American Idol 11 Spoilers – The Top 24

5TH Consecutive White GUY With Guitar winner – Philip Philips. Yay…….

What are they doing? Reed, Phillip² and Creighton all made it through? They are asking for WGWG armageddon.

The known CUT guys — Cortez, David, Jermaine, Richie, River & Scott

That leaves Adam Lee Decker, Caleb Johnson, Chase Likens, Clayton Farhat, Neco Starr, Jeremy Rosado & Colton Dixon fighting for 3 spots.

This might be shallow of me, but for some reason I don’t see American getting behind a guy named Phillip Phillips … 

Creighton may be the most flamboyant person they have ever cast. He is no threat to win lol.

I love the girls. I hope we have 8 girls in the top 13.

Finally!

Also…. I LOVE THE GIRLS! Minus the fact that there are THREE country females….I LOVE them!

Boys = Fodder, though I am legit excited for Aaron & DeAndre! Kind of crazy that (so far) 3 of the 4 S10 T40ers have made it thru…where does Colton’s fate lie?

I think Reed is basically a drummer WGWD

At first glance, even with the three spots still open, it does indeed look like many of the boys are fodder but you never know. The producers may have staked the top 24 purposely with amazing girls (personality and voices) and meh guys and America could still knock off one girl after the other in favor of the boys.

And who knows? Maybe these boys are going to knock us out of the park.

Michael Colton Dixon better make it this time. He’s too good not to.

It’s always the case at the beginning, people think the producers casted in order to get a girl to win and then 4 weeks later we’re all left rationalizing why there’s only 2 or 3 left.

Reed is an incredible musician and he is no menace in what rgards WGWG vote. P2 really is a problem.

No diversity here.

Aaron SANDERS not Aaron SELLERS

It really saddens me that there are no black females in the entire top 12 girls. Sure there there is Jessica, but that is it? Kinda disgraceful if you ask me. As a woman of colour, it truly upsets me how such a mainstream, hugh show, and bigger than any show on primetime, would not bother to cast one other minority female. 

Otherwise, I’m happy for Jessica and DeAndre, and Aaron and Elise as well. I hope they kick ass. But this top 24….meh, I guess we’ll see.

Haley, Hallie and Hollie lol.  Say that ten times fast when you’ve had a few!  Really glad DeAndre made it through.  Hope Colton does as well.  I suspect he does (well fingers crossed anyway)

“I love the girls. I hope we have 8 girls in the top 13.”

Never going to happen!

There doesn’t seem to be a great deal of racial diversity in the girl’s category…again.
There does seem to be several blonde WGs and several country WGs. We could make a new acronym this year for the white, country, blonde girls! lol

I wish there were a few more girls of color, but if there weren’t any this season that could have done well, then I’m glad they didn’t cast just one or two more as fodder. Also, the guys if Neco and Jeremy are in would be 6 minorities out of the 12, which would be nice.

Right now, the guys look about Season 6-level strong. However, I reserve the right to change my mind when I see them perform on the big stage heh.    

Just curious, is Skylar Laine African-American?  Or is this the first year we will be without a black female singer? Regardless, it looks like they want a blonde, female winner this year…

There is only one white blonde white country girl Baylie.

So many chicks are freaking blonde, they will probably cancel each other out. You know which blonde should have made it? Lauren Gray. I’ve seen youtubes of her and she is AH-mazing. What a damn shame she didn’t make it.

Wanna add, that even though she is blonde, I also like Hollie making it. She has a very nice contemporary voice.

ETA: Sorry, not as many blondes, but are many girls with similar stylings of music. So for some I like, like Elise and Haley, they might cancel one another out.

as pessimistic as this may sound, we all kno that a guy will win…and i think phillip phillips will win…all he has to do is give mostly decent performances…and maybe 3 or 4 really good ones…there u have it the winner of AI season 11..mark my workds

Here’s my guess for which guys make it into the top 12 from this list. (I haven’t seen enough of the girls yet.)  Reed, Deandre, Eben, Phillip2

MJ! The guy’s name is Aaron Sanders.

Who are the country girls besides Baylie?
From what I’ve seen in the auditions (this year or last year), Elise, Erika, Haley, Holie, Hallie, Jessica, Jen, Shannon and Brielle are not country at all.

Those that are left (Chelsea and Sklyer) I have no idea who they are.

There are still mostly white girls and several of them are blonde or are country. (or have a two syllable name that starts with an “H” lol)

So, the country girls are Baylie, Chelsie and Skyler? They must be hoping for a country girl winner this year. I can certainly understand the reasoning behind this wish, but it probably isn’t going to happen.

Chelsea is country, and Skyler is like southern rock/country. Really though, 3 country people out of 24 is not a huge number.

I really hope we get word about Colton sooner rather than later.

My God, I wish people would just shut up about Phillip and stop saying “OMGGG, HE IS GONNA WIN NOW!!!111!!” This isn’t even directed towards here, but the idol bubble in general. If the WGWG vote was really that dominant, then Casey, Tim, and Paul would have been the top 3 last year.

I would say the girls can be broken up into
Country-Baylie, Skylar, Chelsea
Jazz/Soul-Jen, Hallie
Folk/Rock-Elise, Haley
R&B-Jessica, Erika
Pop-Shannon, Hollie, Brielle

The guys are
R&B-DeAndre, Aaron, Joshua
Rock-Phillip
Jazz/Soul-Adam, Creighton
Pop-Heejun, Eben?
Mix of everything under the sun?-Reed

The other guys who could be in
Rock-Colton, Clayton, Caleb
R&B-Jeremy, Neco
Country-Chase
?-Adam Lee Decker

How are they counting on a girl country winner when there are only 3 in the top 12, and they didn’t even show Chelsea? There will probably only be one tops that makes the top 13 and none of the country girls have been discussed as front runners according to the spoiler sources.

I literally don’t even know who half of these people are. How many of them were shown on any of the 1st 3 audition shows (and really shown, not in the montages of people getting golden tix)?

Reminder:

Could we not argue about past Idols in this thread? If I read “Scotty is a WGWG” “Scotty is NOT a WGWG” in a spoiler thread one more time, I’m going to lose my mind. I’m serious. 

Stick to discussing American Idol 11 please!

So there’s a Haley, Hollie, and Hallie? Why do I feel like Steven is going to mix them up a lot haha.

I am going to guess that Kyle Crews makes the top 24 as he was focused on a lot tonight and the judges just loved him.  They made a big deal about his talent and potential.  Or maybe he will at least make Green Mile with the strong focus on him.  As they have in the past focused on Green Mile contestants a good deal , some make it further and some do not make semifinals.

Creighton, Eben, Heejun, Phillip, Reed, Erika, Hallie, and Shannon had their auditions shown in full. Aaron and Elise got the 5 second treatment. Adam, DeAndre, Chelsea, Jessica, and Brielle didn’t have their auditions shown, although Brielle and DeAndre had screen time last year and there is still a best of the rest episode coming up. The others haven’t had there city shown yet.

Wow, is this the whitest top 24 ever? Only one minority woman, Jessica Sanchez? I really, really hope she is good enough to make the top 12.

The boys side is stacked with minorities.

So Jessica is the only minority on the girls side, American Idol is so whitewashed.

Well I think Scotty fans get all upset when ppl say he is just a WGWG like all when in fact it is true, they take it so personally.

I wouldn’t call 3 black guys and 1 Asian guy out of 12 stacked. Especially in a year where TPTB are presumably trying to avoid the whole WGWG thing. Or is it just an assumption that the are trying to avoid it? Perhaps they have given up and are really now just catering to that known demographic. Lol.

But possibly 6 of the 12 guys are minorities.

Would I have liked a few more minority girls? It would be nice. What matters isn’t who is in the top 24, but who is in the top 13. I think DeAndre, Jessica, Joshua, and Heejun all have a good shot at top 13, and if they make it along with one of Jeremy, Aaron, or Neco then that would be equal to or more than the number or minorities in almost all the seasons.

“How are they counting on a girl country winner when there are only 3 in the top 12″

3 out of 12 is a larger percentage than they have had in the past and I didn’t say they were counting on a girl country winner, I said they must be hoping for a girl country winner. It’s just a simple observation based on the percentages of country girls that made it to the final 12. I’m not dissing the institution of American Idol.

Good luck to all the girls, they are going to need it!

It is actually 3 black guys and 1 asian guy out of 9, and there is a more than 50 percent chance that 3 of the other guys include a Hispanic male and another black guy.

this might be the least diverse top 24 they’ve ever had….absolutly no african american girls..jessica sanchez is mexican/filipino…on the boys side we have aaron, deandre, and joshua…but idol never has more than one black male in its top 12/13 so only one of them will make it through…this is sad

Best case scenario yes, but we could just as easily end up with only 1 or 2 visible minorities in the top 12/13.

I’m not going to lie, it concerns me that there is apparently not a single black women deemed good enough to make the top 24. Is that because excellent black female singers feel disenfranchised from American Idol and are no longer even bothering to audition? Who knows. I can’t help but think back to Syesha and Allison, etc. and how unfairly (IMO) they were treated at times. Just thinking outloud. LOL

12% of the US populations are african-american, 3 out of the top 24 are black so we have 3*100/24= 12.5%.

But more to the point, idol has had 3 out of 10 winners who are african american, lots of illustious finalists (Tamyra, Trenyce, Jhud, Latoya, Paris, Melinda, Syesha, Jacob, etc.) so I’m not seeing how they’ve been underepresented.

In the last 4 years, there has only been one visible minority, Syesha, who has even made it into the top 3. Again, if Idol is serious about changing up the pattern of WGWG winners, then they might have tried harder to make sure there were a few non-white females in the mix.

But last year they had 4 minority females in the top 13 and they were the first 4 out. Maybe Nigel thinks the way to make the wgwg not win is have a season heavy on white females and non white males.

Hmmmm, that’s an interesting theory, and you are probably right. It’s just that in the last few years I have seen so many outstanding black vocalists cut just before the top 24, and instead obvious fodder put through, that I have a hard time believing that TPTB actually want another black Idol anytime soon.

Kyle Crews? He doesn’t even make Vegas….

Interesting, Pittsburgh & Savannah hold the majority of T24ers. Wonder why they would throw those two episodes first and exhaust people with mediocre/awful ones for the next two weeks 
Pittsburgh – 8 (+ 2 possibles)
Savannah – 6 (+ 4 possibles)
San Diego – 2
That leaves 5 more contestants to cover, what 5 cities? :/ Joys….

But 0% of the top 12 girls are African American.

Also, minorities represent well over 50% of the artists included in the top 20 on Pop radio at any given time. Unless Idol is looking for a country or HAC artist, minorities are underrepresented in their top 24 this year. (especially in the girl category)

Adele represents 50% of album sales in the US top 20 albums for the past year and half, should Idol cast 50% of english women so we can find someone current?
They aren’t casting contestants who are rejects from major labels living in LA or NYC, The whole principle of idol is to go out in a number of cities including middle america, so they cast from the largest possible pool of people.

If you’re judging Idol as a whole, taking the women from season 11 as your sample seems a little restrictive.

If I can pick my own small sample, let’s say season 6 or season 3 top 12 girls, then they had 50% of african-american females.

Wow, so for the most part, we’ve basically seen everybody that’s going to make it to top 24… how many more audition episodes do we have to suffer through?

Does anyone else think this is the whitest season of American Idol yet? I mean WTF, SRSLY?

Yeah, it looks that way. Seeing how many African Americans and other minorities were on the X Factor, I wonder if this is on purpose.

Of course I’m commenting on the women from season 11. This is the thread for the top 24 of season 11.

My observation was referring to the racial make-up of the top 20 on the Pop charts at any given time over the last year. Adele is a white woman who has consistently been in the top 20 for the entire year, so she would be grouped with the other white artists, which account for less than 50% of the chart during any given week. My observation had nothing to do with album sales and I was under the impression that one had to be a US citizen to compete on American Idol. Is that not correct?

ETA: It’s too bad we can’t have a racially diverse top 12 like we had in season 3 or 6. Those were two seasons where the winner actually ended up being a female, and also from a minority group!

It’s not just how many, but whom they put through to the top 24. For the last three years I have just been left scratching my head.

How did Angela Martin and Jermaine Purifoy not make the Top 24 in Season 9? On top of being really, really good singers (in Jermaine’s case, I’d say great), they both had tons of charisma and likability. Instead they put through Jermaine Sellers, who got the villian edit?

And last year Deandre should have made the Top 24. Not to mention Jimmie Allen who could sing anything; hiphop, R&B, rock. Hell, he could have been Idol’s BGWG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZpuWat7Nyw

I don’t deny that Jacob Lusk has talent, but he was way too old fashioned and polarizing to win American Idol in 2011. And Ashton was cannon fodder. IMO

 Not only wont a girl win idol again…neither will someone of a minority…

Same as last year, the choice of the girls are wrong, and this year might be worse than last year.   All those blondes, who can remember them after you have watched them all in one show?  I thought Jennifer and Steven Tyler would know how to choose after last year, but no, their selection is even worse this year, and the fault must lie with them.  They seem to be judging them on looks. This season is in danger of going off-rail, probably only the boys can save this season now.

colton dixon should be there!

OMG i totally agree with you…when i saw jimmie allen get cut i had to look him up on youtube b/c they hadnt shown him singing at all..no audition..no hollywood…no nothing….and when i saw his videos on youtube i was like wtf…how could they cut him in favor of jordan dorsey…and then the same could be said for jerome bell…the black talent that does get to the live shows is very watered down…like ashton from last year…and tatiana…TPTB have to be doin this on perpose…i seriously dont get it..and it’s worse this year…i mean not even 1 black girl… and im surprised that deandre and arron sanders got through this year…

wow, looking at the line up, is one of the week’s themes going to be music by Blondie?

Couldn’t agree more, on all points. I too am pleased and a little surprised to see that Arron and Deandre made it. I wonder what happened to Marcus?

I’m pretty sure that the producers (mainly Nigel) cast the show, not the judges.

