American Idol Top 12 FINALLY!

Rolling Stones Night. Okay. I'm going to try really hard not to be negative tonight, so before I get started working on that goal...

Remember how once upon a time there was a little "wardrobe malfunction" that forever ruined the Super Bowl half time show as we knew it? Remember when someone thought it would be a good idea to have the Rolling Stones play? Remember when they all but limped around the stage and Mick Jagger sang I Can't Get No Satisfaction, but I twy and I twy? Nope, not a typo. That's what he sang. Anyone else remember that? Show of hands. I hope were not in for a whole host of awkwardness tonight.

Here we go....

Michael

He started the night off well, I'd say. I felt like he had a few rough spots in the middle and the dancing (can we call it that?) was a bit distracting for me, but overall I thought he did a nice job. Just to reiterate, I'm not over the moon about him, even after last week's tear jerking performance. I think if there is a pill for humility he should order a bottle and swallow them daily. I don't know... He doesn't come off that way every time, but when he thinks he did a great job on a performance, he seems to have a hard time containing himself. Arrogance = turn off. At least for me. I don't care how good you are.

Didi

I don't know that I'd ever heard that song, which is usually bad news. A performance has to be dy-NO-mite to suck me into a song that I don't know. Surprisingly, I really liked it. I don't think it was flawless by any means, but I thought it was very strong. She connected strongly to the song, sang it well. I think it worked for her. But I may be a little like her momma, in that I'm nervous to watch her get judged. I sure hope the four stooges liked it!!!

Casey

Love the tearful momma. Precious. Solid performance. I almost think that it can be a disadvantage to contestants who come in already polished and ready to go. There's just something awesome about watching people mature and improve. There's even something cool about watching people endure harsh criticism and learn from it and come back and wow those same judges. So for me, the Casey's and the Crystal's, though I think they're GREAT, get a little boring for me. I just want to buy their CD, I don't want to watch them on American Idol. Does that make any sense at all? There's just really no anticipation and it's not as fun. End Rant.

I need a snack. I'm very hesitant. I hurt myself with some girl scout cookies last night... Definitely don't want to go down that road again. hmmm... What to do? I ended up going with what I like to call the "ghetto peanut butter cup" spoon with peanut butter + bowl of chocolate chips = ghetto peanut butter cup. Yummy, but very hard to execute. I'm forever trying to find the perfect balance of chips and peanut butter. Tonight was no different. Needed 1 tsp. more peanut butter, but alas the kitchen is just too far.

Lacey

Did we know she was a preacher's kid? I don't think I knew that! Ugh. I want to like her, I really do. Okay - the middle was much better than the beginning, but the end went downhill again. Not sure why she would sit during the most upbeat part of the song. That was weird. I'm trying to pin point what the issue is with her. Is it lack of confidence? Something is just not right. Thank you, Ellen. Totally agree! I typed my thoughts before I heard the judges. Simon and I are sharing a brain, apparently.

Also - I'm perplexed (and not in a good way) about the whole shirt under the strapless whatever that is. Someone else did this with a dress this year too. Now listen, I'm all about the modesty, friends. But if you're not comfortable with the strapless, then pick a different get up! I'm not feeling the layering look. Peculiar.

Andrew

Oh, the parental preciousness is going to push me clean over the edge! I'm not sure if I love anything more than a tender hearted emotional daddy. Love it. Ain't nothin' better than a man that can cry. Hmm. That performance was kinda rough. Parts of the vocal were good, but not all of them. It seemed really awkward for him. I was excited for the contestants to have to choose from a narrower song list. I think it will really show who can bring it. I would have expected Andrew to be one of those. From the auditions, I was really expecting him to be like Adam Lambert and be able to wow us no matter what type of song he had to pick, but that certainly hasn't been the case thus far.

Katie

Another strong performance by Katie, that I just didn't love. I haven't forgotten my goal, so I'm struggling with what to say. She has a great, strong voice and is talented beyond her years. I think she'll be in the competition awhile, especially since she's young and I've just always had this feeling that it's mostly younger people who vote. That's based on nothing but the fact that I've voted approximately 4 times in all of my viewing history. And the fact that some very young people have stayed in the competition far far too long....

