Friday, February 26, 2016

American Idol: Top Ten Perform and Kelly Clarkson Makes Everyone Sob

Yesterday, the judges voted through Dalton, La'Porsha, Olivia and Trent.

Then America voted through Tristan, Sonika, Gianna, Mackenzie, Avalon, Lee.

So we must say goodbye to Jenn, Jeneve, Manny, and Thomas.  

I'm surprised Thomas didn't make it - I thought he had teen idol appeal. I'm not surprised that Jenn or Jeneve didn't make it as they were outliers because of their style, but I will miss their voices and originality. Manny was sexy and fun, but I think he had done all he could do, and it wasn't enough. 

Kelly Clarkson was tonight's guest judge and she's hugely pregnant. 

Here's a rundown of the performances...

Olivia Rox - "Unconditionally" by Katy Perry - She recalled Katherine McPhee singing "Over the Rainbow" because she used to sing it all the time as a kid. I think it's kind of a boring song choice, and her performance was good but not spectacular. Keith said she's on a real artist trajectory. Kelly said it's hard to sing soft, and she's a fan. 

Gianna Isabella - "Listen" by Beyonce - She revealed she had a crush on Scotty McCreery when she was 10. She looked pretty in her sparkly gold dress. It's a huge song and she couldn't quite handle it. It was pitchy at times, but overall good, with a strong, big finish. J Lo said it was shaky. Harry said it felt very arranged. Kelly said it was a bold song choice for a 15-year-old and she'll grow out of her pitch issues. 



Lee Jean - "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver - He recalled the Chris Medina story and how Chris singing for his disabled fiancee made him think of his brother who had passed away. Lee seemed a little quiet and nervous. Kelly said she would love to come see his show but he needs to be aware others in the competition do a lot of vocal acrobatics and could blow him away. Harry said he thinks Lee and Mackenzie are too similar. Keith encouraged him to show more vulnerability and pick songs with meaning. Ryan revealed Chris Medina was in the audience. 

Avalon Young - "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes - She remembered Justin Guarini singing Oleta Adams and that she was in love with him. There she goes, being herself and not caring what others think with that choice of an Idol memory! She seemed a little stiffer than usual. It got better when she stepped away from the microphone and sped it up. Harry didn't like the slow opening and thought it fell flat. J Lo said the champion in her came through halfway through when she stepped away.  Kelly said she finds her so captivating and that she makes her like songs she didn't think she liked.

Dalton Rapattoni - "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White Ts - Daughtry getting kicked off was a crushing blow to him and his family, and he said he was very influenced by the way David Cook made songs his own. This was a cool song choice, and Dalton displayed great energy, confidence and connection with the crowd. He found the drama in the song and belted it.  Keith said it was like "electric barnyard." J Lo said his heart comes through and that's what makes the girls scream. Harry said Keith remembers what it used to feel like when girls screamed for him - zing!


Tristan McIntosh - "Nothin' Like You" by Dan and Shay - She remembered loving Jessica Sanchez singing "I Will Always Love You." She looked good in a cute outfit and ponytail. She seemed more confident and to be having fun. The song wasn't that vocally demanding so she stuck a couple runs on the end. J Lo thought it wasn't her strongest performance and maybe not the best song choice. Kelly suggested she sing Trisha Yearwood. Kelly added a lot as a judge, with actionable suggestions that drew from her own experience on the show.

MacKenzie Bourg - "I See Fire" by Ed Sheeran - His favorite Idol memory is William Hung singing "She Bangs." It was nice to see him wearing a print shirt instead of just the usual white T-shirt. He played guitar and was confident and showed off his unique style.  Kelly said it was the first performance that made her baby kick. Ryan let us know William Hung is now happily married.  

La'Porsha Renae - "Diamonds" by Rhianna - She said Idol was her family's Super Bowl. Well, La'Porsha is currently winning this Super Bowl. This was a good song choice. She made it dramatic and powerful. She reminded me of Tina Turner a bit. 3 of 4 judges stood up to applaud (everyone but Harry). The audience went nuts and La'Porsha started to cry. Kelly said she wished she was her and she knows she is going to win. J Lo said it's her control that sets her apart. It's odd that Harry didn't speak, but maybe the standing ovation made them short on time.


