Top 12 Guys Perform

And I thought girls night was bad. Amazingly, I thought Men's night was maybe even worse. Here are my thoughts:

First to hit the stage was Todrick Hall. I mostly HATE it when someone sings a song made famous by a previous Idol winner. However, in this case it was a guy putting a total new spin on a girl's song in Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone." I totally disagreed with the judges. I loved the fact that he took a hit pop song and made it unrecognizable. I almost felt like it was Bobby Brown singing Kelly Clarkson. I thought it was original, unique, and set in apart from the other contestants as taking a risk. It was no different than Andrew Garcia putting his own spin on Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" in the auditions. So, despite the judges harsh words, I thought it was a great start for the men.

Next up was Aaron Kelly, the little 16 year old who is a cross between Kevin Covias (aka Chicken Little) and David Archuletta. I really thought he was going to stink up the stage like a rancid fart. However, I was completely wrong. He went with Rascal Flatts' "Here Comes Good-bye" which I heard this morning that it was co-written by Season 6's Chris Sligh. Interesting huh? Anyway, it was a great choice of song and he sang 80% of the song great with 20% having pitch problems. However, the 80% outweighed the 20% and I was pleasantly surprised by how well he did. He'll get the teenage girl vote too.

Hitting the stage next was Jermaine Sellers, the church singer. He went with Oleta Adams "Get Here" which was done great in season 1 by Justin Guarini. Unfortunately for Jermaine Sellers, the late Peter Sellers could have done a better job singing this song. His voice was all over the place. I had much higher expectations from Jermaine after his "Man In The Mirror" audition but this was like a soiled diaper - a total mess. Jermaine could be in major trouble after this disaster.

Then comes Tim Urban who replaced Chris Golightly at the last minute. First of all, I can't stand Tim's Danny Bonaduce hair. We are in the 2000's and his hair looks like it's out of the 70's. Anyway, after hearing Tim destroy One Republic's "Apologize", it was obvious that he has NO relation to Keith Urban. Every time in the song where he needed to hit the high note, he was off. Maybe he should have gotten high to maybe try and hit the high note but we won't be saying HI to Tim; we'll be saying "good-bye" very soon.

Joe Munoz gets his turn to sing to America. The staff needs to trim his eyebrows. It looks like he has two caterpillars starring at each other above his eyes. Joe sings "You and I Both" by Jason Mraz. This was just not anything to remember. If I didn't tell you just now what song he sung, would you have even remembered? I've heard worse but this guy has no star power and is boring. At least Jorge Nunez last year had some personality. This guy is a dud.

Tyler Grady is up next. I have a lot to say about this guy. Get out of the past. You are NOT Jimi Hendrix. You are NOT Jim Morrison. You are Tyler Grady and that doesn't boast well for this competition. First of all, what the hell was up with that purple scarf thingy he was wearing? That was a bit odd. Secondly, this guy looks like a cross between Rocky Dennis (from Mask played by Eric Stoltz) and Taylor Lautner with his piggie nose. Unfortunately, I think girls may like this guy. I hope I'm totally wrong. I thought this guy could be good but he's just too creepy for me. He sings "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz and it was a performance that he probably did all through high school singing in his room on his bed using his deodorant stick as a microphone while looking in the mirror at his "cool" moves. It may look great in his bedroom but on stage in front of millions of people watching, it just sort of ruined my appetite.

Next it was Dewyze time. That's Lee Dewyze. This was one of the best performances of the night. I like his voice. It's a bit of Creed and Nickleback mixed with some David Cook and Daughtry. Lee is not 100% polished yet as a performer but this is a guy that could learn and grow each week as he loves where he is right now and loves what he's doing. He sang Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" which I never heard of. The judges wish he changed it up a bit ala David Cook. I can't actually say that since I never heard of the song before but good job Lee !

Then we get John Park. First off, a Chinese guy should NOT have Chase Crawford hair. That's a NO-NO. Secondly, think back to the history of music and try and name ONE single Chinese Pop or Rock star? Please think now as I play the Jeopardy music in the background. Can't think of a single person huh? Me neither. That doesn't bode well for Mr. Park who looks like he could have played the villain in Karate Kid Part 2. He sings a song called "God Bless The Child." Okay...who the hell even sings that song? I think John's 8 minutes of fame is up. He didn't even make it to the standard 15 minutes so he's gone at 8 minutes.