Tim

He is a perfect example of the spirit of American Idol. I totally have that anticipation with him. What will he sing, how will he do, what will the judges say? This arrangement is kind of weird for me, and for some reason I was thinking that he'd gone sort of the way of country. Am I remembering that wrong? The reggae thing is definitely unexpected. Strange. I think vocally it was pretty ok, but the phrasing (maybe? look at me thinking I know how to technically describe what bugged me) or something was off. I will be shocked if the judges like this.

Siobahn

I love what her dad said at the very end "you have to be proud of any child that endeavored this, and the way she's held herself the entire time, it's any parent's dream." Love it. Way to affirm your daughter, daddy! And, because I backed that up 10 times to get the quote right, my ears are ringing from that note and I've looked at the shirt under the strapless dress 10 times. Seriously. No. Oh man, speaking of no, that crazy note (in tonight's performance) was not as successful as the other one. Eek. She may owe someone some money for some windows. Girl can blow, that's for sure, but when you go for that, there is always the chance that it won't work and I don't think it did that time. Maybe if she hadn't held it so long? Other than that, I thought it was a great performance. Maybe my favorite of the night so far. I even like the combat boots with the dress. Super cute. I mean, I ain't wearin' it to church or anything, but it worked with the whole dramatic thing she had going on. Sweet. Seriously no one is going to say anything about that screechy business at the end of the note? At the risk of waking the baby, I watched it again and there was definitely some problems with that. Eek.

Lee

Another strong performance. I think he will be successful regardless of how far he goes in the competition. Oh, yes. I totally agree with Ellen. I was expecting a crazy rockin' performance by Lee tonight. So this song choice was a bit of a let down, though he did really well with it. PS - I really appreciate Ellen's balance of serious and funny. She's a comedian so she's not about to leave the funny sitting on the table, but she doesn't go overboard with it.

Paige

This was sort of a surprising song choice. In parts, it seems a little too low for her, but at the higher ends she is really able to showcase her power. I suppose that's a hard choice to make... I would say that this is one of her better performances in awhile. How in the WORLD do you sing like that with laryngitis? Oh my word! Can you imagine doing that without rehearsing? Holy snap, I have a whole new respect for that performance.

Aaron

More sweet momma tears. Aw. He is totally reminding me of Frankie Muniz tonight. Ha! I really like the scratchy thing his voice is doing. I don't recall that from past performances. This was a great song choice for him. He really nailed it.

Crystal

I don't know if I've ever come closer to blubbering during American Idol. These moms and pops are pulling it OUT tonight! Funny how being a parent changes so many things! I LOVE THIS SONG!! And sing it often to people who can't get their own way. Namely, myself. And my sister. She loves it. Yeah, she doesn't. And I'm laughing HYSTERICALLY at myself, because for some reason I thought this was a Beatle's song. Neat. As usual, Crystal nails it. See my comment on Casey, as much of it applies here as well. I'll say it again, just make the record so I can buy it. But oh no, you'll have to tour the country side doing incredibly awkward performances with 9 other people and by the time you get a chance to make a record, I will have completely forgotten who you are. The unfortunate downside to being very successful on American Idol....

Well - there you have it. Everything you never wanted to know about what I think about American Idol. If that didn't satisfy your AI itch, head over to see what Boomama and friends have to say.

American Idol Season 9 Top 8 Guys

Oh my, I've waited until much to late to watch this... Better get right to the point. Out of character, I know.

Lee -

He kind of reminds me (looks only) of Danny Gokey. Anyone else? His performance? Eh. He's good, but I definitely don't think that was his best performance. What is with Simon and his "moments" this week? Sheesh.

Alex -

He is the cutest darn thing. Mullet and all, I just want to squeeze him. That being said, is it me or was that nasally? Or just his pronunciation? Good, not great. Ellen. Enough with the banana business. Horse. Dead. Stop. Beating.

