Season 7 – Hollywood Week – The Top 24 Revealed

By On 02/13/2008 · 138 Comments · In Uncategorized

First. Congratulations to Joesplace who batted a perfect 500 on the Spoilers. I’m not surprised. Now, on with the recap!

The show opens with Hayden Christiansen (??!?) and Ryan Seacrest sitting in front of a green screen pretending to be in Egypt. I don’t get it. Oh, OK. Hayden is pimping his new FOX show, Jumpers. Get off my Tee Vee, now, please. Thank you.

The Top 50 start the day with breakfast. Who could eat under these circumstances? Micheal Johns has a plate full of food!

Next, we see fake footage of Randy, Paula and Simon making “last minute” cisions. Right.

It’s 9 am in Pasadena, and the final eliminations begin. If you’re wondering, the final elimination episode hasn’t changed one bit. Since Season 4, when the format was changed radically, the contestants gather in a holding room on the first floor of the Pasadena Civic Center. They are called up one-by-one to the judges chambers on the second floor. The cameras follow them up the elevator and down the hall to the judges seated at a table, where the contestants learn their fate.

Starting off with…

Ronald Hodge – NO – Who? One of the poor souls who make it all the way to the Top 50 with absolutely no camera time to show for it. Poor guy. We see a clip of him butchering “Only You”, which makes it worse. In the elevator he says, “This is probably the worst f**king bleep day of my life.”

Nina Shaw – NO – Remember her from Dallas? She’s from Kelly Clarkson’s hometown and had an uneven, but interesting first audition. At least she got a little screen time during the initial auditions.

Mycale Guyton – NO – Never saw her, never knew her.

Lisa Aukerman – NO – Ditto.

Carly Smithson – YES – Carly says that if it’s a no, she may not continue singing, because “you get so hurt in this industry.” Seated in front of the judges, Paula begins babbling her typical nonsense to Carly. Carly starts to cry. Paula made somebody cry! Paula finally tells her that she made it. “You tortured her!” hisses Simon. What? Nice little twist on Simon and Paula’s good cop/bad cop routine. Nevertheless, the pimping continues for Carly, as we see extensive clips of her auditions, and her sobbing in the holding room afterward.

David Cook – YES – After clips of Simon telling David that he’ll be lost without his guitar, Paula tells him that he’s made it through. “I don’t have to go get a job!” David exclaims as he leaves the building. Well. Not at the moment.

Amanda Overmeyer - YES – We hear her sing “Light My Fire” during Hollywood as she walks to the judges table. “We talked it over and we were worried about whether or not this is the right place for you…and…we’ve decided yes,” says Paula. “Thank you very much,” says Amanda, as if somebody had just offered her a sandwich. She’s either confident, or took a handful of Valiums with her breakfast that morning.

Brandon Greene - NO – He’s the rocker who auditioned in Dallas who collects his own peeled fingernails? I’m pretty happy I’m not going to have to hear more about that. We see a clip of him in Hollywood with a guitar singing “Love the One You’re With.” Not every dude with a guitar was going to make it through. Brandon is a casualty.

Amanda Hawkins – NO – She sings “I’m the Only One” in her brief clip. I hope she enjoys her 2 minutes of fame. That’s more than some got.

Buck Smith – NO – He’s the guy who forgot the words to “Stuck in the Middle of You” in Hollywood. We see a tiny clip here of him singing “Dock of the Bay”. His raspy vocals might have struck a cord with the audience if we’d heard more.

David Archuleta – YES – “Is this any place for someone like David Archuleta?” asks Ryan. Because, you know, he’s only 16!!??! Ugh. David explains that he’s always doubted his own talent, and that he thought people were only nice to him because “he was little.” Like literally? Simon says, “I thought your first audition was very good, I thought your last audition wasn’t as good as your first one.” Hm. I thought the opposite. Despite Simon’s reservations, he tells David that it was a unanimous decision. He’s through to the next round.

Kristy Lee Cook – YES – We learn that Kristy Lee was FORCED to sing for her life in Hollywood, after stinking it up on her first day. We see her playing it safe in her second shot, repeating her a cappella performance of “Amazing Grace”. Paula reminds her that she fell apart in Hollywood. Randy says it’s about being consistent. Oh, hell, you know they are going to let her through. Paula says, “The truth is…you made it.”

Brooke White – YES – Oh, so it turns out she “stalled” at one point during her first audition in Hollywood. We didn’t see THAT part in Tuesday’s Hollywood footage. Editing–it’s a powerful tool! As she makes her way to the judges, she starts falling apart in the elevator. Simon says, “I think it’s safe to assume at this stage, that if we say no, it’s pretty much over.” If she doesn’t make the cut her career is over? WTF? Randy, saver of careers says, “Some days I hate having to say this…you’re going to be seeing a lot more of us. You made it.”

Danny Noriega – YES – As Danny heads up the elevator, we see him and his tics performing in Hollywood. “You made it Danny,” says Randy.

And now…it’s the parade of the cannon fodder!

Jason Castro – YES – Randy: “The answer is Yes, Yes, Yes!!!”

Luke Menard – YES – Simon: “Luke, you made it.”

Alex Lushington – YES – Randy: “You made it baby.” I think we know more about her grandma, at this point.

Good luck in the Top 24, guys. With little to no camera time, you’re going to need it.

Ramielle Malubay – YES – Paula says, “You made it.” “Thank yeww!” chirps Ramielle, once again, channeling her (unfortunate) role model, Jasmine Trias. “Sweet little thing, isn’t she?” says Simon. The little girl with the big voice makes the cut.

Shaun Barrows – NO – He’s the piano player from Hollywood who sang Billy Joel. Simon says, “We’ve made a decision, and it’s bad news. You haven’t made it.”

Lorena Pinot – NO – Simon: “Lorena, you haven’t made it.” “Almost,” adds Randy. I’m sure knowing that helps. Not.

Drew Poppelreiter – NO – Best line of the night: “Well there’s one good thing about this,” says Drew, “I don’t miss turkey season.” Har. Such a hayseed. I really think he’s sincere.

Natasha Blach – NO – After she’s cut, she takes off with her super-hot husband and cute kid. She doesn’t look too disappointed.

Michael Johns – YES – Michael says there isn’t anything he would have done differently during the competition. “It’s an emotional one here,” says Paula. “We don’t like having to say no to people.” “This was unanimous,” Simon says gravely. “Yes, you are through,” says Paula. “That is RIDICULOUS,” says Michael. Some Aussie slang I’m not aware of? “Now a whole new set of problems start,” he says. True, dat.

Syesha Mercado – YES – We see Syesha lose her voice during the first days of Hollywood, then make a triumphant return on the last day. What a trouper! Paula says, “I’m curious, how do you spell your name?” I really hope, we are seeing the permanent return of wacky Paula, ’cause this is good stuff. Paula closes her eyes, “What word is inside of your name?” Syesha is all WTF? Until she gets it. Oh Paula, You are so funny!

Robbie Carrico – YES – “Did this rocker prove himself in Hollywood?” asks Ryan as we listen to Robbie “rock out” with Bryan Adams. I think that answers the question, don’t you? “It wasn’t unanimous, Robbie,” says Simon, “But Randy and myself decided to put you through.” That Simon is such a kidder.

More cannon fodder for your pleasure. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss it…

Garett Haley – YES – Ryan says, “The judges make quick work of Garett Haley.” They sure do. Who the hell is he?

