AI 8 2-25-09 Semi-Finals Round 2

Last night’s show begins with our group of 12 contestants standing on the stairs while Ryan explains where else can we have a welder, a bartender, a font designer and a comedian all-vying together, of course, THIS is AMERICAN IDOL!

What was up with Ryan last night? He was a bit causal in jeans and sneakers, highly unusual for him. I guess he did not bring along enough wardrobe choices given his daily schedule.

I was also happy to see the judges back in their proper order at the table starting with Randy. There are some things, which should not be messed with.

Ryan once again asks the judges what advice they have for the contestants. Randy says bring it on, Kara reminds them they have no second chances and need to show their strengths, Paula says pick the right song, and Simon indicates it is too late for advice.

The theme continues to be songs from Billboard’s Top 100. This is a big list so song selection is always critical. Let us get started with the dish!

Jasmine Murray

Jasmine chooses “Love Song” for her audition. Jasmine was clearly nervous and the beginning of the number was terrible, it was way too low and flat. I do not believe she ever found the pitch and the background singers were excessively loud as well. I think Jasmine has a good voice given she was the only one who saved her group number and there were a couple of seconds when you could really hear what her voice would sound like but this performance was off from beginning to end. This is not a great beginning.

Randy – there were good and bad moments. It was pitchy throughout, you should have done something by Rihanna, and it just did not work.

Kara – you are so commercial but this was all over the place, it started out too low for your register, it was not your best.

Paula – I have to agree with Randy and Kara, you gave it your all and tried to interpret it in your own way but you sang all around it and went off-pitch, you definitely have confidence.

Simon – I was disappointed, you have the look, the attitude and the confidence but you did not sing well. I do not think the song choice is going to help you.

Matt Giraud

It is unfortunate the contestants cannot play their instruments until they reach the Top 12 because Matt clearly needed his piano. I have to say I hate holey jeans and Matt’s jeans looked like he got them from a homeless man – come on you cannot wear some decent jeans. Matt goes with “Viva La Vida” which is not a great choice for him plus it is way too current, come on Cold Play just won a Grammy for this song last month. Oh my, what is up with the strange vibrato, it is like his voice has its own echo. Matt was also not able to hit the high notes, he was flat, flat, flat! In addition his diction sucked, you could hardly understand what he was saying.

Kara – you blew me away in Hollywood, I was not blown away, your bluesy, soulful vibe got lost in the song, you are a good singer but this song did not show your best side

Paula – you were good in Hollywood, this was a risky song, this performance was better than the rehearsal I saw, but you at least went for it.

Simon – this was verging on a horrible performance, it wasn’t just that the song was bad, it was also the way your performed it, like a wannabe pop star, it was not comfortable to watch. I like your voice but this was not a good choice of song.

Randy – you have mad talent but this was not good.

Jeanine Vailes

Oh no, we have someone trying to imitate Haley Scarnato! Jeanine this is a singing competition, those short shorts and the long slinky legs will not take you far. Jeanine chooses “This Love”. This was another totally awful performance. What is happening tonight? The entire vocal was off key. She had a really strange rhythm, which was not in sync with the background singers. I realize she tried to make some changes with the song but those ridiculous runs were not needed and were distracting. The entire performance was a freaking mess. I was happy when it was over.

Paula – your have great legs, this is season 8, you have great legs, this was not the right song.

Simon – it was terrible, you chose the wrong song, it was painful to watch and you were struggling with it. I agree you have nice legs.

Randy – I agree you do have nice legs. It was the wrong song, it was pitchy, the best part of the performance was the end, and I was dying over here watching you.

Kara – it was so overdone, everything about it was wrong

Nick Mitchell aka Norman Gentle

Why is this contestant here? This was utterly ridiculous. Does Nick/Norman know any other songs then “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”? I took away points for his stupid outfit but gave some points for the changing of the lyrics i.e. his pleading not to be going but it is the only point he got from me. The entire song was off key, the antics were not entertaining and his making out with the American Idol logo was bordering on sickening. I was not entertained by the performance, I found it torture to watch and I was happy when it was over. This was a waste of my time. It makes me mad because there were contestants who could sing but they were sent home for this. Give me a freaking break! I was blown away when Ryan answered Norman’s question and said he did not deserve to go through but it is up to America. Way to go Ryan, I totally agree.

