The Wildcard Round – Idol Mixes it Up

Taking into account who the judges seem to like and that they each pick two, here’s a little of how I see it playing out.

Randy: Anoop and Matt G.
Kara: Ann Marie maybe? (can’t remember who else she really seemed to like)
Paula: Ricky (can’t remember who else she really seemed to like)
Simon: Megan, maybe Jasmine?

I bet the judges will each pick two “viable” contenders and then if there is a 9th spot, it will be given to Tatiana or Nick.

I’m not even going to try to speculate on how this week’s results are going to turn out, since for the past two weeks I’ve only been right on 1 person each time (Danny and Adam). So, I’m just gonna make a wild guess and say that Lil will get through on votes next week, and the other 11 will be battling for the other 2 spots. Also, seeing as how a lot of this group seems to be fodder, if whoever TPTB wants in, actually gets in on votes, I bet we only see 1, maybe 2 wildcards total from this group.

Also, as I said in the headlines thread, I don’t think Megan, Mishavonna, and Jesse will all get called back for the wildcard. I see one, maybe 2 of them coming back.

As for the 3 picks, I’m gonna go out on a limb and call it for Megan, Matt G, and Anoop.

I hope for Anoop and Ricky to advance. And I have a feeling they will advance Tatiana for the drama of it all, even though I hate to think about that happening.

Also, as I said in the headlines thread, I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think Megan, Mishavonna, and Jesse will all get called back for the wildcard. I see one, maybe 2 of them coming back.

I agree. They are too similar. Megan will be called back for sure, and maybe Jesse. None of the judges seemed to care for Mishavonna, so I think she’s SOL.

I think that Randy will pick Anoop as one of his wildcards, Paula will surely give one to Ricky Braddy and possibly Matt G. Simon will definitely give two pretty girls a second chance.

Who I want in the WIldcard round is Anoop, Mishavonna, Jesse, Matt G, Megan, Ricky and just because it was better than some of the girls in round 1, Tatiana.

Are the wildcard performances done live? I was thinking that it would be far easier to edit the show by having the performances taped on Wednesday after the results show, and then the judges reactions on Thursday. Or the contestants could do there performances earlier than on-air, like guest musical performances on results nights last year. (Just thinking that it’s a lot for one hour unless the judges really do not debate one another . . . and that would suck for us.)

Who? I kinda don’t care very much. It’s no Season 7 . . . or 5. I thought Mishavonna last week and Ricky Braddy the week before got raw deals.

Are the wildcard performances done live?

The wildcard will be a live show.

Oh, also, Simon’s statement on this past week’s results show that “maybe those who chose the wrong song but we feel deserve a second chance” (or something like that) makes me think that they will do a new song.

How are they going to fit 8-9 singers in a one hour show for the Wildcard, plus judging and filler and commercials?

Jesse and Ricky… prety please… I love Ricky ´s voice and the only performance that I remember so far is the one from Jesse…

Hmmm. I would love to see Anoop of course. I think he’s a lock. I think it’s possible to see either Ricky Braddy or Matt, but not both. I don’t want to see Tatiana. I would much rather see Nick, furthermore I would like to see him actually make the top 12 with three judges ganging up on Simon because I would love to see him on tour. I think he would put more asses in the seats than he would keep out.

If I had to choose between Jesse, Megan, and Mishavonna, I think I’d choose Jesse. Like I said before, she didn’t have me jumping up and down, but I haven’t been able to get her off my mind either. That means something in this lackluster year. One more glimpse of Stephen Fowler wouldn’t hurt either. The rest will be from Tuesdays show as I am sure either Nate or Junot will need wildcard berths to have a shot.

Well first off – YAY – that it doesn’t have to be 6 girls and 6 guys!

For the wild card round I won’t be able to name 12 because I keep forgetting who they are but I think… Matt G, Anoop, Ricky Braddy, Megan, Jesse and they’ll probably torment us with Tatiana.

It’s hard to predict the wildcards until we see the next set go, but I’ll guess.

For sure: Anoop, Megan, Tatiana, Matt G.

Possible: Jasmine, Jesse, Ricky

How are they going to fit 8-9 singers in a one hour show for the Wildcard, plus judging and filler and commercials?

Thinking the same. It really leaves no time for the judges to actually deliberate, which just makes the performances and the illusion that they make a difference seem like a sham.

How are they going to fit 8-9 singers in a one hour show for the Wildcard, plus judging and filler and commercials?

I’m betting there won’t be much filler, and probably not much judging. After all, why would the judges need to say anything? We don’t need to be “influenced” by their comments as we have no decision in the process. Anyway, I can see each of them singing, having a short little conversation with Ryan, then after the judges’ deliberations, they come back to tell us who’s going on to the top 12. Much like the eliminations on SYTYCD the first few weeks, when the bottom 6 dance for their lives.

I’m afraid of Megan making the top 12. If she continues to sing like she did last week, my ears will bleed. And Ann Marie isn’t a bad singer, she’s just dreadfully boring, IMO.