Kady Malloy – YES – Randy, “You’re going to be seeing a lot more of us.” I dunno, her initial audition aired way back in January. Does anyone remember who she is? Just to refresh your memory–She’s the blond from Dallas who does an amazing Carrie Underwood impression. Yeah.

Chikezie Eze – YES – “You made it, you made it, you made it” sings Paula. Not for long, at this rate.

Amy Davis – YES – Simon says yes to her boobs (she’s the sexy part Japanese, model/singer, who auditioned in Dallas). One would assume, since she was only flashed on the screen for a few seconds.

Alaina Whitiker – YES – Blond cannon fodder.

Jason Yeager – YES – Randy says, “You made it baby.” Jason, “Are you serious?” Ryan, putting himself in charge of creating good Tee Vee, makes Jason cry.

Asia’H Epperson – YES – Asia’H retells the horrible story about her dad passing away a few days before her initial audition. We see Asia’H ripping it up during her Hollywood audition. For dad. Paula says, “We are happy to say you’re on board…for an amazing ride!” Oh, that Paula!

David Hernandez – YES – “It wasn’t unanimous, I must say,” admits Randy. We see Paula and Randy enjoying David’s performance of “Love the One You’re With” in Hollywood. “We fought hard over this decision…but it’s a yes, congratulations.” Then, Simon admits that he didn’t say yes. He tells David he’s going to have to work a heck of a lot harder to even have a remote chance of winning. Perhaps David is too “Broadway” for Simon.

Josiah Leming – NO – Josiah says, in his odd half-Southern half-British accent, that this day is probably the most important of his life. They recap his final performance in Hollywood, where he ditched the band, went solo, then crashed and burned. He thinks he’s made the cut. I’m thinking he proved he can’t work with people, and he’s too fragile to handle pressure. I’d be surprised if they put him through. And they don’t. Randy says it’s a no. Josiah slowly falls apart. By the time he makes it to the holding room, he’s pretty emotional. It’s a little heartbreaking. I really like this kid. He has tons of potential as a songwriter and performer. Idol is not the place for him. I’m hoping this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Josiah.

Colton Berry - YES - and Kyle Ensley – NO – Aw. I kinda like Kyle Ensley. He was inconsistent, and probably would have outstayed his welcome, but his adorable geekitude is endearing. Simon, interestingly, admits that he fought to keep Kyle in the competition. “You’re not the best singer, but I really think you have something that people would have enjoyed.” Simon must be disappointed that his potential whipping boy is out of the race. Heh. Colton? Well, we haven’t seen much of him so far. Time will tell.

Cardin McKinney – NO – and Joanne Borgella – YES – Cardin and Joanne are pitted against each other on looks and race. Will it be the pretty, thin white girl, or the overweight black girl? What do you think? Joanne is put through. It’s interesting, that with all the advance buzz about Cardin, we hardly saw her during the competition. Hm.

We haven’t seen the entire Top 50. I spot Colton Swon, Marsha Hancock, Neyshia Go and some other random people who are never mentioned… Hollywood is not America!

And now, it’s time for the annual Top 24 Dork Dance! Hooray! It means the competition has truly begun…

I’m ready! Are you?

 
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  • jobbix

    I can’t take this Carly pimping any more.. They told her “story” one more time! WTF! I am afraid it’s not the last time.. Damn!

  • KTINTN

    Suffer thru this for an hour? Just say Yes or No, geeeeee! And I’m waiting for that “magical” walk down, what they call “the green mile”.

  • NCMarc

    I’ll give Carly 5 stars for acting ability.

  • t2

    Jason Castro — intended cannon fodder
    Luke Menard — intended cannon fodder

    At least show them singing once before you say yes

    Guess who I’m voting for …

  • jobbix

    Oh, S**t! I felt sorry for Jason C. and Luke. We never got the chance to hear them sing a single note, but we had to go through Carly’s “story” how many times?! Three? Four? Five? I can’t believe it…

  • gabam

    For the group Castro was in, I wonder why the three were grouped together and not spotlighted at all. I guess none of them are TCO.

  • primeminister

    How do Carly’s failures make for a “good backstory?” I DON’T FRIGGIN CARE!!!!

    I should start a Jason Castro/Luke Menard Fan and Voting Club just for the heck of it. TPTB probably don’t want any hotties competing with Michael Johns.

    If they don’t suck, I’m splitting my votes for them (and maybe the 2 others we’ve seen nothing of).

  • http://gpiper.org/katiesbeer TKls2myhrt

    Whoa. I can’t believe Josiah got dropped. I was really looking forward to watching him develop. I hope he keeps pursuing his dreams…and grows up a bit.

  • t2

    See — even Michael Johns agrees with me.

    Dear Josiah,

    Write the coronation song.

    Love T2

    Also, I think he out to see if he can get that original song he auditioned with on radio.

  • jobbix

    Half of the time this kid was on TV, he was crying. Cry me a river, Josiah! This must be a record for AI.

  • KTINTN

    Sooo this is the most talented season?? Ok, better than last.

  • Luv2Laugh

    I totally agree with those who are sick of the Carly pimping. Enough already! I truly hope Luke is amazing. He totally got cheated out of any exposure. As did Jason, Jason & Garrett.

  • t2

    Colton What’s his face will be first to go. Poor kid, never gonna know what hit him.

    Why do they keep telling these people to come back — I thought they weren’t allowed to come back if they made it to the top 50.

    Add Garrett Haley and Jason ? to the cannon fodder list — in fact they go to the top the list because at least they showed Luke Menard and Jason Castro eating and sitting.

  • thedingoateyobaby

    WTF

    I loved Josiah and if he was too fragile he should have been given the chance to see if that was true but there was no freaking doubt that he should have been let through IMHO. Wow, that was one huge mistake. If for nothing else, for the drama he would have created and that Clay look alike? he definitely should have gone through over that other kid.

    Please. Im pissed off before it even gets started.

  • http://kmantoniva.blogspot.com/ KristiVA

    Luke is a Hottie!!!!!!! I’m voting for him!!!!!!!!! :wub_tb:

  • t2

    Who else yelled out

    “Can’t Dance”

    after they announced the names during the dork dance.

    My life is complete–I live for the dork dance.

  • http://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/ foxydonna

    So the spoilers were 100 percent correct (I didn’t see the whole thing)?

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    I’m taking t2′s cue:

    Dear Luke, Jason Castro, Jason Yeager, Garrett, and Colton -

    Whoever has the best performance next week, I’m voting for you!

    Your future fan,
    Sarah

    PS – As an incentive – I have unlimited texting on my AT&T cell phone. ;) Watch out, TPTB!!

    ETA: Michael Johns can’t dance worth a shit and for some reason that endears him to me even more. Haha.

  • jersey

    Okay, I’m voting for Luke no matter what he sounds like so I can see him every week, lol.

  • jpfan

    Kind of amazing how many bad dancers there are. They should have kept the crying kid and the dorky guy for the backstories. Too many blondes and teen guys that blend together. Pretty obvious Carly, Micheal and David A will be pimped to high heaven.

    This isn’t meant to offend but Idol used to screen out obviously gay men. I guess this year they stopped doing that.

  • gabam

    Anyone remember when the Top 24 spoilers were posted? I want to read about them again and I can’t remember the date to search for it.