I’m sure Shannon is country too cause when she auditioned I heard the country voice in her she’s got that country twang like the other girls.

I wonder myself. It was driving me nuts how often Jennifer was looking over at the side (at Nigel I’m assuming) during the auditions. If he has any say so who gets put thru, I wished they would just pull up a chair for him on the judges panel and either give him a vote or relegate all the judging responsibilities on him so it’s not such a sham.

Yikes… 7 blondes out of the top 10 girls on the list (don’t know what the last 2 look like) with only Jessica Sanchez possibly being the only one with non-European roots.

It is appearing to be more like a (white) Miss Teen USA pageant instead of a singing competition.

But Idol is a reality show that is a huge money maker so I’m sure that Nigel is always looking at casting the show with that in mind.  They wouldn’t leave that responsibility to Randy, JLo and Steven, although I’m sure that they have input into the selection process.  THE most important thing is to bring in the most ad revenues, so the producers (Nigel) are always looking at the show from that pov.

You have no idea that we can’t have a racially diverse top 12 like season 3 or 6. Both those seasons had 6 minorities make the top 12, and this season could have the same. I’m not saying it will, but it could and until we know that it can’t I don’t see the point in complaining.

None of the blondes are very similar. If someone can’t tell the difference between Baylie and Erika and Hollie they are probably too stupid too know how to change the channel, so I wouldn’t worry about that.

I’m pretty sure that the producers (mainly Nigel) cast the show, not the judges.

I doubt it.  Nigel can make suggestions, the judges are free to disregard him.  If you look at the selection of girls in previous seasons, there has never been a season as badly skewed as this. Nigel has been around for so long that he should know how to cast a balanced group of people if he is the one responsible.  They have always attempted to make a reasonable mix of girls, even in Season 9 where selection of girls was dreadful (and Nigel wasn’t involved in that).

There is a balanced group of girls, unless you are going simply by the shallow  restriction of hair color.

I simply adore all the conspiracy theories about AI, Nigel, the Judges, TPTB, even the contestants themselves.  And to add to it, this year AI is being classified as racist and bigoted along with having already chosen the “winner” and filled the top 24 with fodder so that their chosen one will naturally WIN.  And irregardless of anyone’s talent and potential AI has (per the bubble) also decided that they need to stack the deck with blue eyed blond country type singers to get an audience for this season.

Since everything is a foregone conclusion and the winner has been crowned and Idol has already proven, once again, that they are the worst judge of talent, and prejudiced to boot, I’m trying to decide whether I should waste my time or not watching the show.  But then I don’t conjure up every type of “theory”, nor do I think the show is scripted, nor do I think Nigel and the producers have their special snowflake (if they do based on some of the winners and finalists over the years they are really, really bad at picking).  Nor do I think that racial balance is important (heck, if the singers are good the 24 could all be little green martians for all I care) and I don’t think that contestants should be eliminated early just because they are similar to past winners.  If that was the case then chubby white female pop singers, big black R&B soul singers, mixed race females, blond blue-eyed country chicks, anyone singing soft rock, anyone with a southern drawl, definitely anyone with gray hair who plays a harmonica, and white guys who can’t sing on tune should all be excluded from the process.

As if people are talking only about hair colour.  When people start wondering why they keep showing the same people in there then they would change channel.
 
BTW, accidentally clicked on the like button instead of reply.

but idol never has more than one black male in its top 12/13 so only one of them will make it through

I’ve often seen this posted, but the facts do not support it.

Season 2 had a top 12 that featured Ruben, Charles and Rickey. If Deandre and that guy the cast as Rachel’s dad are classified as African-American, then mixed-race Corey would count as well. That’s 4 out of 6 men.

Season 4 had a top 12 that included Anwar and Nikko. Two African-American men.

African-American males often make the top 12 when they are cast into the semi-finals. Last year, Jacob and Jordan were the only two African-American males cast. Jordan was never going to make it after the villian edit he got in Hollywood. Just for good measure, he was given a death blow by singing a song that is all about autotune and makes no sense to sing it without it. Jacob would go on to finish top 5.

In other news: I’m not happy to see P^2 listed here. I just can’t stand the dude and I know he’s going to make the top 12 because of his insta-fanbase.

I see it differently.  I think that the only reason why Casey, Paul and Tim (who was in S9) made it as far as they did was because they were guys.

How are the girls the same people beyond the superficial of skin color and hair color. You aren’t giving the viewer enough credit to distinguish between someone like Baylie who is clearly a country singer and nothing like Elise, who is clearly a folk/rock singer. The viewers were able to tell the difference between the 5 white males with brown hair in the top 13 of S8, one even was able to win lol!

nor do I think Nigel and the producers have their special snowflake (if
they do based on some of the winners and finalists over the years they
are really, really bad at picking).

I do think that the show is most definitely cast, and last year, Nigel was blatant in his pimping of Lauren (his “special snowflake”) on Twitter long before the show started to be aired.  As for those others you mentioned, I think that they were cast to make an interesting, diverse show with the goal to attract as diverse an audience as possible, but I think that in many cases the contestant who the producers wanted to win (=most marketable=most commercial) did not win (to their chagrin).

Reading through this list,its a bad sign that I can remember nearly all of these guys and none of the girls.   I think we will have another male winner s11.

Hey, when do we get to Hollywood week?  Does anyone know?  

No one will ever convince me that AI hand picks their choice for “winner” even before the confetti falls…what would be the purpose?  If that person were so good as to get the full attention of TPTB why waste their talent on a reality show instead of just having them sign to a label and come up the old fashioned and much less controversial way that destroys most of their potential industry cred.

Everyone associated with AI, Nigel included…just like us peons, probably is drawn to a personal favorite early on, he’s human (I think) after all.  But he, just like the judges, are world weary enough to know that for every action there is a reaction and that when they voice their favs their will always be a certain amount of the audience who will push back.

I believe AI “casts” the show for TV reasons…it would be beyond horrible to have 24 Pias make the cut just because of a great voice…charisma and personality helps inspire people to watch and vote.  And of course AI stirs the pot…again its TV, because they know that viewers like intrigue and cliff-hangers, bad guys, heroes and heroines, awkwardness and triumphs.

But the show has succeeded by allowing the audience to get involved, for better or worst.  That theory has proven successful for the show and for a few of Idolettes.  And we should never forget that controversy and drama sells and AI has learned how to do that well (especially after the horror that was season 9 with its beyond unsalted butter bland).

How are the girls the same people beyond the superficial of skin color and hair color. 

Then there is voice type, appearance – they are all thin and pretty! Have all the fat and ugly (or even just plain) girls disappeared off the face of the earth? – personality or anything that might make them quite distinguishable from another.  Last season they got rid of two girls who were quite distinct – the posh girl with the low voice, and the tattoo girl, which made it an uninteresting year for the girl. This year most of them have very similar voice type.  If there were to be a R&B night and they made to sing the same kind of songs, most of them would probably come out sounding pretty much the same.

In season 9, I still believe they got the Jermaine’s mixed up and put the wrong one through.

It is still a travesty to me that Angela Martin was cut.

I definitely like more ethnic diversity, but what I want most of all is real contenders and people worth listening to and watching perform.

In season 9, I still believe they got the Jermaine’s mixed up and put the wrong one through.

It is still a travesty to me that Angela Martin was cut.

I definitely like more ethnic diversity, but what I want most of all is real contenders and people worth listening to and watching perform.

The viewing /voting demographic has changed and narrowed so much that it doesn’t really matter who is cast for the voting rounds. A “certain type” or as close as possible to this type out of the pool of contestants, is going to win everytime. The producers can control the contestant choice, but have they have no control over the demographic that still watches the show. That’s the problem.

Not to be shallow…but where are all the fat, plain girls on the radio charts.  Jennifer Hudson spends all of our time showing us that being chubby and plain just doesn’t work in today’s world, and Jordin, Lauren, Carrie, Allison, Mandisa (sp) have all lost weight once Idol is done…and Kelly never stops talking about her right to be plain and chubby so even though she hates the meme that thin is better she always has to talk about it.  And even Adele isn’t ammune since all the latest articles are about how her medical issues have resulted in her dropping weight.

And how do we know that the top 12 aren’t charismatic or interesting or full of piss and vinegar.  We haven’t seen anything other than a couple of minutes of audition time or watched a few amateur you-tube vids.

It is completely understandable why Nigel and the producers would want (and should) be involved. My problem is that it is made to “appear” that it is up to the 3 judges to decide what contestants stay or go. Why not just put Nigel (or whomever is the “casting director”) in front of the camera and show us all what really is occurring behind the scenes.

Who knows, it may make the show more interesting.

Not to be shallow…but where are all the fat, plain girls on the radio charts.

That is neither here nor there (Adele is somewhat overweight if you want to insist).  With the exception of Carrie Underwood, the standard pretty girls don’t get the votes in Idol.   Kelly Clarkson was plainest of all the girls in Season 1 – you can see how plain she is here without the make-up  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2048253/American-Idol-star-Kelly-Clarkson-emerges-scrap-make-up.html .  Jordin Sparks was over-sized, Fantasia was just plain ugly.   

Balanced in what way? I know you have posted most of the previews (thank you!) so would love to know what the balance is in singing styles (if you have the time, of course).

I’ve really only watched the auditions and some of the previews but from what I’ve seen, the diversity seems to be lacking in the girls in more ways than merely appearance. But, I certainly will stand corrected if you’ve heard differently since you will more than likely have a more thorough knowledge of the talent pool.

With the exception of Carrie Underwood, the standard pretty girls don’t get the votes in Idol.

I prefer to be a glass half-full on this debate. I think that Idol voters are happy to vote based on talent rather than looks rather than thinking that all women are jealous cats who vote for anybody but the pretty ones.

Besides, Katharine McPhee is absolutely gorgeous and she made it to second. Syesha is stunning and she made it to third. I’m sure others could nominate women they thought were astonishingly beautiful that made it far in the show.

I always thought Kelly was very pretty on the show and Jordin has a very beautiful face.

The Haley, Hollie,  Hallie thing is hysterical. Add Baylie and Chelsea and Brielle and you have the potential for hilarious confusion. I notice most of the guys have a fairly distinct and somewhat memorable name. For that reason alone, the girls are fodder!

Because Nigel doesn’t have any music industry “credibility”, like the judges (supposedly) have.  I don’t have a problem with Nigel (or others) being involved/ultimately controlling the casting of the show.  I think that there’s a lot that the viewers never see that impacts the casting of the show, including editing some of the contestant’s video packages to create an image that isn’t very representative of the person in real life.

So what does the bubble want as far as an AI contestant/winner?  Many want a female…but based on what I read they apparently want a female who might be covered in tatoos, has an annoying personality, is most likely ethnic, definitely not blond, swears like a sailor, dresses like Rihanna (which means virtually clothes-less), is chubby like Adele, plain as kd Lang, doesn’t sing anything resembling R&B, soul, country, AC, or gospel.  And with all those requirements the person has to have the voice of an angel with the growl of a bear cub the range of a diva, the charisma of a front-running politician and the ability to make long suffering AI watchers proud.  Have I covered it all?

It doesn’t really matter what anyone here wants. The odds are very good that some white guy (who probably knows how to play a guitar) is going to win!
But we know for sure an African American female isn’t going to win this year.
Because even though Idol held tons of auditions, no one of that demo was deemed talented enough to make the Top 24.

The Haley, Hollie,  Hallie thing is hysterical. Add Baylie and Chelsea
and Brielle and you have the potential for hilarious confusion. I notice
most of the guys have a fairly distinct and somewhat memorable name.
For that reason alone, the girls are fodder!

I’ll take your Haley, Hollie and Hallie and give you David, David and David from Season 7.

All three Davids made the final 12 and two of the Davids even made it to the final 2.

Sounds to me like we are going to have a H*l*e* winner! We’ll have to wait for Ryan to say the last name before we know who won.

No one will ever convince me that AI hand picks their choice for
“winner” even before the confetti falls…what would be the purpose?  If
that person were so good as to get the full attention of TPTB why waste
their talent on a reality show instead of just having them sign to a
label and come up the old fashioned and much less controversial way that
destroys most of their potential industry cred.

I don’t believe that Idol “hand picks” the winner either, but they definitely cast the show and have their favorites, who are promoted during the show in various obvious and less than obvious ways.  Sometimes, it works out for them, and other times not. 

If you believe as I do that the primary goal of the show is maintaining the popularity of the show (and it’s high ad revenues, the money made from the show dwarfs that made from the tours or CDs), then having a winner/someone who is as commercially successful as possible each year is important to maintain that popularity.  If these Idols manage to find long term success, that’s a bonus.  The reason for putting these people on the show is to attract as large a fanbase as possible to facilitate their post-show commercial success without having to put much effort into promoting them, like a new artist without this massive exposure.  The problem is that the viewing demographic has narrowed and aged over the years, it’s becoming clear that this formula isn’t working as well as it once did.

“Sounds to me like we are going to have a H*l*e* winner!”

Time for a KLC conspiracy 2.0, perhaps?

I totally agree.  The winners/people who progress are a reflection of the viewing/voting demographic, and that has significantly aged and narrowed over the years.  As for trying to change the diversity of the viewing/voting demographic, I think that is one reason for lowering the minimum age for contestants, but it will be very difficult.

I do agree with a lot of what you say. I think AI does cast for the tv show with an eye out for a few who could be potential moneymakers. Personality, likeability, looks, etc all play a part in it. They also cast for the different characters–funny, diva, laid back guy, innoncent, cutesy, down home– whatever–just different types. Back story for a few does help too..Keeps the audience invested. I do believe TPTB do look for talent in different genres.

As we know, a large percentage of the audience does not follow what happens to these kids when the show is over. My husband and other family members (including my teenage nieces) could care less. But, they love to watch the show. TPTB know this and cast it accordingly. I think the judges have a say–but do think the producers have a lot do with it. They def pimp certain contestants. But, sometimes a Haley Reinhart will get through to the top three or four.

