<p>I think I’ve finally realized why I always prefer the guys over the girls. The girls tend to pick the slow sappy songs!!! (not my style)</p>
<p>Kree reminds a little of Carrie Underwood when she first started - great voice, pretty, but almost homely - and no style. Look at her now. (the judges clearly have a soft spot for Kree it seems)</p>
<p>And again, after seeing the judges fully in action (giving comments/criticism) really loving this panel. Mariah doesn’t have a ton to say but seems genuine and maybe is at a disadvantage being the last to comment. Keith and Nicki rock!
Can’t wait to hear the guys tonight!</p>
<p>I wonder how they determined the group configurations without somehow knowing in advance who they are sending through. </p>
<p>I think Nicki brings so much more to the judges’ table than Mariah. Nicki is the new, more insightful version of Simon Cowell and Mariah is a slight upgrade to Paula Abdul. Keith Urban is as good as any judge they have ever had on the show-- comparable to Jimmy Iovine. Randy is Randy, but I really believe that even he has raised his game this season due to the overall quality of the judges.</p>
<p>My guess is they group the 10 knowing that certain ones are pretty sure bets and others are “not likely” bets. So that at the end of the day, you don’t feel like you are throwing out 3 people from one group who are stellar while on another day having a hard time coming up with 5 to keep.</p>
<p>Even more underwhelmed for the guys Thursday night, than the girls on Wednesday… My favorite guy was probably Elijah. Reminds me of a “Lasian” (he’s Latin and Asian) version of Justin Bieber. Curtis, whose been my top dog so far this season, was way too theatrical-- even for him. I think anyone who liked Joshua Ledet last season is really going to like Curtis Finch Jr.'s voice. One of my other favorites, Charlie, might not even have gotten through the opening audition with his performance on Thursday. A pleasant surprise was Devin.</p>
<p>Strange night overall. If you skip the first 55 minutes of the 2-hour show, you miss nothing.</p>
<p>My fav was Devin - had a few goosebumps there! Charlie was the worst I had seen him. His social awkwardness (his words) /lack of maturity may make him someone to feel awkward watching. I admit I fast forwarded through Curtis - very much NOT my cup of tea. My D15 loved Elijah ! Definitely teenybopper material.</p>
<p>So glad to see Jimmy Iovine is involved! </p>
<p>Paul Jolley has got a couple of breaks - if he doesn’t improve he will be OUT!</p>
<p>I thought nearly every boy’s choice of song was terrible. My favorite was also Devin, and I think he made the smartest song choice, although I don’t even remember what he sang. Most of the other songs didn’t “go anywhere” so didn’t show off the singer in any way. I also like Curtis.</p>
<p>I am kind of conflicted about Zoanette. She seems rather over the top, which doesn’t interest me, but she’s got a set of pipes on her that are pretty dang good. I’d love to see her just play it straight and see how it goes. She always seems to me like a talented singer and actress, who is playing a part. I don’t quite know what to think.</p>
<p>My daughter said it best. “They need to not put Zoanette in the top 10 but bring her back at the end of every show to do a song just for pure entertainment”.</p>
<p>I really thought they would put Jett in the top 10 for even more ethnic diversity. I would have preferred her a million times over Zoanette. However, the backup singers were pretty awesome on Circle of Life. She’s not without talent, but she gets annoying very quickly.</p>
<p>Janelle definitely picked the wrong song this week but I’m glad she got the nod over Rachel. I didn’t get the overly lavish praise for Aubrey, particularly from Nicki. Breanna gets my nod, if I had to pick only one. I can definitely see Zoanette on Broadway and not just in Lion King. Candice was my favorite. She reminds me of a more polished version of Jennifer Hudson.</p>
<p>Agree with all, and I was okay with Zoanette going through because she has more hidden talents I believe. The tone of her best notes is awesome and I hope with some coaching she can fix a few of the other notes. She is definitely a performer.</p>
<p>I also liked the dark haired country girl (Rachel?) that was eliminated, but her over the top praying and sacchirin sweetness may have done her in tonight. The first half of her song was great but her nerves or experience ruined a few major glory opportunities in the 2nd half of the song. Not sure what happened to Janelle’s song, but I will assume it was nerves and hope with her 2nd chance she does like we expect from her going forward.</p>
<p>I was unfortunate enough to switch over from the hockey game to AI when Zoanette was on last night. Oh my goodness, that was painful to watch, and hear. I cannot believe how the audience and judges went crazy. Are they putting this girl through for laughs? I know actors who have played the role of Rafiki in the Lion King and this girl would never make it, trust me, not in a million years. She sang the song totally off-key and she got half the words wrong! Terrible. Idol has really gone around the bend from the little I’ve seen this season.</p>
<p>I just took AI off my DVR queue. Sorry to say, I tried but there are too many other programs I want to record. Watched since the first season, but it had not grabbed our attention this year. H went into the other room while it was on, that was the final straw. Sorry AI.</p>
<p>Thank goodness Nick made it through. Whew!!! I think he’s got the goods but didn’t bring it tonight. I’m happy with the five. Really love Burnell. Soft spot for Lazaro. Cortez ill have to hear more from.</p>
<p>I didn’t hear what they said about next week, but was wondering what comes next. Are they still going to separate the girls and the guys until they get rid of some more? I thought he said the viewers get to vote next week, but I could be wrong.</p>
<p>I thought tonight’s boys were pretty weak, but I have liked some of them in the past. So glad the turban guy didn’t make it. I don’t think he sang any of the right notes tonight.</p>
<p>The only guy who I thought really had a great night was Vincent and he over-sang his song at times. Overall, I think the judges got it right tonight. The top-20 is now set and the public does get to vote next week. Not exactly sure what the overall format will be. </p>
<p>I personally like Breanna and Burnell (both from NOLA!), Candice, Curtis, and Vincent. I wouldn’t lay down a bet on any of these to win, however. That distinction may very well go to Lazaro once the voters decide the outcome.</p>
<p>I think I will Tivo/DVR the Tues. and Wed. show and watch them all on Thurs. I have things to do and place to go!</p>
<p>p.s. I have a soft spot for Lazaro, too. I hope he gains confidence so we can really see what he can do. I have several other favs as well, but sometimes the favorites can’t handle the pace of learning new songs and they quickly fall apart. We will see…</p>