  • primeminister

    Did anyone notice that hardly anyone cheered when Jason Castro made it?

  • primeminister

    And Garrett Haley looks like Kalan Porter (Canadian Idol Season 2 winner) version 2.

  • Ladybug

    I think I am over this part of the show, too. But, what the hey, IDOL loves it.

    Ahh. So sorry Kyle will be back in the glee club shortly. I liked that curly haired kid. Simon did too, for some reason that is beyond all imagining.

    Ditto, ditto, ditto to those above talking about the Carly pimping. She is a HUGE turn-off to me. Unattractive and completely fake.

    I think David Archuleta is very cute and talented but DON’T act like you have never, ever done anything like this before. He will be repeating pretty much exactly what he did to win Star Search.

    I think Danny Noriega will give us some thrills and some off-kilter fun in the next few weeks.

    It will be nice to hear a couple of those guys sing like FOR THE FIRST TIME on this show.

    I do think the guys have some appeal — voices and looks. Light years beyond last year’s crop of guys.

    And the girls? Uhhhh. What girls?

    ETA: Oh and to our little crying boy. Man up! And come back next year.

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Please. Im pissed off before it even gets started.

    :glurps_tb: Josiah!!!! :cry_wp: :glurps_tb:

    Anyone remember when the Top 24 spoilers were posted? I want to read about them again and I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t remember the date to search for it.

    http://mjsbigblog.com/historical-charts/list-of-the-rumored-top-24/

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    David Archuleta
    :wallbash_tb:

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    To me, Garrett Haley looks like Leif Garrett….remember him? from the 70′s? I used to kiss his record cover when I was 5 :lol_tb:

  • gabam

    Thanks, Steve-o-meter.

  • iloveoliver

    I didn’t read the top 24 spoiler thread and was very surprised to see that Kyle didn’t make it through. He has a much stronger voice than the other guy. Simon really seems to like him and maybe he will help him out.

  • longsong

    Speaking of look-alikes, I think that last guy Colton looks like Hayley Mills (I’m dating myself here).

    I agree with Simon! Kyle would have added a lot more interest to this season!

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Speaking of look-alikes, I think that last guy Colton looks like Hayley Mills (Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m dating myself here).

    Really? I think he looks like Marsha Brady

  • http://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/ foxydonna

    Wow… the spoilers were dead on. Garrett will be gone week one, though, no one’s ever heard him sing or even speak!

  • Lisa

    It’s looking like I just might have to power vote for Luke just cause TPTB obviously don’t want him going far. Also I agree, he is definitely eye candy

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Jason Yeager, Asiah Epperson and David Cook are all from Missouri :thumbup_tb:

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I think I’m going for Jason Castro unless he sucks large. Or maybe even if he does.

    Stevo- yes, I see the Leif Garrett similarities. I was a Shawn Cassidy girl myself.

    Oh, and David Cook looks like Perez Hilton’s little brother.

    As for Josiah, I would have liked to see him continue, but I’m not sure he could handle the pressure. Maybe it’s better he didn’t make it. I hope someone noticed him and he gets some opportunities.

  • longsong

    Really? I think he looks like Marsha Brady

    Actually, more like Jan with those eyebrows.

    Looking forward to hearing the two mystery men I’ve never seen before sing. Michael’s my man so far, but hmmmm……

  • primeminister

    I think I’ll vote for Garrett Haley if he doesn’t suck. He seems kind of sweet.

  • StevenD

    I really like Carly. I thought she was great and hope that she does well on the show. If people will give her a chance and stop focusing on the show ignoring her past (which is something the show is doing and not her.)

    Also funny how it seems like every year people always say the women are boring and I always think that the women are better then the men.

  • longsong

    The women are verre nice, I just for some reason am more interested in men. Heh.

  • Luv2Laugh

    I love the fact that so many think Luke is a hottie (He is). He will get my vote no matter what.

  • StevenD

    Aside from the singing I’m usually interested in the men too. My favorites so far are Carly, Amanda, Kristy, David A.and Syesha.

  • longsong

    I like Michael the Pirate.

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Stevo- yes, I see the Leif Garrett similarities. I was a Shawn Cassidy girl myself.

    He kinda looks like Peter Frampton too…lol

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    I’m just more interested in male voices, period. Most of my favorite singers are men – they probably outnumber my favorite female singers 2 or 3 to 1. That said, I do like a few girls this year, namely Brooke, Asia’h, and Syesha. I also like several of the guys (well, the ones we’ve seen) – Michael, David C, and David H. I also really liked both Colton Swon and Drew. *sniff*

    To me, Carly is highly overrated. I’ve seen/heard nothing from her so far that lives up to her hype.

  • hapi

    I love the kind of singing Amanda does and she has a nice growl..but frankly in the parts where she’s not growlin’ it out she often is off key or flat. darn… otherwise I really like her…but want to hear her flex a little. Listen to Janis Joplin, Janis sang rough but never flat/off.

  • http://www.myspace.com/xmisstarax Miss Tara

    Man do they hate my future tv boyfriend or what?

    Jason Castro FTW!!!!

  • milajoy

    So, MJ, I got it 100% right…? Thank God! xoxo

    JoesPlace

  • erennick

    I am still shocked that they didn’t pick Josiah! I knew from the spoilers, but it just doesn’t make any sense. Even though he doesn’t have the strongest voice, they should want him because: he’s adorable, can cry on cue, and is different (in the competition). I really feel like he had to have done something to make someone mad, or scared.

    I would say that the girls seem stronger. Of course, we’ve never heard four of the guys on the show, but I think there will be more cringeworthy performances from them. Will I be right? Who knows…

  • tinawina

    I am not shocked Josiah didn’t make it. The whole episode with the band sealed his fate to me. If you are thrown off by working with a band, how the hell can you compete on this show? But I think that kid will be just fine anyway.

    I kinda feel the same about Cardin McKinney. She has something about her that just compels me to look at her. And it’s not just her looks, because there have been other pretty women on the show. So maybe she’s got a little something going for her, if I’m not the only one out there who feels that way. If she keeps working at it, I think she’ll eventually find her way back to the spotlight.

    That said, I do have some emerging favorites, but I’m going to reserve final judgement until the first round of performances are over. I’m looking forward to next week.

  • maracaibo

    Man, the Carly pimping has got to stop! They’ve been showing her story like a trillion times! I really hope she doesn’t win this competition.
    After watching six seasons, the truth is you already know how the show is going to go. The TPTB favorites are pimped to the max, while the others are just cannon fodder.

    I really like Michael, but he s getting extreme pimpage too. They need to back down a bit with that. Also, I agree with whoever said they don’t want any hotties competing with Michael. That’ why IMO they disqualified Colton Swon, Brandon Green and Drew to name a few.

    I feel sorry for Colton Swon, they never even bothered to show his performances on Hollywood or even care to show his interactions with the judges today. Poor kid, I hope he continues to pursue country music.

    This show is so manipulative, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by now. It just takes out the emotion I used to have the previous years. Everything is so calculated.
    Honestly I don’t care who wins this year, people who are talented will get contracts regardless where they place.
    Right now, it looks like a David Aruchuleta and Michael Johns finale. The girls are just meh this year.

  • star

    I’m glad this part of the competition is over and we finally get to the real stuff now. Add me to the OMG LUKE IS A HOTTIE! club. Don’t suck next week, dude!