As far as this WGWG thing–it seems to now be applied to almost any white guy who plays an instrument. Reed is a drummer who also can play guitar. Casey Abrams is a jazz stand up bass player who plays guitar among about 15 other instruments. Many singers do play instruments. Whether they are really musicians is another story. I don’t care if they play–as long as they do more than just strum a couple of chords.

I really do not understand the concern with the minorities… I am part of a minority group myself and I understand that we want to be represented in television, but, if these blonde girls gave better performances during hollywood week, they deserve a spot in the top 24. I don’t think it’s fair to denie a spot to a blonde girl with the argument being “sorry we have too many blonde girls”. It’s interesting to me how everybody is always complaining that idol should be about the talent, except for this stage in the show. I guess everybody just picks and chooses when to be concerned with the talent and the image.

I just want to hear people sing before I pass judgement on any of it. And no, I don’t mean on YouTube. LOL

I just think diversity is always a good thing.  Plus if you look at the charts and who is selling the most music and the top stars, there is a lot of diversity respresented.

The problem with lowering the age for contestants is the tweens and teens that these contestants would appeal to, in my experience, don’t watch the show any more.
I have two teens and one early 20′s. None watch the show anymore, the boys never did. Same with their friends.

If it comes down to Idol choosing between ratings, and money, or finding a true potential pop star, they are going to choose the ratings and money.
This is why, I believe, they still put through, every year, at least one WGWG, to keep their core demographic watching.

I agree with you, but in this case, in a music competition, I don’t think race, sexual orientation, sexual identity or something of that sort should be part of the equation. I also don’t even think we should have 12 girls and 12 boys. If it was the ideal world and if the judges picked without any bias (which I am aware they don’t) the 24 better singers would be the top 24.

It does not reflect the diversity of who is doing the best on the music charts and having the most hits and sales.

I’ll take your Haley, Hollie and Hallie and give you David, David and David from Season 7.

I don’t know, who can’t distinguish between a cute shy boy with an angelic voice from a balding rocker from a male stripper? 

The other thing to note is that sometimes the to 12 spolier list changes from it’s first incarnation. It’s not uncommon to see a name or 2 swap out.

I agree that it will be hard to attract/reattract younger viewers, but if Idol can cast someone who appeals to the Bieber demographic, then that could happen (to some extent).  At this point, I have my doubts that Eben is that contestant, mainly because the views for his audition on youtube are rather modest (IF he’s appealing to the Bieber demo).  I tend to think that the way that they introduced Eben may be limiting his appeal to the Bieber demo.

Yes, I totally agree that Idol will always choose ratings and money, but now they seem to be controlled more by the changing viewer demographic, which is why the winners have been less commercially successful over the past few years.  The fact that Scotty seems to be doing fairly well commercially may be more attributable to his genre and not having had a country male winner before (plus a squeaky clean image that is appealing to older viewers), rather than any major change in viewing demographics.

I agree that it will be hard to attract/reattract younger viewers, but if Idol can cast someone who appeals to the Bieber demographic, then that could happen (to some extent).  At this point, I have my doubts that Eben is that contestant, mainly because the views for his audition on youtube are rather modest (IF he’s appealing to the Bieber demo).  I tend to think that the way that they introduced Eben may be limiting his appeal to the Bieber demo.

Yes, I totally agree that Idol will always choose ratings and money, but now they seem to be controlled more by the changing viewer demographic, which is why the winners have been less commercially successful over the past few years.  The fact that Scotty seems to be doing fairly well commercially may be more attributable to his genre and not having had a country male winner before (plus a squeaky clean image that is appealing to older viewers), rather than any major change in viewing demographics.

I agree, cutting Angela Martin was a travesty. She kept trying out and neve gave up despite one personal tragedy after another.   She made it as far as the Green Mile in Season 9, only to be cut once again.   That was a mistake as the audience got to know her over the years and tended to like her.

I agree, cutting Angela Martin was a travesty. She kept trying out and neve gave up despite one personal tragedy after another.   She made it as far as the Green Mile in Season 9, only to be cut once again.   That was a mistake as the audience got to know her over the years and tended to like her.

Or the demographic and area that tends to vote the most.  I believe the viewing audience might be more diverse and widespread across different regions of the country than it is the heavy voting audience..those who are willing to vote for hours on end each week might be more narrow.

I am actually surprised it is so white.  I expected with XF having such diversity that Idol would want to go that direction as well.  But it seems there truly is a huge difference between the two shows based on what type of contestants they put through.

But one could go deeper into this to see why are ratings are different between the two shows. Idol is made for white middle America who loves Rock and Country. XF is made for big cities who tend to like Pop and R&B. Middle America brings in more tv viewers and connect with that kind of music.  Plus its wholesome television.

That is a shame as I keep hoping for another with talent close to Jennifer Hudson winning this show or coming close to winning, like the top 3.

Look at the success of Beyonce !  I keep hoping we see that again in Idol, like the wonderful diversity of Season pasts like Season 3.

I don’t know, who can’t distinguish between a cute shy boy with an angelic voice from a balding rocker from a male stripper?

I’m sure that they will be able to differentiate between the H*l*e*s than the spelling of their names. Each contestant may even have something more in common with somebody who has a name much different than their own.

From what I’ve seen of Hollie and Hallie, I’m quite sure that I can tell them apart.

Agreed, I do think they pimp certain contestants over the others …a good example is the pimping of Lauren last season was really obvious.

How about a Haley, Hallie, Hollie Top 3! Hehehehe

It is quite interesting and puzzling. I agree with Brittany.

You could be right. The difference maybe between the casual occasional viewer and the rabid fan base voter.
Even when people I know used to watch the show (four, five years ago), most just watched, didn’t vote, and didn’t care after the season ended. It was just a TV show for them.

Will a Asian version do? Jessica Sanchez is a mini-Beyonce. 

I can’t find that top 40 spoiler list. Were Ashley Robles and Joy Hop girl on it?

Are you kidding me? WTH is this Top 24? I’m sorry, but no one will convince me that there wasn’t at least ONE black female contestant good enough to make it into the live shows. If this list is right, this is sad and pathetic. 

Otherwise, from what I’ve seen so far, I’m only interested in Jessica, Erika, and Elise. Hopefully Scott D or Colton will also make it into the Top 24. There’s only 1 person I did not want to see on that list, and that is PP, ugh.  

I’ll rephrase. There was some definite favoritism last year, and years past, for certain contestants to get to the Finale.

Was listening to my hometown country station last week talking about Idol and split a gut laughing as the djs and their listeners had no clue who the winners were over the last 10 seasons.  Nobody could remember Jordin, Cook, Kris, or Lee..David A., Adam, Clay were thought to be winners as well as one vote for Daughtry.  People even said JHud….Fantasia was a tough one to get, Carrie, Scotty and Kelly were simple…and absolutely no one remembered Taylor Hicks. Ruben was mentioned but more because people correlated him with the sandwich.

No point in my post other than to say that the real world loves Idol (the djs and their listeners claimed to be fans) but very few outside of bubblettes really give a rat’s ass.  As long as the top 24 make for good TV only the bubble will really care about who wins or looses or if the streak of white guys continues based on my very small sampling as an example.  And, true to what many of us already know, winning isn’t worth much in the real world after 15 minutes.  It’s what people do with their exposure that really counts.

Music is blind, I guess “The Voice” does have that going for it and avoids all the racist crap that Idol seems to get accused of every year. There is a diversity of genres in the women and that to me, at least as a musician, is all that matters. Urban/R&B is well represented with Jessica and Aaron from what I’ve seen so far. 

Well, I’ve been reluctant to say this out loud because I thought someone else would say it for me… LOL… but anyone notice the trend towards bluesy, jazzy, soul inflected voices devoid of melanin on this list? Ladies and gentlemen, just as S9 was the Taylor Swift year I introduce you to S11- the year of the Adele. I thought it was obvious. Lots of blue-eyed Blues singers. Heh. There’s a couple of country singers and a big voiced pop person or 2 thrown in, but I think we have our first clue of what they ultimately want to win this year.

I’m going to wait to hear all the voices, but still I think I might like this. We just have to see if there will be enough of a mix to keep things interesting or whether they went overkill with it.

Did they also test all these Adele knock offs for songwriting abilities?

You have no idea that we can’t have a racially diverse top 12 like season 3 or 6. Both those seasons had 6 minorities make the top 12, and this season could have the same. I’m not saying it will, but it could and until we know that I don’t see the point in complaining.

To have a top 12 where 50% is made up of minorities, would mean that all 3 of the unknown spots would go to male minorities. Then those six minorities would have to beat out the WGWGs like P2 and the youngster Eben. I would bet that there is a slim to none chance of this exact scenario happening. So, my statement still stands: I wish we could have the diversity we once had in Seasons 3 and 6. (especially from the females)

You may not see the point of complaining, but many posters are upset that TPTB gave us a tiny percentage of racial diversity on the female side and they couldn’t even find one African-American female that was good enough to be in the top 12.

Over the years of AI there have been tons of complaints about everything for the semi-final rounds.  I remember when they went to 12 boys 12 girls and then narrowed that down to 6 and 6 because males just weren’t being represented evenly and females ruled.  Then they had to change in Season 8 to force at least 1 of the 3 in each group that advanced to be female.

And didn’t season 9 have only one black male who was gone early.  

Racial “equality” is a thing of the past.  American football and basketball and baseball (large latino influence) is predominately black, golf and tennis are white as is hockey.  Top 40 is majorly black, country is almost all white.  TV has a couple of asians, one or two indians (dot not feather) and native americans can be counted on less than one hand.  All things do not need to be diverse to be successful.

  So this year the females are pretty much white bread…does that lessen their talent level?  Are black girls more talented than white so without them the show is loosing something?  I just don’t get where all this concern about race is coming from….I thought affirmative action proved to do more harm than good.

reed grimm sounds a bit of casey abrams to me.
creighton fraker, brett loewenstern

but i think both are good

There’s talk on TIP that Colton Dixon probably didn’t make it (that signs point at Neco, Jeremy, and Clayton as the last 3 guys in) – they are just waiting for confirmation.

If that’s the case…wow.

Sheeet, they didn’t in season 9 did they? They just put through a bunch of people who looked like sensitive quiet singers holding guitars. LOL

Idol unfortunately doesn’t tend to pick the best singers for the Top 24 as much as they “cast” it.  Good singers are cut in favor of lesser ones if they don’t fit into Idol’s current notion of the group recipe.  Too bad selection of the Top 24 couldn’t be in more objective hands.

There’s talk on TIP that Colton Dixon probably didn’t make it

That’s nothing but conjecture backed up by little more than thin air.  If such talk at TIP chat had any real validity, almost nobody currently on the suspected Top 24 list would have made it. 

The US is becoming more and more racially diverse. The top 40  and HAC charts and the pop stars of today are currently racially diverse.

As a long-time fan of AI, I was hoping to see a more racially diverse contestant pool this year than we have seen over the past few years. I’m also tired of the WGuyswithorwithoutaguitairthemajorityofthetime winning. I would like some racial and/or gender diversity in the top 10, the top 2 and in the winner’s spot.
Not everyone feels this way, but many are hoping for something a little different this year.

Forgive us if we want to see some actual diversity on the girls side and not just some indistinguishable Caucasian females. The show is losing something from an audience not just made up of white people that actually want to see their race being represented on a national show like this, the biggest singing show on television. You said all this concern where race is coming from, when you have 11 white females, and one minority that’s where all the concern where race is coming from.

It’s certainly conjecture at this point, but I wouldn’t call it “backed up by little more than thin air” if IM (the main spoiler guru) himself said it and pointed to specific clues why.  He said that Colton is likely to be out and they are just waiting for confirmation.

 Why didn’t Ashley Robles make it?  She had a beautiful voice and I was saying I thought she would go far and maybe win.  I’m really surprised she didn’t make it.  

Do you prefer a mixed group with non-white girls as cannon fodders? I think the divesity is about music style. I really don’t care if the whole bunch is white, as long as they’re all good singers.

That’s exactly how I feel….it isn’t about someone’s ethnicity or color it is about their talent.  

Personally speaking, I’d prefer a mixed group with non-white girls as contenders. With as many candidates they have, there’s no reason for the Top 12 women to be almost entirely white, unless Idol is flat-out saying that minorities can go suck it.

I wish Idol would take the Top 24 without breaking it into 12 guys and 12 girls. Just take whoever they believe are the best 24.  I know lots of people would complain if that turned out to be 20 people of one gender to 4 of the other, though

Also, I agree it would be nice to see more racial diversity in the Top 24. Not at the expense of overall quality of the performers, though.

I also don’t even think we should have 12 girls and 12 boys. If it was the ideal world and if the judges picked without any bias (which I am aware they don’t) the 24 better singers would be the top 24.

LOL, if this happened, I can guarantee you the outcome right now: 15 white guys, 4 minority men, and 5 white women, give or take one or two here and there.

But I agree, it sure would be nice to live in that ideal world.

It’s confirmed: COLTON DIXON IS OUT.

https://twitter.com/#!/idolspoilers/status/161512424229453824

Wow. And they made him audition … for nothing.

Well, we can probably assume neither Colton nor his sister will audition for Idol again.  #usedfordrama

Looks like Colton didn’t make it. 2 more guys have been revealed and for the one spot left, Colton supposedly isn’t one of the choices

I wanted to see diversity on the girls side but I’m not going to call all the girls that did make it indistinguishable because I haven’t heard them all sing. I remember Erika Van Holt and Hollie (from last year) and both were good and nothing alike. And for those saying they are all skinny… Erika certainly wasn’t and one of those girls that was spoiled on this site earlier (Jen maybe) wasn’t either, and those are just 2 that I remember. I don’t want to insult these young ladies without hearing them because none of this is their fault.

Also, I need to see what happened to the women of color we’ve seen so far once they got to Hollywood. I remember Joy Hop and Ashley Robles the most (which is why I asked about them earlier) so I do want to see if they crashed or something.

