Idol Insider: Week 2

Hey-O, Idol Insider here with your weekly dose of goodness!

We are half way there – only 6 more spots to round out our Top 12. With Danny, Alexis, and Michael sitting pretty in the first three spots, Group 2 had to raise the stakes. Unfortunately for most of them, they weren’t able to figure it out.

I had high hopes for Jasmine, who unfortunately fell short with her over the top rendition of Sara Bareilles’ Love Song, leaving America and the judges wanting less. However, it seemed the judges couldn’t get enough of Jeanine Vailes. It wasn’t her vocals that left the judges’ mouths watering, it was her barely-there shorts showing off long (and well oiled) legs. Did they even critique her performance? I can’t remember. And that brings me to Norman Gentle (does anyone even remember his real name). I mean, really? He is in fact funny and I understand how his shtick got him through to Hollywood, but what were the judges thinking? We all knew Paula was on the sauce, but now I question all of their abilities to make a good choice. This is American Idol, a singing competition, and did anyone hear the “note” that Norman tried to hit at one point. Or was he even trying? One highlight from his performance, though, was that he actually inspired Ryan to give his opinion on his performance and chances of a spot in the top 12, a feat never accomplished in all 8 seasons. Thankfully, as Ryan predicted, we won’t be seeing anymore of him on this show, but I am already setting my DVR for the Norman Gentle Variety Hour, hopefully coming to Fox this Fall.

Now on to our newest additions to the top 12: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, and Allison Iraheta. I know that some people were rooting for Matt Breitzke, but come on, we’re building a singing sensation, not a construction crew. I am actually pleased with the outcome and would have in fact predicted all three of them into the top 12, if I hadn’t mistaken Kris’ name for Matt Giraud. See, that’s the problem with Kris. I thought he showed signs of a true teen idol, but he was quite forgettable. So forgettable I couldn’t remember his name, but instead referred to him as The Man in the Mirror. But I must give props, where props are due because I do think he was a good choice. So, bravo Kris, I look forward to sweating it out with you in the bottom three and ultimately watching your tribute video as you are sent packing in the first round. Now on to Allison. Ummm…hmmmmm…how do I say this delicately? Let me start with the positives; the girl CAN sing and I actually enjoyed her version of the Heart classic, Alone. But, did anyone else notice that she kind of seems to ride the short bus in interviews? Every part of her pre-performance interview was painful. Her personality definitely slipped by the producers in the pre-performance footage, if it hadn’t we might have another Tatiana on our hands. However, with a little bit of confidence and some serious media training, the girl could go on to be quite successful. And lastly, we have Adam, the obvious choice from Group 2 and the most controversial to date this season. His talent is undeniable and I think he could have a shot at the title, as long as he ensures no more incriminating photos hit the net. If you don’t know what I am talking about, consider yourself lucky and move on. Actually, consider yourself Blessed to be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the vocal stylings of Adam Lambert…without the disturbing images flashing in your brain.

It sure is shaping up to be an interesting season and tonight’s promises to be a doozie. My anticipation is mounting to see if Kristen McNamara can put aside the catty fighting and actually deliver a performance, if Scott MacIntyre can win the hearts of America without actually having ever seen one, and if Alex Wagner-Trugman turns out to be the next Chicken Little. Oh and Lil’ Rounds has already been pegged to be a contender in the finale this year, so be on the lookout for her to deliver some Jennifer Hudson up in hizouse! And if nothing else, I hope tonight the contestants just focus on singing to the best of their ability and show some charisma when pleading for votes, meaning without the use of jazz hands. Who told them jazz hands would help people remember their numbers???

An hour until show time, I better go prepare. Ciao!