Michael Lynche is up next. This guy has a great personality and is the biggest Idol contestant since Ruben Studdard. Early on, I thought he had the chops to be similar to Ruben. I now have to apologize to Ruben as Lynche is NOT a singer. I don't think he'll go home this week but I don't think he'll go deep anymore despite my earlier prediction. He needs to get eliminated soon and go meet his daughter already. He performs Maroon Five's "This Love". But "this love" was not driving me wild; it was hurting my ear drum. Don't get me wrong, I do like Michael. But I don't like him anymore as a singer.

We get to hear Alex Lambert next who's not related at all to Adam Lambert. He is just not an interesting guy by any means. He sings "Wonderful World" by James Morrison. What? Who? Does anyone give them guidance on song choice? His voice is not terrible but he is not a great singer and has the stage presence of a slug. Looks like Adam will never have to worry about having another Lambert make records.

Casey James was up next and Kara was gushing. Yeah, I know they played this off as a joke but they way she looks at him reminds me of how Paula had a thing for that loser Corey Clark in Season #2 or the crush that Simon had on Christina Christian in Season #1. I don't have a crush on Casey James and hated what they did to his hair as he looked a bit like Bucky Covington but as for his voice, it was one of the best of the crop. He sang "Heaven" by Bryan Adams and made it his own. Not sure if Casey is pop or country but it was definitely entertaining and well done.

Finally the saved Andrew Garcia for last. Coming off his "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul, the expectations were high. In doing Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Going Down" he showed that he's one of the ones to beat. He was criticized by the judges but I think that was only to push him from good to greatness and to push the envelope. He's right up there and will be doing deep in this competition.

So, who goes home? The worst were Jermaine, Tim, Joe, John, and Alex. Any of these five could go home but I'm gonna say Joe and John go home but it really could be any of these five.

As for my original picks for Top 6 guys, I only have 5 left:
Andrew Garcia
Michael Lynche
Toddrick Hall
Casey James
Tyler Grady

But based on their first performances, I'm gonna revise my Top 6 guys to:
Andrew Garcia
Casey James
Todrick Hall
Aaron Kelly
Lee Dewyze
Tyler Grady

Until tomorrow night, Birdman Out

Top 12 Girls Perform

Finally auditions were over and it was time for the Top 24 to perform.

One thing over the course of the night actually bothered me and it was the first time all season that I noticed it. There was no banter after comments. Thus, it was the first time I actually missed Paula Abdul saying something stupid and to have Simon react. Basically, each judge last night made their comments and that was it. Not having Paula there made the judging a bit boring. Anyway, here's how the night played out:

Up first was Paige Miles. This was the first time we got to meet and hear Paige sing so I was going in with an open mind. She sings "All Right Now" by Free. The judges thought she had a great voice. I just must have ear wax. First of all, she looks like Lawrence Taylor with long hair. Secondly, I was far from blown away. For her, she really needed to blow us away since no one has any clue who she is. Thus, she's on the bubble for elimination as far as I'm concerned. A total potential Bottom Three for tonight.

Next to sing is Ashley Rodriguez, one of my favorites from the audition rounds. She has that Jordan Sparks look to her. She's pretty. She's marketable. She can sing. She picked a terrible song in Leona Lewis' "Happy." There were parts of the song I liked and parts where she seemed lost. I hope it was just nerves. But, I was a bit disappointed in her first performance. However, based on how some of the other girls did, I think she's safe for the week. Knock on wood.

Then we get to see Janell Wheeler who is one of the two girls to remind me a bit of Brooke White. She's a good looking girl but her voice seemed a bit off in doing Heart's "What About Love" which wasn't nearly as good as Gina Glocksen's "Alone" a few years ago. One of the problems is that there's another blonde in this competition just like her so either one or the other makes it or neither. Both girls definitely won't make it.

Lilly Scott was up next. She's the street singer who's right out of a trailer park. I can't stand her platinum grey hair. You are 20-something...not 60. And she reminds me of last year's Allison Irritating who I couldn't stand. Lilly is this year's Irritating. I need to come up with a name for her. For now, I'll just call her Lilly Not. She sings the Beatles' "Fixing A Hole" and I couldn't stand it. I don't think she has a good voice and this is going to drive me crazy each week when the judges give her praise. I just don't get it.

