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« American Idol
Episode Recap: Narrowing It Down to the Top 12
As bummed as I was after last week's results show, I'm pretty OK with all of the eliminations made tonight. I was puzzled by one choice among the four who went home, but all in all I think this season's top 12 is looking pretty solid.
No group performance tonight, and instead we got Blake Lewis. I was a big fan of his last season (loved his "You Give Love a Bad Name") and it was good to see him again, but his song — "How Many Words" — was totally ho-hum. Speaking of ho-hum, for those who didn't catch it, Paula's single is not the No. 1 downloaded song on iTunes, as Ryan sort of implied, but rather the top music video. Which is only slightly less disturbing.
Anyway, the first couple of guys to take their seats were no surprise, namely David C. (who did some weird thing with his tongue as he was waiting to hear his fate) and David A. (who seemed to think it was a foregone conclusion that he would be safe). When it came to the girls' turn, it was no surprise that Brooke was the first to make it, but I was glad to see Syesha take a spot next to her, especially after the way the judges short-changed her last night.
Next up was the first elimination of the night, and when Kady got the news, I was reminded yet again of just how cruel it is to make these kids sing right after having their greatest dreams dashed — her final performance was just awful. But no histrionics at least, so that's something. Luke also took the news in stride, and Paula was on her feet for his last song — though I'm not sure whether that was because she had to pee. Ryan did say something about getting her a catheter, didn't he?
The final two guys, Chikezie and Danny, were forced to sit there interminably as Ryan turned his attention back to the girls. I thought Asia'h might slug Ryan for doing his "after the break" thing when the girls' last spot on the stools came down to her and Kristy. I genuinely think that of the two, Asia'h has the better voice — and persona. As Simon said, "You're fun, you're likable, you have a good voice." Ah well, it wasn't meant to be. This was the only elimination I wouldn't have guessed, but the truth is that if she hadn't gone this week, she would've soon enough.
When Ryan delivered the last bit of news to the fellas, Chikezie looked genuinely shocked that he was still in the running, and he was awfully sweet to Danny. Ramiele looked devastated to be losing her glasses-borrowing buddy. Since we're done with him now, let me just say to all the Danny haters — whatever you think of him as a performer or as a person, you have to respect the fact that he was always true to himself; he never compromised or pretended to be something he wasn't. More than his actual performances, I'll miss his originality.
But that's that. On to next week! I can't wait to hear what these kids do with the Lennon-McCartney songbook. Hope they treat it with respect and do those classic songs justice!
TVGuide.com Power Rankings poll: The Top 12 — Who's Your Idol Now?
What do you think? Are you happy with the top 12?
For American Idol clips, visit our Online Video Guide.
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Mar 6, 2008 9:51 PM
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This seemed like a fairly painless elimination show, to me. Ryan didn't torture the kids like he has in the past, which was nice.
Luke: Of course. He is pretty, though, and made a classy exit. Good luck, sweetie.
Kady: Yeah, I knew it. Her sing-out was rough, but I hope to see her in the future. I still love ya, Kady!
Asia'h: Yikes! I really thought it would be Kristy, but I'm not completely dumbfounded. Just a little dumbfounded. She did a great job on her sing-out. Totally cool girl.
Danny: WOW! Ryan did the fake-out, big time. I think Chik is more talented than Danny, but Danny definitely had the entertainment factor going for him. I really thought he'd make it through this round. Bottom line, though, for me: Danny put the sashay over his very good vocal chops, and sassed himself right ouf of this competition.
Blake was cool. Liked the song. Nice to see him back.
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Mar 6, 2008 10:19 PM
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I was happy with the results. I went 4 for 4 in who I thought would go home. Luke and Kady were foregone conclusions. I don't think anyone thought they would remain. More suspense with the other 2. Thank god that Kristy Lee made it over Asia'h. I couldn't stand the breathing singing style of Asia'h. I always thought she was weezing or drowning or both. Good riddance. And we definitely did not need to get rid of two babes in one night. One is enough.
