Seriously. That was the most entertaining installment of American Idol I think I have ever seen. I wrote that last week had some great performances, but the wild card show blows that out of the water. Just about every single performance made me either smile, or outright laugh.
Tell people they’re out of the competition, then bring them back for one last shot, and everyone brings their A-game. Combine that with a super-fast-paced format with almost no filler, and that, my friends, is an entertaining show. And to think, I almost didn’t watch.
The only ones that didn’t entertain me much were Von Smith and Jasmine Murray. Von was shaky, sickly-looking, and really kind of boring. Not at all the kind of thing I expected from him. Jasmine sang extremely well, but I’m just not into those Christina Aguilera ballads. It was a vast improvement from her strangely angst-ridden performance last week, though. Not surprisingly, Von’s out and Jasmine’s in.
Even though Jesse Langseth’s performance was a lot of fun to watch, I had a feeling she was doomed and I was right. Kind of an awkward moment there when she thought for a second Simon was playing games with her and she was through, which Seacrest was quick to clear up before things got out of hand.
My biggest disappointment was Ricky Braddy not getting though. My best guess: it was about gender, not singing. As it stands, there are eight dudes and five ladies. If it were nine to four people might have started crying foul. I felt like this was the most we’ve ever gotten to see of Rickey and it was really a lot of fun. He’s got this adorable goof thing going on, he talks like Forrest Gump and the dancing is hilarious, but then he sings and your jaw drops. What a shame to see him go.
Oh, Megan Corkrey, where to begin with her? She’s so strange, I haven’t decided if its in a good way or a bad way. Sing something that suits your voice, Megan! You’ve got the whole ska/reggae thing going on, use it to your advantage. KT Tunstall is just too folky for that treatment. I’m glad you got through though.
Poor Tatiana. It was time for her to go. Say what you want about her, but she does have a good voice. The judges wouldn’t have put her through no matter what. I really think I’ve genuinely started to like her, though. I don’t think she puts on an act, she is just plain bonkers. She even did the laugh, and said “There I did the laugh!!” and did it again, but you could tell she wasn’t trying. This stuff just flows out of her mouth and there’s nothing she can do to stop it.
Finally, Anoop Desai and Matt Giraud. I knew Matt was going through. He really was great, definitely the best performance we’ve seen from him yet. Blues is where he needs to be. I was laughing when Simon compared him to Taylor Hicks, though.
Of course it had already been leaked there was going to be a “twist” and everyone guessed it was an extra spot in the finals. I’ve been pulling for Anoop since day one though, so I was sooooo, so glad that he got that 13th spot. What a performance he gave! Professional? Probably not. Honestly, I’m not watching to see who is marketable or commercial, and I’m sick of hearing those words. Hardly anyone ever has a “commercially successful” recording career after Idol. Anoop brought the entertainment and made it fun to watch, and some of the other contestants should take a cue from his enthusiasm.
There it is, folks, the top 13 is complete. Are you happy with it? I know there’s a few duds in there, but for the most part, I’m excited for next week.
Clacked by Cate Cropp
on Mar 06, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
Anoop would seem a lot less awkward if he would lay off the R&B
*POST AUTHOR*
Yeah, don’t think that’s gonna happen, R&B is Anoop’s MO if you look at his Clef Hanger’s performances, it’s just what he’s into. Personally, it all works for me, but like I said, I’m in it for the entertainment, not who’s gonna have a great career (which is just about none of them, just the facts).
I didn’t know Anoop during Hollywood, so I really don’t get the hype behind him, but I can’t believe they think Jasmine is all that. I would have liked to see Jesse make it and Jasmine go home. Jasmine’s got nothing special and Jesse is very unique. The first time Jasmine sings Whitney or Miriah, I’m slitting my wrists (although really, Christina Aguilera is pretty close).
*POST AUTHOR*
I know…Bratz doll comparisons aside, Jasmine has a good voice but that is what I typically expect her to sing as long as she is on the show now. She found something she did they liked, I expect her to stick with it. Jesse didn’t grow on me as much as she did you but I still think she was better and infinitely more interesting.