Up next was Katelyn Epperly, the pretty blond with curly, bushy hair. Not quite sure why people keep on singing Beatles songs but whatever. Wish they sang something more recent with what they had to choose from. I liked Katelyn. She's good looking. Has a good personality. I agreed that she should have not gone with the red lipstick but she was the best singer of the night as far as my ears were concerned. She sang "Oh!! Darling" and shocked me on how well she performed. I'd love for her to cover up that beauty mark between her eyes but that's just a minor fix.

We then get Haeley Vaughn. Now this I don't get. I don't get her voice. There's a reason that there are NO black female country singers and Haeley is the perfect example. First of all, she looks like Dee from What's Happening. Secondly, the lisp has gotta go. She's as annoying as Paris Bennett. She sings worse than almost any Idol contestant that I can even remember. She destroys a Beatles song (another freggin Beatless song "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". As she sung, I wanted to hold her neck and CHOKE her until she shut her trap. Her look, her voice, her personality...it's all wrong. She's in the bottom 3 for sure.

Hitting the stage next was Lacey Brown who just missed the top 24 last year to Megan Joy (aka Tatoo Girl). The fact that this girl made it this year and Angela Martin is at home is a head scratcher. I just don't get this Adelle / Duffy voice. The judges even mentioned that too many people are going the Adelle / Duffy route. Personally, I think Adelle and Duffy stink. It's not even singing. It's sing talking. I want to hear people with good voices sing songs with melody. I don't want to hear people try and talk/sing a song that bores me to sleep. That being said, Lacey was horrendous talking thru Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide." Her performance was more of a mud slide. Her voice was all over the place. Lacey is in big trouble. I smell Bottom 3.

Michelle Delamor is up next. She's a corporate singer. Not sure what that means. So companies hire her to sing at their Christmas party? What the hell does a corporate singer do? Michelle is a good looking girl with a nice voice but she's not the brightest. If you've watched this show for years, there are people you should sing and people you shouldn't sing. In the shouldn't sing category are: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, and Alicia Keys. Anyone with a super strong voice like that are artists you should avoid. Michelle fell into that trap singing Alicia Keys' "Fallin'." That being said, she did sing the song good but as it's been pointed out, it's by no means better or different than the original artist. However, she's safe for the night.

Up next was Didi Benami, another Brooke White twin who goes the Adelle and Duffy route. She's singing a song from Eck called "The Way I am." Eck? Who the heck is Eck. As for the song, it's ICK. What a terrible song choice to talk sing thru. Megan Joy last year did this talk singing thing and I loathed it. It just doesn't work. It doesn't show if you can sing or not. This is a singing competition; not a talk competition. I wish people would come out and sing and show off their voice. Her performance was a bit boring.

We then get Siobhan Magnus. Yup...I hate that name. Siobhan. Who names their kid Siobhan. She sings one of the worst songs ever in Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game." She has a nice voice but what a terrible song choice. The judges like her but I think she's a bit overrated already. She has no personality and is very forgettable ala Julia DeMato from Season 2. I hope she's a good glass blower so at least she'll have a fall-back career if music doesn't work out.

Then there's Crystal Bowersox. In the auditions and Hollywood, we see her sing with her dirty hair and rotten teeth. I think they fixed up some of her teeth for her performance as the front ones looked a bit whiter and straighter instead of that yellowy crooked rotten look. Gotta love those porcelain veneers. Each week she survives, they'll fix up her teeth and before ya know it, she'll have the same mouth as Elliot Yamin. Crystal is a talented girl with her guitar and harmonica. She sings Alanis Morissette's "Hand In My Pocket" and showed she has a good voice. But does she have star power? I can totally see her in the village downtown singing a set or two but in an arena? I'm not quite sure about that. She has nothing to fear as she's not going anywhere yet except back to the dentist for more work.

Finally, there's Katie Stevens who gets to end the show. Katie is cute and the fact that she got to end the show gave me hope for a great performance. She performed "Feelin' Good" and I was feeling good after her performance. It wasn't the best of the night which is mostly reserved for the final performance but it was good enough for sure to continue on. I think she's young so she could get better once she gets over her nerves and picks better songs.

So, BOTTOM 3 should be: Paige, Lacey, and Haeley. (with Didi and Janell on the bubble).

The BEST singer of the night was Katelyn.

