American Idol Quick Wrap 3/7/12~ Whitney, Stevie and the Idols Oh My!

After watching tonight’s first live competition show of American Idol season 11, I have to say I am very excited for this year. This is arguably one of the best top 13′s in the show’s history. It’s full of variety, personality and immense talent. In fact, as the boys took on the songs of Stevie Wonder and the girls sang the recently and dearly departed Whitney Houston‘s greatest, practically everyone did a decent job. Several singers soared to new heights (Hollie, Joshua, Skylar), one absolutely destroyed everyone (Jessica) and only one really tanked (that annoying pageant girl)…. So, just who did the best and who will be in danger tonight when the judges eliminate one person? (In a twist, the bottom girl and boy with these least votes will be revealed and the judges will choose who actually goes home). Well, let’s take a look at my rankings and predictions below.

American Idol Rankings 3/7/12:
~ the great ones
1. Jessica: holy crap, she attempted Whitney’s biggest and most iconic # 1 smash “I Will Always Love You” and absolutely nailed it. This girl has skills. She’s also humble and a great performer. She is the one to beat at this point and deservedly so. Love her!
2. Hollie: is Hollie the dark horse for the title? Well if the little girl with the big voice keeps blowing the roof off the joint with huge performances like tonight’s “All The Man That I Need”, she certainly will be a big threat to Jessica. And she’s so darn cute. Plus, she sang this audacious # 1 hit form 1990 with aplomb and I think she’s only going to grow each week. How awesome would a Jessica v. Hollie finale be by the way?
3. Skylar: well, hello country girl! I was worried when I heard Skylar was gonna sing Whitney’s big # 1 ballad “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” from 1988, but she put my fears aside very quickly. And then she surpassed all my expectations with a glorious second half to the song fusing wonderful emotion and fantastic notes. This girl is a big threat too.
4. Erika: my second favorite singer in the competition (after Jessica, but she is rising!) gave us a wonderful interpretation of Whitney’s # 4 hit from 1994 “I Believe in You and Me”. She took the song in a rock direction for the second half and it suited her sexy rasp incredibly well. I just love this girl and I highly recommend you check out the iTunes studio version of Erika’s performance. It is even better than her live one and by far the best of this week’s crop (even Jessica’s!)
5. Joshua: faring the best for the men tonight was Mantasia with a glorious take on Stevie’s “I Wish”. Joshua tore up the stage and took us to the heavens with his gospel meets rock performance. Who knew he could throw down like that? Well done!
~ the good ones
6. Colton: I was kinda shocked at how good Colton was on Stevie’s classic “Lately”. He really made the song his own and performed with true emotion and artistry. The second half was incredible.
7. Deandre: this kid is just plain cool. Hello, he did Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster” as a reggae R&B joint and it not only worked, but was great. He is so unique and has so much potential. I hope America gets him.
8. Phillip: bringing the house down with a rocking version of Wonder’s “Superstition”, Phillips gave another rousing performance that had the audience on its feet. He also impressed me more than he has all season. I’m still not a big fan of this talented guy (all the screaming and yelling and affectation are not my thing), but he is certainly trying to turn me around. Good job.
~ the ok ones
9. Heejun: this funny guy has a lovely voice as he proved yet again on Stevie’s “All is Fair in Love”. However, it was all kinds of boring. But he’s a fan favorite and could get better with different songs. How about something upbeat next time mister? … And one more note, this version paled in comparison to the amazing one Pia Toscano delivered last year… Just sayin’….
10. Elise: I really like Elise and her sexy growly voice. However, despite some good moments, she was definitely “boxing” with her song tonight as Randy said. Doing Whitney’s # 1 from 1990 “I’m Your Baby Tonight”, Elise never quite got in the rhythm of the track, but she still sang it pretty well. I wish she had chosen 1999′s “My Love is Your Love”. It would’ve been a perfect fit for her voice… Alas, she is in danger tonight…
11. Jeremy: while he sang better than Elise on “Ribbon in the Sky”, he was just soooo boring. This guy is a great guy with a lovely tone to his voice… but he’s just such a lackluster performer (when he’s not singing for his life that is… which he will probably do tonight).
12. Jermaine: this gentle giant delivered a nice but somewhat forgettable version of Stevie’s “Knocks Me off My Feet” which certainly didn’t knock me off my feet or my chair for that matter. His vocals were very good, but wow I think it was more boring than Jeremy! And that’s saying something.
~ the bad
13. Shannon: the pageant singer should’ve summoned some help from her precious Jesus because she plain stunk up the joint with a flat and off-key version of Houston’s # 4 from 1993 “I Have Nothing”. Sure, Shannon hit some notes ok, but overall, she got swallowed up by the big song and had absolutely no stage presence. Plus, she had no emotional connection to the song. She should’ve chose something she might relate to like “How Will I Know” and she wouldn’t be facing elimination like she deserves to on Thursday night.