It is odd, especially considering their competition this year (XF and The Voice) Usually the girls side is not a big problem. We’ve seen all kinds of minority females cast over the years to quirky like Naima and Nadia to sweet and innocent like Jordin, Thia and Jasmin Murray to drop dead gorgeous like Julie Zorilla, Syesha and Christina Christian and everything in between. It’s the boys who are always the problem. This year it looks like we are getting plenty on the boys side and not much on the female side. I don’t know what it means. But I will give it a chance to play out before I make a final judgement.

ETA: I’m glad Colton didn’t make it. I never got him in the first place.

Aw, I feel bad for Colton. I didn’t have any strong feelings about him one way or the other, but it seemed like an unwillingness to undergo another round of crushing rejection, plus a desire to not piss off his baby sister, had a lot to do with him not wanting to audition again.

Now, not only is his sister resentful that he stole her spotlight, he got his dream crushed again. And for nothing! D:

Sorry Colton fans, too bad they cut him.

Caleb Johnson is AMAZING…I hope he gets the last spot! (although he is also a WGWG)

This must be the year of the BIG white guy.

Of course, looks are completely subjective and so I say this looking for opinions but does anyone else think the show has obviously tried hard to cast boys that are not “hot” as a possible way to help the girls? Looking over the boys list, with the exception of one or two, it seems the producers are hoping that no real “eye candy” sneaks in.

No? LOL.

Season 9 had 3 black men in the semifinals – Jermaine Sellers, Todrick Hall, and Michael Lynch. Michael Lynche made it as far as 4th place. Jermaine Purifoy was better than all three of them, IMO.

Except it doesn’t matter if they’re objectively attractive or not.  Josh made it to second place on XF and he was downright fug.

I don’t get this show.  Why is it so hard to cast a full slate of legitimately marketable contestants?  I say this every single year.  Casting shmasting.  I’m tired of it.

that’s why as a minority i would never audition for idol as it stands now,because i wouldn’t stand a chance,and if i did i wouldn’t win

 i’m black strike 1

strike 2 i’m big like ruben
 strike 3 i sing r&b/soul/gospel
 
i’m out

I’m glad Colton didn’t make it. I never got him in the first place

ITA. And now I can unfollow him on twitter. His tweets really really annoy me. lol

Uhh…AI has never had a drop dead gorgeous guy win the thing.  Taylor was probably the best looking but people couldn’t see that through the gray hair.  Cook, Kris, and Lee are all average in every way…nothing to write home to Momma about.  And Scotty is just so much the BFF most girls have in highschool and, really, not hunky in anyway. So…eye candy has been rare on Idol, IMHO.

Actually, I’m looking forward to some BIG white guys after all the diminutive shorties that have graced our screens.  I like big booming voices with personalities to match.  Viva-la-difference!

Thanks for the correction…season 9 is such a blur for me.  Can’t even recall Michael Lynch.

According to MJ’s latest update, Colton didn’t make it.  So they air that they made a thing out of persuading Colton to audition, then cut him again?  Oh, Nigel!

It’s a bit of a surprise if Colton was cut.  But I noticed pitch problems in some videos he posted since he was cut in AI10.  Since he didn’t seem to have those problems earlier, I’m guessing pitch issues could have been evident in his SFYL performance.  We’ll hopefully get to see it.

Just viewed the Colton audition, and I can see why he didn’t make it. His singing   is not winner caliber.

As a minority myself, I would love to see more women of color in this competition, but at what cost? I want to be proudly represented, not embarrassed of some token minority that can’t be taken seriously.

So the real question is, do we believe that good black females were looked over? Or do we believe that there were no black females good enough for top 24?

We can’t really believe they were looked over until we watch Hollywood week….maybe the good ones bombed.

So far, I’ve been looking through the online interviews of each minority female as well as looking at their YT videos….I’m not impressed yet. I would never vote for the ones I’ve seen so far. There are better black females on YT.

So I think a better question is, why aren’t the good black females trying out for Idol? Maybe they are turned off by all of the white faces. Maybe they are turned off by how Angela Martin was treated. Maybe they are turned off by all of the bad token black females that made it in the past. Who knows.

Since I believe the good ones just arent trying out, I’m happy withe the R&B representation on the list.

But it should be remembered that Colton’s audition episode was filmed during the summer and probably edited early this fall.  Las Vegas and the green-mile were very, very recent.  Colton may have just have had burn-out.  Goes to prove that Idol isn’t always pre-planned….just like the guy with his injured girl friend last year.  Says to me that AI isn’t just throwing peeps into the top 24 just to follow their story arcs.

That is so subjective. I think Taylor is very nice looking, but at about the same level as Lee and Scotty. I think Ruben and Kris are both objectively very, very cute. And I think Adam, Bo (yes, I know they didn’t win) and Cook are really very handsome, especially if you look past Adam’s skin and Cook’s tragic hair. In fact I would say that Blake and Clay are the only two Idols that have made top two without what are typically perceived as conventional good looks.

That being said, there are no George Clooneys, or Brad Pitt’s, or Ryan Gosling in the bunch either. On the otherhand, I’m not sure Brad of George or Ryan can sign as well as the Idol boys. Certainly the Idol guys are as good looking or better looking than many of the pop/country/rock artists on the charts.

I am going to be super positive right now.

Since we know 23 of the 24, I was able to glace over as many youtube videos and/or internet clips that I could find of these people. I am pleasantly surprised that no one immediately screams out “there’s the winner” in my mind. I’m not saying it looks like a weak group or anything but rather, a strong group with multiple contenders. I hope that translates to the first voting show and we have an exciting season.

They showed a snipit of DeAndre getting his golden ticket last night in San Deigo so I think he auditioned there.

How many more audition cities will there be? I wonder where DeAndre auditioned.

DeAndre auditioned in San Diego.  We saw just a brief glimpse of him last night.  There are 5 audition cities to go: Aspen (Denver); Houston; a NJ city, probably Jersey City; Portland; and St. Louis.  But if spoilers are correct, 15 of the Top 24 are from Savannah or Pittsburgh auditions.  Two are from San Diego.  So that means only 7 come from the remaining 5 cities.

But ever since Season 9, we know that having pitch problems doesn’t prevent a contestant from winning idol.  lol

LOL, so true. Perhaps it even goes back before the ninth season. It’s definitely true though, let us not look at pitch issues as something that prevents anyone from advancing on this show.

Or more likely IMO, Nigel pushed Colton through to suck in his fans from last year who were hoping for him to make the voting rounds this year.  lol

Why is there no links to Brielle Von Hugel? She was on Season 10 Hollywood Week (Pia Toscano’s group – Grenade)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrEL3pE-dXE

Funny how are tastes run. I don’t think Scotty is good-looking, and from Taylor’s younger pictures, not anywhere as good-looking as him. I also think Lee is better looking than Scotty, but not as good looking as young Taylor. I agree that Kris is very cute, but it is very difficult to me to compare him to Ruben. I would say Ruben is handsome, but not cute. Blake  has a cuteness about him, and it seems most everyone agrees that Clay was really goofy looking.

Very disappointed.  I just spent the last 1 1/2 previewing all of them.  I can’t recall ever having so many that I don’t want to see ever again.  Some I actually will mute because their voices really annoy me (Creighton, Heejun, and Elise especially)  I hope that Brielle is good because there are only 5 girls that I think should be there at all (Erika, Hollie, Shannon, Jen, Skyler).  From what I’ve seen, the guys should dominate big time.  Joshua, Clayton, and Jeremy will have to be real duds not to be better than many of the girls (Baylie, Chelea, Elise, Haley, Hallie, Jessica).  Hopefully, future performances will change my mind.

Who is Clayton Farhat? Is this Jeremy also a model? Does he live in New York?

And if there were some that were good, idol could always just edit them out like they never existed…last year they cut a guy named Jimmie Allen..they did not show him singing at all..no audition, no Hollywood, no Vegas round, nothing…and another good one was Jerome bell..he was one of the secret eliminations that wasn’t even aired

I have one question and I am not trying to disrespect or offend anyone, but why do people make it a black or white issue, isn’t it really about talent the judges are 3 different cultures, hispanic, black and white. I feel that we shouldn’t worry about race but that the one who deserves to be the idol contender. It is 2012 we need to stop putting people in these catagories and judge them by their performances.  the show and the judges do the best they can and of course they have to have twist and turns to make it entertaining so who ever ends up winning black, white, brown, yellow or red lets judge them on their talent not their color or what their color isn’t.

I always liked Brielle from Hollywood Week last year- she appeared in the the “girl group” with Pia and I thought she did a nice job:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8PRQ9GI5YA

Thanks, Halo, for the reminder clip.  I now remember that I liked her the best of that group and was disappointed that she didn’t go further.  One to watch.

Are the producers adapting to a perceived anti-pretty-girl bias?  I am generally more likely than not to find a girl to be pretty, and this group doesn’t inspire me.

I don’t know why people are so upset that the show has so many white contestants. I’m sorry, but I’m sure the most talented group made it; Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez are both judges, I doubt anything remotely racist is happening.

hey can any one recommend someone who I can follow on twitter that isn’t brain dead so i can see what everyone is saying about the contestants and of course you know my favorite deandre but i am new at twitter and not sure what to do so if anyone has any ideas i would appreciate it.
Thanks Tina

i also just want everyone to know that i am very happy with the top 24 and I thank all the people responsible for the great spoilers, good job. And before anyone says that I wouldn’t have been happy if deandre wasn’t one of the top 12 boys ——your right lol haha, Well after admitting that again i want to say thank you again for a great job and hard work and i hope we have a good season

Thsnks Tina

So, does it appear to anyone else that the Idol PTB are looking for their own Adele-like winner?

Who knows if he even had a chance to warm-up his voice. It looked totally off the cuff. If he had been rehearsing or had the time to warm-up, then maybe but that also is a difficult song to sing with wide range. Watch some of his videos, he does have a great voice. Unlike Phillip and the Wolf last night, he couldn’t carry his piano on his back and whip it out for another song.

Is it just me or does this season’s TOP 24 feature a lot of contestants that we’ve seen before, in years prior? DeAndre, Hollie, Aaron Sanders, Baylie, Jen, Chelsea, Brielle … It seems unusual. I mean, there is always one or two that was shown before, but this year feels like the season of left-overs.

So far, I’m not impressed with talent. Also, for some reason their faces don’t seem to be that memorable.

Wait, Hottie Cheerleader didn’t make it? I don’t even remember her name, but there will be a lot of disappointed menfolk (and some womenfolk) if she’s not in the top 24.

I would like that Jane Carrey made it through. It would funny as hell watch Jim Carrey in the audience every single week. At least something would be funny this season.

This season is sounding like a boring festival of indies/folks vs. belters/R&B singers

It looks like they’ve picked multiples of certain “types” based on singing style/genre or which audience demographic these contestants will appeal to. If it’s a sudden death semi-final, that way the voting results are more likely to end up with at least one of the types they think will be “commercial”. They can fill in the gaps with the wildcards ( I still miss the old semi-final format where we got to hear them sing a few weeks before it was whittled down to the finals.

Thank you god Clayton Farhat appeared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Someone!!!

Seems to be him rocking AC/DC Highway to Hell:

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYCgvlAzdak

Reminder:

Wow. Five people liking the type of comment I’ve already gone on record to say I DON’T want clogging up these spoiler posts.

WooHoo! Thanks for finding that Clayton clip – Finally a good rocker guy! YAY

Nigel needs a slap up the side of his head!  Unbelievable. 

nvm

I knew the Deamon of Screaming wouldn’t disappoint us

Well I guess we just have different tastes in music. They actually did show Jimmy Allen’s Nashville audition…it wasn’t good to me. I was surprised he made it to Hollywood. His YouTube vids and pre-idol music highlighted his weak voice.

I will admit, Jerome Bell had a great voice…but so did Jacob Luske…neither were contenders IMO. I didnt like either of them, but at least Jacob could possibly have a gospel career. I couldn’t see Jerome’s career going anywhere major.

I think Schyler might do it again.

I think its unfair to judge this group before we have even seen all the auditions and what they have done in Hollywood week. Youtube videos don’t always do people justice.

I think they do much more than the sample music, the thirty seconds we see in Hollywood. But, I’ve to agree that usually people don’t upload bad performances.

It doesn’t bother me that Idol skews white now that we have xfactor.  That show is much more culturally diverse than Idol. And a girl won it too!  But I think there is some diversity on Idol. We will see how far those singers go this year. 

Was not that impressed with Phillips audition

WHY isn’t Colton Dixon on here?!?!?!? UGHHHH! He deserves to be in this top 24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey I know this is way later then when you asked but I just got out of class, and you asked nicely haha so I figured I’d respond.
This was a post I made earlier and I think it pretty much answers your questions:
I would say the girls can be broken up into
Country-Baylie, Skylar, Chelsea
Jazz/Soul-Jen, Hallie
Folk/Rock-Elise, Haley
R&B-Jessica, Erika
Pop-Shannon, Hollie, Brielle

The guys are
R&B-DeAndre, Aaron, Joshua
Rock-Phillip
Jazz/Soul-Adam, Creighton
Pop-Heejun, Eben?
Mix of everything under the sun?-Reed

The other guys who could be in
Rock-Colton, Clayton, Caleb
R&B-Jeremy, Neco
Country-Chase
?-Adam Lee Decker

This is Jeremy Rosado: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q8oKYa7qgM

Phillip Phillips is the lock of the lock to make the Top 12.  Fast forward 4 mos from now, I predict he will still be talked about on the AI blogs as Season 11 heads into the finale.

Although I don’t happen to share it, that is a valid opinion. But according to someone who works for AI, Jimmie Allen was considered a front-runner in Hollywood and was talked about all week long. He also was a stand-out in Vegas. It was a big surprise to those working on the show that he didn’t make it to top 24, and he was essentially completely edited out of Hollywood and Vegas.

“Most shocking elimination ever!”

He isn’t that special, I don’t get it.

And then he’ll score a record deal with a major label - like Pia Toscano.

Jeremy Rosado reminds me of a Puerto Rican Jacob Lusk. Anybody else agree?

