Are you ready for the massacre?I know, not exactly the question one expects to ask during a singing competition that involves a fair amount of teenagers.But are you ready?
It's-Not-Quite-Live-Yet 'American Idol'
After a horribly misleading initiating segment that suggested the live performances began tonight, common sense reasserted itself and established the fact that we have to wait for next week.Until then, at least this week they will manage to finally whittle down the performers to a tenable number.
Ultimately Penultimate
They start off with Jen Hirsch, so obviously they wanted to start things off on a safe note, as I doubt anyone really considered the possibility that she'd get booted at this stage. No, that'll be reserved for the superficial audience of America who gets rid of her because she's not a size 0.
Although I'm not particularly crazy for whatever it is that Creighton does, I felt it was another safe choice for them to begin with him, and doubted as well that anyone was surprised he makes it.Lauren Gray did not benefit from the juxtaposition with Jen Hirsch. It became fairly apparent to me that she's nowhere near as good. And the judges saw it too. She does not make it.
Another person, a guy this time, who didn't make it was Neco Star, to whom J-Lo says, apparently without catching the irony, "We still think you're a star."
Heejun Vs. Cowboy Dork
"At a certain point, there is no compromise between good and bad." --Richie, aka Cowboy Dork.I could not have said it better myself. Of course, he's clueless as to who truly is the "bad" in this scenario. And the judges utterly stun me by finally agreeing! This will sound horrible, but the judges booting this second-rate Scotty McCreery from the show was the highlight of the episode for me.
Actually the true highlight was Heejun "Cool Enough to be Played In by a Shins Song" Han making it. I just hope the rest of America realizes he's by far the most entertaining reason to watch this show, and vote for him in droves.He gets played out to a groan-inducing round of "Hey Jude." Get it? Heejun sounds like Hey Jude! OMGLOLROFLKTHXBYE
Some of the Rest
It would have been an act of madness for the judges to get rid of Joshua Ledet at this point, and of course he makes it through, despite Randy's rhetoric to convince us otherwise. Nice try, Randy. You're not an actor.
Jangly Haley Johnson makes it. Her voice isn't bad, but that's not what will send her far in this competition. Speaking of cute blondes, Elise Testone also makes it. I like her better than Haley; she has a beautiful, classic voice that will be what takes her further into this competition.
Country Girls
Chelsea Sorrell and Baylie Brown both go through. Both solid voices, but I'm kind of hoping that's all the country we're going to get.I would have been surprised to see Erika Van Pelt go, even after her weak performance.The time that squeaky Jessica Sanchez received onscreen guaranteed she'd make it. At the tender age of 16, and arguably among the weaker of the voices, it looks like she will be eaten alive.
Phil Phillips, arguably a truly unique voice on the show, is also going on. It'll be interesting to see how you folks out there handle him. Or mishandle.
Colton Dixon won't be joining his sister just yet. He now has got his chance to be voted on. Brielle Von Hugel, despite being accompanied by her mother, who is an awful, annoying person, will get her shot, too.
Please cut Reed, please cut Reed, please cut ... NOOOOOOO!!!!
And Those Who Didn't Make It
A bunch of people who I honestly don't remember got cut, so it was difficult to be too surprised when the show itself already revealed its preferential hand. The tribulations of editing.
So I'll limit my commentary to a single fallen hero: Caleb Johnson, the Meatloaf of his generation. He had the wrong type of show stopper, cutting off his own performance and asking for a redo. Fare thee well, Meatloaf.
To Be Continued
There are 10 spots left, including Adam Brock, our cliffhanger for the evening.Just remember Adam's THREE very important words: "I have to sing."
Recommendations
The X Factor: www.thexfactorusa.com/
The Voice: www.nbc.com/the-voice/
Glee: www.fox.com/glee/
