Ricky Braddy Will Probably Be a Wildcard

I hope “the crazy” comes back too. I cannot help myself.

Tatiana coming back would be great for ratings. People would tune into see what she does. And the fact that she is capable of turning in a good performance would scare the beejebus out of everyone.

But if she makes it though over more popular contestants, that would be one hell of a public backlash. Danny ain’t seen nothin’.

If the Thursday “wild card” show is only scheduled to be an hour do you think they have time for a sing-off? My guess is they will highlight about 9 contestants (no new singing) interview the judges about the 9, the judges will confer, viola 3 will be picked and they will get to sing to reinforce why the judges are passing them through.

If I remember correctly, I thought that they have a showdown between several contestants (four or three from each group) and then each judge announces their WILDCARD choice on the results show on the night after their live and possibly ‘final’ presentations. Didn’t Clay have to fight for his chance, as well as the dark haired ‘boy band’ contestant that Simon hated. Can’t remember his name but he sang Stevie Wonder’s ‘Lately’ on the show’s CD.

I have to say I would agree with them about bringing Tatiana back, actually. I mean, yeah, the girl is loopy as all get out, but she did have the best girl vocal of the night (Alexis excluded, of course). Stevie and Casey were just bad and Jackie, who I had been hoping would do a great job, totally threw away her chance for the finals, in my opinion. So yeah, Tatiana’s vocals plus her penchant for drama makes her a no brainer for the wild card show. Then again, maybe they’ll surprise us all and bring back Stevie or Jackie. I don’t think Casey has a chance in hades.

I really, really hope Ricky gets a wildcard. I think Anoop is a lock for the wildcard. That’s why I gave Michael a few votes the other night (99% of my votes went to Ricky, but I gave Michael about five votes right at the end lol). Because I was fairly confident that Anoop would be a wildcard if he didn’t make it through. However, if Michael hadn’t made it through, his chances of being a wildcard were more iffy. And I like them both.

It’s all about strategy. XD

Didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Clay have to fight for his chance, as well as the dark haired à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹boy bandà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ contestant that Simon hated. Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t remember his name but he sang Stevie Wonderà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Latelyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ on the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s CD.

*Gasp*

You’re talking about RJ Helton. He was my favorite guy on season one. XD

But yeah, he was the wildcard choice that year.

They brought back five contestants, if I remember correctly. Among them were Angela Peel and Alexis Lopez. And they each got to sing and then the judges deliberated and then announced that RJ was going through.

I’ve been rooting for Ricky, and I hope it’s him that comes back, but aren’t all the contestants in contest?
As for the charisma thing, I don’t think he had less charisma than the pimped ones in that top 12. For someone who didn’t have any air time before that performence and went second he actually was able to make a good impact and has lots of people talking about him on the web.
And well, the last time Simon told someone they didn’t have charisma that person ended up winning the show..

How does the wild card episode work?

As a further thought…..I know the producers said there would be some from each semi-final group but I have this feeling that it won’t be equally divided among the 3 groups.

I have no problem at all with Ricky Braddy coming back. He deserves it.

Why they couldn’t manage at least 5 seconds of screen time for him is beyond me. It doesn’t make the least bit of sense. At least let us hear him singing “Do Re Mi,” or something.

Anoop Desai, Ricky Braddy and Tatiana Del Toro.

Anoop totally deserves it as well. I still think Simon’s comments got Michael the votes he needed.

My only hope is that Tatiana is not really mentally unstable. If they bring her back and she doesn’t make it a second time and then she proceeds to harm herself, that can be all kinds of ugly.

Well, they have to find SOME way to get people to watch the Wild Card show…considering America doesn’t get to vote on anything. People might tune in to see if Tatiana has a massive meltdown or something.

Also, I think Ricky is the perfect example of a casualty of this new format. He’s great but probably won’t get in to the top 12 because clearly, TPTB don’t want him for some reason.

Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s great but probably wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get in to the top 12 because clearly, TPTB donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want him for some reason.

Yup…TPTB can’t even use the excuse of no song clearance since he could have very easily been highlighted in the group rounds where the songs were previously cleared.

Well, they have to find SOME way to get people to watch the Wild Card showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦considering America doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get to vote on anything.

