February 10, 2010
American Idol Season 9 Hollywood week has begun.  We are finally seeing the (potential) talent of the men and
women that will grace the stage this ninth season of Idol.  Ellen Degeneres finally took her chair as the fourth judge
and it was wonderful to see her there.  She was funny, not annoying like some of the other judges that shall not be
named, and just plain Ellen.  It was the first day of Hollywood, with the 180 or so young people that received golden
tickets at auditions were reduced significantly.  Did we see potential Top 12 contestants?  Definitely.

Standout was by far Andrew Garcia from California who sang his own rendition of "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul.  It
was original, distinct, and has a huge likability factor on his side.  He's almost a combination of Kris Allen's boyish
charms and Danny Gokey's vocal abilities without any of the arrogance.  He'll be one to watch this year for sure.
Lady standouts were in the voices of Crystal Bowersox singing a beautiful rendition of "Natural Woman" by Aretha
Franklin and Lily Scott, a rocker looking chick who doesn't sing rock.  What a concept.  The former lady reminds me a
bit of Season 7 eleventh place finisher Amanda Overmyer with a much better voice.  

As always, Idol claims this will be the most talented season yet.  We won't know that until the season is nearly over
but by the looks of it, it's promising.

Idol is back on Wednesday with the Group rounds which always bring tears, drama, and more stuff that we don't really
care about.  All we want to do is vote, simple as that.
Hollywood Week has Begun!
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January 29, 2010
American Idol Season 9 has kicked off with the audition rounds.  It'll be just a few weeks before the Top 24
contestants will be named and voting will start.  There has already been speculation that a girl will undoubtedly win
this year.  After two straight years of a male Idol winner, Kris Allen and David Cook, they will be pushing a girl hard this
year.

Idol will be undergoing many changes this year.  We have the entry of new American Idol judge, television host, Ellen
Degeneres.  It was announced this will be Simon Cowell's final season in order for him to focus on bringing his
British show, "X Factor" to the states.  Randy Jackson and Kara Dioguardi and scheduled to return (as of now).  There
has been some speculation already and spoilers online of the Top 24 contestants and who they are.  I've tried at all
costs to not read them and try to be surprised, so I'll stick with it here as well.

Hopefully the producers of Idol will take a backseat this year, regarding the actual push of certain contestants.  Last
year's Top 36 format, wild card rounds and picks, were all blatant push for certain contestants and it showed all over
the program.  Contestants not making the Top 12 (which became the Top 13), such as Ricky Braddy, Felicia Barton,
and Ju'Not Joyner were unacceptable.  The newly implemented "Judges' Save" is scheduled to return as well, where
they are allowed to save one contestant during the Top 12 rounds until the top five but it must be unanimous.  

Anyways, it's another year of Idol and it'll be one to watch as ratings have been up and down but it still remains the #1
show by a mile.  
Ellen Degeneres
New American Idol Judge
Welcome to the American Idol Page as a part of
The Awards Circuit! By Clayton Davis
Read random thoughts on past episodes, thoughts on
the season, interviews with past Idols and much more.
Top 10 ladies take the stage...
March 4, 2010
The last 24 hours or so we thought we would have had our second disqualification in American Idol history (first being Corey Clark from Season 2) because
Crystal Bowersox had not been cleared to sing yet and they thought she wouldn't be able to.  Crystal, however, got it together and pulled in a wondeful
performance tonight (as well as others).  Tonight gave the edge back to the ladies and it seems to be a three horse race amongst the ladies for the top
spot, Crystal, Siobhan Magnus, and Lilly Scott.  The three of them have been the most consistent and are all coming off extremely likable.  It may be a ladies'
year after all.

1. Crystal Bowersox - "As Long as I See the Light" by Creedence Clearwater (***½)
- The last 24 hours have been really tense regarding Crystal Bowersox.  There was talk earlier today about her possible being disqualified because they
thought she couldn't perform again tonight.  Tonight, Crystal has become the frontrunning girl to win this competition.  She's the epitome of the word artist.  
Her song choice is a bit quirky and unexpected yet she nails everything about it especially when she goes up into her upper register.  She gets big praises
from the judges.  She was the best of the night.

2. Haeley Vaughn - "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus (*)
- Poor Haeley.  The song on paper seemed like a good choice for her.  At the end of the day, Haeley misses all the notes, both upper and lower registers.  
She gets panned big time by the judges and they can't even give her any redeeming qualities about the performance.  She's vulnerable this week.

3. Lacey Brown - "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer (*½)
- Lacey took Kara's advice from last week and chose this exact song that she mentioned.  The beginning of the song is okay but when it picks up tempo, it
overpowers Lacey's cutesy voice.  Lacey cannot get this together for herself.  She needs to step it up but this week she may be saying 'Bye Bye.'

4. Katie Stevens - "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae (**)
- Katie was considered the Producer's favorite to win this whole thing but for the past two weeks I've witnessed an overrated factor that lies in Katie.  She
cannot choose the right song it seems.  She hits the notes well enough but this is just the wrong song for her.  I have no idea what kind of album she would
make.  But the judges pan her performance but assure her she'll be here next week.  Is she this year's Lil Rounds?  Never lives up the expectations?  
Probably.

5. Didi Benami - "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers (**)
- Can I just say, up to this point, it's been a very rough night besides Crystal.  Didi's voice is there and quirky but the song arranged with her voice comes off
very awkward.  The judges are hard on her and her eyes well up in tears.  She definitely lost it backstage.  I still believe in Didi though.  I think she'll make it
this week.

