AI: The top 8 guys in fragments (in less than 600 words)

So I was tired last night. I didn’t feel like reviewing American Idol as I watched. So I thought I’d just give you my thoughts in sentence fragments. It’s very stream of conscious and might not make much sense, but these are the impressions (first and otherwise) I had while watching last night’s performances. Love it or hate it, it’s what you’re getting today!

Lee Dewyze “Fireflies” (Owl City) • Not perfect • Rocking • I love his gravelly voice. • He reminds me of Liz’s boyfriend • Gritty • Enjoyable and different Judges: all agree there wasn’t a wow moment, but it was a solid performance

Alex Lambert “Trouble” (Ray LaMontagne) • Mullet • Surprisingly good vocals • performance wasn’t completely wooden or devoid of emotion • Tiny bit boring • Very low-key and restrained Judges: like song choice and that he’s working and improving, still not a wow moment

Tim Urban “Hallelujah” (written by Leonard Cohen, performance based on Jeff Buckley’s version) • Jeff Buckley’s performance of this song makes me cry. I love it. This kid better not mess this up or I will hurt him. • a little pitchy, lack of control on lower register • better than I thought • He doesn’t get this song. • Stop over-enunciating the “jah” in the word Hallelujah. It’s not the most important syllable. • End is nice, but it ain’t no Jeff Buckley Judges: R: pretty good; E: hugs him and calls it fantastic; K: he’s kind of back in the competition; S: smart song choice

Andrew Garcia “Genie in a Bottle” (Christina Aguilera) • Fun • Confident • He’s relaxed • Nice tone • Boring, though • Not many chances to show off his voice • Nice, but no wow Judges: R: song had no range, didn’t quite work; E: too little wow; K: disappointing; S: a little desperate

Casey James “You’ll Think of Me” (Keith Urban) • hate the ponytail • this song is too slow • performance feels a little emotionless, at least at the beginning • tiny bit depressing Judges: R: safe choice; E: great!; K: better than last week, but no spark; S: sincere

Aaron Kelly “I’m Already There” (Lonestar) • Beginning is warbly and off-key • song is too mature • questioning song choice • chorus is good • Kid can sing and actually performed and had stage presence • pitch problems Judges: R: lower notes need work; E: tough song; K: song not relevant to his life; S: right type of song, but not a great vocal.

Todrick Hall “Somebody to Love” (Queen) • squealing I could do without • better than expected • Bad pants • Dude can perform • very theatrical • tough song, pretty good job Judges: R: good vocal; E: brave choice, made it a gospel song; K: good singing; S: good in parts, Todrick is more of a Broadway singer than a music star

Michael Lynche “This Woman’s Work” • good control on falsetto • Rueben Studdard only better • What’s this song about? • can’t understand the lyrics sometimes • stage presence! • Big note! • Hate the falsetto ending Judges: R: Dope!; E: Beautiful; K: (crying) amazing; S: Best performance of live shows so far

Bottom line: The guys brough it last night and were 400 times more exciting than the girls.

Best: Michael Lynche (I’d also say Lee and Alex were toward the top. Middle is Casey, Tim, Todrick)

Going Home: Andrew Garcia and ? (I really have no clue. I think it should be Tim Urban, but doubt it will be. Probably Todrick.)