I’m hoping for Anoop, Ricky and Jesse to get a second chance. And Matt G., just to redeem himself after last week’s horror.

I want Jesse please!

I think I remember that the first season didn’t have any judges comments until the very end? it’s been so long.. haha

Anoop- He should definitely get through because he has strong vocals and seems to have a super big fan base despite not getting through the first round. I think if he makes it to the top 12, you are most likely looking at the next american idol. he is only one haircut away from looking hot. haha

Megan Corkey- The judges love her despite her awkward movements and she adds something a little different

Matt Giraurd- Another judge’s fave. even if he has another sucky performance, the judges might put him through because they’ve seen his talent with the piano and that want to add that in the show. I think the only person playing an instrument so far is Kris Allen?

I think those 3 will be the wildcard choices unless for some reason, Lil Rounds does not make it through. I don’t really think others have a chance no matter who gets chosen to compete because i think they will base this on overall (from audition to now).

I think Ricky deserves another shot but won’t make it through since Kris Allen made it. I don’t think their musical styles are the same but they do cancel each other out. I think the worst thing that might spoil it is if they bring tatiana back and move her on just for the drama. they’re putting them in a house this year and adam basically already confirmed that no one likes her. i just don’t want my american idol show to turn into something (too) trashy!

BTW, I was just saying who I thought would get a chance at the wildcard, not who I think will get it! That’s another topic entirely!

I think Megan is the one I thought looked like she was trying to fly during her performance. Wasn’t she flapping her arms around like a big bird? Hey, I think that’s what I’cll call her… Big Bird.

I know everyone hates Megan’s performing style, but I found it quirky and fun. I didn’t like it when she started shouting at me, though. She’ll make it because Simon was salivating at the idea of her. Just sayin.

I’m sure Anoop and Matt will be called back, just because they’re so liked. But, personally, I’m hoping Ricky and Mishavonna get called back. I doubt they will, though. ‘Cause that would require my luck to be good. XD

The people from group 3 are really screwed for wildcard selection because there will be no time for fan rallying and internet support for them. Whereas, the contestants from group 1 and 2 have had one or two weeks of buzz that surely AI takes notice of one way or the other.

The only person I really, really want to see back as a wildcard is Anoop Desai. He has more than proven that he deserved it – from his audition and everything we saw from Hollywood week. Even though “Angel of Mine” was a sort of sappy song choice, it was still pretty good.

If she doesn’t get voted through somehow, I do hope Felicia Barton gets a second chance (or third, depending on how you look at it).

I’d also prefer Jesse or Mishovanna over Megan. Although her audition was good, I though Tuesday’s performance was kinda messy. Her commerciality alone shouldn’t guarantee her a slot. She needs to prove that she has the chops.

I’m still looking for Paula to fight for Ricky Braddy, if given the opportunity. From the past two weeks, he wins for best vocal, hands down. However, something about him screams Patrick Hall. I don’t know if a grand voice is enough to make him stand out. He seems to have gotten lost in the mix.

Anoop and Megan are almost certainly going to be called back for Wild Card, and probably already have spots in the Top 12 secured for them. Matt G and Tatiana are also likely to perform at the Wild Card show.

I’ll just fast forward and lay a bet on the following three advancing to top 12:

Anoop
Ricky
Megan

No Tatiana nor Nick there, please.

I know everyone hates Meganà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s performing style, but I found it quirky and fun.

Honestly, that’s not even what bothered me the most. It was the singing. I liked her initial audition, but goodness, she sounded just awful last week, IMO. No range, half of the notes were the wrong ones, and then… the shouting.

I can take a weird awkward stage presence if the vocals and musicality are there, but they just weren’t there for me with Megan this week.

Hoppy, I thought Megan started out pretty good, but lost it towards the end. So I agree that it wasn’t her performance style that lost me.

These I think are definitely in for wildcard:

-Anoop, Matt G., Megan, Tatiana, Nick (yes I hope, lol)

Maybe coming back for wildcard:

-Ricky, Stephen, Ann Marie, Jesse, Mischa, Jasmine

Probably advances to top 12:

-Anoop (he better, lol), Matt G., and Megan (I rather have Misha) or Nick, lol

I would like to see Anoop, Nick and Mischa advance to the top 12. I really think Mischa deserves a shot. I just want Nick on tour so bad, lol.
Can’t they have a top 13 just so they can advance Nick.

Anoop and Megan are almost certainly going to be called back for Wild Card, and probably already have spots in the Top 12 secured for them.

Agreed.

Let’s see… other than those two, I think Matt G, Ricky, either Tatiana or Nick/Normund, possibly Ann Marie? I really can’t think of any one else there is to bring back who has been good… I think Stephen Fowler totally blew it twice and probably won’t be back… I guess any other possibilities will come from this week.

I personally would really like to see both Mishavonna and Jesse, though I know they definitely won’t bring back both. In that case, I pick Jesse – I’m not sure why, but I can’t get her performance from last week out of my mind. I just love her voice. Hopefully the producers will do me one favor this season and at least give me another performance from her.

