The Idol season got off to an interesting start last night as the Top 12 Girls took to the stage. The judges have alluded to the point that they think it’s possibly time for another female Idol winner, but no one female stood out last night as a clear-cut favorite. Let’s see if the guys do better tonight. I read something about an online gambling site listing Andrew Garcia as the favorite to win Idol this season, with Ashley Rodriguez and Didi Benami coming in at 2nd and 3rd. I really like Andrew, but you can’t rule out other standout talents like Todrick Hall & Jermaine Sellers. As far as the girls favored to win on the gambling site, go back to my blog yesterday and you’ll see that Ashley and Didi are two of my favorite girls this season. I understand choosing favorites, it comes with the Idol territory. But when you factor in variables like the American public’s vote & the Vote For The Worst nation, it’s way too early to know exactly who’s gonna win the whole thing.
Wow, I like the serious reality check Simon just gave to the contestants…’If you lose it or forget the words tonight, your career is over.’ And he said it just as deadpan and serious as it sounds. Wow, lol. What a way to lift the guys’ confidence before they perform for millions of people, Simon! Alright, let’s get into it, the Top 12 Guys! First up…
24-year-old Writer, Singer & Dancer Todrick Hall of Arlington, Texas: First off, Todrick’s got a lot to prove being the triple threat that he already is. Also, he’s coming to us with a lot more experience than many of the other guys…he’s already starred on Broadway with former American Idol Winner Fantasia in “The Color Purple.” Todrick was one of my favorites since his initial audition…he’s got a lot of talent. However, I was kinda turned off by him and his fellow Destiny’s Wild members for group performances during Hollywood Week. And what turned me off about them was how arrogant they came across. Total turnoff. But I’ll wipe the slate clean and give him another chance tonight since he’s my fellow Texan 
He performed Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You Been Gone”. I have to say that I’m totally impressed that he had the guts to cover this song…I would have NEVER expected this from him! He totally changed the song up and his performance was cute and full of attitude, but it wasn’t as catchy as Kelly Clarkson’s version. But again, I give him a lot of credit for having the courage to perform this AND make it completely his own. Ellen had a huge smile on her face and she loved his song choice and performance. However, she didn’t like his singing of the chorus. Randy didn’t like the fact that Todrick changed the song so much that he wasn’t immediately familiar with it. He also feels that Todrick just needs to concentrate on his great singing voice and not be so concerned with impressing us with the performance. Kara agrees that Todrick is a strong enough singer that he didn’t have to change the arrangement so much. She did, however, like that Todrick took a risk. Simon says that he was all for taking a risk, but felt that Todrick completely murdered the original song and that it verged on “stupid.”
16-year-old high school student Aaron Kelly of Sonestown, Pennsylvania: He sang Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye.” One of the 1st things that came to my mind as I hear Aaron singing this one was that his voice kinda reminded me of David Archuletta’s. A few of Aaron’s notes were off, but he’s got a pretty nice voice. Simon said that baring in mind it was his first live show, it was actually quite a good performance. However, Simon feels that Aaron’s not confident enough to know why he’s even on Idol. He feels that he’s a good singer, very likeable and very cute, but that he has to take control of the song. But Simon believes that Aaron will still be on the show next week. Kara says that Aaron’s her favorite kind of contestant because he has no idea how great his raw, natural talent is and that he’ll get better throughout the competition. Randy feels that Aaron wasn’t strong starting off, but that he’s got a strong voice for 16. Ellen said that she thinks he’ll be on the show for a long time this season and that she loves how humble he is.
27-year-old Church Singer Jermaine Sellers of Joliet, Illinois: Jermaine is one of my favorite guys this season. I like everything about him so far…his gorgeous voice and the way he’s dedicated his life to taking care of his mother, a story we found out during his initial audition. Tonight, Jermaine sang “Get Here” by Oleta Adams. This song showcases Jermaine’s voice very well melodically. And I like how he started off singing very subtly, but then got stronger towards the end…he took us on a mini journey. Ellen says that she loves his voice and look, but says the he performed the song as opposed to feeling the song. Randy felt the song was a weird song choice for him and that he should have chosen something more current. Kara felt that Jermaine wanted to prove to everyone his vocal abilities instead of just singing the song the right way. She also felt the song was a little old for him. Simon said that it was the kind of song that if he were singing at a cocktail bar, someone in their 50s would request to hear it. He also felt that Jermaine was screaming and was over the top at one point in the song. He also said that Jermaine totally blew his opportunity with this performance, much to the other judges’ dismay. I’ll also have to disagree with Simon on that one. But to his credit, Simon said that Jermaine can do better. So he does feel like he has talent.
