Category: american idol 8

The top 10 performed in American Idol 8 Episode 23, and tonight one more person will go home.

Adam Lambert is safe.

Matt Giraud is in the bottom three.

Kris Allen is safe.

Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver stand up next. Between them, it’s a safe bet that Michael is in the bottom three. Lil is safe, and Michael is the second person in the bottom three.

Allison Iraheta is safe.

Anoop Desai is safe.

Danny Gokey is safe.

Scott MacIntyre and Megan Joy Corkrey stand up last, and both of them could easily be in the bottom three. Scott is in the bottom three, so Megan is safe.

Of the bottom three, Scott is safe. That brings us down to Michael Sarver or Matt Giraud. Of the two, Matt shouldn’t be there, so this would be an opportune time for the judges to save somebody, but I’d wager that Michael’s met the end of his rope.

Matt is safe, and Michael Sarver is going home. The judges will not be saving him.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 25, which airs Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox.

Alexis Grace was sent home in American Idol 8 Episode 22, which brought us down to the top 10.

Tonight is Motown night with the guidance of Smokey Robinson.

Matt Giraud
Song: Let’s Get it on by Marvin Gaye
Randy: Challenging for the top spot.
Kara: I think there are a lot of girls going yeah, let’s get it on. Solid performance.
Paula: Tasteful, classy, spot on.
Simon: Brilliant choice of song other than the corny bit in the middle. Voice absolutely suits that kind of song. One of the frontrunners.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-01

Kris Allen
Song: How Sweet It Is to be Loved by You by Marvin Gaye (playing guitar)
Kara: You didn’t do James Taylor or Marvin Gaye. You did Kris. Everything right.
Paula: Infectious personality. Brilliant.
Simon: Smart. But still need more confidence.
Randy: In the zone. All good.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-02

Scott MacIntyre
Song: You Can’t Hurry Love by Diana Ross and The Supremes
Paula: Whole new life to your performance.
Simon: How much more can you take? Not a great version of the song. Completely the wrong song. A bit cheap.
Randy: Hotel kind of performance. Better singer than that.
Kara: Brought tempo tonight, finally. Not crazy about the liberties with the melody.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-03

Megan Joy Corkrey
Song: For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder
Randy: Trainwreck. Doesn’t really fit what you do.
Kara: All over the place. Bad notes. Song took you over.
Paula: Was not the right song for you. Confusing.
Simon: Horrible. Atrocious.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-04

Anoop Desai
Song: Ooh Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson
Kara: Pretty good job for such a hard song.
Paula: For the most part, not only spot on but also sweet.
Simon: Great vocal. Looked as if you were half asleep.
Randy: Nice to hear but turn it up next week.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-05

Michael Sarver
Song: Ain’t Too Proud to Beg by The Temptations
Paula: A little Las Vegas loungey. Not always reaching the notes.
Simon: Couldn’t wait for it to end. Screaming and shouting. No chance of winning. Just not good enough.
Randy: Song is too big for you.
Kara: Who are you as an artist?
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-06

Lil Rounds
Song: Heat Wave by Martha and the Vandellas
Randy: Front of the song was a little bit torture but cool toward the end.
Kara: Diva that everyone was waiting to hear… but it wasn’t the right song. Screaming at certain parts.
Paula: Like hearing a classic song for the first time.
Simon: Authentic tribute to the sound of Motown. However, there was no moment. Too fast.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-07

Adam Lambert
Song: Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson
Kara: One of the best performances of the night. You showed artistry on that stage.
Paula: Completely in your own league. Element of surprise but an extention of who you are as an artist.
Simon: The best performance of the night. You have emerged as a star.
Randy: Sang such tender moments still using everything in your arsenal.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-08

Danny Gokey
Song: Get Ready by The Temptations
Paula: First class performance every week.
Simon: Clumsy and amateurish.
Randy: Dope voice. Not your best performance but loved the energy.
Kara: Good but not great.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-09

Allison Iraheta
Song: Papa Was a Rolling Stone by The Temptations
Randy: Blazing Hot
Kara: America, you gotta vote for her. You sing like you’ve been singing for 400 years.
Paula: Awesome. Amazing.
Simon: You are a survivor. One of your best performances.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-10

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 24, which airs Thursday at 8/7c on Fox.