Simon – I believe I am speaking on behalf of America when he prays you do not go through to the next round (I do not know about the entire country but Ronald is praying he is going). This was the most atrocious performance we have ever had on this show. It was horrible comedy.

Randy – it was entertaining but the vocals were not happening.

Kara – we remember you, you wear the same shirt each week just like Simon (OUCH!), you are not terrible (EXCUSE ME!) but you are not right for the music industry.

Paula – this is America and singers come in all shapes and sizes, you were channeling Olivia Newton-John (what because he had a headband on – come on) and Jerry Lewis but this is not the stage for you but there are plenty of other stages.

Allison Iraheta

Allison looked great, she actually dressed like a 16 year old – how original? I am not loving her hair color but she stands out in a crowd. I have to say it, Allison could pass as Kelly Clarkson’s sister, I swear the resemblance is uncanny and it goes to the vocals as well. Allison is tackling “Alone” by Heart, which is normally a poor choice for most contestants. Carrie Underwood pulled it off but it is rare. I have to admit Allison was freaking good. She really poured a more bluesy rock sound to it. She has a natural rasp in her upper register. Allison had total control of her voice and the crowd. The audience really connected with her. Given she is only 16 she has a powerful vocal instrument. There were a few squeaks when she went for the power note but she covered it well. Allison is a totally different person when she is performing. The best so far this evening but after Norman anything would be an improvement.

Randy – strange night, we have had bad singing and comedy and then you came and blew it out of the box, there is some real singing, you were rocking it, one of the hottest of the night.

Kara – you are serious, you do not realize how good you really are, you need to get comfortable and fight the stage fright but you have some serious chops, with the right song, you would have a huge hit.

Paula – you could sing the telephone book, for 16 you are very seasoned given how you worked the microphone stand, congratulations, incredible, you are a lot like Kelly Clarkson (DUH!)

Simon – You are the best so far by a mile, you were boring upstairs when you were talking to Ryan but on the stage you had confidence and turned into a completely different person on stage, I was very impressed, I think you are the one to watch.

Kris Allen

Kris dresses well, thankfully. He is going with “Man in the Mirror”. I love this song but I am not sure it is a good choice. Kris started way too low and very rough but he rallies by the chorus. He has a good voice but he had some pitch problems. I will give him points for diction and he was really connecting with the background singers, the harmonies were flawless. Kris can perform once he got over his nervousness he was having fun and had great energy. Kris definitely has the entire package pretty face and a good voice but I do not think America has seen enough of him and this performance was not memorable enough to get them to vote unless it is for his good looks.

Kara – the front half was pretty rough but the back half was way better, it wasn’t as good as your Hollywood performances, it was the wrong song, I can’t see you doing this sort of music, you have talent but this didn’t show me the person I fell in love with in Hollywood, where is the soulful voice.

Paula – I totally disagree, I think you showed your personality, you would have made the writer’s of the song proud (I was impressed Paula knew their names) you were charming and confident, it showed.

Simon – I agree with Paula. You are not the best singer but you showed confidence and personality, I am quite proud of you, the girls will like you, I think you put forth the effort and it may pay off for you.

Randy – I agree partially with Simon, I was happy you were able to rock the performance without your guitar

Megan Corkrey

I am not sure why but I find the tattoo on her right arm totally distracting. What was up with that dress and those pom pom balls over the bodice, it looked horrible and when she was doing her strange dance movements (if you could really call them that) they were bouncing around, it was crazy. Megan is going with “Put Your Records on” and I did not like this at all. She was horribly off-key for almost the entire performance and I think it was totally out of her range.

Paula – you won everyone over at your original audition, you picked the right song, you are interesting, relevant, you did everything right, I love you.

Simon – “you are a funny little thing, aren’t you?” The song started well but then you over sang the second part of the song. You are gorgeous. I hope America votes for you because you stand out, your current; I just wish your vocals had been better.

Randy – I am a big fan, you are interesting, and you have the whole Adele, Duffy, Amy Winehouse vibe going, nice job.

Kara – you are already a packaged artist, you stand out, and with the right song, and you could have your defining moment.