So maybe the no-show Ricky is there way of getting internet buzz going and to develop an audience for the wild card show. This will add legitimacy in the viewers minds. Ya know like: wildcard round SAVES a contestant, aren’t the judges wonderful, maybe the person I like early really isn’t the best…I need to listen to the judges. I’ll lay a wager that one of the final TOP 3 FINISHERS will definitely come from the wildcard pool…..any takers?

Lacks star quality? Simon also said David Cook lack charisma. Be interesting to see how this progresses.

I’m fine with them bringing Tatiana back for the wild card show, as long as they don’t put her through

I hope mj’s prediction is wrong if only from the standpoint that there are 18 singers we haven’t seen Top 36 performances from yet. Clearly all the ones I will like won’t all make it through so if there are not spots left because they are filling all 3 from last week’s group, that will be disappointing. Having said that, I do feel both Ricky and Anoop deserve to go through. I have seen enough Tatiana for this lifetime, but of course she would be good for ratings. Sigh.

Lacks star quality? Simon also said David Cook lack charisma. Be interesting to see how this progresses.

Simon also told Chris Daughtry at his audition he was lacking charisma and that he didn’t feel like he was looking at a star. Shut up Simon pftt!

I could be wrong, CarieB, but I don’t think MJ means for those three to be the final three into the Top 12. I think she just means that those three might be the ones from Group One who get to sing in the Wild Card show.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, MJ.

Since I haven’t watched every season I’m wondering if they always keep the top 12 balanced by gender. If 6 guys got through to the top 12 during the voting rounds would the judges only allow 3 girls to fill the wildcard spots?

I don’t think MJ is saying those three people will be the wild card choices, just that they are in the running. Unlike say, Stevie.

Anoop, Ricky and Tatiana were certainly no worse than Gokey or Michael Sarver imo so I hope they bring them all back.

Since I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t watched every season Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m wondering if they always keep the top 12 balanced by gender. If 6 guys got through to the top 12 during the voting rounds would the judges only allow 3 girls to fill the wildcard spots?

Interesting. I looked it up for you.

Season One was 5 girls, 5 guys.

Season Two was 6 guys, 6 girls.

Season Three was 8 girls, 4 guys.

And then, of course, everything from Season Four through Season Seven was 6 guys and 6 girls.

Maybe they did that because of the imbalance of Season Three? lol

That makes more sense to me. Thanks.

Since I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t watched every season Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m wondering if they always keep the top 12 balanced by gender. If 6 guys got through to the top 12 during the voting rounds would the judges only allow 3 girls to fill the wildcard spots?

In Seasons 1-3, the top 10/12 was not balanced.

In Seasons 4-7 it had to be due to the format.

This year, I am under the impression that the top 12 does not necessarily have to be balanced by gender, which is the ONLY good thing about the new format.

ETA: Thanks dreamr. I guess I should have said that they did not HAVE to be balanced (but evidently they ended up that way for S1&2).

interesting on nick’s interview…does he have whitney on the brain…and why?

Read on Anoop’s Facebook group that the wildcard contestants have to perform the same song they performed previously..

Re: Normund Gentle/Ricky Braddy
Anoop is also currently not allowed to do interviews as well, but he was allowed to do a short interview for his local paper a few days before Group 1 performed last week..

Well, they have to find SOME way to get people to watch the Wild Card showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦considering America doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get to vote on anything. People might tune in to see if Tatiana has a massive meltdown or something.

Tatiana does bring the drama and the discussions. I’m pretty sure they will torment her as much as possible hoping she’ll break down again. I wish they would quit playing with her like a cat with a mouse.

That show will be on the first night of March Sweeps (one of the three ratings periods that are used to set ad rates for the coming year), so I’m sure they want good ratings.

(Sweeps periods for the rest of the 2008-2009 season run March 5-April 1 and April 23-May 20. The moved the regular Feb sweeps to March because they worried about disruptions with the scheduled analog/digital switchover). Idol ratings tend to sag in March, so I’m sure they are working on drawing a crowd for those initial final rounds.

I still think the three wildcards is odd. In the past, they let each judge pick one and that sort of became “their horse”. Either they have to reach an agreement, or one judge gets left out. Maybe they will have a “shocking” four contestants picked and the first week will feature two singers getting the boot. They’ve pulled a stunt like that on other Idol shows.

