Hi Everyone,

We’re finally down to the nitty-gritty on American Idol!  The top 13 performed for the first time tonight.  The featured artist was Michael Jackson.  Since there are 13 performers, two will be eliminated this week.

As I’m sure you all know, word on the street is that the first performer and the last performer are always “killer”.  Tonight’s first was Lil Rounds.  All the judges seemed to like her but of course Simon had to throw in that he didn’t like the way she was dressed.  Those kind of comments always make me shrug because first of all what does that have to do with anything and second of all, American Idol has people that take care of the performers’ clothes and makeup, don’t they?

Scott McIntyre was back in his element singing and playing the piano.  His Michael Jackson song choice was a little known one titled “Keep The Faith”.  He did his thing and the judges couldn’t find anything to criticize in his performance.  Well, except for Simon who said he hated the song.  But, it’s rare for Simon not to say something negative, isn’t it?

Singing PYT (Pretty Young Thing) was Danny Gokey. I thought he kicked serious butt!  PYT could have turned out kinda dorky, but he didn’t let it.  It was obvious that he gave his all to this song and all the judges agreed he did a great job.

Fourth up tonight was Michael Sarver with “You’re Not Alone”.  Once again the judges were raving. He’s definitely consistent and chooses songs that showcase his talent.

Simon tells Jasmine Murray that she needs to be herself and lighten up a bit.  He says she should sing younger songs, but watch when she does, he’ll say that the song isn’t right for her. The other judges say positive things.  Hmm, they’ve said positive things all night so far.

Kris Allen sang and played guitar to “Remember the Time”.  Kara mentioned that Kris spent part of the week helping the other performers.  Do nice guys finish last?  I’m sure all those screaming girls are screaming No.

Allison Iraheta rocked out to Michael’s “Give In To Me”.  This is another MJ song that I’m not familiar with.  But Allison does a great job on it.  I like her voice tone, that scratchy rocker thing she has going on.  The judges like her and Simon says she’s always true to herself but then says she needs to lighten up.  Yep, same thing he said to the other 16-year-old.

Anoop Desai picks “Beat It”.  Uh-oh.  I don’t even want to hear what the judges have to say after this one.  “Karaoke”  “Horrible”  “Stupid”  “Disconnected”  Ouch.

Singing “Never Can Say Goodbye” was Jorge Nunez.  Hopefully, he won’t have to say goodbye!  I thought the judges were pretty rough on him.  I didn’t think he was as bad as they made him sound.  But the consensus seemed to be that the song was too old-fashioned and boring.

Megan Joy did a ditzy “Rockin’ Robin”. She’s pretty sexy looking and she has a great voice, but her performance was…what can I say?  Ditzy.

I’ve been waiting all night for Adam Lambert.  He chose Michael Jackson’s “Black and White”.  Paula said he’s going all the way to the finals.  Simon said he is in a totally different league than the rest of the performers.  Randy said Adam is the most current and can make a record right now and sail to number one.  Kara said he hit amazing notes and that she hopes Michael Jackson is listening.  I quoted the judges because I don’t want you to think I’m all about Adam.  But I am!

Matt Giraud’s rendition of “Human Nature” highlights his range.  He accompanies himself on the piano and gives a solid performance.  Once again, all judges are in agreement and the conclusion is positive.

So before we check out our last performer Alexis Grace, let’s summarize.  The judges have liked all the performers tonight except for Anoop and Jorge.  That’s 10 positives and 2 negatives so far.  That doesn’t happen too often at the start of an American Idol season.  Did the addition of Kara mellow them out?  Or is this season of American Idol filled with talent?

Last but no way least is Alexis Grace performing a get down and dirty version of “Dirty Diana”.  This rocker girl did a great job.  Randy and Simon thought it was a bit over the top.  I think you kinda have to be to stay noticed–especially in the beginning.

So stay tuned tomorrow for who will be eliminated.  My guess is Jorge, Anoop, Jasmine and Kris Allen are at the bottom.  Please comment and let me know what you think.  Love, Bloggergal1