Up first is Blake Lewis, the beat-boxer, I like him I just want to hear more of his voice. He says he’s going to highlight his voice and only break-out the beat boxing “here and there”. He’s definitely doing that. His tone is so great on this song, which I’m not sure about the title of right now. Not a single sound effect out of his mouth at all except for his clean and smooth voice.

Randy said he “dug” it. Paula said his vocals were dead on. Simon didn’t think it was the “best” vocal but that the difference was he was the first person that sounded like he was in 2007. I believe he’s right. Simon agrees that he was 100% right coming out without the beat boxing. Simon says best performance tonight.

Sanjaya Malakar will be up first after the break.

— Commercial Break —

Sanjaya talks about his sister and says she’s absolutely supportive and that she picked out the song he’s singing.

Singing a crooner song, Steve Wonder I believe, which I think fits his vocal style, tone and personality very well. Nothing special in general.

Randy says it was a horrible song choice for him. I think he did very well with it. As you can tell from my previous comments I usually get pretty close to what the judges think. Not this time. Paula thinks he was hesitant. Simon said it was the most dreary performance all night. With the judges stating all of this it’s killing his chance for coming back. I don’t think it was that bad. We’ll see.

— Commercial Break —

Five hours of American Idol this week. With the two night male and female first nights along with the 1-hour results show.

Up next is Chris Sligh. I love this guy. His personality is just great! Excellent sense of humor and HEY he can sing too! Doing a great job I think. Lots of energy in the chorus of his song, but balances it out in the verses with strong and accurate vocals. He’s really working the audience as well. I’m curious as to what the judges will think about the performance.

Randy says voice was on point and he’s a “Chris fan”. Paula believes the song choice was great and that he was ahead of the chorus. I didn’t catch it though. Simon likes him with a fantastic personality, but felt he was at some weird student gig. Chris responds and takes a shot at Simon which was pretty funny.

— Commercial Break —

Jared Cotter, we find out he was a waiter, but got fired for trying out for American Idol. Jared is another one of the contestants that has snuck up on me in the competition. He’s got a solid voice and comfortable stage presence as well. He singing a Brian McKnight song “Back at One”. His voice seems to quiver a little bit at the ends of the phrases and hits a little pitchy areas as well.

Randy says it was pretty good, but didn’t like the ending. Paula likes him singing the more up-tempo songs. Simon agrees with Paula but the performance sounded a bit nasal but un-adventureous.

A J Tabaldo is up next. He’s tried out for American Idol five times to get to this point so it’s been a long hard road for him to get here. Let’s hope he can capitalize on it now that he’s here.

AJ picks up the pace a little bit with “All My Love” or “1,000 Kisses”. Nothing spectacular for me.

Randy said it looked like he was having a blast. Vocally it was good. Didn’t bring anything new. Paula agrees that AJ can definitely sing. He needs to go for it more. Simon says it was good, but nothing great or terrible. Simon classifies it as a “theme park” performance. Simon ended with saying that maybe AJ was better than he originally thought.

My pick for winning it all will wrap up the men’s night, it’s Phil Stacey after the break.

— Commercial Break —

Phil Stacey, the man that reminds of Harry Connick, Jr. a little bit. Nice and strong vocally. He missed the birth of his daughter. The Harry Connick Jr reference was definitely because of the “When A Man Loves a Woman” performance for Hollywood week. He’s starting off very non-stellar though. It’s picking up a little bit, but I’m not sure “How Could I Ask For More” is the best song choice for him. The chorus he’s really rockin’ it out now, but not sure if the judges will like it or not. The high note he just hit reminded me of Clay Aiken’s voice power.

Randy said the song was a little rough. Randy said it was the best vocal of the night. In tune, rich, full. Paula said when he went into the chorus it really opened up. Simon said it was okay, but not the “best” vocal and said it was just “okay”.

Ryan said Phil is going with the Britney Spears haircut which was perfect.

Here’s my predictions for the two going home this week:

• Rudy Cardenas
• Sanjaya Malakar

We’ll see you tomorrow night for the ladies and again on Thursday night for the results show.

Post from: Idol Stalker