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12-9-2009 100
TV Blog

'American Idol' top 13 disappoint, some shine

So the top 13 are here, and I have to say, I was disappointed on two fronts.

First of all--Michael Jackson night? Not only am I not a fan of his at all, but who could possibly top David Cook's "Billie Jean" cover from last season?

Secondly, the judges were completely off the mark on almost everything. It's become a repeat of last year, where mediocre David Archuleta-type performers are being set up as the standard of perfection (Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds), while the truly talented and unique are critiqued for the most minor issues a la Carly Smithson (Megan Corkrey, Alexis Grace). Kara, who I had once expected to be this year's judging savior, has become just another Paula/Randy clone. Sigh.

The D/F Team:

13.) Scott McIntyre ("Keep the Faith") -- I wanted to like Scott, but I was so utterly bored by his performance, I didn't know what to do. His style is bland and forgettable and I don't believe I would honestly ever buy a song from him. His vocals also weren't that fantastic...and I'm hoping that someone backstage will finally do something about his hair. Cut it. Now!

12.) Adam Lambert ("Black and White") -- Yes, that's right, I put him this low. I don't care what the judges or 90 percent of America says, I will never, ever understand this guy's appeal. His facial expressions are so skeezy, and all I wanted to do was shout to my television, "Please. Stop. Screeching!" He's obnoxious. There, I said it.

11.) Jasmine Murray ("I'll Be There") -- I will give Jasmine credit for choosing a good song and for singing it rather well, but I find her completely unremarkable in both vocal ability and originality. She's boring and forgettable, and while I wanted to like her after Hollywood week, I've become increasingly bored with her after each performance.

The C Team:

10.) Anoop Desai ("Beat It") -- Before cutting to commercial break, we caught a glimpse of Anoop doing the "Thriller" dance and I was convinced that was the song he would be doing. How great would that have been?? Instead, he chose "Beat It" and gave a performance that was not nearly as bad as Simon made it out to be, but left me scratching my head once again at what kind of artist Anoop wants to be.

9.) Danny Gokey ("PYT") -- Much like Adam, I am completely stumped as to why the judges are throwing so much weight behind this guy. Nothing about his performance was exciting or original, and I'm getting the impression that like David Archuleta, Danny will never see a bad review from the judges this season. I will give him points though for actually singing the song, as opposed to Adam, who just screams.

8.) Michel Sarver ("You Are Not Alone") -- I can't help but like Michel. He's a sweetheart with a nice voice who really does seem to be trying his best. No, I don't think he's memorable, and no, I don't think he'll win, but with all the bloated egos on this stage, his innocence is refreshing.

The B Team:

7.) Lil Rounds ("The Way You Make Me Feel") -- Lil is another artist I'm on the fence about, and is sort of like the female Danny Gokey. She's a nice girl and it's no argument that she can sing, but there is nothing special about her that makes her stand out among other great singers. Her performance, however, was fun, and she did do well. I just wish the judges would calm down a bit about her.

6.) Matt Giraud ("Human Nature") -- I liked seeing Matt behind the piano tonight and I think it was an underrated performance. I continually find myself impressed by his song choices (even "Viva La Vida") and I'm interested to see what kinds of Justin Timberlake-like music he would make outside of Idol.

5.) Jorge Garcia ("Never Can Say Goodbye") -- I can't put my finger on why, but I kinda sorta love Jorge. He reminds me of Marc Anthony (an artists I don't really listen too) and his musical style is a bit cheesy, but there is something about his goofy charm that keeps me smiling, and I think he easily has one of the best voices in the competition.

4.) Kris Allen ("Remember the Time") -- I think Kris has the potential to be this year's sleeper hit. Last year, David Archuleta was supposed to be the heartthrob, while Michael Johns rose up to knock him out of that spot, while this year, I think Kris could knock out Adam Lambert for the female population's affection (in a perfect world). I think he sang really well and has a ton of charm.

The A Team:

3.) Allison Iraheta ("Give in to Me") -- I'm starting to see this as the season of the girls. Allison came out of nowhere to wind up being one of the best singers in the competition. And best of all (like Paula said), she actually knows what kind of artist she wants to be and "stays true" to it.

2 Alexis Grace ("Dirty Diana") -- While not quite as phenomenal as her first performance, I still think Alexis is miles above almost all of her competitors. Her voice is so raw and fresh and real-world, and I am sick over how the judges treated her in the five seconds they had to comment. It's Carly Smithson all over again...

1 Megan Corkrey ( "Rockin' Robin") -- I can't say enough about how much I love Megan. Forget Simon, this was one of the best song choices in Idol history. Megan was natural and cool and added such a quirky spin on an old classic. She was the only one to take a risk, and not only did it pay off, it made me want to buy her album right now.

I think either Scott or Jasmine will go, but I wouldn't be surprised if the misunderstood Megan becomes of the first shocker of the season.

And by the way, if you loved Season 7, give a listen to this. I cannot get it out of my head!

- Kristen


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