American Idol 8 - Top 36 - Group I - 2/17-2/18/09

[JasonR]

Well, every year we get pumped full of how "this is the most talent-laden season ever", and then we get a cold slap of reality that being a good singer is really hard and not that many people can do it well live and under pressure.

Before I get into the actual performances, a few comments about the show in general.

Are the judges giving their comments in Hebrew? No? Then why are we suddenly going from right to left this year?

The not-Simon judges seemed so desperate for non-terrible performances that when they got one (Alexis, Danny), they totally overreacted, lavishing praise way beyond what was called for.

The level of production/direction was at about the quality of a cable access show. The lack of wireless mikes made both contestants and family members/friends almost completely inaudible during the pre/post performance interviews.

The return of the family members . . . unwelcome! They add nothing to the show, except for some almost awesome awkwardness. The only thing approaching the awkwardness of Casey Carlson's performance was seeing her and her father/stepfather/mom's boyfriend? do a perfunctory hug. Most of the family members looked as if no one told them they were going to be on tv. Dress up and get your makeup done for God's sake . . it's American Idol!

Here are the performances, in descending order from the pretty good, to the less forgettable, to the very forgettable, to the downright terrible. My ranking is somewhat of a hybrid between what I think and how I think the vote will come out.

The gals

1. Alexis Grace . . . this little firecracker actually did a very nice job on Aretha's "Never Loved A Man". She earned the comparisons to Kelly Clarkson . . . and the pink highlights and fake eyelashes looked very hot. She should be the top female vote-getter.

2. Ann Marie Boskovich - she has a good voice, if you like hearing Aretha in a soulless, cruise ship/Kathie Lee Gifford kind-of way. Working in her favor, homegirl is a stone-cold fox, and her ass looked fantastic in that dress. If she weren't so damn good looking it would probably drop her from #2 female performance to #3 or #4. Bonus points for using her interview time to talk about how she "sat on the hard part" . . . the "big thing of wood" and how it hurt. Ann Marie, I love you. Extra bonus points for having a hot twin and a milf mom.

3. Jackie Tohn - she probably didn't sing as well as Tatiana, but people hate Tatiana, so I'm putting Jackie at #3 female. She has a really good raspy rock voice and she at least tried to do something jazzy and interesting with "A Little Less Conversation". The dancing was a little spastic, but in a cute way. But she was trying way too hard to be a "character", including that outfit that looked like a slutty disco Minnie Mouse. She did have a much better body than I had previously thought.

4. Tatiana Del Toro - God help us, she was actually pretty good. I think America and the judges were missing the crazy, though. It definitely seemed as if her handlers had pumped her full of Xanax and it was just starting to wear off at the end of her interview. Will she get any votes? I hope so. I loathe her but will miss her so much if she goes so early.

5. Casey Carlson - oh, Casey, I didn't think you could do anything bad enough to make me say you need to go, when you have this going for you (see attachment), but that twitchy, out of tune, creepy rendition of "Everything [He] Does Is Magic", complete with facial contortions and Sarah Palin winks was so bad it was kind of awesome.

6. Stevie Wright - she seems like a sweet girl, and she's only 16, so I hope she can get past having a train wreck on live tv in front of 30 million people and go on to have a normal life. This was bad in a not at all awesome and really uncomfortable way.

The guys

1. Danny Gokey - Putting aside Randy, Kara, and Paula's hyperbole, he was by far the best male performance of the night. An unfortunately cheesy song pick, particularly for a dude, but homeboy is a 24 year-old widower and church music director. Is it fair to say that every female in America from ages 15 to 50 is hot for this guy? He did more than enough against very weak competition. He'll easily be the top male vote getter.

2. Anoop Desai - Noop Dog, like Danny, picked a really cheesy ballad. He's a great singer and seems like a very nice and super intelligent guy. He's my pick for the #3 spot behind Alexis and Danny.