Predictions~
Bottom 2 guys: Jeremy and Jermaine
Bottom 2 girls: Elise and Shannon

Bottom girl & guy: Jermaine & Shannon
Going home: Jermaine (unless Jeremy is the lowest male vote getter, then the judges will send him packing).

There are my rankings and predictions. What are yours? Do you think a guy has a chance of surviving another week? I sure don’t… And how great was it to see the judges actually doling out good critiques?And wasn’t Mary J. Blige a wonderful mentor? And how great is Ryan Seacrest’s hair this year? This season is shaping up to be so good!

Before I go, please enjoy Jessica Sanchez just killing it on “I Will Always Love You”

My Top 13 American Idol Buzz Rankings!

Well, here we go American Idol fans… The show is about to get real good as we move into the serious competition shows. The Top 13 singers have been chosen (10 by America, 3 wild cards by the judges) and I actually really like 11 of them. I actually only despise one of them (Shannon), so that bodes for a strong and interesting competition. This group seems very strong. In fact, it seems like it could end up as one of the strongest years since season 5 (Daughtry, Katharine, Elliott, etc). It will have to fight to keep up with last year’s rebirth as well which saw a country top two that have turned into solid sellers. (Scotty has just passed a million copies sold of his debut album in fact). Last season’s top ten also saw record deals for seven of the finalists (Scotty, Lauren, Pia, Haley, James, Stefano and Casey), so they have their work cut out for them. With that said, just who do I think is in the lead as we head into the first week of competition when the men will sing songs from Stevie Wonder while the ladies will take on the music of the late great Whitney Houston? Just take a look at my first list of completely unscientific but surely accurate American Idol Buzz rankings for season 11.

