<p>Shiloh77, I think you’re referring to Casey Thrasher who didn’t make it into Wednesday’s top-10 men. Dexter and C.J. both made it, however. I thought the guys were only slightly better than the girls. Poor song choices, pitch problems galore. Heck, Emanuel Zidor was so off-key it was painful to listen to him. JLo praised his performance anyway!? He has no business being in the top-10. I think Alex Preston is the sleeper, love his unique style, and think he will go far. He’s definitely my favorite. I also like Caleb Johnson, but didn’t like his song choice to open the show. Also hoping Sam sticks around-- huge upside to the kid. </p>
<p>While his type of music is not my cup of tea, I was SHOCKED that Casey did not make it to perform. I really thought he was heads above the other country guys in talent and likeability. </p>
<p>I am convinced that the producers must influence some of the judges choices for entertainment purposes. Emmanuel - seriously? Over some of the others??? </p>
<p>I also agree:
- Sam is a frontrunner - deservably at this point.
- Alex is a sleeper - an alternative musician with a likeability factor that may increase.
- WAY too many country (or country influenced) singers for my taste!</p>
<p>If I’m making a guess as to 5 girls and 5 guys for the top spots (though there will be 13 when the judges wildcards are added in), here’s my list:</p>
<p>Girls:
Majesty
MK
Jena
Jessica
Malaya (TOTALLY AGAINST THIS ONE!!!)</p>
<p>Guys:
Caleb
CJ
Sam
Alex
Spencer
Ben</p>
<p>Care to throw in a guess???</p>
<p>Thanks jshain. That is who I was thinking of. I only saw the first 20 minutes of the show. I too like Caleb. </p>
<p>Really happy Sam was voted in. They cut to his dad and grandpa in the audience this time. Roy is an effusive, positive guy to begin with. He’s over the moon now. </p>
<p>I thought all the guys were just fine–some version of someone I heard before, over and over. Except Alex. He’s an extraordinary musician with a great voice, and a style I’d listen to all day long. Loved him!</p>
<p>^One of the mentors asked Alex how many instruments he played. I believe he answered “11”…</p>
<p>Wow, that was a little intense - Ryan had to work HARD tonight!!</p>
<p>So happy for Majesty, MK, Gina (she deserved a spot after her piano performance), Sam, Alex. Caleb too.
While I like CJ as a person, I found it very awkward that his performance was highly criticized, yet they let him through - that bothers me quite a bit. I kind of feel he has been riding on his story for too long.</p>
<p>I think Kristen is adorable and appreciate that she is not all boisterous on stage - not sure how well she will last but think its great she got a spot. If she loses her nervousness she may really shine. </p>
<p>Spencer had a bad song to sing tonight - too bad they were tied to their Hollywood song.</p>
<p>So is it confirmed that all 13 will tour? Or if there even will be a tour?? That was awkward when someone shouted it out!!</p>
<p>I’m surprised Spencer wasn’t put through. Singers who are on the bubble but who look like him nevertheless tend to have lots of fans that get them farther than others less visually appealing. He really could be a model for Abercrombie and Fitch or one of those types of products.</p>
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<p>I agree. Ryan is a total pro. I’ve never seen anyone so incredibly comfortable onstage as he is. </p>
<p>I am also surprised about Spencer, but his vocals weren’t really enough the last two nights. Still I thought they would pick him over the nurse. Overall, pretty pleased with the top 13. Sam is really good, and Alex is very strong. I’m not saying the other guys aren’t attractive, but it’s too bad they can’t have their talent and Spencer’s looks. That boy is beautiful!</p>
<p>Yep, if Alex had Spencer’s looks, it would be a done deal for him. Then again, there are plenty of male headiners that aren’t particularly attractive.</p>
<p>Best thing about Ryan Seacrest: when he was hosting New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and Dick Clark was in a studio near Times Square, rather than do a cut shot conversation, Seacrest ran all the way to the studio and talked to Clark live, while sweating and out of breath. Nice bit of respect.</p>
<p>For me, Majesty and Jessica are the top ladies and Caleb, Alex, and Sam are the top guys. Didn’t like any of the country boys tonight but hope Ben sticks around as he’s the best remaining male country singer. Randy Jackson isn’t in the same league as jimmy Iovine and, if Jimmy doesn’t make an appearance, will be sorely missed.</p>
<p>After watching The Voice earlier this week it was really painful listening to this bunch. I know a lot of The Voice competitors are more mature and are often experienced professionals, but even the 16 year olds would have blown most of these Idol contestants off the stage. I’m going to withhold judgment until I see a few more performances, but I think it’s pretty clear at this point who’s mere fodder. What I remember most from tonight isn’t the singing, but Randy babbling incoherently in the corner of the screen (how can we miss you Randy, if you don’t leave?) and Harry earnestly telling one contestant that he should really, really, try to sing on key–can’t argue with that!</p>
<p>Agree. I prefer The Voice and found the contestants on AI uninspiring and frequently off key.</p>
<p>Though it’s hard to, I think you have to avoid comparing the shows - can’t help the way the different producers recruit contestants. </p>
<p>That said, FULLY agree on Randy vs. Jimmy - BRING BACK JIMMY! Randy said nothing meaningful. It’s just plain awkward having him there.</p>
<p>My favs last night included Majesty and Alex. Sam did well,but it was a little slow and bland - I hope that he can do some performances without the guitar - otherwise worried each one will seem like the last performance. </p>
<p>My thought is that some of the country singers are going to cancel each other out soon. Sure are a lot of country based singers - and have to admit, I FF through some of them. Just not my taste. </p>
<p>I thought much of the singing was really bad. Off-pitch, mostly flat. And a lot of near yelling as though the goal is to a performance that’s all shouting. The performers got better as the night wore on. </p>
<p>The criticism of Sam was dead-on: he sings on pitch but needs to perform more, to take charge of the material more. The cut to family in the audience was his mom Mary and her husband. </p>
<p>My Facebook newsfeed is, I have to say, inundated with AI posts from AI and relatives. </p>
<p>I think it’s got to be a very exciting time for your family Lergnom! No matter how far he goes - and I think he will go far - he is getting a great opportunity to make music a greater part of his life if that is what he wishes! </p>
<p>I’m just curious - is Sam due to graduate this year??? His bio had mentioned he was accepted to Berkley College of Music - for voice??</p>
<p>Thats cool about Sam, lergnom!</p>
<p>It’s Berklee, which is in Boston. Which is good because his dad lives here. </p>
<p>He was originally accepted into a summer program for high school students and that led to the AI audition. I think Berklee and I assume other music schools can put up people for auditions. He’s been going to school in Bradenton where his grandparents live. </p>
<p>It’s exciting but it becomes a ton of Facebook posts because every relative posts the same stuff so their friends and other family can see. Kind of funny but weird.</p>
<p>Was surprised and NERVOUS to see MK in the bottom three. Was fine with Kristen leaving - wish shed take Malaya with her - she drives me crazy!!!</p>
<p>Jennifer seems to be genuinely upset when a contestant is voted off. I think these judges get more involved and attached to the contestants than the old Simon-Paula-Randy days.</p>
<p>And this new idea of bringing in an "undiscovered " singer??? Are they not worry that these singers will out sing the Idol contestants?!! Had to chuckle at that!!! </p>