Rosado in that youtube clip was too screechy and words too mumbly for me to get past more than 30 seconds… I skipped ahead and it was still screechy and mumbly so gave up.

News just broke at TIP:  Colton Dixon DID make the Top 24.  Clayton Farhat did not.  It was evidently a miscommunication.

BREAKING NEWS FROM TIP!!!!!!!!!!

Colton is IN!!!! Clayton is OUT!!!!!!!!

I think Chelsea is also hispanic.  But yes, this does make me sad too.  Pretty ridiculous.  

There were three black women that made it to the top 42 but not the top 24 that means that they were very good.  sigh…

Chelsea is country?  And she is might also be Hispanic.  That’s pretty cool.  Maybe she’ll sing a Johnny Cash song with a chorus in Spanish.  Como usted es el mío, ando la línea…Caí en un anillo de fuego ardente…Escucho el tren a venir. Ahora está saliendo en la curve.  Okay, I’m done now…

That’s actually pretty funny!  Gracias

I think Chelsea is hispanic or something.  She looks like she is hispanic.

I’m so happy about this!! I was so sad when it was announced that he was cut. I was like why the dickens did they force him to audition just to send him home? But he’s IN!!

“There were three black women that made it to the top 42 but not the top 24 that means that they were very good.  sigh…”

No. Doesn’t mean that. This racial tension is really boring nowadays. Especially in Idol, since 3 winners weren’t black. People should focus in the singer and in the performance (charisma, uniqueness, originality, etc..) , which, as far as I’ve seen in this season, are boring, no matter the race. 

Season One – EJ Day and Justin Guarini
Season Two – Rickey Smith, Corey Clark, Charles Grigsby and of course Ruben Studdard
Season Four – Nikko Smith and Anwar Robinson
Three seasons out of ten have had more than one black man in the top group.

Is it true?

Colton really in? I want to wait to see MJ confirm or deny. If so, that’s absolutely fantastic and just made me super excited.

I hope that TIP is correct and that Colton did make it.  Why the mix-up?  I am anxious to hear the ones we haven’t heard yet.

I think the complaint is about black women not being represented.  I think it’s the woman part that’s important to the argument.  But you have backed up your argument well with statistics.  I just noticed something kinda funny.  In your parenthesis, you’ve listed all women and Jacob.  I don’t know why that’s funny, but it is…

Can’t believe that not one contestant from the San Diego auditions made it!  There were some really good possibilites there.

Actually two from the San Diego audition are reportedly in the Top 24: Jessica Sanchez and DeAndre Brackensick.  We didn’t see them perform, but there was a quick glimpse of DeAndre.

That was from earlier seasons, when they did have a more diverse top 12.
Maybe three of the TOP six guys will be from a minority group this year!

So he DOES sound like a Puerto Rican Jacob Lusk. Heh

Yeah but Justin Guarini was only half of one.

I liked Brielle last year in Grenade.  She, unlike Pia and the other girl, had a natural stage presence.   I’m glad to see her back.  Actually all the ones from last year that are back and made it were good choices.  I do agree with an earlier poster – it sure seems like there are a lot of repeats this season.  Maybe John Wayne Shultz should have taken a second swing at it.

There really is a lot people returning, some well known (Hollie, Deandre, Colton), some not so much (Jen Hirsh, Arron Sanders or Chelsea Sorrell).

I have to wonder if all these singing shows are draining the talent pool in america and that’s why it’s harder for the AI producer to come up with completely new talent.

It’s kind of ridiculous to think that out of 400M people the producers would need to go back to the same ex contestants to cast 24 singers.

There are actually the same amount of repeaters this season as there were last season (8), it is just this season they went with more high profile repeaters. I think that might have been a purposeful move on Nigel’s part too, try something that is quite common on sytycd by building up fan bases over two seasons.

Interesting, I didn’t do the homework lol.
Haley and James did go far and they were returning but their first time around wasn’t broadcasted.
I don’t think they had any repeater winning SYTYCD US or Australia or Canada even tough some of the casts in those countries had more than half repeaters.

It’s true that S10 talent pool was deep and the Deandre, Hollie and Colton had some fans already before being eliminated so that could spark some interest.

I legit yelled F*CK YES!!!!! when I saw Colton’s name on the list.  I was so disappointed by the earlier leak the he had not made it.  Seemed so cruel to drag him back into Idol only to break his heart just like last time.  I really like him.  I think he has potential and he beamed at his sister when she was auditioning which gets him huge points in my book. 

I always try not to get too attached during the audition rounds because I know that Nigel is going to break my heart, repeatedly, but I can’t help it, I’m rooting for Colton already.

There hasn’t been a repeater that won sytycd, but there have been runner up repeaters. I don’t think a repeater can win idol, but I could see Nigel wanting a couple to go far. I think another nice thing about repeaters like Hollie and Baylie is they may be able to cost a couple weeks on their old fanbases, and Nigel can spend that time pimping other girls.

What happened with Crayton Fahrat ? Idol pad still saying he is on 24. Hope this list is messed up.

IMO you’re a little optimistic about Hollie’s and even more so Baylie’s fanbase (at least at the moment before her auditions).
IMO, the only way to level the playfield accross gender would be to hide the male contestants thought the auditions and hollywood, otherwise they will tend to end up with the bigger fanbase.
The producers have already shown most of the guys auditions, so they aren’t trying hard enough if they want a more balanced season.

Shultz! That was the last name. Thank you. It was driving me crazy.  Just thinking what a difference a year made between Scotty and John.  I liked John better than Scotty, but this shows how much I understand the American audience.

It might be that having gone through Hollywood week already, that some of the returning contestants know what to expect and that maybe helps them get through those rounds. 

Is colton really in???? 

Yes, The Idol Pad had a mixup with Colton and Clayton. Colton Dixon is in the Top 24. Clayton Farhat is not.

Colton Finally! )

I am glad that Colton is in. Otherwise, it’s really crappy story telling. You don’t beg a guy to audition and then cut him at the green mile for the second time in two years. If you do that, you don’t show it to the public (yes, I know the episode was edited earlier, but the decision was made before the green mile was filmed too). That might work in a year where you are utterly ruthless, but it certainly isn’t going to fly in a year when you are putting forth the meme “you are all about the kids”. You can’t kick a kid in the teeth and make it a feel-good story.

I’m not a fan of Colton, but messy, non-sensical story arcs are the hallmark of Season 9 (which resulted because they filmed Hollywood after the audition episodes started airing and because Ken is a certifiable idiot). I know…I know…story arcs are nothing more than manipulation, but part of reality tv is telling the stories. If the end of the story doesn’t pay off the beginning of the story, then cut it out altogether and focus on another story.

It does make more sense if Colton did get through to the voting rounds.  Will there be drama between him and his sister?  lol

” because Ken is a certifiable idiot”

Yes.  One of the few things about Idol that is a “fact”.  lol

Yes! Colton is in! 

I’m also glad colton made it because getting cut twice in a row at the last obstacle would just be horrible, especially given the fact that they begged him to audition. 

Will there be drama between him and his sister?

The stinkeye she was giving him during his impromptu audition looked so heartfelt. Based on the way she was quietly glaring while trying to look unbothered when the judges praised him, I think she’ll probably just keep the resentment all bottled up until it explodes in a big mess at a family holiday dinner seven years down the road, lol.

I think she’ll probably just keep the resentment all bottled up until it
explodes in a big mess at a family holiday dinner seven years down the
road, lol.

Probably, but she shouldn’t. Once they were sent to Hollywood, she was competing with the other girls for one of 12 slots. He was in a completely different race. She should have worked to develop a story that allowed her to ride his coattails because after the begging, it was likely the way the story would end was with at least him in the top 24. One has to manipulate the manipulators. Give them a better story than the one they want to write.

I agree with you, Kirsten.  Schyler (sp?) made it to Hollywood.  Once there she was no longer competing with her brother…and if she didn’t have the strengths to impress how is that related to what her brother was or wasn’t doing.

Now if they would have put Colton through to HW and left her at home….then the fur could have and probably should have flown….if we believe that the whole segment wasn’t a scripted piece.

Valid points, but anyone who’s watched enough of these shows knows that TPTB is not likely to advance both siblings to the live shows. Blood relations is in itself a liability, even if both singers are good. 

Valid points, but anyone who’s watched enough of these shows knows that TPTB is not likely to advance both siblings to the live shows. Blood relations is in itself a liability, even if both singers are good. 

A little surprised by the makeup of the females but happy for Jessica and it turns out Chelsea, thanks to gangreen29′s preview. I also like Skyler Laine and Elise. I liked Hollie last year but fear she won’t have an interesting enough identity.

I’m not a Colton Dixon fan at all but it only makes sense for him to make t24 based on the storyline. I kind of like Creighton, I like Heejun but hope he develops more so he isn’t fodder, I like Aaron, and I liked Deandre last year. Not really here for Reed or Phillip. 

I hope the producers know what they’re doing with this cast – they’d better bring it for the live shows because Idol is really going to depend on its cast for ratings.

Hmmm.  Was hoping to see Kyle Crews (Berkeley frat boy.)  I thought his voice was really beautiful and found him entertaining.  I’ve learned not to get too attached at this point……

lets go Heejun Han! Im serious though…. it’d be nice for an asian male to actually make it to the top 12 we’ll see….. correct me if i’m wrong but other than anoop thats never happened before?

Thank goodness there was a mistake!  I’m so thrilled that Colton made it through! 

After what Idol put Colton through – I am also happy!
 
So, Folk/Rock – Elise, Haley

Is it possible Nigel will actually have a FOLK/FOLK ROCK theme this year? I have requested it every year. They did have a Carole King tribute but forgot to get Carole to mentor. Maybe, just maybe?

Yes, Colton is in!

No Ashlee, the single mom, from San Diego? Waaahhh!

Chase Likens is the final boy, according to a spoiler just posted. I’ll of course wait for confirmation on here but if true… there’s one piece of eye candy that I can see in the guys as I was talking about earlier. LOL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex-P5lIyhrU

^top 24.

There is no confirmation that it is Chase, but it’s highly likely. Tidbits here and there seem to point to him. Idolspoilers won’t officially post it until they have a legit/valid confirmation.

Cool. I will wait for MJ to get the confirmation as well. I just thought I would pass along the information since it seems to be making the rounds quite a bit.

Too bad there isn’t a reference to the source in that video. At least I didn’t see a link or anything to idolpad or their twitter account. They worked too hard to not to get credit.

Out of the top 24, there are only two contestants that i truly like: Heejun and Erika. I like Jessica as well, but mostly, it’s because she’s a Filipina. So i’m a little biased. 

Crap, thought for a second that the judges had come to their senses and cut Colton. I seriously don’t understand the hype, he has a three or four note range and his introverted style is off putting.. He’s more eye candy than anything, if an average looking guy had sounded like that and been cut, nobody would’ve cared

Nobody from the Aspen auditions is in the Top 24 according to spoilers.  But that’s only one of three AI11 audition cities with nobody that makes it.  Nobody who auditioned in East Rutherford, NJ, or St. Louis got into the Top 24 either.

Charleston, South Carolina/Savannah, Georgia (7)
Brielle Von Hugel
Chelsea Sorrell
Colton Dixon
Elise Testone
Jeremy Rosado
Phillip Phillips, Jr.
Shannon Magrane

Denver, Colorado/Aspen, Colorado (0)

East Rutherford, New Jersey (0)

Houston, Texas/Galveston, Texas (5)
Baylie Brown
Hollie Cavanagh
Jen Hirsh
Joshua Ledet
Skylar Laine

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (9)
Aaron Marcellus Sanders
Adam Brock
Chase Likens
Creighton Fraker
Dante/Heejun Han
Eben Christian Franckewitz
Erika Van Pelt
Hallie Day
Reed Grimm

Portland, Oregon (1)
Haley Johnsen

Saint Louis, Missouri (0)

San Diego, California (2)
DeAndre Brackensick
Jessica Sanchez

There were no audition cities in AI10 with nobody in the Top 24. Austin, TX, had only one and that was Casey Abrams. But each of the other cities had at least three.

ETA: Edited to show Chase Likens as the final Top 24 contestant

Thanks for the breakdown, larc.  I hope that IDOL 12 will start in Hollywood week and then just air flashbacks/snippets of people’s auditions.  

It’s clear that with Simon gone, there just aren’t the highs (rare praise for outstanding singers) and lows (hilarious putdowns of the joke contestants) that made the auditions fun.

TIP is now confirming the final guy is Chase Likens. You might wanna update, MJ

TIP has NOT confirmed Chase.

Slightly suprised that David Leathers didnt make it and Eben did. He must have done really well in hollywood. What happened to Scott Dangerfield =(

I agree 100%. Not excited about anyone this year. Hope a girl takes it home…

I hate the fact that Scott Dangerfield, Clayton Farhat, and Caleb Johnson have gotten passed over for Creighton, Eben, and Chase. Or even Phillip Phillips for that matter. And Jeremy ”Michael Sarver” Rosado and Adam “I look too damn old for Idol” Brock? Just to make a girl win? By putting a bunch of guys as cannon fodder? Didn’t that backfire in season 9? Didn’t Nigel learn anything from  Ken Warwick’s mistakes? River St. James should have been there as well. This is definitely a wait and see season….

What happened to Scott Dangerfield

There is a rumor that he wasn’t cut, but withdrew again.  No confirmation yet that I’m aware of.

Not all that impressed,thus far,with this group. I’m glad Hallie made it through, but that’s about it. As of now, my prediction is that Phillip Phillips will win (ZzZz).

huh? source?

Andy from Idolpad confirmed that he was cut in the green mile episode. He withdrew last year, not this year.

that is what I thought.

Hallie Day and Shannon Magrane for the girls. Heejun and Eben for the boys. My favs at this time. May change.