I’m rooting for comebacks by Anoop, Matt G & Jesse.

I’d really like to see more Top 12-ers that play instruments. If Scott doesn’t make it in this week, I think Matt G is a lock. A dueling piano player is a natural for fun on the tour. Plus Matt G has rhythm! I have a very soft spot for the group sings and during ‘Closer’ Adam, Matt G, and Kris all could sing, dance, and even seemed to be having fun on stage!

Jesse is much preferred over that twist-n-flail hypnotizer of men, Megan. Great voice, assured presence, capable of subtlety, rumored to play several instruments = Yes, please!

My vision for wildcard night involves 8 short & sweet performances followed by a brief break while the judges *cough* “deliberate”. Entertainment during this break is provided by none other than the fabulous…Normund Gentle! (Something new, please. Might I suggest ‘One Night Only’ as a further homage to the Dreamgirls soundtrack?)

The judges dramatically announce their three selections – but wait! – there’s one final surprise – a shocker! Ryan milks the suspense and then announces that there’s to be a special 13th Finalist — it’s Normund! The buzz on the internet is so loud that Simon can’t sleep at night. He stays up late counting his millions & thinking of sassypants insults that will allow Normund to make the tour but place no higher than 8th….

Yes I been thinking of a TOP 13 all season, please let Normund advance to the big stage, pleasssssseeee.. The judges could say since we have a fourth judge this year it is only fair to have one more person and since this group is sooooooooooo talented, LOL, why not have one more advance. The 13th person to go through is Nick/Normund Gentle. You don’t know how happy that would make me.

Ok on a serious note that will probably not happen because idol is boring and they don’t want us to have any fun. America is too uptight to have Normund on a talent show, whatevah, it’s still a reality tv show and the producers already know their top 5. Oh sorry about that, I just really love Nick/Normund.

Jesse is cool and all but I really like Misha for some reason. Please America, do NOT vote Von Smith through, I can’t take one minute of him. I hope 2 girls make it through this week and either Jorge or Nathaniel. Don’t even bother bringing Von back for wildcard either.

So we could end up with 5 girls and 7 guys. Maybe 8 guys, (Normund).

Megan was pretty tough to listen to on that song. I’ve got Corinne Bailey Rae’s live Tonight Show performance of Put Your Records On and talk about being in another league. I guess Corinne isn’t a “package” artist but still. It was more than just over singing, it was pretty rough and the judges really didn’t call her on it.

Which leads me to…. I think Megan will sing another mediocre stressed vocal for the wild card show and be praised and put through as a “package” that with enough Pro Tools work and the right song might get a hit. Reprisal doesn’t matter here, the judges would like it if she sang it in Hebrew.

And that makes me think that Jesse either won’t be on the wild card show or won’t advanced irrespective of performance. And for me that is a sad thing but I’ve watched this show long enough to know what happens to talent that threatens one of TCO’s turf. Simon doesn’t tag his wild card as forgettable. I think a reprisal would be good for Jesse, she feels that song.

Tatiana is another one of my favorite performers from the first two groups and I’d love to see her just pack away the crazy and sing but unfortunately that isn’t how Idol plays the game. I expect her not to be a wild card either. Perhaps on the show to be tauted about her psychic friend but ultimately discarded. A reprisal would be good for Tatiana, she sang well and was ignored.

Matt G. is one that I expect to come back and “redeem” himself. We saw the contrition routine from him on the results show so I expect him to “return to form” and get in as a wild card. If they make him sing that Coldplay song again forget it. He is gone.

Anoop is interesting in that he give a bit of ethnic diversity to a rather white cast. I’m not sure about him, for me it is 50/50 and I think it could depend on what comes out of Group 3. A reprisal would hurt Anoop.

I suspect that a wildcard may come out of Group 3, just for the drama of Wednesday rejection — Thursday exaltation turnaround story. Idol likes the drama and this would give them some.

My (current) thoughts on the wild card.

The judges dramatically announce their three selections – but wait! – thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s one final surprise – a shocker! Ryan milks the suspense and then announces that thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s to be a special 13th Finalist à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Normund! The buzz on the internet is so loud that Simon canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sleep at night. He stays up late counting his millions & thinking of sassypants insults (LMAO) that will allow Normund to make the tour but place no higher than 8thà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

:lol_tb:
This is made of so much win.
If this momentous event comes to pass, I will honor TPTB by wearing the same shirt every day for a week. Like Mr. “Sassypants” Cowell, haha.
(No hard feelings, Simon.)

Anyways… the only lock for Top 12 in the wildcard is Anoop IMO.

I hope TPTB brings back Mishavonna, I really liked her performance!

