Performance Show

This week’s "genre" is "most popular downloads" from iTunes.

Anoop’s choice was "Caught Up" by Usher. I think Anoop is wildly talented, but he needs to learn a little humility and I’ll like him a lot better. There’s a thin line between knowing you’re good and pushing that knowledge on everyone else, and he’s stepped over that line a couple of times over the past couple of weeks. He did an okay job, but I wasn’t blown away. I agree with Randy that it probably wasn’t the right song for him. I think Anoop pissed of Kara by not taking her "advice" quite as seriously as she wanted him to. Perhaps not a good move --- Kara tends to keep a grudge.

Megan chose Bob Marley’s "Turn Your Lights Down Low". I’m losing my love for Megan --- I liked her unique sound when she started out, but I just don’t think she’s gotten any better, and, if anything, had a couple of really lucky nights early on. She’s just not choosing the right songs or having unfortunate performances. I didn’t like her at all tonight.

Danny decided to sing Rascal Flatts’ "What Hurts the Most". Good song choice, great performance. . . Danny’s back!! I seem to be out of sync with the judges recently, so I was hoping they’d agree with me. After hearing them praise his performance, I felt vindicated.

Allison picked "Don’t Speak" by No Doubt. Other than the fact that she looked a lot like Pebbles, straight out of the Flintstones, and she wore a dress that made her look like she gained 25 pounds in the past week, she did a great job with the song, rockin’ it out like only Allison can.

Scott’s choice was "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel (big surprise). I had hoped he would sing something a little more contemporary to try to convince everyone that he might have what it takes to be an American Idol. He didn’t convince me. I can see Scott tickling the ivories and crooning in a supper club somewhere in middle America, but I don’t see him ripping up the stage, bringing an audience to their feet, hands clapping. Judges loved him, but I didn’t feel it.

Matt decided to sing The Fray’s "You Found Me". He started out a little shaky. Mmmm. . . he got a little stronger, then got a little pitchy, his "super vibrato" seemed to return, then he finished stronger. Although it may have been an okay choice for him, I didn’t like his performance at all.

Lil picked "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. Wow!! How many times have contestants been warned to stay away from Celine?? She started out a little "off" and really made me nervous. She finished strong, but again, I don’t think she made the best choice of song. I agreed with the judges, she sounded a little old. You could hear the talent and control, but it just wasn’t a great song for her.

Adam’s pick was Wild Cherry’s "Play that Funky Music". Hmmm. . . a 70’s classic with a side of Queen. It wasn’t the train wreck I thought it might be, but I didn’t love it like I did his performance last week. He may have lost the last of what I call his "staginess" at last, and this was strong enough to keep him here. (Psst! Kara! It was Studio 54, and AREA 57 --- you know, the aliens!)

Kris chose "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. I don’t think he created a "moment", but Kris has such a pure voice, he hits every note perfectly and manages to make almost everything he sings sound as if it’s his. It was pretty dang good, but still not what I would call a "moment". A "moment" is Daughtry singing "Walk the Line" for 45 seconds before anyone even recognizes the song, or Fantasia singing "Summertime" causing the tears to well up in your eyes.

My choices for bottom three, based on performances alone, would be: Megan, Matt, and Lil. I’m predicting America will vote the same way. I would say Megan deserves to go home this week, but I think America will send Matt packing.

1 OF 10 VOTED OFF

Well, it’s nice to know Smokey’s a real fan!! I liked the opening to tonight’s show. It’s the first different thing they’ve done in several years.

36 million votes came in last night --- still a little disgusting how many people vote in AI versus how many people vote in the presidential election.

Ryan reviewed the lame new rule and we watched a brief recap of last night’s show before we were, once again, subjected to the dreaded group sing. AI producers admitted today that the contestants are lip syncing to a pre-recorded track during this segment of the show --- something about not enough time to fully learn a new song with choreography. Hmmm. . .

This week’s Ford video was to "Pocketful of Sunshine" – cute and clever.

Ruben performed his latest single "Together". Somebody call Captain Kangaroo and let him know his jacket has been located --- on Ruben Studdard.

Ryan asked a few questions about their trip to Motown, then launched quickly in the results.
Adam: safe.

Matt: in the bottom three. Certainly not the way I thought this was going to go.
Kris: safe. (psych!)

Lil and Michael were then asked to stand up: Lil is safe. Michael is in the bottom three.
Smokey and Joss Stone sang "You’re the One for Me". I enjoyed listening to them separately, but they did NOT sound good together.

Allison: safe.

Anoop: safe.

Danny: safe.

Scott and Megan were asked to stand. Scott: in the bottom three. Things are really not going the way I thought they would.

Scott is sent back to the couches, safe.

As they went to commercial break, I was convinced that Michael had to be the one going home. But, then I remembered the Daughtry Debacle, and realized that Matt very well could be sent home tonight.

Stevie Wonder performed a Motown medley: Ma Cherie Amour, Superstitious, Overjoyed, and All About the Love. Stevie’s voice has aged some, too, over the years, but at least it was obvious that he was singing live.