Matt Breitzke

Poor Matt, what kind of hotel are these contestants staying at where he could not even find an iron. The shirt he was wearing looked like he took it out of a laundry basket after it had been all wadded up for a week. I think he could have tucked it in as well. Matt looked very sloppy. Matt goes with “If You Could Only See” and it was basically good karaoke. There was nothing special about it at all. Matt’s dancing really sucked, I was not sure if he was having a seizure the way he was jerking around. Good heavens.

Simon – I really like you but I hated the song. I am frustrated, I definitely would have tried to talk you out of the song, if I had known about it, the song did not suit you and the performance was uncomfortable. You have not done yourself any favors.

Randy – the performance was boring and did not show how great you are, it was a rock song, it needed more edge but I like you and I wish you luck.

Kara – everyone likes you but this did not highlight your talent, it fell flat, you can sing, this was just a poor song choice.

Paula – the song did not celebrate who you are as an artist

Jesse Langseth

Jesse is going with “Bette Davis Eyes”. I totally love this song but the majority of the target audience probably has never heard this song. Jesse looked great but this performance was again simply good karaoke although she had some serious pitch problems. This is a very unique song and Jesse just could not pull it off. Since she said, she missed her daughter during her introductory video she will not have to fear she will be seeing her very soon!

Randy – it was okay, the song was cool, not exciting, you need to show your range, this has a 5-note range; we need to see what you can do.

Kara – this is your best look and you showed some sexiness in your performance, you took some risks but the range was not great, there were some good moments

Paula – you are captivating, I will remember you, you are cool, and it was not the perfect song.

Simon – you are forgettable, you have a good voice but I do not see anyone jumping to vote for you.

Kai Kalama

Is Fox so poor they cannot hire a hairdresser or buy a comb? Kai’s hair is very distracting. The fact I am paying more attention to your hair then your singing is because this was not a good performance. Kai goes with “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”. I think Kai has a good voice but he had some serious pitch problems and he was not able to control his breathing, he was gasping for air towards the end. This was just a safe performance and again good karaoke. Kai did not make it special. I give him credit for the energy in his performance and his enunciation.

Kara – I like you a lot, there were pitch issues but you did give it your all. I think the song was a little old-fashioned, we have not seen the contemporary side of you yet, there were some good moments and some less then good moments.

Paula – I like these throw back songs, you did fall off pitch, and you have the chops to do well if you work hard

Simon – I have heard many performances like this over the years, it was old-fashioned, corny and it was like a wedding singer. There was nothing distinct or memorable about this, you would make a good backup singer.

Randy – it was so safe.

Mishavonna Henson

I am not sure her name would serve her well; she needs a nickname or something because I cannot imagine hearing any one shout out “Mishavonna, Mishavonna”. She is going with “Drops of Jupiter”. This is a freaking strange song choice and she has to change the pronoun, which is always distracting, at least to me. I did not like this performance at all. I think she was trying way too hard and was forcing the vocals. She has a pleasant enough voice but there were some very strange notes and not in a good way. There was nothing about this, which worked for me.

Paula – you can sing, but this was not a good choice of songs

Simon – the song was okay but you are very serious, you are technically a good singer but it left me cold, you act like a 50 year old.

Randy – song choice does not always matter as long as the singer really rocks it; you needed to sing something young, this did not show off your voice enough.

Kara – you are very put together but you need to loosen up, you are a good singer but I cannot tell where you would fit in the music industry

Adam Lambert

Adam got the money spot, yeah! Adam what is up with the black fingernail polish, this was a little over the top even for me which is saying quite a bit. Adam is going with “Satisfaction” and this was truly the best performance of the night. Adam has exceptional vocal range. He is a true performer and he was connecting with the audience in a big way. This was an energetic performance and although he did not stifle his musical theater background, as he wanted to, who cares, the man can sing! This was the best vocal and the best performance of the night.

This was a very lackluster group of contestants except for the two standouts.

I did spend two hours voting my little fingers off but I only voted for Adam, Allison, Kris and I gave a few to Kai. I was able to rack up 837 votes last night. Adam received 426, Allison 203, Kris 205 and Kai 3 votes.

If you look, at performances, Allison will be the top female vote getter and Adam should be the top male vote getter. The question is who will be the next top vote getter. I am hoping for Kris but I have a really sinking feeling in my stomach that ridiculous Norman Gentle will be the third. Do not ask me why it is just a horrible feeling I have.

Until tomorrow…