20-year-old Tim Urban of Duncanville, Texas: Tim wasn’t originally in the Top 24, but is now on the show courtesy of another contestant’s disqualifying. Tonight he sang One Republic’s “Apologize.” My 1st thought was, ‘terrible song choice.” This song does nothing to prove that Tim should have been given a 2nd chance to be on the show. Hate to say it about a fellow Texan, but I wasn’t impressed with the performance at all. Simon started off by congratulating Tim for making it back onto the show, but agreed with me that the judges absolutely made the right choice the 1st time around by not letting him into the Top 24…ZING! Lol. Simon felt that the vocals and song version were weak. He also says that Tim didn’t come across as a natural performer and that his voice isn’t good enough. Kara said that the music just overpowered and swallowed Tim up. She felt that his acoustic performance during Hollywood Week showcased his voice better because he wasn’t buried under the music like tonight. Randy agreed that it was the wrong song for Tim and that none of it worked. Randy also feels that Tim is better than that. Ellen feels that Tim may get a lot of votes because he looks adorable, but that his voice wasn’t strong enough for the song. I think he’ll also get some sympathy votes since he was looking all sad when Simon critiqued him. I can imagine that the Vote For The Worst people will be fully behind Tim just to throw a wrench into the equation. But let me not speak so soon…the night is still young and someone else just may be worse than he was.
20-year-old Student Joe Munoz of Huntington Park, California: David Archuletta came to mind again as I watched Joe’s opening piece because like David, Joe is soft spoken. Let’s see if he can make it as far in the competition as David did. He sang “You and I Both” by Jason Mraz. It’s a good song choice for Joe and showcases his pretty voice well. However, I felt that his voice got a little shaky towards the middle and wasn’t quite as strong as the beginning. I also love how pretty his smile is when he looks into the camera. Ellen felt that he had a great stage presence and that he was very comfortable. Randy thinks that he has a great voice, but it wasn’t the best song choice for him. Kara liked the song choice, but felt that his singing was off during the chorus. However, she feels that his vocals have been the best so far tonight. Simon says that it was an okay, safe, forgettable performance and that Joe failed to convince us of his star power during his time onstage. Sidebar…Joe is gonna score a lot of votes tonight from the Spanish speaking audience since he shouted out to his family in Mexico in Spanish…it may not have been a calculated move, but it was very smart of him nonetheless.
20-year-old College Student Tyler Grady of Nazareth, Pennsylvania: We found out during the auditions that Tyler’s originally a drummer, but has been wanting to come from behind the drums to be a lead singer. This is his chance. He sang “American Woman” by The Guess Who and later, Lenny Kravitz. When I watch Tyler, I can’t help but think of Idol Season 7 contestant Michael Johns because Michael always reminded me of Jim Morrison and Tyler models much of his 70s style after Jim Morrison. It was a cool song for Tyler to sing, but the performance didn’t really capture my attention or stand out for me. Simon said that the plus side was that people would remember the performance, but the down side is people will remember it for the wrong reasons. He feels that Tyler’s whole image is that of someone who’s gone to “pretend to be a rockstar school” and is very clichéd. He also feels that Tyler’s style gimmick is overshadowing his vocals, which isn’t good since Idol is basically a vocal competition. Kara agrees with Simon and feels that Tyler focuses too much on Jim Morrison and the 70s and wants to see him do something more modern. Randy also agrees that it was style over substance and should be original. Ellen feels that Tyler is going through the motions and needs to feel the performance and work on his vocals. If he listens to the critiques and learns from them, it’ll be interesting to see how he changes up his style for next week…if he makes it that far.
23-year-old Paint Sales Clerk Lee Dewyze of Mount Prospect, Illinois: He sang “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol. This is a nice, current (sort of) song selection for Lee that’s consistent with his style during Hollywood Week. Because of that, he stands out. However, the song does nothing for his voice. Like Simon said earlier, it’s a singing competition and I don’t hear particularly good singing from Lee tonight. Ellen felt it was a good song choice and that he’s got a distinctive sound, but feels that he screamed at times. Randy felt that the song choice was wrong and too Pop for Lee. He feels that Lee reminds him of David Cook and should do more Rock songs. Simon, on the other hand, felt that it was the best performance and that Lee’s got an authentically good voice. Wow, I’m totally not agreeing with Simon on this one.
21-year-old College Student John Park of Evanston, Illinois: Lol, I’m laughing watching the tape of John during the auditions when Shania Twain was so impressed with his voice. Fast forward to tonight and John feels that Shania is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen in person and that he would propose to her if she would marry him! I mean, I think Shania’s beautiful and all, but I’m sure she looks even more beautiful to him because she raved about his great voice, lol! Anyway, John sang “God Bless The Child” by Billie Holiday. I remember John’s voice during auditions and he’s got a nice one, but this was a terrible song choice for him tonight. He sounds nervous, he’s doing too many runs and it just doesn’t showcase his voice well at all. I really feel that he jeopardized his chance of making it back next week with that bad song choice. Simon said that you have got to have an incredible voice to take on that song, but John doesn’t. He felt it was a pointless performance. Kara agrees with Simon. She says that John has a big voice, but that the performance was loungy and didn’t tell us what kind of artist John would be in the real world. Randy thinks that at one part of the song John’s voice sounded good, but that the song sounded old for him. Ellen didn’t like the song choice either, but liked the performance, thought he sounded great and wants to see him back on the show next week.