Maybe they will have a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“shockingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  four contestants picked and the first week will feature two singers getting the boot. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve pulled a stunt like that on other Idol shows.

Yep, they did that in the first season of Indonesian Idol and I think on other versions of Idol as well..

Definitely adds drama to the show..Heh.

I didn’t realize they were only leaving an hour for the wildcard show. How annoying that they make them sing the same song if that’s right. Isn’t song choice what got them there in the first place? I agree that Ricky should be a potential wildcard but don’t think he was the best guy of the night. I’d put Danny and Anoop ahead of him. I thought he was boring. I’m not so sure Tatiana will get a chance depending on the girls in the next 2 groups. If they perform well the judges may bring them back instead of going for the drama. I only care about Anoop getting a spot.

Maybe they will have a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“shockingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  four contestants picked and the first week will feature two singers getting the boot. Theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve pulled a stunt like that on other Idol shows.

You’re right. I seem to remember them doing that on Australian Idol 3, I believe it was. Where that girl, Roxanne, caused a big stir when she didn’t make it to the finals during her group (personally, I didn’t like her). And then during the wildcard, she was brought in as the 13th finalist. And then, like you said, two people got the boot the first night of the finals.

I’d actually like to see them do that, now that I think about it. XD

I only remember season 2′s wildcard round, but I never really saw each judges pick as “their horse” past that day. I’m pretty sure Simon picked Carmen and that may be the last time he stood behind her, ever.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m pretty sure Simon picked Carmen and that may be the last time he stood behind her, ever.

Actually, once Carmen performed in the Top 12, Simon actually said that he was glad she had come out and shown people why he had picked her as his choice. I believe that was after she performed “Can’t Hurry Love.”

It was funny. During the wildcard show, I was appalled by Simon’s choice of her. But then after seeing her in the finals, she actually became one of my favorites. Her album is really good, too.

Lacks star quality? Simon also said David Cook lack charisma. Be interesting to see how this progresses.

Although I’ve disagreed with Simon many times, his assessment of Ricky and Cook in the initial rounds is spot on, IMO. Ricky has a great voice, but I was kind of zoning out during his performance. It didn’t grab me at all. I still want him to move on, though, just so I can see what he does with his voice (because I’m mostly about the vocals). With Cook, his “Happy Together” was nothing to write home about. He did lack charisma in that performance. And I never thought Cook’s audition was all that fantastic either. He sounded pretty good, but that was about it. He managed to pull it together and ultimately show what he had, but Simon wasn’t altogether wrong. If Cook remained as Cook: Initial Rounds Version, Simon would have been absolutely right to not send him to Hollywood in the first place.

That’s why these contestants need to stand out from the beginning (especially with the format this year). If they don’t then screen time, luck and bad contestants are what gets them through to the next round.

With Cook, his à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Happy Togetherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  was nothing to write home about. He did lack charisma in that performance.

Only, I think the “no charisma” comment came after Cook’s “All Right Now” and his revelation that he was a word nerd, which I thought was way livelier than most anything else that night.

I’ll take Simon’s assessment of Ricky with a grain of salt. “No charisma” compared to what? We could make that assessment if we had seen him more than once. I think he was more nervous than anything, and rightfully so.

I’ll wait until I see more performances from him before I lump him into that general category.

That being said, Ricky Braddy certainly hasn’t shown me that he can win American Idol. Not at this point, anyway.

Season Three was 8 girls, 4 guys.

Maybe this might be what inspired the even girls/boys format? George Huff was the last male standing that season.

I also don’t care if they bring back Tatiana for the crazy, as long as they don’t give her a spot over people who deserve it.

If it is true that the people chosen to perform in the wildcard show have to perform the same song again, and the show is only an hour long, couldn’t it be inferred that the judges will have already decided who they will put into the top 12 before the wildcard show? People who were in group 3 will have just sang the same song 2 nights before.

Maybe that’s why they have to perform the same song? because group 3 won’t have time to prepare another?

i am not sure the anoop facebook group is the best authority on what people are singing on wildcard night. if mj and other very informed blogs do not have that info yet, than my doubt factor on a FB group having it is high.

I will vote my booty off for Ricky Braddy. I love that he’s toned down. With a voice like that…I don’t need him to be anything else. What does Simon want…Danny Noriega? Puhlease…not everyone has to be all blingy blingy attention clingy. He’s a nice departure for me.

