American Idol 9 Top 8 Guys – Power List (Plus, My AOL Recap)

Agree with that line up, but might switch out Tim and Aaron. I don’t get the Aaron appeal at all.

Andrew said he had something up his sleeve for tonight. I hope so.

I pretty much agree with everything you said, but Michael Lynche? I sort of think that he peaked last week, and wasn’t even that good. It’s just that when almost everyone else is underperforming it makes him look better.

1. Lee
2. Alex
3. Michael
4. Andrew
5. Aaron
6. Tim
7. Casey
8. Todrick

I am hoping that Alex gives another performance like last week. I am hoping Todrick does well also, I thought the judges have been too harsh with him, singing a Kelly Clarkson song always seems to be a mistake for every contestant no matter how they sound. Aaron’s song choice was just awful last week, hopefully he picks something better this week. If Alex and Todrick both make the top 12 I will be happy.

1. Alex
2. Lee
3. Andrew
4. Casey
5. Aaron
6. Michael
7. Tim
8. Todrick

I can get behind your ranking. I hope Alex does well tonight. I really want him to make Top 12 and prove more than a one week wonder. He’s got the talent if he can just get everything else together. I’m hoping last week’s performance and judges comments have given him a bit of a boost in the confidence department.

Wonder who is going to get the pimp spot. I assume Big Mike.

I don’t think Alex is THAT safe.

1. Casey – At this point, one of the few shoo-ins to the top 12. Kara loves him and so does a lot of America apparently >_>. Including me .
2. Michael – Likable, backstory, and last week he was really strong. I think he’s a lock. I think Casey and Michael are the ONLY locks for top 12.
3. Alex – Easily the best performance last week, but I still have a feeling people will remember his first performance and that he still might have nerves to get over. But he is one of my favorites along with Casey and Aaron, so I hope he’s safe.
4. Aaron – I actually think he has more of the tween votes than Tim, maybe even Alex since he’s younger and I’d think he has a younger appeal. He’s one of my faves, though I do worry about him being criticized like Katie. They both seem inexperienced. But I really like Aaron’s voice.
5. Andrew – This is kinda lower than I originally thought, and I’m kinda surprised, but he has not delivered since Straight Up. I have a feeling people are already going to get tired of him. I kinda am, though I still look forward to seeing something from him. If he does decently this week, I’d say he’s a lock. If he doesn’t get love from the judges again, I have a bad feeling that he’s going.
6. Lee – He’s pretty awkward and pitchy, though he does have potential to be a dark horse. Like Andrew, this is also lower than I imagined him. Like Alex and Aaron, I have a feeling he won’t get over the awkwardness. For God’s sake, wear a belt, it was pretty awkward last week to see you grabbing your pants every so often.
7. Todrick – He’s unique, but I have a feeling his cockiness and his suckiness combined will get the better of him. And, tbh, I hope it does and that he fails. He’s not very likable at all, he doesn’t seem fun….
8. Tim – He did better last week than the week before, but have a bad feeling about him this week. I’d rather he stay over Todrick, but I think he has less of a chance, and yeah, he is kinda a bigger threat to Alex and Aaron who I like…..

I can see myself investing in Aaron, Casey, and Alex. The other 3 except Todrick and Tim are just okay to me.

“1. Alex Lambert ”

Oh no, don’t jinx Alex like that! I think he might survive this week if he doesn’t attempt to move on the stage and picks the right song. I love his voice and even bought his iTunes download last week, but there are a lot of key elements missing. If this were “Potential Idol” or “Nice Vocal Tone Idol” he would be golden.

I think Lee, Andrew, Casey and Michael are locks for the Top 12 unless one of them does a Paige impersonation tonight. If the votes show that Paige is leaving, I wouldn’t be surprised if the judges suddenly become fans of Todrick and try to keep him in. Or does munchkin-gate trump diversity?

If TPTB do try to save Todrick, I think the final spot might come down to how Alex’s nerves are vs. how tight Tim’s t-shirt is.

1.Alex-easily the best after last week
2.Lee-but has to choose a decent song to stay at # 2.
3.Andrew-Shocking to me that I have him at three. Would not be this high any other year.
4.Michael-have never been impressed with his singing. Don’t think his personality can carry him much farther.
5.Tim–I don’t dislike him and I really dislike the next three
6.Todrick-Ellen’s advice that he keep dancing was good cause I don’t think he has a great voice (or great arranging skills) and he needs the combination to stay.
7.Aaron-
8.Casey-I am hoping if I put him here he will be gone. I don’t think musically he has anything to offer.

How do you even rank this crew? Is ugh a number?

Is ugh a number?

Lol. I tried to do a ranking but when I realized that I didn’t even really like the person I had at #2, I just gave up. Although, the girls were so dreary last night, maybe the guys will somehow manage to top them this week. The bar is reaaaallly low.

1.
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7. Tim, Casey, Aaron, Alex, Lee, Andrew, Michael
8. Todrick

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5.
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7. Tim, Casey, Aaron, Alex, Lee, Andrew, Michael
8. Todrick

Oh, dear.

Hilarious.

I sound like an Idol fogey here, but I’m already almost ready to write off this year’s slate of guys.

Where some previous outstanding guys were in a similar place at the competition:

Bo Bice had already laid down “Whipping Post” (in Top 20)
Cook did “Hello” (Top 16)
Daughtry “Haemorrhage” (Top 16)
Adam did his “Black or White” (Top 13, nearest equivalent since it was the first post group round)
Archie’s “Imagine” (Top 20) and so on

That sort of intensity and come out swinging attitude is just not there yet in even the better dude performances this year.

I really like Alex’s lovely John Legend cover, but Andrew and Casey’s work has been merely solid (to me) without being exceptional at all.

Lee I rate lower then many of you. He seems like a guy whose voice has potential, but actual performances are vocally all over the place, and sort of slumps on the stage. I have low hopes for his song selections after the Hinder.

Michael is “nice guy” fodder a la Sarver, Tim is “cute guy” fodder with no hope of getting better, Aaron is “cute teen”–any of them might hang around for a while but they’re doing nothing to make me expect anything very good.

Todrick is a Munchkin-robbing, song mangling spoiler.

Kris’ trajectory last year does give me a little hope, as he swam along like a little submarine until he really broke through.