My picks for wildcard: Anoop, Mishavonna, Stevie Wright

it would be a great season if they put megan corkrey on the show…last year was a great season and mostly everyones fave season…come to think of it season 7 was a good season because well bcoz of the davids,mj,carly but no one can disagree that brooke and jason castro made the competetion a lot more exciting because they are not the conventional idols taht we always see in AI..y’know the belting shouting they are so not this type but lots of people love them and i can see that megan would be the brooke/jason of the season not that megan has the same style with the two and she’s not into instruments also but what i’am saying is that just like brooke and jason she will definetely be the breath of fresh air this season because her style is new and unique so please let’s give her a chance..i dont like brooke and jason at the start but learn to love them so megan will be a good idol…

Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll just fast forward and lay a bet on the following three advancing to top 12:

Anoop
Ricky
Megan

I’ll take that bet. At least right now. It all depends on Wednesday. If Taylor Vaifanua has a decent performance, but doesn’t make the top 3 on Wednesday, I’d change it to Anoop, Megan, and Taylor. That’s if she has a decent performance. If she has total Casey/ Jasmine levels of FAIL, then I’d keep your original list.

As for who makes the WC:

Ricky, Anoop, Megan, and Matt G seem to be highly probable.
Ann Marie, Jesse, Mishavonna are maybes.

Of those from the next group that could make it if they have a good night and don’t make top 12…Felicia, Jorge, Von, Nate (yeah, really), or Kristen. This is assuming Scott, Lil, and Taylor make it. If not, then include them in the possible wild cards. Maybe Felicia, Jorge (a viable Latin contestant), or Nate could make top 12 on a wc, and spoil Ricky.

No matter what I feel certain Anoop or Megan would have to fail epically not to get top 12 wild card slots.

About the gender split issue, even though they may not be required to do it, I wouldn’t be surprised if we do end up with a 6/6 split regardless. Some of the girls have been much better than expected in this “boys season.”

I’m pretty sure Anoop, Tatiana and Ricky will be brought back from group 1. Then we’ve got Megan, Matt G., Jesse and maybe Jasmine from group 2. I can’t see more than one or two from group 3, which seems the weakest overall anyway. If conventional wisdom holds, Lil and Scott will advance from 3, and I’d anticipate either Taylor Valfanua or Felicia Barton being the #3 seed.

So…I think either Taylor or Felicia will get a wildcard second chance, whichever one doesn’t advance on Wednesday. I also think Junot Joyner, being the only black male, will be given a wildcard chance if he doesn’t make it but does well in the voting. Diversity and all, plus he’s a decent if not spectacular singer.

I have to wonder if Tatiana does well in the wildcard they’ll put her in the top 12 for ratings. So that is one slot. I’m not 100% sold on Anoop because while his voice is pretty, he’s overall pretty dull and the “boring guy with good voice” slot is already filled by Kris Allen.

So, really I can’t make a full wildcard prediction until we what the makeup is of the Top 9 after Wednesday night. Right now I’m saying Tatiana and 2 more TBA.

I think the Simon said they will bring people they believe in and who have chosen the wrong song.
If the judges had to pick six from the first 2 groups, this is their list,

Are in for sure:
Anoop (everyone agrees on that one)
Megan, she brings something different and somewhat relevant, just not sure if she has strong enough vocals.

Next tier:
Matt G.: I am just not sure about his attitude.
Mishavonna: I think she is the next girl on the list after Megan. She was on the girls pimp spot after all even tough the critics were really rough.
Ricky B.: He should be a lock but if they didn’t like him that much the first time after a very good performance, I don’t know why that would change after another performance.
Jasmine: This is a reach, but I think the judges will try to go more on potential and she has the most of the girls left.

Of course they could go for pure entertainment value and summon Tatianna and Nick but that would kill any kind of credibility the show still has.

What would really shake things up is to have that top 13, but send 2 people home the first week, thus keeping the show on schedule and making the stakes a wee bit higher for the big stage.

If Nate doesn’t get through this week, I’m betting he’ll be Paula’s wildcard pick – she floves the adorable camp gays. Remember her reaction when Danny Noriega was eliminated last year? I’ve never seen her sob so hard at a contestant leaving before, and he wasn’t that good a singer compared to the six guys who did get through. Her other choice will definitely be Ricky. I’m betting Anoop will be Simon’s pick, because he always likes backing the guaranteed winners, and his second choice might be Tatiana since he’s always so concerned about “personality” and “drama” every season. Randy will probably pick girls who can belt big diva songs, but I’m worried that either he or Kara will put Normund through, because those two actually seem to enjoy his antics (Paula’s clearly faking it, I can tell). Kara’s the wildcard here – who knows what she enjoys? But she’ll probably concentrate on a more commercial appeal.

So yeah, my predictions are:

Paula: Nate, Ricky
Simon: Anoop, Tatiana
Randy: Felicia, Mishanova/Megan
Kara: Normund/Alex, Matt G.

I definitely think Anoop will be back for the wild card, and also think he deserves a place in the top 12. His voice is like buttah and sorry to disagree with some of you, but he ain’t boring.

As for the rest, I think:

1. Stevie Wright deserves a second chance, although they’ve already got a Dog-I-can’t-believe-you’re-only- 16! year old in Alison, so not sure if she’d make it through even with a knock out performance.