The top 11 performed in American Idol 8 Episode 21, and tonight one more person will be going home, bringing us down to the summer touring top 10.

Because there’s only one person going home tonight, the filler tonight is even more… filler full. How long we gotta wait to even find out… something? Didn’t they say last year that the results show this year would drag less?

Danny Gokey is safe.

Lil Rounds is safe.

Anoop Desai, who surprised everybody last night, is safe.

Allison Iraheta and Michael Sarver stand up next. Paula doesn’t believe anybody’s in the bottom three. Somebody has to be, though, unless it’s like an 11 way tie. She reluctantly answers that Allison is in the bottom, and she’s correct. Michael needs to stand back up, since he’s also in the bottom three.

So now we’ve got another 35 minutes to kill.

Scott MacIntyre is safe.

Megan Joy Corkrey is safe and still contagious.

Matt Giraud is safe.

Kris Allen is safe.

Alexis Grace and Adam Lambert are the two still remaining. It’s safe to assume that Adam is safe, with Alexis in the bottom three. Randy loved Adam’s wacky song choice and thinks Alexis is in the bottom. That is correct. Adam won’t be able to pull that kind of stuff as the weeks go on, but there’s still plenty to weed out at this point.

Of the bottom three, Allison is safe. That means it’s between Alexis and Michael.

Before we get to that, Carrie Underwood, one of American Idol’s brightest stars, premieres her duet I Told You So with Randy Travis. They call it a duet anyway, but Carrie steals the thunder. Either way, it’s bound to be a huge success as usual.

The judges claim they would consider saving one of the bottom two, but I’m okay with either of them going.

Michael is safe. Alexis Grace has been eliminated. Pretty quick fall for someone who not long ago was quite the overrated fan favorite. Alexis was the one the judges were thinking about saving. The judges have unanimously decided to let Alexis go, though. She’s better than some of the people who are still there, but I agree that, with just one save, it’s not the time to use it just yet.

Memo to Michael Sarver: don’t sass the judges next time. People didn’t like it in season 1, and they still don’t like it 7 years later. Take the constructive criticism and use it to improve.

Special programming note: the President is preempting the show next Tuesday. Again. How much TV time does this guy need anyway? It will air on Wednesday and Thursday instead.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 23, which airs Wednesday at 8/7c on Fox.

Last week on American Idol 8 Episode 20, the first two contestants were voted out by America: Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez.

This week is country week, celebrating the Grand Ole Opry with Randy Travis. Whoever makes it through this week will be part of the top 10, meaning they’ll have a cushy summer job.

Michael Sarver
Song: Ain’t Goin’ Down ‘Til the Sun Comes Up by Garth Brooks
Randy: Cool song choice. Fun. Not sure it showed anything different in your vocal capabilities.
Kara: More personality but no big notes.
Paula: Fun. This is the genre that suits you so well.
Simon: Should have been good. Couldn’t understand a single word you were singing. Clumsy. Could have been karaoke night.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-01

Michael’s got one too many smart alec remarks here. He apparently hasn’t learned from the bad publicity prior contestants received by talking back to the judges instead of listening to them.

Allison Iraheta
Song: Blame It on Your Heart by Patty Loveless
Kara: I am starting to think you could sing the alphabet well. Made the song your own. Getting better each week.
Paula: Another rock solid performance. And then some mumbling.
Simon: Good. A little tuneless in parts. Like you were struggling remembering the words.
Randy: Dope.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-02

Kris Allen
Song: To Make You Feel My Love by Garth Brooks
Paula: Pleasantly surprised. Honest, pure, vulnerable performance. Some pitchy moments but a smart choice.
Simon: Terrific. Great choice of song. Completely in control. Probably the first time you have a shot of doing really well in the competition.
Randy: Tender moments. Who knew?
Kara: Beautiful and very Kris Allen.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-03

Lil Rounds
Song: Independence Day by Martina McBride
Randy: Interesting, ambitious song choice. Struggling at the beginning. A little better in the power zone. Didn’t feel comfortable.
Kara: Kinda of missed the old Lil at the beginning, but at least you stood your ground. Not your best performance.
Paula: Everything’s going right for you tonight.
Simon: Look, Little, you kind of came over like a girl forced to sing a song at a wedding. Not a suitable song.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-04

