Season 8 Top 13 Party – Photos and Video

Is Danny looking at Megan?

The caption under her Wire Image photo read, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“TV Personality Katrina Darrellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  WTF?

:rolleyes_wp:

Jasmine looks like she’s about 30 years old.

^Nah, that will be againts AIÂ ´s plan to save our souls with his message…

“Wearing his trademark thick-rimmed glasses (Gucci tonight)”

UGH.

Okay, after seeing them all together like that, I have some predictions:

Never gonna win: Micheal Sarver, Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkey

Not gonna win, but should go deep: Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds, Allison Iraheta

Might have a shot if things come together: Anoop Desai, Alexis Grace, Matt Giraud, Kris Allen

Clear shot at the title: Danny Gokey

Not quite sure what to do with him: Scott McIntyre (doesn’t have the winner type voice but he’s blind and a pretty cool guy.. is that enough?)

What do you all think?!!!

In my heart, I want to keep Anoop as my overall pick in the pool. But my brain says the voice isn’t there, and the smart money is on Danny or Scott. I’m torn here peeps.

Katrina Darrell? LMAO!! That fits though after last nights ridiculous show.

So there is no country singer this season? Or will they push Michael Sarver that way?
I’m not a country fan so it doesn’t bother me, just seems odd.

Go Anoop!! You are my last hope for this dumb show.

Nah, that will be againts AI ´s plan to save our souls with his messageà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Cute.

It was a serious question though.

Okay, after seeing them all together like that, I have some predictions:

Not gonna win, but should go deep: Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds, Allison Iraheta

Might have a shot if things come together: Anoop Desai, Alexis Grace, Matt Giraud, Kris Allen

Clear shot at the title: Danny Gokey

Not quite sure what to do with him: Scott McIntyre (doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t have the winner type voice but heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s blind and a pretty cool guy.. is that enough?)

I used to think there was some sort of subliminal message to the way they were all arranged when they took group photos. Now, I’m not so sure.

I don’t think anyone has a clear shot at the title right now. Either that, or I’m in denial. I need to see them at least twice more before getting a feel for any of them. I’m completely clueless, and going into the Top 13, I think the viewing audience is at a disadvantage.

I think Scott has the potential to go deeper than anyone expects.

Bakers dozen, :mrgreen_wp:

I will refrain from telling any Danny looking at Megan jokes. I will refrain from telling any Danny looking at Megan jokes. I will refrain from telling any Danny looking at Megan jokes. That is my mantra.

Adam Lambert is hot. Adam Lambert brings the pretty. Jazzy does look old. They will tart her up soon though. Kris is trying to channel the Archuleta look. Now that Slezak has put that in my head, I will be watching him. Savvy little sprite! Someone should have told Jorge there really was not reason for him to crouch, lol. Someone send Allison to a colorist stat!

Okay, I am not so worried about this top 12/13 now. I think we will be entertained.

BTW, I can’t stop watching Anoop’s performance. It was so much fun to. I’ve only gone back to listen to Adam, Lil, Jorge, Scott, and Anoop. Can’t wait for next week! Shi%, I think they got me again. Thanks ‘Noop Dogg! Double o p, double o g, lol.

I used to think there was some sort of subliminal message to the way they were all arranged when they took group photos. Now, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not so sure.

LOL! I didn’t even think of photo analysis. I’ll try that next.

I forgot Jorge. I put him in the “ain’t gonna win, but could go deep” pile.

Normally I’m with you on waiting until they perform a few times to pick, but I gotta maximize my potential pool points here. Heh.

In my heart, I want to keep Anoop as my overall pick in the pool.

Oh man, I forgot about the pool. When are picks due? Oh, and were we supposed to make picks for WC, cuz I definitely forgot…

I’m not enamored with any of them yet, but I’m still hopeful that I will find reason to soon…

My Predictions:

Front runners: Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert

Dark horses: Lil Rounds, Allison Iraheta, Alexis Grace, Matt Giraud

Mid packers: Scott McIntyre, Megan Corkrey, Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Jorge Nunez

No chance in hell: Micheal Sarver, Jasmine Murray

I am guessing Simon called on Bikini Girl because he loves her too much to ignore…if it weren’t for him, she would have gone nowhere. I am sure we haven’t seen the last of her though…even if it is in sex magazines.

I have no idea who is going to win this thing this year.

There is a theory on the Grassy Knoll that they cast more than one of a certain type of contestant they want to win. For instance, if they want a rock singer to win, they cast a bunch of rock singers and over time, the votes will focus on the most popular one (the lesser rockers will fall and the votes will shift to the ones that remain).