C’mon guys –suprise me!!!! Bring it!!

I’m excited to see the guys perform tonight, even though not that many in the group of guys have stood out to me that much.

I would like to see Tim Urban go to the top 12 though. From him I get a sense that he knows who he is as an artist (or who he’d like to become anyway), and his attitude about the judges criticisms is an important one to have in this competition.
I really see room for improvement and potential in him. Also, his voice is definitely easy on the ears when he’s not trying to hit high notes that he can’t reach.
Though I understand a lot of his votes are coming from those that find him good looking, I think he’s more than just a pretty face. So I’m hoping he can surprise some tonight, since he’s one that keeps me wanting to watch the guys.

I also think that Andrew Garcia seems to know who he is though, so I’m really hoping he can get it together tonight. He’s shown everyone what he’s capable of in Hollywood week. So I hope he sticks around.

I like Alex Lambert. I’m kind of curious to see how he’ll do this week. He’s definitely one that keeps me wanting to watch the guys. He has an interesting voice, and I like it a lot.

With Michael Lynche, I don’t get it that much. I kind of like him, but then I kind of don’t care to see him perform. He’s good, but then I get nothing from him. Maybe he’ll surprise me though.

I’m not crazy about Casey James. He’s decent, but I’m not much of a fan yet.

I’m not sure about Lee Dewyze. He reminds me of David Cook somewhat, but not as good. I never watched Season 7, but I saw some past David Cook performances from idol. Maybe Lee doesn’t have as much experience as David did though? I’m not sure on all that. I do kind of think Lee deserves to stay though.

I agree with what mj mentioned above about Aaron Kelly not being ready.
He has a good voice, but I don’t know about him yet. I wouldn’t mind seeing him go, even though he’s not that bad. I just don’t see him getting far, since I think a year or more could help.

Todrick Hall is another I wouldn’t mind seeing go. Maybe he’ll surprise me, but I doubt it. I kind of liked his audition though. So maybe if he sticks to something with a simple melody he’ll have a shot? I’m not sure though. I don’t know if I can see him getting very far.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.
Overall, I’m really hoping Tim makes it to the top 12. Him, Alex, and Andrew are 3 that I want to see there.
Oddly enough I think I was hoping Luke Shaffer was called back instead of Tim at first. But now I actually think it was a good decision for the judges to call back Tim out of any of the guys. I’m hoping he does well in the competition, since I really do see something in him.

ETA: Oh, when I was mentioning my thoughts on all of the guys I was doing so in no particular order really.

I hope Alex Lambert has another great night tonight. A surprising favorite of mine now.

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5.
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7. Tim, Casey, Aaron, Alex, Lee, Andrew, Michael
8. Todrick

LMAO! We have a winner!

Bo Bice had already laid down “Whipping Post” (in Top 20)
Cook did “Hello” (Top 16)
Daughtry “Haemorrhage” (Top 16)
Adam did his “Black or White” (Top 13, nearest equivalent since it was the first post group round)
Archie’s “Imagine” (Top 20) and so on

That sort of intensity and come out swinging attitude is just not there yet in even the better dude performances this year.

Well to be fair, top 16 is tonight so there is hope. But you are right, NO ONE has given a real buzzworthy performance yet except maybe Alex. And that can’t be good.

Please someone, anyone, bring it tonight. I’ll even take my “moment” from Tim I’m so desperate.

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7. Tim, Casey, Aaron, Alex, Lee, Andrew, Michael
8. Todrick

Oh, dear.

Hilarious.

And sadly true.

1. Alex is my favorite. There, I said it, lol. Hope he can make it in the top 12. I looked Alex up on the internet and found casual pictures of him where he looks really athletic, muscular (shirtless), cute, and relaxed. I’m beginning to wonder if he has purposely come on the show with a bit of a nerdy look and a lot of nervousness with a plan to then magically “transform” as the show goes along to who he really is.

Nah….I’m over-thinking this, lol.

Anyway……….
2. Lee
3. Michael
4. Aaron
5. Andrew
6. Casey
7. Todrick
8. Tim

Of course this order could drastically change by 10 pm EST.

Mine are Alex first, Lee 2, Michael 3, casey 4, Andrew 5, Aaron 6, Tim 7, and Todrick last.

I don’t think Aaron is splitting as much of the tween vote as others may think. Yeah, he’s cute, awkward, etc but he’s also a country singer based on pre-idol performances that I’ve seen. AI has never had a male country singer win the competition. Sooo, I think the country fans will rally around him UNLESS Casey would be willing to show that he wants to go the country route instead of the rocker he’s portraying now.

8. Todrick Hall – Todrick has made the same mistakes two weeks running–he re-arranges songs, badly and then proceeds to sing them, horribly. It’s hard to imagine he’s going to change that winning formula.

I’m guessing maybe Todrick has been changing everything he does so much to mask the fact that he can’t sing well enough to perform a song straight without making his inabilities clearly obvious. Since the judges all but ordered him to sing something as written tonight, we’ll probably know for sure after his performance. That is unless he feels he can’t afford to take their advice. In any event, I agree he probably needs to have his bags packed.

Kris’ trajectory last year does give me a little hope, as he swam along like a little submarine until he really broke through.

Part of me sees one of the girls taking this route, rather then a guy. If she makes it this week I could see Katelyn possibly going this route. Or perhaps Didi. The only guy I could see having anything like a Kris trajectory is Alex.

That said:
1. Alex
2. Lee
3. Michael
4. Casey
5. Andrew
6. Aaron
7. Tim
8. Todrick

I do not like what Todrick has been doing at all. He needs to sing a song with only minor changes – don’t destroy every song every week just for the sake of doing it.

ETA: or what ilovekrisallen39 said on order

huckleberryfriend:
03/10/2010 at 1:35 pm
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7. Tim, Casey, Aaron, Alex, Lee, Andrew, Michael
8. Todrick

Bwahahahaha.

Mine is like this:

1) Alex – and I’m shocked about that
2) Casey – I fully admit it’s mostly because I think he’s hot
3) Big Mike – again fully admit it’s mostly personality here
4) Lee – good voice, sucky presentation, potential at least
5) no one
6) no one
7) Andrew & Tim – couldn’t care less about either one
LAST & LEAST – Todrick & Aaron – can they both go home please?

