American Idol - Twelve Lads a Singing

American Idol - Twelve Lads a Singing

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American Idol - Twelve Lads a Singing 2/21/07

American Idol February 20, 2007 - “Twelve Lads a Singing….”

by Marcus

Tens of thousands tried out. Yet just over a hundred won gold tickets to the land

of golden hopes, sweet dreams, and the nasty harsh realities that you may never ever get what you so desperately want. We now commence the countdown for the remaining 24 contestants and the dozen men are first on the chopping block. Sharpen the ax and let the chips fly. Here is my recap just for you!

First up was Rudy Cardenas. A professional musician with dreams of making it big, his singing was okay but it was nothing really special. His occasional whoops added some spice to an otherwise ordinary performance. Rudy, you cannot be anything but exceptional to become American Idol. But here is a suggestion for Tayler Hicks---steal some of Rudy’s moves.

Desiring to become a lead vocalist, background singer Brandon Rogers has a velvety gentle voice that kind of tastes like chilled semi-sweet Napa Valley Chardonnay. A cool and crisp taste that wants us to pour a second glass.

The big fella, Sundance Head, knocked us over with his audition. But tonight he was flat. No, not flat like a tortilla but as if someone had shaved his vocal cords with rough sandpaper taking off that special sound that we liked during his tryouts. And he kind of just stood there, lips locked to the microphone with no sense of command and no sense of presence. He may be in trouble. And that troubles me because I think he has talent, but tonight his talent was dulled.

Barefoot is his trademark, Paul Kim has a unique way with his singing that places him apart from the others. He is confident and attuned to himself. But, and this is a big but, his failed falsetto attempt will be long remembered and hopefully he will never attempt it again.

Why Chris Richardson made the finals is beyond me. Okay, he is kind of cute and maybe a little dangerous looking, but his weak voice coupled with a slight nasal twang is so obvious. He does, however, excite the audience and he definitely enjoyed himself. But would you pay money to hear him sing? Not yet.

The quitter, Nick Pedro, is back in Hollywood for his second try. He really needed to nail the song like a master carpenter, but instead he swung and missed. At best he only sounded “pretty.” It was not memorable and his range is limited. I don’t think he will be back.

Rocking and boxing Blake Lewis is different from the others and is not afraid to show us. Although he had some problems with enunciation and missed a high note or two, the audience and the judges loved him. Whether or not he has staying power and can continue to surprise us, well that will come in time over the next several weeks. Because Blake will be in the final six men. Period.

This season’s youngest singer, Sanjaya Malakar, earned his GED and now wants to be earning his living as a performer. Maybe it is the Hollywood bottled water or the organic sprouts, but his singing is weak weak weak. And many of tonight male’s singers were weak. Where is the power? And his singing was so dull that I can’t remember what he did sing. Or better said, I can’t remember what he tried to sing. Start packing, Sanjaya.

Chris Sligh is a hefty guy with a lot of drive. Tonight he was on fire and his flames fanned the audience. He was hot and we loved him. Suggestion—shed those glasses and keep on entertaining. He is a definitely a contender for the American Idol crown.

Tough New Yorker Jared Cotter swallowed a few words and seemed overly nervous. But when he “hit it” he was great. But is he sharp enough to make the cut? I think it will be a close vote for Jared.

AJ Talbaldo doesn’t know the word “quit.” He has tried out for five seasons and tonight he performed…..well, he performed well. Nothing was wrong and nothing was strange. But it wasn’t great. It wasn’t something that we will be talking about in the morning but he does have an engaging smile and explosive energy. Let’s hope that next time he gives us something to remember.

Phil Stacey sang for his new born daughter while his wife’s smile radiated her love and pride in her man. Their intense love made my heart melt. And this sailor can sing! Finally, we have a singer that grabbed our attention. And remember that lack of power that had been nearly constant all night? Well no more because weakness was dropped kicked off the stage like a bad dog. Phil is a singer. And he is what makes American Idol so exciting.

That’s my recap for you. And tomorrow we will hear the lasses.