Sonika Vaid - "Bring Me to Life" by Evanesence - Her mom encouraged her to watch Idol so she could see confident role models because she was shy. She looked beautiful and sexy in the black gown with thigh high boots. She showed a different side with this hard rocking song, but it still allowed her to belt and deliver a big finish. Keith said it was a killer song choice. Kelly said she's never heard her be pitchy. Harry said it was hard to follow La'Porsha but she rocked it.

Trent Harmon - "Like I Can" by Sam Smith - He recalled loving David Archuletta's rendition of "Imagine." It was a good song for him and he delivered it with passion. He reminded me a little of Joe Jackson. J Lo said she feels like it's one of the best Idol seasons ever, and Trent is so unique. Kelly said she'd like to see him sing soft more. 

Ryan revealed that next week there will be a double elimination. I predict Olivia and Lee are going home. Tristan and Gianna could be vulnerable too. Basically, I think the youngsters can't hang with the powerful slightly older contestants like La'Porsha, Sonika, Trent, and Dalton. Mackenzie is an exception. 

Kelly closed the night, singing "Piece by Piece." It's a beautiful song and made La'Porsha cry. Kelly broke down toward the end. Keith cried. I cried too. First Idol, Best Idol! 

Read More......

Thursday, February 25, 2016

American Idol : Top 14

The show began with the judges announcing their four unanimous picks to make the Top Ten: Dalton Rappatoni, Olivia Rox, Trent Harmon, and  La'Porsha Renae. Of these the only one I'd question is Olivia, but she did show more talent in the Top 24 round than she did in Hollywood Week.  

Then the remaining ten contestants sang. The audience will vote, and six will make it through to the Top Ten. Here's a rundown of the performances...

Manny Torres - "Master Blaster" by Stevie Wonder. I found the song kind of muddled, although he was energetic and manly. He just doesn't seem special enough to me. Keith said it was not a great song choice. Going first and not picking a memorable song may doom him. 

Gianna Isabella - "I Put a Spell on You" by Annie Lennox. She looked pretty and a bit older with straightened hair. For a girl who is only 15, she is quite poised. J Lo said she has a great voice and was on the bubble as her #5 choice. She said she belongs in the Top Ten and I would agree. I wish the camera didn't cut to her rabid stage mom Brenda K Starr so much and would let Gianna shine on her own. 

Thomas Stringfellow - "Story of My Life" by One Direction. This was a good song for him, since it's rollicking and not too vocally demanding. He's a cutie - the ideal non-threatening teen idol. Harry said he is talented but cracks his voice too much, to the point of almost sounding like The Cranberries. No worries - I think the little girls will be texting and they'll have to let Thomas linger.



Tristan McIntosh - "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts. Tristan also straightened her hair. This must be the trend of the week for the 15 year olds in the competition. Her song choice serves to remind us of the tantrum she threw during Hollywood Week when she thought she wouldn't get to sing it, because it means soooo much to her. She delivers a strong rendition but I'm still hoping to see her break out of the country mode. Inexplicably, Keith said Tristan showed a side they hadn't seen - but she did that song already!  

Avalon Young - "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" by Chris Brown. Avalon seems to be aware that she's becoming a lesbian icon, regardless of her sexuality, with this winking song choice. She has such a nice tone to her voice. She's so likable that one barely notices her drab outfit. J Lo said she is getting more comfortable.

Jenn Blosil - "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper. Jenn had these cool wacky glitter eyebrows, but one of them was coming undone a bit at the corner and it was distracting.  This was a good song choice. Harry said it was a flawless lyric delivery. I like her but I  think she might be too weird for America. 



Lee Jean - "Make it Rain" by Ed Sheeran. I'm tired of hearing this kid do Ed Sheeran songs. He really needs to stretch, but maybe he can't. Keith liked it but thought he seemed nervous. I think he'll be safe anyway because he's such a cutie. 

Sonika Vaid - "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. Sonika is very capable and pretty, but she still leaves me a bit unmoved. This is a daunting song choice, so she gets points for that. J Lo said she got goosies on her face for the first time, prompting me to wonder if maybe her braids were too tight.  

Jeneve Rose Mitchell - "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash. This was very dramatic and also a bit creepy. There is something about her intensity that I enjoy but I think might be too weird for America. Keith said she needs to let go more. Unleash the Jeneve! Harry said not everyone will get it but she is special.



