American Idol - The Top 12 Boys

We have finally made it through the long and arduous audition process and the judges have whittled the contestants down to the top 24. It’s all in America’s hands now. We certainly have an interesting group of fellas this year, perhaps even the most intriguing group ever. From this point until we reach the Top 12, we will lose two boys and two girls each week, so there isn’t much room for mistakes in the next few weeks.

David Hernandez was first up among the guys. His choice to wow us for the first time in the finals in “The Midnight Hour”, a fantastic song, but he didn’t really make it work for him. He has a good voice but virtually no stage presence or energy, and he is quite a bore to watch. The judges kinda let him slide but Simon, as always, calls ‘em like he sees ‘em, and tells him to ‘loosen up’. Exactly.

Chakezie is up next. He made it to Hollywood last year, but no further. His performance tonight is weak and lacking charisma. He seems like an agreeable guy with his huge constant smile, and the judges find it agreeable for the most part, but Simon calls it old fashioned and knocks his dumb red suit.

David Cook, the guy with the weird spikey hair with an unexplained streak of red in it, picks “So Happy Together”, and it is a terrible choice. He is waving the mic stand around like some kind of rocker but sounds like a pansy. He kinda shouts at times too, like he’s trying to give that edgy song even more of an edge. Alas, it doesn’t work and his first chance to impress the audience is gone.

Jason Yeagar, the singing server with the son who has the hair helmet, seems to be trying out for a Disney movie with this rendition of “Moon River, the fatty Andy Williams joint. He may be one of the first to go.

Robbie Carrico - Now this guy I like. Before he sings he shares with us that he was in a ‘boy girl band’ that opened for Britney Spears a few years ago. He really doesn’t seem like the pop star type, but whatever pays the bills I suppose. He chooses “One is the Loneliest Number” and nails it. Shows some style, some personality, and actually seems to be getting a reaction from the crowd. I think he will go far.

David Archuleta is 17 but giggles and acts like he’s about 14. He sings “Shop Around” and while he definitely has a great voice, he really needs some more self confidence and he could go far.

Danny Noriega sings “Jailhouse Rock” and although it isn’t the strongest performance, I like this little dude’s attitude. He made it to Hollywood last year but was cut right away. I predict he’ll be with us for a while.

Luke Menard may have been the worst performance of the night. His version of “Everybody’s Talking at Me” was just terrible. His voice was super weak and everyone seemed a little baffled by him. He’ll most certainly be one of the first to go.

Colton “Gay as the day is long” Berry has a theatre background and you can tell when he sings “Suspicious Minds” like he’s auditioning for some horrible off Broadway Elvis revue. At first I thought this kid might do ok but I am having serious doubts about that now.

Garrett Haley is one of a few dudes we have yet to hear a peer from, so there is some suspense and mystery surrounding him. Seacrest goes for the Leif Garrett comparison, and Garrett says he also hears that he looks like Peter Frampton. I think he looks creepy and skeletal. He sings “Breaking Up is Hard To DO”, and man was that ever disappointing. Here I figured this was going to be some kind of surprise talent here the way the built it up, but no, he sucks.

Jason Castro, the dreadlock with the huge smile, is singing for the first time on the show, and admits that before trying out he’d only sung in front of people a handful of times. Still, when he starts singing “What a day for a Daydream”, he immediately captivates everyone’s attention. I love this dude! He is super talented and has a great voice, and had the courage to bring his guitar out on stage with him, the only one of the night to do so. The judges love him and I may have a new favorite.

Michael “the Scarf” Johns, is last but not least. The hunky Aussie sings “Light My Fire” and captures a bit of the Morrison mojo as he charms the ladies. There is no doubt in my mind that this guy will be in the finals. He’s got a great voice, knows how to work the crowd, and no surprise, gets critical acclaim from the 3 judges.

An impressive night overall, but I think it may be the end already for Luke, Garrett, David H or Jason Yeagar. In fact, I’d put money on two of them leaving Thursday. Tomorrow night we get our first good look at the Top Twelve girls, Thursday we get to see four people go home!