So, odds are they want some bluesy white dude to win (Danny, Kris, Michael, Matt, Scott), but which one? Michael I think would be smart to go the country route. I know he says he wants to sing soul, but he’s going to be out early if he does that. I can easily morph to country stylings like Gracin did. I don’t think the other 4 can do that. Matt and Scott has the dueling piano thing going and I’m pretty sure we’ll see a piano duel at some point. Danny and Kris probably have the biggest overlap, but Kris doesn’t have a sob-story (but he is cuter, IMO). Danny looks to have the monster fan base.

Adam and Lil are there to keep things diverse until the final 3. Since they didn’t say anything about booting two people next week, I’m predicting we get a final 3 this year instead of a final 2(sweeps ends May 20th, so they cannot extend the season by 1 week). I think X-factor does a final 3 and a final 3 will keep more fan bases active.

I think Scott has the potential to go deeper than anyone expects.

I think that he will go pretty deep as well. He’s likeable and has a killer backstory. People will feel good voting for him and he isn’t without talent.

Megan cannot be off my screen fast enough.

Adam Lambert is hot. Adam Lambert brings the pretty. Jazzy does look old. They will tart her up soon though. Kris is trying to channel the Archuleta look. Now that Slezak has put that in my head, I will be watching him. Savvy little sprite! Someone should have told Jorge there really was not reason for him to crouch, lol. Someone send Allison to a colorist stat!

You know after looking at those pictures, I have to agree with you. LOL.

Closup perusal has revealed that Lil and Alexis are cuter than I gave them credit for. I never thought either was ugly, but both those ladies are quite photogenic. They could make the leap from cute to smokin’ with the right styling and makup. I stand by my assertion that Lil could make Keisha Cole type big bucks on the R&B scene.

Man, I’m talkative today. LOL! I guess season 8 is growing on me after all.

From the LA Times article:

Another Top 13 contestant with rockin’ style is 16-year-old Allison Iraheta, whom describes her performing style as “laid back, chill” and “different”.

I know no one else cares as much as my former-editor self, but someone should have caught the who-whom mistake. But on the topic of Allison, I think she’s great.

This article just brings home to me how much attention some contestants are getting vs. others. No one seems to know what to do with Kris, I guess since we don’t know as much about him … seriously, they reported that he went to see a movie. And I had forgotten that Scott is a ballroom dancer. Maybe the group dances aren’t such a stretch for him, as long as they let him partner with someone …

Megan is adorable. And I’ve just realized I’d like Scott to do well in this competition.

It was a serious question though.

Oh well, as it is now, Danny is going to lost and win if he falls in love again… I can heard both sides of the camp going: “he used his death wife to get in top the top 12 and now he is going behind other woman…” and his fans will go “Oh poor guy have suffer so much he deserve another chance of love… “; at this point in the competition everybody already made out his mind about if they like him or not…

Bikini Girl was a correspondent for E! Why she was allowed to be on the red carpet? Who knows

Oh wow… why is that “thing” there? Maybe it wants to kiss Ryan again or something.

It feels just like yesterday that we were being introduced to the top 12 of season 7. Man, does time go by really fast.

Go Anoop!

Adam and Megan sure would make pretty pretty babies(I KNOW he’s gay, just sayin)! I love them

Tinawina, I agree with you about Lil possibly doing the Keisha Cole route. She is cute attractive too. With proper styling she could be wow!

This is an attractive, talented group. Getting to this point though was tedious, somewhat cruel, and heartless. That’s my idol!

I must say looking back I would have predicted at least half of them from auditions.

For those putting Michael and Jazz in the bottom, remember that is not always how it goes. Being mediocre sometimes helps in the early going. Being bad actually can save you because you get pity votes. So the person who gets reamed the most probably won’t be the one to leave first.

I have no tools to determine who I think will win. I think after next weeks performances I will have better insight.

I agree with Kristen. I think there will be 3 people in the finale. With this setup, Adam has a greater chance of winning too.

The week before the finale is judges’ choice, so with 4 judges now, having a Top 4 that week would make most sense.

ETA: Looks like the first theme will be Michael Jackson songs.
http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=596042&st=20

Last night wasn’t Anoop’s best vocal (good job backup singers!) but he is a class act all the way. I will be happy to see more of him.

The video will not load for me in Firefox or IE.

Sarver needs to go. First.

