Round of 36: Group 3

Von Smith – This guy is pretty goofy looking on stage. I think he picks terrible songs every time he’s up too. I have no interest in this dork advancing.

Taylor Vaifanua – She is singing pretty good to start, but she has happy feet. She needs to stand still! She’s not bad, but Alicia Keys is a tough one to bite off. She didn’t do it as good, so we can’t do anything but compare her to Alicia, and she didn’t stand up to her. Good job, not great.

Alex Wagner-Trugman – He’s really nervous! He’s admittedly a dork, but a likeable one. Like me! I’m not really sure what this screeching is that he’s doing. It’s pretty corny. I’m laughing out loud here by myself. What a goon! This was more entertaining that Norman Gentle, but still not good.

Arianna Afsar – I think she’s ahead of the music to start the song…? She has good range, but I think she had too many runs in the song. The last note was a little painful though. She’s very likeable, but the performance was not good. I’m on the fence with her.

Ju’not Joyner – He changed up the arrangement and slowed it way down. I like his voice, but slowing it down gave him too much opportunity to slur and defame the lyrics. Overall I like Ju’not and I think he could be entertaining for a week or two. Let’s see what the rest of the night has to offer for competition.

Kristen McNamara – My girl from Nashville Star. She’s sassy and lovable. And she’s pretty seductive too. She controlled the song and the stage very well. So far she’s blowing the other women away tonight. Well, the men for what that’s worth too. Not a song with much range, but she delivered, so it’s hard to complain.

Nathaniel Marshall – He’s an annoying freak with no style. He’s crying out for attention with the way he dresses and acts. And what’s with the goofy as headbands and rubber bands he wears on his head? If the judges don’t give him hell about his look after they just lambasted Kristen, then something is wrong. The singing is just not contemporary. Picking a Meatloaf song just reinforces that fact.

Felisha Barton – What? She was cut but now she’s in the top 36. Who got bounced? I just googled it and she replaced Joanna Pacitti. I think Joanna was a hottie. That aside, Felisha did pretty good. She hits some great notes, but missed a few too. Then again she only had a few days to get ready.

*Apparently Joanna Pacitti was ruled ineligible because she has “very personal connections” to two executives for 19 Studios (Idol’s Studios).

Scott MacIntyre – I’m having a hard time deciphering if I like Scott because he’s blind or because he’s a good singer. When I close my eyes he’s not as good, but I still like his voice. I think if he has a chance to get back behind the piano he may shine even more. He finished this song very strongly and I’m a fan.

Kendall Beard – I think she looks way to young and immature to be singing this song. It looked like she had a lot of fun singing this song, but I’m not a fan. She did okay, but I can’t help but try and compare her to Carrie Underwood, who would blow her out of the water. She did just ok. Better than average tonight.

Jorge Nunez - He has the opportunity to be the best Latin representative American Idol has ever had and he picks Elton John to sing? I would’ve picked a Latin song, but then maybe that would be too cliché? Or maybe mix in a Latin verse into one of these songs? It would be creative and original. He’s got great pipes though. *I really hope this guy makes it through!

Lil Rounds – I didn’t like the song she picked, but she is really talented and I want her to move on. She’s got a really good chance to go far! Wow, Simon agreed with me.

Predictions: Lil Rounds (women), Scott McIntyre (men), Jorge Nunez (wildcard)

I think Kristen and Felisha need to go in the wild card. Women did well tonight compared to previous weeks.

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!

