Just a Quick Minute to Talk About American Idol...

I am watching American Idol this season - its 8th season. You might be surprised to know that I have never watched American Idol before. Yes, its true. Never.

So I'm kind of new to the frustrations that come with it. I'm taking some time to discuss it here on my trusty blog. I'm venting. (I'm having a hissy fit, actually) And I have to wonder, is this the way American Idol always is?????

AUDITIONS:
I started watching during the auditions, and I really enjoyed that. Its so tear jerking to see the family waiting to see if their loved one "made it". They'd cry, I'd cry...it was heartwarming.


HOLLYWOOD WEEK:
Next came Hollywood Week. This was when I decided that Danny Gokey was the one I would be rooting for! That "Seal" song he sang...it had me at hello.

After Hollywood Week, the judges cut the list down to 36 contestants - and began to show 12 at a time. Out of each 12, three were chosen to be in the finals.

(Again, being a newbie, I'm wondering if this is the way its usually done...)


GROUP ONE:
For Group One, I was pretty satisfied. I thought Alexis Grace was excellent. And of course, Danny Gokey made it in. (If he didn't, I might have given up right then and there). Michael Sarver...eh...I could take him or leave him. But all in all, I was satisfied with the choices.

GROUP TWO:
In Group Two, I was happy to see Alison Iraheta make it - her rendition of "Alone" was spectacular! I thought Adam Lambert's "Satisfaction" was strange, but kind of intriguing, and the more he sang, the more I liked it. A very daring performance. I was glad he made it in because now I"m curious to hear more. Kris Allen made it in, but I have to say, I was kind of surprised. He's a good singer, but his performance of "Man in the Mirror" was just "OK". I thought Mishavonna Hensen's "Drops of Jupiter" was beautiful - I really think she should have had that spot.

GROUP THREE:
This is when it all started to go wrong.

The picks from Group Three are Jorge Nunez, Scott MacIntyre, and Lil Rounds.

No question about it, Lil Rounds deserves to be there. She was great. But here's the thing, I just don't love Jorge Nunez or Scott Macintyre. I'm sure they are very nice people, but I just don't
think their performances were worthy of those spots. Jorge is too screamy. Scott is kinda bland and I think his singing is very stiff.

But beyond that, what's really eating at me is that I just cannot believe for a moment that Ju'Not Joyner didn't make it in! (Who the heck is voting, anyway??) His performance was flawless and he got glowing feedback from the judges. His soulful rendition of "Hey There Delilah" was breathtaking! He is waaaaaaaaaaay better than Scott or Jorge. As a matter of fact, a few people were. Here's the LIST of additional contestants that were better than Jorge and Scott that night:

1. Kristin McNamara - she has a great voice, but for some reason, they just don't like her and really enjoy picking on her. I feel that their summation of her probably swayed the voters to dislike her.
2. Von Smith - He's kind of "hit and miss" with his performances, but this night, he was great.
3. Kendall Beard - She did a Martina McBride song, and she is a very good pop country singer.

But mostly, I am just stunned Ju'Not didn't make it.

STUNNED, I tell you!!!


WILD CARD PICKS:
At this point, the judges chose a few contestants to come back for a second chance. Great, I think to myself, Ju'Not will get another chance.

But...

WHAT THE...?

HE WASN'T EVEN IN THE JUDGES' WILD CARD PICKS! Now I'm thoroughly confused!

...It's just a show... its just a show...It's just a show...

AND..not only do they NOT bring back Ju'Not, but they actually DO bring back the ever-shrieking-constantly-chatting-overly-dramatic Tatiana! She CAN sing, but its overshadowed by her personality. (Actually, she'll probably get a reality show).

WILD CARD SHOW:
I was OK with the four that were chosen at the end of the Wild Card Show. No complaints, really. I'm just glad that Tatiana didn't make it. Although, considering how emotional and devastated she was when she was eliminated the first time, it seems cruel to bring her back only to eliminate her again. She is annoying, but there's not need to be cruel. What makes it worse is that more than likely she was only brought back for the sake of drama.

WHERE WE ARE NOW:
So here are the "Final 13":
(* = my top choices)

Alexis Grace*
Danny Gokey**
Michael Sarver
Adam Lambert
Allison Iraheta**
Kris Allen
Lil Rounds*
Scott MacIntyre
Jorge Nunez
Megan Joy Corkrey
Jasmine Murray
Matt Giraud
Anoop Desai

Let's see if I can take one season of American Idol.

***

I'll leave you with JuNot singing: