American Idol Season 9 Review #2: [Top 24] Top 12 Boys

Ok, here we go again. After lackluster night the girls gave us, I really was expecting the boys to bring it. But, no…..all the same. American Idol is getting so depressing to watch. :( Here are my individual performance critiques and ratings:

Todrick Hall (Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone) What was that?!?! I mean, I love this song by Kelly, but did not recognize the song during this performance. He’s got a great voice, and I was expecting a lot from him, but he just ruined that song for me. :( For me, it was waste of talent. Bad. Rating: 4.5/10

Aaron Kelly (Rascal Flatts – Here Comes Goodbye) I’m a country music geek and I do love Rascal Flatts. I think that Aaron did quite a good rendition of the song. However, there were some shaky parts in the performance, probably driven by nerves. He needs to be more confident and work on his stage presence. He’s got a crazy voice for a 16 year old. A lot of potential. Rating: 8/10

Jermaine Sellers (Oleta Adams – Get Here) I was an early fan when he sang “What If God was One of Us” during his audition. Personally, I think he went downhill from then. He has the tendency to over sing and screech over simple, yet beautiful melodies. Less is more… I really thought that he was going to be one of the main contenders for the Idol crown. Disappointed. What a way to start off the show. :( Rating: 5/10

Tim Urban (OneRepublic – Apologize) It’s really getting depressing. You have mediocre performance after another, and then an ultra mediocre like this happens…. :( The song did not fit his voice. The song overpowered his voice. There were a lot of better singers during the Hollywood rounds. I somehow agree with Simon. Maybe he really isn’t right for the top 24. I fear, however, that he’s going to be staying merely because of the fan girl vote. Rating 3.5/10

Joe Munoz (Jason Mraz – You and I Both) Finally, a performance that’s bearable! He’s been under the radar during the earlier rounds. We didn’t really get to hear him that much before this performance. (Another victim of the lack of TV exposure)…I gotta say, he’s got a really nice voice and I think the song was an ok choice. I do disagree with Simon on the star quality comment. I think Joe performed well. He had stage presence. He’s another one with a lot of potential. He may be in danger though. I’m not sure if he’ll be able to get enough votes. He wasn’t a well-established contestant on the show because of the lack of airtime. A breath of fresh air after loads of mediocrity. Rating: 8.5/10

Tyler Grady (American Woman) I used to like Tyler, but now not so much. He doesn’t do anything to me. Contrary to what Simon said, I don’t think I’ll remember this performance at all. Most of the song was just “American woman….American woman…..American woman.” I think he should just leave and stay in his 70s world. Rating: 4/10

Lee Dewyze (Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars) Now, I love this song! He was ok, not great. I don’t get the Simon praise at all. Considering the poorness of the performances in general, he was relatively good. I think he’s a second rate David Cook or somethin’ like that… Rating: 6.7/10

John Park (God Bless the Child) This song is special to me. Katharine McPhee sang this during her audition back in season 5, and nailed it. Unfortunately, John Park’s rendition does not compare. He does his runs well though. He has a good voice, but picked the wrong song. A meh performance.. Rating: 6/10

Michael Lynche (Maroon 5 – This Love) I personally don’t like him that much. I think he was overexposed, with his back-story and everything. Nevertheless, he wasn’t bad. He had one of the more tolerable performances in general. Not great, not bad, just a so so performance. Rating: 7.3/10

Alex Lambert (James Morrison-Wonderful World) One word: NERVES!... This kid has got to loosen up. He has a unique tone to his voice and does sound quite like James Morrison himself! Personally, I hope he stays. He’s likeable and humble. He’s got the chops to make it, but needs to work on his stage presence. He was like a scared cat on the stage. lol. I think he’ll learn to grow on the stage though. Rating: 6.5/10

Casey James (Bryan Adams – Heaven) Clearly the BEST of the night for me! He knows who he is as an artist. He knows what to do with his voice. I think he’s Top 12 material, unless he messes up in the next 2 weeks! Rating: 9.5/10

Andrew Garcia (Fall Out Boy – Sugar We’re Going Down) I was expecting a lot from him. He got the pimp spot, and had the chance to wow us all. The performance was quite bland to be honest, but great if compared with the others of the night. Anyhow, I don’t think he’s going anywhere. He’s got a solid fan base that will keep him in for a while. Rating: 9/10

Here’s my ranking of the top 12 boys based on the individual ratings:

1. Casey James

2. Andrew Garcia

3. Joe Munoz (eliminated)

4. Aaron Kelly

5. Michael Lynche

6. Lee Dewyze

7. Alex Lambert

8. John Park

9. Jermaine Sellers

10. Todrick Hall

11. Tyler Grady (eliminated)

12. Tim Urban

Based on my ratings, Tyler and Tim are out. However, in reality I think those in danger are: John Park, Joe Munoz, Jermaine and Todrick (Not based on the performance, but basing on my perception of their fan bases).