    Man, Cardin didn’t live up to her hype at all. She made The Dixie Chicks her own, I guess? And looked really awkward while doing it. To be fair though, I never listened to her original music, which I hear is good.

  • JNM

    OMG! Best talent ever. Best talent ever. Plant plant plant plant. Pimp pimp pimpity pimp pimp. Best talent ever. Best talent ever. ONLY sixteen. Planty plant plant. Pimp pimply pimp pimp. Blondie blondie blondie blonde. Best talent ever. BEST TALENT EVAH!!!

  • Kirsten

    MN Sue from last night’s thread:

    Very interesting, Kirsten. How dooooo you know these things?!

    I answered that question rather vaguely this morning because I was afraid the true answer would constitute a spoiler.

    Josiah Leming has been posting over at VFTW for a little while. He posted that information this morning in his thread (info about the songs he had wanted to sing). He seems to have taken it all fairly well and is just happy for the exposure that he has received. He says that he’s been getting a lot of people buying his music on myspace.

    Except for William Hung, I don’t think anybody has been able to parlay audition attention into success, but I wish Josiah luck. He’s interesting.

  • http://www.xanga.com/werwanderflugen Preston

    I’m very excited for the semifinals next week… I don’t have a favorite, but I do think many of the contestants this year have considerable talent. Vive la S7!

  • PrplDva

    I know we didnt hear the Jasons, but did we hear Leif Frampton or Luke sing? I’m so confused. I’m not reading the spoilers next year. (yeah, that’ll happen)

    Surprised that Simon didnt get his way on Kyle.

    I heart Michael- except his hair- Lord, that means I’m old, doesnt it……Also loving Danny.

    Although, so far, no one has moved me enough to pick up the phone. We shall see next week.

    P.S. Thanks again for a great site MJ! Most people don’t realize how much work you put into this. I, for one, truly appreciate you and have enjoyed your clever repartee for several years. Although I’m mostly a lurker, I am here several times a day. Thank you! MUA!

  • claireb7tx

    TKls2myhrt
    Feb 13th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    Whoa. I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe Josiah got dropped. I was really looking forward to watching him develop. I hope he keeps pursuing his dreamsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and grows up a bit.

    I have to agree that I was shocked that they dropped Josiah…I wanted to see what he would do each week. bummer

    I hate the pimping of Carly chick…it just makes me dislike her for no reason except that they keep pushing her.

  • flicker

    I checked Josiah’s Myspace page just before 8:00 Eastern time, and he had abou 32000 plays today. By 10:00 pm, he had over 60,000. So he’s getting lots of attention. Hope it lasts for him.

    I bought several of his songs. I was surprised at how good they are. Much better than most of the idol CDs that Clive churns out.

  • CarieB

    I just have to remember that it is not Carly’s fault that she is being pimped. I have NEVER voted before Top 10 or maybe top 12, but I like a lot of peeps this year and I might break tradition. It’s not hard to sense a much better season than last year and a much more FUN experience here at MJ’s as well.

  • primeminister

    Colton Berry goes next week, I think.

  • t2

    Well guess who’s DVR didn’t record the dork dances — oh yes, that would be me!

    If anyone has a link to the dork dances somewhere, please post it. Have I mentioned I love the dork dances.

    I miss Kyle Ensley already.

    And what exactly is Simon’s problem with David Hernandez?

  • primeminister

    T2, check rickey’s.

  • LadyBeBop

    Colton Berry goes next week, I think.

    Unless he sings extraordinary, I think you’re right. He got no airtime before the chair, and he got the villain’s edit as the contestant who displaced the likable Kyle.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Yes, bring on top 24. You NEVER know how the kids will respond to the pressure of a live audience or what is going on with them behind the scenes. It’s really way to early to tell. Yes, I say that because last year was the first year I watched all the auditions and checked into some of their pre-Idol music and I was so into Brandon Rogers. I still heart Brandon, but he did choke.

    ETA:

    And what exactly is Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s problem with David Hernandez

    I dunno. I quite like him. Maybe I’ll send him a few votes too.

    Oh,and I felt sorry for that Colton dude. Simon said “with all due respect” or some such nonsense and then basically dissed the child. It’s like when someone says they don’t mean to be rude or offend when that’s exactly what they’re about to do. Pet peeve of mine. Either mean to be rude/offend or don’t say it.

  • primeminister

    I have no idea what Garrett Haley sounds like (we didn’t even see him talk or celebrate!) so I’m gonna vote against the people who are being pimped by voting for him. (Sounds very VFTW-like doesn’t it?)

    Next week, if Garrett/Jason C/Jason Y/Luke perform first OR David A/Michael closes, I’m going to LAUGH.

  • Lisa

    Two Tulsans in this year, David Cook (now living in mo) and Alaina Whitaker. David is *awight*, Alaina, am guessing she is ok. Should be some interesting local Fox snippets this year.

    My horses are Michael/Luke, still like Michael even with the pimping and the horrible back story. Dude can sang. Anyone know if Luke is good?

  • iloveoliver

    I went and read the Wall Street Journal aricle about Carly. Very interesting and informative. Seems like they spent a ton of money and time with some good producers. Not sure what Simon/Clive can do with her. Plus if those people couldn’t market her how could anyone else. Except now she has a national audience.

    It will be interesting to see what develops.

    Personally I don’t care for her but then I don’t particularly care for female singers.

  • t2

    Primeminister — thanks, I’ll check tomorrow.

    Anyone else completely amused that Michael Johns had on a shirt with the word “Freedom” on it. Didn’t anyone tell him he was going to have to sign his life away…

  • http://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/ foxydonna

    OMG! Best talent ever. Best talent ever. Plant plant plant plant. Pimp pimp pimpity pimp pimp. Best talent ever. Best talent ever. ONLY sixteen. Planty plant plant. Pimp pimply pimp pimp. Blondie blondie blondie blonde. Best talent ever. BEST TALENT EVAH!!!

    I love you JNM.

    I have to confess to having been spending waaaaay too much time at VFTW this week and I think that’s contributing to my cynicism. Thing is, I can post there during the day but not here. It’s killing me.

    Carly isn’t going to crash and burn any time soon, and I think Archuleta (who’s only 16 did ya know) learned all the ropes on Star Search. Michael Lee John or whatever is also going to be around for a while unless there’s a backlash.

    This year will be the year of the pros, and people will holler and hoot. TPTB will go back to the drawing board next year and try to get less polished folk. That’s what I think anyway. Of course, if the only people who know all these people’s backgrounds are people on message boards, etc. then there’ll be no backlash. Can’t win.

    I’m trying to do my part to spread the word. Click here and scroll down to the Blogs, Forums & Opinion box. Leave a comment if you’d like (makes me look popular). Trying to do my part to edumacate the public as to the wiles of AI.

    Here’s the link…sorry http://www.syracuse.com/

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I tend to like the male singers, too, but I like Syesha and Asia’h. We shall see. So much of it will depend on song choice. Doesn’t matter to me how great a singer is if I’m not entertained. I know that’s purely subjective.

  • http://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/ foxydonna

    I have no idea what Garrett Haley sounds like (we didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even see him talk or celebrate!) so Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m gonna vote against the people who are being pimped by voting for him. (Sounds very VFTW-like doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t it?)

    Unless Garrett is spectacular, he’ll probably be one of the first VFTW pick. Hell, even if he is spectacular, he’ll get the nod just because they are so anti-Carly/Michael et al.