I also have a hard time ranking these guys since I haven’t consistently loved any of these guy’s performances. So here’s my crack at how I’m feeling about them right now:

Upper pool – Pen ready for number in case they inspire voting, mildly interested to see what they come up with, no need to keep the remote handy for an emergency mute: Michael, Casey

Lower pool – Pen set down but nearby, trepidatious about what they come up with, keeping the remote handy in case of the need for an emergency mute: Alex, Lee, Andrew

Ready for flushing – What pen? Remote armed and ready – Tim, Aaron, Todrick

Not to speak for MJ, but I don’t think her ranking reflects that she necessarily thinks Alex is assured to make Top 12. My interpretation is just that building from last week he has the most momentum at present. It’s up to him now to do something with that momentum, but it’s there. People are waiting to see what he’s going to do tonight more than some of the others.

I also can’t imagine he’d attempt to take the stage without some sort of instrument tonight. Not yet anyway. That’s for later in the game. Wonder if he has any plans on busting out the uke at some point, though of course that will entertain Castro comparisons.

It is harder for Alex and Aaron I think isn’t there usually only one teenage boy in the top 12 and often none like last year. A male under 23 has never won either I think. Really the guy winners have been quite seasoned and experienced compared to the younger female winners.

If Alex does as well this week as he did last, he will lock in the tween vote…he’s way cuter than Aaron, sings better than Tim and the comments on utube are all squealing with joy over him. Now if we can get him a haircut….

I wouldn’t call last night’s girls show a “suck fest” as for what we’ve seen this year at least half of them delivered decent performances or better.

I predict we will see Lee wearing progressively tighter pants as the weeks go on. AI stylists aren’t fond of the loose pants look. And his nervous habit of pulling them up is costing him votes.

The guys are difficult, because Alex is the only one I remotely care about (but I love his voice!). I’m totally crushing on him and it’s embarrassing because I’m in my 20s.

2nd tier is Andrew, Casey and Lee. I could like Andrew if he were a little more interesting. Casey is okay. I detest the songs that Lee has sung, and I think he’s really pitchy despite all the judges’ praise. I still want him to do Drive by The Cars. A few rock bands have covered it (Deftones, Collective Soul, The Killers), and I think with a really heavy edge on an unexpected song, he could be great. I can hear it in my head and it’s annoying me that I can’t play it, so he can stay until he does it lol.

Next is Michael. He has a nice voice, but he really is the epitome of good pub singer to me.

Last are Aaron, Tim and Todrick. Aaron has a decent voice but none of them appeal to me at ALL.

Alex should get credit for consistently making good song choices – likeable, contemporary songs that work for him. Even though he is one of the younger contestants, he has shown that he knows the type of artist he wants to be. His performance of “Wonderful World” was one of my favorites – I actually bought the itunes download. Maybe if he had sat on a stool to sing it, I wouldn’t be one of the few to think that. It seems like he just needs to figure out how he is going to stand and sing at the same time.

Okay, I’m starting to feel bad since I don’t actually hate these guys, and I do think some of them are interesting. I’ll stop being cranky and play:

Lock for Top 12: Casey, Big Mike, perhaps Lee
Not that they are all that great but in this crew, they are going to get voted through just because they have the most consistant performances and likeable personalities.

Bubble dwellers: Andrew, Alex
Both need to do well tonight or they are in danger. Will probably make it anyway unless all the bottom dwellers tank

Sudden Death Round/Bottom dwellers:
Tim, Todrick, Aaron – If they suck tonight they are leaving, unless all 3 suck in which case someone will get lucky.

If I had to pick a favorite from this bunch it would be Alex. I like Casey but his voice seems to be limited in what it can do. Todrick is not boring but he’s annoying as hell. I don’t get Lee at all. Andrew makes my eyes roll in the back of my head. Micheal is okay, but I don’t care about him when hes not right in front of me. Aaron seems like a real sweet kid who needs to go home already. Tim – shut up and get thee to Nickelodeon already.

I don’t think her ranking reflects that she necessarily thinks Alex is assured to make Top 12. My interpretation is just that building from last week he has the most momentum at present.

Exactly. I explain it in my post.

All this love for Alex?! To me, he’s the epitome of potential – he’s got loads of it. But I think he’s at least a year or more away from becoming a complete performer. Do folks really think someone can magically transform from a nervous, undeveloped kid into a ready-for-prime time star in just a couple of months on TV? The Idol contestants who have managed to carve out a decent to great career came on the show ready. Kelly, Carrie, Chris Daughtry, David Cook, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson – all prime examples. They benefitted greatly from the experience that Idol offered them, but musically they all came on the show way beyond where Alex is right now.

Maybe Idol wanted to sell a more drastic rags to riches story. Certainly this season has a much greater proportion of very undeveloped artists. Maybe Idol was counting on the sympathy strings that can make folks even more attached. It’s a gamble since its also turning folks off of the show in droves. But there is still the trainwreck draw, to see how bad this season is going to crash. Stay tuned!

All this love for Alex?! To me, he’s the epitome of potential – he’s got loads of it. But I think he’s at least a year or more away from becoming a complete performer. Do folks really think someone can magically transform from a nervous, undeveloped kid into a ready-for-prime time star in just a couple of months on TV?

I think people hope that! I think that the Idol producers have *always* hoped that, because if it happened it would make for great television!

However, as you say, I’ve seen no evidence throughout eight seasons that it can actually happen. Others here kind of disagree with that, though, I think.

(To me, even the very young ones who’ve gone far — like Jordin, Archie, and Paris — came in with huge amounts of practice, training, and even professional experience. While the one person that I’d say went far while having very little professional training and experience was Elliott, but even he accomplished it because, at age 27 with a lifetime dream of being a professional singer behind him, he’d still garnered a huge amount of singing practice by pretty much singing continually at home, in the stockroom on his dead-end jobs, etc., compared to the much younger non-professionals we seem to see in this group. … And even Elliott wasn’t considered prime-time-worthy by 19 and Sony when the show was over.)

I think people hope that! I think that the Idol producers have *always* hoped that, because if it happened it would make for great television!