I will vote my booty off for Ricky Braddy.

Unfortunately, I think that your only time to do that has passed. As much as I think he’s being robbed, I really don’t think he’ll make it into the top 12.

Here’s how I think it will go down.
-I’m fairly certain that Anoop is a lock.
-Judging by the next 2 weeks, we’re going to get more guys in than girls based on the 3 performance rounds, so they’ll Wild Card at least 1 female. I doubt they’ll want it as uneven as 9-3.
-That leaves just one spot…and who knows what will happen during the next 2 weeks. There may be some contestant really wanted by TPTB that doesn’t get in that will need a wild card. That shoots Ricky’s chances all together. If not, his chances are still pretty bleak.

If it is true that the people chosen to perform in the wildcard show have to perform the same song again, and the show is only an hour long, couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it be inferred that the judges will have already decided who they will put into the top 12 before the wildcard show?

I wouldn’t be shocked to find out that they’ve already decided who they will put through into the top 12 before 24 of the contestants have already sung (ie they know who they want in their Top 12 already and will just fill those slots with those that don’t happen to make it on their own with a little juggling for “type of contestant”).

I think making them sing the same song the audience already didn’t like is a recipe for a ratings disaster. I would like to hear new songs, please. Even if they sing worse on their new song, at least it will be more interesting. If they are going to sing the same song, then just save some money and just replay the film from the performance nights. Heck, the judges don’t even need to show up. Just clip together a bunch of “I don’t know dog”-”You are the bomb”-”Yellow butterflies skimming the rainbow”-”Paint with all your colours”-”You sound better than Kelly”-”I’ve heard better performances from a half-dead transvestite mime in a Bulgarian roadhouse” type comments and you are golden. Simon even helps out by wearing the same outfit every week so you don’t even have to get his clips from the same week. You could get the clips from 6 years ago and nobody would know the difference. Give the techie guys a chance to win another Emmy.

I hope I didn’t give them too many ideas…

HAAAA….Kirsten, I think that would be the most entertaining show of the season thus far, although that isn’t saying a whole lot. It makes sense that they would have them sing the same songs again since group 3 wouldn’t have time to prepare anything else, but what’s the point? Why wouldn’t they just show their original performances again and then have the judges tell us who they picked (several weeks ago).

Kirsten, I always love to read your comments and I think you are spot on in regards to the judges and who they want in the Top 12.
As for Simon’s assessment of charisma for various contestants, I had always wondered and disagreed with him about this in David Cook’s case, but apparently DC himself sees it a little differently. I just found this in an interview he and Carrie did with the U.K.’s Star at Disney. ( Sorry if it has been posted before)

Current “Idol” champ Cook, who kicked off his first nationwide tour at the Orlando, Fla., event, revealed, “The first couple of weeks I was on the show, Simon and I did not see eye to eye.” But the singer added, “As soon as I took a step back and realized that everything he said was constructive, as mean as it might be, we got along fine. So if anybody asks me who my favorite judge is, I’m always going to say Simon.”

requoted by NewsDay.com http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sunday/fanfare/ny-ffbuzz6041709feb22,0,1746370.story

It makes sense that they would have them sing the same songs again since group 3 wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have time to prepare anything else, but whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the point? Why wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t they just show their original performances again and then have the judges tell us who they picked (several weeks ago).

Unless they were all told to prepare 2 songs in advance. It’s not like they didn’t have time to do so.

But if they do perform the same songs, I’m not sure I’ll even watch. Booooring.

I think Ricky’s shot at the Top 12 depends on how the rest of the Top 36 perform and who gets voted off in the next two weeks. I know that he is one of Paula’s favorites, but she doesn’t have the final say about who will go through. If any other judge favorites don’t make it through, Ricky will have a tougher time making it. I can totally see them bringing back Tatiana because she’s good for ratings, and I honestly thought she had one of the better performances last week, she was certainly better than Sarver IMO. And I agree, at this stage, the judges saying that a contestant lacks charisma, star quality, etc. means almost nothing. If they are still telling someone the same thing at around the Top 6, then there’s a problem.

In my perfect little world, Ricky, Anoop and Jamar will be wildcarded. AI logic tells me though that they’ll have to balance the score and include a woman and I fear it will be Tatiana who gets in over one of these guys. As crazy as she is, she’s undeniably talented.