2. Jesse Langseth. I really like her and think she’d bring something interesting to the show. She can sing, plays instruments, and puts off a sort of cool, laid back vibe. I don’t think there’s been another girl like her on the show before.

3. Mishovanna was pretty good. Rumor is that she has a rabid stage mom, so maybe the producers don’t want to go through that whole thing again this year.

4. Ricky Braddy. His vocals were pretty good, but he was forgettable. But Paula lurves him, so he could be back.

As for the rest, dunnoh. I’m not a fan at all of Matt Giraud, his goat vibrato gets on my last nerve and he w-a-y oversings everything that crosses his path. Meh. Stephen Fowler was an early fave, but he blew it on his final Hollywood solo and again in the semis, so IMO he doesn’t get another chance.

Anyway, it’ll be interesting to see how it goes down on Thursday.

My favorites to bring back for the wildcard round are, Jesse, Ricky and Mishavonna.

And my very favorite from the three is Jesse. I love Jesseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s smoky voice, and there is just something very professional about her that I like. I feel Jesse is very talented and musically secure, and ready to record. It would be a shame not to bring her back.

All I have to say is…
Please America… NO NATE MARSHALL OR VON!!
Please!!!!!!!!!!

Madcap Jester..

I don’t think Simon would pick Tatiana in a million years..
He HATED her and was always more annoyed then the other judges with her.
Just saying Im pretty positive on that.

My hope is for Anoop and Jesse to advance to the Top 12. Realistically, I think Anoop, Megan Joy, Ricky, and Matt G will be called back.

I think Anoop, Ricky Braddy, Matt G, and Megan will for sure be in the wildcard round with Jesse, Tatiana (no!!!), Nick, and Ann Marie as possibles. I’m not sure yet from the next group.

I think 2 of the 3 spots will go to Anoop (fingers crossed) and Megan. I believe the other spot could go to either Ricky Braddy or Matt G. Of course it all depends on the performances that night or maybe not. I’m willing to bet that the judges will know who to send on before the night starts.

I think Anoop beat Sarver; but just think of the drama of bringing him back.

Anyhoo, he doesn’t have anything to worry about. I think Ricky and Megan will also be brought back. I do not like Matt G. He is, IMO, a Timberlake wannabe (in his dreams.) I’d love to see them give a w/c spot to Brent Keith. We need some diversity.

Oops, had Ricky Braddy twice. LOL

the round will likely have the 8/9 contestants performing either be aà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢cappella or maybe with Michael Orland accompanying them on piano. There just wouldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be time for the kids to rehearse new tunes with the band.

The Idol Band is able to have a quick turn around, though. For the last couple of years during Hollywood, the contestants have been given a list of songs (I think it was over 200 last year) and they had a few minutes to practice with the band before performing it on the final day of Hollywood the next morning (remember Josiah melting down because he couldn’t convey what he wanted the band to do…or the band was told not to behave so that he would create drama for the cameras. One is never quite sure how manipulative the producers on AI can be).

If it is just Michael on the piano, I can see how that would give the Wildcard round a certain stripped down look which the producers might like. “We’ve quickly assembled this show to give these poor sods a second chance. How great are we?” The piano would certainly favour contestants who sing songs that can be stripped down. In the old days, they just had the piano player during the semis and it hurt people who didn’t realize that a piano cannot always substitute for an entire band (e.g. all those poor fools who sang “I Want to Dance with Somebody”). On the other hand, a piano will add a lot to a song that is melody driven. I think that contestants like Matt G will do better with just the piano (he’s used to singing with just a piano and picking songs that work well with a piano). I think Jesse and Megan would also do well (to name two).

If it is the full band, I think the producers can manipulate a LOT more. LOL. Besides that, I think that band will favour those that prefer to sing in a karaoke style (ie just repeat the original) or can quickly come up with new arrangements. I think a band favours people like Anoop, Ricky and Mishavonna.

In the end, it probably doesn’t matter how they perform and the Wildcard slots have already been filled.

Ok, scratching head. :ponder_tb: Have they changed this again? I thought the original wildcard format was going to be the poor b*stard who got the 4th highest vote in each group automatically went into the wc round and then the judges were going to top up the number to 12. So they are now ALL going to be the judges choices? Nice of them to let us chose 9 of the final 12.

For coming back to the WC round I think Anoop, Matt G, and Ricky are probably a lock. Sadly we may have the ratass crazy girl too. I don’t know which of the girls, the judges didn’t seem to like Jesse but she is the only one I can remember. They have all been pretty disappointing. I would guess maybe Megan too as she is getting a lot of buzz.

If the boys take two spots on Wed night, it doesn’t look good for the boys and the wildcard spots. I seriously doubt they will tip the ratio of boys to girls any further with wildcard picks, even tho they dont deserve it. And if ratings flag any more, Tatiannoying might even stand a better chance to get to the top 12 for the drama.

That is going to be one rushed show on Thurs!!

Frankie Jordan.