I know Chase is likely the last contestant, but has Chase been confirmed anywhere else or is it just exclusive to this blog? Everywhere else I look still says Chase or Caleb, even on Idolpad and Idolforums. Andy is still saying he’s uncertain…

The one thing I hate about spoilers is that people start judging the season too early IMO. Think back to previous seasons… were lots of people excited about Adam Lambert, Alison Iraheta and Kris Allen from the spoilers? Nope. In season 9, there were a ton of cool YouTube videos for Andrew Garcia and we all know how that turned out. Who saw Haley coming last year? Nobody. One would have thought David Archuleta was a diva songs singing soul belter from his videos, and no one would have seen the rearrange-o-rama that was coming from David Cook from his videos or his audition.  It doesn’t matter what their videos look like, it doesn’t matter how exciting their audition was. We don’t know anything until they go through the Hollywood ringer, and even then the REAL test is what happens when they have to sing live every week. We will not know what these contestants are capable of until then IMO.

Yay!  Really looking forward to seeing DeAndre sing in Hollywood!  Hope they give him a really good edit!  crosses fingers! 

moved to another thread

So, now that the Top 24 has been confirmed (and since I’m fighting a cold and bored out of my mind) It’s time for my WAAAAY-too-early predictions, where I predict how the season will unfold based on the very little information we have about each contestant. 

There’s almost never right but they’re fun to look back at, as you can see:

S7: David Cook went out in 5th, with Archie beating Ramiele in the Finals.
S8: Adam Lambert went out in 8th, with Lil Rounds beating Anoop in the Finals. (Kris Allen never made the Top 13)
S9: Andrew Garcia wins against Katie Stevens, with Crystal & Lee going out in 3rd & 4th respectively.
S10: Casey defeats Lauren in the Finals, with Scotty McCreery going out in 6th. (Haley Reinhart never made the Top 13)

So, here are my predictions how makes the Top 13:

TOP 5 Guys
Colton Dixon: Large fanbase + Strong SF performance = lock for Top 13
Eben Frankowitz: Brings on the schmaltz HARD. Tweens & Grandmas can’t resist.
Heejun Han: This year’s Anoop. Likable Asian with great R&B voice. Performs R&B hit well. Crowd goes nuts. A lock. Team Han!
Phillip Phillips: Token WGWG. Doesn’t matter what he performs, God himself couldn’t prevent him from making the Top 13.
Reed Grimm: Casey Abrams + Casey James = Look-gooking jazzy dude w/ personality & musical skills to spare. Impresses with SF performance. A “no DUH” for the Top 13.

TOP 5 Girls
Baylie Brown: Beautiful mature voice. Very likable. Strong SF performance. The one Country contestant that’s a lock for the Top 13.
Erica Van Pelt: Gives off an Adele vibe. America approves. Phenomenal vocal blows the competition away. Possible standing O? Either way, Van Pelt sails into the Top 13.
Hollie Cavanaugh: Comes in with solid fanbase already. Decent SF performance + Likable girl-next-door vibe gets her a slot in the Top 13.
Jessica Sanchez: Being the ONLY minority in the Top 12 Girls, a huge number of fans rally behind her simply because of it. Couple that with her immense YouTube following and she’s a definite lock for the Top 13.
Shannon Magrane: Corny yet likable SF performance. Gets into the Top 13 on personality alone.

WILDCARD picks
Deandre Brackensick: This year’s Stefano. Okay SF performance but impresses with his Save Me song. Will prbly be JLo’s pick.
Jen Hirsh: Proves to be too niche for America but Randy digs her Indie vibe and picks her to go thru.
Jeremy Rosado: Proves not to be as popular as Jacob Lusk but touches Steven Tyler in a special place & picks him as a Wildcard.

FINALS
Top 13: Jen Hirsh is quickly eliminated. America don’t care for Indie.
Top 12: Hollie has a meh performance. Out she goes.
Top 11: Jeremy Rosado just misses the tour. Judges realize he’s not commercial enough to use a Save on.
Top 10: Too many cute white dudes produces its first casualty as Colton gets the lowest number of votes. Save Me song is phenomenal. Judges save Colton.
Top 10²: Shannon’s likablity takes her only so far and she goes out in 10th. Despite solid performances and VFTW support, Heejun finishes in 9th place.
Top 8: With two tween heartthrobs still in the competish, one has to go. While I’d love to say Eben, it will unfortunately be DeAndre.
Top 7: Despite a series of mediocre performances, America rallies behind Eben, which leads to a WGWG elimination. It will be Colton.
Top 6: Eben just barely misses the Top 5.
Top 5: Despite the Heartland’s support. America don’t take too kindly on American Idols who are unattainably pretty (see Toscano, Pia) so Baylie’s journey ends. 
Top 4: Shocker! Another WGWG is out! I’m on the fence whether it will be Phillip or Reed, but I’mma go with the perceived fronteunner (who NEVER wins) so Phillip is out in SHOCK ELIM.
Top 3: Despite a series of strong performances, Jessica stumbles near the finish line and finishes 3rd, with Erica vs. Reed in the Finals.
Top 2: Since a non-White male or female will NEVER win American Idol ever again, REED GRIMM WINS BY A LANDSLIDE! Despite Erica Van Pelt being undisputably the strongest performer on the season (see Lambert, Adam; Bowersox, Crystal; Reinhart, Haley)

This is how I foresee the season going (and my predictions are usually even worse than yours, I had Kady Malloy, Casey Carlson, Haeley Vaughn, and Julie Zorilla winning their seasons at this point)

Top 5 girls
Skylar
Jen
Hollie
Jessica
Erika

Top 5 guys
Reed
Phillip
DeAndre
Joshua
Heejun

Wildcards
Shannon
Elise
Jeremy

13th place: Skylar
12th place: Hollie
11th place: Jeremy
10th place: Heejun
9th place: Shannon
8th place: DeAndre
7th place: Phillip
6th place: Elise
5th place: Erika
4th place: Reed
3rd place: Joshua
2nd place: Jessica
Winner: Jen!!

It’s all good. We can both have a laugh looking back after (insert white man’s name here) wins the season. Lol

Wrong thread

Haeley Vaughn winning?

“S7: David Cook went out in 5th, with Archie beating Ramiele in the Finals.
S8: Adam Lambert went out in 8th, with Lil Rounds beating Anoop in the Finals. (Kris Allen never made the Top 13)
S9: Andrew Garcia wins against Katie Stevens, with Crystal & Lee going out in 3rd & 4th respectively.
S10: Casey defeats Lauren in the Finals, with Scotty McCreery going out in 6th. (Haley Reinhart never made the Top 13)”

Those are some damn interesting predictions o_O. Imagine if the past four winners were David Archuleta, Lil Rounds, Andrew Garcia, and Casey Abrams. Though I did have Katie Stevens as runner-up at this point too.

I’m too lazy to look up who I haven’t looked up already but I know I’m feeling Jen, Elise, Shannon, Jessica, and from the guys, DeAndre, Colton (even if he does seem very angsty), Philip (even if he is a WGWG), and Heejun.

I wonder where our resident rocker is.

So, no guy rockers in this bunch? I sure hope that changes before top 24
Very disappointing if it doesn’t.  :(

I’m with you, although on the bright side, I won’t be watching, so I’ll have all that extra time on Wednesdays and Thursday nights for other things.

The girls are fabulous this year. (don’t know much about the guys, but no one really stands out so far. we’ll have to see). Thanks for posting!

No, it’s not. Usually, whites are the minority on idol.

Jessica is really good.

I think everyone is going to mix them up unless some of them get voted off early.

I think there has overload of black females in past seasons, so much so that now everybody yawns and doesn’t vote when they cast them. (see Ashthon, Naima, Lil Rounds). They want to cast contestants that America will get excited about. That’s okay. There probably will be some good minorities next year.

What about overload of average white males and females?

The problem that I see this year is that I have a hard time remembering the faces of the semifinalists. They are just not memorable.

And rockers … Ehh. I’m sick and tired of various faux rockers on Idol. I understand the viewers love their rocker guys, but what happens once the show is over? They are not taken seriously in the real world.

I think there has overload of black females in past seasons, so much so that now everybody yawns and doesn’t vote when they cast them. (see Ashthon, Naima, Lil Rounds). They want to cast contestants that America will get excited about. That’s okay. There probably will be some good minorities next year.

I don’t think that we can come to that conclusion based on the three names that you mentioned.  None of these women is Fantasia, and each had a problem that lead to their ouster.   Lil made it to 7th place on the basis of her audition.  She cracked under the pressure of the live shows, and it was revealed that the Hollywood round was also tough on her.  Naima never put the focus on her voice, and people couldn’t tell if she could sing or not.  Ashthon didn’t receive any airtime before the semi final round, so she was at a huge disadvantage, even before the British born producers, who don’t seem to have a clue about what works in the states, saddled her with a song that was too big for her, and that very few in the audience would actually know.

The show has not done a good job in the last few years of casting black contestants who have a legitimate chance of winning.  In fact, for both the black male and females, it’s felt like they were trying to fulfill a quota, instead of giving these contestants a fair chance of making the top 24.

double post sorry

agree elliegrll, in recent years it seemed like they were filling a quota so there won’t be screams of racism. I actually think that is why they chose Ashthon last season as the wildcard over others. I’d rather them not cast them in the Top 24 if they are just going to put them in as fodder for that reason. I’m not upset this year because two season have basically been about big voiced minority women. (Fantasia, Jennifer LaToya, Season 2 and Melinda, Jordin and Lakeisha, Season 6).

Why does it have to be about race?  If you are good you are good no matter what the race. 

Colton and Phillip are rockers. They may not be your specific favorite kind of rocker, but they can’t appeal to every little niche every season.

MJ, when are you doing your previews for the rest of the Top 24?

…on the X Factor.

I think the rockers are taken seriously, especially Daughtry.  David Cook’s album first album did well, and even though it wasn’t a big seller, there were some very good reviews of the album, and several rock musicians have said very positive things about him, including Steven Van Zant, Raine Maida, Johnny Reznick, and  Chris Cornell.    And I know some won’t but there’s some that do also.

Does anyone know when the actual voting by the audience takes place?  I am also wondering about Wild Cards.  I hope it will be a good season!

They are probably going with the same format from last season.
Semi Finals at the top 24 stage, 5 guys and 5 girls voted through by the public and 3 WC given by the judges.

If it is like last years format then IMO the first performance in the live rounds is even more crucial than any of the rounds before or even after. For you to really garner some attention on the show you really have to make it into the Top 13.  If you don’t make it into the 24 you can still try again next year, but once your in that’s where the real pressure begins, there’s no trying out again. Last year, I actually started watching when the live rounds began. For me the top 10 + stefano was a no brainer that week. Only exception was Robbie Rosen, i thought he did as well.  I had to go back to watch hollywood to realise that jordan dorsey, tim halperin, julie zorilla and ta tynisa actually were good singers because it sure didn’t seem like it in the first live rounds.

no….. HOLLIE MUST WIN!!!!!!!!!! jk but hope she cracks the top 5

Alright this wont happen but my current predictions:
Top 5 Girls are Baylie, Hollie, Hallie, Erica, and Jessica
Top 5 Guys are Colton, Phillip, Reed, Heejun and Eben
Wildcards go 2 Deandre, Jen and Elise
13 Jen
12 Jessica
11 Elise
10 Heejun
9 Hallie (judges save. first girl ever saved!!!)
9* Phillip, Baylie
7 Deandre
6 Eben
5 Hallie
4 Reed
3 Erica (in an upset, like melinda)
2 Hollie 
1 Colton

Ha but im gonna be WAY off
I want a girl 2 win this year but i doubt it. But maybe now that the curse of Kristy Lee Cook is broken it can happen. But im not holding out hope. Especially after seeing Lauren, Haley and Pia all lose last year

I’d be just fine if it played out like this.  (Though like many others, I think it’s time a girl took home the title.)

I’d be just fine if it played out like this.  (Though like many others, I think it’s time a girl took home the title.)

Oops, sorry for the repetition!

No point in getting all pumped up any longer. Scott Dangerfield was the only reason I’d be voting.  Seems like I’m gonna be a casual viewer this season.

Since Jessica Sanchez is a bit different from the girls usually making the TOP 4, she might have a chance to go even further.

Is Aaron part of the group that rejected Scotty during group round last year?

I like Reed Grimm’s name. But that could be because I’ve been watching Grimm lately.

I hope Aaron isn’t that guy, caus e I didn’t like him.

If memory serves, it was Jordan Dorsey, not Aaron who was part of the group that rejected Scotty. He made it to 24 and was cast as a villain plus wasn’t very good. 

The only time we saw Aaron last season was during the Beatles combos where he was in a trio with Jordan Dorsey and Robbie Rosen, two of the “chosen ones.” He outsang both of their asses by a country mile but was ignored. 

The few glimpses we got of Aaron were all awesome. Google YouTube for Aaron Marcellus and watch him make “Overjoyed” his own dog. If there is ANY justice in this world, he’ll make top 13 and go far. He’s awesome

Aaron certainly had the vocal chops to make it to the live shows during Season 7 and 10, but I guess TPTB chose not to “cast” him.

Fun fact: Aaron was Jason Castro’s roommate in Hollywood S7!  Jason has mentioned before that he didn’t understand how Aaron didn’t make Top 24 that season.

How in the world does that Britney Kellogg girl not make the top 24 ?…..She was incredible !!!!

How in the world does that Britney Kellogg girl not make the top 24 ?…..She was incredible !!!!

It’s amazing that, of all those featured in the St. Louis show tonight, not one is on this list.  How did Creighton, Heejun, and Elise ever beat out some of these?  I have to say that the guys impress me more than the girls. 

I’m soooo pissed that Lauren Gray didn’t make it. Such a great voice, and nobody is going to vote on it I can do without Baylie and Brielle, and trade them for Lauren instead. 

 I agree. Lauren, and maybe Gabi, Ashley robles, and johnny keyser are the ones who are cut I wish would make it. Maybe they will all be back next season though. Baylie and Brielle are my least favorite girls too.

I’d say the producers are attempting an early manipulation to get rid of the better looking guys or people just really choked during Hollywood week.