LOST: Jughead (Airdate: 1/28/09)

This week's episode was packed with lots of information, all of which will be important in the coming weeks. Here's a short synopsis:

Penny and Desmond have a young boy. We watched the birth and then saw him as a young boy between 3 and 5. Last week Daniel had planted a "new memory" into Desmond's head, telling him to visit Oxford to find his mom. He was to tell her that everyone is still stuck on the island. However, when he visited the university, there was no record of any Faraday every being employed there. That's because Daniel had experimented with time travel on Theresa Spencer's brain and it left her in a very odd state. Desmond did find out that Faraday's experiments AND Theresa's health care were both being funded by none other than Charles Whidmore. Desmond barges into Whidmore's office and demands to know where Faraday's mom is. Whidmore tells him she's in Los Angeles, but she's a very private person, and probably won't enjoy seeing him. Whidmore warned for Desmond to, "Deliver your message and then get out." Is this a ploy to get Desmond to LA to return to the island? Ben did say everyone must go back.

Random Note: Penny and Desmond's boy is named Charlie. Is this after Charlie who died at the end of Season 2?

Faraday's group is still on the island and hoping from time to time. He noticed that Charlotte was experiencing double vision, dizziness and bleeding from the nose. He knows why, but won't tell her.

Random Note: The young woman that leads the gang that finds Daniel, Charlotte and Miles, says to Daniel, "You just couldn't stay away, could you?" So does she know something? Later she said she didn't trust him, so I'm confused.

Julia speaks to the Others in Latin. She tells them to take Locke, Julia and Sawyer to see Richard Alpert. One of the soldiers agrees, but the other runs off. Locke doesn't heed Sawyer's plea to shoot the soldier running away. When Sawyer asks why, Locke replies, "Because. Because he's one of my people."

When Richard meets Daniel back at camp, Richard asks, "I assume you came back for your bomb?" A hydrogen bomb had been dropped on the island during military testing and Faraday said he could disarm it. Once he looks at the bomb, labeled Jughead, he realizes it is leaking and tells the woman soldier that he needs lead to fix it. Then it must be buried. She doesn't believe him. When he says, "50 years from now, this island is still here," she draws her gun more intensely. Sawyer came in to save the day and shouted, "Drop your gun, Blondie!"

Random Note: Daniel assured Richard that he wasn't on a suicide mission with the bomb because, "(He's) in love with the woman sitting next to (him). And (he) would never, (he) would never do anything to hurt her." Daniel later confirmed to Charlotte that his feelings were genuine. Ooooo!

Richard was forced to kill the US soldiers when they wouldn't leave the island. He takes his orders from a chain of command. Jacob?

John wants to finish his conversation with Richard. He isn't getting any respect until he says, "Jacob sent me." It's 1954 on the island and Locke is pleading with Richard to tell him how to get off the island now, because he has something important to do after he gets off. Of course, before he can hear how, they jump to a new time.

Random Note: Charles Whidmore used to be one of the others on the island! Interesting!!!

Unanswered questions still looming:

• Will Locke, or any of the other castaways, meet their younger self on the island during the time travel? If so, what are the consequences?
• How will Hurley get out of jail to get back to the island?
• Is Walt going back too?
• How will they get back to the island?
• When will we ever find out more about Ben's old girlfriend Annie?

Next week's sneak peek:

• Kate is threatened that she will lose Aaron.
• Locke says that he will have to make them come back, even if it means his life.
• Sawyer says that he saw Kate in the jungle.

Salt Lake City Auditions

In addition to the Osmond kid I wrote about earlier, I also really liked Megan, the tattooed mother who is just going through a divorce. She has a very old school, classic voice, but will that translate to success? I also liked the class president kid and the hippy girl at the end.

The Osmond Kid on Idol

The Osmond kid on Idol was pretty inspiring. Of course he comes from a famous family, but that doesn't mean he's not human. He struggles with MS, which hits especially home for me. My sister has been struggling with MS for the past couple of years, and she's only 32. I guess I'm pulling for this kid a little just because of his courage to put himself in front of the world when his illness could potentially cause him some awkward moments. That's ultimate courage and I admire that!

One Less Day of Mail Delivery?

The Postmaster General asked Congress today to cut the requirement for mail delivery from 6 days to 5 days. Would you care if mail wasn't delivered one of the days each week? Perhaps skipping Wednesday? I don't think I would care at all. I'd prefer that over raising postage again. Then again, I hardly ever use stamps anymore, so I'm not sure I care either way!