Michael and Matt were brought back to center stage: Michael has the lowest number of votes. He was asked to sing once more, a little chagrined that he had to sing right after Stevie, but gave it a valiant try. Unfortunately, when he was finished, the judges said goodbye.

10 Finalists Compete

I’m starting tonight’s show a little late, and I’ve already seen on FB that at least one person thought Adam did a stellar job on his song tonight. But, I’m really excited because I also heard that Paula actually uses complete sentences tonight. Maybe her meds have been adjusted!?!

And, I’m looking forward to tonight’s theme: the music of Motown. What could go wrong? I hope I’m not speaking too soon. . .

The ten appear onstage, and at first glance it looks like Scott McIntyre has forgotten to put on his trousers, but thankfully, it’s just an unfortunate wardrobe choice. Is his stylist trying to sabotage him by dressing him in flesh-toned pants that are a little awkward fitting (read: shows every detail of those things that should be kept hidden, at least until the second date).

Matt starts out the show singing "Let’s Get it On". Smokey’s impressed, so I’m a little relieved. He started out behind the piano, but then got up and started working the stage. I thought he faltered in a couple of places, but he seems to have lost that vibrato we heard several weeks ago. I thought he did a good job, but he didn’t knock my socks off.

Kris chose "How Sweet it Is". Smoky was blown away. I loved the way he started the song out, and continued to thoroughly enjoy his version all the way through to the end.

Let me make a correction on Scott’s pants. They aren’t flesh-toned, they’re all-out pink. This gives Simon the perfect opportunity to ask if Scott borrowed the pink pants from Ryan’s wardrobe. Scott will sing "You Can’t Hurry Love". With the exception of the beginning, I thought his version sounded like a very talented karaoke singer. Don’t get me wrong, I think Scott is a very talented guy. He’s a musician’s musician, entrenched in tweaking the arrangements of the different songs. But his voice is simply not that strong. I agree with Simon and Randy that he could have had a bigger impact had he stayed with his first choice: "Reach Out and Touch".

Megan will sing "For Once in My Life". Smoky thinks Megan’s an original. I think her originality is both a blessing and a curse. She starts out pure karaoke, then it disintegrates into missed notes and shaky interludes. I think she chose the right song but probably should have slowed it down a little bit. She was just really, really off this week.

Anoop chooses "Ooh Baby Baby". Smoky liked him. He hits a note at the start that’s a little off, but makes a great recovery. I loved every minute of his performance! But it continues to freak me out hearing this voice coming from this nerdy-looking kid.

Michael is up next with "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg". Smoky encouraged Michael to ramp it up a little. It makes me nervous when the mentors have to give advice. Sometimes it’s not a good sign. And, alas, in Michael’s case it was NOT a good sign. He just didn’t deliver it tonight with this song. I think he’s gone as far as he can --- he’s more of an average guy with a really good voice.

Lil’s doing "Heat Wave". Smoky loves her! As much as I love Lil, she had a little trouble tonight. There were some pitchy parts, and a couple of times she sounded like the song was getting away from her. This girl has mad talent, so I was just a little disappointed.

Adam’s choice is "Tracks of My Tears". Smoky enjoyed his rendition. Okay, okay, I admit it. I loved it!! Adam had his moment tonight. Loved the wardrobe, loved the vocals, loved the fact that his hair was different. This is the first thing I’ve heard him sing that didn’t sound like it was sung during a Broadway play. I’m actually happy he proved me wrong tonight.

Danny’s out next with "Get Ready". Smoky had some advice that Danny decided to follow. Or not. Danny, Danny, Danny, who doesn’t follow Smoky Robinson’s advice??? I loved the song choice, and loved his version, but I’m not sure about ignoring Smokey’s advice. The judges might take that as smugness.

Allison’s song choice is "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Smoky said she needed to learn the lyrics, but enjoyed her rendition. I seriously can’t believe this girl is only 16. She has an incredible voice and she really, really knows what she’s doing! Love it, loved it, love it!!

My choices for bottom three: Scott, Megan, and Michael. But I think America will choose: Lil, Megan, and Michael.

I would send Michael home, but I’m predicting America will send Megan home.

Goodbye Alexis! Hello Top 10

Ryan introduced the judges: Randy, looking a little like he just rolled out of bed, Kara, in a very cute dress, but with her hair looking like a school marm, Paula, whose dress would have been okay, except for the foofy stuff on the shoulder straps, and Simon, in another of his plain white, slightly see-through T-shirts.

Brad Paisley will be making an appearance on tonight’s show, which will also include a duet with Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis.

After the requisite recap of last night’s performances, the Top 11 did their weekly group sing, then launched into the weekly Ford video.

We were also treated to a glimpse of what happens AFTER a contestant is booted. It’s nice to know that they aren’t just whisked away, never to be seen again.

Michael brought himself, and several of the other contestants, to tears, telling about how his very young daughter doesn’t quite understand why he’s not at home. She asked him recently why he didn’t want to be with her anymore. Y'all know I was crying big time at hearing that!