3. Michael Sarver - he didn't do half the job with "I Don't Wanna Be" that Bo Bice or Elliot Yamin did, but he's a likeable big lunk that seems to have a big following so I'm putting him at #3. A big red state vote could push him past Noop Dog for the #3 spot into the top 12.

4. Brent Keith - "Country Nick Lachey" is all I can think to say about this guy. Completely forgettable.

5. Stephen Fowler - Very sad that this guy just keeps self-destructing because he seems to be pretty talented. "Rock With You"? . . seriously? He reminds me of Chickeze, who started out last season doing some cheesy shit like this, but turned out to be one of the most fun performers in the top 12. I doubt the judges will stick their necks out for him again for a wild card berth though. Nice knowing 'ya.

6. Ricky Braddy - Didn't remember him from auditions. Didn't remember him from Hollywood. Still don't rememeber him. I only wish he had done a ballad so I could do at least one "The Ballad of Ricky Braddy" joke. I guess I just did one anyway. His parents looked homeless, and I hope Sherwood Schwartz sues their flabby asses. I wouldn't count on anyone signing on to be members of the "Braddy Bunch".

What do you think gasmii?

[Pekmboyd]

Well, every year we get pumped full of how "this is the most talent-laden season ever", and then we get a cold slap of reality that being a good singer is really hard and not that many people can do it well live and under pressure.

Before I get into the actual performances, a few comments about the show in general.

Are the judges giving their comments in Hebrew? No? Then why are we suddenly going from right to left this year?

The not-Simon judges seemed so desperate for non-terrible performances that when they got one (Alexis, Danny), they totally overreacted, lavishing praise way beyond what was called for.

The level of production/direction was at about the quality of a cable access show. The lack of wireless mikes made both contestants and family members/friends almost completely inaudible during the pre/post performance interviews.

The return of the family members . . . unwelcome! They add nothing to the show, except for some almost awesome awkwardness. The only thing approaching the awkwardness of Casey Carlson's performance was seeing her and her father/stepfather/mom's boyfriend? do a perfunctory hug. Most of the family members looked as if no one told them they were going to be on tv. Dress up and get your makeup done for God's sake . . it's American Idol!

Here are the performances, in descending order from the pretty good, to the less forgettable, to the very forgettable, to the downright terrible. My ranking is somewhat of a hybrid between what I think and how I think the vote will come out.

The gals

1. Alexis Grace . . . this little firecracker actually did a very nice job on Aretha's "Never Loved A Man". She earned the comparisons to Kelly Clarkson . . . and the pink highlights and fake eyelashes looked very hot. She should be the top female vote-getter.

2. Ann Marie Boskovich - she has a good voice, if you like hearing Aretha in a soulless, cruise ship/Kathie Lee Gifford kind-of way. Working in her favor, homegirl is a stone-cold fox, and her ass looked fantastic in that dress. If she weren't so damn good looking it would probably drop her from #2 female performance to #3 or #4. Bonus points for using her interview time to talk about how she "sat on the hard part" . . . the "big thing of wood" and how it hurt. Ann Marie, I love you. Extra bonus points for having a hot twin and a milf mom.

3. Jackie Tohn - she probably didn't sing as well as Tatiana, but people hate Tatiana, so I'm putting Jackie at #3 female. She has a really good raspy rock voice and she at least tried to do something jazzy and interesting with "A Little Less Conversation". The dancing was a little spastic, but in a cute way. But she was trying way too hard to be a "character", including that outfit that looked like a slutty disco Minnie Mouse. She did have a much better body than I had previously thought.

4. Tatiana Del Toro - God help us, she was actually pretty good. I think America and the judges were missing the crazy, though. It definitely seemed as if her handlers had pumped her full of Xanax and it was just starting to wear off at the end of her interview. Will she get any votes? I hope so. I loathe her but will miss her so much if she goes so early.