IMO, Ricky had the best vocal the other night. Danny was a close second, followed by Anoop. Ultimately though, my very favorite of them all is Adam. So long as he gets in the Top 12, I’m a happy girl…..so happy, in fact, that even if Tatiana were to get to the final two with him, I’d be ok…so long as he’s there. Ha!

It makes sense that they would have them sing the same songs again since group 3 wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have time to prepare anything else

I’ve seen several people say this so far and I just thought I’d chip in that this was how it was the first three seasons. The people in Group Four in the semi-finals still performed a different song on the Wildcard show a week later.

but that was a week later, not 2 days. I do agree that they could have told all of them, prepare two songs, just in case

“The people in Group Four in the semi-finals still performed a different song on the Wildcard show a week later.”

But a week later would give them time to prepare something new. Group 3 sings next Tuesday, the results show is Wednesday, and the wildcard show is Thursday, right?

I have a question…does anyone know if they are going to continue the “Billboard Hits” theme for the entire semi-finals? I’m OK with that theme, it’s broad enough, as long as the song choices are better than last week. One of 2 things happened…”Billboard Hits” means “50 Cleared Billboard Hits to Choose From” or these people just really suck at choosing songs.

Here’s to a year of better themes than Neil Diamond and Andrew Lloyd Webber!

But a week later would give them time to prepare something new. Group 3 sings next Tuesday, the results show is Wednesday, and the wildcard show is Thursday, right?

Is it? Ah. I thought it was the following week. Oops.

Well, in that case, I doubt they wouldn’t tell them to prepare two songs. But who knows.

I wish they did tell them to prepare two songs. Who wants to hear a bunch of people sing songs that weren’t good enough to get them through the first time?

I want Ricky in… he is my favorite so far… so if he is wildcard I will be really happy…

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s to a year of better themes than Neil Diamond and Andrew Lloyd Webber!

Hey I had Sweet Caroline Studio Version in repeat for two weeks in my ipod, same goes for Think of Me… lol…

I agree that they’ll probably wildcard Tatiana just for the sheer fact that she makes for good TV. But if she makes top 12, then she will conceivably make it into the top 10 as well, for the AI tour. Can you imagine the kind of hell that she will put her bus mates through?

So how about this idea. Let’s hope that one of the remaining contestants is a practicing witch. Then we would get a peak at an actual Wiccan ritual ceremony. That would counterbalance all the church stuff. Actually Tatiana would be a perfect candidate.

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s to a year of better themes than Neil Diamond and Andrew Lloyd Webber!

Hey I had Sweet Caroline Studio Version in repeat for two weeks in my ipod, same goes for Think of Me… lol…

Read on Anoopà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Facebook group that the wildcard contestants have to perform the same song they performed previously..

If this is true, it makes me hate this wildcard thing even more than I did before (which was a LOT). I see the point about Group 3 contestants havig to learn a new song in two days, but even still, who wants to watch the same songs again?

Wasn’t there an article somewhere that said there was a big twist at the Top 12? Maybe the twist is that it will be a Top 13/14 instead of 12.

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Billboard Hitsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  means à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“50 Cleared Billboard Hits to Choose Fromà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  or these people just really suck at choosing songs.

Word to that. Though, I tend to think they just really suck at choosing songs… how else do you get THAT combination of music? Who would pick a representative list that consists of a Taylor Swift song (that only charted because it was an iTunes pre-release download), a song called “Hicktown” and the very best track from Monica?

Well, on second thought, that does sound like something the TBTB would do…

Hereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s to a year of better themes than Neil Diamond and Andrew Lloyd Webber!

Hey I had Sweet Caroline Studio Version in repeat for two weeks in my ipod, same goes for Think of Me… lol…

“Wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t there an article somewhere that said there was a big twist at the Top 12? Maybe the twist is that it will be a Top 13/14 instead of 12.”

I was thinking/hoping the same.

well technically group 3 has a lot of extra time to prepare even one song…and the advantage of watching the first two groups…what does and does not work. so i think they had time to learn a second song.

Update: Rumor has it that contestants will sing the same song they sang during their semi-final week round for the wildcard. So, if a contestant (Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m thinking Anoop Desai) chose the wrong songà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦too bad!