Adam Lambert
Song: Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, with a Middle Eastern twist… I am confused
Kara: All a little strange. I don’t know what to make of that. Kind of liked it.
Paula: Confused and sort of happy.
Simon: What the hell was that? Never go to Nashville. A lot of people throwing their television sets out the window. Indulgent rubbish.
Randy: Like Nine Inch Nails doing a country song.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-05

Scott MacIntyre
Song: Wild Angels by Martina McBride (playing piano)
Paula: Another impressive lovely performance, but the piano is becoming a bit of a crutch.
Simon: Elton John used to sit behind the piano. Nothing wrong with that. Both performances last week and this week were very similar. Not good enough songs.
Randy: Just a nice kind of good performance.
Kara: Up your game a little. Brought class and poise to the song.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-06

Alexis Grace
Song: Jolene by Dolly Parton
Randy: Just not sure you hit the notes quite right. Enjoyable but not a great performance.
Kara: Lost your edge a bit. A little flat.
Paula: More effective song because it showed different sides of your vocals.
Simon: Okay. Sound alike. Forgettable.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-07

Danny Gokey
Song: Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Kara: When you hit your stride, it’s like none other. Half way through, it was like here comes Danny.
Paula: Brilliant. Carrie Underwood would go out and buy that record.
Simon: Agree with Paula. But don’t like what you’re wearing.
Randy: The rest of the song was crazy, but you didn’t support the verses enough.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-08

Anoop Desai
Song: Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson
Paula: Anoop is back. Fit you like a glove. Tender, honest, amazing, sweet vocals.
Simon: From zero to hero. Good choice of song. One of my favorite performances of the night. Definitely deserve to be in the show.
Randy: Really showed your vocal skills. The arrangement was dope.
Kara: Amazing. Probably the best performance of the night. The biggest surprise.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-09

Megan Joy Corkrey
Song: Walking After Midnight by Patsy Cline
Randy: Quite impressed. Really good.
Kara: Perfect song. Perfect look. A winner being able to do this with the flu.
Paula: Fighter. Consummate professional.
Simon: Should have the flu every week. Better than last week.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-10

Matt Giraud
Song: So Small by Carrie Underwood (playing piano)
Kara: Amazing.
Paula: Authentic performer. Piercing through so many people’s hearts.
Simon: Don’t think you’ve had enough credit for your vocals. Outsang Danny tonight. Terrific performance.
Randy: Favorite performance of the night.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-11

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 22, which airs Wednesday at 9/8c on Fox.

The top 13 idols sang in American Idol 8 Episode 19, and tonight two of them will be sent home.

Michael Johns, Jennifer Hudson, and Chris Daughtry left the competition too early, or so Seacrest tells us. From this point forward, up until the top 5, the judges can save 1 contestant from elimination just once, if they agree unanimously. So like how would this have helped out Chris Daughtry, who placed fourth? The week they use the save, nobody will be eliminated, but the next week, two will go. Apparently, this is not reversing America’s vote. Only it is.

Michael Sarver is safe.

Allison Iraheta is safe.

Jasmine Murray can come to the center of the stage.

Matt Giraud is safe, and he probably wants to sit down rather than walking to the center of the stage with Jasmine.

Kris Allen is safe.

Megan Joy Corkrey is joining Jasmine. One is safe, and the other is going home. Megan is safe. Unsurprisingly, Jasmine Murray has been eliminated.

The new exit song: Home Sweet Home by Carrie Underwood.

Now that that’s done with, Seacrest has another half an hour to kill.

Scott MacIntyre is safe.

Alexis Grace is safe.

Danny Gokey is safe.

Anoop Desai is going to the center of the stage.

Adam Lambert is safe.

Lil Rounds is safe.

Jorge Nunez is joining Anoop in the center of the stage. Unfortunate choice, but I’m not entirely surprised. Jorge deserves another shot, but Anoop already got his. Anoop is safe. Jorge is eliminated. Wrong decision, regardless of the poor song choice. The judges will not be saving him, though.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 21, which airs Tuesday at 9/8c on Fox.

Last week we found out the American Idol 8 Top 13 and tonight they’re performing for America’s votes to see the first one eliminated.

A word of caution: don’t dial 1-866-IDOLS-13 unless you’re looking to talk to hot and nasty girls. Apparently, the producers didn’t think this top 13 thing all the way through, but it’s uncertain at this time how they plan to remedy it.