Tim -

This started out good. A little pitchy, to be sure. He definitely seems nervous. The hallelujahs didn't make me say hallelujah. The ending was much better than the middle... It seems to me he switched up some notes, I hope he gets credit for that. PS - His hair is more annoying to me than Alex's sweet mullet. Seriously? I do not get boy hairdos these days. Not a fan.

And Ellen makes Idol history and GOES ON STAGE AND HUGS HIM!?!?! Cute. Hilarious. You go with your bad self, Ellen.

Andrew -

Interesting. Can't wait to hear what the judges say. I think he could have done more with it than he did. I agree it was a good idea, but didn't really work like he hoped... I really like him, I hope he can pull out the Straight Up Vibe soon. And I really hope he makes it to the point in the competition where he can choose his favorite performance to repeat, so we can hear the entire song!

Casey -

I'm predicting that at least one judge is going to say that he doesn't know who he is or that he's bouncing all over with song choices. I say if you can do it all that well, why not showcase it? I think it was a very strong performance.

Aaron -

He sounds really nervous again, and it seems to me that it's negatively effecting the performance. Doesn't sound super in tune to me. Oh - nice big finish. Though his voice sounds pretty tired. Who is Ellen watching? I would not say he's super confident. At all.

Todrick -

Singin' Queen. Sweet mercy. This could really go either way. Hmmm... I just don't even know what to think about that. Especially since every time I watch him, all I can think is how much he looks like a guy I dated for 5 minutes, 70 years ago. Which wouldn't be nearly as weird if it wasn't for the fact that the dude I dated had blonde hair and blue eyes... So perplexing. Anywho, I think it was a strong performance, but a pretty strange song choice for me. I have to totally agree with Kara, kinda made me want to laugh. But that could be the old bf flashback too. Hard to say.

Mike

What language is he singing in? Mumblish? I swear I didn't understand half of what he just said. Weird. Boy can sing, can't argue with that, but a little humility goes a long way too... I don't know. Kara is blubbering, okay - maybe I should rewind and try to listen a little more closely. Dude. I'm having some Pauler flashbacks with the bawl baby. Watched it again, and well. I'm not crying. I guess I didn't get it.

I'm kind of thinking Tim and Todrick should be nervous. Maybe Andrew, too? I don't know.

Check out Boomama for more American Idol fun...

American Idol Season 9 Top 8 Girls

Katie Stevens

I think this could have been a good choice for her, but it seemed really low to me. And pitchy. I agree with Kara, when she says she just needs more experience. Sometimes, there is a 16 or 17 year old that just blows us away with his or her voice/stage presence/ability to shine etc... Katie is not doing that for me.

Siobhan Magnus

Girlfriend can sing. What an original performance. I haven't been taking notes for the past 8 years, but if that's ever been done - I don't recall... I really enjoyed it. Oh - and that is a super cool skirt. Except that it's a dress.

Lacey Brown

She always makes me wish I could do a smokey eye... Have I said that before? If so, it's still true. I think Lacey is a beautiful girl, I think she has an interesting voice, but I'm just not a huge fan. I consistently find myself bored while she is performing. It doesn't seem to matter what she sings.

But check this out! She seriously looks like my friend Grace. Grace is the one who isn't about ready to burst with the pregnant. Oh my word. My poor face was double it's normal size.

Katelyn Epperly

I thought this was fun, upbeat, sounded great. I do have to agree though, strange choice for this juncture and it really did look like she was fake playing the, whatever that thing is. Love Katelyn, though. I think she's got skilz.

Didi Benami

Oh, Didi! I'm so happy for you! I gotsta tell ya, I'm not a fan of the Fleetwood Mac, but I really liked that performance. I agree - that vibe is exactly what we fell in love with from the start, though I stand by my post from last week, I thought that was great, too. I have to say, I was really expecting a retraction from at least one of the judges at some point, but they all seem to stand by their opinions, rude though they may seem. You go, Didi! I sure hope you are here to stay!

