Idol Stalker » Top 36

American Idol Top 13 Contestants Announced!

Jeanne — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:09:34 +0000

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

Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkrey and Matt Giraud have been added to the finalists.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! American Idol has announced a Top 13 will replace the Top 12 so that Anoop Desai could be added to the finalists! I’m so excited!!!!

That means this is your Top 13:

Jasmine Murray
Megan Joy Corkrey
Matt Giraud
Anoop Desai
Alexis Grace
Michael Sarver
Danny Cokey
Lil Rounds
Jorge Nunez
Scott MacIntyre
Allison Iraheta
Adam Lambert
Kris Allen

What do you think? Is this a good Top 13? Who is missing? I would have liked to see Mishavonna Henson and Felicia Barton.

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American Idol Season 8 Wildcard Performances

Jeanne — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:27:47 +0000

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 addition to the Wildcard Round and said that the song and performance were slightly indulgent but said she has a good voice.

Matt Giraud sang “Who’s Loving You” (Jackson 5) and I thought it was a good choice for showing off his vocal range and talent. I don’t know if I would have chosen such an old song but it worked for me. I wasn’t blown away but I thought it was really good. Kara thanked him for bringing back the “bluesy, soulful Matt.” Paula said that it was the right song and reminded him not to go against what he’s great at like he did during his last performance. Simon said that it was a billion times better than last week but he hates what Matt wearing. Randy said that he loves the fact that Matt scared the other contestants because he was so hot!

Megan Joy Corkrey picked “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” (K.T. Tunstall) and it was a good song choice for her. I think Megan has a great voice and she’s unique but there’s also something that I’m not particularly fond of and I can’t put my finger on it. Paula said that she picked the right song and is fun to watch. Simon said that he thinks she’s terrific and current. Randy said that it wasn’t the best vocal he’s ever heard but that the song choice was great. Kara said that the competition needs Megan.

Von Smith sang “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” and I think it was a decent song choice. It wasn’t a perfect performance but I absolutely love Von and I hope he stays. Simon said that he is beginning to become a bit boring and serious. Randy agreed with Simon and said he wasn’t crazy about the song choice. Kara said that it got more than serious – it got dark. Paula said that he doesn’t let his essence out when he’s too concerned with the notes.

Jasmine Murray chose to sing “Reflection” (by Christina Aguilera) and I immediately cringed. I think of pageants and stuff like that when I hear this song and I think a lot of people feel similarly. It sounded like she was screaming during this performance. Randy said that there were great, bright spots but there were also problems with the songs. Kara said that she didn’t realize Jasmine had that big of a voice. Paula said that Jasmine was determined and did a wonderful job. Simon said it was pretty special compared to what she did before.

Ricky Braddy sang “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder) and I wonder about the song choice. The man can definitely sing (he should work on pronouncing the ends of his words, however). Kara said that he can definitely sing and held his own. Paula loved the way he loosened up and said that he nailed the performance. Simon said that he sounded good but that the performance was a bit clumsy. Randy said that the song was not the right one since it felt self-indulgent but that he did a good job.

Tatiana Del Toro sang “Saving All My Love For You” which is the same song that she sang on the episode where she was voted off. What was she thinking? Paula said that the performance started shaky but it got much better. Simon asked her if she’s going to sing the same song every week if she makes it through. Randy said there were good moments and not-so-good moments. Kara said that Tatiana keeps showing up with different personalities.

Anoop Desai chose to sing “My Prerogative” (Bobby Brown) which is what he sang during Hollywood Week. I love Anoop but I think that was a mistake. I hope the judges don’t hold it against him. Simon said that it’s been a strange night and that Anoop is not the best singer but people like him which is important. Randy said that he did better this time singing the song than he did last time. Kara said she wanted to get up and dance. Paula said that he’s a showman and had some nasty moves (ha ha!).

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American Idol Season 8 Wildcards Named

Jeanne — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:05:22 +0000

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 really unique which is good because I feel like there is a good amount of talent this year but there’s a shortage of uniqueness (at least in the Top 12).

Tatiana Del Toro – Giggles emerged from the audience as Tatiana immediately started crying and thanking the judges for putting her back in the competition. She’s got a decent voice but I’m not sure I can take her hysterics.

Matt Giraud – I’m not surprised by this at all. The judges seemed to like him, viewers seemed to like him but he just didn’t get the votes. We’ll see what happens.

Jesse Langseth – The judges liked her bluesy voice and added her to the list of people in the Wildcard round at the last minute (during the last commercial break, in fact). Not sure how I feel about this one…

ANOOP DESAI – WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO! I’m so happy!!! I love Anoop and I was crushed when he was eliminated after the Group 1 performances. BRING IT ON, ANOOP! I really want him in the finals!

What do you think? Did the judges get it right? The only one I really cared about was Anoop so I’m okay with the others.

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American Idol Results – Lil, Scott and Jorge Make the Top 12

Jeanne — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:42:36 +0000

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 finalist based on last night’s performance show is Scott MacIntyre, the first blind contestant to make it to this stage in the competition. He sang “Mandolin Rain.”

The third contestant to be named to the finals is Jorge Nunez who sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” He was emotional again, rambling on for a few moments in Spanish after hearing the great news. So sweet!

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American Idol Season 8 Top 36 Performances – Group 3

Jeanne — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:06:21 +0000

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:

I’d love to hear what you guys think? Who do you want to see make it to the next round?

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American Idol Season 8 Top 36 – Lil Rounds

Jeanne — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:11:00 +0000

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!

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American Idol Season 8 Top 36 – Jorge Nunez

Jeanne — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:43:00 +0000

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!)

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American Idol Season 8 Top 36 – Kendall Beard

Jeanne — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:28:48 +0000

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:

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American Idol Season 8 Top 36 – Scott MacIntyre

Jeanne — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:24:19 +0000

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.

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American Idol Season 8 Top 36 – Felicia Barton

Jeanne — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:18:18 +0000

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!

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