Evidently, only the Top 10 get to go on tour this year, another change from years past.

Now the results:

Danny: safe.

Lil: safe.

Anoop: safe.

Allison and Michael were asked to stand.

Seriously, Paula would have been justified if she had turned to Simon and smacked him. Ryan asked who she thought should be in the bottom three. She realizes how difficult it will be this season, with all the talent in this year’s contest. As she struggled to try to decide Simon sat next to her saying over and over "answer the question, answer the question". No way could I have kept my composure --- I would have hauled off and hit him!!

Both Allison and Michael are in the bottom three.

Brad Paisley performed. He sounds better in concert. Or maybe it was just the song.

Scott (who I thought might get voted off this week): safe.

Megan: safe.

Matt: safe. And why have I never noticed that huge THING in the middle of his forehead? Will it go away, or will he have it taken care of after the season like when Elliott got new teeth?

Kris: safe.

Alexis and Adam: Alexis is in the bottom three and Adam is safe.

Allison, Michael and Alexis are asked to go to center stage. Allison is sent back --- she’s safe.
Carrie Underwood sings a duet with Randy Travis. I want to sing a duet with Randy Travis! Okay, first off, who knew Randy Travis was such a little guy??? I always thought he was tall! He’s barely taller than Ryan, and Ryan’s practically a little person!!

I sincerely wish she had left the hair decoration in her dressing room. I’m not sure what she was thinking by wearing that. Without it she would have been stunning. I actually listened to the whole song --- they sounded great together!

Michael is safe, Alexis has been voted off. I’m a little stunned.

The judges, who have already said they would consider saving one of the two, ask Alexis to sing again before they make their decision.

I don’t think she sings as well as she did last night but the judges decide NOT to save her. I’m really surprised; not only that she ended up in the bottom three, but that the judges didn’t save her.

However, in reality, this season is really the hardest yet. Every single one of these kids could be the American Idol. They are so evenly matched and there are still ten of them!

I have a feeling I’m going to have a hard time feeling okay about sending any of them home, unless they really screw up badly.

Eleven Sing Country

Randy, lose the beads, unless a kindergarten age relative made them for you. Kara, please, what were you wearing tonight? Paula, do something about that fake, aging cleavage. And Simon, do you own anything other than silk and/or cashmere T-shirts?

Idol goes Grand Ol’ Opry tonight, always a scary night. Randy Travis is this week’s mentor. I actually like Randy. He’s a good performer and seems like an all-around nice guy.

Michael sang "Ain’t Goin’ Down Til the Sun Comes Up". Randy seemed impressed, but cautioned him not to lose the lyrics. Michael’s really in his element singing country and started out the night with a great performance. I was really impressed! I totally disagree with Kara’s statement that she needed to hear his "big notes". It really bothers me sometimes when they jerk these kids back and forth. "Show us something different", "we miss the old you", "step out of your comfort zone". My lord, I wish they’d make up their minds!!

And, Simon should excuse himself on country night, because 1) it’s obvious he hates country so 2) he ends up hating everything because he can’t begin to understand the genre.

Allison chose "Blame it on Your Heart". Randy has faith in her singing this and thinks her voice is very mature. There was a little over-vibrato in parts for my liking, but overall I think she rocked this song. She has such a strong, distinctive quality to her voice --- she really gave this song a rocker edge.

Kris will sing "To MakeYou Feel My Love". Randy liked Kris’ version. I wish he had played his guitar, because he looked a little lost onstage without it, but he did a great job with this song. I really like Kris, but even I was surprised at how well he sang this.

Lil chose "Independence Day". Randy seems a little nervous, saying that it’s a big song, but is confident she’ll nail it. Lil said she was going to leave the R&B out of it, but you can’t take the R&B out of Lil, and I’m glad you can’t. This girl can make singing the phone book sound good! It was the perfect blend: a little bit county, a little bit R&B. Again, the judges spit out that crap about "Why didn’t you sing this? Why didn’t you sing that?" instead of giving her the credit she deserved for choosing something out of her usual choice.

And, people, way before there was a ‘Lil Bow Wow, there was a common first names like Lilly and Lillian. Couldn’t Lil’s name be a shortened version of one of those? Why does everyone think Lil’s name is short for Little Rounds???

Adam chose "Ring of Fire". Randy was totally thrown for a loop by Adam’s version. I give him kudos for trying something different, but instead of coming off like Daughtry when he sang "Walk the Line", he, once again, sounded like he was in a musical. Yes, he was true to himself as an artist, but I truly did not care for his version of this song.

Scott is singing "Wild Angels". Randy wasn’t sure about his choice of song, but ended up being rather impressed. I like Scott, and think he’s an impressive musician, but his vocals were a little weak tonight. I don’t think his performance was as strong as it needed to be. Paula started with advice for Scott to get out from behind the piano, try something different. Scott should try something different, Lil should stay "Lil", Kris was respected for gambling and leaving his guitar behind. Why do they tell one person to "stay the same" and others "take a chance"??