5. Casey Carlson - oh, Casey, I didn't think you could do anything bad enough to make me say you need to go, when you have this going for you (see attachment), but that twitchy, out of tune, creepy rendition of "Everything [He] Does Is Magic", complete with facial contortions and Sarah Palin winks was so bad it was kind of awesome.

6. Stevie Wright - she seems like a sweet girl, and she's only 16, so I hope she can get past having a train wreck on live tv in front of 30 million people and go on to have a normal life. This was bad in a not at all awesome and really uncomfortable way.

The guys

1. Danny Gokey - Putting aside Randy, Kara, and Paula's hyperbole, he was by far the best male performance of the night. An unfortunately cheesy song pick, particularly for a dude, but homeboy is a 24 year-old widower and church music director. Is it fair to say that every female in America from ages 15 to 50 is hot for this guy? He did more than enough against very weak competition. He'll easily be the top male vote getter.

2. Anoop Desai - Noop Dog, like Danny, picked a really cheesy ballad. He's a great singer and seems like a very nice and super intelligent guy. He's my pick for the #3 spot behind Alexis and Danny.

3. Michael Sarver - he didn't do half the job with "I Don't Wanna Be" that Bo Bice or Elliot Yamin did, but he's a likeable big lunk that seems to have a big following so I'm putting him at #3. A big red state vote could push him past Noop Dog for the #3 spot into the top 12.

4. Brent Keith - "Country Nick Lachey" is all I can think to say about this guy. Completely forgettable.

5. Stephen Fowler - Very sad that this guy just keeps self-destructing because he seems to be pretty talented. "Rock With You"? . . seriously? He reminds me of Chickeze, who started out last season doing some cheesy shit like this, but turned out to be one of the most fun performers in the top 12. I doubt the judges will stick their necks out for him again for a wild card berth though. Nice knowing 'ya.

6. Ricky Braddy - Didn't remember him from auditions. Didn't remember him from Hollywood. Still don't rememeber him. I only wish he had done a ballad so I could do at least one "The Ballad of Ricky Braddy" joke. I guess I just did one anyway. His parents looked homeless, and I hope Sherwood Schwartz sues their flabby asses. I wouldn't count on anyone signing on to be members of the "Braddy Bunch".

What do you think gasmii?

I'm in Seattle so I'm a bit behind, I'll catch up:

Jackie Tohn - Hate. Hate the outfit, hate the screamy rock vibe, hate the obnoxious vibe. Hate. And double hate when she jumped up to hug someone else's Mom when they did badly (Stevie's mom I think).

Ricky Braddy - obviously talented but totally forgettable - wish he'd gotten more screen time before now so he was a bit more memorable at this point because I'm not sure his talent was enough to get him through the voting rounds

Alexis Grace - I really didn't care for her at all - I think she's talented in there somewhere, but I just don't get it, and I'm not sure what her fan base would be. I get that the judges like her and some people think she's amazing, but bleh. I just don't get it.

Brent Keith - By the time I went back to write this I'd forgotten who he was - bad sign. He did himself no favors when up against Michael Sarver for the same fanbase.

Anoop Desai - I love him. I'm pretty sure the producers have slipped something into my koolaid, but I'll drink it. Koolaid is yummy.

Casey Carlson - I'll admit, my chubby almost-30 self loves seeing little bikini models have a bad day. I'll leave it at that to avoid sounding bitter and hateful :)

Michael Sarver - bad bad bad song choice - why would Mr. Country go Gavin DeGraw? And do it not very well? It wasn't awful, but up against Anoop and Danny it won't win him a spot. Unless the Danny/Anoop backlash starts early.

Stevie Wright - so so bad, and so bummed because she is so sweet and humble - but by the way she was rocking to later singers, I think she'll get over it - I think she realizes this was a great chance for her but she's still young.

Ann Marie Boskovich - definition of middle of the road. Simon had it DEAD ON when he said "best hometown singer in California" but not "the best".