Kirsten, I get what you’re saying re the band vs piano concept. I’m not sure if it would favor Matt Giraud though since he won’t be playing and that’s his comfort zone.

As for Anoop doing better with a band, I have to disagree with that. The dude sang in an acapella group, and has enough pure vocal talent to fly with the piano, the band, or solo.

Mishovanna has a strong voice, and if she stays on pitch could do well either way.

But I am seriously hoping Matt Giraud doesn’t make it to the top 12. I got no love for him here. Besides, we’ve already got pseudo-soul white boys like Gokey, Sarver, and Allen. Ricky falls into that category as well. Do we really need another one? I swear that until recently I couldn’t tell half of them apart.

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I have high hopes for Jesse but they get dashed when I recall Simon gave her that “forgettable” label, and for some reason he does not seem to like her, which is the kiss of death. She would have to do something extraordinary to be WC, I think; but Paula really likes her.
Cannot imagine Anoop not being a WC, first for his talent, second because this group is sadly lacking in diversity. I do not understand why black males have been lacking in the Top 12 since Anwar in Season 4. After last year, which was certainly the year of the Hispanic, we need to keep the diversity or American Idol just doesn’t fit the current political climate and seems behind the times. We KNOW there is producer manipulation, and while someone a few days ago pointed out AI is a meritocracy, still think there should be more people of color in WC.

p.s. Re: my post above – someone like Jamar or even Kai, who seemed very talented, over Stephen Fowler, who IMO has already had his “second chance”.

I personally think that 2 guys and 1 girl will get the three Wild Card spots. I think Megan Corkrey would have to really screw up not to get one of the WC spots only because the judges are up her butt with love. I don’t personally like her andwould rather see Mishavonna or Jesse get the Top 12 WC spot, but I think Megan will definitely get it.

I would also be shocked if Anoop doesn’t get a spot in the Top 12. He should have beaten Michael Sarver by a mile; I don’t know what happened there.

Third WC spot, I would say Matt Giraud. I think he would have to completely blow it not to get a spot.

Possible is Ricky Braddy who has a great voice, but I agree with Simon when he called Ricky boring. I think he could get old quickly.

Matt G, Anoop, and Megan for sure.

Ricky and Jesse. If it’s really a singing talent competition, then why not take #1 the guy who sang the best but didn’t get through and #2 the girl who gave the most interesting performance but didn’t get through?

Putting Nick into the Final 12 would be an insult to the other semifinalists. He belongs on Last Comic Standing, not AI. America had a chance to advance him, and according to DI he didn’t even come close. If the producers want him along on the tour for comic relief, what on earth is stopping them?

To borrow MJ’s line, the producers have already crapped all over their own semifinals this year. If they choose to crap all over their finals as well, I’m through with this show. If they won’t take it seriously, why the hell should I?

Didn’t Simon say that the judges may bring back someone who did not
make the top 36. I’m hoping the Osmond guy gets another chance.

Jesse – I think she turned a lot of folks off with her remarks and expressions (nervous?). Just sing, Jesse, if you get another chance.

I’m looking forward to a “rushed show” – ha – not so many boring
fillers !!

Kirsten, I get what youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re saying re the band vs piano concept. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not sure if it would favor Matt Giraud though since he wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be playing and thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s his comfort zone.

I just think he’ll know how to pick a song that sounds good on a piano. Granted, he didn’t do well picking a song last week, but that may be because he doesn’t understand picking a song when he has a band. I think that he tried swinging for the bleachers and he whiffed the ball. I think if he gets another chance, he will go for a safe single.

As for Anoop doing better with a band, I have to disagree with that. The dude sang in an acapella group, and has enough pure vocal talent to fly with the piano, the band, or solo.

I don’t watch the auditions, I am just going by what he sang in Hollywood (“My Perogative”) and the semi-final round. I just think those kinds of songs sound kind of cheesy when they are converted to piano only. He may do better singing acapella than with a piano.

It’s not a diss on any contestant. There are just different styles of singing. Imagine Adam singing “Satisfaction” with just a piano. First of all, it would have been Muzak central. Second of all, he would have had to change the singing up because the screams would be way too OTT with just a piano. Now, for the record, I think Adam can sing with just a piano (I’m not a big fan of the guy, but I think he is very versatile), just not that song.

Conversely, remember last year a couple of times when the judges complained that adding the band to the song wrecked it (I seem to recall both Brooke and Jason got comments like that)? Sometimes, people sing in a style that is better suited to a more simple arrangement (just a piano/guitar and mabye a little band layering).

And there is nothing wrong with either style. Sometimes, I like to here the “Who” going at it with a mountain of sound and sometimes I just like to listen to Ben Harper with his guitar and some guy on the bongos.

i have to throw this out there…was there any rational reason that the show featured a “previously unseen audition” last week….unless that person might get called back? i mean it made no sense.

and i do not think simon hates nick/normund as much as he acts like he does/. why? simon is the man here…he has the tie breakers and pretty much veto power it seems like. granted, in NYC, nick got three votes….but we cannot see hollywood…so what we should believe the other three beat simon down (on his show) and told him nick should go through? BS!!! simon did it on purpose for the ratings.

shruco…Dialidol is not exactly correct in the early rounds. If it was, Matt G would be in the top 12 now and not Kris. If you have ever taken a stats class, you would know the standard deviation at this point in the competition is …insanely high and makes the predictions less likely to be correct.