Still, the voting demographic is the same, so they’ll just pick someone from the pool of contestants left that most closely fits they’re “TYPE” and they’ll still be the winner.

I am so disappointed that we didn’t see the audtion of all TOP 24.  Tonight, there were at least three that should have been on that list unless they freak out in Hollywood.  Please don’t tell me these kids aren’t going to be as good as last years.

I am so disappointed that we didn’t see the audtion of all TOP 24.  Tonight, there were at least three that should have been on that list unless they freak out in Hollywood.  Please don’t tell me these kids aren’t going to be as good as last years.

My reaction too when I looked at this list.  What happened to the St. Louis people? 

For reals……..where are the St. Louis people? I finally like someone (Lauren Gray) and she isn’t in the top 24, that sucks big time! Can they bring her back for wildcard? Oh wait it is only the top 24 people. This sucks, I kind of like the Johnny guy too. It’s looks like P2 got this one in the bag. I really hope a girl wins finally. Hollie would be good, who knows? OH well….idol is so weird.

Off topic: I saw Uncle Nigel on Pit Boss, awwww…he adopted the two homeless dogs.

Wasn’t Colton’s full audition shown too?

So apparently the Judges decided to leave Johnny Keyser out of the Top 24 to avoid a scenario of a 5th consecutive Male Winner of the show (since obviously Johnny Keyser would win Season 11 if it was up to the people and their votes)

 I think colton and Hollie cavanagh? will look good together.. Excited for them this season on AI!!

I;m pretty sure the winner of this year’s idol will be a boy. I have liked more boys than girls. But hopefully one of the girls will really connect this year. I would love to cheer a girl on. 

Kinda wierd so many came from the Pittsburgh & Savannah auditions. I only remember 2 of the finalists by name and will wait for the show to see the rest (as opposed to Internet clips). I don’t really get into Idol until the final 12 are selected. The only one I follow from last season is Haley Reinhart.

yeah its unfortunate that they cut him right before the decision of the top 24- He has been creating quite the fan base- I went to his university and have been supporting him since his audition but now i find out he doesn’t make it and i am disappointed- I guess we will find out in a couple of weeks if his elimination was justified. sometimes people crack under pressure and if this is the case he is a shoe in to make it to Hollywood week next season.

Did Colton make it?  I thought he didn’t want to audition? 

I hope Deandre makes it!

YEAH… Johnny K is really good.  Well, maybe they have been anticipating how strange it would be to see 5 white boys in the Top Five! Philip, Colton, Reed, Eben and Johnny (in random order) for the matter… )
well, was just tryin to figure out… Go Colton!

When are the rest of the promos going to be put up?

I like seeing Deandre there.  I thought Johnny Keyser guy who sang “a change is gonna come” has a very nice voice and surprised he isn’t there.  I liked the voice and audition of Jairon Jackson who sang his own song, and that Reis kloeckener boy had a nice voice too.  Well they better have some stars on that list cause some of those I see above I remember weren’t that impressive.  Next week is Hollywood week and that’s when the show begins and they have to bring it.

I have a feeling this season isn’t going to be as strong as some others, but this looks like a good group.  The ones I have tabs on now are Baylie, Hallie, Colton, Heejun, and Phillip.

Tonight’s show further supported my belief that some very poor singers made it over some very good singers.  Get Heejun, Elise, and Creighton off and bring in Johnny and Travis.  What are they doing?  I’m really disappointed that the finalist pool has so many that I really don’t like at all.  I hope Joshua and Chase are pleasant surprises.

I agree, Heejun mumbles and Creighton sings thru his nose  lol.
There has to be something coming up to explain the choices, because right now it’s – WTF!?

Johhny K. by a mile.
Total package: voice, looks, stage presense.

I really like Erika Van Pelt.  I really loved the tube vids that were posted here of her.  I think she’s one to watch.

Erika Van Pelt with Baylie Brown a close 2nd. 

Erika is the one who stood out the most for me tonight, too. Loved her voice.

Baylie Brown and Erika

Thought Jen Hirsh’s voice was incredible!  So clear and beautiful.

Erika and Elise Testone, maybe the better voices of the competition.

Heejun made my laugh again. How will he overcome all the pretty?

LOL. Favorite tonight!

Okay, I’m a fan now of Adam Brock but I don’t understand how the hell David Leathers didn’t make it; I mean he was fantastic tonight.

Johnny Keyser for me too…

thought that Heejun dude was one of the worst of the night… so flat, so karaoke.
And that Adam guy with the facial contortions…. I think he was the one who was hard to even watch
I quite liked David Leathers too. He would go far for the tweens voting

I also thought David Leathers was good.  I like Lauren Mink, while my Sweetie is all for Erika.  He likes her spirit, voice, and looks.

I don’t like seeing a life story of someone, and then the judges eliminate that person.  It is a waste of time.  I want to know more about those that will make the TOP 24.

I like Jen Hirsch, Elise and Jessica.

Didn’t like any of the guys. Travis was the best male I saw and they cut him

A LOT of oversinging and/or shouting on the show tonight. Nerves, probably, but still, not a good thing

I’m favoring Erika and Hallie

We need a “none of the above” option on these polls.

Wow… Heejun is leading? He sure is making a good impression so far Lol!

I liked Aaron.

Me too! He was my fave male…even though all he did wail a note. LOL

I kinda agree. He is full of it, and yes that won’t work on Idol, but honestly, he is one of few guys that caught my attention.

I feel like I don’t have much opinion on anyone either.

 Heejun and Elise are far better singers than Johnny and Travis. I guess they don’t get the added bonus of being hot though..

If looks is one of your requirements and other record execs were hard and fast with that rule, then we may have never heard of Adele.

I liked Elise, Johnny, Hallie, Aaron…  but I gotta go with Erika.
Yesterday was a good show!

Heejun. He is awesome! 

Very belated but had trouble posting before. LOVE this music video, adored how he handled himself on the euro-promo tour.  Wow, wow, wow!

This was a poll on who WE thought was the best, not record execs.
Besides, record execs probably don’t do the voting on this show.

Oh and Adele is the exception, not the rule. I love her by the way, but she doesn’t represent the image of most of today’s pop stars.

Glad to see my girl Erika Van Pelt doing well in the polls, loved her since that first audition!

I thought Jen Hirsch was by far the best, followed by Reed Grimm and Hee Jun who has a perfect tone to his voice.

Phillip Phillip has TOO MUCH grit to his voice to me. to the point where it sounds strained. dude could NEVER pull off a tour singing like that, he’d be worn out after the first stop.

My favorite normally ends up middle of the pack (Michael Johns, Anoop, Paul) so I’m thinking that’s what will happen with Hee Jun.  Would love to see a few quirky (Hee Jun, Creighton, Erika) folks go deep.  
That’s what made last year’s show fun – wondering what Paul, Casey, Haley, James would come up with.

Erika’s my girl! Love her. 

Elise, Hallie, and Symone were also good. For the guys I liked David Leathers, Heejun, Aaron (and Travis). I guess I don’t understand how PP made it through while Travis got sent home.

Erika made the biggest impression on me last night. Also liked Hallie,Jen,and Baylie.

Still wondering why they cut Travis and kept Phillip. IMO, Travis was the better vocalist. Oh well, if I have a favorite this year, it’ll most likely be a girl, because the guys are not bringing it this year.

Johnny annoys me. He comes off very arrogant. He’s good, but he not great. The show seems to be pimping him, which adds to my resentment.

Phillip is likeable, but he shouts too much.

I thought Travis sang much better than Johnny and Phillip.

The girls were generally better than the guys. Erika was my favorite…but it’s still very early, and that can change.

“How can I overcome all this pretty?”  lol.

Erika really blew me away.. Aaron and Johny were great too..

IMO Symone was the best of the night but got overshadowed by the drama. 

Heejun was the only one who made an impression on me – both in his audition and here. As in, I might want to see more of him.

Erika, Elise, and there’s something that I love about Creighton, even though his voice kind of annoys me. Hmm.

They are really keeping some of these people hidden..we havent seen anything from jessica sanchez, deandre, and alot of other people on the list

I am shocked Johnny isn’t on this list.  He does seem a bit cocky, however I think his voice, looks, and confidence should have at least got him to top 24.  For the guys the two I am most excited for are Deandre and Jeremy!  The ones that I could like but I’m still on the fence about are Adam, Creighton, Eben, Heejun and Phillip.  I do not like Reed AT ALL.  His Willy Wonka audition turned me off so much.  I am also shocked by Chase just bc the little snippet of his first audition didn’t even sound good to me.

For the girls I am all in on Jen and Elise.  I love love love them. I am pleased with Erika, Hallie, Hollie, and Shannon making it.  I’m sad that Jessica Phillips didn’t make it.  Also I don’t even know who Chelsea, Haley, Jessica, and Skylar are yet.  Not good for their chances seeing as Baylie and Brielle have been featured already.

 I am shocked Johnny isn’t on this list.  He does seem a bit cocky,
however I think his voice, looks, and confidence should have at least
got him to top 24.  For the guys the two I am most excited for are
Deandre and Jeremy!  The ones that I could like but I’m still on the
fence about are Adam, Creighton, Eben, Heejun and Phillip.  I do not
like Reed AT ALL.  His Willy Wonka audition turned me off so much.  I am
also shocked by Chase just bc the little snippet of his first audition
didn’t even sound good to me.

For the girls I am all in on
Jen and Elise.  I love love love them. I am pleased with Erika, Hallie,
Hollie, and Shannon making it.  I’m sad that Jessica Phillips didn’t
make it.  Also I don’t even know who Chelsea, Haley, Jessica, and Skylar
are yet.  Not good for their chances seeing as Baylie and Brielle have
been featured already.

They showed Skylar’s audition. She was the girl who likes hunting and sang hell on heels. They actually showed a bit of her last night too, and I think she has a decent shot because people liked her audition. I would say chelsea and haley are definitely screwed though, and also Brielle maybe because although we saw her she came off kind of like a bitch.

Hallie, Hollie, and Haley will keep us on our toes.

Yeah, I just realized today that their names were so similar.  If all three of them make the Top 12/13/whatever (or worse, all go on the tour,) the audience is going to have a field day keeping them straight.

Erika has the talent, look, and experience to win Idol 11

Listening to some very good female singers and seeing that we’ve hardly seen some on the show, 

those of us who really like a certain type of skill over what fits a pop idol are going to need to vote like crazy after listening to this stuff on the web (but I’m sure they’re fighting to take the songs down for that reason)

Not being familar with some of these talented singers will put them at a distinct disadvantage, especially if they’re shepparded into singing songs that don’t let them have the impact that those the producers think make the most marketable commidities get.

WTF? These are the best 24 singers they could find this season?

By the way, isn’t AI a Top Ten show in African American households? I guess the numbers will decrease even more this season.

I guess I’ll watch The Voice this year instead of AI. The Brackensick kid looks like Justin Guarini’s long lost son.

You are very funny.

“Sea of Love” was a major hit for Phil Phillips.  Later, the song was used in the movie with the same name.  If he imoresses the judges and the viewing public like him, he could be a success.

I wish Scott Dangerfield had made the top 24. He was fantastic last season and I wish they had picked him over some of the others that made it.

First time in Idol History that their will not be a black female singer that is disgraceful and shameful and jessica sanchez is not black 18 out of 24 are white wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m still confused by this Top 24, and why in the world are TPTB pimping the likes of Phillip Phillips and Reed Grimm, when they could be pimping Jessica Sanchez. If they want a POP star a la Rihanna/Beyonce, she’s the best bet IMO. I really hope they show her this week. 

I was thinking the same thing.  Why hold out when there is hidden talent?  I don’t know if Nigel cares about the success of The Voice.  If he did, he would put the best out there.  Last Thursday was not a good show – no singing.  Let’s hope we will see some more of the TOP 24.

Who’s up for a game of conspiracy theories? I’ll go first. I am shocked to see people like Creighton and Reed in the Top 24, and talented individuals like Jessica Phillips out. The absence of black women is also a huge surprise; this will be the first time that has ever happened. I can’t help wondering if the producers did this on purpose so that people would lose interest in American Idol, and that would give them reason to cancel it after next season. I know Nigel sounds confident that it’s not going away anytime soon, but that could just be reverse psychology to get us to turn on him as well. (He does enjoy calling people “morons” on Twitter, after all.)  Even if does outlast my prediction, there’s no way it’s going to last another 10 years, as some are saying. The only two shows to run that long have been “Gun Smoke” and “The Simpsons.”

im with Colton Dixon all the way!

I agree with you prime.  I was impressed over what I saw of Ariel.  But it looks like she was passed over.  It could be there will be possibly 2-3 black males in the TOP 12.  However, there are several girls who seem the same.

lili_anne7, I was wondering the same thing.  The majority of viewers do not get on to forums.  If they want a female winner, maybe it’s not Jessica but Jen or Erika?

I agree with you prime.  I was impressed over what I saw of Ariel.  But it looks like she was passed over.  It could be there will be possibly 2-3 black males in the TOP 12.  However, there are several girls who seem the same.

lili_anne7, I was wondering the same thing.  The majority of viewers do not get on to forums.  If they want a female winner, maybe it’s not Jessica but Jen or Erika?

Well I like both Jen and Erika, but I would rather they show Jessica then say a Shannon or even Baylie for that matter, I don’t get those two. 

I just don’t understand why they choose to show some people, but completely ignore others that are in the Top 24. It just makes it unfair when it comes to the live shows, because some people will have had time to build a fan base, while others won’t have that advantage. 

I am so surprised I do not see Arielle’s name here, she was so good each time we have seen here.  I am so surprised with the female choices. I like the Mens top 12. But the womens group is surprising, granted all are very good but it is hard to tell some of these ladies apart, several are blonde and with similar voices and styles. I am amazed at the lack of diversity in this year’s choice ol the ladies.

WTF, why is Ariel not on this list ? She was fantastic last night, plus she’s super cute. But I guess AI isn’t looking for marketable people. Just look at the people they are pimping this year.

