American Idol - Baker's Dozen Finals
Triskaidekaphobia - the fear of the number 13 - had to cross the American Idol producers' minds this week with the
biggest "Final (Baker's) Dozen" for Season 8. So how did I see it? Let's see.....
1. Adam Cuthbert (11) - Dude. Duuude. Mad props yo. Adam's not the normal boy next door, but neither are most pop stars. The irony of the "doesn't matter if you're...." angle of the song won't get past anyone who knows about his infamous pictures, but that doesn't take anything away from his outstanding voice and stage presence. Sure he has theatre in his background, but he seems to be adjusting just fine. Odds-on favorite for the finals.
2. Danny Gokey (3) - Pretty Young Thing (PYT) had a rough, rough start (what's he doing with this song???) but he kicked it in quickly and rocked it out well. No question he is a legit finals contender - even with Paula on a bender.
3. Allison Iraheta (7) - Everyone's finally appreciating this girl who can sing her face off. I don't care that she's under 18 (careful....), she sings like a pro. Great vocals and control, stage presence, good song choice. Top 5 is a distinct possibility here.
4. Lil Rounds (1) - She went first, which is never a good thing, but it is very bad in a plus-sized show that runs 120 minutes. Speaking of plus-sized, how 'bout dem white pants?
Sorry, this is a singing contest, right? RIGHT? She sounded just fine and the song seemed current. She's way safe.
5. Megan Joy Corkery (10) - Anyone else notice that Fox is showing their blonde girl and Simon's favorite with that right shoulder (and big tattoo) hidden as much as they can? Even some of the camera shots cut off that right shoulder. Go figure. Now the rest of the body is very "camera friendly", and the stylist knew how to dress her for sure. Her voice isn't quite up to what Simon says it is, but that's not the whole "package", now is it? His fav will stick around for several weeks.
6. Alexis Grace (13) - Well, well, well.... looks like Alexis is continuing the "dirty it up" angle. "Dirty Diana" was the perfect choice to perform and exploit this angle, and she dressed the part. Well done and she's going to be around for quite a while. Getting the closing act / "pimp spot" certainly helped tonight. Top 5 is a distinct possibility.
7. Matt Giraud (12) - Another pianist gets to sit down and be at home behind the ivory (speaking of which, where was "Ebony and Ivory"?) Conservative song choice and he played it and sang well - but it wasn't fantastic. "Human Nature" is a good song but not a great one, and even though he was the last male to sing it wasn't that memorable. He was outclassed before (Adam) and after (Alex), but should get through.
8. Jasmine Murray (5) - Pay attention to this girl, simply due to demographics. Yes she can sing, and the refrain of "I'll Be There" tells everyone that she'll be there next week, but a young attractive black girl who is the only African American in the contest will get votes. That's just how it works (and you thought it was about singing talent? Ha!). Factor in that only four other girls are in it and she'll be there for a few weeks more.
9. Michael Sarver (4) - "If only we knew what you did for a living" -
Simon, that was awesome. As for the song - not awesome. Boring in fact. This guy has a strange way of picking songs - and none of them fit his face. Picture Mike Golic singing Mike Greenberg's favorite songs - it doesn't work. Sarver sang it (whatever that song was) well, but it had all the memorable traits of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was good while it lasted, but you won't savor it the next day. He's in danger.
10. Scott MacIntyre (2) - Have we ever seen him and Danny from Caddyshack together in the same place? I don't think so - because that would mean they aren't the same guy. Google it and trust me, young people. As for his performance, well, that song sucked. Like really, really bad. Don't tell me about how the words mean something to you - if a song sounds bad, it could start "Dear Penthouse Forum... I never thought it would happen to me...." and no one would care. Ok, maybe they would, but still - that was not a good song. I get it, the guy is blind, but remember that part about a singing contest? Oh, my bad. Popularity strikes. He'll stick around a few more weeks.
11. Anoop Desai (8) - Dawg. That wasn't even aiight. Snoop, there it is - possibly the door, I mean. As in "beat it". Seriously though - it was okay, but not very good on a night where very good is below average. He is close to bottom three and in serious danger - but I think his inate personality and confidence, along with some strong demographical appeal (North Carolina, Indian, college kid) could give him another shot.
12. Kris Allen (6) - A surprise finalist breaks out the guitar, but "Do You Remember" was off-key, shouty, and forgettable. Simon was on another roll with "I'm not sure I would have brought the wife out so early.....Keep her hidden for a couple of weeks....."
We won't remember the time, Kris.
13. Jorge Nunez (9) - What was that? Never can say goodbye? What's the word for "foreshadowing" in Spanish? And the explanation for picking it? Almost as big a
as Paula. Adios.
Picks to go home - Jorge and Kris. <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_10054732-->
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Re: American Idol 2009- Season 8 Thread and Discussion 
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