The top 8 guys on American Idol performed tonight and, like always, left us reminiscing for the good ole audition days when they were actually good. What happened to these guys? Do we need to bring in Tom Cruise to serenade them and philosophically coach them with the lyrics of "You've lost that loving feeling?" I hope not.
But, I was impressed by 3 performances tonight: Blake Lewis, Jared Cotter, and Chris Sligh.

The show got off to a nice start with Blake doing a little beat boxing to his favorite band, 311's, "All Mixed Up." The judges, and I, appreciate his individuality and the fact that he keeps the competition current by performing new music on the show. I think Blake is in it for the long haul. We all want to see what he's going to do next.

Jared Cotter – the Mask. Why would he ever think of covering his face any longer than necessary? I thought he was excellent with his rendition of the Stevie Wonder song. The judges weren't too impressed, though, saying that he needs to be more "original." I think they are just jealous of his beautiful face!

And then the show concluded with Chris Sligh. This guy is like a singing teddy bear with a 'do that reminds me of Bart Simpson's arch nemesis, Side Show Bob. Forreal! His voice is really smooth and soft and controlled. Randy actually thought he was the best male vocal of the night, while Simon thought Chris was capable of doing better. I'd be happy to see him in the finals!

I am absolutely shocked, however, that Sanjaya is STILL in the game! I haven't seen a good performance by him since he auditioned with his sister! While I think he is a really cute kid who is an easy underdog, he just has not been hitting the notes for weeks! He needs to really step up, or step out of the competition. I thought it was cute, though, how he showed us his hula skills, which definitely reinforced his masculinity. Well, that, and the fact that he styled his hair like Paula tonight...

Speaking of bad head accessories, Phil Stacey wore the most hideous hat I've ever seen. Dude, you are BALD! What are you trying to hide? I hate to admit that his rendition of LeAnn Rimes' "I Need You" was pretty bad, even though I really do hope the best for the guy.
Sundance was alright. He'll make it into the final 12. I admire his attempt at singing Pearl Jam, but his execution was rather unfulfilling. I know he can do better.

Brandon Rogers is lucky to still be around, as far as I'm concerned. He's got a good personality which may pull him through. And Chris Richardson still needs to come out of his shell, according to the judges. I enjoyed his cover of the contemporary Keith Urban song.
We will all be anxiously awaiting America's decision to be revealed Thursday night. Be sure to look for our American Idol Top 12 Betting Guide, which will give you all the insight you need to place a CASH winning bet!

Labels: American Idol, Betting guide, Blake Lewis, Brandon Rogers, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh, Jared Cotter, judges, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, Sundance Head

posted by Bonnie Bentley at 10:35 PM

Well, it's about time! Finally, the boys stepped up and showed us what they're made of! I thought tonight's episode of American Idol was a nice way for us to get to know the contestants we'll be voting on for the next 3+ months. Tonight, they dedicated their songs to what inspires them.
Phil Stacey, the bald guy who won "Military Idol" sang "I ain't missing you." The judges commented on his likeability, but I agree with them when they said his voice is just average. What I'm really wondering when I watch him is "just exactly how far back would his receding hair line go if he let his hair grow out?"
Jared Cotter is my favorite! - for now anyway. He is super cute and has a smooth, sexy, seductive tone, especially when he laid it down to the melody of Marvin's "Let's Get It On." I didn't want it to end.
Shocker of the night!: Chris Sligh, aka Shirley Temple's hair on 'roids, is MARRIED?! Wow. I was surprised to find that out! He's a lucky guy with a beautiful wife. The judges loved his version of "Trouble" and I am pretty sure he is a shoe-in for many weeks to come.
Another of my favorites tonight was Blake Lewis and his rendition of Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity." He is so talented when it comes to producing any kind of sounds from his mouth! His song selections thus far are my favorite. I hope the public can see his talent and appreciate his unique style.
Finally, Sundance Head pulled through and reminded us why we fell in love with him at the auditions. He brought the house to their feet in his finale performance of "Mustang Sally."
Some of the let downs of the night were Sanjaya Malakar. I mean, really. What was he thinking with the whole Billy Jean outfit and the gross pony tail? I love this kid, but I think someone was playing a joke on him when they let him go on stage.
Nick Pedro sang "Fever" for his girlfriend. But how much originality can you really add to that song? The judges said he lacked charisma. I agree.
My one pick for as to who I think will be voted off this week is Brandon Rogers. This guy sang one of the most covered songs of all time: "Time After Time" and he interjected absolutely NO personality into it. He lost big points with the judges and, I'm pretty sure, with America.
We will find out Thursday!

Labels: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Brandon Rogers, Chris Sligh, contestants, Jared Cotter, judges, Nick Pedro, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, Sundance Head

posted by Bonnie Bentley at 10:41 PM

Tonight's episode of American Idol wasn't monumental by any means, but it gave us insight into what we can expect next week - in HOLLYWOOD!! Oh yeh! I am thrilled! I can't wait to see all those kids go through show business boot camp. It's always funny to actually witness people realizing they've just undergone a reality check. Really, it's priceless! I'm not saying that I could make it through their rigorous program by any means, but then again, I didn't sign up to even try.

One of the first "best" contestants of the episode was pedicab driver Tami Gosnell from Colorado. She reminded the judges of a female musician from the '60s, which meant her voice was strong and confident, but I'm guesing she may encounter difficulty when it comes to exhibiting versatility in the competition. Next, we saw Paul Kim who was out to prove that not all Asians sing like William Hung. Whew, glad to get that one finally cleared up! His voice was nice and expressive, but he seems to be a little afraid to fully come out of his shell. The 3 girls on roller skates were a little bit cheesy mixed with a tad of tacky, but I have to admit, I liked them! They were cute and all gave the audition their best effort. I'm pulling for Ebony to make it through Hollywood!

Out of "the rest" of the contestants, we had the usual fans of the show who were willing to mutter some words and tones and call it a song just to get a hug and/or a handshake from the judges. My favorite had to be W.E.S. who sang a song he composed...and proceeded to stomp randomly throughout its "performance." Now, I did hear that there will be a songwriting contest on American Idol this season, but I don't think W.E.S.'s was the type of entry they are looking for. You know, just FYI!

I noticed that Paula seems to be a bit more animated and participative than a few weeks ago. I hope she's keeping herself together because I do worry sometimes.
I am absolutely thrilled to say: See ya next week in Hollywood!

Labels: American Idol, hollywood, judges, Paula Abdul, Ryan Seacrest, W.E.S, William Hung

posted by Bonnie Bentley at 10:00 AM