Phil Stacey's Idol Thoughts

Coming into tonight, there were only a few contestants I really remembered from the audition and Hollywood Rounds. And of course, I was anxious to see what Norman Gentle would do. I expected Matt Giraud to do very well and thought Adam Lambert would pull something out. There seems to be some tight competition amongst the guys this year. On the other hand, I was still waiting for a girl to come out and really shock us with something brilliant.

At the end of the day, I’m a little disappointed as an Idol fan. I know it is against the rules for anyone from the show to help with song selection, but tonight I wish they had. The song choices were terrible for the most part. It’s sad really because I know there is some real talent in this group.

My first comment is about Norman Gentle. Yes, he is entertaining. But his performance of “And I Am Telling You” was more interesting the first AND second time we saw it. Can he not do “Norman Gentle” on another song?

My second is about Adam Lambert. This dude has a sick range. However, it still seems a bit theatrical to me. But he’s good. He was one of the only redeeming factors about tonight’s show.

Predictions for tonight are difficult for me because it was not a very good night for anyone. My guesses would be Adam Lambert, Mishavonna Henson and Allison Iraheta. The field is wide open for some surprises. Nick Mitchell could offer an upset and I would actually like to see more from Matt Giraud.

What do you think? I’d like to hear your thoughts on tonight’s show.

Overall, I am extremely impressed with this group of talent. There are several exceptional performers in the group. However, is there star quality in any of them? I’d like to hear your input.

I still get nervous every time I hear the American Idol theme song. I have nothing but respect for any of these contestants. It takes a lot to stand on that stage and they all did this former finalist proud.

I did feel bad for a couple contestants. Stevie Wright and Casey Carlson in particular. I have been there and it does not feel good because you know you didn’t do well and you get to have three judges remind you of it in front of millions of people.

The standouts tonight BY FAR were Danny Gokey, Anoop Desai, Ricky Braddy, Alexis Grace – and believe it or not – Tatiana Del Toro.

I have not been a Tatiana fan. However, this past week I was at the American Idol Experience, a new attraction at Disney World. I ran into some of the production team and they told me to watch out for her. They said she was going to surprise some people when she started singing in the live shows. I believe Tatiana may very well become a finalist. I hate to say it, but I think it’s true.

Shoo-in: Danny Gokey

Disappointments: Michael Sarver and Stephen Fowler. They are both capable of so much more than they gave tonight.

Remember: Only three of the contestants that performed tonight will move on to the finals. This season is turning out to be an incredibly interesting one.

Do you have any predictions?

I can almost feel the fingers across America stretching for the voting marathon. The first 10 minutes of the show has already given the die-hard fans many reasons to debate online on who they believe is the best so far.

Adam Lambert started the day off singing “Believe” by Cher. No – that was not a typo … and yes – he did actually pull it off. Although he was my favorite from his original audition city, he has fallen off my radar. His over-the-top emotional singing isn’t really my style but at least he is making the songs work for him. Also, he will have the pseudo-angst teen vote behind him – if any of them are watching.

Next Matt Giraud played a killer “Georgia On My Mind” on the piano. I really liked it. From his first audition, he has reminded me a bit of Chris Richardson.

Jamar Rogers put his own twist on the Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah” while his friend and one of my favorites, Danny Gokey, did an amazing rendition of “I Hope You Dance.” America is going to enjoy the storyline of these two friends making it farther into the season together. I’m sure the producers think it would make great TV also. But be forewarned … if they both make it through, they will be in the bottom two at some point during the season together. But I have a suspicion that one of them may get cut tomorrow … We shall see.

During the evening there were many who chose to sing AI alum songs. This is my wife’s biggest pet peeve. The comparison with past Idols can never be good. It must not bother the judges too much because most made it through to the top 60.

Scott Macintyre, the blind piano “genius” has finally made it back in front of the camera. He sang Chris Daughtry’s “Home.” I was expecting better from him but, since he did make it through, hopefully we will see some more footage to redeem tonight’s clip.