MacKenzie Bourg - "Roses." He sang his own song, just as he did during Hollywood Week. And it's a sweet and catchy tune. Sometimes he looks kind of lobotomized when he sings, with his eyes practically rolling back in his head. He's soulful and raspy. Keith thinks its a great song. I can't see this guy not making it to the Top Ten. He has over 100k Twitter followers, just like Dalton. None of the others have more than 15k. 

Predictions - I think the six who will make the Top Ten will be MacKenzie, Avalon, Gianna, Lee, Tristan, and Thomas.   But if it was up to me, I'd pick MacKenzie, Jeneve, Jenn, Avalon, Sonika, and Gianna.  

Read More......

American Idol: Top 24 - 2nd Half - Duets

Amelia Eisenhauer and Kellie Pickler - "Suds in the Bucket" by Sara Evans. Amelia played her fiddle. She still seems a bit shy, but it was a fun performance. The judges liked it and felt it was a good song choice.

Kory Wheeler and Haley Reinhart - "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John. Kory auditioned with this song. The alternating call and response "Bennies!" made for a fun ending. The judges liked it.

Lee Jean and Chris Daughtry - "Home" by Chris Daughtry. Both played guitar. Lee is a bit too quiet and reserved to belt this the way it needs to be belted. I felt Chris dominated. The judges were positive.

CJ Johnson and David Cook - "The World I Know" by Collective Soul. Both played guitar. It had a kinda rocky beginning and then David dominated. CJ was too quiet. Somehow he seems to have lost a lot of chutzpah he showed in Hollywood Week. 

Manny Torres and Jordin Sparks - "No Air" by Jordin Sparks. This was just OK. He did a good job feeling the lyric. Harry said he had good charisma. I just don't feel he's good enough for the Top Ten. 

Jenn Blosil and Constantine Maroulis - "My Funny Valentine." This was a cool rendition of one of Constatine's big Idol songs. Both are quirky and charismatic, so they are a good match. She's quieter but sexy. Harry felt it was a shouting match, but Keith loved it - and so did I. But then, I've always been partial to Constantine. Here's some haikus I wrote about Constantine when he was on Idol. 

Tristan McIntosh and Kellie Pickler - "Best Days of Your Life" by Kellie Pickler. Kellie drowns her out at first but then it gets better. Why does Tristan only want to do country? I wish she would embrace the Alicia Keyes side of herself that J Lo noticed in her initial audition. Keith said the opening harmony was shaky. J Lo said she needs to feel more comfortable on stage.

Olivia Rox and David Cook - "Light On" by David Cook. Her dress is a bit weird. She can belt ipretty well and hang with David. J Lo agrees with David that if she finds her groove she will be around for a long time. It's a tough song to do, so I give her points for a valiant attempt. 

Adam Lasher and Haley Reinhart - "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley. Adam has a nice tone and pace. They are sweet together. Keith felt Adam was stiff.

Dalton Rappatoni and Chris Daughtry - "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder. They had good energy. The judges liked it although Harry said it was mostly about the band.

Trent Harmon and Jordin Sparks - "To Love Somebody" by The Bee Gees. This is a good song for Trent and it was my favorite duet of the night. J Lo said,"That was the Trent that I know and love and that surprises us."

Shelbie Z and Constantine Maroulis - "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. This song is a great showcase for her big voice, but it's so bombastic that she comes across like a female Meatloaf. J Lo felt Shelbie got lost. 

Sent home - Adam, Amelia, Kory, CJ,  Shelbie

Of this group, I'm a little sorry to see CJ go. He was great in Hollywood Week but really didn't do much in the Top 24 round.  I'm also sorry to see Shelbie leave. I think she deserved a chance to let America decide.  She was one of the more polished and likable contestants. Note that both contestants who sang with Haley were sent home. I was never that keen on her but I don't think it was her fault. 

Read More......

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

American Idol: Top 24 - First Half Solo Performances and Duets

Belated post as I was traveling and had to catch up on Idol...my thoughts on the first half of the Top 24's performances...

Stephany Negrete - She sang "Mamma Knows Best" by Jessie J. She's a belter. She is very pretty, kinda looks like vintage Cher, but she doesn't really connect with the audience. She did a duet with Reuben Studdard on "Superstar", and it was very good and dramatic. They really seemed to be singing to each other. 

