Top 24 initial impressions

Okay, it's time for this year's reprise of last year's American Idol Contestants I Like post. First of all, let me just lodge an official complaint that this year's photo background is blue, which is a HUGE step down from last year's gorgeous purple background. This needs to be rectified. Pronto.

Now, let's start with the guys, since they went first. And can I just say as a general complaint to approximately nine out of the twelve of them? Come on, guys, what is with the camera fucking? Seriously. SERIOUSLY. Please, stop it. And especially stop it with the accompanying "aw, shucks"/"I am outside your window with binoculars RIGHT NOW" smiles. Kthanxbai.


David Archuleta is just cute. I thought his voice sounded a little weird during the song, and I've come to the conclusion that it's because he could hardly breathe from nerves. But it was so sweet how he was all breathless afterward. I think he'll be around for awhile.


Danny Noriega is very, very androgynous, but at least his pants were tight enough to make it clear that he is actually male. He's an interesting, fun performer, but his singing wasn't nearly as good last night as it has been earlier. The only reason he's really on my list is that he didn't look directly into the camera once during his performance, and that was SUCH a refreshing change.


Jason Castro was so cute and nervous and excited during the judge reactions. And I thought he was great. And I was so impressed with the guitar and the singing and the way that he did the pacing. He made it his own, as the judges are so fond of talking about. And he's so sweet and overwhelmed, like Melinda last year except that he has more than two total facial expressions.


Michael Johns was good, but I thought his rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody during Hollywood Week was better. Still, he's cute and a good singer and very charismatic. Though I didn't like the scarf. And why, why, WHY does he have to be a camera fucker? I mean, come on. Stop STARING like that. At least there were no awkward sideways smiles like some of the other guys.

Now, the girls. Let me note that I thought there were a lot more good, interesting girls than there were guys. So I was a bit more selective with the girls than I was with the guys. Therefore, honorable mentions here go to Joanne Borgello, Alaina Whitaker, and Syesha Mercado. That said, here are my personal favourites.


One of the guys last night, I think the faux punk rock one, sang the same song as Brooke White, but hers was much, much better. I don't want to like her because I don't usually go for that innocent good-girl thing, but I just think her voice is great and interesting. And I like how relaxed she is on stage. Also, thank god she appears to be growing out those heinous bangs.


Alexandréa Lushington is totally gorgeous (though I was NOT a fan of that semi-pigtailed look she had going on last night), and her voice is just really effing great, and she has all this personality. I heart her. This was the first time this week that I completely disagreed with Simon's assessment.


Asia'h Epperson has a really cool voice. I like that sort of hoarse aspect she's got going on. I heard that in her audition and thought it was the whole overcome with emotion due to the recent death of her father thing, but apparently not. She has personality too, although I didn't like that weird dance thing she did when Simon said she was his favourite of the night.


Ramiele Malubay is just really fucking good. That's all there really is to say. Oh, and also I hate her hair.


I did not like the song choice with Carly Smithson tonight, at all. I thought it was boring and the performance wasn't that good. She clearly chose it just to showcase her voice. And her voice is great. But the song sucked. However, I just discovered that she used to be Carly Hennessey before she got married, and now I've finally figured out the story behind a song that someone put on a mix CD for me awhile back, "I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind." I used to really like that song and now I'm totally startled at the connection. I hope she comes back next week with an interesting performance and a less sack-like outfit.

What did you AI lovers out there think?