I agree that TPTB are definitely pushing this storyline on Alex. He seems to be about as plucked from obscurity as they’ve ever had with the potential to make the finals (maybe Ramiele was similarly inexperienced?) No kiddie pageants or talent competitions, no high school theatre, no band, no demos, nothing! It’s a great story for now, and he will be ever so easy to sweep under the rug when the time comes with a simple, “You’re just not ready for this, honey.”

All this love for Alex?! To me, he’s the epitome of potential – he’s got loads of it. Do folks really think someone can magically transform from a nervous, undeveloped kid into a ready-for-prime time star in just a couple of months on TV?

I don’t think he has any real chance of winning, but he’s still my favorite guy and I hope he sticks around for as long as possible. I think he has the best male voice by far even if he’s very inexperienced and doesn’t use its full potential. Performance is something that can be learned with practice, you can’t learn the tone Alex has.

Big Mike is a good singer, but he’s definitely not a star.

Well how great it would be if Alex just at least got into the top 10… a summer long concert tour with all those people might be just what he needs.

Speaking of a summer long tour, anyone else thinking this gamble with undeveloped kids could mean a greatly scaled down tour? I just can’t imagine arena-type crowds turning out for any of these kids, even frontrunner Crystal Bowersox. The whole vibe this year anyway is much more chill than other seasons so smaller venues just seem more appropriate to me. I keep on envisioning a joint tour with SYTYCD (whose fall dancers did not have a chance to tour) could boost the excitement and attendance for both shows. That would be enough to make me show up.

I can’t get into Lee at all. He’s a Cook wannabe and I been there done that a million thousand times better with Cookie. Lee has nothing special.

Big Mike’s got the Big Mike thing going. Nothing special as a performer.

Casey has potential and he looks like the love child of Bucky and Ace. And he sings better than both of them. Heh.

Andrew has to live up the expectations. Bottom line. Be special again.

Todrick has tons of charisma but maybe not the singing to back it up.

The Little Boys – loved Alex last week, Aaron might could be the Boy Taylor Swift, Tim I got nothin’.

And none of this matters ’cause ain’t none of them gonna win.

I also don’t think Alex will win, but he is my favorite of the guys based on his voice alone and I’m with DLee in that I would like to see him make tour because that kind of experience is exactly what he needs.

And if we’re talking about people coming onto Idol green, has anybody ever won with that little experience? No. But look at someone like Castro who while he petered out towards the end of his Idol run, he made it to 4th on just about as little experience as Alex has. Through which he got to go on tour, work on his performing chops and is now signed with a major label. He might not be on Carrie or Daughtry levels of fame, but I think if somebody has natural talent and potential they can get it together pretty quickly.

Though it probably explains why Alex has said in interviews that the ex-Idol he most relates to is Jason. Though he probably shouldn’t say that in front of Simon. LOL.

Aw, I like Alex, too. I have a soft spot for that guy. I don’t know if he can get all polished up by the end of the season but the tour would be great for him too if he can get that far. I’m still waiting for one of these guys to really reach out and grab me. Alex and his shyness and his eyelashes (heh, he looks like a little baby deer to me – I’m too old to think of them any other way) are just darling.

Hmm, but my rankings right now. I think they are pretty much the same as MJ’s.

1. Alex Lambert – and that may change after tonight if he goes back in the tank. But everyone I talked to was totally charmed by him last week, and I even bought his performance and it sounds great.
2. Big Mike – I’ll give him #2 after last week because I thought he was pretty darn good. And he was adorable jamming along with the girls the next night. Heh. I don’t know if he’s a *star* but we’ll see how things go for him. He’s charming with a good voice, I’ll take it for now.
3. Casey James – I’ll stick him above Andrew because my mother and sister keep calling me and telling me how hot he is, and they can’t possibly be alone. Plus he can play a mean guitar. I find him a bit… blank? I’d like to see a little more personality from him.
4. Andrew Garcia – Andrew was my early favorite – let’s see if he can get back his mojo, because he’s just been meh the past couple weeks.
5. Lee Dewyze – I think he has potential but he’s so pitchy and awkward, he just doesn’t seem ready. If he gets it together tonight he could rocket right up towards the top. I hear a lot of “he’s like David Cook” but if he is at least to me he’s David without the charisma or range. Heh. Then again, I’m *hardly* unbiased. Purty eyes, though.
6. Aaron Kelly – I don’t think he’s ready, either. He’s a bit wobbly vocally and just not much personality. Cute kid, though.
7. Tim Urban – Aw, the puppy. The puppy just is not a very fabulous singer. Well, that’s being kind. He has no range. Cute, though. Could see him in a Gap commercial
8. Todrick Hall – Poor guy just can’t do right. And he doesn’t have the personality to make up for it. I don’t think he can afford another bad night.

Beyond my two favorites, Lee and Casey, I don’t much care. Lee is my favorite, by far.

I’d probably put Alex, Big Mike, and maybe Andrew into a second tier.

I’d definitely put Tim, Todrick, and Aaron in the bottom group.

Overall, the guys just don’t seem that interesting this season.

I’m noticing a pattern here. The majority here have Alex, Mike, Lee, Andrew and Casey in their top 5, although the order within that ranking varies significantly. Looks likely that these five will be in the Top 10 and the tour, barring any major fail.

I know there are pics of Tim Urban shirtless but he has got to go. He really doesn’t sing very well. :/ Personally I don’t find him very cute either. But that’s me. Mike Lynche, Casey, Andrew, and Alex are definitely in the Top 12.

I think that Tim, Aaron and Alex all appeal to the same demographic – the tweens who vote in such great numbers. I don’t see all three of them getting into the finals. Alex does have momentum after last week’s performance of John Legend. Aaron doesn’t seem ready yet. I think Tim should have gone home already.

Unfortunately, with the way this show works, Tim will probably get through to the finals. Todrick should go home this week for sure.

Michael would be right near the top of my list after his great James Brown cover last week. I like Andrew, but he really needs to step it up tonight. Lee is another favorite of mine. I usually don’t like soft rock voices like his, but the guy’s got something. I am just not liking Casey. To me he seems like this season’s Ace young. But I think he will get through unless he truly does something horrible.

The bottom line for me is that either Todrick, Aaron or Tim can go.

Any song spoilers out there?

I feel SOOOOOOOOO bad!!!! I was exhausted last bight an forgot to vote for didi!!! I hope she makes it!!!