I CANT STAND: Lilly, Haeley, and

Biggest Dissappointment is: Ashely

Interchangeable Twins: Didi and Janell

Before they sang last night, these were my predictions to go to the Top 12:

Ashley Rodriguez
Katelyn Epperly
Katie Stevens
Crystal Bowersox
Didi Benami
Haeley Vaughn

I'm going to revise this by taking off Didi and Haeley and dropping in Lilly (which I hate to do) and Siobhan (which I'm not thrilled about either)

So, here's the revised Top 6 girls so far:

Ashley Rodriguez
Katelyn Epperly
Katie Stevens
Crystal Bowersox
Lilly Scott
Siobhan Magnus

Let's hope the boys do a better job tonight.

Until then...Birdman Out.

Top 24 Revealed !

Well, we finally have our TOP 24 !

I'm not going to get into much until next week but just a few things.

One thing that bothered me is that they barely showed people get eliminated. Come on. I want to see more people cry and get reality checks that they are not good enough. It's sad but it's healthy to show that stuff so people can stop wasting their time and chasing their dreams if they are not good enough.

Also, they showed people making it out of order. There was a shot where someone came to the waiting room to say he/she made it. You see the girl with the crooked face sitting there who was already eliminated. Why didn't we see it in order this year where the room gets smaller and smaller each year? Also, they used to have the final two of each sex sitting in a chair next to each other with one of the two making it. This year, they final two each went separately.

And the part with Angela Martin was a bit much. Kara had to sit next to her on the chair to eliminate her. Two years ago her father croaks. Last year she was in the slammer. And this year (which they never mentioned as this took place earlier) her mother has been missing since Christmas. So, I guess we'll see Angela next year. What will her story then be? Divorced? Pregnant? This girl is a walking depression bomb. But, she's better than the last girl to make it in Haeley Vaughn.

It was Haeley Vaughn vs. Tori Kelly for that last spot and Haeley gets it for some reason. I don't know about you but Haeley Vaughn repulses me. I'll expand more on this next week when I RIP everyone I can't stand and critique their first full performance but this girl will be one of my THREE main targets this year. The other two are Lily Scott and Crystal Bowersox.

Also making the Top 24 was Paige Miles. Who? I have no idea. We haven't seen a second of her that I can even remember. Could she have been better than Angela Martin?

As for the guys, what happened to Chris Golightly? He was in the waiting room but they haven't shown much of him for weeks. He was really good from what I remember and I had him slotted in my Top 24 only to get eliminated without us seeing much more of him.

The biggest shock of the men was Joe Munoz. He's good but is he really going anywhere? He's the Spanish Chicken Little for this season for sure.

The final two was an easy choice with it being Thaddeus Johnson vs Andrew Garcia. Thaddeus was good but they already had Michael Lynch in the Top 24 and Andrew Garcia was one of the best all audition rounds so this was an easy choice.

So, here are your TOP 12 Girls: Did Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown, Michelle Delamor, Katelyn Epperly, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Ashley Rodriguez, Lily Scott, Katie Stevens, Haeley Vaugn, &Janell Wheeler

And here are your TOP 12 Boys: Lee Dewyze, Andrew Garcia, Tyler Grady, Todrick Hall, Aaron Kelly, Casey James, Alex Lambert, Michael Lynche, Joe Munoz, John Park, Jermaine Sellers,& Tim Urban,

An here's how I did on my predictions. Note: T12 is my early choices for Top 12 but that will ALL change next week.

MY TOP 12 GIRLS - Got 8 out of 12 Correct:
1. Ashley Rodriguez (T12) - CORRECT
2. Katelyn Epperly (T12) - CORRECT
3. Katie Stevens (T12) - CORRECT
4. Angela Martin - WRONG
5. Mary Powers - WRONG
6. Jannell Wheeler - CORRECT
7. Lacey Brown - CORRECT
8. Crystal Bowersox (T12) - CORRECT
9. Didi Benami (T12)- CORRECT
10. Haeley Vaugn (T12) - CORRECT
11. Charity Vance - WRONG
12. Tasha Leyton - WRONG

MY TOP 12 BOYS: Got 9 out of 12 Correct
1. Andrew Garcia (T12) - CORRECT
2. Michael Lynche (T12) - CORRECT
3. Chris Golightly - WRONG
4. Toddrick Hall (T12) - CORRECT
5. Jermaine Purifoy - WRONG
6. Casey James (T12) - CORRECT
7. Aaron Kelly - CORRECT
8. Alex Lambert - CORRECT
9. Tim Urban - CORRECT
10. Tyler Grady (T12) - CORRECT
11. J.B. Ahfua - WRONG
12. John Park - CORRECT

My EARLY pick for the Final 2 before hearing their first performance is: Andrew Garcia vs. Ashley Rodriguez

Until next week...Birdman Out

7 Of Top 24 Revealed

Okay...finally we are getting somewhere with the Top 24 starting to be picked. So, we'll just give you some random thoughts as we finalize things before I can get into some critiquing next week when we see the Top 24 perform.