Alexis chose "Jolene" and Randy thought it was a good choice for her. I had high hopes for her when I heard what she was going to sing, but she seemed a little lost, almost like she forgot the lyrics. I didn’t think she was off-key, like Randy thought, but it didn’t leave me feeling satisfied, either. I was slightly disappointed by it.

Danny’s song choice is "Jesus Take the Wheel". Danny was totally nervous. Randy was impressed by Danny’s soulfulness. I was a little nervous after watching Danny mess up again, and again. But I had NOTHING to worry about. He knocked it out of the park with this one. Totally blew me away!! And, I can't believe it because I've come to hate this song because it's SO played out!!

Anoop is up next, singing "You are Always on my Mind". Really?? Randy is confident, but I’m skeptical that Anoop can pull off country. Okay, I guess I was wrong. I was so amazed, I rewound and played it again. Those were probably the best vocals I’ve heard from him yet. Really, really impressive!! If he continues to sing like this, he’s welcome to stick around for a long, long time.

Megan chose "I Go Walking After Midnight". Randy was a little hesitant about her choice, but was impressed by her unique take on the song. Great choice of wardrobe and very, very good job on the song. Even sick, this girl can sing!!

Matt’s song is "So Small" – Randy was unsure of his choice, but was surprised at how well he did. I really liked Matt early on, but man, as the weeks go by I’m beginning to adore him. He is SO talented, and makes it look so easy. He didn’t try to sound country, but turned this song into his very own.

Based on tonight’s performances, I predict America will send Scott McIntyre packing. He would also be my choice tonight because I thought his performance was the weakest of the night.

However, they may have hated Adam’s rendition so much that they might send HIM home instead.

Minus Two Make Eleven

I’ve heard some rumors about a new twist in this year’s voting/judging arena. A couple of possibilities are: the judges can over-rule when they think America just gets it wrong (Sanjaya) OR possibly that the judges will decide between the two who got the lowest number of votes which one stays each week. Either way, it will be interesting.

Ryan announces "The Judges Save". From thirteen until five, the judges can save one contestant from elimination, just once. It must be unanimous, and once they use the save, it can’t be used again the entire season. No one will be eliminated that week, but the next week two will be eliminated. Theoretically, another "Daughtry" will be avoided. OR America will just vote that person out the next week. Who knows?

There was actually a video clip I didn’t hate --- showing the Top 13 arriving at their home for the remainder of the competition. I believe it’s a redecorated "Beauty and the Geek" mansion, but it was fun seeing the excitement and awe in their faces as they explored their new digs and realized this was theirs, if only for the next few weeks.

We were subjected to another group sing --- not the worst I’ve seen, but please, can’t we replace this portion of the show?? Please?

You’ll be surprised to hear that I didn’t hate tonight’s Ford music video. Pretty cute!

Michael’s up first: he’s safe.

Allison is next: she is also safe.

Jasmine is up next: she’s asked to come down to center stage.

Matt is next: he’s safe, although Ryan called him "the other Matt". What other Matt?

Kris goes next: he’s asked to stay standing and Megan is also asked to stand. Kris is told to sit down. Megan is brought to center stage with Jasmine.

Megan is safe. Jasmine is headed home UNLESS the judges save her. It wouldn’t be a big surprise, since they seem to adore her, but she has disappointed them twice now. Even though we have to listen to her kill her song again, at least they ask her to sing BEFORE they stomp on her heart.

The judges cut her loose.

Kanye is one of the guest performers. He comes out with an unflattering backlight that makes his ears look like they’re glowing in the dark. He sounds pretty good tonight, so I know he’s lip-synching. I heard him live on a show a week or so ago and he SUCKS live. Then again, he starts sounding a little rough around the edges, so he may be singing live. Or maybe he’s doing the Britney thing --- singing along with a recorded version. Then his sound guy turns the "live" down when it starts sounding too horrible so you can only hear the tricked-out studio soundtrack. I’m not sure why this guy is so full of himself, because, although he’s a good-looking guy and sounds pretty decent on his CDs, his live performances are bad, and I don’t mean in a good way.

Scott is safe. Alexis is safe. Danny is safe.

Anoop is asked to go to center stage. Adam is safe. Jorge and Lil stand together, and Jorge is asked to join Anoop. Lil is safe.

Anoop and Jorge are made to wait until after Kelly Clarkson’s performance. Kelly is a great performer, but she SO needs to either get comfortable with being heavy or lose the weight and keep it off. She looks so uncomfortable, and really, her outfit looks like it was lifted from a retiree at a holiday party. She’s quickly becoming the Oprah of the music world.

To my surprise, Ryan tells Anoop he’s safe. Don’t get me wrong, I like Anoop. I was just sure that he would be sent home this week.

Jorge is asked to sing again, before the judges tell him that, they CAN say goodbye and he’s going home.

Top 13 -- A Day Late (cough, cough, hack)

Coughing and hacking prevented me from watching last night’s show last night, so I’m trying to squeeze in two shows tonight, while (still) coughing and hacking.

