See who the judges added to the Top 13 (yes, Top 13!!!) on American Idol tonight after the jump!

Tonight, the contestants who were chosen as “wildcards” by the judges during last night’s American Idol results show performed so that the judges could pick the three hopefuls who would advance to the Top 12.  Here’s a breakdown of the action (images and video coming soon):
Jesse Langseth chose to sing Chaka Khan’s iconic classic “Tell Me Something Good” and I didn’t really like it.  Randy said that it wasn’t great.  Kara said that there were off-key notes but she loves Jesse’s swagger.  Paula said she was impressed by Jesse’s tenacity and determination.  Simon reminded her that she was a last-minute …read more

Well, the mystery of the Wildcard Round is behind us as the judges named the contestants on American Idol tonight.  The wildcard picks are as follows:
Von Smith – YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I’m so happy!  I really like Von and I hope he well! 
Jazmine Murray – I’m a little surprised by this choice but, as the judges said, she’s got a lot of commercial appeal so I guess I can understand that.
Ricky Braddy – I’m happy he’s got a second chance.  He’s got a great voice and I’d like to see what he does next week.
Megan Joy Corkrey – Megan is …read more

On American Idol tonight, we found out which contestants advanced to the finals.  I can’t put my finger on it but this eighth season is just not as interesting as the others.  Do you feel the same way?  MJ from MJ’s Big Blog put up a post recently showing how the ratings continue to drop and I am not at all surprised.
The first person named to the Top 12 from Group 3 is Lil Rounds!  She did a great job performing Mary J Blige’s hit “Be Without You” and I’m thrilled that she made it to the finals! 
The second …read more

Tonight, Group 3 from the Top 36 on the eighth season of American Idol took to the stage in hopes of making it to the Top 12.  Who were favorites? 
I loved Lil Rounds, Jorge Nunez and I liked Felicia Barton and Von Smith.  Still, the only one I was truly enthusiastic about was Lil because she picked a song that was appropriate for her voice and her stage presence made me believe that she is an artist instead of a contestant on a reality television show.
Check out the performances from this week:

American Idol Season 8 Top 36 – …read more

Lil Rounds caught my attention early on in the competition and I couldn’t wait to see what she was going to do if she made it to the voting stage of American Idol. 
She chose to sing “Be Without You” which is current and totally appropriate for her voice.  I thought it was a solid performance and I REALLY hope to see her around next week!

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Jorge Nunez sang “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me” which, if I remember correctly, is one of Simon Cowell’s favorite songs.  It always reminds me of Clay Aiken who I think did a phenomenal job during the second season of American Idol. 

Jorge also did a good job but, again, this is an older song than what I would have chosen for him.  Either way, I hope he did enough to stay another week because he is a really good singer.
Audio only (sorry!)

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Kendall Beard sang one of my husband’s least favorite songs, “This One’s For the Girls.”  I tried to listen to Kendall’s performance while he sat there making up alternate lyrics to Martina McBride’s hit. 

There were some real pitch issues but I think Kendall is bubbly and sweet.  I doubt she’ll make it to the Top 12 but you never know, right?
Audio only:

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Scott MacIntyre, the first blind person to make it into the finals on American Idol, chose to sing “Mandolin Rain” which is a song that I’m not that familiar with. 
I am totally inspired by Scott’s courage and talent but I can’t lie.  I thought it was pretty good but not great.  Am I the only one who feels that way?  I feel like the judges are trying to push the viewers to vote for Scott because of his story rather than his vocals.

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX

Felicia Barton sang “No One” which was the second Alicia Keys song of the night.  I won’t lie, I had basically forgotten about this poor girl until just now.  Except for one bum note, I thought she was absolutely terrific. 
My daughter and I were sitting here talking about how people shouldn’t sing Alicia Key songs and then Felicia got up there and proved us wrong.  I thought she was great!

image © 2009 FOX BROADCASTING CR: Michael Becker / FOX