And So It Begins…

Ah, the sweet smell of winter.  Morning flurries, wind chill factors, and the first night of competition on American Idol!  Yes, kids, tonight begins the war of the 24.  The men compete tonight and the ladies tomorrow night.  Based on Hollywood week I have some favorites but I’m trying to be unbiased tonight.  Here goes nothin’… 

David Hernandez:  He has a great voice, but he’s kinda boring.  Doesn’t light up the stage at all.  And that ending – crash & burn.  Ouch. 

Chikezie:  Rough start.  Rough suit.  Rough song choice.  And when did I miss the “pop the blazer collar” trend?  Maybe I’m showing my age, but it just looks like a mistake to me.  And Simon just called him Jacuzzi.  LOL!!! 

David Cook:  I’m glad the hair has changed since auditions and Hollywood.  I’ve been looking forward to hearing him tonight.  I like the song and the arrangement and the wardrobe.  And the vocal.  Very original.  Me likes, all around. 

Jason Yeager:  I don’t remember much of him from earlier in the season.  “Moon River” is one of my favorite songs, but he butchered it.  It reminded me of a bad cruise ship bar performance.  Not good.  R to the ough.  And he played the dead grandmother card.  Nope. 

Simon just said CRUISE SHIP.  Kinda makes me smile that we agreed on that but kinda scares me as well. 

Robbie Carrico:  I liked him in the auditions. Curious to see what tonight is like.  Love this song as well…His persona doesn’t really match the voice, does it?  He confuses me…looks like a rocker but sounds very pop.  Good performance though. 

Simon just said the same thing about the rock/pop dichotomy.  I promise I’m typing as I watch, not waiting for Simon to speak. 

David Archuleta:  I LOVE him.  Can’t WAIT to see this!  He has that cute-as-a-bug-put-him-in-my-pocket appeal.  He started out kinda nervousish but he clicked in.  LOVED HIM!!!  He may just get my vote tonight. 

Danny Noriega:  Annoyed the crap out of me up until now.  We shall see…  Well, I hate to admit it but I enjoyed his performance tonight.  But those pants kind of fit him weird, no? 

Luke Menard:  I don’t really remember him either.  Rough start.  And I can barely hear him.  For the love of amplification, SING OUT.  And that ending.  Blech.  My next door neighbor’s dog just howled.  Just rough all around. 

Colton Berry:  Not sure what I think about him yet.  Is it me, or does he sound like Boy George?  Not that it’s a bad thing, I’m just sayin’.  Good performance.  Not fantastic, but good. 

Garrett Haley:  Who is this hairy kid?  Has puberty hit yet?  And eat a burger, kid, before you blow away.  Another weak, boring, rough performance.  Me no likey. 

At. 

All. 

Jason Castro:  Dreads are just cool, right?  I’m digging his vibe.  And he’s playing the guitar.  I REALLY like him.  Possibly the most unique guy in the competition.  Two thumbs UP. 

Michael Johns:  I was a fan of his from the first audition.  There’s some kind of Michael Hutchence / Jim Morrison thing going on.  But nice, not creepy.  And look at that!  He’s doing a Doors song.  He has GREAT charisma and doesn’t try too hard.  Loved it! 

To summarize: 

The “Out Of Their League” List

Chikezie

Jason Yeager

Luke Menard

Garrett Haley 

The “In It To Win It” List

David Cook

David Archuleta

Jason Castro

Michael Johns 

Thoughts?