Danny picked the wrong song. It is that simple. The song was a horrible choice and it cost him. I don't think Chikezie will last much longer. Kristy Lee probably won't either. I am hoping she at least gets to the final 10.
These singers have to realize the power of Simon. Simon sways the voting public greatly. It has been that way for years now. If you get his nod of approval, you are usually safe. If he says you are in trouble, it usually is true.
I think the contenders right now are Carly, Michael, David A and David C. Jason might be a dark horse. I don't think Chikezie, Amanda, Ramiele or David H have any shot at all for one reason or another. Brooke and Syesha have a chance. Not sure if they are special performers and/or singers. Glad that Blake performed tonight, so I could fast forward through it.
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Mar 6, 2008 11:06 PM
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The results went about how I thought they would, but I was actually surprised to see Danny go as opposed to Asia'h [wee, I don't have to spell her name anymore so one piece of good news]. I was sorry to see her go, but would've been upset if Kristy had gone in her place. I have to disagree with you though, Speedy, we did lose two babes tonight. I thought Asia'h was very pretty.
I enjoyed Blake tonight too, but that song sounds better on the album than it did live.
I don't think that David A acted like it was a foregone conclusion that he'd be staying. He seemed just as nervous as everyone else tonight. Did anyone notice if he cried again?
Loved Paula's hat. See, I can give her a compliment every now and again.
Night all, have to get some sleep because it doesn't look like we'll be getting our snow day afterall 
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Mar 6, 2008 11:41 PM
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speedy1383 you are in fine form tonight! 
I am very pleased with the whittle-down. if I had to look at/hear Danny Noriega one more time...
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Mar 7, 2008 12:18 AM
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Well, I went 4 for 4 so I can't say that I'm surprised. I did say that Chikezie and Syesha were possibilities, but I concluded that the 4 who went were the most likely to go. I still think Alaina should be in the Top 6 over Syesha, but ah well.
Good to see Blake again. He is really a talent, but not my favorite song. Not terrible, better than meh, but just so so.
I think this may be the strongest Top 12 ever, all can sing, nobody who out right stinks like in previous seasons, but clearly there is a Top 6 and a bottom 6.
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Mar 7, 2008 12:18 AM
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I too was glad to speed thru Blake's song. It was a waste of time and I just don't find him charasmatic. Sorry to see Asiah leave.
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Mar 7, 2008 12:33 AM
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I wasn't surprised by the results, but I will say this: Danny Noriega was one of the most talented singers they have ever had. Hate him all you want, but he had one hell of a voice and I wish he had made it to the top 12!
Unfortunately, I think it was his arrogance that got him voted off. No matter how brutally honest Simon is, you simply can't disrespect the judges.
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Mar 7, 2008 12:38 AM
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OK I'm back from calling Cablevision. I thought Paula "peter pan" Abdul was more coherent tonight and I like when she cries and shows her emotions. I doubt that you will never see that side of Simon. He's too "simple" (get it?) for that.Looks like we have some very good singers in the top 12.
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Mar 7, 2008 12:39 AM
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I'm not understanding all this Blake love-i thought blake lewis was GOD AWFUL!!!! his voice absolutely sucked-it was flat, had no tone color to it..the only semi-exciting thing he did was that same old tired beatboxing and slip slide looking "dancing" that he did last season. He doesn't have one bit of advice to give to the contestants either because if he was on this season's show he would have been gone already. He was lucky that the guys sucked his year...much like Amanda is lucky the girls suck this year!
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Mar 7, 2008 12:47 AM
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Blake sucks. Beatboxing isn't original and he was so off-key for the first verse, it was embarassing.
I will truly miss Danny, though I'm not surprised. Once he hit the Top 24 stage, he didn't display the vocal chops he'd shown in his audition in Hollywood. Attitude? Arrogant? Annoying? Maybe, but I loved the kid, even though I'll concede his performances were overshadowed by his personality. Still, I'll say as I've said and as others have said already: the boy has quite a pair to go out there and be who he is without hesitation. Love him or hate him, no one else up there is quite that fearless.
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Mar 7, 2008 12:51 AM
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Ryan did say something about getting her a catheter, didn't he? Did he really?? I ff through the whole show. Only stoping to see who got in and who didn’t. Maybe I need to start watching the result show all the way through next time.
trombone- . I thought Paula "peter pan" Abdul. lmao.
I think for no on the judges comments needs to be 60 seconds or less. I know for some of them (like Paula) thats hard to do.
Finally, on to next week for the Lennon/McCarthy week. I hope the contestants pick the right songs to sing...however I have a feeling they won't. Cause I keep thinking about the Stevie Wonder Night that happened 2 yrs ago.
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Mar 7, 2008 3:19 AM
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Overall, I'm pleased with the range of singers/styles in the top 12. I love all kinds of music, so I think it will be great to hear a little bit of everything from R&B to Country.
It's really great to have so true rockers this year. Amanda has such an interesting voice, even if she still looks a little bored to be there, in my opinion. And David Cook, I believe, is going to surprise everyone by going very far in this competition. If you really watch his performance, you will see that he is quietly confident and effortless on stage. Over the last two weeks, I have become a huge fan of his because he truly HAS a rock quality to his voice and sings so well. He could be right up there with Daughtry this time next year (with the right material). I think he's the dark horse this year and I would be thrilled if he won.
However, there the little matter of Jason Castro to contend with. Yeah, yeah, David Archuleta flew past everyone out of the gate, but like Simon said, Jason gets better and better each week. Not to mention he has to "It" factor that is so vital in this competition. I think he is amazingly talented, but still needs some polishing. That's the difference between him and David Cook. I think David C is ready NOW for his big break. Jason just needs a little more time, but there is definitely a market of fans out there for him. So I'd be equally thrilled if he won. David A is going to have a music career no matter what. It's written on his forehead. So I'm not so concerned if he doesn't win because he's a prodigy. He is destined for stardom.
I think Michael Johns is lacking his own identity. I keep seeing other artists in his body movements, and hearing other singers in his vocal arrangements. I don't know that he's meant to have a successful music career or not. I'm not that drawn to him.
I think David Hernandez has a beautiful voice, but he and Chikezie both feel a bit generic to me. We've seen people like them before, so they don't hold my attention.
As for the girls, it feels like slim pickens this year. I think that although Carly has the strongest voice, and it is incredibly beautiful, she is struggling with her identity. I'm not sure who she is an an artist other than someone who can belt a song out. I want her to give us more personality on stage and make some really strategic, fabulous song choices that will make me want to go back and listen to her again and again. She is a contender, but not ahead of the boys.
Brooke is the only other girl who I really see reaching the final five. And the reason is because she has an identity. She knows who she is and what the best songs are to show off her raspy voice. And that's "raspy" in a good way. She's not Carly vocally by any means, but she certainly could be on the radio today just like Colbie Callait, Ingrid Michaelson, or Sarah Bariellis. She's got something unique and I hope she goes far.
Syesha, Ramiele, and Kristy just aren't "there" yet. Again, they sound like singers we've heard before. And the charisma they started the season with seems to be fading. I don't think they have any chance of winning, but of the three, I think Ramiele will go the furthest.
That's my take. It's definitely a guy's season to win it. And I would even take bets that the final three will be all make: an Idol first.
Thanks for reading!
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Mar 7, 2008 4:14 AM
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Oops! Sorry for the typos in my last post! It's late. What can I say?
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Mar 7, 2008 4:24 AM
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does anyone else think that they called the people in the order they were voted for? cuz i would have put david cook as the best singer this week(david a and jason i would have switched, with jason being second and david a third) but other than that, that is how i would have rated the guys performances...and the girls were pretty much the same also...just wondering if anyone agrees...go jason castro, btw...
oh, and i love blake lewis, though he didn't sound the best last night...but good single, i hope it does well for him.
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Mar 7, 2008 7:50 AM
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