My FAVORITES-(not people I think will stay)
I don’t love any of these
but
1.Michael Lynche-sweet
2.Aaron Kelly-good voice
3.Tim Urban-HOT
4.Andrew Garcia- good
5.Alex Lambert-ok,mullet ;(
6.Todrick Hall-tries …
7.Lee DeWyze-Ew
8.Casey James-EWWWWWWWW
4.

Maybe the AI folks are trying to cut down on the Tour thing with all these kids, no one is going to take the stage and be stars as in the last 3 or 4 years, so they can go with a smaller venue and save money. There is no one I am even interested in seeing except for one. Unless they change a whole lot at the Top Ten or 12 or what ever goes on tour. JMO

I hope everyone is pleasantly surprised tonight and some of these guys blow us away!!

Alex can pull away from the rest of the guys if he sings Use somebody by kings of leon..his voice is suited for it.

What I’m most curious about is whether or not TPTB are going to throw roadblocks up (by limiting song selection, etc.) to keep *any* of the guys from having a “moment” tonight, because the chicks as a whole are incredibly underwhelming, but they’re hellbent on having a girl win. Crystal has a bullseye on her back now (Thank you, Simon Cowell.) and Siobhan (whom I LOVE) is so strange, I just don’t think middle America will go for her. None of the others has genuine star potential IMHO.

Alex and Bucky Casey are both great looking and have musical strengths (Alex vocally; Casey as a longtime musician). They both have some nebbishy charm as well. Tim may look good with his shirt off, but he is a terrible singer. Lee, I just don’t get. He’s duller than dishwater and reminds me not one bit of Cook or Daughtry, aside from his slotted “genre.” I really hope Andrew gets it together tonight because he was one of my favorites coming into the semis, and he’s been pretty disappointing. And shoot me but I kinda hope Todrick makes it because I find him pretty entertaining. Big Mike is a sure bet, I think, no? Who does that leave? Aaron? I actually kind of like that kid. He’s sweet.

Seriously, tonight is really the perfect time for a “game-changer” performance. Will any guy get the chance to do that?

Alex can pull away from the rest of the guys if he sings Use somebody by kings of leon..his voice is suited for it.

Please, please, please let the mullet be gone.

I feel SOOOOOOOOO bad!!!! I was exhausted last bight an forgot to vote for didi!!! I hope she makes it!!!

Me too! Well, actually I got home too late to vote, but I was happy to see she was amazing. I hope people voted for her…

My rankings (based on personal preference, not who I think will make top 12):

Favorite (even though I’d rank him like 4th or 5th behind my favorite girls!): Alex

Tied for 2nd (they have the potential to interest me but so far haven’t been that good): Lee & Toddrick

4th: Tim (hey, the boys as a group are a bust anyway, so why not have some eyecandy and entertaining trainwreck potential?)

Tied for 5th: Casey, Michael, Andrew (solid, if mediocre talents, all of them, but kinda boring so far.)

Last: Aaron (sweet kid, not a horrible singer, but absolutely nothing appealing IMO about his singing or performances)

Really? Alex at #1? Boy, this really is a weak boys field. I felt he was over-praised last week – sure, he did WAY better than the previous week, but when the bar was set so low, IDK – he’s a sweet kid, but I’m not ready to simply reward just because people happened to exceed low expectations (looking at you, too, Tim Urban).

I mostly agree with MJ’s rankings except I would switch Lee Dewyze and Andrew Garcia. I would also switch Todd with Aaron Kelly I think Aaron came on the show too soon and I blame the judges for putting him through this year. Their need to have a girl win screwed a few of these guys that have talent but should not have been put through this year. IMHO

1. Andrew
2. Todrick
3. Casey
4. Aaron
5. Alex
6. Lee
7. Michael
8. Tim

Andrew is the only one I see myself buying an album from. don’t really care about anybody else.

Whoever suggested Use Somebody for Alex, I hope he doesn’t take your advice. That song would chew him up and spit him out. His voice doesn’t have the heft or urgency to tackle that song.

I don’t even feel the guys are worth ranking for me. One of the most pitiful bunches of a guys, and while some stronger than others, all exceptionally weak overall. Not a one gives me any inclination that they have star power. I dislike the guys so much I might not even bother watching them this evening… I might watch Modern Family instead and read the recaps on here.

While I am far from blown away by any girl or boy at this point, I think Lee has real potential. He is kind of Brooke White nervous though. If he can get past that, he will suprise you.

this is year is just awful! Especially compared to S7 (my fave) and S8. (ADAM! WHOO!)

Here’s to hoping that this doesn’t put me to sleep tonight!!

I agree with everything you’ve said, save for the comments on Lee DeWyze (who I think should be right behind Alex Lambert.) I think he’s by far the strongest voice in the competition (performance is another story). I do wonder if a lot of the negative response he’s been getting online comes for the fact that he mirrors David Cook, even down to the pitch problems (lest the viewer forget that Cook had more than his fair share of bum notes two years ago). Hopefully Lee can pull off a “Hello”-type moment tonight, and really mobilize a fanbase because based on his pure musical ability, he deserves to be in the Top 3.

I usually like and agree your rankings MJ, but Lee in 5th place? Come on!
I just wish Simon was a bit more subtle when praising him, pimping might be a turn off.

Now, Lee wins or not, I will buy his CDs, to me, he’s one of the most exiting contestants (vocally) since I started watching Idol!

Ranking: hope Aaron is going back to school this week. Nice kid, but boring performer, and the voice needs to mature (is that a verb?).

Overall ranking for next week on… I’m not sure they are ready for the Big stage… even my fav’ Lee. Only Todrick seems to be “at home” there… unfortunately the singing…

Truthfully these are the dullest group of guys since season 1, hell I miss Justin Guarini big time, right about now.

I am gonna toss a bone to Todrick. I don’t think he has a bad voice at all. I think that he was a little too smart for his own good. He knows that switching things up can bring a big reward, but he isn’t that kind of artist. If he had come straight up Neo-Soul, which is so in his wheelhouse, he would have been much better off. The likeability factor also is kicking his ass, but he can’t help that. It seems to be his story arc. I don’t think Casey is that good, Aaron is promising, but he makes Archie look like the best male in that age group the show has ever seen, well hell, that is Archie, lol. Aaron is so season 1, cute, but dispensable. Andrew and Lee are both neck and neck for me, even though I like Lee a bit more for some reason. Tim deserves no words from me because his mere continued presence is almost an insult, he’s one lucky sob. Big Mike pulled one out last week, if he continues on that road, he may make some noise, or maybe it was a fluke?