I was so happy that Mary Powers got the boot. She was so annoying last week that I couldn't take much more of her. The shame is that she has a good voice but she loves herself and I really can't stand her so good by Mary. Go out and get a little lamb. It was sad to see Charity Vance get the boot too as I thought she had a sweet voice but I guess she needs to get a bit better.

One of the people I can't stand and is officially going to be this year's Fantasia or Paris Bennett that I just don't get is Haeley Vaughn. I don't like her look. I don't like her voice. She looks like Dee from What's Happening. It just doesn't work and I know she's gonna make it to the Top 24 and beyond.

Anyway, they started the process with "the long walk" to meet the judges to see if they made the Top 24 or not.

Michael Lynche was up first and there were rumors that he made it but then his Dad told people and that broke the rules and Michael was eliminated. I believe they let him remain in the competition. Michael can be this year's Ruben Studdard with better personality. Michael has a great voice and comes off as a nice guy. Ya can't boot a nice guy who just had a baby. Look for him to stay around for a bit.

The first female to go thru is Didi Benami. She was the girl that sung one of Kara's songs and made it sound good. This girl has a nice voice and reminds me a bit like Brooke White but better. She can easlity make it thru to the Top 12. She also gets the sympathy factor ala Danny Gokey. While it wasn't Didi's spouse that died, it was her best friend that she's singing for.

The next girl to make it is Katelyn Epperly. She's the cute girl with big bushy hair. I think they'll fix her hair up a bit for the Top 24 but glad she made it through.

The first person we see get the boot from the waiting room is Shelby. First of all, don't name your kid Shelby. It's a name reserved for chubby farm girls. I don't even know her last name. She's just Shelby. Maybe she can be like Cher, or Madonna one day. She's Shelby. You will never hear from this girl again.

In comes Casey James, the guy that Kara gushes over since taking off his shirt in his first audition. He's the guy who was in a motorcycle accident and was told he would never be able to play the guitar again. Well, girls are gonna love this guy's look and he does have a great voice. Let's just hope that Kara doesn't try to sleep with him like Paula did back in the day with Corey Clark. We hear that Casey is from a town called "Cool" so I guess that's better than being from a town called "Queer." Casey will ride the girls vote and go far.

Little Aaron Kelly is up next. He's a cross between David Archuletta and Kevin Covias (aka Chicken Little). This kid looks like a total twirp but he has a great voice. I'm am not convinced he'll make the Top 12 but we shall see.

Lee DeWyze is next and we didn't get to know much about Lee in the Auditions but I do like his voice. He sounds a bit like Scott Stapp of Creed. This guy could be a dark horse if he can build up a fan base once the Top 24 begin. Look what happened to Kris Allen last year. We didn't see much or all of him in the auditions and he won the damn thing. So, could Lee be the Kris Allen of this year?

We then see Todrick Hall of "The Color Purple" go in front of the judges and get his YES. I like Todrick. He has a good voice and a great personality. Plus, he's polished after already being in a Broadway show with Fantasia. I think he can be better than Broadway. Todrick could be around until May if he plays his cards and songs right.

Finally we see Jessica Furney. Come on Jessica. Once you get a NO at this stage of the game, please stop begging. They are not going to change their mind. Please try out again next year and get better you baby ! How annoying was she ! I'm sure she's NOT showing up at school or work today as she'd be so embarrassed.

So, here is what I have so far. If there is a T12,that's my guess for Top 12.

MY TOP 12 GIRLS:
1. Ashley Rodriguez (T12)
2. Katelyn Epperly (T12) - CORRECT
3. Katie Stevens (T12)
4. Angela Martin
5. Mary Powers - WRONG
6. Jannell Wheeler
7. Lacey Brown
8. Crystal Bowersox (T12)
9. Didi Benami (T12)- CORRECT
10. Haeley Vaugn (T12)
11. Charity Vance - WRONG
12. Tasha Leyton

MY TOP 12 BOYS:
1. Andrew Garcia (T12)
2. Michael Lynche (T12) - CORRECT
3. Chris Golightly
4. Toddrick Hall (T12) - CORRECT
5. Jermaine Purifoy - GONE
6. Casey James (T12)
7. Aaron Kelly - CORRECT
8. Alex Lambert
9. Tim Urban
10. Tyler Grady (T12)
11. J.B. Ahfua
12. John Park
A. Lee DeWyze (T12) - HE'S IN (he was NEVER on my list)

Let's find out the balance tomorrow night. For now, Birdman Out.