26-year-old Personal Trainer Michael Lynch of St. Petersburg, Florida. Why did I think this guy was from Queens, New York? Didn’t they say that at one point? Hmm. Anyway, he sang “This Love” by Maroon 5. Michael has a great voice and is always very comfortable onstage…but I always think of him as a wedding singer type. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but he doesn’t strike me as the next American Idol. I could totally envision being at a wedding reception and shaking my booty on the dance floor while he’s onstage singing. That would seriously be a good time, lol! Ellen loves his personality, feels it was a great song choice, but thought there were some pitch problems. Randy agrees with Ellen and loves the energy that Michael brings to the stage. Kara liked his energy and thought that there were some good things about his performance, but didn’t think it was outrageously great. Simon feels like Michael is like the “support act” before the “main act”. That’s kinda like what I was saying, right? Simon did say that Michael is better than his performance tonight and that he felt he didn’t give enough during the song.
19-year-old High School Student Alex Lambert of North Richland Hills, Texas: Wow, my fellow Texans are all over Season 9, yeah! With the last name “Lambert”, Alex has some big shoes to fill on Idol this season. He’s definitely not as flamboyant as that other Lambert guy who’s first name also begins with an A! Tonight, Alex sang “What A Wonderful World” by James Morrison. I love Alex’s unique voice. It’s definitely different from most of the guys we’ve heard tonight. It’s got a nice, raspy quality to it. To me, this was a really good song choice for him. He could stand to improve his stage performance, but he sounded good. Simon thought it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night. However, Simon does feel that Alex definitely has a good voice. Kara loves Alex’s voice tone and feels that Alex has great potential, but should believe in himself. Randy really likes Alex and his voice. Ellen likes that Alex is holding on to the mullet, lol! She also thinks he’s adorable and likable. She also feels he needs more confidence, as she compared him to a banana that’s not ripe enough just yet! She’s so silly.
27-year-old Musician Casey James of Fort Worth, Texas: Er um, did I mention that Texans are totally representin’ on Idol this season? Lol. This is the guy that Kara seems to like a lot, but is in total denial about it! He sang “Heaven” by Bryan Adams. Casey definitely has a good voice…it’s rock, yet country, yet soulful. This is a good song choice for his voice, but I’m wondering if the judges are gonna think it’s too old for him. Let’s see…Kara feels that he was little pitchy. That’s all she could get out while blushing. Ellen feels that he sounded great and says that her opinion doesn’t matter because he’s gonna get votes like crazy. I understand what Ellen’s saying since some girls will vote for Casey because he’s cute, but we shouldn’t just ignore the fact that this dude can REALLY sing. Randy likes Casey’s voice, swagger and thinks it was a great song choice. Kara composed herself enough to come back with another statement! She says that while Casey is eye candy, he’s also ear candy because he can sing, seriously! I’m glad she said that. Simon said that both he and Casey were cursed with good looks, lol! But kidding aside, he really liked the song choice and felt it was honest, sincere and likable.
And finally…
24-year-old Stay-At-Home-Dad Andrew Garcia of Moreno Valley, California: As I said earlier, this guy is an early choice of some as a strong candidate to win Idol this year. But also like I said earlier, it’s way too early to predict. That said, I really like Alex a lot. He proved during the auditions and Hollywood Week that he’s got tons of talent. Let’s see how he does on the 1st night of performances for the guys. He sang “Sugar We’re Goin’ Down” by Fall Out Boy. I remember being at the beach the 1st time I heard this song in 2005, but I digress. I like that Andrew chooses songs that we would never expect him to sing. He sounds good. However, I felt that he could have made a better song choice. So many people are excited to see what he does this season and this song just did not live up to that excitement. To my point, Simon said that he was looking forward to Andrew’s performance more than any other tonight, but that he was disappointed. He thought the performance was too serious, too indulgent and didn’t stand out. He also said that Andrew’s got a great story, a fantastic recording voice, is a nice guy, but was forgettable tonight. Kara loved that Andrew took the risk of singing this song and version tonight, but that it was a strange arrangement. Randy agrees with Kara, but loves Andrew anyway. Ellen agrees that Andrew’s performance of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” during Hollywood Week will keep him on the show. She also likes his talent, but didn’t like tonight’s performance. Sidebar…that mention of Paula made me really feel like I miss her on Idol so far this season. Love Ellen, but still miss Paula 
And that does it for the Top 12 Guys. In my opinion, Casey James was really the only contestant that stood out for me tonight. We’ll find out which two Girls and which two Guys get voted off Thursday during the Results Show. Current Idol Kris Allen performs on the Results Show, along with Alison Iraheta.
