Top 24

The Top 24

The selection is finally over and the top 24 or ready to compete for your votes. The evening opens with Ryan explaining the drama of the elevator ride (with the live feed) and the long walk to the judgement table. I’m not sure if the judges were up all night deliberating, or if she just had an incredibly bad stylist today, but Paula’s side bun thing is not working for me. True to Idol form, we have several contestants that make the top 24 that we have not seen before. This usually translates to early elimination, but given the talent pool this season, I will withhold judgement until I actually hear their voices. With the exception of Josiah Leming’s dismissal and Simon’s outrage over losing to Randy & Paula on Kyle Ensley, there are no real surprises here. In fact, as they begin to eliminate, I find myself thinking, "who in the heck are these people (Ronald Hodge, Nina Shaw, Micale Guyton)" as they are sent packing. It isn’t that I am heartless, it is just hard to muster sympathy for someone I have only invested 30 seconds in. Here is the top 24:

1. Michael Lee Johns, the 29-year-old living in LA is originally from Australia. He once was the lead singer in the band "The Rising". I haven’t heard of it either, but maybe it was popular "back home". Michael seemed totally relaxed with his large breakfast plate, and his easy going demeanor and that sexy aussie accent have already won this viewer over. He is my early pick for top 12. Oh don’t worry, I will be voting. Multiple times.
2. Danny Noriega (18, Azusa, CA) was eliminated in Hollywood last season due to a good old-fashioned case of the nerves. While I tip my hat to Idol for representing all of their viewers, I am not sure the show is ready for "Miss Jane" takes on American Idol. If his vocals were strong enough to carry him through to the top 12, I am all about different, quirky and diverse, but I didn’t feel the connection.
3. David Cook (25, Blue Springs, MO) has already produced a CD with one of his bands. He has performed with Midwest Kings and Axium. I think he is a strong performer, and his confidence on stage has me predicting that he will make the top 12 as well.
4. Robbie Carrico (26, Melbourne, FL) dated the infamous Brittney Spears for a short time. I am not sure I get all the rocker comments about this guy. I am thinking boy band all the way. Long greasy hair does not make a Bo Bice. I do like his voice though.
5. David Archuleta, the 17-year-old darling from Murray, UT actually won the 2003 junior category on Star Search. It is amazing what you can learn on the World Wide Web. While he is a little young to be my idol, I predict the grade school contingent will get him to the top 12 faster than Sanjaya changed his hairdo.
6. Jason Castro (20, Rockwall, TX) was on the MTV show Cheyenne, so contrary to popular belief; he did get some previous airtime. Just not on American Idol.
7. Luke Menard (29, Crawfordsville, IN), a member of a local a cappella singing group, is a virtual unknown to Idol watchers.
8. Garrett Haley (17, Elida, OH) is another contestant who is a mystery. Believe me, I would have remembered all of that hair. Who is this guy?
9. Chekize Eze, (22, Inglewood, CA), a season 6 reject had almost no coverage during Hollywood week. I still remember his first audition, but not enough to predict what will become of him.
10. Jason Jaeger (28, Grand Prairie, TX) was a finalist on Making the Band Season 1, but is a complete Idol unknown at this point.
11. David Hernandez, the 24-year-old from Glendale, Arizona got a second chance in his very first audition when he struggled with nerves. Although I loved his slowed down version of Love the One You’re With I am not sure he has the charisma to carry him to the top 12.
12. Colton Berry, (17, Stanton, VA) has directed and starred in several musicals, including "Lil Shop of Horrors" in his high school. He earned his spot at the expense of Kyle Hensley. I have not heard enough to render a judgement.

Now the girls:

13. Ramiele Malubay (20, Miramar, FL) is only 4’11" but has a powerful voice. She could end up in the top 12 if she consistently delivers those perfect vocals.
14. Asia’H Epperson (19, Joplin, MO) lost her father a couple of days before her initial audition. She is loaded with talent, and my favorite girl. She is top 12 material for sure.
15. Carly Smithson (23, San Diego, CA) has already released a CD under her maiden name of Carly Hennessey in 2001 (Ultimate High). I thought it was ridiculous of Paula to manipulate the poor girl before telling her she was in. She is an early judge’s favorite. I am not sure that we have missed even a minute of her journey to Idol. Given that, I am sure she will be in the top 12.
16. Amanda Overmyer (23, Mulberry, IN) is the biker, rocker nurse with the bizarre hair colors. I love her sound, but agree with Simon, she will have to prove she can be versatile if she wants to make it to the top 12. I did appreciate the balanced approach to making it. There was no hysterical crying with this class act, just a grateful "thank you".
17. Syesha Mercado (21, Sarasota, FL) was on an ABC reality show prior to making it the top 12. She is a beautiful girl, but I do think she tends to over sing. She definitely has the like-ability factor.
18. Kristy Lee Cook (24, Selmar, OR) is the horseback riding, cage fighting, country singer who wowed the judges with her version of Amazing Grace. I think you are right Gene-she will be a part of the top 12.
19. Brooke White (24, Mesa, AZ) is the nanny with the messy hair and sweet disposition. Brooke has already released a CD in 2005, "Songs from the Attic". I am not sure if America will have the patience for too many more episodes of crying up against the wall. I like this girl, but I am not at all sure she is the strongest singer of the group.
20. Alexandrea Lushington (17, Douglasville, GA) Who is she? The most I could dig up on her is that she was on Star Search. She is cute but I couldn’t tell you how she sings.
21. Kady Malloy (18, Houston, TX) is our vocal impressionist. I have a feeling about this one. I think if she can come out as herself, she will make the top 12.
22. Amy Davis (25, Lowell, IN) has been a bikini model and was on 2007’s Nashville Star. She also fronted for a band that had two members of Survivor. She is a looker, but I have no memory of her voice whatsoever.
23. Alaina Whitaker (16, Tulsa, OK) is a virtual unknown. Unless she is brilliant, the lack of idol promoting will more than likely do her in.
24. Joanne Borgella (25, Hoboken, NJ) is a plus size model who delivers a very heartfelt performance. There is something very genuine about this girl, who beat out Cardin (thank goodness), in the last selection for the top 24.