Simon breaks the news early. Two people will be going home this week, allowing them to retain their previous scheduling plans.

This week’s theme is Michael Jackson.

Lil Rounds
Song: The Way You Make Me Feel
Randy: This is the way we kick off season 8. Just put a whole new spin on it. Made the song new again.
Kara: What Lil just did, everybody’s gotta be like uh oh. I hope we get to hear you on the radio.
Paula: Force to be reckoned with. Beautiful.
Simon: Good. Lazy song choice. Hate what you’re wearing.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-01

Scott MacIntyre
Song: Keep the Faith (while playing piano)
Kara: Not sure if everybody knew that song, but it was a hopeful message. Not the most dynamic performance but true to yourself.
Paula: Magical. Lovely performance.
Simon: Hated the song. Nobody knows it. Fine being artistic… just not on this show.
Randy: Liked the song, but the performance was good but very safe.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-02

Danny Gokey
Song: P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
Paula: On your way to the finals.
Simon: Brilliant vocals. White guy with soul. Dancing was hideous.
Randy: When you got it you just got it. Loved it all.
Kara: You have joy. Thank your parents for making you sing your homework.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-03

Michael Sarver
Song: You Are Not Alone
Simon: Not the best singer, but you made up for it with passion and heart.
Randy: One of the best so far tonight.
Kara: Really can sing. Showed you can hit those notes.
Paula: Likeable guy. Sounded lovely.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-04

Jasmine Murray
Song: I’ll Be There by Jackson 5
Randy: Blah blah blah I know Mariah Carey. Pretty good job.
Kara: Sold it, but half a key down may have been more comfortable.
Paula: Some bright moments but not sure if you’re not hearing yourself sometimes.
Simon: Good attempt. Big notes are going to trouble you. Little robotic.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-05

Kris Allen
Song: Remember the Time (playing guitar)
Kara: The girls love you. Happy to see you there with your guitar. Few off notes. Spent a lot of time helping out the other contestants this week.
Paula: Engaging. Kinda adorable sexy.
Simon: Don’t know if the song suits the guitar. Vocals okay. Likeable. Not sure about bringing the wife out so early.
Randy: Interesting song choice. Kinda cool in a way.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-06

Allison Iraheta
Song: Give in to Me
Paula: Mind boggling poise for a 16 year old. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Simon: Good performance. At least we know who you are.
Randy: If you got it, you got it. Can sing anything. One to watch.
Kara: Ridiculous vocals.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-07

Anoop Desai
Song: Beat It
Paula: Untouchable song. Karaoke.
Simon: Horrible. Lightweight. Karaoke. A bit stupid looking.
Randy: Wrong choice.
Kara: No variation. Disconnected.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-08

Jorge Nunez
Song: Never Can Say Goodbye by Jackson 5
Randy: Older fashioned song. Vocal chops. Nice upper range.
Kara: Didn’t feel the connection.
Paula: Not yourself. Not the right song.
Simon: Corny. Out of your depth. Awful arrangement. Couldn’t wait for it to end.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-09

Megan Joy Corkrey
Song: Rockin Robin by Jackson 5
Kara: Personality. Not overwhelming vocals.
Paula: Right song but disconnected.
Simon: Stupid song choice. Vocals weren’t very good. Dancing verging on ridiculous.
Randy: Song didn’t allow you to be Megan.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-10

Adam Lambert
Song: Black or White
Paula: Never in the history of American Idol have we ever seen someone so comfortable and seasoned. Whole package. We’ll be seeing you in the finals.
Simon: Totally different league.
Randy: Most current. Could make a record right now.
Kara: Hit notes I didn’t even know existed. Hope Michael Jackson is watching tonight.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-11

Matt Giraud
Song: Human Nature
Randy: Really good performance. Robin Thicke/Justin Timberlake thing.
Kara: Talented guy. Hope we see you for many weeks.
Paula: Talented. Sexy. Amazing. Authentic.
Simon: Very good.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-12

Alexis Grace
Song: Dirty Diana
Kara: So happy to have you back.
Paula: Naughty and sexy but watch the oversinging.
Simon: Very over the top and probably not as good as you thought it was.
Randy: Good. Not great but good.
Number: 1-866-IDOLS-36

So was 36 the only number available? Seacrest wants you to dial carefully. Very carefully. Unless you want to completely disregard the word of caution at the top of this post.

