Actually, to be technically accurate, the above headline should read "trying to make sense of American Idol‘s top 36." Because, really, only Paula, Kara, Simon, and Randy know for sure how and why Tatiana Del Toro and Norman Gentle are a part of the season 8 semifinals, while Jamar Rogers, Jessica Furney, and Leneshe Young are not. But let’s not dwell (entirely) on the negative…Missy Schwartz and I took our places at the cubicles to debate which contestant gives better sourface (Michael Sarver or Nathaniel Marshall), which week-one performers are most likely to crack the top 12, and which reality series would be the perfect fit for season 8′s mad(dening) cackler. Press play below, then share your own thoughts about the week in Idol in the comments section below.
I asked my 8 year old granddaughter if she was watching AI, and practically the first thing out of her mouth was “why is Norman in the final 36. He’s a joke”.
So… if an 8 year old sees how ridiculous this is, what’s up with the adults on AI?
Great episode, but I wish that Michael and Missy had tried to dig up more about the contestants that didn’t get a lot of screentime, like they commented on Ricky Braddy and Felicia Barton. Fodder will always be fodder if watchers don’t demand otherwise.
Yeah, I mostly just want Kris Allen to win.
Love the recurring bit with Tatiana “Awesome.” I was in awe of her behavior. “I thought I did awwwesome.” Twirl. Dear God, please let her go away soon!
To answer Missy’s question “Who the hell is Felicia Barton?” Felicia Barton is one hell of a singer and deserves to be in the Top 36. I’d like to see her crack the Top 12, too. She has a far better voice than Tatiania-Annoying-Laughter girl, Lil-I’m-A-Loud-Shrill-Voiced girl, Kendall-I Want To Be-Carrie Underwood II girl, Jasmine-Sweet-Thing girl, Nathaniel-Too Out There- Broadway-Musical guy. AI needs to pick the gals/guys with the unique voices: Adam, Anoop, Matt, Mishavonna, Jessie, Danny, Matt G., Taylor, Ricky & Alex…..AND FELICA BARTON!!!!
I’m cheering for Felicia Barton! Damn I’m sad I work Tuesday nights so by the time I watch, the lines are closed. I actually hate Danny Gokey more than Tatiana and Norman. Seriously, I can’t stand his droopy face or his scary ability to talk up his wife’s death for screen time without any remorse. He’s evil!
I really hope Jamar comes back next season. I loved the sound of his voice.
go Jessie go! I bet Johnny is really proud of you!
Question for Michael Slezak: You’ve seen a random youtube video of felicia barton….so do you mean to tell me you HAVENT seen any of Anoop Desai’s videos from his days with the UNC clef hangers. If you have and you are NOT excited about him, then you officially have no soul for music. If you haven’t them you need to listen to Anoop Singing “Only One for me” (Brian Mcknight), “Be without you” (Mary J Blige), “Can you stand the rain” (Boyz II men). And if after those videos you’re not “excited” about him then consider yourself lost of all credibility…
has anyone else noticed how Tatiana Del Toro is a dead ringer for Jennifer Elise Cox’s schizo take on Jan Brady for the Brady Bunch stageshow & movies of the 90′s?
I keep expecting her to say, “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha” or tell the camera about her boyfriend “George Glass”.
My boss’s name is Anoop, so you can not believe how excited my friend’s and I are that there’s an Anoop on American Idol. Anoop Desai is awesome, but I mainly want everyone to love him so we can keep hearing that name “ANNNNOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPP!!!”
Tatiana is a better singer than her detractors will admit. I am hopeful that less time will devoted to the screaming, crying and theatrics and her ability will shine through.
I kind of hate that the show is stacking the deck by selecting each group of 12. What if I want five in Group A, one in Group B and four in Group C? Okay, that’s one more than nine–but there are better ways to select who we want in the final 12. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to watch this show until they select their 12, otherwise you feel so powerless… (I know, over the top reaction but, hey, it’s AI.)
Am I the only one confused how we are going to get a Top 12 if only the top 3 of the 3 groups advance? (3×3=9)
to Gretchen:
Group A performs, top male, top female, and the next top vote getter (either gender) advance to top 12
Group B – repeat process
Group C – repeat process
3X3 = 9 semifinalists, plus 3 judges wildcards = 12.
Loved that recap. Great job.
Danny FTW!