ClayManiacs

Ok ladies and gents, it's time to get serious! Changing things up and shocking the nation, American Idol is having a Top 13 this season. Some things to remember:

This thread will contain real time SPOILERS! If you don't want to know what happens please read the thread after the show premiers in your area. All discussion related to the show should be contained in this thread so as not to ruin surprises for the different time zones.

The parties will start when the show starts at 8:00 PM Eastern time.

1: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You are allowed to discuss opinions in a reasonable manner but you can not attack someone if they like or dislike a particular contestant.  Please respect your fellow posters.

2: There will be no personal bashing of any contestant. You can say you don't like the contestant for their performances or because you just don't like their personality but please do not personally attack the person. No name calling will be tolerated.

3: Please do not post pictures in the thread.  Some people still have dial up and the speed of the thread is impacted with the number of pictures posted. In other words, it takes a long time for their thread to load.

4: People come back and read the thread after the show is over, we're going to try to do our best this year to note who is singing and what for each show. When referring to a contestant, if possible, please use their names so we know exactly which contestant you are referring too.

5: Remember our Claymaniac friends on the West Coast and don't post AI information in community threads. Keep discussion and spoilers here.

6: Also asking you not to post Dial Idol results. Many people don't want to know who may or may not be voted off until the show airs.

The Top 13 Contestants are:

Adam Lambert - 26, Los Angeles, CA

Alexis Grace - 21, Memphis, TN

Allison Iraheta - 16, Los Angeles, CA

Anoop Desai - 21, Chapel Hill, NC

Danny Gokey - 28, Milwaukee, WI

Jasmine Murray - 16, Starkville, MS

Jorge Nunez-Mendez - 20, Carolina, Puerto Rico

Kris Allen - 23, Conway, AR

Lil Rounds - 23, Memphis, TN

Matt Giraud - 23, Kalamazoo, MI

Megan Joy Corkrey - 22, Sandy, UT

Michael Sarver - 27, Jasper, TX

Scott MacIntyre - 23, Scottsdale, AZ



(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/FLMoonshot/Misc/Top13.jpg)

OK! Let's get started!  :bouncy

 :wave

Good Grief!   What a formal introduction and grand entrance of the 4 judges and "Flyin' Ryan"!  :hypno

I'm looking forward to hearing the Top 13!

It's American Idol meets The View! :lol

I know! Apparently it was all Simon's idea. Having an announcer was weird.

The theme this week is "The Music of Michael Jackson"

:doh

I have a feeling this is going to be one big hot mess of a show. :rolleyes

Two contestants will be voted off tomorrow night.

 :lmao :lmao :lmao  Stand back!   :slick

 :wave   Hi Ladies

Wouldn't a lot of people be surprised at how well Clay could do tonight

I think Lil Rounds picked the right song . . . . and (since the right look seems important to the judges) her outfit looks great!

BTW - She sounds good, too!

Lil did good tonight

Lil Rounds - The Way You Make Me Feel


Randy - this is the way we kick of Season 8; what's great about you is you just put a new spin on this with a bluesy feel

Kira - perfect when you come out; what Lil just did makes everyone think "I've got to step up my game"; I hope we get to hear you on the radio; that last note was just sick!

Paula - blah blah blah makeup blah blah blah; force to be reckoned with; falsetto is like angels singing

Simon -it was good; was a little disappointed; lazy song choice; first half not as good as the second half; hate what you wearing

Lil is quality. She just is. :bigsmile

What's wrong with Paula's makeup tonight? Her coloring is just off.

BARB - I thought so, too!  And, yes, many people would be amazed at how good Clay can do with a MJ song!  :clap

We know for sure!  :bigsmile

Scott MacIntyre - Keep the Faith



Randy - song was cool; performance was good but felt very safe; want to see more sparks

Kira - glad we're getting to see you with the piano; not the most obvious MJ song but what I liked was the message; not the most dynamic but you're true to yourself every week

Paula - beautiful; lovely performance

Simon -hated the song because nobody knows it; fine being artistic just not on this show; I think you're a good singer I just didn't like the song

Scott is talented and remarkable but I'm not sure he can make it as a pop star.  He could probably make a good living at a very high class restaurant or lounge.

I'm kinda with Randy--I need to see more spark.

Scott sounded fine, but nothing outstanding.  It is so commendable that he has done so well with music in spite of his visual impairment, but I hope each contestant is judged on their voice and stage presence. 

It is so refreshing to see how he and his family have handled the disability.  :clap

Danny Gokey - PYT (Pretty Young Thing)

Got better. I hated the first part but once he got started it was good.


