American Idol Blog

Hi all –

I’m finally getting caught up on American Idol this season – and have just seen the Top 24 (obviously I’m still behind as I have not yet watched the performances from this week). But I wanted to weigh in before I watch so I can make my predictions based on what I’ve seen so far. Perhaps a bit weird, but hey, that’s how I roll.

So I think this is the year of the guys!

First, I cannot think of any of the girls who stood out for me in a really good way. They are all talented. But none had an instant star-quality for me. However, I may be surprised as the season goes forward.

Second, I predict Casey Abrams as the overall winner. He’s the whole package. Extremely likeable. Extremely talented. Extremely unique. I love his personality along with the fact that he always entertains – but not in the same way anyone else. My favorite line of the night was when Casey said “I’m here to prove that people like me can be sexy…” I love him!

I have a few other favorite guys including James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, and Paul McDonald – but I don’t think they will win this season.

James Durbin – so talented. I really like him a lot. I love the fact that he is shining in spite of the fact that he has faced Tourette’s syndrome and Aspergers. I hope he goes really far in the competition and I think he’ll have a great career. My only hesitation with him is that he reminds me quite a bit of Adam Lambert (and if any of you recall – Adam is too over-the-top for me.) However, I have to keep reminding myself that James is NOT Adam. James is James – sweet, loyal, kind-hearted, amazing James. Hopefully as the season continues I can disconnect the association.

Scotty McCreery – what a great kid. He’s only 17 which is crazy because his voice is so mature. I love his voice and no matter how the competition goes, I think he’ll get a recording contract (and I’d buy his album). I love his humble way – his desire to be the man he knows he is and should be – and his heart stands out for me. He’s super talented. I think if he were in a country singing competition – there would be no competition. But this is American Idol and simply because he’s SO country – I don’t think he’ll take home the title. But he’s certainly a favorite of mine.

Paul McDonald. Honestly, I didn’t remember him from any of the previous shows, but he did stand out for me in the final 24. He is unique and I love the tone of his voice when he sings. My only concern is that he’s so gentle in his singing, I’m not sure he could bring the crowd to their feet like James or Casey could. But again, I might be surprised. I really do like him as well.

As for the other top Guys:

Clint Jun Gamboa (he lost me when he kicked Jacee out of their group during Hollywood week) – he’s good, but not my favorite.

Robbie Rosch – has a nice voice, sweet and unassuming. But does not stand out as a star yet to me.

Tim Halperin – I love his voice – but even after just watching the show, I can’t even remember what he looks like. Not sure he’s going to stand out enough.

Jovany Barreto – as soon as he took off his shirt to show off for Jennifer Lopez during Hollywood week – well, impressive, but not so impressive. It was a bit too cheesy and awkward for me. That’s what I remember about him, rather than any of his performances.

Jordan Dorsey – I have to say that Jordan is really talented. However, my guess is he will get eliminated fairly quickly in the competition because of his personality and behavior during Hollywood week. America wants to have an American Idol winner they connect with emotionally and cheer for each week – rather than someone who is aggressive and considers others beneath them. I’ve seen this in previous seasons – talent gets you only so far – and connecting and being real takes the winner to the top.

Stephano Langore – I remember liking Stephano as well – but he’s like Tim – where I can’t really remember any of his performances or what he looks like very well. He might get lost in the crowd.

Jacob Lusk – I love this guy. His enthusiasm and unbridled personality are so over-the-top. He makes me laugh because he is SO completely emotional and expressive. I loved that when he was accepted into the top 24 he shouted, screamed, sang, and danced all the way down the aisle. He’s very likeable and has an incredible voice – but I also think that he might be a little too over-the-top for some fans in America. I remember when he cried and sobbed after one performance – and even though I like him a lot – that was a bit much for me. I think he’ll go further than many, but not likely to win.

Brett Loewenstern – he is such a sweet and likeable kid. I love that he took Jacee into his group and they became fast friends. For some reason I refer to Brett as Carrot Top – in a good way. Obviously it’s the hair. I really like Brett and hope he does well – I think his personality will carry him quite far as I’m sure he has lots of fans already. But with the competition this year, I’m not sure how well he will do. I think he’ll likely get further than some of the others simply because he’s memorable.

I was a little disappointed that Jacee Badeaux was cut – I love that kid. He has the voice of an angel and is so sweet. I have to admit that I cried when he was cut – he handled it with class and I was very proud of the way he handled everything during the competition. I hated to see him go. But I do agree with the judges that another year of preparation won’t hurt him. I hope he does come back and we get to see more of him in the future. I’m sure he has a very large fan base already – and you can count me among them!

I was also a bit sad to see John Wayne Schulz go – because I really liked him. I loved his personality and he certainly wasn’t bad to look at – but again, I also agreed with the judges in their decision to keep Scotty over John Wayne – mostly because Scotty stands out a bit more. But I hope we see more of John as well.

Letting Chris Medina go was especially hard on Jennifer Lopez. I can understand why. It’s not that Chris was the most talented in the competition. It was that she was touched by his story and his character – and hated to see him not move forward. But in comparison to the other competitors – I remember his story more than his performances. He was surely likeable and I wish him well. I was impressed that Jennifer’s emotions got the best of her – it made me like her even more – that she truly does want the best for the contestants and wants them to succeed. In years past I’ve felt that some of the judges (namely Simon) – would give criticism but it was without any feeling or care for the person. It was more important to Simon to be right, rather than seeing a person in front of him and wanting them to shine. Although entertaining, it didn’t give me the feeling that this season has given me – I want these contestants to do well – and I see the judges wanting the same thing. It’s quite nice.

So… enough of the boys… now on to the girls of American Idol.

Honestly there were a few that made it to the top 24 when I said out loud “Are you kidding me?” Some I really did not enjoy listening to at all… at all… I really mean… at all. But I’m not going to name any names. However, I will mention a few that I lean towards liking more than others.

Lauren Alaina – she’s only 16. Steven Tyler predicted during her audition “I think we found the one today.” I like her. She reminds me a little bit of a young, country-version of Kelly Clarkson.

Pia Toscano – I like the tone of her voice – it’s a bit richer than some of the others in the higher ranges. I love her beautiful dark, shiny hair. But I don’t remember specific performances.

Julie Zorrilla – She’s the girl whose parents were refugees from Columbia. I like her. Jennifer predicted Julie as the winner from the audition round. I’m not sure about that – as I think Casey Abrams is the one to beat this season – but of all the girls – she is in my top 3.

There are a lot of other cute girls this season – Thea Megia, Karen Rodriguez, Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart, Tatynisa Wilson, Lauren Turner, Rachel Zevita, Ashthon Jones, Kendra Chantelle. Some I don’t like their upper ranges, some are trying a little too hard to please rather than standing out on their own, and most blend in together for me.

I’m hoping the girls will step up and bring their own style/personality to their performances and can earn me as a fan – but for now – it’s all about the guys!