What do you think of American Idol’s Top 12 this year? 2010…

I just had a comment on a previous post that the contestants seem to lack diversity. As they introduced the contestants… actually it was a bit skewed to 9 white contestants, 2 black contestants, and 1 Latino. I did think that the talent was skewed to a “vanilla” flavor – but I meant that many seemed to lack a strong identity and a lot of the contestants seemed to sound the same. But this observation from one of my readers, brings up a question…

Do you think there is a lack of diversity on American Idol?

In my opinion from season’s past this hasn’t seemed to be an issue – and I likely would not have noticed it if not for my reader’s comment.

I wonder if Kris Allen’s win last season brought out more of the singer/songwriter contestants or if producers leaned towards that style after seeing Kris’ fan base as buyers of music. Hmmm.. something to consider.

Anyway… on to my critiques for American Idol’s Top 12.

Michael Lynch “Big Mike: I love Michael. My problem tonight is that they are having the contestants perform The Rolling Stones. I mean, unless they completely alter the song to fit their own style and voice – it’s a huge challenge. I don’t really like The Rolling Stones anyway – but comparing a regular performance with the original – really and truly – no one can do it like Mick Jagger. However, Mike did a pretty good job and his personality is simply adorable. I think he’ll get really far in the competition – top 3 for sure.

Didi Benami: I like Didi and she has a cool voice. She did a good job and certainly sings well. I wouldn’t buy an album as it feels that most of her music seems quite the same each week. She’s a cute girl but I don’t think she’ll be around much longer as she doesn’t stand out as a star yet.

Casey James: I like that Casey is a country guy and I hope he stays true to that side of him – even in making a rock song change into a country tune. He actually did a great job – reminded me a bit of some Travis Tritt songs – country with an edge. He’s got the country fan vote and for sure will be around for a while. The thing I liked the most was that the song and performance felt like a Casey James song – rather than something from The Rolling Stones.

Lacey Brown: Boy she was a darling kid. Loved her family and the comment from her dad that she was really shy as a child – but heard someone say: “If you remain shy, you’ll miss your destiny.” Love that quote and the thought behind it. I wanted so much to like her performance but it was just not good. Kind of whiny, pitchy and boring for me. (I’m not sure what the judges were hearing.) It’s sad because I like her personality. But I think she’s at risk to going home this week.

Andrew Garcia: I loved Andrew’s dad – so sweet – you can tell he really cares about his son. It shows that even without money and the advantages of the world – if you are determined, you can do great things. I thought Andrew’s performance was pretty good – it just didn’t fit his personal style very much. I wish he had changed up the song a bit more. But as he’s done that in the past and the judges have told him to not change it up too much – I think he’s likely trying not to change things as much as he has in the past. It’s a hard spot to be in for him – to find that balance. I hope he sticks around because he has a lot of talent.

Katie Stevens: Oh boy, I still can’t believe she stayed and Lilly Scott went home last week. She’s darling but should be going home this week. She just needs more experience, more polish and a definition of what kind of artist she’s going to be. Again… she’s a cute girl… just out of her league, in my opinion.

Tim Urban: Wow – a family with 10 kids. That’s awesome! I could completely see him as the next Disney teen idol (if he could act even a little bit) – but not the next American Idol. He’s adorable and will appeal to the younger girls. The song he performed was okay but forgettable – I did like that he made it different and didn’t try to be one of The Rolling Stones – but it just didn’t blow me away. I can’t call it if he’s going home – because you never quite know what the voting crowd is going to do. But I think he probably should be going home as some of the other guys are much stronger than he is right now. I’d love to see him combine his singing with acting … Disney… are you listening?

Siobhan Magnus: I have to say I was really looking forward to hearing what Siobhan would do with The Rolling Stones. I’m sad to say I was very disappointed with the song choice and performance. It just didn’t showcase her style or her range until the very end – and then reminded me a bit of Adam Lambert’s high notes. Didn’t like it at all. Apparently I was all alone in not liking it – as the judges gushed about everything and said she was the standout performance of the night. Obviously I love her voice and think she sang well – and is unique – but I just didn’t like the song choice. Top 3 and likely could win.

Lee DeWyze: His voice is my favorite of all of the contestants. Even if he doesn’t win the overall competition, I think he’ll have a great career. I absolutely love the quality, tone and raspy coolness of his voice. Can’t wait for his album to come out. :) The thing I liked about his performance tonight was that he totally made the song his own – it didn’t feel like a Rolling Stones knockoff – he stayed true to his own style. I think his tone was the best he has done – as in past weeks he’s struggled with pitch issues – but it was great this week.

Paige Miles: Paige has a great voice. I just don’t see her as a star yet. I think she’s at risk for going home – and I was actually surprised she stayed around from last week. I did like that there was a little bit of a country twist on the song and she did a good job. I’m not sure her personality has stood out as much as some of the other girls.

Aaron Kelly: He looked so cute with his cowboy hat on as a kid – it kind of made me wonder if he could put a country twist on some of his songs – if that would do well… any thoughts? I did like what he did this week with hair – spiking it out — it made him seem a bit more put together and not quite so young – well done! He could be another teen idol – just like Tim Urban. I don’t see him as a big competitor for American Idol. I think he did the best he’s done in the competition so far tonight.

Crystal Bowersox: That girl can sing. I love that she can make a Rolling Stone song seem like it’s completely her own. She’s extremely talented and I think is a contender for the title. I’m still looking for a little more connection from her – to the audience. Even though she’s amazing… I feel a lack in emotion or genuine expression from her. Her performance was great. I was glad that the judges mentioned that she seemed to feel “too comfortable” and there was a lack of personality – hopefully she’ll show more of herself to connect the fans and not come off as cocky.

So after all is said and done … I don’t really care who gets eliminated as long as it’s not Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynch, or Siobhan Magnus. I will however be surprised if Casey James or Crystal Bowersox get eliminated.

Who do you think should stay or go this week?

Total Voters: 0