American Idol - Season 10

[NDN]

The top 13 performed tonight and it turned out to be an up and down kind of night. There some really high highs and some really low lows.

Here is my breakdown by singer:

Ashton - A very mediocre performance and it cemented my belief that Kendra was certainly more deserving of a spot in the top 13 than Ashton. My biggest dislike is her complete lack of range. It all sounds monotone and she simply has no reach! Oddly, the judges generally liked this performance (wtf?).

Casey - Another solid performance. I'd say he took a few steps forward but also a few steps back in some areas. It will be hard to dislike any of his performances down the road. Judges loved him as always.

Haley - While not a fan of the song "Blue" at all, I actually liked the performance. I was hoping for a little more of the "growl" that she has, but I got enough of that to keep me wanting more in future weeks. I agreed with J-Lo when she said she does some things with her voice that are truly unique.

Jacob - What in the hell happened here? Starting the week at the top of the pack, I was utterly disappointed and confused with this performance. I think it was far too over the top and was basically just screaming nonsense. However, he must sound amazing live because the judges once again loved it.

James - Although I have never doubted his talent, I didn't think this season could handle another Adam Lambert. While I still think he can't compare to Adam, his performance tonight was one of the best (and probably the best) and I was quite pleased to see that he listened to the "powers" and did not scream the entire song.

Karen - A weak performance from a strong contestant. A bad follow-up to last week and I think it hurts her even more since she tried to play on the Selena/J-Lo thing and then came up short with the vocals.

Lauren - A setback from last week for sure, but she'll go far in this contest regardless (and rightful so).

Naima - What in the? I didn't get it. I wanted to see Kendra in the top 13 over Naima/Ashton and this performance just proves that the judges made a mistake. I'm all for the uniqueness that she has, but the talent just isn't there. I did appreciate the shave though.

Paul - I think he'll last a little while, but I did not care for the performance. It was a repeat of last week, but not as good. He needs to change things up. I think he has some potential, but for whatever reason hasn't found a way to "open up" just yet.

Pia - Solid. Probably second best on the night after James. I like her composure more than anything and the way she handles herself. Not to mention the killer vocals.

Scotty - I was hoping to hear something that would get me in his corner at least a little bit, but once again I was left wondering what the hell he is doing in the competition. His vocals were trash, but I also find it uncomfortable to watch him move on the stage.

Stefano - A weak performance. He's been on the lower end of the hopefuls and rightfully so after tonight's performance.

Thia - I still love the voice, but wished she wouldn't have switched to the faster temp (especially since she kept the same slow pace of the song throughout the performance). I would have loved her sitting in a chair singing this like she did at the beginning. She's definitely worth staying in the competition, but hopefully she kind find some ways to try new things without backfiring like tonight.

That's all I have for you!

Please chime in if you watched the show!

[klinkman]

The top 13 performed tonight and it turned out to be an up and down kind of night. There some really high highs and some really low lows.

Please chime in if you watched the show!

Ashton - I agree that her performance was mediocre. But given some of the awful performances I've seen, mediocre should be good enough for her to make it through this week. She'll have to find vocal range quickly if she wants to be competitive in the future though

Casey - I liked this performance, it was odd..a cover of a cover can do that. But I think he really rocked it.

Haley - Haley did do some truly unique things with her voice. But there is a reason why no one does them-they sound awful! I was reaching for something to poke out my ear drums with 30 seconds into the performance. It was THAT bad.

Jacob - I agree I have no idea where this performance came from. You know what I found uncomfortable to watch? Jacob looking like he was trying to take a dump on stage. The vocals were far over the top and pained. Still not the worst but a far cry from one of the top last week.

James - One of the top performances of the night, James proved that he truly has range and control over his voice. I didn't care for how they ended the song (those two lines don't go together) but that's a sacrifice that had to be made to make it 1:40

Karen - I actually disagree with most people's assessment of her performance. I thought it was decent, but the ending fell flat-literally (If she was trying to go up a third she was under it by almost a half step). I did think the rest of the performance was pretty good (though not great).

Lauren - This performance was OK at best. Utterly forgettable. But compared to some of the performances she'll have no trouble sticking around.

Naima - I really was not impressed by the dancing. And I really didn't get the choice of vocals either. This was not a good performance, though I don't think it was the worst either.

Paul - I completely agree with the assessment that it was "a repeat of last week, but not as good". And the statement that he needs to find a way to "open up" is spot on.

Pia - Solid indeed. I feel like she trails the two top guys, but is the best of the girls. I do think that it was solid, but not amazing. She'll get plenty of chances to try and top the boys, and I have no doubt she's capable

Scotty - I'm going to continue to disagree with you NDN, and just say "Haters gonna hate". This was the best performance of the evening, his voice is deep, rich and professional, and his stage presence is solid, but typical for a country singer.

Stefano - I actually think this performance was an improvement. Of course, prison gruel is an improvement over horse****, but I'd rather not eat either.

Thia - Nothing's coming to mind when I think of her performance. Therefore, I'm going to write it off as "forgettable" and be done with it.

Winner: Scotty
Bottom 3: Haley, Stefano, Naima

Voted Off: Haley

[NDN]

Haley - Haley did do some truly unique things with her voice. But there is a reason why no one does them-they sound awful! I was reaching for something to poke out my ear drums with 30 seconds into the performance. It was THAT bad.

Talk about "Haters gonna hate!"

Scotty - I'm going to continue to disagree with you NDN, and just say "Haters gonna hate". This was the best performance of the evening, his voice is deep, rich and professional, and his stage presence is solid, but typical for a country singer.

I'm convinced that on some deep level there is some sort of passion or wanting that is clouding your judgment when it comes to Scotty. I'm not sure what it is, but there is definitely something there. While certainly not the worst of the night, he was a far cry from the best of the night! One thing that bothered me was when the backup singers came in, Scotty took that as a cue to sing quieter, put the microphone down by his waist, and basically give up on the song.

Winner: Scotty
Bottom 3: Haley, Stefano, Naima

Voted Off: Haley

Bottom 3: Naima, Ashton, Scotty.
You can switch those three for Paul, Jacob, and Stefano and that works for me too (based strictly on last night).

On a side not, anyone else think it's strange that Klinkman and I are enjoying debating American Idol?

[taylovesthebeatles]

I would get involved in this discussion as well, but I know you'd just be convinced we were colluding, and not actually just sharing a brain and agreeing on the merits of musical talent. One thing that should make you feel better though, is that I like Paul far more than he does.

[NDN]

I would get involved in this discussion as well, but I know you'd just be convinced we were colluding, and not actually just sharing a brain and agreeing on the merits of musical talent. One thing that should make you feel better though, is that I like Paul far more than he does.

Glad to hear you know your place!

Just kidding of course! Jump on in! I can handle the two of yas!

We need a female opinion or two (although I think we may be getting that from klinkwoman... I mean klinkman).

[PANAMHIEST]

ok im gonna give out my early vote of the winner now. I think it is gonna be jacob. I dont have a expert opinion, i just feel the music when he is on stage. It seems real and it hits you even if it isnt the best vocals. If not him, then james for the same reasons.

[NDN]

What did you feel when he sang "I Believe I Can Fly" the other night?