Mackenzie Bourg - He sang, "Say Something" by a Great Big World. He's a cute kid, likable, and made it his own, but all his performances are in a similar vein. I'm not sure he can stretch for the different themes that will come up during the contest. He did a duet with Lauren Alaina on "I Hope You Dance" and it was pretty good. 

Jeneve Rose Mitchell - She sang "Arms of an Angel" and played the harp. She is likable and seemed to really feel the lyrics. Keith said he loves that she takes risks. J Lo was won over and "got goosies." She did a duet with Scotty McCreery on "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry. Sometimes she is hard to look at when she sings. She had a bit of an Elvis lip curl that was unsettling. 

Jenna Renae - She sang "My Church" by Maren Morris. She has a big voice and good stage presence. Harry found it a little shouty. She did a duet with Scotty McCreary on "See You Tonight." I feel like she is not as strong as the other country gals in the competition. 

James VIII - He sang "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West. I thought it was just OK, kinda one note. He did a duet with Caleb Johnson on "Gimme Shelter", and I felt he was overshadowed by Caleb but the judges praised him. 

Sonika Vaid - She sang "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift. She had a pretty gown and was emotional but still a bit understated. The judges said they want to see more feeling from her. She did a duet with Caleb Johnson on "Skyfall." It's tough to take on an Adele song and she did OK, but again Caleb drowned out his partner. He made it seem like a Meatloaf song. 

Gianna Isabella - She sang "I put a spell on you," I felt there were too many runs, but she was impressive. Her baggy dress was not flattering. She did a duet with Nick Fradiani on his song "Beautiful Life." 

Emily Brooke - She sang "I am Invincible" by Cassadee Pope. She had a flat start and didn't wow the judges, who felt she didn't pick the best song for her range; She sang a duet with Lauren Alaina on "Flat on the Floor" by Carrie Underwood. She held her own but she just doesn't radiate much personality-wise. 

Avalon Young - She sang "Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber. She has a nice energy and is so comfortable in her skin. She did a duet with Reuben Studdard on Reuben's song "Flying Without Wings."  The judges loved it. There's something very likable about this tomboy. 

Jordan Sasser - He sang "All by Myself" by Celine Dion, which was a cliched choice. He's good but not really good enough for that song. Harry found it too show-offy. He did a duet with Fantasia Barrino on her Idol coronation song "I Believe. He displayed lots of energy and churchiness.  

Thomas Stringfellow - He sang "Creep" by Radiohead. I found it a bit contrived, but it was a decent performance. Harry liked that Thomas felt the lyrics. He did a duet with Nick Fradiani on "Man in the Mirror" which allowed him to emote a bit more.

LaPorsha Ranae - She sang "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner. It was nice to see her move and have fun. She has a huge voice. Harry said, "You're either going to make the other competitors want to get better or make them want to quit." She did a duet with Fantasia Barrino on "Summertime." This was a match made in heaven. There were so many runs - it was a highpoint of the week. They bonded over similar backgrounds. J Lo said the duet was "mindblowing."

After the judges conferred, these contestants were sent home:  James, Emily, Jenna, Jordan, Stephany

The only choice that really disappointed me was Jordan, as I felt he had one of the stronger male voices and was quite likable. I might have booted Jeneve or Sonika. Jeneve is such a niche performer that I doubt she will garner enough votes to go far, and Sonika still seems a bit like a deer in the headlights on stage.  

Read More......

Thursday, February 18, 2016

American Idol: The Top 24 - 2nd Half - Solo Performances

From the spectacular Vibiana, a church turned party venue in Downtown LA...the second half of the Top 24 did their solo performances.

Shelbie Z - She sang "Work Hard, Play Harder" by Gretchen Wilson. This song was definitely in her wheelhouse, but it wasn't as impressively vocally as her Heart covers during Hollywood Week. The judges didn't think the key let her show off except for the last note. She definitely exudes confidence and owns the stage.




Manny Torres - He sang "Adventures of a Lifetime" by Coldplay. I found it lackluster. J Lo said he didn't connect with audience enough.

Kory Wheeler - He played piano and sang "Let it Be" by James Bay. He's a cutie with nice eyes, but I'm not sure it's special enough. Harry didn't find it moving.

Amelia Eisenhauer - This pretty redhead sang "Wake Me Up" by Avicii and put her own spin on it. She was poised and confident, but didn't stand out. The judges didn't feel it was a great song choice. Harry suggested she find a quirky song to fit her personality.