6. Michelle Delamor - "With Arms Wide Open" by Creed (**)
- I can appreciate Michelle's attempt at a song we wouldn't expect from her and putting a unique spin on it.  The beginning of the song is really soothing but
when gets to the bridge, it's all over the place and not as pleasing.  The judges all praise her outfit and point out Designer Vera Wang in the audience.  Kara
loved the vocal and calls it "her best."  If that was her best, how did she make it in the Top 24?  I thought last week was better, but that wasn't necessarily
"good" either.

7. Lilly Scott - "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke (***½)
- Lilly is slowly but surely inching her way to becoming my favorite girl in the competition.  She's quirky, different, and ballsy.  Lilly changed up the
arrangement which was brilliant, her vocals are distinct (though not perfect), and she performs it beautifully.  So far she's been the most consistent and I
believe in her.  The problem is, I think the minute she delivers a sub-par performance, America will turn on her.  She's not America's cup of tea and they
would look for a reason to vote her off I'm afraid.  Just a theory.

8. Katelyn Epperly - "The Scientist" by Coldplay (***)
- Katelyn needs personality and fast.  Her twist on this Coldplay song was very slow and reserved but it worked vocally.  Performance-wise, Katelyn is weird,
unsure and doesn't really know how to connect to the audience.  I think she's doing well but Kara said it best, she needs to figure out who she is as an artist
and fast or she'll be in the same boat the judges placed Matt Giraud from last season and that didn't end well for him.

9. Paige Miles - "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson (***)
- I was looking forward to Paige's performance this week.  Simon said during her performance last week, she had the best voice of all the girls.  This week,
her vocals did not do this song justice and she seemed like she couldn't keep up with the song or the tempo.  She got mixed-to-negative reviews from the
judges and she could find herself in trouble tonight.  I hope she survives.

10. Siobhan Magnus - "Think" by Aretha Franklin (***½)
- Siobhan is such a weird chick.  She's awkward in her interviews and on stage but MAN, CAN THIS GIRL SING!  She gives the best performance of the
competition thus far by any contestant.   She nailed every note especially her closing note, it was fantastic.  Hopefully she keeps it up but she could be in the
same situation Allison Iraheta was last year when she was overshadowed by bigger personalities and less awkward contestants.

TOP 3 PICKS OF THE NIGHT - Siobhan Magnus, Crystal Bowersox, Lilly Scott
WHO SHOULD GO HOME - Haeley Vaughn & Lacey Brown
WHO WILL GO HOME - Lacey Brown & Haeley Vaughn (maybe Paige Miles)

Also make sure to check out this week's interview with Season 8 Top 36 contestant
Felicia Barton! CLICK HERE
POWER RANKINGS FOR TOP 12 - FEMALE CONTESTANTS
1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Siobhan Magnus
3. Lilly Scott
4. Katie Sevens
5. Didi Benami
6. Katelyn Epperly
THE BEST OF THE REST
7.  Michelle Delamor
8.  Paige Miles
9.  Haeley Vaughn
10.Lacey Brown
11. Ashley Rodriguez (ELIMINATED)
12. Janell Wheeler (ELIMINATED)
February 17, 2010
American Idol Season 9 Top 24 process has begun to many viewer's surprise.  They were originally scheduled to
announce the Top 24 contestants on the Wednesday, February 17, 2010 show but have started it a day earlier.  

The show began with the remaining 71 contestants in Hollywood being broken up into 3 different groups and placed
into 3 different rooms.  As we watch them sit in agony, anxiously awaiting to see if they had done enough to move on
to the Top 46 where then, the judges will decide who is worthy enough to go on to the voting shows.  We watch many
of the contestants performances they performed on the last day of Hollywood.  None of them were particularly exciting,
just watchable.  The pre-voting process this year was a bit more tedious than usual.  I'm eager to see the contestants
in action this season.

American Idol has announced 7 of the 24 contestants that will perform for votes starting next Tuesday, February 24,
2010.  Michael Lynche (big guy from NY who's wife had a baby during Hollywood week), Didi Benami (an emotional,
acoustic performer who's vocal chops have been impressive thus far), Katelyn Epperly (who may lack a bit of
personality and hasn't received much TV time, ultimately I didn't even know who she was when they told her she was
through), Casey James (who Kara Dioguardi seems to be in love with and reminds me of a better singing version of
Bucky Covington from Season 5),  Aaron Kelly (a young 16 David Archuleta-like country singer who the girls will fall in
love with surely), Lee Dewyze (a cool, confident guy who we haven't seen much of, only his roughed up rendition of
"You Found Me" by The Fray), and Todrick Hall (an actor/playwright who performed with Fantasia Barrino in "The Color
Purple, a bit of a drama queen thus far but great singing ability).  The rest will be announced tonight!!!
The Top 24 contestants are
being announced...
PREVIOUS ARTICLES (ARCHIVE)
February 18, 2010
The Top 24 contestants of Season 9 are finally here!  Voting will begin next Tuesday with the ladies taking the stage
followed by the men on the Wednesday night show.  On Thursday night, the bottom two lowest vote-getters will be
eliminated from the competition.  

Here is the PRE-Performance Show Predictions:

Top 12 Finalists Predicted
  1. Ashley Rodriguez
  2. Andrew Garcia
  3. Lacey Brown
  4. Didi Benami
  5. Katie Stevens
  6. Aaron Kelly
  7. Casey James
  8. Lee Dewyze
  9. Lily Scott
  10. Jermaine Sellers
  11. Tyler Grady
  12. Haeley Vaughn
The Judges have chosen
the finalists...
February 23, 2010
The Top 12 Girls took the stage tonight and holy hell, there were not good.  If American Idol is calling a girl to win this
year, the guys must be a trainwreck.  We shall see.  Andrew Garcia may be the favorite to win now.  Let's recap!

