American Idol: Did you get Satisfaction?

With 12 down, it’s another week, and we have another 12 singers to assess. Let’s get right to it because as Simon said, “It’s too late for advice now.”

THE GOOD

Allison Iraheta could have easily passed as a mute during her interview time with Ryan on the sofa, but when she opens her mouth on the stage, this beast is unleashed. Singing Heart’s “Alone,” I instantly crave more of her raspy, fresh voice. Someone needs to remind our next (and better) Miley to practice singing with her eyes open more.

Kris Allen sings MJ’s “Man in the Mirror,” but will he be able to make it his own? Well, the arrangement isn’t tweaked very much, and the cutie definitely missed his guitar when he’s up there, but he has that Zac Effron, High School Musical appeal. For the first time, everyone disagrees with Kara, who didn’t like it, but I’d have to disagree too.

Mishavonna Henson is one of those contestant that I always forget. She sings Train’s “Drops of Jupiter,” which the judges all hate, but I unabashedly loved. They make her out to be some technically adept musical robot, but I thought she was sweet and her voice is full and funky.

And bringing down the house was Adam Lambert.  He sings “Satisfaction,” in his own way. Who would have thought he could match Mick Jagger note for note? Ridiculous! I wouldn’t want to buy the single, but he has frontman chops, no lie.

THE BAD
Jasmine Murray sings Sara Bareilles’ “Love Song,” giving it her own little twist, but she overembellishes. All the judges hate the song choice but love how commercial she is. The criticism goes in one ear and out the other with this girl.

Jeanine Vailles apparently tripped over a table when she attempted to hug the judges after they told her she made the Top 36. I must have missed it the first time, but it’s hysterical on the second, third and fourth go round. She sings “This Love” by Maroon 5 which doesn’t sound awful, just a little hollow. Her voice isn’t bad, but the song didn’t give her much to work with. It’s obvious she’s hot, but that’s all the judges really appreciate at this point.

Megan Corkrey is in the unique voice category. You either love it or your hate it, and when she’s off, she’s OFF. I happen to think she was off tonight with Corrine Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On.” (Though I adore this song!) Her pronunciation is, well, different, and I don’t think it works with this ditty. Plus, her high notes were really weak. The judges love her because of her relevance, but I don’t think it’s enough to sway me. There are already Amys, Adeles and Duffys out there, and the originals are already better.

Jesse Langeseth is another girl you could push into the unique voice category, but I like hers. She’s cool, maybe too cool for school, but I just think the song, “Bette Davis Eyes” confined her voice. She’ll have to get a hold of those crazy mannerism though to even get near the top 10.

THE UGLY
Matt Giraud has to live up to my high expectations for him tonight. This boy is soulful and can play the piano, but he attempted something a little TOO quirky when he does his own spin on Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” Don’t reinvent Chris Martin or jazz Coldplay up ever again.

Nick Mitchell a.k.a. Norman Gentle. The latter takes the stage tonight doing a deliciously dramatic version of “You’re Gonna Love Me” from Dreamgirls. While the judges were right that it was entertaining, I agree with Simon that this is not why I watch American Idol. Please don’t vote him through for gaffs.

Matt Breitzke seems like a lovable guy, but BORING! He sings Tonic’s “If You Could Only See,” a romantic, rocker song, but he sure as hell doesn’t move like a rocker, more like my grandpa but not as adorable.

Kai Kalama has an okay voice. He kind of reminds me of Justin Guarini who totally creeped me out, and for some reason (maybe the association), I just don’t like him, and I don’t think I ever will. Plus, you won’t win me over sing fuddy, duddy songs I can’t even remember.

Out of my top four I think the next three through to the top 12 will be Allison, Kris and Adam, and sadly, I don’t think Mishavonna had enough screen time to garner one of the wildcard spots.

THE RESULTS SHOW

There’s nothing too exciting to see here except we get to see one of last year’s top contestants Brooke White performing a new song. It’s pretty and Brooke-y, and it won’t be a sensation, but it will make some fans very happy.

Somehow they stretch out the announcement of three rides to the next round over an hour, and I want to pull out my hair. Just as I psychically predetermined with my third eye, the results go down exactly as I predicated which I’m okay with. Next week looks jammed packed with more singers; I just hope they put in better performances than the last two groups. I’m not sure if having to wait will make them even more nervous, or if seeing it done already will make their first time a little smoother.

What do you think?

Season 8, Episodes 14 & 15: Semifinals: Group B & Results: Group B (originally aired February 25 & 26, 2009)

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Photographs courtesy of Fox Broadcasting Company