Performance order:
Aaron, Todrick, Tim, Andrew, Casey, Lee, Alex, Michael

I thought Alex had potential week 1 even with a deer-in-the-headlights performance. Last week he stepped it up. I remember during Hollywood he was hit or miss and I kind of hope he isn’t that way this week because he has a really cool voice. If he does another like last week he’s #1 but either way, he’s in the top 12 unless he throws up on stage from stage fright.

Andrew has it in him but he’s picking songs that (I think) are kind of obscure by Idol standards. The beauty of Straight Up was that it was widely known and totally changed up. I’m not sure his other song choices have been that recognizable. Still, he’s got a interesting tone and the sense of who he is as an artist.

Lee is the judges favorite but not mine by a long shot. He’s okay. He’s rock but he’s rocky (in the vocals) but like Lilly the judges seem to overlook that. He’s a contender for now but I think he’s got to settle down or he’ll loose the judges.

Casey – my favorite but I think the judges have cast him as eye candy for older women despite the fact that he takes his music seriously. I hope he comes out with something in his wheelhouse this week because I’d like him to stick around.

Michael -Cuddly big daddy with a smooth R&B voice. He’ll be around for a while.

Tim – Has my daughter and her cohort. I think he’ll make it to the top 12 probably over someone who sings better.

Todrick – at least has tried to do something different. If he pays attention to the judges, he’ll bring it down just enough to get it right. If not, he’s not long for the competition.

Aaron – unripe banana needs to go home and ripen.

Lee is the only one I remotely like. I think he has a lot of potential for growth if his confidence grows. I’d still never go to a concert of these people unless it was within 15 minutes of me, cheap, small venue so great seats. The show is still fun though for a reality type show – not talent show. (I want people to make top 12 and tour for silly emotional reasons not necessarily based on talent)

Most boring group of people ever!

I hope someone chooses a current song!

There is only Lee & Alex for me at this point or Alex & Lee.. love both their voices.

The girls are losing me quick.. Crystal, Siobahn, Katelyn & Lilly can stay.. don’t care about the others..But they need a transfusion STAT!

BTW check out Lee’s TWO albums on Amazon or Itunes they are very very good!

He is sorta train & Counting Crows like..

i couldn’t agree more with luvadamlabert! (although i really like Siobhan )

I hope someone chooses a current song!

That’s definitely been one of the bright spots for me about this season with the guys. We’ve heard James Morrison, John Legend, John Mayer, and even Kelly Clarkson, so choosing current songs is not a problem.

However, as we’ve seen in past seasons with Adam, David Cook and others, old songs can be made to sound current and interesting, and reinterpreting songs is the weakness of this group.

Alex, Lee, and Andrew are the only guys that are remotely interesting to me, so hopefully they each step up and secure their places tonight.

I’m not loving the guys at all. You could send any of them home and I wouldn’t be disapointed.

Ok… I just read this… not too keen on the boys, eh MJ? LOL Don’t blame you.

Im not too keen on the boys either but Lee is way ahead of the others IMO. Alex has a nice voice and I hope he gets his nerves under control but hes safe to the top 10 too. The rest of them really are just eh.
Toddrick needs to go home, I can barely look at his face…he turns my stomach with his poor attitude.
Thankfully it really doesnt matter what he does tonight he’s a gonner.

A lot of my friends love Alex so judging off of that he’ll definetly be in the top 12

By current.I would really love top 40.if they can do a decent “I gotta feeling” lol or something,then they’re gaurunteed to win this thingggDepending on who they are; for example I don’t wanna hear didi sing tik tok LOL

It’s the girls I’m not keen on. I really only like Didi and Siobhan a lot with Crystal and Lily a step lower. They’re the only ones I’d like in the top 12. I’m not sure of my order but my favorite guys are Andrew, Casey, Lee, Mike, and Alex. I’d like to see Tim and Aaron go home but doubt that will happen. I’m worried that one of my favorite guys will leave this week instead. I’d much rather sacrifice a couple of the girls.

I think placing the current players in tiers is probably appropriate at the this point.

Chance to make it to the Nokia finale–Lee, Alex, Andrew.

Interesting enough to keep around (hard to say that with this bunch)–Big Mike, Casey, Todrick (I think he may have potential).

Thank you for playing–Aaron and Tim

To be fair to these guys, I would not have picked either Kris Allen or David Cook as worthy winners at this stage of the game. I have a gut feeling that this year’s winner is going to be Siobhan and she is starting to look like my horse, though I like several of the girls. I just hope I manage to watch this year without emotional over-investment. The Melinda Doolittle loss and David Cook win almost killed me.

I just hope to hear some up-tempo numbers tonight. It felt like a funeral last night with that series of dirges.

Luv, after that group song abomination of “I’ve Gotta Feeling” last week, I pray that the contestants avoid the BEPs. Maybe Meet Me Halfway could work for Andrew?

SPOILERS FOR TONIGHT (from JOESPLACE)
http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2010/03/american-idol-top-16-guys-song-spoilers/

***the order is confirmed too***

SONG SPOILERS:

1 Lee – Fireflies by Owl City – really good, sounded great! Better LIVE than on tv!

2 Alex – Trouble by Lou M – great song choice, sounded sooo good LIVE

3 Tim – Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley – he’s an underdog, but this guy IMO is brilliant! BEST song he’s ever chosen, best he’s ever sounded

4 Andrew – Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera – not completely impressed by how he sang it during rehearsals, really clever song choice, but hope he sings it better during the show

5 Casey – You’ll Think of Me by Keith Urban – there’s a huge hype about him, and I think he’s better LIVE than on TV, probably his best song choice IMO but still not completely sold on him

6 Aaron – I’m Already There by Lonestar – love tihis kid, he was soooo good during rehearsals! Hope he makes it through to the top 12! Proably his best song choice!

7 Todrick – Somebody to Love by Queen – ummm, not that great IMO, it was really indulgent, but I hope he cleans it up for the show and performs better, not terrible, just not my taste..