For those putting Michael and Jazz in the bottom, remember that is not always how it goes. Being mediocre sometimes helps in the early going. Being bad actually can save you because you get pity votes. So the person who gets reamed the most probably wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be the one to leave first.

ITA. For the record though, I don’t think either will necessarily go home first. But I think even if they do improve, at their peak they still have no shot at being the overall winner. To me, the best either could ever hope for is third place.

I find the 3 way finals idea intriguing. Hmmm….

Final 3 would be a great idea and keep more people interested.

Scott will probably do well. There’s a big market on Adult contemporary. I like most of them.

Adam just has to sing Michael Jackson’s Earth song next week. He just has to.

Lil and Adam have the same hairstyle.

If there is a final three, I would not be surprised at all to see Scott there. That’s what I think right now. Of course, that could change.

Lil is cute. She’s like…LaToya London on speed.

But on the topic of Allison, I think sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s great.

I do too. Of the two teenagers, she’s the one I prefer. I love that she came out of her shell onstage. Jasmine seems more introverted, even when she performs.

The kids, on the cusp of their Idol journey, are so excited, so starry eyed in those few carefree moments before the beatdown beginsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

Hehe.

Kirsten:

Megan cannot be off my screen fast enough.

Megan is on the show for the male viewers and I think some of the producers are seeing dollar signs ala, Taylor swift. Sure Swift can write and that is what her publicists sold the public.

Sure it’s a kid’s album, but someone else besides parents and kids are buying that multi-platinum album. I know I wasn’t one of them because my taste is quite different.

I like Megan’s little dances and find them endearing, but I will never pay to see her in concert. Nor do I purchase albums from prepackaged pop-tarts.

So far the only girl I am looking forward to listen to is Alexis Grace. I know she plays the guitar and is in a band, so there is still hope for this season.
Allison is great, but I have to agree with you that she has a high probability of blowing out her voice. The poor kid has so much talent but lacks proper training.

I don’t have a favorite this year but right now I’d put my money on Allison to take the whole thing.

After last night, I think I have a crush on Matt. Lookout Adam! Both leave Gokey in the dust. Jorge has a good shot to go deep, imo. Still on the fence about Anoop. I can see why everyone likes him, but was hoping he’d do something different last night.

Lil and Allison are terrific. Looking forward to more from Alexis. It’s going to be a good Idol season.

MJ: I can’t get the video to load.

Adam and Megan are the only 2 for me that LOOK like stars. Matt gets an honorable mention.

I’m so happy for them.

Megan cannot be off my screen fast enough.

I do have to wonder how long she would have lasted if the viewers had a say in her being there.

Sure, she’s gorgeous and all, but it’s not like the viewers are so blinded by the pretty that they become deaf. Season 7′s Amy Davis was beautiful enough, but she was out right after her first vocal disaster.

So, I expect the judges to play dumb at least until Top 10, that way, she’s a tour staple and the guys will come out to see the hot girl. As far as she is concerned, that’s their target demographic.

I’m saying Top 10 at least, if not longer. After all, KLC finished 7th. She filled the “hot girl” role last season.

Do we know the Top 12 theme yet? I know we have Kanye and Kelly Clarkson performing, but are folks speculating one of them is a mentor? Last year they announced Beatles night pretty early, right?

Do we know the Top 12 theme yet?

As I said in my earlier post, looks like it’ll be Michael Jackson songs.

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m saying Top 10 at least, if not longer. After all, KLC finished 7th. She filled the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hot girlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  role last season.

LOL. Oh yeah. She has a lock on the hot girl market. She, along with Lil Rounds and whomever jumps on the country train first, have a voting block all to themselves. They ain’t going nowhere for a while.

I hope this top 13 is good because the producers forced them down our throat and as a result I already despise almost half of them even if they didn’t do anything.

I am rooting for Adam, Allison and Scott, the only three I feel could have a special moment during the show.
Scott seems to be a really amazing guy and the fact that he is friends with Alex just makes him that more likeable to me. This is the type of people I could relate to really well.

So, I expect the judges to play dumb at least until Top 10, that way, sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a tour staple and the guys will come out to see the hot girl

You can’t reduce Megan to the role of the hot chick, I believe Felicia and Kendall were more attractive than her.
She just has a very special sound in her voice that nobody on the show ever had, her problem is that she doesn’t control it very well.

ETA: Looks like the first theme will be Michael Jackson songs.

It’s funny that they always say to avoid picking MJ songs and then do a MJ week, at least it will test their talent to rearrange songs and make it their own because nobody is stupid enough to sing as MJ did.