Hollywood Round: Group Songs

Well, we are now at the group day of Hollywood Round which is always annoying. Here are some random thoughts but with too much going on, I'm not touching on everything...I'll deal with that once we get to the Top 24 already. Anyway...

Mary Powers who I used to like I now can't stand. She was beyond annoying all night whining and complaining about her group thinking so was so much better than the others. She'll probably make the Top 24 but I could care less about here and I'm now rooting against here. She belongs downtown in the village and not on the main stage.

There was also a person we've never heard from this season who did a great job in Alex Lambert who has no relation to Adam Lambert from last season. Alex has a great voice and I'm gonna slot him in somewhere to the Top 24 and drop someone below.

We finally get to see Ashley Rodriguez sing and she easily advanced as did Charity Vance. I still believe these two will make Top 24 which A-Rod going much further.

Well, Big Mike had a baby girl and obviously advanced. He's really good and likeable. He'll be around for a while. Not sure why the judges still like this Tim Urban guy. He just doesn't excite me much. He's like a lecture in 1800th century literature...BORING.

Todrick Hall stood out him his group and continues on his journey.

Jermaine Sellers solidified his standing as a potential Top 24 candidate as did Janell Wheeler, Jermaine Purifoy, and Casey James who all should be part of the Top 24 also.

We then get to see Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens. Not only will these two be in the Top 24, they should make the Top 10, that's how good they are.

Why did people sing "Sweetest Escape"? Terrible song choice ! And enough with Lady Gaga too. Not great audition songs as far as I'm concerned.

So, here is my revised. Where I have revisions, they are noted as I've lost 5 so far from the Top 24:

MY TOP 12 GIRLS:
1. Ashley Rodriguez (T)
2. Katelyn Epperly (T)
3. Katie Stevens (T)
4. Angela Martin (but there are rumors she drops out again cause of her missing mom)
5. Mary Powers
6. Jannell Wheeler
7. Lacey Brown (T)
8. Maddy Curtis – GONE ! REPLACEMENT: Crystal Bowersox
9. Didi Benami
10. Haely Vaugn (T)
11. Charity Vance
12. Paige Dechausse – GONE ! REPLACEMENT: Tasha Leyton

MY TOP 12 BOYS:
1. Andrew Garcia (T)
2. Michael Lynche (T)
3. Chris Golightly (T)
4. Toddrick Hall (T)
5. Jermaine Purifoy
6. Casey James (T)
7. Aaron Kelly
8. Mark Labriola - GONE REPLACEMENT: Adam Lambert
9. Matt Lawrence - GONE REPLACEMENT: Tim Urban
10. Tyler Grady (T)
11. Dave Pittman - GONE REPLACEMENT: J.B. Ahfua
12. John Park

Birdman Out

Hollywood Round - Night #1

First of all, I think the Ellen thing was going to be a disaster and while it was a bit more Ellen than I wanted, it didn’t bother me too much. So, we have 181 singers in Hollywood and with so much going on, I’m just going to make some points and do some tweaking of my Top 24 until this competition begins.

First of all, Katie Stevens solidified herself as a Top 24 candidate singing “For Once In My Life.” She’s cute and has a great voice. She’s a lock.

Then, Andrew Garcia stood out as a potential winner singing a unique version of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” He did amazing and showed that he could really change it up. Hey…he could be still around in May.

I loved Janell Wheeler who sang “American Boy” last night. She’s got a good look, plays the guitar, and is unique. She’s also a lock for the Top 24.

One of the people who the judges love but I can’t stand is Haeley Vaugn. She is the black country pop singer who did a Taylor Swift song last night. She doesn’t do it for me and I see her being this year’s Paris Bennett as the person who’ll make it deep but I can’t stand.

I like Mary Powers, the rocker. She sings a song from Pink and sounds a bit like Pink. She’s on the bubble for the Top 24 depending on how many other female rockers we get to see. I’d love for her to get in though.

What sucks is that a few favorites from the auditions we don’t even hear sing like Todrick Hall, Charity Vance, and one of my early favorites in Ashley Rodriguez. But, they all advance.