Kendall Beard and Alex Grace sang Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.” Kristen McNamara did a version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You” and Jasmine Murray sang Jordin Spark’s “Tattoo.” All of them made it through. None of them were as good.

A couple of people really have no business being in Hollywood let alone making it to the Top 60 …

Tatiana Del Toro … really?

Norman Gentle/Nick Mitchell sang a tongue-in-cheek version of “Georgia On My Mind” as Norman. I wonder if Simon is agreeing to keep him around to the point that he will get too far to ever audition again.

Nathaniel Marshall’s offstage antics have gotten way more attention then his music and I don’t think he can recover from that. If the producers are really going make all the Idols live together, maybe they will keep him around for the drama.

Hollywood week is brutal and pressure-filled. Making contestants memorize new lyrics is one way to weed out those who will not be able to handle the live performances. Or at least it used to be …

Joanna Pacitti, the former major label signee, forgot ALL her words. Casey Carlson forgot Jordin Spark’s “Tattoo.” Stephen Fowler forgot his lyrics twice on a song he said “isn’t hard to memorize,” during footage from the night before his performance. But the judges didn’t mind and they all made it through.

Actually most people we saw tonight did make it through, including Lil Rounds (no shock there) and Michael Sarver, the Texas oil rigger. 60 of the 80 kept the dream alive … for one more day.

However, Leneshe Young, the ex-homeless teenager, Michael Castro (Jason’s brother) and rapper India Morrison did not make it to the “chair” round.

Tomorrow we will know who America will actually get to vote for!

Until then, be safe.

Hollywood “week” has finally arrived. This is one of my favorite phases during the American Idol season because we have weeded out the “bad” auditions and know the real talent is left fighting it out for the select spots. I think these episodes give us the most “reality” during the entire season.

The producers are shaking things up a bit, starting Idol boot camp on day one. The contestants are getting styled, vocal coached and Barry Manilow!

First up, “Lil Rounds,” an early audition favorite sang “I Will Always Love You ” and she sailed through. America will be calling in votes for her in a couple of weeks.

Nerves play a big part of Hollywood week and this year is no exception. Hollywood is the first time the contestants come in contact with their competition. If they haven’t realized it yet – sitting in your first meeting, everyone around you is talented and wants a spot on the show yet very few will actually get to become Idols. It is very unnerving to really comprehend your odds. I never had this problem in the early rounds because I never expected to keep going through. I never unpacked my bags the whole week! I took each day as a blessing from God and tried to have fun, making as many friends as possible.

The producers make light of everyone becoming friends, but it is true. Chris Sligh was my roommate during this week and I now consider him like a brother. I actually became pretty good friends with many of my season’s top contenders during this short period. I actually had a nice steak dinner with Sanjaya and his family at some point during the week. My wife had to point out after I got home that eating a medium rare hunk of beef probably wasn’t the most sensitive thing to do in front of someone with a Hindu father.

Enough about my season…

Speaking of nerves, Nathaniel Marshall and Rose Flack were great examples of nerves grabbing ahold of a person. Nathaniel has a nice voice but at the first hint of criticism allowed his emotions to take over. I didn’t quite understand his “it is on my skin and bursts out” comment. Rose is the resident hippie and may have a hard time conforming to the machine that is American Idol. If you have trouble performing under strained timelines and pressure – Idol is torture. But Nathaniel and Rose are getting another chance and make it through.

The judges think Nick Mitchell aka “Norman Gentle” actually has some skill and put him through one more round. I think he is well on his way to a red carpet gig – I can already hear Jay Leno or Jimmy Kimmel calling.

I feel like Danny Gokey was the real standout of tonight’s show. Watch out for him. I feel like we really got to see him shine during his song “Kiss From a Rose.” He is able to translate his emotions into music very well and I am big fan.

Also, Jackie Tohn, Jeremy Michael Sarver, Stephen Fowler and Jasmine Murray were some other great talents that should do well!

104 contestants are left after the first rounds of Hollywood week. Tomorrow we get to see the groups perform – the height of craziness during Hollywood week. Don’t forget to go get your Melinda Doolittle CD! It came out today.