As I said in my earlier post, looks like ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be Michael Jackson songs.

Well, in that case, I hope nobody sings “Billie Jean.”

Maybe Jorge will sing “She’s Out of My Life” a la Marc Anthony.

LOL. Oh yeah. She has a lock on the hot girl market. She, along with Lil Rounds and whomever jumps on the country train first, have a voting block all to themselves. They ainà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going nowhere for a while.

If he’s smart, Michael will jump on that country bandwagon. There are too many vying for the male soul/R&B singer role now – Kris, Danny, Matt, and Anoop.

This article just brings home to me how much attention some contestants are getting vs. others.

Okay, I hate to admit this, but yes, I bought “In Touch” today while waiting for the bus. I was bored and figured I’d catch up on some celebrity gossip. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, but in it there’s a two page spread on Gokey, mostly lifted from the press conference, but padded with many quotes from his pastor and one small marginalized on from Dave from VFTW. Sigh.

I suppose I’m the only one who prefers Megan as a brunette? But I join those who feel her talent is limited.

ETA: Thanks MJ!

I edited out the video. You can watch it at the Entertainement Tonight link…

Danny is not looking at Meagan but at whatever Jorge is looking and laughing at also

country artist — the LAT article says Alexis hinted she might go that direction. Guess we’ll at least hear it on Grand Ole’ Opry week. Wonder if Carrie will be appearing that week? We seem to be heavy on former idol performances this season (which is great

“Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m so happy for them.”

I do believe you were being snarky but I AM so happy for Adam and Megan, Megan is not my fav, yet, shoot none of us have really seen what a whole lot of them can really do except for Adam, in his youtube vids. So, I am so excited to see what Adam can bring, how Megan can grow because I just love her husky, unique voice, it will be so good with more training, just like they said about Jason. I sure hope so, I think I like Alison the most as far as girls, Lil, boring to me, Jaz bad and boring, same ole same ole. Danny is good also, Jorge – oh I am starting to get a bit excited to see what they all can really do.

Megan is really pretty…can see why Simon’s got such a hard on for her. Adam and Kris looking very purdy as always! Those are very bad pics of Jasmine!
Scott looks adorable. Matt just annoys me, everything about him does… for some reason! Danny will always give me the heebie jeebies. And the others are too boring for me to comment on.

Wow, it looks like Bikini girl got some new, ahem, “girls” since she left the show.

Danny looks like Seth Rogan sometimes. Megan is GORGEOUS. Kris’ style is really cute.
All the superficial stuff aside, I think this “cast” will be very diverse and keep things interesting for us. I can’t think of a stronger Top 10 as far as vocals, personality, viability goes. It will be a fun ride. Most have the potential to be contemporary artists. The only two that seem a bit out of place for me in this competition are Scott and Michael. But, I am going into the next round with an open mind. I was a huge Ricky Braddy supporter until last night. So, anything can change.

Wow, it looks like Bikini girl got some new, ahem, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“girlsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  since she left the show.

Haha. You are so right.

Adam, who the heck does his makeup? It is awsome, I cant believe the AI crew can do it soooo good. Oh and he now has a blue streak in his hair, HEHE

Danny, what’s with all the glasses changes, does he have an eyewear sponsor, I have one pair, and only change every few years when I get my eyes examined.

Megan, and Alexis, Why do they both have the same godawful red lipstick on? Doesnt the AI makeup crew, have any other color, so they both get the same color?

Jorge, I know it’s mean, but people with 2 different eyes bug me, that’s all I can focus on, but he seems real nice, and excited.

Matt, I can’t stop staring at his gums!!!

Kris, I thought he was cute on my TEEVEE, but in the pictures, No! Why?

Anoop, See Jorge.

Scott, I keep staring at his fang teeth, and wondering if he is looking at me!

Bikini Girl, did she have a boob jub, as they are huge in the picture, and not so much when she had her Bikini on.

Kara, I just was screaming at the TV last nite to Shut the Heck up, she rambles so much with nothing to say, it is getting to be so annoying.

Oh and Lil, has no eyes and that same darn lipstick.

The rest I guess nothing to say about.

I cant wait for next week to see Adam sing, dont disapoint me son, I play your Satisfaction over and over.