Heh…leave to Ken Warwick to completely suck the fun out of something that could have been great. My first reaction was “hmmm….rigging the wild card round — did Lisa Leushner try out again….”

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t there an article somewhere that said there was a big twist at the Top 12? Maybe the twist is that it will be a Top 13/14 instead of 12.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

I am thinking more along the lines of the Top 12 will all go on tour or something like that.

My first reaction was à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hmmmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.rigging the wild card round à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  did Lisa Leushner try out againà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

Oh gosh. I hope they don’t make Ricky Braddy a Lisa Leuschner.

“You are amazing! I can see you winning this entire competition! Unfortunately, you’re not going to be one of the ones singing tonight.”

I was like WTH!? lol

Oh gosh! That’s something I had forgotten all about. That season, didn’t they have like 12 people called back for the Wildcard show but they ended up only letting like 8 of them actually sing? They cut four or so right at the very beginning of the show? Lisa being one of them?

Update: Rumor has it that contestants chosen for the Wildcard will sing the same song they performed during their semi-final week round. So, if a contestant (Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m thinking Anoop Desai) chose the wrong song, no chance to switch it up for the wildcardà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Oh noes! I don’t like this for my Anoop! I don’t like this in general. I remember wildcards having some fantastic performances in the past, so I have to hear Anoop sing the dreadful “Angel of mine” again?

Say it isn’t so!

And I’m not holding my breath on Ricky being confirmed as as wildcard contestant because aren’t they all in “contest” for the same dang thing if they didn’t make it?

I fully expect Ricky in the wildcards, but I wouldn’t say it’s 100% confirmed now.

that makes for a very boring wildcard show.

I fully expect Ricky in the wildcards, but I wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t say ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s 100% confirmed now.

Neither would I.

Ugh, I’d rather have them sing something acapella than sing the same songs over again. Plus, the songs were arranged to be close to 2 minutes in length – they won’t have time for more than 6 or 7 people if you allow time for fake drama over who the judges are going to pick (they probably already know) and probably a video reel of Danny’s journey so far.

I would love it if the “twist” were kicking people out of the Top 12 if subsequent competitors got more votes than they did. OK, it’s not going to happen. I just know that I like five of the six guys competing this week more than I like Gokey or Sarver, even if I only saw some of them sing for 30 seconds. (Hi Kai and Kris!)

I would be stunned if Ricky doesn’t get a shot at the wildcard. I also think even though I don’t like the idea of them having to sing the same songs that got them the ax the first time, it could work to his advantage. On almost every blog I read, he was singled out as the best or at least second best vocalist that night. So at least it wasn’t song choice that screwed him, it was not being featured that did him in. Others, say Anoop or Tatiana would be served better if they sang different songs.

Truthfully I don’t want to see Tatiana again. While she didn’t suck last week, she certainly wasn’t good enough imho, one pretty note at the end of a song where frankly she sounded scared during most of it, does not a finalist make. Bringing her back for the drama is just silly. I am sure there will be enough drama with Anoop, Ricky and possibly a Von or Lil Rounds singing for their idol life. Of course I won’t get my wish because what idol does best is usually the wrong thing.

I think Ricky picked an extremely boring song which did hurt him. I can’t for the life of me remember what it was. Knowing he didn’t have airtime should have got him to pick a song that would stand out or at least be fun.

Hopefully the rumor is just that and they will get a chance to do new songs. During the season they have to learn 2 songs so it’s not out of the question that round 3 people would have to. They have time ahead to prepare 2 songs if they know that’s what happens.

They have time ahead to prepare 2 songs if they know thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s what happens.

But do they have time to work out new songs with the band and the technical people?

I think the kids go back home after their round is over, if they don’t advance to the Top 12.

The wildcard will not be officially announced until sometime next week…and the kids who compete next tuesday won’t know until Wednesday.

Without that extra week between rounds, it would be very difficult to work out the logistics of a new song.

If you’ll remember Simon said the same thing about Elliott Yamin and he really came out of his shell as the season went along. Ricky’s demeanor reminds me a little of Elliott. I really like his voice and hope he gets a second chance.

I loved Nick Mitchell’s interview. He’s a very interesting character with a lot of layers to him.

Well, he said he would try to do us proud and do his best on wednesday. I’ll take his word for it.

His father OWNS an oil company?! Holy crap!