8 Big Mike – This Woman’s Work – I was shocked when I heard this song choice! This could make or break him – but he was sensational! I think he did Maxwell proud!

2 Alex – Trouble by Lou M – great song choice, sounded sooo good LIVE

I’m assuming this means Ray LaMontagne? The kid definitely has a knack for picking songs that suit his tone.

I’m interested in what Lee does with Fireflies as well.

Taylor did Trouble in Season 5. I’m anxious to see what Alex can do with it. I think he will do well.

Tim singing Hallelujah?? Comparisons to Jason Castro might kill him.

Tim Urban, brilliant? Really? So far I’ve found him absolutely terrible. Hallelujah is such an intense song requiring a deep, confident, honest performance, something I’ve never heard Tim get even in the ballpark of. This should be interesting.

Lee doing Fireflies, I can’t picture, at all. Sure is light years from Hinder.

I don’t like Alex being in the #2 spot though. Dangerous ground.

Tim? Hallelujah? He doesn’t have the voice to pull that off. Also dangerous picking a song so closely associated with another Idol moment. Will just invite comparison. Granted I don’t expect Simon or Randy to namecheck Jason favorably, but not a good choice.

To be fair to these guys, I would not have picked either Kris Allen or David Cook as worthy winners at this stage of the game.

Really? I already had Kris ranked second after Adam at this point, and was fully onboard the Cookie train.

Finally, song spoilers! If these are true, it looks like the guys made more ballsy choices than the chicks (ha, pardon the pun.) Wonder if Lee can pull a Cook and make me look at a song I strenuously dislike in a new way. And wow, Tim Urban throwing down the Castro gauntlet, huh? Verrrrry interesting…. I double dogg dare Simon to namecheck J Cas in a positive way.

I was not planning on watching this live, but those song spoilers have peaked my interest. There could be train wrecks or water cooler moments.

Does Todrick performing near the end mean he’s getting the push towards the final 12?

Fireflies?! Are you freaking kidding me? I have developed a Pavlovian instinct to turn off this song immediately after months of overplay on my top 40 station. Well, at least it probably won’t sound like a Barney song when Lee does it. I hope.

Tim? Hallelujah? He doesn’t have the voice to pull that off. Also dangerous picking a song so closely associated with another Idol moment. Will just invite comparison. Granted I don’t expect Simon or Randy to namecheck Jason favorably, but not a good choice.

I don’t know, it seems like a smart choice to me. You can sing that song without hitting too many octaves or big notes. I’m sure he’ll go for the heartfelt Jason Castro version and lock up a large percentage of the “teen heartthrob” vote.

IMO he definitely does not have the soul or grit to sing like Jeff Buckley, but neither did Jason, and he made it work.

Fireflies? That song makes me want to pull my hair out. Lee singing this, and being first, might have the same effect Katie had last night singing “Breakaway”.

ICK.

I love Alex’s song choice, but am not sold on his ability to sell it. I’m probably not watching live and seeing the song listing isn’t make me want to run to the TV, but totally not surprised at Big Mike being last.

I don’t know about Tim doing Hallelujah. That was an “idol moment” for Jason Castro. It would be like one of the girls doing “Summertime”.

justshootme:
03/10/2010 at 7:55 pm
Fireflies?! Are you freaking kidding me? I have developed a Pavlovian instinct to turn off this song immediately after months of overplay on my top 40 station. Well, at least it probably won’t sound like a Barney song when Lee does it. I hope.

hold onto your seat.. here comes Vanilla Twilight and it is the sound alike cousin to Fireflies. My finger has acts like a homing device for the ‘radio station button’ when that song come on. I hope Lee can do something with it or I’m hitting the mute button.

Tim singing Hallelujah on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lgFar9o0DI

IMO he definitely does not have the soul or grit to sing like Jeff Buckley, but neither did Jason, and he made it work.

Well, no one has the soul or grit or otherworldliness of Jeff Buckley. But Jason did have a certain ethereal quality to his voice that worked really well, and good phrasing. We’ll see about Urban.

Tim singing Hallelujah on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lgFar9o0DI

Yeah, not quite ethereal. But we’ll see.

Awsome reading spoilers. Sounds like the spoiler person liked most everyone. Well thats making me a little excited after the dreck from last nite from most of the girls cept Sibo. Well I wish them all luck and waiting here for the BIG SHEW!

I hope Tim Urban changes his version up a bit…I don’t know how confident I would be walking in a lions den with that wooden rendition of a song …Simon has heard Jason castro and a few singers on Xfactor UK sing that song…Tims version would be at the bottom….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lgFar9o0DI

…and it was terrible in my opinion. Hope he doesn’t ruin all that is wonderful about that song. It’s one of my favorite songs.

If that order is correct, then it will be very interesting to see how Alex and Tim compare to one another. They’re definitely targeting a lot of the same fans and singing somewhat similar songs. I have the feeling that one of them will be gone tomorrow unless there are some other trainwrecks.

I wasn’t saying you need a big range for Hallelujah, but one thing Jason had was an emotional honesty and connection to his songs and I have yet to see that from Tim. Beyond that, while I certainly don’t think ex-Idols own their songs they perform and Tim has every right to perform that song, I think it’s always risky to impede on another Idol’s moment just for the comparison aspect. In this case it might be okay since Randy and Simon don’t like Jason very much and Kara wasn’t even on the show at that point. But the fan comparison will be there.

But beyond that I think Hallelujah is risky because it’s a song that people will not look kindly on to people effing up. It’s a fave song for a lot of people.

If that order is correct, then it will be very interesting to see how Alex and Tim compare to one another. They’re definitely targeting a lot of the same fans and singing somewhat similar songs. I have the feeling that one of them will be gone tomorrow unless there are some other trainwrecks.

Great point…they do seem to target a lot of the same people. Maybe they’ll cancel each other out and both can be gone!

Alex better not be gone. LOL. But outside of the fact that both Tim and Alex are young, I don’t get the comparisons. They sound nothing alike.

Alex better not be gone. LOL. But outside of the fact that both Tim and Alex are young, I don’t get the comparisons. They sound nothing alike.

I totally agree. Alex actually has a very nice voice…Tim is just eyecandy.