Bye,

Forget about Bikini Girl–why is Kara there, posing like a contestant? Come to think of it, maybe this is the key to understanding her presence among the judges. “Singer-Songwriter” Kara DioGuardi knows what it’s like to work hard to make yourself the kind of “package” America (or at least record exec’s) love, and she’s just there to tell the contestants what it’s like. Seriously, I started out liking what she brought to the table, but I really am starting to despise her, and, as Slezak correctly pointed out, Paula has become, by far, the most useful, relevant, judge this year.

I really have no idea who’s going to win out of the group. Obviously, Adam, Danny, and Lil are frontrunners right now but frontrunners almost always fall at some point. Plus, Adam is pretty polarizing with his vocals alone, not even taking into account the homophobes who won’t vote for him because he’s gay. So even as much as I heart him and WANT him to win, I don’t think he will.

I agree with Kirsten’s theory that they usually load up with the particular “style” of contestant that they want to win, but I don’t necessarily agree with all those you gave listed as fitting in the white boy pop/r&b/soul vein. For instance, I don’t see Scott in that at all. He’s more straight up AC to me. IMO the guys who fit that description are Kris, Matt, and Danny. Anoop and Jorge could also do the male pop/r&b stuff. Just because Jorge sang a ballad this week doesn’t mean he always will. I faintly remember seeing a small Hollywood clip of him singing Ne-Yo’s “Closer” and he sounded good. I wouldn’t count him out. He could definitely be a dark horse. I could actually see both him and Anoop, and maybe Matt, going the Ne-Yo, Usher, Chris Brown kinda route. And I guess we need a new CB now. (Another subject entirely. Sigh.)

Michael definitely needs to go kinda country-rock if he wants to stick around. That style fits him better.

So yeah. I have no idea who to pick for my overall. Since they just have to be made by the start of the results show for max point value, I’m definitely gonna wait til after the top 13 performances.

Michael Jackson songs?

The clueless idiot that attempts ‘Billie Jean’ automatically goes to the top of my Sh!t List and to the bottom of my Idol rankings. No way in hell.

I faintly remember seeing a small Hollywood clip of him singing Ne-Yoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Closerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and he sounded good.

I think that was Ju’not, if I remember correctly.

Wow – they all need those stylists and fast. They look like crap.

Seriously, I started out liking what she brought to the table, but I really am starting to despise her, and, as Slezak correctly pointed out, Paula has become, by far, the most useful, relevant, judge this year.

I can’t help wonder if Kara being there is at least partly why Paula seems to be so much more relevant and lucid. I absolutely agree that Paula is the one who gives meaningful criticism with appropriate doses of praise. That’s a good way motivate improvement.

From the pics:

Megan, Danny, Adam, Alison and Scott look natural. I bet all of them had stood a bit in mirror and practice how to smile in front of camera. Scott probably just had the natural sense to get good pics.

Others should learn how to pose (specially close up pics ) in the mirror. Or maybe watched few America Next Top Models episodes for tips. Particular in close up photo shoot episodes.

The clueless idiot that attempts à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ automatically goes to the top of my Sh!t List and to the bottom of my Idol rankings. No way in hell.

Oh, I have pity on the poor Idol contestants. They only get like 15 songs to pick from. Somebody will have to pick “Billie Jean”. It’s not an afront to past Idols (thinking that they can do better or in an attempt to court that Idol’s fans), it’s just that it’s either sing that or “Ben” (and if you are Fodder, they will probably have rats running across the screen behind you. Stinky, dirty rats that are probably chewing on a dead baby. If you are a producer pet, you will just the Flames of Pimpage instead). The Idols just don’t get enough choices, so they are practically forced to repeat fan favourites from previous years.

The clueless idiot that attempts à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ automatically goes to the top of my Sh!t List and to the bottom of my Idol rankings. No way in hell.

The moment I read that they were having a Michael Jackson week, my brain went “Ahh! They’re trying to recreate DC’s moment!” XD

No one in this group is going to even come close to DC, in my opinion. Not even the beloved Adam. And I swear, if Adam is the one who sings “Billie Jean,” I am going to be so conflicted between loving it and hating it. lol

Unless, of course, he sings it straight and doesn’t try to be DC 2.0. If he sings it straight and performs it like he did “Satisfaction,” I can see it being really good. But yeah. lol

You know what I find interesting (and someone may have already said this, I haven’t read the entire thread)…how the judges usually tell people in the semi-finals that singing Michael Jackson songs is bad because only Michael Jackson can sing Michael Jackson songs, etc…and then they go and use MJ as a theme? :blink_tb:

Only 15 songs? Doesn’t Michael Jackson have gajilion songs? I think anyone who wants to do Billie Jean is going to have a problem since if he does the original arrangement, he will surely be compared to MJ and if he does the Cornell version, he will most likely be compared to Cook (and/or CC) like Austin from The X-Factor.