  • http://idolstages.com Connie D.

    Some of the guys are going to look a lot better next week because they will have the proper shade of mascara and probably have their eyebrows shaped by then as well.

  • t2

    On the good news side, when Carly makes the top 12 she will finally get a makover and we will never have to see orange eyeshadow and the eyebrows of death any more.

  • primeminister

    I feel bad for Josiah, Brandon, Colton Swon, Kyle, and many others– it seems like all these untapped talents were cut in favor of the pros. Idol definitely seems different this year.

    Well, anyways, that can’t be helped; I just look forward to good performances from both the pros and the cannon fodders alike.

  • Chris58

    longsong
    Feb 13th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
    Speaking of look-alikes, I think that last guy Colton looks like Hayley Mills (Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m dating myself here).

    Ahhhh–a soulmate! I am older than dirt and remember Haley well.

    I don’t know the names yet…but the girl from Ireland(?) who has an allergy to her dog…damn, she moves me! (Is she Carly??? I stopped paying attention to the pimping in Season 2.) Her voice is off the charts but it’s her emotion that really gets me–got chills!

    Again, I think the talent is truly incredible this year. Many, many polished (professionals?) singers in this group who seem to really know who they are. Of course, after next week, they may all suck. But hey, that’s Idol, right?

  • St.Lucia

    Wow. Josiah’s dismissal bothered me more than I thought it would and I knew it was coming. I do think he suffered a bit from being a bit overconfident, but man, even though I knew it was coming I really thought it was exceptionally hard to see.

    I really liked Josiah. I thought he was gifted and had a talent that was really impressive, however, I knew he wasn’t right for this competition. So I’m upset, yes, but not really that surprised.

    I’ve decided I hate all Bryan Adams. As if LAST night wasn’t bad enough, having to hear it all again in the replays was bad enough.

    I’ve decided that my two least favorite contestants are Carly the Irish “rocker” and Robbie the long haired I was a boybander and dated Britney Spears “rocker”. they aren’t rockers!!! They’re “boybanding, pop star singing” crap just didn’t work out, so they were forced to recreate a new image which feels so disingenuous to me that I could never vote for an artist that I don’t feel truly knows who they are as an artist. The changing your style for the mere sense of marketability just rubs me all wrong. but I suppose Idol is getting what they want, no matter how funny it makes me feel.

    Which we could have heard some of these people sing!!! Especially that Leif Garret look alike! Oh well, someone has to be cannon fodder, although I’m hoping that the Top 24 will mark some surprises.

    And I TOTALLY thought Kyle Ensley should have made it over Colton Berry, on Charisma alone. When we put the voice into play, I STILL thought Kyle sang better.

    I wish Simon had won that argument.

  • http://steve-o-meter.com steve-o-meter

    Leif Frampton

    :lol_tb: :clap_tb:

  • Lu

    I really feel like he had to have done something to make someone mad, or scared.

    I know there are lots here who liked Josiah but his dismissal of the band followed by a crying jag just flat out annoyed me. I didn’t want to see him anymore. I don’t wish him ill will but if I were the idol PTB, I’d be terrified the kid would have some kind of breakdown. I think he may need some kind of counseling… being that young and living in a car is not a good thing (not that living in a car is ever a good thing – you know what I mean!). Maybe a family member or friend will step in. I hope so. He just seemed very fragile and a little on the edge. A stressful competition may not be what’s best for him.

  • beesims

    I had to go back to MJ’s archives to find out who was the first cannon fodder for Season 6. Does anyone remember if Paul Kim, Rudy Cardenas, Amy Krebs and Nicole Tranquilo got airtime before their appearances in the Top 24. I do recall being very curious about Leslie Hunt who also got minimal airtime.

    I haven’t got a favorite at this point. I’m waiting until I get to hear some of the “mystery men” of Season 7. I have a feeling that my pre-season prediction of a male country singer winner ain’t gonna happen unless Jason Y. or Garrett Haley fills that slot. I’m sad that Josiah Lemming didn’t make it. He could have made the show a lot more interesting. I am also surprised that for the second year in a row, only one African American male made it to the Top 24. There seemed to be a lot in the holding room who got cut including the one guy in the glasses who seemed to be like the group cheerleader (did he get any camera time with the judges?)

    Anyway, after 6 seasons of fanatical idol watching I am cynical about the repeated refrains of “BEST TALENT EVER!!!”, but always hopeful that someone will come forward with that unexpected, unscripted, un-Idol performance that motivates me to start dialing like a lunatic. Season 7 is on! :clap_tb:

    edited to add my personal request to the Idol stylists: Please in the name of all things sacred, do something about David Cooks hair

  • Lu

    Bee – Good to see you! :)

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I don’t think Josiah is the first musician to live out of his car. Didn’t JD from RS INXS do the same? And prolly many others…

  • Lu

    I dont know PJ… were they that young? I have no clue – lol. I just wish he’d go back to school and get himself together. I certainly wouldn’t embrace the idea of my underage children heading out on their own to live out of their car. Geesh – this mom thing can make me a real buzz kill… sorry guys.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Lol, Lu. No worries. I’m sure his parents feel the same. Didn’t he say they didn’t know? Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag!

  • star

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Josiah is the first musician to live out of his car. Didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t JD from RS INXS do the same? And prolly many othersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    Yup but he wasn’t a teenager.

    OMG! Best talent ever. Best talent ever. Plant plant plant plant. Pimp pimp pimpity pimp pimp. Best talent ever. Best talent ever. ONLY sixteen. Planty plant plant. Pimp pimply pimp pimp. Blondie blondie blondie blonde. Best talent ever. BEST TALENT EVAH!!!

    :lol_tb: this post FTW!!!

  • Lu

    Surprise Mom and Dad! Welcome to my home! It has gas heat and lots of cupholders!

  • JNM

    HAHAHA!! Leif Frampton might just be the funniest nickname ever.

    Even though I had to rant, I must say I’m already enjoying this season much more than season 6.

    I really wanted the future POTUS to make it. Ah well. I have a feeling he will be back next season.

    I think Ms. Plus-sized model is cannon fodder. Oh and blondie boy that beat out our future POTUS.

    Pretty sure that it’s going to come down to the pros. Hopefully Carly won’t be one of them. I find nothing compelling about her what so ever.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Bee – I don’t think Amy or Nicole’s auditions were ever shown, but Rudy’s was shown during the Seattle audition show, and Paul’s was shown during the best of the rest show, I know.

    For those eliminated in the 2nd week – Leslie Hunt was shown in ads for the show before the season started, but her full audition was never aired. Alaina’s audition was shown, as was Nick Pedro’s. AJ’s was not, I don’t think.

    3rd week – I think we all remember seeing Sundance and Antonella for sure. I know Sabrina’s wasn’t shown, not sure about Jared’s.

    Can’t do season 5. That’s a little TOO far back for me. LOL.

    ETA: The two girls eliminated in week one really did get the cannon fodder edit. Rudy had the unfortunate advantage of going first, but he also made an unfortunate song choice. And Paul, singing barefoot, just sucked. Cannon fodder or not, he was out.