We then get to see Lilly Scott who we never saw in the auditions round. She has this grayish hair and sings some song I’ve never heard of with her guitar. Sorry Lily…I don’t like you but the judges did. I don’t see it so I think she’ll fall well short of the Top 24. And that hair color…time to get that fixed.

We then see Michael Lynche who’s wife is in labor. He was great in the auditions and great in the first round of Hollywood singing “Waiting on the World to Change.” He is easily in the To 24 with that voice and he’s a likeable guy.

We then see a new guy in Tim Urban who sings a David Cook song. I thought he was terrible but the judges had him advance. There’s only one Urban in music and that’s Keith who I think sucks too.

We then get to see the homely Maddy Curtis which I’m so glad she got the boot. I couldn’t look at her. She just looks like a sad wreck.

However, Casey James, the guy who took off his shirt, sings a John Mayer song and did great. This guy has a look that girls will love. He has a great chance of Top 24 status.

We then see Didi Benami who sings a Kara song “Terrified” and did a good job. We never saw Didi before but she did a solid job. I liked it. She could have a chance to make Top 24 if the chips (or tips…she’s a waitress) fall her way.

Last, there was Crystal Bowersox who I don’t remember at all. She sings “Natural Woman”, a song which Kelly Clarkson did so well. She did a good job with this song but it didn’t blow me away.

There was definitely some people we didn’t see this day too like Tyler Grady who I really liked. Hope we see more tonight. Here’s my original list. Let’s see who gets the boot. Ooops. I realized I had Casey James with the boys by accident so I have to tweak a little bit:

MY TOP 12 GIRLS:
1. Ashley Rodriguez (T)
2. Katelyn Epperly (T)
3. Katie Stevens (T)
4. Angela Martin (but there are rumors she drops out again cause of her missing mom)
5. Mary Powers
6. Jannell Wheeler
7. Lacey Brown (T)
8. Maddy Curtis – GONE !
9. Didi Benami
10. Haely Vaugn (T)
11. Charity Vance
12. Paige Dechausse – GONE !

MY TOP 12 BOYS:
1. Andrew Garcia (T)
2. Michael Lynche (T)
3. Chris Golightly (T)
4. Toddrick Hall (T)
5. Jermaine Purifoy
6. Casey James (T)
7. Aaron Kelly
8. Mark Labriola
9. Matt Lawrence
10. Tyler Grady (T)
11. Dave Pittman
12. John Park

Birdman Out

Season 9: Off To Hollywood !

Instead of going thru all the nonsense of the final auditions show, I'm going to just touch on who was good that we saw in this last episode and then take my first stab at the Top 24 since I'm sick of talking about so many people that we really don't care about anymore.

Three were a few people that stood out. First was Lacey Brown. The was the last person to get booted last year against Megan Joy. So, if she lost to Megan and Megan sucked, it shows that the Judges made a huge mistake last year and Megan even made it to the Top 10. So, if that could happen, there are high hopes for Lacey.

Aaron Kelly stood out as well above the rest. He's the 16 year old kid who was adopted by his aunt and uncle. The little girls are gonna love this kid once the competition goes on.

I also liked Michael Lynche, the big muscle guy. Thought he had a great voice.

Yeah, there were some other good ones but we are ready for Hollywood so I could care less if they got the golden shower, ooops, I mean ticket, or not.

So, let's see who belongs in the Top 24 based on who we've seen so far. (Note: If there is a (T) next to the name, these are my early picks for TOP 12)

MY TOP 12 GIRLS:
1. Ashley Rodriguez (T)
2. Katelyn Epperly (T)
3. Katie Stevens (T)
4. Angela Martin (but there are rumors she drops out again cause of her missing mom)
5. Mary Powers
6. Jannell Wheeler
7. Lacey Brown (T)
8. Maddy Curtis
9. Casey James (T)
10. Haely Vaugn (T)
11. Charity Vance
12. Paige Dechausse

MY TOP 12 BOYS:
1. Andrew Garcia (T)
2. Michael Lynche (T)
3. Chris Golightly (T)
4. Toddrick Hall (T)
5. Jermaine Purifoy
6. Justin Williams
7. Aaron Kelly (T)
8. Mark Labriola
9. Matt Lawrence
10. Tyler Grady (T)
11. Dave Pittman
12. John Park

I'm sure I'll be WAY off. Right now, based on what we've seen, I'm leaning towards our new American Idol to be Ashely Rodriguez. But, my mind could easily change once we see the true Top 24 sing !