Tatiana Del Toro - I think at the point when the show put her in the Top 36 they became responsible for her psychological well-being and now they're picking on the crazy person in a public arena, and the entire thing makes me uncomfortable. This feels less like a singing competition and more like a public flogging the farther and farther she goes.

Stephen Fowler - he's got a good voice somewhere in there, but it was hiding tonight, and I think there will be backlash against his hissy fit in Hollywood. I hadn't grown attached to him back when the hype was building on him, so no great loss now.

Danny Gokey - I want to hear him sing ONE song that is not all churchy sounding. I know that's going to be tough, but his little self-help-book box is going to get tiring. That said, love him. Is there any more Koolaid?

Overall - going into tonight I was concerned about how tough it would be to narrow this field to only 3. Now I'm not sure 3 even earned a spot. The big downside to this 36 person - straight to 12 method is they don't have any warm-up time on the big stage and the nerves are OBVIOUS. I almost wish there was a warm-up week with no voting just to get used to them and let them get used to the stage. Scratch that - that would be boring.

I think it will be Danny, Anoop, and Ann Marie or maybe Alexis - the girls really didn't bring it.

[kimbubbly]

Wow! SO not going to go through the whole list because you guys NAILED it...even when you disagreed, I totally agreed with both of you.

I turned AI off last night thinking that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Danny (actually considered voting!!) and that no one else really blew my skirt up. As long as he moves on, I'm okay with whoever else goes/doesn't go...whatever.

And, I do have to say that I was so distracted by Jackie Tohn's outfit that I barely heard what she was singing...shiny pants, my little brother's sneakers from high school...sort of crack-alley-Sandy from Grease and very BLECH. I liked when she and Randy were calling the pants trousers though...I like that word...trousers. :) :)

[here4beer]

Are the judges giving their comments in Hebrew? No? Then why are we suddenly going from right to left this year?

The level of production/direction was at about the quality of a cable access show. The lack of wireless mikes made both contestants and family members/friends almost completely inaudible during the pre/post performance interviews.

I only wish he had done a ballad so I could do at least one "The Ballad of Ricky Braddy" joke.

lol, lol, and LOL, Jason

I almost completely agree with you guys, except on the Tatiana point. I have to admit, after initially loathing her, she has grown on me because she is funny in a "laughing at you/ not with you" way. I never realized she could actually sing until last night, and I was blown away. It wasn't the best I've ever heard the song, but considering I was expecting a trainwreck, I was pleasantly shocked. I put her at number 2 behind pink hair mom, who did blow me away. She was the best of the night for me.

I was a little sad Anoop Dawg didn't do better, as apparently someone has spiked my koolaid, too. YUM. (Mine tastes like rum, Pek!!) I still think he'll make it, along with Dead Wife Guy and Pink Hair Mom.

And to the cheesy afro guy- you suck. I could not believe he chose that song! Also- Casey Carlson totally blew her song choice as well. C ya suckas! At least I knew one of your names, I guess.

P.S. Spandex Faux Rocker Chick-- STILL HATE. She is so incredibly annoying that I'd like to choke her with her gigantic red belt.

[itchy]

I can't believe I'm watching this show now...it's all you people's fault...

I think spandex-faux-rocker chick came into the show thinking she'd corner the 'crazy' segment --and Tati beat her out. But it was too late...you have to wonder: was there no one there to explain to her that she looked worse than stupid? Especially since she was the first one out...

I love how Randawg said "NOW the season is starting!" ...only after the second guy. Must have made her feel great.

The rest of this bunch blew chunks. Including the choirboy (whom I hate, of course, but I harbor a visceral hatred for all churchy types...that goes for mr. oil rig and his big cross shirt...and the other country knucklehead and his fancy visible cross...right. You're a chreestian. Got it. Who needs talent when jesus is on your side?).

'Noop Dawg was okay...in his geeky way. Hard to believe people like that exist out there. I can totally see him winning Beauty and the Geek though.

