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?

I can’t wait for the new American Idol season to begin this week.

Look no further

Here is a list of the latest American Idol twitter accounts.

American Idol News: @idolNews
Kris Allen – @KrisAllen4Real – Confirmed By Ryan Seacrest’s Twitter @ryanseacrest
Adam Lambert – @therealGlambert – Confirmed By Ryan Seacrest’s Twitter @ryanseacrest
Danny Gokey – @dannygokey
Allison Iraheta – @Allison4Realzzz
Matt Giraud – @MGiraudOfficial
Anoop Desai – @AnoopDoggDesai
Michael Sarver - @michaelsarver1
Jasmine Murray – @Jasmine__Murray
Alexis Grace – @agcruc
Megan Joy – @Meganjoysings
Scott Macintyre - @IdolScott

Happy following!

I kind of thought the “American Idol” song (the one producers select for the winner to have as their first single)… well… it was obviously written and geared for Adam Lambert’s voice and range. It was kind of a mess when Kris sang it — and the judges even commented that it was not in his range. Hmmm… who do you think the producers want to win?

I’d be interested in your thoughts… do you think the song was biased towards Adam? Who are you voting for?

If you love Danny Gokey… you were sad to see him go home tonight. I’m hopeful he’ll get straight to the recording studio and get his album going soon.

As for the final 2 — it’s down to Kris Allen and Adam Lambert.

Although it seems that Adam has had more of the spotlight (he’s on the cover of People magazine this week….) I actually think that the fact that there was less than 1 million votes separating the top two contestants could put Kris as the next American Idol.

My theory is this…. There are many Danny haters and many Adam haters out there. There seems to be either passionate like or dislike for these two. But generally speaking Kris is either liked or okay. My guess is that all of the Danny fans will vote for Kris next week, pushing him to the top and it will be an incredible upset.

What do you think?

A few observations.

1) Simon chose an amazing song from U2 for Adam to sing (whereas the song chosen by Paula for Danny was almost completely unknown and did not showcase his voice, and the song for Kris was just a copy of the original).

2) Adam Lambert has gone last (prime performing spot) more than any of the other contestants remaining — and he went last again tonight.

3) Adam has been given extra spotlights on entrances and staging (example: the red lit staircase from last week).

4) This is the first time in American Idol history (at least that I can recall) that Simon has actually urged viewers to vote for a specific contestant – Adam Lambert.

5) Simon helped get Adam a specific arrangement for the U2 song tonight, and accused Randy and Kara of not giving Kris an arrangement that would spotlight his voice. Both Randy and Kara proclaimed they didn’t know they were allowed to do that….

6) Tonight specifically the judges were very distracting after performances by both Kris and Danny… arguing, teasing, Simon covering Paula’s mouth so she couldn’t speak… and yet no distractions just rave reviews after Adam’s performances.

Hmmm… not biased at all. What do you think?

It will be interesting to see if America follows the preferences of the judges, or select one of the other contestants as the winner. At this point, I don’t think it really matters who wins. They will all have careers in the music industry. Obviously the winner will be “owned” by American Idol for the first year of their contract and will have tremendous obligations to go on the circuit and be involved in loads of travel. The runner up will have to go on the American Idol tour, but may end up having more opportunities to record their album and even get it released before the winner does.

Here is a recap of the show tonight along with random musings. I’ve been accused of being an Adam hater / Danny lover… well, I do like Danny. I like Kris too. I think Adam is really talented, but I really do not enjoy his singing style – it doesn’t mean I hate him – I just don’t like Rock music… if you’re a rocker fan, you probably love Adam. It comes down to personal taste…. to each his own — and to the Anonymous reader out there who keeps submitting hate comments claiming that I am not allowed to have my opinion… well… I say… thanks for sharing yours. It would be my preference that Adam go home this week… so I don’t have to fast-forward any more performances… but hey, that’s just me.

Danny Gokey Well Paula selected a song called “Dance Little Sister” by Terrance Trent Darby.. who? What? I’ve never heard of the song, and apparently most of America hasn’t either. Wow. It seems that it was not a song selected to showcase Danny very well, there was even a sax solo in the middle… strange. I thought he performed fairly well but it was not a favorite of mine. Kara and Simon criticized Danny’s dancing even though Simon reiterated that this is a singing competition and said that the vocals were very very good. Simon agreed with me that the song was the wrong song choice. It would be interesting if America could vote on the song they wanted their favorite contestant to sing – rather than the judges. The judges could pick 3 or 4 song choices and America could vote. I like that idea… what do you think?

Kris Allen. Kara and Randy chose “Apologize” by One Republic for Kris. I was excited because I love the song and thought he’d do a great job. I liked that he was behind the piano, and he did a respectable job but I didn’t think he made it his own. Kara agreed that he didn’t make it his own. Then the arguing between the judges began…

Adam Lambert Simon selected “One” by U2 for Adam to perform. I have to say that I loved Adam’s first outfit — jeans, a denim/casual shirt. He looked great and I like that look on him better than the black rocker and pushing boundaries outfits he has worn in the past. I did like the first half until Adam hit the high notes and started his rocking screaming style. Then I have to admit I fast-forwarded the rest of the song. Simon patted himself on the back claiming it was a brilliant song choice, and a brilliant performance. “If you’re not in the final next week it will be the greatest upset in this competition.”

Danny Gokey. Danny’s second song choice was “You are so Beautiful to Me” by Joe Cocker. I really loved the arrangement and thought Danny performed it beautifully. Randy “You’re here because you can really, Really, REALLY sing!” Kara “That was stunning!” Paula “You left us all breathless”. Simon “I would call that a vocal master class.” So all of the judges enjoyed the performance. I think the only problem with a ballad is that it does not get people to spontaneously jump to their feet. It was beautiful, but will people be moved by it so much that it will convert to votes? I guess we’ll see.

Kris Allen. “Heartless” by Kanye West. Wow, Kris was very brave to sing part accapella and then with not accompaniment except his guitar. He did a great job – but I think the same as Danny’s last song — will people vote? Did it make enough of an impact? Randy “I like that better than the original.” Kara “it was bold, brave and fearless.” Simon “I had written you out after your first performance, but that changed after this performance.”

Adam Lambert. Aerosmith song (I didn’t catch the name). Obviously a very rocker song – which I couldn’t get through. But the crowd seemed to love it – and it was what the end of the competition needed – something to leave the crowd screaming and excited. Randy “You’re one of the best that we’ve ever had on this stage.” Kara “We’ll see you at the finals.” Simon “It’s very easy to assume that you’re going to sail through… Everyone should vote for you, and not assume.”

Now that we’re getting to the end of American Idol.. I’m getting excited for So You Think You Can Dance… (actually I like So You Think You Can Dance better than American Idol — gasp!)

So I’ve predicted a few weeks ago based on Twitter traffic that Adam Lambert would win. I do think both Kris Allen and Danny Gokey have a chance — in year’s past the “rocker” has not gone through to the finals (seeming that America prefers the country or pop contestants), but this year may be different … only time will tell.