PERFORMANCE RECAPS
Paige Miles - who got no screen time before these LIVE airings, sang "All Right Now" by Free.  Not too shabby.  
Simon calls her the best female singer in the competition.  (why the hell did they put her first then)
Ashley Rodriguez - Constantly compared to Jordin Sparks and she sang Leona Lewis' "Happy" and it was pretty
bland and she missed a lot of the notes.  She was my favorite before tonight to take it all the way.  Guess not.
Janell Wheeler - Sang "What About Love" by Heart and it did not fit her vibe at all.  She's in danger tonight.
Lilly Scott - She's the only one I really thoroughly enjoyed and that I could see in the real world.  She sang The
Beatles' "Fixing a Hole," an eclectic choice but was great to listen to.
Katelyn Epperly - to put it bluntly, she came out looking like a, in the words of my beloved's mother, "$2 hooker" and I
couldn't have said it better.  She looked bad, didn't sound too bad on "Oh Darling" by The Beatles but she has no
personality in my eyes.
Haeley Vaughn - got a beating from the judges for her version of The Beatles' " I Want to Hold your Hand" but I
disagreed with them.  I enjoyed her a lot and she didn't annoy me like she usually does.  
Lacey Brown - came out on a Fleetwood Mac number, "Landslide" and bored the hell out of everyone.  Looks like her
two years of auditioning are going to be cut very short on show.
Michelle Delamor - another person we haven't seen during the audition rounds but I was impressed with her version
of Alicia Keys' "Fallin'" which is something to be noticed because I LOVE ALICIA!  She may be better than I thought.
Didi Benami - compared by many as this year's Brooke White from Season 7, but with a much better range was very
good indeed tonight.  Though a bit sound-alike on her version of Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am," it stood out
amongst all the other contestants this evening.
Siobhan Magnus - which is a bit of question mark personality-wise, but the girl can sing.  She performed a haunting
version of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" which got decent marks from the judges.
Crystal Bowersox - she definitely had the best song of the night, "Hand in My Pocket" by Alanis Morissette.  She
played the guitar and harmonica which was decent enough.
Katie Stevens - getting the "pimp spot" tonight and getting panned by the judges for her so-so version of Michael
Buble's "Feeling Good."  For her performance position alone, she'll stay.

TOP 3 PICKS OF THE NIGHT - Didi Benami, Lilly Scott, Crystal Bowersox
MY PERSONAL PICKS TO GO HOME - Janell Wheeler & Ashley Rodriguez
WHO WILL ACTUALLY GO HOME - Lacey Brown, Janell Wheeler
The Top 12 ladies took the
stage tonight...
POWER RANKINGS 2/23/10
FOR TOP 12 SPOTS (GIRLS)
1. Katie Stevens
2. Didi Benami
3. Crystal Bowersox
4. Siobhan Magnus
5. Lilly Scott
6. Paige Miles
7.  Ashley Rodriguez
8.  Michelle Delamor
9.  Haeley Vaughn
10.Katelyn Epperly
11. Janell Wheeler
12. Lacey Brown
Top 12 Guys take the stage tomorrow.  Stay
tuned!
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SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM FOR PREVIOUS ARTICLES FROM AMERICAN IDOL!
February 25, 2010 (1:00AM ET)
The Top 12 guys took the stage and we're nearly just as bad as the ladies.  Some were REALLY bad though.  Here's
the recap.

PERFORMANCE RECAPS
Todrick Hall - "Since You Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson (**½) - A electronic, R&B twist on the Season 1 Winner.  He
dances all over the stage, jerking his head back and forth which is really annoying.  He performed more than he sang.
Aaron Kelly - "Here Comes Goodbye" by Rascal Flatts (***) - Aaron has a really good tone and he's a gold mine for
the country music world, being so young.  He could be this year's David Archuleta, not as great potential to make the
final two, but could be someone to watch for the Top 12.  He's just really nervous.
Jermaine Sellars - "Get Here" by  Oleta Adams (*½)- Can someone tell him OVER-SINGING is not good for him to
stay in this competition.  Sellars started off the audition season as someone to watch out for with his rendition of "What
If God was one of Us" but he's become a primadonna and diva, and is comes off very unlikable.  He's vulnerable
tonight.
Tim Urban - "Apologize" by One Republic (*) - Urban, who replaced Chris Golightly a few weeks ago showed us
exactly why he wasn't chosen in the first place for the Top 24.  A horrible falsetto, horrible arrangement, and SHOULD
not go on.  Due to his surprise inclusion, he may get some sympathy votes.
Joe Munoz - "You and I Both" by Jason Mraz (**½) - Little Joe Munoz chose one of the better songs of the night.  He
has a good voice but ultimately, he has little personality and not a good enough voice to help him out.  He's not bad
by any means, but he's got no screen time before this LIVE shows which hurts him even more.
Tyler Grady - "American Woman" by Guess Who (***) - Tyler Grady is one of the coolest guys to grace the Idol stage
this year.  He has a cool vibe, not the best voice but he should be very popular.  He's a throw back to 70's but it's
going to see how he does when he gets specific themes like Country Week and what he can do.
Lee Dewyze - "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol (***) - Lee's version of "Chasing Cars" was no where near perfect but I
was pleasantly surprised nonetheless.  Simon seemed to really like him and he may be one to watch if he can polish
up his vocals.
John Park - "God Bless the Child" (Jazz Standard) (½) - This was an utter mess.  His film clip had him mumbling
about how much he loves Shania Twain and wants to marry her and then he came out and sang "God Bless the Child"
and slaughtered it.  I couldn't even understand what he was singing half the song.  He's extremely vulnerable.
Michael Lynche - "This Love" by Maroon Five (**) - I love a good story that goes along with an American Idol
contestant but they are beating his baby story to death.  On top of that, Michael comes off like an arrogant prick.  His
vocals were so-so but his reactions to the judges' negative-to-mixed feedback showed no likability at all.  He'll make
through this week but he better have a slice of humble pie if he wants to make the Top 12.
Alex Lambert - "Wonderful World" by James Morrison (***) - Alex has potentially one of the best male voices but if
he doesn't get over his nerves soon, his nerves will do him in.  If I closed my eyes for his performance, he would have
been my top pick but he was so uncomfortable which made me extremely uncomfortable.  He'll be back.
Casey James - "Heaven" by Bryan Adams (***½) - Despite Kara DioGuardi wanting to perform fellatio right on the
Idol stage, Casey was fantastic tonight.  He doesn't have the best voice but he has a lot of charisma and very likable.  
He will be this year's heartthrob, no doubt.  He was the best of the night.
Andrew Garcia - "Sugar We're Going Down" by Fall Out Boy (***) - Andrew had the highest expectations for the boys
going into tonight.  He sang his acoustic version of the song very well but his arrangement was weird but receiving the
"pimp spot" guarantees him a spot in the next round and his Hollywood performance of "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul
guarantees his spot in the Top 12.