Personally, I would love to see Anoop, Ricky, and Megan back. I would also be okay with Mishavonna or Jesse. I’m not crazy about Matt G. though. There’s something about his voice that annoys me… it almost seems like there;s nothing behind. He really doesn’t have much power at all when it comes to his vocals IMO.

I hope all of you (or most of you) are right and that Anoop does get to the top 12. I spent the afternoon yesterday watching Anoop/Clef Hangers videos and he’s ridiculously good. Who said he was boring? I guess we all have our opinions. Anyway, he’s the only one I care about for the wildcard, and if Felicia doesn’t get through round 3, she should be there Thursday night too. I kind of want Ju ‘not too for round 3, but I haven’t heard him sing enough.

Its hard for me to say who should come back for a wildcard until I see who gets through Wednesday. I think the wildcard should be used to fill out the cast to make an interesting mix of singing styles. All we know at the moment is that we are heavy on the soul singing white boys and the belters. But after Wednesday, we may have a new story to tell.

But after Wednesday, we may have a new story to tell.

I hope, I hope!!

The Idol Band is able to have a quick turn around, though. For the last couple of years during Hollywood, the contestants have been given a list of songs (I think it was over 200 last year) and they had a few minutes to practice with the band before performing it on the final day of Hollywood the next morning (remember Josiah melting down because he couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t convey what he wanted the band to doà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦or the band was told not to behave so that he would create drama for the cameras. One is never quite sure how manipulative the producers on AI can be).

There will be an awful lot to prepare on Thursday for a live show later in the day (including dress rehearsal).

In Hollywood, the kids auditions in front of the judges were filmed. Most of it ended up on the cutting room floor.

Performances for the live show are for the cameras and are expected to be polished from beginning to end. There are more logistics involved beyond the band learning their arrangements.

Adding the band leaves room for a lot more effing up. But then, maybe that’s the point.

The only person I really, really want to see back as a wildcard is Anoop Desai. He has more than proven that he deserved it – from his audition and everything we saw from Hollywood week.

The problem is that from a lot of the others we don’t know, how they done in the audition or Hollywood week. So I don’t really know if he deserves it more than the others.

i have to throw this out thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦was there any rational reason that the show featured a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“previously unseen auditionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  last weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.unless that person might get called back? i mean it made no sense.

if this was shown during the show, then man, i really missed it. i was looking for it sometime during the commercials because i thought that was what ryan said. i’m in canada and the canadian station cuts in on american commercials.

was this audition actually shown? who was it? what was it like?

ETA: if this was already discussed my apologies. i haven’t had time to look through all the threads

if this was shown during the show, then man, i really missed it. i was looking for it sometime during the commercials because i thought that was what ryan said. ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m in canada and the canadian station cuts in on american commercials.

It was some unknown from the auditions who was neither really really good, nor really really bad. I can’t imagine that person would be brought back.

But it’s moot. Simon was wrong. Only the Top 36 are eligible for the wildcard.

We haven’t even seen round 3 yet so it is hard to say who is deserving of a wildcard placement. The only person who I even think deserves a second chance is Anoop. None of the other guys have impressed me and the none of the left-over girls have even stepped up to the plate at all.

I too missed the “hidden audition”

My fingers crossed that the wild cards additions to the top 12 are Anoop, Megan and someone else. (Initially I would have said Matt G, but can’t stand to have my heart broken twice.)

Also think that if Taylor V. is not selected this coming week, then she’s a possibility for wild card. Mishavonna blew her chance by being completely been there, done that forgettable.

“We havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even seen round 3 yet so it is hard to say who is deserving of a wildcard placement. The only person who I even think deserves a second chance is Anoop. None of the other guys have impressed me and the none of the left-over girls have even stepped up to the plate at all.”

Agreed on all points.

Jesse is much preferred over that twist-n-flail hypnotizer of men, Megan.

Word.

However, I’m guessing the wild cards will be: Anoop, Matt G (if he doesn’t suck), and Megan (who will probably suck anyway).

Mannnnn.. can’t they just make it a Top 13?!
I have too many favorites/people I just like this year that didn’t make it.

Seriously, these first two weeks, the only contestant I even really liked was Adam. But I’m not even a fan.

As for just being on the show I’d like to see
Anoop, Ricky, Megan, Matt G, Jesse Langseth, Mishavonna Henson, and Nick Mitchell. I couldn’t care less if Nick made it to the top 12, but I’d love to see him perform again.

For the actual wildcard spots, I definitely want Anoop to get one. And the other 2 a combination of Ricky or Megan or Matt G.