LOL Adam has about as much makeup on as Jasmine…interesting.

Eww Bikini Girl? Didn’t we exorcise her?! She’s looking more porn starlet-ish than ever.

My early picks for this season are Matt and Allison.

Only 15 songs? Doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t Michael Jackson have gajilion songs?

There were a gajilion songs from the 60s, but that didn’t mean that Idol was willing/able to clear more than 50 songs last year for the first week of semi-finals (and most of those songs had been sung on the show already).

If you go over to the Grassy Knoll on TWoP, there is a guy called Billboard who posted about issues related to getting songs cleared. It takes time, money and effort. Three things that Idol doesn’t have a lot of, especially for fodder.

Michael Jackson doesn’t write all his songs (he writes some). For instance a quick ACE Title Search will show you that, “Thriller” was writen by Rodney L Temperton while “Man in the Mirror” was written by Glenn Ballard and Sideah Garrett. “Ben” was written by Don Black and Walter Scharf. Those are the people (or whoever holds the copyright) that you need to get song clearance from. Not Michael Jackson. Once a song has been cleared to be sung on the show (like “Billie Jean” which was written by Jackson), it can be sung again (if the lawyers get their rights sorted out properly. I see “I Will Always Love You” is listed for Country week and it took forever and a fair bit of money to get Dolly to clear that one (according to both the producers and Dolly). She cleared it the week she was on the show).

So, “Billie Jean” will likely be on the list. “Man in the Mirror” is on the list (but who wants to sing that one again so soon?). There will be additional songs, but it won’t be the entire Michael Jackson catalogue. I cannot hold it against contestants who chose to sing songs that were sung previously on Idol because that may have been one of the few decent songs left on a very short list of songs. Song choice isn’t as free as Randy pretends it is. I don’t take it as an insult to the prior Idols. I try to look at it as a fresh take.

I wish American Idol was more up front about the fact these poor kids do not have a wide variety of songs to choose from, even when the theme would have you believe they have a gazillion songs to choose from.

The bitching about song selection from the judges is getting old and you know it might be fun to have Simon picks the songs for all the contestants one week, then maybe AI might open up their wallets and get some decent songs cleared because Simon won’t want to look like a fool.

I will never forget when the producers apparently talked Michael Johns out of singing INXS’s Never Tear You Apart because it wasn’t a well known song, huh, as compared to the Simple Minds? And MJ kills that song!

The more I hear Scott interviewed, the more I start to understand the appeal. Still think he’s one of the weakest vocalists, but he is immensely likeable. If they start showing a significant amount of footage of the contestants in the Idol House, I predict Scott’s fanbase will really start to grow. (Right now, I think Danny, Adam and Lil have the largest built-in fangroups.) Also, once he starts playing the piano and you don’t have the awkwardness of him standing alone on a stage and not really being able to move around, his performances will improve. I’m revising my original predications ’cause I think he’ll be around a lot longer than his voice would otherwise warrant.

Michael, on the other hand, will be one of the early eliminations. Although he’s from Texas, he sees himself as an R&B guy and won’t do country. Too many others in this group do R&B better and have voices that are more distinctive.

Who knew Kris Allen was married? He said in one interview that he’d been with the same woman for 7 years, but I just read somewhere else that he was married about five months ago. Was she in the audience? Maybe I missed her.

Kristen, thanks. I didn’t think about the songwriters. D’oh! That was why Archie’s Crazy audition wasn’t shown.

LOL Adam has about as much makeup on as Jasmineà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦interesting.

Yeah, but it seems to be the trend. Did you see Bono on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine? He only wished his guyliner looked as good as Adam’s.

Michael Jackson songs?

The clueless idiot that attempts à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Billie Jeanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ automatically goes to the top of my Sh!t List and to the bottom of my Idol rankings. No way in hell.

Word!

Where is everyone getting the 15 songs info from?

I think the only way the Cornell version of Billie Jean could go well is if a girl does it or something. That might be fun. I watched the X-Factor version a while ago and almost died it was so bad. I wonder if this will be like the flip side of Mariah Carey night where the guys did well, and all the girls would do well on MJ night?

Wow, what a difference a week could make– I’m excited for top 13 after hating on the semis for weeks!