Jenn Blosil - The likable oddball contestant sang "Sorry" by Justin Bieber. She kinda reminds me of Bjork, so I wish she had picked a more alternative type song, but she did put her own style to it. The judges found it original. 

CJ Johnson - This bar rocker sang "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain. For someone with so much stage experience, I was surprised to find him a bit robotic in his crowd interaction. It seemed like he was thinking a lot about what he needed to do.  I thought it was kind of an easy song choice but the judges felt it was in his wheelhouse.

Lee Jean - He sang "Runaway" by Ed Sheeran. He is such a cute kid, with a soulful voice and lovely tone. He actually reminds me a bit of Tracy Chapman. But this is the third or fourth Ed Sheeran song he has done. I think he needs to stretch a bit.  

Trent Harmon - The guy who almost had to leave Hollywood Week due to having mono sang "What are You Listening To" by Chris Stapleton. His performance was heartfelt and he has a unique voice. Keith thought it was a cool song choice but an odd one since the song is not well known. I liked it enough that it made me want to seek out the original. He really sang it in a way that you felt the lyric. J Lo said she thinks he will be in the competition a long time.



Tristan McIntosh - This judges' favorite sang "Good Girl" by Carrie Underwood. She looked cute and had a sassy outfit. She seemed a bit stiff and I'm not sure it was a great song choice for her, but I'm sure she will be safe. 

Adam Lasher - He sang "Black and Gold" by Sam Sparro, while wearing a black outfit with a gold guitar and gold shoes. He has a nice deep voice and this is his 2nd year in the competition. The judges didn't like the song choice. 

Dalton Rappatoni - He sang "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol in a slow and sexy way and definitely made it his own. The performance reminded me a bit of Adam Lambert in a good way, yet I felt it was a bit silly because it was like he was trying to wring some depth out of a song that has none. That song is about anger and energy, not about its lyrics. Girls in the crowd went nuts because he's such a hottie and the judges loved it. Keith said, "You Daltonized it."



Olivia Rox - She sang "Confident" by Demi Lovato. I didn't think the leather dress was very flattering. I didn't feel she lived up to the song lyrics in attitude, but she did show off a more powerful voice than I remembered seeing in the audition weeks.

Predictions

Thursday's duets could change things but based on these performances - I suspect Adam, Kory, Manny, CJ, and Amelia are going home. 

Read More......

Friday, February 05, 2016

American Idol: Top 24 Revealed!


Tonight we saw the Top 51 contestants take the long walk down the hall to see the judges and get the verdict.  After 2 hours, Idol unleashed its Top 24 for the final season...


Stephany Negrete - I can't really warm up to Stephany. She looks a bit like a Kardashian. J Lo has complimented her ability to walk on heels more than her voice. 

Shelbie Z - Shelbie looks like she could be part of the Honey Boo Boo clan, but this girl can belt. During Hollywood Week she dared to sing not one, but two Heart songs! She performed "Alone" and "Barracuda." She's got a ton of confidence. 

Mackenzie Bourg - I've liked this kid since his first audition, when he performed a medley of songs by the judges. With his old-fashioned glasses and plain white shirts and tousled hair, he's a nerdy teen dream. For his showcase performance he sang "Can't Help Falling in Love You" and really made it his own - plus he performed a great original song in the solo round. He's got a beautiful tone to his voice, and chicks are going to dig him.  




Trent Harmon - Poor Trent got diagnosed with Mono during Hollywood Week and couldn't be in a group, so they let him sing alone. He displayed a lot of heart and soul, powering through the illness and delivering well in his performances. For the showcase, he sang "Tiny Dancer" and his twitchiness reminded me a bit of Taylor Hicks (and that's a compliment from me)

Jenna Renae - I mainly remember her from her first audition where she wore a fedora and played piano. It was good but we didn't learn much more about her during Hollywood Week. 

James VIII - He's likable and soulful with a very unique name.

Kory Wheeler - Kory was a barista but he won't be making coffee for at least another couple of weeks. He's a likable singer/songwriter type.

Adam Lasher - He made it to Hollywood Week last year but this year was more polished and had a more clean cut look. 

Jeneve Rose Mitchell - I'm really happy they passed her through. This country girl who lives off the grid stayed true to herself. Her final performance of "Ring of Fire" was very dramatic. She's cute and a bit bizarre - definitely one of the quirkiest to ever make the Top 24. 