  • Kirsten

    edited to add my personal request to the Idol stylists: Please in the name of all things sacred, do something about David Cooks hair

    From your keyboard to Dean’s scissors. David Cooks’ hair actually makes me mad, which is a first for me (and if you’ve seen my hair, you know I’m not generally all that fussy about hair). First he shows up at the audition with some weird fauxhawk from hell and then he arrives with “I’ve spent the last 20 days lost in the woods being chased by bears” hair in Hollywood. He had what, 6 weeks to fix that and he shows up with the same sort of ‘do for the chairs. Dude, television is a visual media, give us a break and borrow a comb.

    And Dean, better go to Costco and get an econo-size of deep conditioner because this crew is going to need it.

    Ahem, enough ranting about hair.

    It seemed to me that last year we got a little mini-clip of each contestant that made it through. I distinctly recall it being the first time I’d heard Sabrina sing. This year, it seemed as if you hadn’t already been featured, you weren’t going to get airtime tonight. They are dead serious about the cannon fodder this year. I wonder if Nigel will even turn on their mic’s next week. No wonder the judges know who that they have the best final 12 ever. Good luck all you clipless people we met for the first time tonight!

  • beckhome

    Colton Berry is a dead ringer for Ellen DeGeneres. On the surface, the gals are going to sing the guys out the door. However, this is Idol, the best show EVAH!

  • Kirsten

    Canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t do season 5. Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a little TOO far back for me. LOL

    I can. I can. The first week saw the booting of Patrick Hall (who had been seen for about 2 milliseconds in a bathroom during the Hollywood round) and the amazing Bobby Bennet (who had not been seen before). Patrick Hall had a lot of potential. Bad song choice!

    From the girls, we had Stevie Scott (bad vocal choice!) and Becky O’Donahue both of whom had had their fair share of airtime.

    The other three that I recall that went into the final 24 as ciphers were Heather Cox (out final 20), Gedeon McKinney (whose back story was ignored, out final 16) and Melissa McGhee (who actually pointed out how she’d not been seen before, out final 12).

    And lest we forget Elliott Yamin who would have had no air time at all had he not been in a group with one of the psycho twins.

  • http://blog.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/ foxydonna

    Good luck all you clipless people we met for the first time tonight!

    They are history, for sure. It’s so blatantly obvious too. Or maybe we’re just gettin’ wise to their trickery after six seasons.

  • skylight1219

    There seems to be a lot of agreement here about Carly. Pimp, pimp, pimp. I hate her already, and, her voice isn’t anything special. Not sure if I’ll vote this season, since no one has really impressed me that much, but, if I do, it will be for ABC. Anyone But Carly!

  • beesims

    Lol, Lu. No worries. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sure his parents feel the same. Didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t he say they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know? Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag!

    MaryS-NJ had posted a link to Josiah’s mother’s blog about her struggle with cancer. It is pretty harrowing stuff. I did find this earlier entry about Josiah leaving home and she seem’s pretty OK with it. Of course, she didn’t know about the living in the car part at that time.

    http://www.mylifewithcancer.com/2007/08/my-birdies-are-flying-coup.html

  • beesims

    And Dean, better go to Costco and get an econo-size of deep conditioner because this crew is going to need it.

    Ahem, enough ranting about hair.

    Kirsten, do you think Jason Castro will last long enough in the competition for the stylists to chop off the dreads?

  • gabam

    I read that David A turned 17 on December 28th. I guess we will have another season of the “only 17″ remarks. *sigh*

    Hopefully some of the cannon fodder folks will blow us away during the competition and become fan favorites.

    Thank goodness for the crazy twin and Elliott’s stubbornness (and awesome voice) otherwise we would not have seen him before the Top 24 was announced. He was probably meant to be cannon fodder.

    Thanks for the great recap, MJ.

  • Grammie Kari

    OMG! Best talent ever. Best talent ever. Plant plant plant plant. Pimp pimp pimpity pimp pimp. Best talent ever. Best talent ever. ONLY sixteen. Planty plant plant. Pimp pimply pimp pimp. Blondie blondie blondie blonde. Best talent ever. BEST TALENT EVAH!!!

    I love you too JNM for having the best post! Wouldn’t it be great if the first SHOCK of the season occurred with Carly being cut? She is a ho-hum singer with no charisma. Also, I think Michael should drop out and come back to the Finale as a guest performer.

    My biggest disappointment is that Drew Poppelreiter was cut. That country boy was mighty cute and could sing. It is possible that one of the guys not given air time (Jason Castro, Luke Menard, Garett Haley, or Jason Yeager) could pull out a surprise performance. Song choice is vital.

    Thank you MJ for all your hard work!

    I have watched every single season, and this year is definitely different. Pimping for professionals is driving me up the wall.

    BTW, I have read that Rudy Cardenas is in one of the bands for an Idol. Was it Blake?

  • geekygirl

    Well it certainly is looking like an interesting season! I am pleasantly surprised, I actually really like most everyone I’ve seen. And I don’t normally like the girls. Have to say I don’t get Carlyplant, she’s good, but I’m not hearing anything outrageous. I think little Raimele has just as good a voice.

    People should just relax, the major pimped don’t always make it, it can backlash. The chosen ones can crash and burn, look at Sundance last year. The unseen can surprise you, think Elliott. and the anti idols can win as in Taylor. I had just about stopped watching last year but I am back in the game!

    I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t wish him ill will but if I were the idol PTB, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be terrified the kid would have some kind of breakdown. I think he may need some kind of counselingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ being that young and living in a car is not a good thing (not that living in a car is ever a good thing – you know what I mean!). Maybe a family member or friend will step in. I hope so. He just seemed very fragile and a little on the edge. A stressful competition may not be whatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s best for him.

    I agree with you Lu, although we may be manipulated by editing, he seems on the edge, and has trouble dealing with other people in the real world. Like the kind of kid if he didn’t have music would play World of Warcraft all day. Living by himself in a car at his age with no social contact, disconnected from his family, and no boundaries can’t be good for him. As highly strung as he is, I can’t imagine him as a popstar, trainwreck meltdown waiting to happen.

  • Chicago-sally

    Personality will make the difference. Talent has never really mattered on AI. It’s personality, who smiles the best, and who sings the best combined.

    Does anybody know a site that has the TV vids of the singers? Rickey hasn’t put his up yet.

  • Kirsten

    Kirsten, do you think Jason Castro will last long enough in the competition for the stylists to chop off the dreads?

    Well, it would certainly seem that Nigel and Co don’t want him to stay that long.

    While I’m not a fan of dreads, I suggest that he keep them for the following reasons:

    A) He obviously does like them and why cut them off when you might only be going to last two episodes.

    B) They help him stand out in the crowd so people might remember him when it comes time to voting. I’m one who doesn’t mind gimmicks. A gimmick is what can help those with little air time survive, so it’s all part of the game. IMO a gimmick won’t get you the win in this competition, but it might help you stick around long enough to develop a fan base. I realize that Castro’s hair is probably just what he likes and not intended as a gimmick, but as it turns out, his hair will help serve to define him for the first few rounds. (“I liked the guy with the dreads and the blonde girl” “Oh, Castro is the guy with the dreads, but which blonde do you mean?” “Uh, the one with slightly curlier hair?”)

  • http://gpiper.org/katiesbeer TKls2myhrt

    beesims – thanks for the link to Sharon Leming’s blog. Whoa. I will never call Josiah Leming over-emotional or immatuare again. He’s doing pretty well for an 18 year old. Reading her blog I was reminded about how easy it is to judge these kids without knowing anything about them. Of course, that is the nature of the show. I was reminded of last year’s Matt Sato and his backstory that unfolded on local radio here in Minneapolis. The more I found out, the more I wanted to tiptoe backwards out of the room,shut the door and leave them to solve their family issues in privacy. Of course, Matt was the one to drag it into public in the first place (not unusual teen behavior).