“The bitching about song selection from the judges is getting old and you know it might be fun to have Simon picks the songs for all the contestants one week, then maybe AI might open up their wallets and get some decent songs cleared because Simon wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t want to look like a fool.”

I agree with this, each judge have a week to pick each contestants song, maybe we will have more “moments” and less wrong song choice remarks over and over again

Having the judges pick the songs = bleh. That’s what supposedly happens on X Factor, and it works sometimes but really doesn’t work other times. As amazing as this may be, the contestant usually knows what will work best for them.

Didn’t Jason Yeager vlog about this? That you pick 3 songs from the list and then the producers tell you which one you’ll sing? It makes sense, because of course several people will want the same song. Blake Lewis said he got cool songs because it’s first come first serve, and he picked weeks ahead. I have no idea where I read that, but it was in reference to Bon Jovi night.

But with that said re: judges’ picks being bleh, I’m trying to remember who picks the best songs at the finals. Isn’t it Paula? She’s so my favorite this year.

What happened to contestants being able to sing the same song? Was that outlawed? I know it had happened several times in the past. Like I believe Josh Gracin and Rubin Studdard sang the same song at least once during Season Two.

I think it’s interesting to hear the song done by two distinctly different voices and styles. lol

Adam, STOP with the tranny makeup. He looks ridicilous. Makeup is good, but not like that. And to think I thought he was cute…

And ALL the guys look horrible, BTW. As does Jasmine. Sixteen year old girls shouldn’t be wearing that much makeup.

Megan, Allison, and Kara are the only ones who look good. Everyone else looks hideous!

You know what I find interesting (and someone may have already said this, I havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t read the entire thread)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦how the judges usually tell people in the semi-finals that singing Michael Jackson songs is bad because only Michael Jackson can sing Michael Jackson songs, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and then they go and use MJ as a theme?

They seem to have issues with that. They say don’t be Broadway, and we get ALW week. They say no Mariah, and they give us Mariah Week! It’s ridiculous.

These people need stylists, fast, and someone to teach them how to pose. What is up with the wierd Danny photos? Why is tattooed Megan wearing a dress inspired by tattos? And Adam… the make-up… lol.

Why is there a random picture of Kara? Kinda out-of-place since there aren’t any of Randy, Simon, Paula, or Ryan.

I am liking Allison/Alexis & Megan. Megan is such a beautiful girl, she reminds me of *Marsha, Marsha, Marsha* & another actress or singer which eludes me at the moment. Adam still loving the voice, but have to agree with other’s & hope you dial back the makeup. Not attractive, less is more.

To whoever responded to me up thread about Jorge singing Ne-Yo (I can’t do quotes when posting from my phone, sorry) – I know Junot sang Ne-Yo’s “So Sick”. They showed a clip of that on tuesday nite. However, I believe we also saw Jorge singing “Closer” – maybe in the package they showed when he made top 36? I don’t remember and can’t look right now but I remember seeing it somewhere.

Uuf, Bono having bad makeup doesn’t excuse Adam having bad makeup. IMO he looked better in that video intro w/o the overload on guyliner. He’s got a good face, he doesn’t need so much (same goes for Jasmine)

They seem to have issues with that. They say donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be Broadway, and we get ALW week. They say no Mariah, and they give us Mariah Week! Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s ridiculous.

True.

It’s going to bug me if they tell people Tuesday night that “Michael Jackson is so iconic that it’s really difficult to sing his songs. I’m not sure you should have done that song.” Or something like that, seeing as the contestants had no say over the theme. But, of course, it won’t surprise me if they do that. Especially to someone that they already don’t like too much.

The front runners are Adam, Danny, Lil and Anoop. I expect Jasmine, Michael and Megan to be gone pretty quickly and in that order. I think Kris and Allison might be the two dark horses in the competition. I’m indifferent towards Alexis, Matt, Jorge and Scott. (Still pissed today that Ricky isn’t in the group).

More than any other season, Adam stands out to me immediately as the STAR. Just look at him in the pictures above. I love everything about him. My Mom quickly pointed out that he reminds her of JD Fortune who won RockStar INXS one year. Perhaps that’s what’s drawn me to him as I loved me some JD. Regardless, he’s ‘wicked’ talented, entertaining, hot and already deals with the press like a pro. He’s sooo ready for this.

My favorite is Adam by far. However, based on the way Idol operates, I have a sneaking suspicion that Alexis Grace is the true chosen one:

*TCO is usually kept under the radar early in the competition so they can be seen as “growing and changing”

*She would easily fit into the current pop scene – like a Colbie Caillat crossed with Lily Allen?