I just remembered that the second and third singers (Siohban and Lacey) sang back to back last night with the show format. Now tonight Alex and Tim if that’s the correct order.

It definitely seems like TPTB are trying to trim the fat by putting similar singers back to back. I’m guessing they want Lacey and Tim gone. Or maybe my conspiracy theories are getting out of control again.

Alex better not be gone. LOL. But outside of the fact that both Tim and Alex are young, I don’t get the comparisons. They sound nothing alike.

I totally agree. Alex actually has a very nice voice…Tim is just eyecandy.

Yeah. When it comes down to it, Alex can sing, and Tim (though cuter) cannot.

Yeah. When it comes down to it, Alex can sing, and Tim (though cuter) cannot.

Which probably mean… “Tim, welcome to the top 12″

ut outside of the fact that both Tim and Alex are young, I don’t get the comparisons. They sound nothing alike.

Both 19-20 year old cute white boys with guitars (both from Texas as well though that’s probably just a coincidence). I definitely agree that Alex has a far superior voice. I think if Tim directly follows Alex his voice will seem very weak by comparison.

I like Lee the best, but agree his performances on the show haven’t been as good vocally as they could. I did hear his original music and liked it too. He’s about the only one this year that I can see becoming a fan of after the show. In general I like his voice, but I do agree he was pitchy and nervous on the live shows, and I’m not sure how much range he has. I’m hoping he improves because I think he has potential.

I think he could do ok with Fireflies if he can do something like what Kris did with Heartless, the similarity being that the original a song that was autotuned to death, and Kris was able to bring something to it. If he does the right arrangement and vocals it could be really good.

I do see similarites with Lee in both David Cook and Kris Allen, more that I think they are a similar type of performer, with David being more rock, and Kris being softer rock. Musically, he reminds me more of Kris.

The rest:

2. Casey
3 Andrew
4 Aaron

5-8 the rest

I agree with others that said that we don’t usually have an idea who will win this early, or have a favorite, but for the ones that did go the furthest, even their early performances were good. To me there haven’t been any real standout performances for me yet.

Yeah. When it comes down to it, Alex can sing, and Tim (though cuter) cannot.

This is true, although for me with Alex it’s kinda similar to Katie and Haeley(although I don’t want to compare anyone to her I’m doing it for the age factor). They’re just not polished yet. Yes, Alex can sing, but not great. I think if he had a few more years of maturity and time to hone his craft I think he’d sound fantastic. I’ll give him props that he seems to know who he is as an artist, but I just don’t think he’s quite ready yet.

Tim, well, I can think of a million people that should have come back over him, but he’s a Zac Efron twin, who can’t sing as well as Efron can.

well idolprocrastinator lets hope talent wins out over beauty. Sadly I have little faith in the people.

I don’t mind if Tim goes through as long as Alex makes it too.

I do see similarites with Lee in both David Cook and Kris Allen, more that I think they are a similar type of performer, with David being more rock, and Kris being softer rock. Musically, he reminds me more of Kris.

Since the first time I heard Lee and before I bothered to learn his name.. he was known to me as the “david cook, Kris allen love child”. Personally as much as I appreciate the talent of both cook and allen, I don’t think I can stomach another guitar strumming white guy winning, unless he REALLY brings something new to the table.

I get that Alex and Tim are both young and possibly splitting a teenie vote, but I think the difference is that if Alex pulls it off tonight at least reasonably well, based on momentum he’s startng to pull in other fans. Tim is pulling in the teenie vote, but I’m not sure he’s pulling in anyone else. Just because someone is young it doesn’t mean only teens are voting for them and no, I haven’t picked up a phone.

I really like Alex, and Casey is still a favorite of mine this season. I don’t mind Toddrick and think that he might be able to do a decent performance with a good song choice.

Andrew has lost a lot of the buzz that he had earlier this season.

I think that Big Mike has a likeable personality, and is consistant even though he’s not the best vocalist.

I think that Lee is likeable as well, but I don’t think that he is a good as David Cook or Danny, even though I’ve seen him be compared to both of them. I don’t think that he has as nice of a tone that David Cook has. Even though I could see hear his voice on the radio.

I think that Aaron is sweet but I think that he could get lost in the fray and eliminated early. He doesn’t have much stage presence. I think that he might either go this week or the next.

I think that Tim needs to go this week, he’s like the male Hayley for me.

I think that Lee is likeable as well, but I don’t think that he is a good as David Cook or Danny, even though I’ve seen him be compared to both of them. I don’t think that he has as nice of a tone that David Cook has. Even though I could see hear his voice on the radio.

I don’t think so either. I don’t think he has the range or emotion that David has. It’s more that I like him best this season so far. I do think that he looks and sounds more like Danny. Again I think the similarity with David Cook is more the type of music and artist he is.

Really? I already had Kris ranked second after Adam at this point, and was fully onboard the Cookie train.

Finally, song spoilers! If these are true, it looks like the guys made more ballsy choices than the chicks (ha, pardon the pun.) Wonder if Lee can pull a Cook and make me look at a song I strenuously dislike in a new way. And wow, Tim Urban throwing down the Castro gauntlet, huh? Verrrrry interesting…. I double dogg dare Simon to namecheck J Cas in a positive way.

Sunchick,
I skipped last year due to lack of interest, which I partially attribute to the format switch, and partly to the cast… but the year before, I was already on the Cook Train as well – from auditions on.

Nobody has anything but my curiosity this year, to see if Idol can interest me again. Looks like it was a bad crew to try that with…The irony is, this is "Hello" and "Hallelujah" Week, and someone is actually planning to sing "Hallelujah"…inviting extra comparisons?

I wanna see if Simon takes your double dogg dare! Then I wanna read What Not to Sing's editorial.

Hey, it's almost like being interested in this year's cast, ya know?

I’m obviously in the minority, but I’m actually excited about just as many guys as girls – maybe even more so. Could be my soft spot for the underdog? In any case, I’m psyched to hear Lee, Alex and Andrew (still holding hope out for him). And Casey is surprisingly enjoyable for me too. The rest of the guys can go home now. But I have to say I’m liking Lee/Alex just as much as Lilly/Crystal at this point.

ooooooooooooooooooooo, burnnnnnnnnn – simon put the smackdown on kara something fierce!

he came out to win – good job!