TOP 3 PICKS OF THE NIGHT - Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Aaron Kelly
MY PERSONAL PICKS TO GO HOME - John Park & Tim Urban
WHO WILL ACTUALLY GO HOME - Joe Munoz & John Park (maybe Jermaine Sellars or Tim Urban)
The Top 12 Guys took the
stage for the first time this
season...
POWER RANKINGS 2/25/10
FOR TOP 12 SPOTS (BOYS)
1. Andrew Garcia
2. Casey James
3. Lee Dewyze
4. Aaron Kelly
5. Tyler Grady
6. Michael Lynche
7.  Alex Lambert
8.  Todrick Hall
9.  Jermaine Sellars
10. Joe Munoz
11. John Park
12. Tim Urban
Results at 8:00pm ET on Thursday night...
SCROLL DOWN FOR TOP 12 GIRLS RECAP...
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February 26, 2010
American Idol provided the first results show of the season and already, we have America making the wrong choices.
 In terms of possible eliminations, it was pretty up in the air for various contestants.  As Host Ryan Seacrest unfolded
the results, he unveiled each result one by one starting with the ladies.  Janell Wheeler & Ashley Rodriguez find
themselves on a plane going back to their hometowns.  Both were my personal picks to go home but I thought
Ashley, with all the screen time she received during the audition rounds would be able to beat Lacey Brown.  It was a
bit surprising.

With the guys, Joe Munoz and beyond what I can see as simply stupid, Tyler Grady.  Munoz was expected, no screen
time during the audition rounds, his song choice was a bit forgettable, and so-so reviews from the judges.  Tyler on
the other hand, who's 70's-style was praised highly by the judges when he auditioned and all of a sudden, the
judges feel he's "obsessed."  After his departure, he had some snappy comebacks for the judges deeming, "they
didn't give me constructive criticism."  Grady was different and would have been very entertaining for at least a few
more rounds.  It sucks when other men who did not shine at all like Jermaine Sellers, John Park, and Tim Urban
got to stick around.

Next week, we still have themes from the Billboard Top 100 of any decade.  These contestants need to step it up big
time.

Also, we have our first of our Exclusive Interviews with Past Idols.

This week is Season 8 Top 36 contestant from Group 1, Brent Keith....Listen HERE
We said 'Goodbye' to four
Idols on Thursday night...
SEASON POWER RANKINGS
2/26/10
*ALL CONTESTANTS*
1. Andrew Garcia
2. Didi Benami
3. Crystal Bowersox
4. Lee DeWyze
5. Katie Stevens
6. Casey James
7.  Lilly Scott
8.  Paige Miles
9.  Aaron Kelly
10.Siobhan Magnus
11. Alex Lambert
12. Michael Lynche
Check back on Tuesday for Post-Idol Recaps...
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 9 TOP 12
PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF
www.americanidol.com
Lee DeWyze
Didi Benami
Andrew Garcia
Crystal Bowersox
Michael Lynche
Tim Urban
Paige Miles
Siobhan Magnus
Aaron Kelly
Casey James
Katie Stevens
Lacey Brown
ELIMINATED: 12TH PLACE
TOP 16 ELIMINATION
Alex Lambert
*ELIMINATED*
Katelyn Epperly
*ELIMINATED*
Todrick Hall
*ELIMINATED
Lilly Scott
*ELIMINATED*
TOP 20 ELIMINATION
Haeley Vaughn
*ELIMINATED*
Michelle Delamor
*ELIMINATED*
John Park
*ELIMINATED*
Jermaine Sellers
*ELIMINATED*
TOP 24 ELIMINATION
Tyler Grady
*ELIMINATED*
Ashley Rodriguez
*ELIMINATED
Janell Wheeler
*ELIMINATED*
Joe Munoz
*ELIMINATED
A look at the Top 10 Guys plus this week's Past Idols Interview with Felicia Barton....
March 3, 2010
It's Tuesday night on American Idol Season 9 and the girls were schedules to take the stage tonight, instead, the Top 10 guys did.  Reason?  Top 10
Female Contestant Crystal Bowersox who gave a terrific rendition last week of Alanis Morrissette's "Hand in my Pocket" turns out to be a Type 1 Diabetic.  
She was rushed to the hospital this morning and got doctor's orders to not sing tonight.  The Producers swapped the two genders with the boys taking the
stage and the girls set to take the stage on Wednesday with Crystal Bowersox scheduled to be back.  The theme is still the Billboard Top 100's with
contestants pretty much getting to choose any song that was a hit.  Here's the recap: (Star ratings are based out of a four star rating)