Top 13 – singing Michael Jackson hits – are: Lil, Scott, Danny, Michael, Jasmine, Kris, Allison, Anoop, Jorge, Megan, Adam, Matt, and Alexis. Two are going home tomorrow; my guess at the start of the show is Jasmine and Kris.

Paula’s outfit looks like it’s courtesy of Cirque du Soleil, Simon is wearing his usual "laundry day" outfit. Neither of them better criticize any of the contestants’ outfits tonight.

Lil chooses "The Way You Make Me Feel". I hope she sings better tonight than she looks. I don’t know which was worse --- the bad-even-for-the-80’s one shoulder, poofy something or other top or the absolutely hideous pleated, way too tight WHITE pants!!! C’mon, Lil, you have better fashion sense than that. I didn’t really care for the delivery of the song, either. It was very "cruise ship singer", campy, and way over the top. I didn’t hear the same song Randy did, evidently. Or Kara. . . Of course, Paula loved her outfit, but then, Paula was dressed by clowns tonight. I found myself agreeing with Simon tonight.

Scott is up next, choosing "Keep the Faith". I’m happy he’s playing the piano, because he’s so much more at ease sitting behind the keyboard. I never was a big MJ fan, so I can’t really tell if he’s doing a good job, because I don’t recognize the song. But I like the way it sounds. Thankfully, Kara points out that it’s not a well-known MJ song (so, it isn’t just me). Simon criticized him for choosing an obscure song, but I don’t think it was necessarily a mistake.

Danny’s choice is "PYT". I’m beginning to wonder where I was during the 80’s. I totally don’t remember EVER hearing this song before, but I love what he did with it. Only Danny is allowed to dance like that, because he sings SO well! Totally blew me away and I agree with Paula --- I will be shocked if Danny doesn’t end up in the Final 3.

Michael sings "You’re Not Alone". I think the judges might think this was a safe choice for him, but there’s something touching about the pureness and sincerity in his voice. I thought I heard a little nasal quality partway through, but he held it together and did a great job. Randy, Kara and Paula agreed.

Jasmine chooses "I’ll Be There". Her stylist likes her, because she helped her choose a really cute outfit. She got a little pitchy, and shaky on some of the big notes --- I was not impressed, but, then again, I don’t think she deserves to be in the Top 13 anyway. But really, Randy, should any of the judges be saying "it’s wasn’t that bad" at this point in the competition??

Kris sings "Remember the Time" accompanying himself on guitar. I liked his take on this song. I think he made it sound fresh and made it his own. With this performance, my earlier prediction for tonight’s show is half-wrong! His voice cracked a little on a couple of the higher notes, but I think he made up for it with the rest of the performance. Simon managed to piss off Kris’ wife with an unnecessary comment. No one cares if Kris is married --- he’s adorable anyway!

Allison’s choice is "Given to Me". The song was totally unrecognizable to me. However, I didn’t hate her performance, although she missed a couple of notes. But this girl can sing. And, I can’t believe she’s only 16.

Noop Dog chooses "Beat It". It’s an obvious choice, but I’m a little nervous waiting for him to begin. This guy totally freaks me out with his voice --- it STILL doesn’t look like it should be coming from that face!! The audience loves him, and he really does a decent job with the song.

Jorge is up next, choosing "Never Can Say Goodbye", pitchy on the opening notes, he came back and, even though I do NOT like this guy, I have to admit he did a great job on this song. He lost, if only for tonight, that annoying karaoke quality he’s had up until this point. Much as I hate to say it, I think everyone will like this performance and he may be staying for at least a couple more weeks.

Megan chose "Rockin’ Robin". I totally disagree with Simon; I think this little girl made the best song choice for herself of anyone tonight. Every note was spot on, even though she sang it almost straight out of the book, her voice is SO unique everything she sings sounds as if it’s hers. And she looked great!

Adam was out next with "This is Black and White". It cannot be denied that Adam has a great voice, but it’s always "Whatever: The Musical". Tonight was "Michael Jackson: The Musical". It’s not even, like early Clay Aiken, that you can imagine him on a Broadway show. He just manages to make every song sound as if it’s been adapted for the stage version of whatever artist he chose. Dreamgirls, Rent, Seussical the Musical here comes Adam, but I don’t see him cranking out hits like Kelly Clarkson. I totally disagree with the judges on this guy.

Matt picked "Human Nature". I love this guy, I loved the song he chose, I think he did a fabulous job. That AND being able to play the hell out of a piano puts him up pretty high on my list. My sister thinks he has a little too much vibrato, but I’m going to disagree with her (gee that’s unusual).

Alexis closed the show with "Dirty Diana". Alexis has it all --- a killer voice, looks, she’s comfortable onstage and she chose a great song to showcase her abilities. This is one of the one’s to look out for. I think Alexis was close to flawless tonight.

I’m waiting for the judges to get off the Adam train (which would also mean getting their heads out of their asses and start giving credit to some of these kids for their strong performances.

So, I’m sticking with Jasmine for one of my choices to be left behind and adding Michael. I like Michael, and I think he’s great, but I think America will think he wasn’t the strongest performer tonight.

