Twelve singing men

So American Idol is back for real, with the top twelve guys kicking it off. Ryan opens trying to be manly, slapping hands with the contestants as he sprints down a staircase. The effect is comical, on both his and most of their ends.

They introduce the slicked-up guys one by one; I'll tell you right now Phil Stacey is in danger of going home, unless he can sing. Oddly Ryan starts off asking Randy how he's reacting to the heat he's been taking--okay... Randy of course asks what heat. Then Paula's 'grilled' about whether she feels a need to be more supportive; followed by Ryan and Simon with a bit of normal alpha male posturing. Flashback to all the guys from their auditions; then the first of what I'm sure will be many, many commercials over the next couple of hours.

Back with a look at Rudy Cardenas' 'journey'. He's originally from Venezuela, and is a pro musician in LA. Seems like a nice guy, maybe kindof boring. Simon actually says that on the tape. I think he'll be cut early (again, unless he can really sing). Then he sings--ugh, not very good. Sport jacket, target t-shirt; singing first, and poorly, without much of a buildup from AI producers, is a formula for quick elimination. Just bland. Randy says it was really corny, any bar in America. Paula says you were fantastic; Simon interrupts her, and then goes after him--never heard you do anything unique, no distinctive voice, and a boring song. Rudy tries to shrug it off, get the crowd on his side.

Ryan chats with the guys, Chris Sligh talks about everyone looking pretty. Ugh, okay--per usual he's just trying too hard. Ryan messes with Chris Richardson a bit. Brandon Rogers goes next, Ryan says he's done backgrounds for everyone from Christina Aguilera to Usher--wow. I like him; clips show he's humble, plus a great voice; and a nice smile. Nice greyish shirt and jeans with big white belt, does something slow and controlled that picks up halfway through. Kindof a mellow song, lacking some energy--good voice though. I don't know about song choice... halfway through hits a few notes; I think he can do better though. Randy says maybe not best performance, a bit pitchy, kindof odd--and don't worry about doing so much with the song. Hmm, Paula agrees with Randy, do better. Simon says a safe and predictable song to do. Funny that every year everyone makes the same mistakes--the first round it's usually obvious which couple of guys are at risk, everyone else should just take a swing at it. He admits to Ryan he purposefully picked a comfortable song; then Ryan engages in some pretty cheesy banter.

Sundance Head steps up next; this should be interesting. Again, all the audition tapes set up such high expectations. I like him too, pretty up-front about being nervous and then embarassed in Hollywood. Nights in White Satin... in gray sportcoat, kindof an odd look for him, very nightclubby. But good tone on the song; nervous smiling, but vocally I think it's a good performance for him, shows off his range a bit even if not the countryish pick you'd expect from him. Randy says go back to your bluesy vibe, off-pitch the whole time. Paula doesn't like it either, and Simon says you've lost it, didn't like you tonight as Sundance turns bright red. Poor guy.

Paul Kim up next, with a good, muscled look, Asian-themed. Of everyone so far, I'm rooting most for him. He talks about always being barefoot... he should meet Zola Budd. Says he want people to be shocked, surprised by his singing. Odd song choice--he sounds like he's slurring words or something, not very distinct. Tries to get the audience into it; good stage presence, pretty confident, as the song goes on he loosens up a bit; ooh, hurting on the falsetto part. Kindof an uneven performance, I'm afraid. Randy says started pitchy and weird and stiff; falsetto didn't work, but still a lot of potential. Paula points out he's a bit nervous, oversang but hope people remember your earlier auditions. Simon says put your shoes on next week; too much of a thing; just an ordinary song, a 3rd rate version of George Michael's song. Ryan's got his shoes off now too, this will all only help Paul--Ryan starts talking about his own pedicure, then asks the panel to sum up the night so far, Simon says everyone's playing it safe.