I kind of felt bad for Tatiana...she knows she's blown any chance of being taken seriously -- you'd think she'd have thought of that all those dozens of times she looked directly into the camera while performing her craziness during the opening rounds...Obviously her friends have never heard her laugh like that -- they're not holding cameras, are they? Maybe if she were a little bit prettier and a little less of a poser....

The only one who's believable as a packagable product is the Dirty Ho Mom chick...she sings well enough, and she's got that Hollywood pretty going for her (if only because she's one of the few who looks better without the makeup).

The benefit of this format is that you can see who's already able to handle the primetime live show thing ...and who just falls apart completely.

Oh yeah, I thought it was interesting that hokey choirboy's gay best friend was in the audience -- since he's a better singer than pretty much ALL of the other people there. I mean, true, he looks like a complete idiot with those stupid piercings and other style choices, but he definitely is able to sing. Even better than his buddy.

Maybe they're reserving a 'wild card' to get him back into the competition? They really should -- because if the rest of the crowd is anything to go by, this season is going to be one huge pile of pooh.

[here4beer]

Oh yeah, I thought it was interesting that hokey choirboy's gay best friend was in the audience -- since he's a better singer than pretty much ALL of the other people there. I mean, true, he looks like a complete idiot with those stupid piercings and other style choices, but he definitely is able to sing. Even better than his buddy.

WORD. I don't think the wildcards work that way, unfortunately, though. They did wildcards way back when the show first started, and what they did then was pull the best 10 or 12 who didn't make it from the semi finals and give them another chance to perform, then each judge picked one to advance to the top 12. With a 4th judge, I'm not sure how it will work, but hopefully they'll wise up and throw the Face Piercing Guy in the mix somewhere. He looked so sad. :(

[Pegster]

I was annoyed, annoyed, annoyed that they kept panning to Tatiana during Danny's song. That moment shouldn't have been about her AT ALL.

I don't understand how oil-rigger guy made it through. I though he was bland, and when he did his encore I had to change the channel. I thought it was pretty bad.

I hope Anoop gets a wild card, but I'm not sure it will happen. I think the men seem stronger than the women this year, and it's possible that we may have six men in the finals after the three rounds, and only three women...and then the wildcards will all be chicks.

The rest of this bunch blew chunks. Including the choirboy (whom I hate, of course, but I harbor a visceral hatred for all churchy types...that goes for mr. oil rig and his big cross shirt...and the other country knucklehead and his fancy visible cross...right. You're a chreestian. Got it. Who needs talent when jesus is on your side?).




This makes no sense to me. Since when is simply wearing a cross grounds for such judgement? I guess I don't see how we know they are all overly churcy types. I didn't even notice the accessories, to be honest. And a gothic cross on a shirt was boring oil-rigger dude probably trying to look cool. I mean, I wear a cross everyday, and I haven't been to church since Christmas. Just my two cents.

[itchy]

Yeah, just my knee-jerk reaction against all public displays of religiosity. If it helps any, I despise all religions equally.

I definitely agree about the blandness of oil rigger dude, especially now that I've watched the followup show. There's no way anyone can actually consider him a great singer. He's got no range, no power (can't even make through a 2 minute song without wheezing?), and no style. Which I suppose means he'll go far in this competition. Certainly there were at least a couple other singers (including, ick, Tatiana) who were way better.

But then the whole idea of letting "America" choose is ridiculous anyway. Part of the fun of watching!

[JasonR]

Did they ever explicitly state which guy was the top male vote-getter and which was the #3 overall vote-getter? I may have missed it. Just because they put Sarver through first doesn't necessarily mean he was top guy.

[itchy]

Did they ever explicitly state which guy was the top male vote-getter and which was the #3 overall vote-getter? I may have missed it. Just because they put Sarver through first doesn't necessarily mean he was top guy.

Huh. I didn't even stop to think about it. I automatically assumed Hokey Worship Guy was the winner. I also noticed his penchant for wearing really bad eyeglass frames. Another reason to hate him. Hokey Stupid Eyeglasses Worship Guy.