Top 12? Nope! Top 13!!

I truly feel sorry for the eight kids standing on the stage as tonight’s Wildcard Show opens.

They came to the auditions and after much hemming and hawing by the judges they were awarded a golden ticket.

They went to Hollywood. They sang alone, they sang in groups. There was drama. Each time they got onstage, there was a chance they would be sent home. They gathered them together in rooms, made them wait for hours, then told them en masse of their decision. They brought them to the mansion, and over the space of an entire day called them out alone and in pairs, sometimes making them sing again, and told them whether they were in the Final 36.

Those final 36 kids, over the span of three weeks, each performed in front of a live audience, again facing the judges and hearing the good and the bad. They were all brought back a second time and told whether America liked them more than the other nine who performed with them.

Then a "select" group from the 18 previously "left behinds" were added to the last 9 castoffs and told they had a chance to be one of 8 selected to perform yet again for the judges, who would then choose three of them to complete the Top 13.

These poor kids have gone through months of "you're in" and "you're out". They have to be emotionally exhausted.

The eight who were selected last night return tonight for their last chance at making it into the Top 12. A short video "final plea" is shown before each person performs.

Jesse is first with "Tell Me Something Good" --- her vocals are okay, a little off in a few places, but she owns the stage. She looks and moves like a "real" performer.

Matt is next with "Who’s Loving You". He looks great and, thank God, gets back to the style he does best. He turns this song into a smoky, bluesy tune. I really like this guy and at this point he looks like a sure thing to get one of the last three spots.

Megan chooses to sing "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree". This is a perfect choice for her. Midway through she gets a little pitchy, but she recovers and ends well. I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t get one of the three spots. The judges adore her, vocals or not.

Von comes out next with "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word". Not sure I agree with his song choice, so I'm immediately hoping he's going to prove me wrong. Von sings every note spot-on, and I personally am not disappointed. Unfortunately, the judges pretty much tell him he has no chance.

Jasmine chooses to sing "Reflection". She has some trouble right at the start. Even though her song choice is melancholy and darker, like Von’s, I don’t think they’ll slam her like they did Von. She really has more trouble singing this song than she should have. I'm not terribly impressed.

It’s really beginning to feel to me as if the judges have already decided who their wildcard choices are and this is just an exercise. I’m feeling a tad bit manipulated.

Ricky’s song choice is "Superstitious". He knocks it out of the theatre as far as I’m concerned. This is by far the best performance tonight. I wasn’t a fan of his in the beginning, but he would be one of the three wildcards if I were making the decision.

Tatiana’s video clip sounds like when Joey was practicing to officiate at the wedding ceremony, all full of "I love everybody, and I love singing, and I want to sing for everyone I love and show them how much I love to sing for them". Gag me!! Tatiana chooses "Saving All My Love for You". Total lounge singer, kill me now. This is the third time she’s sung this song. Finally, the song is over and OMG, they let her stand there rambling on and on. . . please, just shut this girl up!!

Anoop’s choice is "My Prerogative", a repeat for him, too. He not only performs the song well, he moves like he knows what he's doing. I think he deserves a place in the Top 12. I am now officially happy that I don’t have to make the decisions tonight.

Matt, Megan, Von, Ricky and Anoop were my favorites tonight. Of those five, I’m going to gamble that Matt, Megan and Anoop are chosen.

Let’s hear from the judges!

Jasmine is first to be told by Randy that she is one of the three wildcard picks.

Ricky is brought down to be told by Kara that he was not chosen.

Megan and Tatiana are brought down to be told by Paula that Megan will be staying (my prayers have been answered) and, once again, it’s all about Tatiana and she is, not surprisingly, in tears. She stands in front of the judges stand sobbing.

I’m getting a little nervous because once again, it looks as if the show may have gone over and I’ve missed recording the last of it. It’s a commercial, and there’s only two minutes left. I cannot believe it’s happening again!!

Sure enough, the recorded show ends before the last commercial break is over and I’m reduced to going online to find out the results.

Okay, so the first thing I find out is that it’s now the Top 13 and Matt and Anoop are #12 and #13. I spend the next 20 minutes looking for video to see how decisions were handed down to Jesse, Matt, Von and Anoop.

Thanks to the blogger world, I find out that Jesse and Von were told next they were not chosen, then Matt and Anoop were brought down, thinking only one of them would be chosen.

SURPRISE!! It’s the Top 13 and they’ve BOTH been chosen.

So, three of my top five performers from tonight were chosen to advance, and all three that I predicted would be chosen were. . . with an extra (Jasmine) thrown in.

Kelly Clarkson and Kanye will be guests on next week’s show. I can’t wait to see what these Top 13 are going to do!!

Three More of the Twelve. . . and SHOCKER!!

As usual, I’m looking forward to the show tonight ONLY to find out who the last three "America’s choice" contestants are, NOT because of the lame, lame format, where Ryan brings one, two, or three people down and, one by one, with America holding their breath, announces either "yes" they’re in the top 3 or tells them "it’s the end of the line".

