American Idol: My Top 12

I'm mostly ok with the top 12, but last night was a teensy bit sad for me.

First, I hated to see Asia'h go home because I just feel so much for what she's been through these last few months. She lost her father just days before her audition... and I liken that to own experience of getting licensed shortly after my Dad passed away. Song selection or performance aside, I was staunchly in her corner. She's got terrific talent.

And second, I hated to see Danny (Danjaya) Noriega cut. I agree, his performances paled in comparison to the others... but I will miss the head roll and learning new lingo. I will forever remember him for his spirit, and for teaching me the terms... "TMTH" and my personal favorite... "ISH". I'll miss him.

So... here's my personal ranking of the top 12. Play along and let's see if I have my finger on the pulse of America. (That would be a first!).

1. David Archuleta (Imagine... the kid is only 17!)
2. David Cook (he's really tied for first place with me, dawg... this guy is awesome).
3. Jason Castro (rockin' Rockwall, Texas!)
4. David Hernandez (ffn images aside, this guy is a performer!)
5. Syesha Mercado (love the spirit, the personality and how she rolled with the punches)
6. Brooke White (reminds me of someone I know, genuine and true)
7. Michael Johns (great performer, but I think... too much like he's imitating someone else)
8. Amanda Overmyer (I think she's sincere and would make a great friend, but is maybe too stylized)
9. Ramiele Mulabay (She's got a voice bigger than her body, but I'm not crazy about her performance)
10. Chikezie Ezy (I really, really like him. And I like the way he supported Danny last night. I just think his soul is too old for this particular competition. He's got great pipes though... Dawg)
11. Kristy Lee Cook (She should never have sold the horse. One, I'm traumatized by that story, and two... Simon is right. Her performances are forgettable.)
12. Carly Smithson (I'll admit it. I'm shallow. If I was blind and/or blind folded, she might rank higher, but I can't get past the tats and greasy hair. HDTV sucks sometimes).

I had some difficulty with placement in the lower eight. I'm still not sure if I got that right.

American Idol Tour: Houston

Having extracted every minute of entertainment value out of the 70's, 80's and a bit of the 90's, I find myself disinterested (and I admit it... tired!) at the thought of attending concerts (of any kind, including reunion tours!).

Caught up in the social interactions of weekly Idol tv, and having strong favorites (Melinda and Blake) this year... I, however, bought pre-sale tickets and attended the tour in Houston last night.

First, let me say... I make it a policy to never sit in a seat other than the end of the row. And after last night, I will never have floor seats... particularly to a 'family' venue (read: alcohol not sold on the floor level).

Second, while you can read more thoughtful and analytical reviews, you might be interested in my superficial thoughts:

Awesome, Yet Not Nearly Enough Stage Time or Focus, and quite regrettably so...: Melinda Doolittle

Pretty Darn Good (probably because I couldn't see or hear the thing in her tongue): Gina Clocksen

Bringing Chubby Back But Not Nearly as Charismatic As I Hoped: Chris Sligh did me pretty proud! And I'll keep following him!

Most Engaging, Captivating and Impressive: Blake Lewis, hands down

GOOSEBUMPS: KiKi! (LaKisha Jones). She was awesome, and in front of her home crowd!!!

Surprisingly Entertaining (in a 'spoof'' sort of way): Sanjaya Malakar

Surprisingly Good: Phil Stacey. His performance, in uniform, was awesome.

Still Not Impressed: Chris Richardson

Pitiful: Haley Scarnato

Good But Not As Good As Expected: Jordin Sparks

Best Unexpected Group: The Boys and their instruments!

Most Unexpected Secret Moment: After Blake's set, he came out, in the darkness, to the sound mixing and balancing area on the floor. I was seated on the end of the back row, behind a giraffe... so I watched the entire show, standing, behind the last row. I happened to glance over and see Blake, mere feet from me, in the dark, taking photographs of the show. I took a few inconspicuous photos with my cell phone, and if I can figure out how to get them from there to here... I'll post them. I always thought he was pretty cool, but having witnessed his enthusiasm and humanness, I respect him even more. I found it funny, too, that he was a couple of dozen of feet from the young girls who screeched (so loudly that I couldn't fully appreciate it) through his entire performance... and he passed by them without notice. Pretty cool...