1. Michael Lynche - "This is a Man's World" by James Brown (***)
- Michael is a lot for me to take in.  His big personality which everyone praises, seems to be turning me off to him greatly.  He comes off so arrogant and
conceited in everything he does, whether it's an interview or singing, he looks like he thinks he has this in the bag.  It's the same way Season 6 Top 16
finalist Jarod Cotter came off.  This week, he showed a lot of singing chops.  It took my two viewings of the performance to admit that.  It was a great song
choice for him and he pulled it all together at the end.  It's mannerisms when he sings are still extremely annoying and his film clip about going to a
performing arts high school and being a football player (i wouldn't have guessed it), didn't make him for likable to me.  He reminds me of the bullies in
school I didn't like who seemed to get everything and praise from everyone.  I'm rambling.

2. John Park - "Gravity" by John Mayer (**)
- Oh John Park.  I really wish he would just sing better and not be so corny.  I had such hopes for him to be the next successful Asian-American Idol
contestant (that title so far seems to Jasmine Trias, which doesn't say much), and instead, he's over-thinking his song choices, doesn't really know who he
is as an artist, and just can't get it together.  Simon already named him one of the one's to go home this week.  I'm going to have to agree.

3. Casey James - "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw (**½)
- After taking in my opinion, top vocals last week for his wonderful rendition of Bryan Adams' "Heaven," Casey had some things to live up to.  This week,
however, Casey didn't deliver a strong vocal.  What sold the song for me was Casey's incredible guitar playing.  I found him incredibly charismatic in
bleeding the guitar off the stage while he tries to infuse his own vocals into DeGraw's song which has been done at least four times on Idol.  While it was
stupendous, it's surely strong enough to keep him around until the Top 12.  What Casey needs to work on is loosening up a bit.  He doesn't look 100%
comfortable on the stage yet.

4. Alex Lambert - "Everybody Knows" by John Legend (***)
- I'll say it now and say it proud.  Alex Lambert has the best voice of the males, maybe even the females also, in the competition.  This guy is a dark horse to
take it all the way.  His voice is utterly authentic, he's extremely likable, and this week he showed a massive improvement with his nerves from his last
performance of "Wonderful World" by James Morrison.  If Alex can get his nerves under control, this guy has massive potential.  I hope the does.  This week
he played the guitar adequately, sang in key and on pitch, and showed a very tender side.  Alex is around to stay this week, and his song choices have been
smart so far.  We'll see if he makes it to the Top 12 when the Themed Rounds come into play and if he can keep it up.

5. Todrick Hall - "What's Love Got to Do With It?" by Tina Turner (**)
Todrick Hall took another stab at a song by a lady and this time, it was one of the better female singers of history, Tina Turner.  I can thoroughly appreciate
his attempt at changing up arrangements and infusing his own style into songs but for some reason it's not working.  The judges aren't on board with it and
he's struggling big time.  He was very pitchy in the song, especially in the beginning, and when he started moving around, it picked up but still didn't
measure.  Todrick is vulnerable tonight.

6. Jermaine Sellers - "What's Going On?" by Marvin Gaye (*)
- Jermaine is hands down, the most disappointing contestant of the season.  His audition will likely go down as one of the best in Idol history but he could
never find his footing ever again.  He's over-singing, he has an attitude, and is coming off very Diva-ish.  I can't imagine Jermaine staying this week after this
poor performance.  He even asked the judges' "what song should I sing next week?"  An act of desperation.  

7. Andrew Garcia - "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison (**)
- Oh Andrew, Andrew Andrew, please get it together Andrew.  Please don't be this season's Lil Rounds.  He's chosen the wrong song again and didn't sing
it particularly well.  He got negative reviews from the judges with them mentioning his performance in the Hollywood rounds of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up"
and telling him that he's got to some how top that.  Andrew may never be able to.  He'll definitely make it to the next round and is locked into the Top 12 but if
he doesn't get it together, and I mean soon, he's going to be in trouble.   This performance was awkward, bad song choice, and a bit uncomfortable.

8. Aaron Kelly - "My Girl" by The Temptations (**)
Aaron was very forgettable tonight and gave a mediocre performance of "My Girl."  Aaron needs to be very careful with his song selections.  Just because he
infuses his country twang in his vocals, doesn't keep him afloat for long.  The minute he's VERY bad, Aaron will be out.  He's no David Archuleta, who could
give a bad performance and would never need to worry.

9. Tim Urban - "Come on Get Together" by Matt Nathanson (***)
- Tim really stepped it up this week.  I was very disappointed to see the judges except for Simon (who always seems to nail a criticism), get down on him so
much.  Urban took the advice the judges gave last week and applied it.  He picked the perfect song for himself, and nailed it.  Tim should be SAFE this
week easily.  I don't see him as a threat to go on to the Top 12, but he should survive this week easy.  Who knows, he could be this year's Kristy Lee Cook?

