AZ - “Drops Of Jupiter” by Train - Hers was my favorite song of the night and I even downloaded her version, which you can pick up by clicking on the iTunes link above. The judges didn’t like her version, though, but she is likeable and will at worst get in by WildCard. At least I hope she does.

Adam Lambert - 26 years old from Los Angeles/audition city: San Francisco -  ‘Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones - The best truly did go last, as Lambert showed everyone he is the one to beat this season. he took a tough song and not only made it his own, but also added some nuances that made it memorable. He may quite simply be the best singer Idol has ever had. He really has set the bar so high that it may be more difficult for opponents to overcome than it was last season when David Cook blew everyone away.