Chris Richardson, who I think will sing well tonight. Says he takes the Justin Timberlake comparisons as a compliment. He seems like his own person, which will serve him well. In sportcoat with loose tie, gets the crowd rocking right away, loose, sings well--good song choice, this is very good. Does some dancing, man, he's really quite good as a performer. 'I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately.' Totally seized the moment and made it his own, nice job. Randy says he feels like the show just started, not your best performance but made it work, just take it further. Paula likes the arrangement, pokes fun at his dad's dancing. Simon rains on the parade, like you as a person and your audition but your voice sounded very small, vocal wasn't good. He's right probably, but as he adds, overall people will like you. Ryan gives him a chance to shoot back at Simon, he kindof sidesteps it. Smart.

Back with Nick Pedro, who I've liked from day one. Nice guy, Ryan tries to get him nervous; I think he'll do well tonight. Normal outfit, grayish shirt and jeans. Slow, soulful song; shows off his tone, hmm, I'm enjoying this, I Will Be Your Man. A bit cheesy, but his voice fits the song; nice falsetto, the girls are literally swooning (well, a couple of them). Nice big smile at the finish. Randy asks if you were really nervous, says it wasn't good for him, really boring and pitchy, feel like the good Nick was lost. Paula agrees, kindof fell flat. Simon says I actually didn't think it was that bad, gets a big cheer--you're very nervous, but a very charming guy, didn't think your voice was too bad, and think you'll definitely be back next week.

Halfway through, Blake Lewis next. His beatboxing in Hollywood was quite good with the group; but he realizes he's here to sing. On a stool, in sweater vest--ugh, sounds like he's totally off-key, doing Somewhere Only We Know. Kindof an interesting song choice, seems pretty difficult, actually, but he comes across as being at ease. Odd look for him, actually, he should be more counter-culture. Very pitchy, actually; strong voice though, this is the kind of performance experts might say is quite good. Randy is like I was shocked at the song choice, but kindof dug it. Paula totally liked it, odd song that we'd never have expected but vocals spot on, unexpected choice. He has an odd accent... almost like he's British. Simon says not the best vocal ever, but you're the first person to come out and sound contemporary tonight, by far the best performance tonight.

Back with Sanjaya Malakar, my favorite, who I think will knock it out of the park tonight--he doesn't seem the type to let nerves get in the way, just lets it all hang out. Cool in gray shirt and jeans, Ryan asks about her sister and if she's supporting him with all her might, he says of course, family always comes first. Kindof shy voice talking to Ryan. Boy, he's really soft-spoken, says he just got his GED. His sister is quite attractive; he says he felt like half of him was gone when she was cut, knew he'd have to work that much harder to represent her. A lot of new footage of the two of them together. Kindof an odd song--like he's trying to be a 70s lounge singer, at 17 that's hard to pull off. But nice, pure voice, even if he does seem nervous, pretty feminine too. I don't like the choice, too slow, needs some more energy. Second half is better--but a bit Constantinish, playing to the cameras almost too well. Randy says it wasn't very good, trying to tackle a Stevie Wonder song--not even remotely close, very bad. Paula says you're a sweetheart and an easiness, but wish more personality and force came through; Randy chimes in song was too big for you. Simon says it was the most dreary performance we've had all night... piles on, actually I agree with him, pretty disappointed. Boy, he really rakes him over, says it was just dull. Sanjaya makes a joke out of it, I appreciate his honesty. There's a protracted discussion about him being the youngest guy and not as experienced, he really seems quite smart and quick on his feet. He'll be safe, has a good base already. Oh well.

Chris Sligh, who I find okay. He claims his strengths are strategy and song choice... apparently he thinks he's on Survivor. In typical gray shirt, tie, jeans; pretty good voice and nice energy off the bad, too bad he looks so goofy. Totally in command on stage though, good presence, no nerves at all. Pretty professional performance. Randy says you were rushing a bit, ahead of the beat, but nice job. Paula says you had a great time, good. Simon says I like you, but felt like I was at some weird student gig. Ryan jumps in for some reason, winds up saying he doesn't like Simon calling him sweetheart, it's all stupid; Chris attacks Simon, then Simon gets back at him for his Teletubbies slam by saying you could do that. Simon tells Ryan he's made this uncomfortable, and he's right. Very odd moment.