10. Lee DeWyze - "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder (***)
- Lee may have edged by Andrew Garcia tonight as the frontrunning guy.  Simon praised him big time again, and he wasn't bad.  He chose a good song for
his voice, wasn't as pitchy as he was last week, although he moved around the stage very awkwardly (including fixing his pants mid-performance).  Lee has
landed himself in the Top 12 already and will move forward easily in the competition.  He still is having trouble connecting to the audience and hasn't
NAILED a song yet.  I think when he watches his vocals more, and picks the perfect song, he may create moments like David Cook back in Season 7.

TOP 3 PICKS OF THE NIGHT - Lee DeWyze, Alex Lambert, Tim Urban
WHO SHOULD GO HOME - Jermaine Sellers & John Park
WHO WILL GO HOME - Jermaine Sellers & John Park (maybe Todrick Hall)

Also make sure to check out this week's interview with Season 8 Top 36 contestant
Felicia Barton! CLICK HERE
POWER RANKINGS FOR TOP 12 - MALE CONTESTANTS
1. Lee DeWyze
2. Andrew Garcia
3. Casey James
4. Michael Lynche
5. Alex Lambert
6. Aaron Kelly
THE BEST OF THE REST
7. Todrick Hall
8. Tim Urban
9. Jermaine Sellers
10. John Park
11. Tyler Grady (ELIMINATED)
12. Joe Munoz (ELIMINATED)
March 5, 2010
We said goodbye to two Idols yesterday and for the most part, America got it right.  Host Ryan Seacrest started with
the guys and sent home John Park and Jermaine Sellers as predicted.  Of the remaining eight guys, it's exciting to
see who will make the Top 12.  I think Tim Urban will surely be out come next week but the last spot is up in the air.  
Todrick Hall is the most vulnerable unless he gets his act together.  Alex Lambert needs to hit it out of the park
again like he did this week.  And it's unclear whether America is in love with Aaron Kelly or if he's scraping by.  He
needs a very good performance this week to make the Top 12.  The other guys: Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Lee
DeWyze, and maybe Michael Lynche are good to go for the Top 12.  If Lynche messes up this week, I could see him
missing out.

The girls were given the news next and we said goodbye to Haeley Vaughn and Michelle Delamor, which was a little
surprising.  Her song choice killed her and her vocals weren't too great either.  It was a double whammy.  The other
ladies battling it out and locked in for the Top 12: Crystal Bowersox, Lilly Scott, Siobhan Magnus.  Didi Benami
needs to keep it together but I think she can make it.  Katie Stevens has also had massive trouble so far.  She
needs to choose a better song that shows her vocal power.  Lilly Scott will iikely get the boot, probably no matter
what.  Katelyn Epperly needs to show some more personality in her performances but I say she's a safe bet.  Paige
Miles also needs to get her act together too.  Her Kelly Clarkson performance did not cut it and she needs to give us
some good, classic R&B and blow us away or she's out.

CHECK OUT THE NEW POWER RANKINGS AT THE BOTTOM:
Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze move up.  Andrew & Katie move down.  And we say hello to Katelyn Epperly in
the Top 12.
We said 'Goodbye' to four
more Idols on Thursday night...
SEASON POWER RANKINGS
03/05/10
*ALL CONTESTANTS*
1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Lee DeWyze
3. Siobhan Magnus
4. Andrew Garcia
5. Lilly Scott
6. Casey James
7. Alex Lambert
8. Katie Stevens
9. Aaron Kelly
10.Michael Lynche
11.Didi Benami
12. Katelyn Epperly
Check back on Tuesday for Post-Idol Recaps...
March 12, 2010
Ummm....I'm speechless.  Actually I'm pissed if you want the truth.  Tonight's results show was the biggest crap-fest
I've witnessed in a long time.  This is the weakest Top 12 I've seen in a long time.

Ryan Seacrest started the show and Didi Benami & Siobhan Magnus were declared SAFE.  Then we were down to
two on the top row, Paige Miles & Katelyn Epperly.  These two were my picks to go home so I was surprised.  And
Paige is declared SAFE.  Very surprising but hey that sucks for Katelyn.  She shouldn't have done that song, "I Feel
the Earth Move."

The boys were up next and Casey James and Tim Urban are declared SAFE.  Lee DeWyze and Todrick Hall were up
next and I was very nervous for Lee who went first on performance night and Todrick was second to last but that
didn't help.  Todrick was eliminated.  It was too little too late for him I'm afraid.

Matt Giraud and Scott MacIntyre from Season 8 perform and bring the house down.

The girls and guys are brought back together and Ryan runs through them one by one.  Crystal Bowersox is SAFE.  
Michael Lynche is SAFE.  Lacey Brown is brought up next and she is declared SAFE (surprising since it leaves Lilly
Scott and Katie Stevens from the girls).  Aaron Kelly is brought up and is declared SAFE (which sucks because he
was the worst last night and that left Alex Lambert and Andrew Garcia).

Andrew and Alex was a crapshoot but I've grown to really LOVE Alex Lambert.  He was getting better and better every
week.  Andrew just can't get out of the Hollywood comparison.  Alex is ELIMINATED.  He's in tears and sings out
beautifully.  I hope he gets a record deal because he's great.  Andrew better get his stuff together because I'm
getting sick of the promises with no delivery.