Until next week...Birdman Out.

Season 9: Denver Auditions

I'm so glad the auditions are almost over as it's getting boring. So boring that they had to bring back Posh Spice to bore me even more. Well, here's how Denver played out:

First up was an interesting looking character in Mark Labriola who the judges think looks like Jack Black. I think he looks more like this smelly kid who works in the office next door who always stinks up the men's room but not many people would even know what I'm talking about. Anyway, This guy's got a story. He's his mother's sister's bastard child who moved in with is father only to be on the run from his mother from Hawaii but moved south and got married and had a kid or some crazy story like that. I'm sure I got it wrong but it's like the telephone game. I hear one thing. It becomes something else. Tomorrow, the story will change again. Anyway, no one thought this guy was serious but the funny thing was that he can sing. He sang "Tempted" and did a solid job. He isn't the best but his personality and crazy story could get him to the cusp of the Top 24 where he'll probably just fall short.

Then, we get a bad audition in Mario Galvan, the guy with the nervous laugh and the giant scar on his head that was never mentioned. He looked like a Philipino Frankenstein. Anyway, his rendition of "Jailhouse Rock" would have caused a riot on Riker's Island. Just pathetic.

Kimberly Kerbow was up next. She also has a kid. Is it a prerequisite to have a kid and be young to get a chance to be in front of the judges? Anyway, no clue what song she sang. She has a cute voice but I wish it was stronger as she does have a nice look to her. They also claimed she was wearing a wig. I didn't think she was wearing a wig; she just had a bad hairdo. She'll never make it to the Top 24.

Then, it was up to Danelle Hayes, the emotional girl who hosts karoke and writes her own songs. I liked girl's look and personality but she sang a song I loathe in "I'm The Only One" which every "rocker" girl seems to use. I'd love for her to make the Top 24 but can she overcome her emotions and do something more than rocker songs? I had to sit thru Allison Irritating last year and then Amanda Overymeyer the year before. I'm not sure my ears can handle another rocker chick like this but I did like this one more than the two girls I just mentioned.

Casey James was up next. He was the one that survived a motorcycle accident years ago. He looks like a cross between Jason Lewis of Sex In The City and Bucky Covington but didn't have that southern sound of marbles in his mouth. He did some country song and then they make him take his shirt off. Okay...girls are gonna love this guy. I actually thought he did a great job with his audition. I'd stick him in the Top 24 for sure.

Then, we get a youngster in Tori Kelly who brought a bunch of kids with her. She looked so much older than 16 but okay. She sings John Mayer's "Gravity" and did a good job. I agree with Simon that her voice could be a bit annoying so I'm sure she'll fail when paired up against others in Hollywood.

Austin Paul, the football player, was up next. This guy loved himself and had a weird voice. How could he be a football player? He's a total dork; not a jock. He sings a song called "Bigger Than My Body" and I hated it. It just didn't work for me and the judges were turned off as well. So, he's not gonna be a tootball player or a singer. It's time to go back to college and make an appointment with your career counselor to come up with a new path to take before graduation.

Then, there's Kenny Everett who sings a Mary J. Blige song. NO. STOP. PLEASE ! Come on. If you are a DUDE. DON'T sing a song of a chick. it's creepy !

We then get to meet Nicci Nix. No, not Nikki Six. Nicci Nix. Sounds like a porn start to me. She's the chick from Italy. I couldn't stand this girl. She totally annoyed me. Not sure if it was her look or her squeaky voice. She sang decently but she's gonna fail. I think the judges just wanted her to build up frequent flyer miles going back to Italy and then coming back to the US. She's going nowhere.

Finally, it's time for the final contestant in Haeley Vaughn, who was born premature and called the "Miracle Child." She wants to be the first black pop.country singer. Huh. A black singing country is like an Indian singing heavy metal. It just doesn't work. However, haley does sing the song well despite her lisp. I guess if she can pull it off, she can garner the votes of the southern country fool, the midwestern hick, and the R&B black vote. So, maybe, even though she could be my Paris Bennet this year as the girl I don't like, she could do some damage in the Top 24.

I guess we then had some dude in a bikini but that was all set up from the producers so I won't waste my time typing anymore on that.

So we are down to one more night of stuff they didn't show us. I guess the best from this night was Casey James, Haeley Vaugn, and I'm gonna stick Mark Labriola in there.

See ya tomorrow night for the final night of auditions. Birdman Out.