Round of 36: Group 2

Jasmine Murray - I expected much more. She was all over the place. Couldn't settle into her sweet spot. She might be in trouble.

Matt Giraud - Was he nervous as hell? His voice sounded like a goat singing. Not loving it at all. Back to the piano bars. Should've sung Billy Joel.

Jeanine Vailes - I don't remember seeing her on the show before. She's starting by over dancing. Wow! This is rough. No shot in hell of advancing!

*What's with a break after every singer?!

Norman Gentle / Nick Mitchell - Is this the next gen of Richard Simmons? I've yet to find him entertaining. They have other variety shows for this crap. Don't waste America's time. Maybe I'm in the minority...?

Allison Iraheta - Shes annoying. Never would guess she is 16! Don't like the voice while talking. I have yet to enjoy a female performance this week or last, until now. And only 2 male performances so far. What's with this "best season ever?!" She can definitely sing rock. I'm placing the over under at 2 packs of smokes a day. Impressive for 16. Shes the best so far tonight though.

Kris Allen - Another person that's been flying under the radar. Definitely started too low in his register. This seems more like a local talent show. They're all better than me, but that doesn't take much. The attempt at that last high note was closer to a squeal!

Megan Joy Corkrey - She's attractive in a weird way. Not a fan of the whole arm tat, but then again, maybe I am...? When she started I really liked her unique voice, but then it fell off and became very normal. Not enough energy and an awkward stage presence. The end got a little better again. Overall I liked it, but didn't blow me away.

Matt Breitzke - Cool voice, he doesn't sell it. The runs detracted from the song. And that white boy can't dance!

Jesse Langseth - Shes a hometown girl, but I'm not excited for her chances. Let's see... Shes scrunching her face up. Weird. What does she offer that's new and fresh? Nada! I could see her at the U Otter Stop Inn down in NE Mpls any Saturday night.

*Paula thought she was captivating? Have another drink, hun!

Kai Kalama - This guy is a good story. He's good, but is he original? I mean, other than the curly, center parted dread-fro?

Mishavonna Hensen - She promised not to let America down. Let's see if she can deliver! I don't think she's making any vocal mistakes. The problem is that the performance just isn't that exciting. Good job, but...

Adam Lambert - This is one of the most polished guys on the show. He's very entertaining, though sometimes a little corny and showy. Most definitely the best of the night.

My favorites to move on: Adam (men), Megan (women), Jasmine (wild card). I just hope Norman doesn't move on. Problem is that I think he will...

Round of 36: Group 1

Jackie Tohn was very gritty. Love her voice. The problem was that the spandex tights and Air Jordans were corny, as was her entire performance.

Ricky Braddy could have his own movie called Opie Goes to Hollywood. Close your eyes and he's got great potential. Forgettable stage presence though.

Alexis Grace reminded me of a drag queen with all the makeup she had caked on. She is a very plain looking girl but she took it too far. The 4 judges loved her soul, but perhaps I stand alone in saying that she doesn't have as much soul as she thinks she does!

Brent Keith was on Nashville Star so I thought maybe he had a shot. He crumbled under the pressure again and is likely out of chances on the big stage. Terrible low range and a very awkward stage presence.

Stevie Wright has a very lovable personality but her performance was nothing short of a train wreck! I think she started out too low and never recovered. Awful!

Anoop Desai was one of my faves heading into this part of the show. He shared that he wanted to bring energy to the show but then contradicted himself by singing a Monica song. Disappointing but I hope he can sneak thru.

Casey Carlson of Minneapolis is cute and bubbly. I should stop there. I didn't think she belonged in the top 36 and tonight made that very clear! Brutal singing coupled with exaggerated facial and body expressions made for a verbal lobotomy!

Michael Sarver... Ouch!!! That was f@&$ing unlistenable! How did this guy get in over some of the other borderline talent? I'm hoping the wildcard will include people outside the top 36.

Ann Marie Boskovich has girl next door beauty. Isn't that truly the most beautiful? Awww... Ann Marie. That performance echoed the opening lyrics in that it was uninspired. I don't see any star quality in her, but she looks like she would be a great mom or auntie.

*Hold on!!! Ann Marie's sister is gorgeous! Wowzers!!!

Stephen Fowler busted out some Jacko moves at the beginning. That should have been the point where Simon put up his and says stop the music. What's up with these contestants tonight? Good singers are getting crushed under the live TV pressure.

Tatiana Del Torro is possibly the most annoying person EVER! I can't believe how quietly and reserved she started. Was off character for her, but it wasn't very good either. Who takes on Whitney in round 1? Dumb move. Especially when she was nowhere near where she needed to be. I think she's been coached to be more reserved. I think that's important.

*Danny is last tonight and I'm hoping he closes it out strong! He's an early front runner!

Danny Gokey has true soul. You can't invent it, you just have it or you don't. The song choice and performance weren't my favorite of his, but he still showed his brilliance in parts. He's unique and radio ready!


Top Male: Danny.

Top Female: Alexis...? (No woman stood out)

Next Best: Ricky.

Who I hope makes it through: Danny, Jackie, and Anoop.

American Idol 8: On the Eve of Selecting the Final 32

Tonight's episode of American Idol really displayed some incredibly gifted singers! I'm in agreement that there are definitely more men that stand out this year, but there are some women who are very interesting too. I was surprised when they let the room full of people who forgot their lyrics move on. They may not make the final 32, but it was still a surprise. There were some good singers in that group though. I'm excited for the real competition to begin next week!