Back with Jared Cotter, who says he's from NY, can handle the judging weirdness. Nice, clean-cut guy; cool adult vibe, like he can handle himself. Appropriate look, shirt and jeans. Plays with his song, pretty soulful and relaxed. Boy, this is quite good; You're the Only One for Me. Has the guys up top swaying; audience is into it, boy, this is quite good. Bit pitchy on the high parts; it's like he's pushing through the song with sheer will--then redeems himself with a nice falsetto. Randy says a tough song, but good except for the ending; Paula wanted something more up-tempo. Simon says unadventurous, a bit nasal, but you look good; nobody's going to be raving about the vocals tomorrow though.

A.J. Tabaldo, who seems a bit like a kid after Cotter. Nice big smile, though, and sincere guy. Bucks the trend with a light-colored shirt, jeans, collar up. Simon I predict will use the bad cruise ship line, it's ok, but a bit bland, nothing so special. He may just be like that, though. Paula's dancing in the back as he sings; and the audience seems to be getting into it. Good stage presence, but I don't know, seemed allright to me. Randy says it was fine; Paula says you can definitely sing, a big fan, just go for it more. Simon says it was okay, kindof a theme park performance, predictable; choose something more daring--maybe you're better than I originally thought, though. Which Ryan calls his compli-diss. AJ seems relaxed talking to Ryan, I like him.

Last up is Phil Stacey, who says he's an active-duty U.S. sailor. Wonder what that means.... Seems like a smart guy, though; hmm, starting to warm to him watching his tapes. His wife and new baby are in the audience; that's cool. Hmm, seems nervous, swallowing his words. Slow and soulful, then suddenly kicks it up a bit, pretty intense guy, bit like Chris from last year. And his wife is just beaming. I think he'll be gone soon, not sure he has a natural following. Eyes are either nice, or a bit nuts. Randy says rough start, but it was the best vocal of the night, in-tune, on point. Paula agrees. Simon--start was totally monstrous, thought it was okay, not the best. Compared to people in the past like Chris Daughtry, it was just okay. He has a good attitude, says he agrees with Simon, is gonna put a lot of work into it. Randy does a whole what are we, chopped liver bit, claims he's changed his mind.

So weird, at the end Ryan asks Simon how comes he's being so negative. Simon shoots back at Ryan that unlike you I respect the audience at home, and don't believe in patronizing them and lying to them. Then takes another few shots at Ryan and his radio show. Heh heh.

Nothing memorable tonight; like most years, everyone's a bit nervous at this point, just wanna survive. Curious to see how the women do, so far I don't feel like there are any great guys.

Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter
Nick Pedro
Blake Lewis
Chris Sligh
Sanjaya Malakar
Phil Stacey
A.J. Tabaldo
Sundance Head
Brandon Rogers
Paul Kim
Rudy Cardenas

How big, by the way, is Idol? Check out these paragraphs from Bill Carter's hilarious piece in the Times, For Fox’s Rivals, ‘American Idol’ Remains a ‘Schoolyard Bully':

Last year at this time, five weeks into its season, “American Idol” was roaring along as television’s most-watched show, with an average of 31.7 million viewers (up substantially from its fourth season, when it averaged 28.3 million viewers over the same five weeks).

Improbably, this season the show has done even better, averaging 33.5 million viewers over its first five weeks. For perspective, at this point “Idol” could lose half its audience and still rank among the top 10 shows on television. And no one dares predict when this phenomenon will fade.

“Idol” is creating ever more powerful shock waves. A growing number of television executives have begun to regard “American Idol” as a programming force unlike any seen before. Jeff Zucker, the new chief executive of NBC Universal, said, “I think ‘Idol’ is the most impactful show in the history of television.”