I’m really hoping that Felicia makes it on Wednesday. Or else this will be the worst season for me in terms of my favorites doing well. I also hope that Lil either tanks and does so badly that not many people vote and she doesn’t deserve a second chance OR she makes it. Because I don’t want her to take up a wildcard spot. I don’t even want her in the Top 12, but I have a feeling she’ll get the Adam/Danny treatment.

As for group 3, I would love it if Alex, Nate, and Felicia make it. Of course, that’ll probably never happen.

We KNOW there is producer manipulation, and while someone a few days ago pointed out AI is a meritocracy, still think there should be more people of color in WC.

I think there will be. So far, it really isn’t AI’s fault that it’s quite white out there in the top 12 so far (although I think that Alison is latino). The show probably believed that Anoop would go though in the first week and that Jasmine had a strong chance to make it through on the second week. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jasmine is one of Simon’s picks for WC b/c she’s a very cute kid who can sing and he really believes that the money is to be made off promoting kids. (Hey–he’s said it.)

You know, Stephen F, Anoop, Kai, Jeanine, even Jasmine (but in fairness she is a kid) blew it for themselves so far. Except for Jasmine, they are all quite seasoned performers with real talent but limited insight as to what will excite the audience. They picked songs for themselves (Anoop definitely did that).

Performances for the live show are for the cameras and are expected to be polished from beginning to end. There are more logistics involved beyond the band learning their arrangements.

Adding the band leaves room for a lot more effing up. But then, maybe thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the point.

That’s a good reason for just the piano or perhaps sole guitar with a singer, but I bet the performances themselves will be taped earlier that day, and it will be presented to us as if it is live, like when Neil Diamond or Natasha Bedingfield sang on results night last year.,

I’m hoping it’s Ricky. Three out of the four judges adored his vocals and even Simon had to admit that he has a great voice.

I would prefer Jesse and Anoop, also, but if I get Ricky, I won’t be complaining.

I downloaded his song from I-tunes and IMO, he is the best singer on the whole show.

It’s hard to pick 8 worthy wild cards when most of the 6 elected finalists are themselves forgettable. The most memorable, talented guy and girl disqualified so far are Normund Gentle and Jesse Langseth.

I think Anoop and Megan are wild card locks. I still like Anoop and hope he follows the trajectory, if not the songbook, of AI’s most successful wild card ever, Clay Aiken. If you saw Jason Castro on Idol Wrap, you know that he and show co-host Justin Guarini agree with Simon that Megan’s got something pretty special.

I actually think Matt G. blew it so badly that he might not have a comeback coming. Paula is probably the only one who would bring Jesse back, but I can imagine her going for a cute boy and/or a diversity pick.

I think Mishavonna, Kai and Stephen Fowler were better than most.

Did I mention that this is hard?

Jesse is much preferred over that twist-n-flail hypnotizer of men, Megan.

Word.

Double word. I’m trying to figure out my picks for WC round and I’m pretty indecisive right now. Is this part of the pool?

anoop has a studio recording..voice sounds fantastic on record…the acapella group he sang with recorded a version of “be without you” by mary j blige…i hope he sings this on the show

I just found another studio track where he sings “bring it on home”..awesome…if you want to hear his soulful voice sing a bluesy song …guitar & piano

wrong thread..

Not only will Anoop be picked for the WC, he should be on the tour. I wish Simon hadn’t pushed for Michael because he’s not a strong singer, IMO. I can’t see them passing up on Megan.

I know I’m late to the party but from group 1, I’d give the wild card to Anoop and from group 2, I’d give it to Jesse.

A lot of people seem to think Megan should get one but I thought Jesse’s vocals were far superior, plus she didn’t wiggle around like a hypnotized robot.

I DEFINITELY want to see Anoop in the final 12. He got screwed over Week 1. I thnk that Megan and Ann Marie also have a shot. And there are others that could make it through based on what judges have said, but none of them really impress me.

I am seriously not liking the new format. We don’t get to know the contestants. We don’t have the same connection to them. I started loving David Cook at top 24 week and could follow him through top 20 and 16 before he reached top 12. That was three weeks of songs and little video clips. By week 12 I was totally gone on him. This year I don’t feel like I know anyone very well. Of those that have not made it to top 12, I am rooting for Ricky Braddy and Megan Corkery and I had to go back and look at their clips to remember their names. They were the two who stood out for me in their top 36 performances and did not get voted in yet. I hope they get another chance. Maybe I’ll be wrong, certainly happened before, but I don’t see the investment in these contestants when we get so few chances to get to know them. Maybe it will come later. But in past years, by Top 12 I have already committed to a singer I want to see win. Not this year.

Just wanted to add the other one I would really like to see return is Kai Kalama. He reminds me a little bit of Anwar Robinson. I really like his voice, not so much his song choice. It is a shame that one weak song choice can cost them the whole competition this year. I really hope he gets another shot.

The strange part of all this is that I felt both Anoop and Kai gave GOOD performances! I think it is a matter of preference in genre selection. To me, Anoop ranks over all the guys voted in with the exception of Adam.