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.
Stumble It!
The American Idols Live! Tour has some interesting news of late. Things are kinda dead in Idol land at the moment (for once!) and my apologies for not getting anything up yesterday.