The two remaining ladies are brought to the stage, Katie Stevens and Lilly Scott.  Lilly got the pimp spot so it
seemed like a no-brainer.  Katie went first and was not good at all.  She was the worst besides Paige.  And then
Ryan drops the bomb!  Lilly is going HOME.  Katie bursts into tears.  I think she's the first contestant to get the pimp
spot and get eliminated.  That is crap, utter crap.  This is the worst Top 12 maybe in Idol history.  I'm so over it now.  
I'm not excited for next week at all.  BTW, it's Rolling Stones week.  Let's see them massacre that theme.

CHECK OUT THE POWER RANKINGS BELOW!
The Top 12 have been
chosen...and they're not
impressive
SEASON POWER RANKINGS
03/12/10
*TOP 12*
1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Siobhan Magnus
3. Lee DeWyze
4. Didi Benami
5. Casey James
6. Andrew Garcia
7. Michael Lynche
8. Katie Stevens
9. Aaron Kelly
10. Paige Miles
11. Lacey Brown
12. Tim Urban
Check back on Tuesday for Post-Idol Recaps...
March 11, 2010
The top 12 will be chosen this week and the performances from the girls were really rough.  The guys were better.  
Here's some quick recaps

GIRLS
TOP 3 OF THE NIGHT - Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus
MY PERSONAL PICKS TO GO HOME - Paige Miles & Katie Stevens
WHO WILL GO HOME - Paige Miles & Katelyn Epperly (maybe Katie Stevens)

Didi Benami and Lacey Brown got their acts together.  Paige Miles was horrible and is a DEFINITE for going home.  
Katelyn Epperly looked like she couldn't give a F***.  Crystal Bowersox is the favorite to win.  Lilly Scott gave her
weakest performance in weeks but she was in the "pimp" spot.  Katie Stevens can't figure herself out and America's
patience may be wearing thin.  Finally Siobhan Magnus was gorgeous but didn't get rave reviews like last week.

BOYS
TOP 3 OF THE NIGHT - Michael Lynche, Alex Lambert, Tim Urban
MY PERSONAL PICKS TO GO HOME - Aaron Kelly & Todrick Hall
WHO WILL GO HOME - Todrick Hall & Tim Urban (maybe Aaron Kelly or shocking elimination of Alex Lambert)

Honestly, it could be any of the boys to go home.  Michael Lynche was the best and made Kara cry.  Alex Lambert
gave solid work.  Aaron Kelly was the weakest he's been the whole competition, very pitchy.  Tim Urban gave his
best performance by a clear mile.  Lee DeWyze was cool but he opened the show, which scares me.    Andrew
Garcia tried to go back to his "Straight Up" roots and performed "Genie in a Bottle" which got mixed reviews.  Todrick
Hall also delivered his best work.  Finally, Casey James was ok but forgettable.

PREDICTED TOP 12 AND POWER RANKINGS AT THE BOTTOM
Who will go home?
SEASON POWER RANKINGS
03/11/10
*ALL CONTESTANTS*
1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Lee DeWyze
3. Siobhan Magnus
4. Lilly Scott
5. Andrew Garcia
6. Didi Benami
7. Alex Lambert
8. Casey James
9. Michael Lynche
10.Katie Stevens
11. Aaron Kelly
12. Lacey Brown
Check back on Tuesday for Post-Idol Recaps...
The Top 12 have been chosen, now which one will survive...
American Idol Top 12 PERFORMANCES RECAP: (March 17, 2010)
It's Rolling Stones Week and the Top 12 have now taken the stage.   Let's recap and see which one's delivered and which one's did not.  I will say this,
American Idol Season 9 tonight showed that it has a possibility of being a decent season.  For the most part, all the contestants raised their game
significantly.

1. Michael Lynche - "Missing You" (**½)
- Michael puts a fresh R&B spin on the Stones classic.  It's not bad by any means but performed very corny.  The good thing about Michael this week is he
didn't come off as pompous or arrogant as he normally does and after his blazing performance last week of "A Woman's Work" by Maxwell, I expected him
to be out with his chin extremely high.  Michael has gained fans over the past few weeks and I don't expect them to back out on him just yet.  

2. Didi Benami - "Play with Fire" (***)
- Didi has recovered fully from her rough performance two weeks ago, "Lean on Me" and seems to be choosing the right song these days.  This is my
favorite performance of hers thus far in the competition, though not technically perfect yet.  Her haunting take on the song with her unique style and phrasing
fit the song like a glove.  She could do a lot better then initially anticipated.  

3. Casey James - "It's All Over Now" (**½)
- Casey rocks out on Idol again and this guy can play.  More than anything Casey has a good thing going with his choice of songs.  He has a good vibe but if
Casey wants to be taken seriously as a possible winner of Season 9, he'll need to ditch the guitar soon and let the vocals do the job but Casey should sail
through to the next round.  On this particular performance, Casey's vocals are good but he doesn't utilize the stage like he should and believe it or not, he
looks remarkably small on the stage.

4. Lacey Brown - "Ruby Tuesday" (**)
- Lacey is simple tonight.  She sings the song very nicely but she lacks a lot of stage presence.  For myself, Lacey does not stand out in the real world of
music, she isn't the next best thing music has to offer.  If she went the country route, Lacey may have more success.  Ultimately, I don't think she nailed
enough songs throughout the competition to build her fanbase and Lacey may be in trouble tonight.