*She’s got the looks and the talent.

There’s always someone who should go sooner who hangs on (can you hear me, Kristy Lee?) so am not sure who that will be yet. This first week is probably going to be the most dangerous since it’s make or break so some of them. I actually think being in the wildcard helped because they got another chance to perform for the home audience.

I don’t think “Billie Jean” should be verboten. I actually found DC’s version boring.

I think the only way the Cornell version of Billie Jean could go well is if a girl does it or something. That might be fun. I watched the X-Factor version a while ago and almost died it was so bad.

Billie Jean was the performance Simon in some interview called a moment he would never forget. IMO it would be foolish to attempt the same type of performance/arrangement. I would be fine with someone taking on Billie Jean and doing it straight,a female doing it, or re-arranging it in a completely different way than the Cook/Cornell version. I think any guy that attempts that version will definitely have to deal with DC comparisons. Even when it was done on X Factor the judge Louie was all “I DO watch American Idol, I saw David Cook do that..” you can almost hear the ‘bitch please!’ in his voice :laugh_tb:

:lol_tb: :lol_tb: :lol_tb: :lol_tb: :lol_tb: :lol_tb:

à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I DO watch American Idol, I saw David Cook do that..à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  you can almost hear the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹bitch please!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ in his voice ”

That is too funny I have to go watch that on youtube now, lol. I think it would be stupid to do Billie Jean unless it is totally different from DC’s performance. But it is too soon, maybe wait for next year. LOL. Adam can pretty much do any song, he is just that fabulous. I still think he will win at the end even though Anoop and Danny has a good chance too. Alexis may have a shot too. I really hope that Hokey Gokey doesn’t take it all. Lil Rounds is overrated and I think she will be the Syesha this season. (Lil Rounds 300), j/k….:) I really don’t think she has that many fans, maybe I am wrong. We really don’t know until these guys bring it next week.

everyone has 2 pics but Jorge.

Why should nobody attempt Cornell’s version of Billie Jean if he/she can do it just as much justice. Everybody attempts the same version of Saving All My Love For You, I Have Nothing, Against All Odds, even Alone which has Carrie stamped all over it. Just because it’s a rockified arrangement… no one should attempt it? David Cook doesn’t own the arrangement. If someone tries to do his version of Always Be My Baby, I’ll have to raise my eyebrow. But if someone borrows the same arrangement he did, and does well on it… I don’t see how that’s a problem.

For me, I’m thinking he’s probably taking on more pressure for himself if he chooses BJ, especially since it was just a year ago that it was performed by DC. I think that’s why the judges always warn contestants to take care in choosing songs by certain artists — Whitney! Mariah! Stevie! — because they will always lose in the head-to-head. And when Idol contestants succeed in mastering songs, it becomes a standard that fair or not, later contestants will have to live up to. So in fact, you’re setting yourself up for an Epic Fail since you have two examples with which the judges can eviscerate you.

Certain contestants have made songs their own through the years so it’s really your call if you want to take on Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me since you’ll be compared to Clay or Archie or Bo. Natural Woman is naturally Kelly’s. Alone is Carrie’s (sorry, Allison). Summertime is Fantasia. Archie is Imagine.

^^I get that if the performance ends up to be a total trainwreck… but if he/she can do it justice and sing it as well or even better than DC… why not? One shouldn’t be penalized for it just because he/she was not the first one to do the arrangement on the show.

^^I think the assumption is they can’t do it justice or sing it as well. It is an open question whether that technically is true, but I believe no one this year will be able to capture *the moment*, if you will. By that I mean, the surprise, the newness, the passion … the Billie Jean package that David Cook had the privilege to present. That won’t be duplicated this year, if ever. And, if it is duplicated, like it or not, it will be perceived as copycat — even if this is a karaoke cover song show. LOL

I hope that made sense, it did in my head.

Adam and Megan sure would make pretty pretty babies(I KNOW heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gay, just sayin)!

HA! That made me laugh. During their group song, there was a moment where Adam came up behind Megan on screen, and I thought, “Wow, that is a whole lot of pretty right there.”

Whoa…looks like Bikini Girl got some serious implants since we last saw her.

the blogger didn’t want to include other judges’ pictures. that’s just it. don’t hate kara for that.. i so wub kara!

GOOD LUCK, ADAM! You obviously have the best voice of the bunch. You have to go to YouTube and look at “Crazy”. I can’t stop watching it. I wonder what he will sing. I hope it shows all the ranges he can hit!