American Idol Top 13 Buzz Rankings~

1. Jessica Sanchez: this powerhouse vocalist can sing circles around most of her competitors and could be the first woman to win since Jordin Sparks. She is attractive, has incredible range, a great personality and is the whole package. Let’s hope she goes the distance (and yes, she is my favorite too).
2. Phillip Phillips: he’s cute. He has wonderful Southern charm and is a great musician. He also is just the type of winner this show goes for (David Cook, Lee Dewyze, Kris Allen anyone?) as he channels John Mayer and Dave Matthews with his performances. However, I can’t stand his odd growling and phrasing. But, let’s be honest, he is very talented and will have the girl vote all season.
3. Skylar Laine: this fiery redheaded country girl threw down the axe on the competition last week with arguably the most fun and memorable performance of the week. She is fun, smart and could go really far. Besides, the show hasn’t had a female country victor since Carrie and Skylar is a different kind with her Miranda Lambert meets Reba with a touch of Gretchen Wilson vocals. I’m excited to watch her.
4. Colton Dixon: this rocker is this season’s David Cook, just a lot hotter. He will split the girl/mom vote with Phillip but he is far more commercial and accessible if you ask me. He’s current, has a ton of talent and showmanship. He seems a lock to make the top 5 as well.
5. Heejun Hahn: he’s hilarious yes, but he also has a lovely buttery voice. The question is can he move beyond pretty ballads and become a real performer. It’s doubtful. I see a mid pack or possibly shockingly early exit for him unless he can really step up his game. However, he’s incredibly likable and has a lot of goodwill on his side now, so he could surprise.
6. Elise Testone: this Lady Gaga meets Adele and Winehouse belter is a bit of an enigma. She’s one of the older contestants, but she is so unique and has such passion. She slayed her Adele performance which was no small feat. I just wonder how she will hold up in the weeks ahead. She’s also a great musician and could give us some great interpretations in each genre. I’m hopeful for her.
7. Hollie Cavanaugh: this Irish Texan girl has a big ole voice and is sweet as pie. But is she memorable enough to go all the way? If she grows week to week, I say yes. She just needs to have some standout moments to pull ahead of the pack because she has an incredible voice.
8. Joshua Ledet: “Mantasia” as he’s being called can sing the crap out of a song. He’s immensely likable and a wonderfully dynamic performer…. However, is his gospel tinged performance style one note? And he doesn’t seem like he is much of a commercial singer. I wonder how long people will respond to him. But hey, if Jacob (who only possessed half of Joshua’s talent and likability) can make it to 5th, Joshua could go far.
9. Erika Van Pelt: I love this girl. She killed it on her Heart cover and no one has really done that on this show since Carrie Underwood. Why America didn’t vote her in is beyond me. (Maybe because she performed so early that night?). Luckily the judges knew this girl was a keeper. She has great pipes. She knows how to play the game and I have no doubt will be making some great song choices. I really want her to go far. I just hope people pull their heads out and realize how awesome she is.
10. Deandre Brackensick: Mr. Milli Vanilli hair can wail with the best of them. He has a tremendous range and the camera loves him. He just needs to make better song choices and this wild card pick could leap over his competitors. Oh and the girls and gays will probably love him too.
11. Shannon Magrane: I can’t stand this Miss America god-spouting poseur. Sure, she’s pretty and has a decent voice. But nothing about this awkward girl is authentic and she brings no true emotion or artistry to her music. Plus, I don’t need church thrown at me each week and it’s not a pageant. Her annoyingly false perky personality also bugs. I’d put her last but clearly she has some fans since America voted her through.
12. Jeremy Rosado: yes, he kinda made me cry on his wildcard performance of “I Know You Wont” and he has a wonderful voice and tone. But, he’s just not that memorable. He’s clearly a great guy with some talent, but a viable pop star? I don’t see it. I hope he proves me wrong.
13. Jermaine Jones: the gentle giant with the booming baritone/bass voice probably got in on sympathy votes last week. He sings well, but it seems rather one note and may be blah in the end. We will see cuz I do like his voice and he also seems like a wonderful person. I just don’t know if he’s a pop star either…

So, there are my buzz rankings on how I think the contestants stand in the competition right now…. What are my personal rankings you ask. Here ya go…

My Personal Rankings of the Top 13.
1. Jessica
2. Erika
3. Skylar
4. Elise
5. Colton
6. Hollie
7. Deandre
8. Joshua
9. Jeremy
10. Phillip
11. Heejun
12. Jermaine
13. Shannon

Now, how will they all fare this week and do I have a clue of what I’m talking about? … Tune into Idol on Wed night and see.

American Idol Quick Wrap 2/29/12~ The Top 12 Girls

Well, that was interesting… I had high hopes for the ladies of season 11 on American Idol, and those expectations were only met by a few ladies. Five of our contenders gave very strong performances, and hopefully will make it through. The question is did those other ladies who left impressions ranging from interesting to there’s potential to bad and finally “oh hell no” make enough of a mark to squeeze into the top ten (or even a wild card spot). One thing is clear after watching these ladies (and so many blondes!). They need to work on their song choices. Oy vey! … Anyway, let’s take a look at tonight’s show and the women fighting to be this year’s American Idol.