5. Andrew Garcia - "Gimme Shelter" (**)
- Andrew, Andrew, Andrew.  If he had been anyone else in the competition with the track record he's had, he would have been chucked last week or even the
week before and not be in the Top 12.  They still mention Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" and cannot break him out of that box.  His vocals tonight were very
shaky and pitchy.  It's not horrible when everything is said and done but it just doesn't measure up.  I don't think he'll go home this week but I do think a trip
to the bottom three would be a wake up call for him to choose better songs and place better arrangements on them.  An acoustic version of the song
chosen tonight would have made all the difference.

6. Katie Stevens - "Wild Horses" (**½)
- For the first half of the this song, Katie had a great vibe with this song.  It reminded me very much of Season 5 contestant Katherine McPhee which is a
great thing.  She starts the song on a stool and the vocals are great, but as soon as she stood up, she went a bit off key and it went a little down hill.  Katie is
still one of the judges' favorites and she's young which means a lot of young fans.  Katie will definitely survive this week but she needs to get a good song
and deliver it perfectly to be considered a possibility for the title.

7. Tim Urban - "Under My Thumb" (**)
- Tim goes reggae?  Wow.  It isn't as terrible as the judges think but reggae is not Tim's vibe.  He sings the song quite well and I think he played it right.  He
knows he can't out-sing any of the other singers, he can't do a Mick Jagger impression, so he tones it down and delivers an acoustic reggae.  Unfortunately,
with much better singers around him and the fact he peaked as high as he can last week with "Hallelujah," which I thought was fantastic, Tim's run his
course I think. (Unless VotefortheWorst.com which has chosen him as their pick this week comes through)

8. Siobhan Magnus - "Paint It Black" (***½)
- Tonight, Siobhan Magnus has become my favorite contestant.  First of all, she looked incredibly hot tonight.  Second, she sang the song near perfect.  
There were a little problems in her big power note at the end but WOW, this girl can sing effortlessly.  I wish we had a few more Siobhan's this season but
she has huge chances to unseat frontrunner Crystal Bowersox and as of now, is the favorite to join her in the finale.

9. Lee DeWyze - "Beasts of Burden" (**½)
- Lee's vocals were better then they've ever been but he has a serious nerves problem, probably bigger then Alex Lambert had (damn he should be here
this week as well as Lilly Scott).  Lee needs to loosen up big time because as uncomfortable as he is, I'm more uncomfortable watching him.  Lee has a lot
of potential but he needs to channel it because at the moment, he's the only feasible guy I could see winning if all the girls died in a hotel bombing and they
continued the show.

10. Paige Miles - "Honky Tonk Woman" (**½)
- So that was the big voice the judges had been raving about.  Go Paige!  And she's sick this week.  It's not fantastic because I think the song was STILL the
wrong choice for Paige but at least we can see that she can sing now.  Paige needs someone to choose her songs and makeup her arrangement just one
week to show her what she's suppose to be doing.  She performs well tonight, and she's great to see on stage but she hasn't cemented her fans and could
easily be voted off any day now.

11. Aaron Kelly - "Angie" (**)
- Whatever the judges have been smoking together, I want some of that because they praised Aaron's performance tonight (while not mentioning that
horrible hair he did tonight).  I found it very pitchy, boring, and I'm not jumping on the Aaron train and especially since he sucked so bad last week and stole
the spot which I believed belonged to Alex Lambert, Aaron needs to show something good and unique, not bad and generic.

12. Crystal Bowersox - "You Can't Always Get What You Want" (***)
- Crystal is the clear favorite to win the show this year.  Tonight, she was not nearly as good as she's been the past weeks and it's her weakest performance
thus far but even then, she's better than most.  The song choice was the flaw tonight but she infused her own take on the song and Crystal should be
around for many weeks to come.

TOP 2 PICKS OF THE NIGHT - Siobhan Magnus & Didi Benami
WHO SHOULD GO HOME - Tim Urban (Lacey Brown & Aaron Kelly in Bottom Three)
WHO WILL GO HOME - Lacey Brown (Tim Urban & Andrew Garcia in Bottom Three)
 
 
March 18, 2010
We said 'Goodbye' to Lacey Brown this week.  Not surprising at all.  Joining Lacey in the bottom
three was Paige Miles and Tim Urban, two contestants who have struggled with song choices and
vocals during this competition.

I guess the shocking factor was Paige was in the bottom two and Tim was sent to safety first.

There is new Power Rankings at the bottom and next week's theme has not been announced yet but
Paige needs to get her act together if she wants to get on tour.

The judges' save is still in effect this season and there is deliberation during the eliminated
contestant's final performance.  The good thing is they get to now choose the song to sing out to,
rather then the horrible performance that kicks them off.  Lacey sang "The Story,"  her best
performance from last week but that even couldn't save her.

I suspect the SAVE will be used on a contestant like Andrew Garcia (who will undoubtedly sing
"Straight Up' by Paula Abdul) or Lee DeWyze (if he doesn't get his nerves together).

Get ready for more bad performances this season though.  I can feel it.

CHECK OUT THE POWER RANKINGS BELOW!

ALSO MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR PAST-IDOLS
INTERVIEW WITH KRISTEN MCNAMARA FROM SEASON 8 TOP
36! LISTEN HERE
We said 'Goodbye' to
Lacey Brown...
SEASON POWER RANKINGS
03/18/10
1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Siobhan Magnus
3. Lee DeWyze
4. Casey James
5. Michael Lynche
6. Didi Benami
7. Katie Stevens
8. Aaron Kelly
9. Andrew Garcia
10. Paige Miles
11. Tim Urban
12. Lacey Brown (ELIMINATED)
Check back Next Tuesday for
Post-Idol Recaps...