So, while Ryan chats up the judges and the rest of America watches some video clips of this particular group, I’ll toss some ideas out on how to change the way the results are announced.
How about Ryan calls the first designated victim, gives them their sentence, then that person calls the next person and delivers THEIR news, and so on until everyone is either "safe" or "out"?

How about if Ryan gives each contestant a sealed envelope? On the count of three, they all open their envelopes and scramble around the stage, comparing numbers and putting themselves in order from highest to lowest? As they complete this task, everyone can see who will advance.

Or, they could do it "Biggest Loser" style. First performer steps on a big square and a number eventually comes up that says how many votes they have. Their name goes on the board as highest. Next person comes up, steps on the square to see their number and are either placed at #2 or #1, knocking the first person down to #2 and so on until we "find out" who the top three are.

Anything but the same old, same old: group sing, then dragged out results interspersed with snippets of video with perhaps a guest performer thrown in.

Alas, that’s not to be, as the group launches into a group sing of "You’re Hot and You’re Cold". They handle Scott’s inability to navigate the stage on his own by keeping all the guys seated on a curved settee, letting the girls move around them.

Then, of course, we’re "treated" to an abridged version of last night’s show, including some backstage tears.

Ryan starts with Lil (a sure thing). Yay!! She’s in the Top 12!!

Lil repeats her killer performance from the night before.

Arianna, Taylor, Alex, Kendall, and Scott are asked to stand. Ryan announces that one of these people will be going on.

Back from commercial, Arianna is asked to stand for a rehash of last night. She is, not surprisingly, told she’s going home.

Taylor is also told she’s going home.

It’s not difficult to see which direction they’re going here. As each person is called, because they’re not the last two or three, they KNOW they’re going home.

Alex is told he’s out, then Kendall and Scott are asked to stand. At this point, I’m not sure what’s going to happen, and then Ryan announces that Scott will be in the Top 12. I’m very pleased.

I have so much respect for this kid. Watching him repeat his performance from the night before, it’s obvious that he isn’t really comfortable standing alone on the stage. He must feel terribly exposed without having his keyboard there to anchor him.

Nathaniel and Kristen are asked to stand. You know, the two old friends. Both are going home.

Felicia and Von are next. I don’t hold out much hope for Von, since I’m sure Ju’not is gong to be in the Top 3 tonight. They both look resigned to going home. Good thing, because they’re both out.

Ju’not and Jorge are the last two. I’m getting nervous now, because the judges are crazy for Jorge, but Ju’not is one of my personal favorites. Ryan fakes going to commercial, then switches and tells Jorge that he’s in the Top 3.

Crazy disappointed, because I really like both Von and Ju’not. However, between the two of them, I’m holding out hope the Ju’not will make it as a judge’s wildcard choice.

The judges have pre-selected a large group from the past two groups of twelve; they’re waiting upstairs. Ryan tells them that, along with the remaining contestants from tonight, they are all eligible to be wildcard picks.

So, this changes things just a little, because the wildcard picks will come from the "rejects" as a group and not one from each week.

Eight of those will be asked to return tomorrow night to sing again, then the judges will name their wildcard picks.

I think about quickly naming my wildcard choices, but I honestly can’t pick three people from the large group. There are too many talented kids there.

Randy announces that Von is named as the first of the possible wildcard choices. I agree with that decision.

Kara tells us that Jasmine is named the second of the wildcard possibles. Kara almost tells her exactly what to sing. Is that fair?

Paula gets to say that Ricky is the judges’ next selection.

Simon says (ha!) that Megan has been given another chance.

I’m pulling for Anoop, Matt, Ju’not, and Jesse.

Randy gets to tell us that Tatiana will get another chance. Unbelievable!! I’m almost physically ill! You can see the other contestants’ faces drop.

Kara lets Matt know he’ll be singing tomorrow night, adding a big hint that he should go bluesy.

Paula then calls Jesse to be among the wildcard possibles.

Simon gives the last spot to Anoop. But I'm so bummed about Tatiana, I can't even muster any enthusiasm. I can't believe that Tatiana was chosen over Ju’not!! Or almost any of the others that were left.

Why, oh why am I forced to beg to kick someone off every season? It seems like there’s always someone who I can’t WAIT to have leave.

Looks like this year’s Sanjaya is Tatiana. I’m not so eager to watch tomorrow’s show. If the judges gave her another chance, there’s a chance she could be one of the wildcard choices. Let us pray.

Third Set of Twelve

Tonight's twelve are: Von Smith, Taylor Vaifanua, Alex Wagner-Trugman, Arianna Afsar, Ju’not Joyner, Kristen McNamara, Nathaniel Marshall, Felicia Barton, Scott McIntyre, Kendall Beard, Jorge Nunez, and Lil Rounds.