    Sharon Leming wrote a few days ago:

    First of all, I’d like to say hello to all of the people who have found me when searching for Josiah. I appreciate your nice comments and well wishes. In your honor, I will answer a few of the most common Josiah-related questions:

    1 – I was trying to contact Josiah, but I ended up here. How can I contact him?
    You can reach him at his myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/josiahleming.

    2 – Did you know he was living in his car?
    We did not know he was living in his car at that time, but we did know before the show aired last week.

    3 – What do you think of the British accent?
    Actually, I do not notice the accent when he speaks or sings. I guess I am just accustomed to hearing him.

    4 – Why is he separated from his family? Don’t you love him?
    I love Josiah very much, and he is very close to his family. There are no musical opportunities near us, so he wants to be near a larger metropolitan area where he can play his music and make better contacts.

    5 – How do you feel about his lifestyle?
    I don’t always agree with the decisions he makes, but I respect the fact that it is his life and I am 100% behind him all the way.

  • ealbino

    Well guess whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s DVR didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t record the dork dances à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  oh yes, that would be me!

    If anyone has a link to the dork dances somewhere, please post it. Have I mentioned I love the dork dances.

    My DVR shut off when the last two girls were in the room.. grrrrrrr..I didn’t see the dork dances and they’re not on Rickeys…:-( any suggestions?

  • http://gpiper.org/katiesbeer TKls2myhrt

    You didn’t miss much with the dances. Really. Two seconds a piece. The one boy, the 16 year old dark haired one, didn’t even know how to dance. Awwww…

  • t2

    Sniff…none of them knew how to dance…and that’s was makes watching it a thousand times so desirable….T2 sneaks off in search of a life…

  • ealbino

    awwww. the 16 yr..old.. my David A…my favorite… now I love him more for not knowing how to dance.. LOL

  • Kirsten

    My DVR shut off when the last two girls were in the room.. grrrrrrr..I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see the dork dances and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not on Rickeysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦:-( any suggestions?

    This is most of the dork dance (it’s missing the group dork dance):

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

  • Kirsten

    The show opens with Hayden Christiansen (??!?) and Ryan Seacrest sitting in front of a green screen pretending to be in Egypt. I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get it. Oh, ok. Hayden is pimping his new show FOX show, Jumpers. Get off my Tee Vee, now, please. Thank you.

    The Sphinx got more face time last night than some of the contestants did all season.

    Sphinx for the win!

  • t2

    Kirsten – I heart you.

    Jason Castro–well, there’s laid back and then there’s Jason Castro.

    Kristy Lee Cook. I thought I wanted Carly Simonson to go first, but after that dance, I’ll settle for Kristy Lee.

    Just a big fat ole BWAH to the dork dancers. Life is good.

  • http://gpiper.org/katiesbeer TKls2myhrt

    For those interested in hearing more Josiah Leming, visit his MySpace and hear several of his songs. You can also purchase them through a verified site. I did choose the option to purchase all his songs for $15.00, to show him a little support, but one warning….all the songs sound the same. He really needs to stretch more as an artist, but he’s got tons of talent and potential.

  • maracaibo

    I have a feeling that my pre-season prediction of a male country singer winner ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t gonna happen unless Jason Y. or Garrett Haley fills that slot

    Hmmmmm I don’t know if those two are country at all. They don’t look like. I was rooting for Colton Swon to fill that spot. I wonder what happened to him? After an impressive audition he was never shown again.
    He was really good IMO with that Boondocks song.

  • erennick

    At least one of the “cannon fodder” will turn out to be an amazing singer and within a few weeks, a favorite.

    While it definitely helps to get screen time (especially if you give a so-so performance), the best way to survive in the early rounds is to pick a good song and give a confident performance. Oh, and if that fails, cry when Simon is mean…

    I’m so excited for next week!

  • Ladybug

    Please! Oh Pleeeeze! Let Carly and Kristy Lee be the first two females sent home!

    I wonder what “America” will think of finalists they are seeing/hearing for the first time? Is this holding back done on purpose? Well. We know everything on Idol is, you know, like, spontaneous, so….

    I am already WAY more interested in this year than last. Looks like I may have to revoke my membership to Team Indifference. That may change, and I may have to re-apply, but, for now, Season 7 looks like a keeper.

  • janerazor

    Yeah, what was up with Kristy Lee Cook’s stripper-worthy booty shaking during what is really supposed to be the DorkDanceParade? Amazing Grace, indeed….

    Colton is starting out the competition from under the bus, so he has my sympathy. Sheesh, did Simon really have to roll his eyes when he shook Colton’s hand?

    I thought it was just the song choice for her audition, but I have decided that Joanne Borgella has an extremely unpleasant voice. She’s way high-pitched and screechy to my ears. And Syesha Mercado is shouty. Her voice is another one I think I could listen to for only so long before getting hugely annoyed.

    Nothing on God’s green earth will make me vote for Carly. Ever.

    On the other hand, I’m intrigued both by Amanda’s voice and by her demeanor so far. She comes off so poised and mature. I found that so refreshing after seeing all the blondes and the plants cry their eyes out.

    Edited to add: When I saw Ryan and Random Actor From Show Getting Promo’d on top of the Sphinx, all I could think was “American Idol, meet shark. Shark, meet American Idol. Now let’s get jumping!”

  • ealbino

    Kirsten…You are da bomb

    Thank you! :clap_tb:

  • colette

    Ditto on the “shouty” note. If Simon gave a lot of singers that critique last year, this year will be a goldmine of shoutiness….

  • Little Boy Blue

    The guys at FOXES ON IDOL have already categorized the Top 24 into groups. See if you agree with them :

    What?! I got NO screen time? Just because my lifeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not tragic?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Group:

    Jason Castro
    Luke Menard
    Garret Haley
    Alexandrea Lushington

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Pretty Girls Who Can Also Singà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Group:

    Alaina Whitaker
    Amy Davis
    Kady Malloy

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Potentialà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Group

    Chikezie Eze
    Colton Berry
    Joanne Borgella

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Middlegroundà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Group

    Brooke White
    Ramiele Malubay
    Kristy Lee Cook
    Asiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢h Epperson
    David Hernandez
    Robbie Carrico

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Almost Sure Thingsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Group

    Amanda Overmeyer
    Danny Noriega
    Syesha Mercado
    David Cook

    The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Frontrunnersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  Group

    Michael Johns
    Carly Smithson
    David Archuleta

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    The guys at FOXES ON IDOL have already categorized the Top 24 into groups. See if you agree with them :

    Link, please.

    Please don’t rip off other sites. Post links.

    If I found my stuff in a comments section of another blog without linkage, I’d be pissed.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Does anybody know a site that has the TV vids of the singers? Rickey hasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t put his up yet.

    If anyone has a link to the dork dances somewhere, please post it. Have I mentioned I love the dork dances.

    My DVR shut off when the last two girls were in the room.. grrrrrrr..I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t see the dork dances and theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not on Rickeysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦:-( any suggestions?

