The Top 13

Hi All. Did you miss me? I have been faithfully watching and keeping close track of all my sarcastic thoughts about idol these last weeks, but I apologize that due to watching the performances directly before the results shows, I have not been able to blog in a timely manner. I do have plenty to say about these talented singers, and since we all know who they are I am just going to share those now.
1. Adam Lambert, age 26 from Los Angeles, CA. He has great experience having been in the traveling cast of Wicked. He has real presence and a fantastic voice, but a tendency to try strange arrangements of songs. He will have fans for sure, but there will be just as many who won't like him. I think if he can lay off the skinny jeans and the eyeliner I will be more inclined to enjoy him. The guy has a great voice.

2. Alexis Grace, the 21 year old single mom from Memphis, TN has a huge voice for a little girl. I am not sure how she will do against some of the other singers in this thirteen, but she has earned her place and I am anxious to see her next performance.

3. Allison Iraheta is the 16 year old from Los Angeles who wowed us with Alone. She is one of those undiscovered talents that could surprise us once she gets some vocal coaching and some styling. She sings from her gut, and if she can keep those shaking hands under control I think the she will find she was meant to be on that stage.

4. Anoop Desai, our surprise number 13, is a 21 year old from Chapel Hill, NC. He is extremely likable and has a great voice, but I don't know if could beat out some of the incredible singers that he will go head to head with in this group. I was thrilled to see him get his surprise invitation to the party.

5. Danny Gokey is a 28 year old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who lost his wife four weeks before the auditions last year. He is a natural talent and already extremely popular. I predict that he will go far in this competition.

6. Jasmine Murray is the 16 year old from Starkville, MS that has been branded by Kara as the package performer. After her rendition of Reflections last night, I think she has proven that she is more than just a beautiful pop singer.

7. Jorge Nunez is the 20 year old from Carolina, Puerto Rico that worked so hard to master English for his performance. He has a beautiful voice and a different sound than the others in the group. I think his story will touch a lot of viewers.

8. Kris Allen is the 23 year old from Conway, Arizona that looks about 18. He has boyish good looks that will probably appeal to the junior high girls, but he also has a nice voice. I am not sure that when he has to be compared to Adam, Danny, or Matt that he will last long, but he is certainly no Sanjaya.

9. Matt Giraud is the 23 year old dueling piano player from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He brought back the soul during the wild card show, and it was no surprise at all to me that he got in. This guy has a great voice, and if they let him play there is no telling how long he'll be in the game.

10. Megan Joy (yes, this is how it is listed on the AI website) is a quirky 22 year old from Sandy, Utah. She has the dreaded sleeve down one arm (memories of Carly Smithson), but for some reason on her I don't mind. It kind of fits her odd style, and she is so gorgeous you don't take your eyes off of that smile. I think if she can find the right song, she could really blow people away.

11. Michael Sarver is the 27 year old from Jasper, Texas who works on an oil rig. He vocally is really stretched in this competition, as there are definitely better singers with much better stage presence. I think he gives hope to those kids out there who are from circumstances and places where talent may go forever undiscovered. I hope he does well, for this competition started out for guys like him.

12. Scott MacIntyre is the 23 year old from Scottsdale, Arizona who is legally blind. I think it is amazing how he has overcome his disability to reach his dreams, and I like his voice and his determination. That being said, I don't think his voice holds a candle to most of the other singers in this competition. In other words, I am not sure how long he will be around, and how long the disability should be the reason that he is in the competition if he doesn't have a good performance.

13. Lil Rounds, the 23 year mother of three from Memphis is going to be a force to be reckoned with in this competition. As far as I see it, she is going to have to have a couple of crappy shows and the rest are going to have to (in Randy's words) "blow it out the box" if they want to unseat her.

Next week we have Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson on the show and the battle will begin. Some random thoughts.

Do you think Simon had a red mark after Paula's Indian burn?
What do you think Tatiana did the day after the show?
Do you think her family advised her not to stand with her legs that far apart while in a dress ever again?

I will be doing my best to keep the blog going, and I am counting on Gene's counter blog starting next week. I think it promises to be an exciting and entertaining season. Take that Vote for the worst.com! Join me next Tuesday....