Paige Miles

Oh, hunny. I fear you will be even more emotional while singing it Thursday. As bad if not worse than The Climb, from yesterweek. Different girl, equally dreadful and kiss of death. Has anyone else ever noticed that often the farewell song is super fitting? I'm telling you, I would take that into account every week when picking my song. Not that I would ever find myself on American Idol, and not that I am superstitious at all, but if I was and I was? Totally avoiding the kiss of death song choice.

Crystal Bowersox

Great song choice, great vocal, great electric guitar (read: geetah, a la Simon). I'm with Ellen. I'm tired of hearing myself gush with the same old words. I need new words.

Lilly Scott

I try so hard to listen and give her a chance, but I just can't get into her. I think she is very talented, but her brand of interesting just doesn't do it for me. On another note, she also looks like someone I know.

Do you see it? Lilly's hair has more of a "got caught in a rain storm" feel, but other than that....

Well. My prediction is that Katie and Paige are going home. Maybe Lacey?

What do you think? Check out Boomama for more American Idol fun (and the song titles.)

American Idol Season 9 Top 20

20 people is a lot to review. I couldn't take it last week, especially since I was the Queen Negative Nellie and just couldn't bring myself to hit publish...

Until it's a more reasonable number of folk sangin', I'm just going to cover the highlights once a week.

I thought the boys were far and away better than last week last night. Big Mike rocked the casa. I fast forwarded through What's His Name that sang Gravity and I agreed that Casey could have sounded better, though it was entertaining. I'm really rooting for Mr. Mullet, and hope that the 16 year old picks something less overplayed next week. And. If I'm being totally honest, I don't get what the big dang deal is about that Lee fella. He's okay, but I'm not in love. If I remember correctly, ahem, I think I said that a lot about Kris Allen last year until the very end, so I'm keeping the ketchup handy for when I get to eat my words.

Yum.

Crystal is a serious favorite of mine. I'm glad she skipped the harmonica this week. She has got mad skillz where the singin' is concerned, and I think she should wow everyone with that and leave the harmonica to Kid Rock. Or whoever else does that. OH - and PS - does anyone else think she looks like Drew Barrymore? Uncanny.

Man. I really like Haeley. And I actually really like that song. Unfortunately, I think chances are good we'll be hearing it again tomorrow. I hope not, but those lyrics are typical American Idol kiss of death foreshadowing if I've ever heard it. And the fact that she didn't sing it very well, well - that certainly doesn't help.

Lacey Brown is another one that I'm just not sure of... I don't particularly love her tone, and while I thought she did switch it up a bit, it was pretty karaoke... She needs to start blowing people away, or she will be going home.

I heart Didi Benami. She might be one of my favorites. I think she has a great voice, amazing control and she is just so purty! :) Seriously, judges? I liked it. Maybe I'd better rewind it, I apparently saw a different performance. Watched it again, and stand by my original reaction. I hope that tomorrow they say that it wasn't that bad after having watched it back. I just feel terrible for her. She is absolutely devastated.

I forget who he said it to, but I am SO THANKFUL that Simon is aware of the fact that they tell someone to do something and then hate it when they do. I've known that they do that for years. Good to know that they know, too.

Katelyn Epperly. Girl, wow. Wow. Chills? Check.

Paige is good. She is a beauty. I still feel like she is all of a sudden in this competition. It just irks me that she had no air time until now, but what can you do? I'm totally invested in other people who I have been rooting for and thinking about for weeks. I hope she doesn't go home too early because of it.

Man. There are so many people! I thought Katelyn was number 10. Now I'm wracking my brain for who is even left? There's 10, right?

Siobahn - I don't even know about her. She is crazy talented, but Simon is right. She is very strange. And can I just ask one question? Why is it that they sometimes scold people for screaming the song and then they sometimes practically give them a grammy for it? I find that strange.

I know I skipped some people. I actually said more than I planned to, so... There you go.

I'm ready for it to be the guys and girls together. I'm a little bored. Or overloaded. I'm not sure which.

I think Haeley, Lacey, Michelle, and Paige should be nervous.