American Idol Rankings 2/29/12- The Girls~

1. Jessica Sanchez: despite some supposed voice issues, Sanchez out sang everyone tonight on a fantastic version of Jennifer Hudson’s Oscar nominated song from Dreamgirls “Love You I Do”. Not only does she have fierce pipes, but she has incredible stage presence, a great personality and looks to spare. Hello, I’m crowning my current favorite in the competition and my early bet to win it all.
2. Skylar Lane: this girl is simply awesome. She’s like the little spitfire offspring of Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Gretchen Wilson, and she gave arguably the most entertaining performance of the night on her version of The Faces “Stay With Me”. Heading into the top 12, she was the country girl who I thought would have to fight the hardest to continue in the competition. I was wrong, she slayed the other two and is a sure bet to move forward. And hello, she’s probably the most likable girl in the running as well.
3. Erika Van Pelt: she took on a monster song in Heart’s 80′s smash “What About Love” (which, by the by, is one of my favorites of all time and I like to think I tear it up on doing karaoke) and nailed it. This mobile dj has a fantastic voice, great maturity, a wonderful personality and humility. She also can sang! I sure hope she goes far.
4. Hollie Cavanaugh: this cute 18-year-old blonde gave a very strong performance of Christina Aguilera’s debut hit from the film Mulan, “Reflection”. Attacking the power ballad, Hollie showed her big range. I just wish she had relaxed more. She has incredible potential and could go very far. I’m excited to see what she does in the competition. She’s in…. oh and is it me or is her accent like Irish-Texan. What is that?
5. Elise Testone: with the best version of Adele’s “One and Only” sung tonight, this blonde Jersey girl by way of South Carolina let her emotion get away with her tonight. But that display showed her vulnerability alongside her great husky voice and supreme artistry. She’s like Lady Gaga meets Adele with some Melissa Etheridge thrown in. I hope she makes it too.
6. Hallie Day: the girl who looks like a young blond Jeanne Tripplehorn has a really impressive instrument with those large vocals. She also gave an admirable performance of Nina Simone’s “Feelin’ Good” (which should have been retired from the Idol stage after Adam Lambert’s brilliant version in season 8 if you ask me). It was a good performance, but was it enough? Luckily, she’s a judges favorite and could be a wild card if she doesn’t immediately advance.
7. Jen Hirsch: with a decent vocal on Adele’s “One and Only”, Hirsch disappointed me a little. She was so good in Hollywood week, I had higher expectations. That said, she has a great voice. So, I hope she gets a shot at a wild card spot if she doesn’t advance as well.
8. Brielle Von Huegel: the most unlikable singer in the competition with the most horrifying stage mother actually surprised me tonight with her decent performance of Otis Redding’s classic “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”. The song got better as it went along and she does have a good voice. However, her unlikability and the annoying factor will probably send her packing asap.
9. Chelsea Sorrell: poor girl had nerves for days and was unlucky to go first. What’s worse is she gave us a forgettable if decent version of Carrie Underwood’s # 1 country smash “Cowboy Casanova”. Luckily, three other ladies were worse.
10. Shannon Magrane: um, this was the most pandering, irritating and kinda disgusting Miss America doling out Christian BS performance I have ever seen. She went from a girl I thought had potential to the girl I despise the most in the top 24 (even more than Brielle). It’s like she turned into a little churchy robot girl. It was forced and uncomfortable and lacked believability. The only reason it’s not at the bottom of the list is because she sang Kathy Tricolli’s pop-Christian song “Go Light Your World” pretty well.
11. Bailey Brown: after the previous tirade, you may be surprised two women did even worse than Shannon, but they did. Faring slightly better was the ridiculously pretty Brown who was off pitch, flat and just plain boring on Lonestar’s #1 pop/country hit “Amazed”. This supposed front-runner is so out of the competition, it’s not even funny.
12. Haley Johnson: Um, what the heck was that? Why would you choose the Eurythmics’ early 80′s # 1 hit “Sweet Dreams” to show off your voice and then turn it into an incoherent off-key mess. Haley seems like a lovely girl and her previous footage from Hollywood week showed that she had a nice voice. I just have no idea where it was in this complete and utter disaster…

So, who’s moving on? Who’s heading home? And who could get a second chance wild card shot? Let’s take a look a my predictions….

Predictions~

Moving On for Sure: Jessica, Skylar, Hollie C.

Fighting for the last two spots (if not, they will definitely get to perform for a wild card spot): Erika, Elise, Hallie

Possibly fighting for the wild card: Jen, Brielle, Shannon (unless the red states just push her on through the first time, which, unfortunately could totally happen).

Buh Bye: Chelsea, Bailey, Haley

There ya have it~ my take on the ladies for the semi-finals. I now have my early favorite (Jessica) and four other ladies I would champion. However, I’m worried about what America will do. What do you think they will do? Who were your favorites? And wasn’t it refreshing to see the judges actually give some criticism tonight for once? Oh and why on Earth was there no African American girl? That’s just wrong…  Sound off below and check back for my take on the unveiled Top 13 tomorrow night.

And here’s my underdog hopeful for the competition, Erika Van Pelt doing “What About Love”