    Dork dance is at the end of this video:

    http://www.dailymotion.com/igrecman/video/x4dcg5_ai7ep10part6-top24-revealed_music

    Complete videos from the EP here:

    http://www.dailymotion.com/igrecman/1

    :)

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Dear TPTB, please shoot cannon fodder Luke Menard my way. :wub_tb:

  • mackatty

    Sounds like Kristy Lee will be the Katharine McPhee of this year. The ladies are obviously a little put off by her sexy looks and dance. This is one guy who will vote for her based on her voice–her looks help as well.

    My favs:

    Asia’H Epperson
    Ramielle
    Kristy Lee
    Brooke White
    David Cook
    Michael Johns
    Danny Noriega

    Please no Amanda “one dimensional” Overmyer or Syesha “conceited The One” Mercado

  • jersey

    You’ve got a line in front of you Purple.

  • skylight1219

    This is American Idol? We have Carly, an Irish gal, and, Michael Johns, from Australia. Both being pimped, pimped, and repimped. Shouldn’t they change the name of the show? I think that Paula and Randy saw Kevin Covais (?) in Kyle, however, Kevin was also very adorable. As I stated before, ABC – anyone but Carly.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    LOL, jersey. I hate my timezone. Gah!

    However, TPTB might not be a sharp shooter, you know… ;B

  • dvls

    It would be so funny if the Australian and the Irishgirl were the first 2 voted off!!

  • IGetCranked

    Poor Kristy Lee, I felt so sorry for her when she went into spasms.
    I hope she didn’t throw her back out or displace a hip. :(

    I have several favorites this year already! I love it because last year I didn’t feel anyone. I canNOT wait til Tuesday!

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    I was disappointed Cardin didn’t make it. I was hoping the spoilers were wrong on that one. Oh, well, she did choke in Hollywood. :s She is still gorgeous, though, and talented and I hope she makes it big somehow.

    I hope this isn’t a repeat post…In her myspace, Cardin posted a blog answering questions posted by “friends”/fans, such as…

    …best friends through the competition?

    Music in the future? Phone been ringing?

    Did you think it was weird when people you don’t know started writing blogs about you?? Do you like that there are so many websites about you?

    What are your favorite songs to cover?

    Who have been your favorite past Idols?

    Who is your favorite judge?

    She keeps adding (answers) to the blog as questions are posted.

    http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=45242959&blogID=357733622

  • meme

    Finally Indiana gets to show that we are not all about corn fields, and car racing. Proud to say that we have three Hoosiers on board for this season…Amanda Overmyer :wub_tb:, Amy Davis,and Luke Menard.
    I really enjoyed watching Hollywood week this year.

  • joyous

    Well, you guys, I have to agree with TPTB that the quality of this year’s talent has stepped up a notch from last year. I don’t care about previous experience, old contracts, old releases, etc. I just want to see and hear some good talent and I think that we’re in for a treat this season. There is a variety of styles, a variety of “looks”, and yet, there appears to be a pretty high standard of music coming our way.
    I am impressed with MJL, but I wonder what kind of career is really available to a 29 year old in this business where youth holds all of the cards. I think that Kristy Lee Cook has great potential. I’ve listened to her songs on myspace, and I like the timbre of her voice. I think that with the right song choices she could be very entertaining. And, I thought that her geeky dance moves were cute!!
    I am kind of over the belters. I have had my ear drums assaulted too many times during the past seasons. For that reason, Brooke appeals to me, also. Actually, I am impressed with quite a few of the performers, and I CAN’T WAIT until next week. :jittery_tb:

  • http://gpiper.org/katiesbeer TKls2myhrt

    Oops. My bad. I forgot to make sure there was a link to Sharon Leming’s blog on my comment. I’m sorry!

  • primeminister

    I watched the video’s on Americanidol.com. Loved Jason Castro– hopefully, he can sing.

  • Caffiend

    LA Times blogger predicts Top 7:

    Alaina Whitaker
    Carly Smithson
    Ramiele Malubay
    Michael Johns
    Syesha Mercado
    Kady Malloy
    Colton Berry

    Colton Berry, the last guy picked. I like Ramiele too.

  • JOJOSIE

    Little Boy Blue, I think you left out Jason Yeager. He must really be forgettable. I don’t think I saw him except where they told him he made the top twenty four. He’s been performing in Branson so he may have some talent and stage presents. I’ll be watching the ones I haven’t seen and kind of formed an opinion on next week. He was cute too, and a little older which I like. Go Jason…..

  • Tony

    Please God, let Carly Smithson and KKKristy be the first ones out. Thanx.

  • Cam

    TKls2myhrt Feb 14th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    Oops. My bad. I forgot to make sure there was a link to Sharon Lemingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s blog on my comment. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sorry!

    Wow…I haven’t posted here in months and just had to log in and say something about Josiah’s mother. I read a little of her blog and it is heart wrenching to read her words. Josiah sounds like a wonderful person. Those pages will be difficult for her family to read when she’s gone…but such a treasure too! I hope this young man can make a career for himself. I was sorry they didn’t keep him around. I didn’t think he’d ever win but I did enjoy him and wanted him to get a bit more face time on tv.

  • JOJOSIE

    Over on the AI website they have a page on the top twenty-four. Under the picture and banner,More About The Top 24, are four catogories you can select. The second one is Interview Videos and I went in and listened to Jason Yeager and Luke Menard. Both are great looking guys who seem at ease during the interviews. I only wish the would show videos of them singing. I feel like I at least know something about them now. Going over and listen to a few more.

  • hapi

    Sorry if this has been addressed already but…
    are Carly and Michael Johns actually citizens of the US? or just here on a visa? If they’re aren’t a citizen or in the process of becoming citizens, then I dont think they should be on American Idol, as there is Irish Idol, and Australian Idol they could be on. However if they are in the process/or already citizens ok. Just visas no.

  • hapi

    Hey…I liked that Buck Smith’s voice! Darn! Would’ve liked to have heard more.

    I think it’s unthinkable for idol to not show every contestant, as it gives all those who have had screen time a fan base right off the bat. boo boo booo

  • bean99

    They do it every season. I can’t remember who we didn’t see last season although I do know they didn’t show Blake singing at all, just beatboxing. Most of the time they have to make an impression later but I agree that it puts them at a disadvantage with viewers.

  • marymagdalene

    Hello, all!

    I just found out something really interesting!!!

    I was talking to my friend Nicole, who currently lives in Tulsa, OK, and works in a hair salon…

    About two weeks ago, this young girl comes in who wanted her hair more blonde, and Nicole said “OK.”

    Somehow, the conversation got onto AI, and Nicole said that she heard that a girl from Tulsa got onto the show, and the girl whose hair is going blonder, said “That’s me!”

    Nicole asks what her name is, and it is ALAINA!!!

    I know that Nicole asked her name before she started doing her hair, but I just had to leave that out until the end, for the dramatic effect, even though I know that all of you are such detectives, and could have figured it out just by the fact that I mentioned Tulsa, OK…

    So when we see Alaina on either Tuesday or Wednesday, that is Nicole’s work! :clap_tb:

  • janerazor

    Just watched the Hollywoods and Chair episodes again. All I gotta say is, man alive, that Buck Smith got robbed! He would have brought a true rocker edge to the guys this year. If only they’d have gone with Buck over Robbie, who oddly resembled him, if only in that please-forget-I-was-a-boybander-cuz-that-don’t-sell-CDs-no-more way.