Keep in mind the American Idol Season 8 schedule change going into effect tomorrow night. American Idol will air at 9/8c opposite Lost (although Lost is a rerun of last week’s episode tomorrow).

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 20, which airs Wednesday at 9/8c on Fox.

These 12 contestants have made it to the American Idol season 8 top 12:

Adam Lambert
Alexis Grace
Allison Iraheta
Danny Gokey
Jasmine Murray
Jorge Nunez
Kris Allen
Lil Rounds
Matt Giraud
Megan Joy Corkrey
Michael Sarver
Scott MacIntyre

But it doesn’t end there. In a surprise twist, the judges have decided to put through one additional contestant and make it a top 13 instead:

Anoop Desai

Tonight marks the return of the wild card round, something I felt was sorely lacking the past few seasons. Eight contestants have been given a second chance, and three of them will advance to the top 12 tonight, with the judges deciding.

Jesse Langseth
Song: Tell Me Something Good by Rufus and Chaka Khan
Randy: Interesting song choice. A lot of interesting (not good) note choices.
Kara: Some notes not on key, but you’ve got a swagger (I guess that’s intended to mean something).
Paula: Strong as can be. A lot of soul.
Simon: Glad you were chosen. Slightly indulgent.

Matt Giraud
Song: Who’s Loving You by Jackson 5
Kara: Thank you for bringing back the bluesy soulful Matt. Amazing riffs. A little over the top.
Paula: This is the right zone for you.
Simon: A billion times better than last week. Great song choice. Hate what you’re wearing. Bits of Taylor Hicks coming through.
Randy: Made everybody else scared.

Megan Joy Corkrey
Song: Black Horse & The Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall
Paula: Right song. Joyful.
Simon: Always liked you. Still like you. Current. Not the best vocal but terrific nonetheless.
Randy: Back in the right range.
Kara: Give some variety to what’s already up there. Hope you stay.

Von Smith
Song: Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word by Elton John
Simon: Didn’t start very well. Beginning to become a bit boring. Didn’t really get it from you. Mr. serious.
Randy: Too serious. Wrong pitch at the beginning but beautiful tone at the middle.
Kara: Serious and dark. You have what it takes, but you haven’t hit your stride.
Paula: Not letting the pure essence of Von Smith out. Thinking too hard.

Jasmine Murray
Song: Reflection by Christina Aguilera
Randy: Improved. Still too big for you. Some flat and sharp moments but some bright spots.
Kara: Didn’t even know you had that big of a voice.
Paula: Beautiful song. Determined. Some notes that fell off.
Simon: Pretty special compared to earlier. Brave song choice. Sounded at times like a young girl trying to sound grown up. Back in the running.

Ricky Braddy
Song: Superstition by Stevie Wonder
Kara: You can sing your butt off. Loosened up tonight.
Paula: Loved the way you loosened up. Nailed it.
Simon: Sounded good. But a bit karaoke and clumsy.
Randy: Not quite the song for you. A little self indulgent.

Tatiana del Toro (why?)
Song: Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston
Paula: Blah blah blah.
Simon: I think we’ve heard you sing that three times now. What happens if you make it through to the next round?
Randy: Mixed bag of tricks.
Kara: It’s like the adventures of Tatiana. Today this is a new personality. At least she’s not crying.

She’s got a good voice, but she’s just way too obnoxious to win this popularity contest, or even get very far.

Anoop Desai
Song: My Prerogative by Bobby Brown
Simon: Like an enthusiastic dog. Not the best singer, but people like you.
Randy: Better this time than the last time you sang the song.
Kara: Wanted to get up and dance.
Paula: Certainly are the showman. Everyone loved that performance.

The judges have made their decisions.

Jasmine Murray is advancing, despite a performance that was a little on the painful side.

Ricky Braddy has been eliminated. This is a joke, right?

Between Tatiana and Megan, Megan Joy Corkrey is the one advancing. Time for one last breakdown by Tatiana.

Jesse Langseth is out.

Von Smith is also out.

That means it’s down to Matt and Anoop. Matt Giraud gets the final stool. It’s not over yet, though. They’ve decided to make it a top 13. Anoop Desai is also through.

These four contestants round out the top 13.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of American Idol Season 8 episode 19, which airs Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox.