Well, here we go, AI fans. I hope it's a great season for all of us. Tonight's songs were from the Michael Jackson catalog. I assumed he would be coaching as well, as has been done in past years, but Lil came out onto the stage without any shots of her with Jackson and I breathed a sigh of relief. (Too much weirdness in recent years.)
Another surprise tonight: They gave us 13 finalists, but two will go home tomorrow instead of just one, so we didn't get the extra finalist for long. But they have a schedule to return to so it's understandable.
Oh, I learned something from EW. The usual phone numbers for Idol votes only go to 12. When the folks in charge tried to get the consecutive phone number ending in 13, they found out it was a sex call-in line. Yikes! So everyone is hoping that singer #13 won't lose votes because people aren't paying attention. (I text my votes so no worries.)
Lil did a fine job of "The Way You Make Me Feel." Very solid performance. She will sail through.
Scott, on piano, sang "Keep the Faith." I loved it. There was one note that wasn't quite right (I thought), but I'm sure he'll get plenty of votes.
Danny was terrific with "P.Y.T." (Pretty Young Thing, not a song I recognized). Judges loved him too. Simon called the vocals "brilliant" but the dancing hideous. All I know is, this guy is great.
Michael selected "You Are Not Alone." Wow, four really good performances in a row. I liked this. It was a little on the tame side, but he has a fine voice.
Jasmine went with "I'll Be There," a song that I'm partial to (Jackson 5!). Good performance but maybe the weakest of the five so far. But I've gotta say, I'm impressed with tonight's show so far. Usually we've had some major faux pas at this stage.
Kris, with guitar, sang "Remember the Time." It had some off notes, but overall, he did a good job. But not a wow factor.
Allison (the rocker girl) chose "Give into Me." She doesn't sound 16. She isn't a favorite of mine, but she's good.
Anoop went with "Beat It," and it seems that he was beaten by the song. Judges were rough on him, and Simon even said he was sorry they added the 13th spot. Ouch! But I have to say I agree with most of their criticisms. This seemed to be a poor song choice.
Jorge chose to sing "Never Can Say Goodbye." It didn't work for me. Wasn't horrid but it wasn't up to most of the other performers. Judges didn't care for it either.
Megan sang "Rockin' Robin" (which, every so often, is my ring tone). I didn't even know it was ever a Michael Jackson song. But I thought it suited her voice and style. It seems I was alone in liking it. The judges didn't agree with me, although Kara did say Megan made it her own.
Adam went with "Black or White." Great choice. While I can't claim that it is my favorite style, I've gotta say, he nailed it. I can see him going on to being a big rock star. The judges felt he was far above all the others.
Matt, on piano, sang "Human Nature." I thought a few notes were sour, but it was very good. Hard to follow Adam's performance. The judges really liked him.
Alexis chose "Dirty Diana." Hmm. I didn't dislike it but didn't love it either. Simon said it probably wasn't as good as she thought it was.
So who will go home tomorrow? I'm guessing it will be two of these: Anoop, Jorge, Megan, and/or Jasmine. But it could also be one or two of the singers who sort of fell into the middle.
My favorites: Danny, Adam, and Lil.
Oh, and there is some sort of change to be announced tomorrow that involves the judges that viewers may or may not like.
See you tomorrow.
~rlh~