I’m disappointed too.   I think that she’s very marketable, so all I can think of is that she messed up her “sing for your life” performance.

Heh. Great minds think alike. I came here this morning looking to see if Ariel was here as well.

I’m not too upset because we only heard her sing once, for all we know she’s not as good ad the others when you hear more stuff.

I am disappointed that I don’t see Neco however. I do feel relived to see Joshua. Interested in Chase, I don’t remember much about him.

I have to say overall this Top 24 looks pretty strong. I remember a lot of these people favorably. Almost all my favorite girls are on here.

Jessica is Filipino

Actually we heard her sing twice, in Vegas and during the group rounds. Both times she was great, so I guess she might have messed up during her SFYL. Otherwise I honestly have no f***ing clue why she’s not on this list. 

It seems like the producers are pimping a few that we see quite often: Reed, Philip, HeeJun, Jen, and Skylar. This could change come next week: Maybe we see a few of the others but I do not even remember who Aaron Sanders is or if I would recognize Hallie or Haley….not sure if they have been shown at all except auditions.

She was on twice? I don’t remember her at all from group rounds! Thanks for the info. But I agree I did like what I do remember seeing, plus she’s as cute as a button! I hope we’ll get a clearer idea of what happened with her next week

Possibly you don’t remember Aaron Sanders b/c he is going by Aaron Marcellus this season. MJ may want to change the above list to avoid confusion.

Also, he hasn’t been given much airtime, not even his audition was shown, except for the full group performance last night. (he was with Jen Hirsh’s group at the very end)

She was in David Leathers Jr,  Eben, and Jeremy Rosado’s group. I believe they sang “Mercy”, and they all made it through.

Thanks Sabbia, you answered my question about Aaron Sanders.  As I was going through the group Vegas numbers and members carefully and found a Joshua Sanders and Aaron Marcellus and No Aaron Sanders. I was confused and thanks for answering that. I am so glad Aaron Marcellus made it as I like him a lot from what I have heard from him in group numbers.  I could not figure out who Aaron Sanders was. 

I am disappointed not to see Neco on this list. I will be curious to see if the viewers get to his last performance and Ariel’s too to see if it was weaker or not so good and therefore, they did not make it based on how their competitors did. 

I know finally have them all figured out to match names with faces except Hallie and Haley, I still get them mixed up.  There are sure a lot of blonde girls and hard to keep them straight. Jessica, Jen, and Skylar and Chelse I remember because they are not blondes, I think the rest are. That might confuse the Tv audience as well. I guess it depends if they give great performances in the semi finals and the judges give a rave review to some of them over others. 

First time in Idol History that their will not be a black female singer that is disgraceful and shameful and jessica sanchez is not black 18 out of 24 are white wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     

I would gladly trade Brielle for Candice.  That girl can sing!  But they wouldn’t even let her get into the TOP 42?  I also thought Ariel was full of energy and talent.  There are just too many blondes in this line-up. (I am a blonde.)

I think this is the third time I have agrred with you on this issue.  I am also thinking back to the TOP 4 in Season 10.   Hmmmm…

They didn’t show a single black female that sang consistently well.  There must be some out there.  They seem to have their token everything else. (Asian/clown, screamer, gay guy, Hispanic, country guy & girl, youngen, blondes, goofball, etc.)  Well, so far I’m sticking with the formula that worked 1st season…white non-blonde girl that can sing…Jen!

Who’s the gay guy? None of them come off as gay to me.

That would be Creighton…and he can sing!

 Reed and creighton.

I’m amazed at how accurate this list was, I wasn’t sure because I thought some  would make it through that didn’t.

So far, I’m very impressed with Jen Hirsh, and I like Colton Dixon also. 

Sorry, I don’t see it. But I do find them both entertaining in their own way. (Rickey of Rickey.org suggested it might be Deandre, but I highly doubt that.)

Let’s see, if I had to pick the Top 13 now (and I’m sure it will be 13 again), I would want, based on everything I’ve heard: Elise, Erika, Hallie, Jessica, Jen, Skylar, Colton, Deandre, Heejun, Jeremy, Joshua, Phillip, and either Creighton or Reed for good measure (I don’t think there’s room for both).
Shannon has no distinct personality. Baylie was a little off last time I heard her. Haley is too bland of a blond and pales next to the others. Adam looks and sounds too much like Danny Gokey, and I’d rather not listen to all the bloggers complain about bad memories. Aaron doesn’t excite or intrigue me the way a reality contestant should. Eben is cute in a teddy bear sort of way, but he doesn’t quite seem ready and mature enough for this business. I don’t know enough about Chase or Chelsea to attach myself to either of them. And there’s no way I want Brielle in the finals if her obnoxious stage mom is going with her. (I’ll play along with the mean Idol editors and pretend Hollie doesn’t exist.)

http://www.bostonswing.com/musicians/vocalists/erika-van-pelt/

if you want to see some really awesome vocal performances, here is a link to ERIKA VAN PELT singing with Boston Swing.  After hearing this, some of you might change your minds as to who your favorite contestent is…

my hoped for top girls 

Elise, Erika, Jessica, Skylar, Haley.

I picked all the girls that didn’t come across to me as generic power vocal girl but rather a nice or unique tone.

my hoped for top guys 

DeAndre (his falsetto is crazy), Reed(very interesting tone, doesn’t seemed very forced + hes got character), Heejun(very nice tone + hes got character), Joshua & Aaron (something about these two’s vocals were just on another level compared to alot of other black guys who auditioned with the same soul/r&B style.) I always thought aaron should have made last season…

wildcards

Jen, Creighton, Eben, Adam

I’m beginning to like Phillip Phillips more and more and Jen Hirsh less and less at the moment… 
i guess its cos Phillips tone works if he doesn’t push his voice too much and Jen’s lost alot of her quirkiness and her vocals like she did in her season 9 audition… i don’t like her ott singing atm.

Finally, the underrated Haley Johnson was shown! I hope the lack of screen time won’t hurt her chances. She’s got a couple of recorded covers on YouTube, and I find her voice refreshing. Hopefully she’s the Katelyn Epperly who will miraculously make it to the top 12.

I think definitely the females are much stronger this season, I can’t imagine who will be cut before the top 13. I personally like Elise, Jen, Haley, Jessica and Erika the best, but I still like all the other girls and feel a few of them (Chelsea, Brielle) haven’t really gotten a fair edit, if one at all. I know everyones like “OMG WHERES HOLLIE” but am I the only one that foresees a massive pimpage during the top 24, a la Pia Toscano?

As for the guys; Phillip, Eben, Colton, Reed and Heejun are pretty much shoo ins. The first three will get the girly vote while the latter two have good personalities.
I would imagine that the few contestants that really have to stand out in order to survive will be:
Aaron, Joshua and Chase (Not much airtime)
Brielle, Chelsea, Haley (Lack of airtime and Brielle’s stage mom edit)

Same I have no idea for females. on one hand i really like some and the other ones are big fan favourites so im conflicted as to whos actually going to make it. 
im hoping for some underdogs. fingers crossed for Haley Johnson & Skylar Laine. Agree with you on the boys…don’t mind Phillip Phillips or Eben… ive grown to like them more… colton is a bit meh for me. I’d rather at least one of aaron or joshua though. Heejun and Reed are probably my two favourite guys that have actually gotten a decent edit. Based on their talent not their  personalities… but that’s a bonus.

I know, this is a three week old post, but after finally catching up to last weeks and this weeks version of Idol, (I was out of pocket for awhile), I wanted to speak up. My Goodness, 9 out of 24 of these contestants are from Pittsburgh. Go my hometown.  Female Favs Hallie Day, Jessica Sanchez, and Skylar Laine,   Male favs: Joshua Ledet, Eben, Heejun. 
From a first glance perspective:
Wishing all Idol hopefuls the best of luck, but rooting (last 2 standing) for Hallie Day (beautiful soulful voice) and Joshua Ledet (this boy can sing).
I do not see the appeal of Reed Grimm, Phillip Phillips or Colton Dixon, Chelsea, Hollie C, and Brielle (mom gotta go, hello Mr Archuleta, let your child swim or sink on their own) they are everyday singers to me. Something is lacking to me with these contestants, not sure what. Seems just good voices, but no connection to the music.

So I guess “Phil Phillips” is taken. He has to go back to Phillip Phillips Jr. before he records his album  
I had to look him up on You Tube and realized that the version I know is not by Mr. Phillips, but by none other than Robert Plant. Gasping for air.

I’ve made my top 24 list yesterday and it just matched this list except for 1 guy and 1 girl. Eben and Brielle. (mine have David Leathers and Lauren Gray) Eben somehow just too weak for me. He has great voice but no power at all (if you compare him with Elise and Reed in Vegas performance you could see the obvious difference). And Brielle over Lauren Gray?? seriously?? Anyone can tell that they put Brielle through to cut her off later because now she has her mommy curse on her forehead and no one’s gonna vote for her.

I’m not surprise that there’s no black girl here this year because Black Diva with big voice is not mainstream and marketable nowaday, but 7 blondes???

How about leaving race out of it and just picking the top 24 singers? Many of these comments are about what race the singers are…With all the whining about poor race relations, here people are watching American Idol with their eyes open and their ears shut…Don’t call others racist if all you do is sit around and look at what color everyone is…Don’t be a hypocrite!

i don’t think I’ve worked out completely who’s who in this top 24 yet. But was watching the other day with my husband (who is not a huge Idol fan), he saw Skylar Laine’s solo, only words were, she’s awful!!! I must admit I agree, much preferred that other country girl (with the young daughter), much nicer tone. He was impressed with Creighton though. so don’t like Skylar so much, or Brielle, or Hallie Day from the bits I’ve seen. Liked Jen Hirsch but thought she was getting a bit too close to screaming a few times. Eben is just too young (but was watching the Las Vegas show with 15 9 and 10yo girls, and they all thought he was cute, and likened him to JB).
Don’t particularly like Adam Brock, looks too old and boring, Reed is just weird, don’t like watching him. Colton is OK, phil Philips seems nice, but terrible singer. love Heejun, good voice and great personality. Joshua, great voice.

Why are black girls automatically characterized as “black divas with big voices” ? Ariel is not even that type of singer, and if Idol was looking for someone marketable and mainstream, they should have picked her. 

No one is going to convince me that Brielle is a better singer than Ariel, cause from what I’ve seen, she’s not. Even Candice was a better singer than some of the girls on that list.

I didn’t get a chance to comment on last Thursday’s episode but wanted to add a few thoughts based on the spoilers here.

I really don’t understand why Candice was cut. I thought she outperformed Jessica Sanchez in that group number. Jessica has a great instrument but based on that one performance (which may not be a fair way to judge), she needs to develop some finesse and she needs to learn that she doesn’t need to power-Beyonce her way through ever song. I hope she grows in the competition because she’s got one heck of a voice. 

I wish we’d seen more of Chelsea Sorrell. She sounded GREAT in her short clip. She outsang Baylie Brown in the same song by a big margin too. I’m suspecting Baylie Brown’s getting relatively more face time because she’s gorgeous and she had a prior deal in the Universal Nashville group. But I haven’t been impressed by Baylie’s performances since her audition. I’d rank Skyler Laine ahead of Baylie in terms of raw potential too but Skyler’s hit or miss with her performances. She’s got a lot of raw talent. 

Haley Johnson has a beautiful tone to her voice, nice to finally see her. Erika is wonderful, probably the most consistently great female singer/performer this season based on what they’ve shown. She and Chelsea are probably my favorite voices so far this season. I’m really liking Elise too. Lauren’s got such an Amy Winehouse thing going on in her voice, I’m sorry she didn’t make it but maybe she got crowded out by others in the same lane. 

I don’t get Brielle Von Hugel making the t24 – didn’t think she was great last year and I haven’t heard anything great from her this year either. 

It is hard to project a strong head voice and I thought Deandre did a great job last week with his. He’s got a surprisingly supple voice and he’s marketable to a stupid degree. Liking him a lot. Joshua Ledet’s killed it every time they’ve shown him. Aaron Marcellus has great musicality, though I do want him to tone down the oversinging. Maybe he feels like he needs to do it to finally make t24 this time (which it appears he has).

Heejun has a beautiful cry in his voice but he needs to work on projection. I’m starting to wonder if he can deliver an uptempo song solo but he’s got some raw talent that I hope gets developed during the show. I appreciate that Philip Phillips generally stays in tune but I have a feeling I’m going to find him easier to take in a group than as a solo performer. 

I wasn’t impressed by Chase’s voice at all when we saw him – his voice seems thin and I didn’t hear anything interesting in his phrasing. I don’t like Adam Brock’s vocal stylings for the same reason I didn’t like Danny Gokey’s vocal stylings (overexuberant phrasing, too little vocal restraint) and I preferred Danny’s vocal tone. 

I’m still wondering what the dynamics of this t24 group will be. There’s definitely some strong talent there but there are a couple of musical lanes that are stuffed with the best talent (especially the bluesy soulful gals) which will make it harder to stand out. 

But look at the charts: Beyonce and Rihanna and so on…..I am thinking RB women do very well with selling their music.

I agree!  Look at Beyonce and Rihanna doing so well with hit after hit on the charts.  I thought Idol would want this too in a contestant .  Instead, lately it seems Idol wants another Bieber or Taylor Swift rather than another Beyonce or Rihanna, that is what is confusing for me.

It’s just stereotype for me, and I think for many people. When you talk about black girl as a singer you automatically think about them singing divas, soul, R&B, jazz or blues, not pop (which is true). But I do like Ariel too. I think she’s not too R&B and she’s young. Top 12 girls are sounded and looked way too old-fashioned and lack of brightness and youthfulness for me (If you tell me that Shannon, Jessica or Brielle are in their 20s I might believe you).

All of my friends who watch the show think that Eben’s gonna end up being the next Justin Bieber (weak voice, everyone hates him except for crazy teenage girls) which is not OK. Please Idol, he’s only 15, he has 13 more years to grow and audition again. Please don’t crush his dream right now.