CJ Johnson - He's a bar singer from Memphis and he's got serious rock and blues chops. Plus he gets song choice points for me for doing "Go Your Own Way."

Amelia Eisenhauer - When she brought a samurai sword to the first audition, we all expected it to be a joke audition - but she's a beautiful girl who can really sing and plays the fiddle too. She's another quirky choice.

Lee Jean - This kid is so cute - J Lo has been saying it since his first audition and he's only become more likable during Hollywood Week, developing a cute friendship with fellow contestant Sarah Sturm. During his showcase, he told the crowd to be quiet twice, and J Lo told him he can't do that again. He may not have the maturity to win. 

Avalon Young - She's a tomboy, yet has extremely long hair. She sang "Excuse Me Miss" in the showcase and showed a lot of energy and sass. 

Dalton Rapattoni - He's been my crush since his first audition (those eyes!) and I'm so happy he made it! He almost doomed himself by talking too much during the showcase and telling the crowd the competition gave him low self esteem. But his personality-packed performances saw him through.




Manny Torres - J Lo has been rooting for him the whole way since they are both Puerto Rican, and he survived some uneven times. He has a lot of swagger. 

Thomas Stringfellow - This kid has boy band looks and revealed the sad tale of being dumped by his girlfriend the night before he flew to Hollywood. They had dated a year and she was afraid he wouldn't be loyal. I think she's a bit nuts to do that before he even makes it on the show and also the timing is cruel, but, hey, Thomas pulled himself together and performed great. 

Sonika Vaid - She's pretty and talented, but the judges feel she is missing something. Her performances are a bit understated but she could be a dark horse. 

Olivia Rox - This girl is cute with the pink streaks in her hair but the band drowned her out during the showcase. I don't see her lasting long. 

Emily Brooke - She made it to top 50 last year, and J Lo said she never saw anyone grow as much in a year. I'm underwhelmed so far.

Gianna Isabella - We don't know her as anything much beyond Brenda K Starr's daughter, and we see a clip of Brenda pissing off musical director Ricky Minor with her stage mom behavior. Gianna even sang her mom's song at the showcase! She's a cute girl with a strong voice but she'll have to cut the umbilical cord. 

Jenn Blosil - She's bizarre as hell, but kinda pretty. She forgot the words during her solo performance but she's got such a unique style and gripping voice that she made it through anyway.




Tristan McIntosh - I think we knew this girl would make it through after her first audition when she was compared to Alicia Keyes and her military mom came out and surprised her. I was somewhat annoyed by her crying fit during Hollywood Week when she thought she couldn't sing "What Hurts the Most" because 3 other girls had claimed it. Sure, it had personal meaning for her, but her breakdown was so bad that I wondered how she will hold up during the pressure of the competition. Lucky for her, some girl who got cut gave the song up, and Tristan did deliver a great performance. 

Jordan Sasser - He's a worship director who auditioned with his wife and he made it and she didn't, causing a short-lived domestic dispute. He's very likable and handsome, especially when he let his hair down from the man bun for the showcase performance and rocked out. If he wasn't so churchy, he could be another Constantine.

LaPorsha Renae - I feel like they torment LaPorsha. They made her sing last during the showcase and they made her do the final walk with one other contestant to find out who would get the final spot. None of us had any doubt it would be LaPorsha who has such amazing presence, and a voice as big as her afro. 

A few cuts that were hard to take...

Michelle Marie - This girl was definitely kind of annoying with her sequined cowboy hat and giddiness, but you couldn't dislike her because she had such pure enthusiasm and a love of the show.  She revealed she lives in a trailer with 9 family members and has to sleep in the kitchen! I hope this show will be a platform for her to get some local gigs and get out of that situation.

Colette Lush - Beautiful redhead with a lovely voice. Harry thought she was a favorite during her first audition, but she didn't quite seize the day in Hollywood.

Malie Delgado - This radio personality from Alaska was so likable and I really felt she rocked the house in her showcase performance.

Lindita - She was the final one to be cut, although she gave a sexy showcase performance.  She had lost 150 pounds before auditioning.  Despite that, there was something a bit off-putting about her.

Next week 12 contestants will perform solo and in duets with former Idols, and 5 will be sent home.  This is a diverse and quirky group and I'm intrigued to see how the season unfolds. 

Read More......