What are your thoughts?

It Happens Every Year

Those of you who have followed my American Idol blog the last few years probably saw this coming. I get so excited the first week or so to start the new season. Then, without fail, I get bored with the initial audition shows and don't write about them. Well, my friends, that's where I'm at again. Once they start to do some serious singing and focus on talent and not stupidity, I will begin writing again. I'm not bitter, I just have better things to do with my time right now. Like file my taxes!

Talk soon!

American Idol 8: San Francisco Auditions

San Francisco is Tuesday night's hot spot for the American Idol auditions. I've never been to the land of Rice-a-Roni, but I'd love to travel there someday. The street cars and catching a Giants game at the beautiful AT&T Park on the Bay would be fantastic! Would they produce another Katheryn McPhee (va-va-voom!), or even another pop culture icon like William Hung in Season 2? Let's only hope!

What's with all the questionable talent passing through already. It's fine, as long as we don't end up with another Sanjaya staying on the show long past his welcome! Tatiana Del Toro, 23 of San Juan, Puerto Rico was not necessarily a terrible singer, but her annoying laugh and pompous attitude were grating! She claims to be a singer, actress and model, however she can't catch a break. She'd be fine if she didn't have to open her yap, but that's tough as a singer or actress. As for modeling, what is she selling? Advice on how to cackle and drive everyone nuts?!

27 year old family man, Jesus Valenzuela, of North Highlands, California, relied on his cute kids to secure him a spot in Hollywood. It certainly wasn't his performance. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't terrible, but he wasn't special either. I don't see him advancing any further.

I was amazed that 45 minutes into the show, only two people had advanced, and both were very iffy. Then out of nowhere they barrage us with a quick 30 seconds of three singers that did advance. The peppering of golden tickets had me lunging for the TiVo remote to rewind. John Twiford, a 27 year old music teacher from Sherman Oaks, California, was very good. I get sort of a Jason Castro / Constantine Maroulis vibe from him. Unfortunately the 10 second clip wasn't long enough to grasp his personality.

If you thought John had a short clip, 16 year old Allison Iraheta really got the shaft. They played maybe 5 seconds and I wasn't overly impressed. I did, however, catch a very raspy laugh at the end. I hope that raspy-ness isn't from smoking at 16!

*HOTTIE ALERT!!! 28 year old waitress / bartender Raquel Houghton is burning it up! Her audition clip was very short, but her legs were plenty long. Her gorgeous, flowing brown hair has me keeping an eye out for her!

For the last 18 months, the next performer has been serving as an understudy for the character Fiyero in the traveling production of Wicked. Adam Lambert, was very theatrical in his performance of Bohemian Rhapsody, but what other way is there to sing that Freddie Mercury classic? He has awesome vocal range, but his Hollywood persona and peculiar look are still up for discussion. Check out the pics on his MySpace band page and you'll see what I'm referring to (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewTaggedPhotos&friendID=29158867).

The last performer, Kai Kalama, a 26 year old aspiring musician from San Clemente, California, was the feel good story of the night. Kai has taken the last year off from pursuing his dreams in music, to take care of his ailing mother. His classic, tender offering of The Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by the Platters portrayed a velvety timber. Could be interesting, and I love the crazy hair.

My Top Contenders, in order of their auditions:

Deanna Brown (Phoenix)
Scott MacIntyre (Phoenix)
Danny Gokey (KC)
Anoop Desai (KC)
Lil Rounds (KC)
Adam Lambert (San Fran)
Kai Kalama (San Fran)
Ashley Anderson (Honorable Mention: Hottie)

Tomorrow night the nation's attention shifts to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Considering only 12 came out of San Francisco, there is likely to be about the same from the home of the Kentucky Derby. Catch you on the flip.