Von chose "You’re All I Need to Get By" --- started with a completely different sound than we’ve heard from Von so far. This was not an easy song, but I thought he managed to do a pretty good job. Much better start to tonight’s show than last week. He looked very comfortable, not nervous at all (well, if he was he wasn't showing it). I didn’t dig his outfit --- sort of looked like his dad’s suit paired with a bright-ass T and a pair of sale bin bowling shoes.

Taylor selected "If I Ain’t Got You". She looked great from the knees up, but I didn’t get the space-age tights and spike heeled boots combo she wore with her really age-appropriate cute dress. She did an okay job singing a really, really big song. She was a little pitchy in places and it WAS a repeat of a song she had done earlier in the competition. I think she may have lost her chance of advancing.

Alex helped Ryan pitch the "make your own Coke glass" contest (the winner will appear ON THE SHOW). I’m so excited (not).

They chatted about Alex’s inherent dorkiness which segued into his little video short. He picked "I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues" (because he’s in a long-distance relationship?). If you close your eyes, this kid is pretty good, but I suffered watching his attempts at moving around the stage and coyly pointing at the audience. I think the judges were a little harsh. They kept harping on the mike stand incident, even after Alex explained that it was an accident. And Paula, who manages to find something positive to say about everyone, couldn’t even manage a little pleasant snippet for him. He was close to tears by the time Ryan cut to the commercial.

Arianna’s choice was "The Winner Takes it All". She looked great. It was an interesting interpretation of the song, but perhaps a little dark for this stage in the competition. Her voice almost cracked in the middle and she barely hit the big note at the end. I can almost guarantee, though, that she will be a wildcard choice by the judges. She certainly won’t make it based on voting UNLESS everyone else bombs tonight, too.

Ju’not chose "Hey There Delilah" --- another repeat of Hollywood week but it worked for him. I really like this guy. He turned a pretty little love song into something altogether different; he changed it up in some really interesting ways and almost made it into a smooth, sultry love ballad. He has incredible control, took his time and didn’t hurry it.

Ryan chatted with the two drama queens, Kristen (looking like the cat who ate the canary) and Nathaniel, the girly-boy. The professed their "love" for each other before Kirsten went onstage.

Kristen picked "Give Me One More Reason". This is the chick who the judges thought didn’t have the "look" of an idol. She can sing but this arrangement made her sound like a cruise ship performer. There’s something I don’t like about this chick, but I’m not quite sure what it is yet. She just seems like a really, really old 23-year old, like the oldest 23-year old on the planet.

Nathaniel was next, singing "I Would Do Anything for Love". This was painful from the time he stepped onstage in his blue 80’s inspired jacket (with matching head band), the awful hair, the mish-mash of tattoos and piercings. From the kewpie doll facial expressions to the awkward movements, I couldn’t wait for this song to be over. The best part of this performance was when he was done.

Felicia (replacement for Joanna Pacetti) chose "No One". This girl was already eliminated once; she really has to prove herself tonight. I think she has a snowball’s chance in hell. She sounded like a poor imitation of Alicia Keyes; there was no originality in her voice OR the way she delivered the song. Her voice cracked at one point, she got pitchy and ended horribly. I liked her outfit but hated her performance. The judges kept talking about her "amazing voice" but I just didn’t hear it.

Scott was next with "Mandolin Rain". I was a little disappointed that he couldn’t play his keyboard, because I think he’s most comfortable playing while he sings. This kid has a really good voice, but I’m not sure America will see him as an American Idol. Unfortunately, his blindness is a real handicap here, because he can’t move around the stage like the other performers and his dancing is awkward, although that could be just because he’s a white boy and not because of his blindness. However, his performance is among the best of the evening so far. I can’t bring myself to diss the blind guy’s outfit, so I’m gonna skip.

Kendall (yay, country --- can you hear the enthusiasm in my voice?) sang "This One’s for the Girls". Another copycat, albeit shaky, performance. There was no originality in this rendition, except for the pitchiness and cracking voice, which was ALL Kendall’s. No alligator dancin’ for Daddy tonight! Psst, Kara, this isn’t a personality contest and Paula, it isn’t a fashion contest, either.

Jorge, who everyone else on the planet seems to adore but me, chose "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me". Jorge’s got an "eye thing" goin’ on that I can’t figure out. I’m almost positive he has a glass eye, but I can’t figure out which one is glass!! I think his rendition of this song was over-dramatic and the pronunciation sounded like someone who doesn’t even know English, a little like when someone who doesn't speak a word of English learns a song phonetically. I don’t know what Paula was on to think he did such a great job with OR without the accent. The judges are all so full of praise that Jorge is reduced to tears. I completely missed what was so great about his performance. But then, I don’t know how he got this far anyway. He sounds like a lounge singer to me.

Lil was last, singing "Be Without You". She looked fabulous, and, like the Danny Gokey week, they’ve saved the best for last (as if we’d forget Lil no matter when she sang). I hope this girl has at least been singing in her church choir, because it would be a shame if her voice has been only heard around the house. This girl is the one to beat. If she doesn’t get voted through to the next round, I’m not sure I can continue watching.

My choices: Von, Ju’not, and it goes without saying, Lil. I'll be surprised if America votes any differently.