Nick! call me! I can go either way, Im adaptable.

too many exclamation points but the interview was full of stuff. His father sounds like a really cool dad too.

If youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll remember Simon said the same thing about Elliott Yamin and he really came out of his shell as the season went along. Rickyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s demeanor reminds me a little of Elliott. I really like his voice and hope he gets a second chance.

Elliott effing killed his first time out of the gate with “Moody’s Mood for Love”. I thought Elliott was not only a talented vocalist, but I saw the charisma. He got my attention.

I really don’t care what Simon thinks. It’s just in this case, with Ricky, I happen to agree with him. Ricky sang beautifully, but he was dull, imo.

Yeah, I am pretty sure Rickey will go to the Wild Card and he will be part of the Top 12. Paula is pushing him so much, I am sure she will have a say on having him compete in the finals.

I love Rickey’s voice but I agree with Simon, I don’t see much star quality on him. What type of artist will he be? I dunno.
Danny ann Michael Sarver aren’t very star power either.

Now.. Matt Giraud. That’s the guy who has the most star potential. JMHO.
And he can grow too.

I hope he doesn’t blow it this week after his wonderful performance in Hollywood. I am just worried he won’t be able to play the piano, but I think he can still make a good impression. He has a great voice.

I really donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care what Simon thinks. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just in this case, with Ricky, I happen to agree with him. Ricky sang beautifully, but he was dull, imo.

But no more dull than Danny or Michael and they both made it to the next round… I want the old format back…

I don’t think I’ve seen enough of anyone to say whether they have charisma or not. Well honestly Adam has charisma to spare, but we haven’t seen him sing enough of anything to make a judgment of how well he will do on the idol stage. He could shoot himself in the foot like many of the girls did last week. Certainly the two guys who have already made the top 12 aren’t igniting any fire in me to vote for them, one because he’s just not good enough and the other because I am slightly turned off by him. Give me Ricky over them any day. I also think he has room to grow.

I loved Elliott but I didn’t see charisma at first. What I heard though was an incredible voice, and that is what made me want to hear more. That is how I feel about Ricky. Not that he is akin to Elliott, but that his voice alone makes me notice him.

Nick is charismatic, but can he sing well enough to justify his possible slot in the top 12, or will he just rely on shtick and hope to become a less annoying William Hung?

MJ, Here’s an update on Rickygate:
http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2009/02/23/ricky-braddys-fan-site-thebraddybunchcom-update/

I agree with MJ and I expect to see another Tatiana-Drama next week.
I think I even wrote something here last week in re: Tatiana coming back for the Wild Card show. She’s a Fan “Favorite”/breakout personality, whether or not you liked her as a talent.

It would seem that Ricky and Jeanine may have a shot at the Wild Card round because of lack of exposure. I had mentioned previously that I thought they would select 9 contestants for the W/C but not all of them would sing because of the time constraints. Ricky is a better singer than Danny and Michael. It doesn’t mean he will be in the TOP 12.

TPTB would be crazy not to include Anoop in the TOP 12. He has the votes and in so many ways, he is needed on the tour.

Brief comment: The group performance for Neil Diamond included “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” with Jason being the lead in for “Cracklin’ Rosie” – I loved it.

I really donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t care what Simon thinks. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just in this case, with Ricky, I happen to agree with him. Ricky sang beautifully, but he was dull, imo.

But no more dull than Danny or Michael and they both made it to the next roundà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ I want the old format backà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

I agree. I think Ricky did sing the best, and I think he had the BEST voice of the night, but he had the DEATH spot of number 2? Or was it 3? Either way he had a death spot and no one knew him before him. Was he duller than Sarver or Michael no way. I’d take Ricky over either of them, but Ricky wasn’t TCO yet and apparently he isn’t a nice guy like Sarver which I guess means enough for Simon.

I agree with that, too.

Ricky seems like a quiet kind of guy, but some of the others didn’t really show their personality last Tuesday either. But since we had already seen their personality during the auditions and hollywood rounds, it wasn’t as noticeable as with Ricky. And yes, the fact that Ricky went second also hurt him. Especially with no face time in the earlier shows. Which is a pity because I thought he was amazing.

Yes, I would take Ricky over Danny and Michael, but he didn’t have time to build a fan base. I am just wondering if Simon regrets his comments?

Naw.