Randy - what's so amazing about you is I look for a different style from you; I loved it all because I felt like it was just passionate and not choreographed

Kira - the joy you have when you step on the stage

Paula - true art of an artist is when you can hear somebody even with your eyes closed and know exactly who you are :scratch  :hypno

Simon -vocals brilliant; one heck of a singer; however, the dancing was hideous

Gotta agree with Simon about Danny's dancing. :para

He seemed out of control . . . . but in a good way!  :smile

Michael Sarver sounds better than I remembered him to be!  :clap

Michael Sarver - You Are Not Alone

kinda blah for me, nice but just ok


Randy - I'm happy about for you, you returned to the R/B

Kira - tonight showed me that you really can sing and hit those notes; I thought you did a great job; you are serious, you bring your A-game every time

Paula - you're likable; regular guy with extraordinary talent; song that is instinctual for you; colored it up; beautiful; sounded lovely

Simon -you're not the best singer in this competition but you made up for it with passion, heart, and you gave it 110%

So far, the only one I've found interesting at all has been Lil.

Make Paula stop talking!  :bduh

Jasmine Murray - I'll Be There

blah. boring. Is anybody going to sing an uptempo song?


Randy - you mixed the two versions together (Mariah Carey & Michael); wasn't that bad

Kira - I was on the edge, you hit some of these notes; you did it; you sold it; you have great stage presence

Paula - lovely young lady your age; you have tremendous composure and poise; a few moments where you were under but you had brilliant moments too

Simon -make a good attempt; nice control at the end; big note; a little bit robotic at times; lighten up a little bit; act your age; it's a bit little girl trying to be a grown up

:word

:yeahthat

Me, too.  She's the only one who put some life in her song--the rest are trying to play it too safe IMO

I say we keep the best 3 and throw all the others out! :wink

Boy, that would get right to the heart of the matter    :lol

Of all the great MJ songs I remember, these kids are not finding any of them

Kris Allen - Remember the Time


Randy - love the guitar; interesting song choice with the guitar; very Jason Mrazy

Kira - the girls love you; I'm happy to see you there with your guitar; a whole other side of you; a few notes off; spent a lot of time helping out the other contestants

Paula - no one knows MJ's catalog better than you; adorable sexiness; great job

Simon -interesting; not sure if that song suits a guitar, at times a bit clumsy; did ok;

Oh god, I thought Kris's performance was never gonna end. :rolleyes

I finally figured out who he looks like--Joey, from Friends.

Um, no, they're not. Maybe they didn't want to set themselves up for comparison. But, sheesh!

He does!  :bigsmile  I truly didn't remember ever seeing him before . . . . and I've watched every Idol show this season!

Allison Iraheta - Give In To Me


Randy - if you got you just got it and you're born with it I don't care how old you are; you can sing anything; you're one to watch in this whole thing

Kira - distinguish yourself with those rock vocals; great job

Paula - mind boggling; so poised; a rockstar up there; keep doing what you're doing; hair looks great; stay authentic

Simon -good performance; good thing about you is we know who you are; you know what kind of artist you want to be; lighten up a bit; confident; poised

I agree with that but if they don't do something no one will remember them

I kind of liked her. She put some life into it!

Sing everything! Keep being a rockergirl!

I wish they'd agree on what she should do. :hypno

Well, hallelujah

Anoop Desai - Beat It

Finally! Uptempo!

Randy - wrong choice; very karaoke; you've got more than that, not the song you should be doing

Kira - since you can sing we didn't get to hear you do any variation on anything; no riffs, nothing; no connection with you

Paula - when you pick a song it's your gift to show the world what you got; I think this song is untouchable and anything else sounds karaoke

Simon -horrible; no aggression; very lightweight; a bit stupid, someone trying to be MJ but failing

Jeez, I didn't think it was the best song for Anoop, maybe not the best performance.... But he didn't deserve to be decimated by Simon!

It was tacky for Ryan to ask Simon if he regretted adding Anoop as the 13th contestant!  :para

Jorge Nunez-Mendez - Never Can Say Goodby


Randy - not a song I would have chosen because it is old-fashioned; nice upper range; would have chosen something more challenging

Kira - you're one of the most emotionally connected people but I didn't feel it tonight

Paula - don't feel you were yourself

Simon -corny and you were out of your depth; arrangement was awful; couldn't wait for it to end

If these songs are all so disastrous, why the heck did they pick a Michael Jackson week??

And unnecessary for Simon to jump on it like he did.

IMO most of them have not chosen the best songs tonight --probably because they didn't want to take a chance on the most famous ones and, therefore, the performaces were not too memorable for me.

Megan Joy Corkrey - Rockin' Robin


That was cute! LOVE that dress!


Randy - song choice didn't suit you

Kira - not an overwhelming vocal performance but you put your personality in it

Paula - quirky and unique tone to your voice; picked the right song but at times I felt disconnected

Simon -we like you but a stupid song choice; whole performance was clumsy and awkward; if people were just seeing her for the first time they would have thought it was nuts

Yipes . . . . that seems to be the mantra tonight . . . . why Michael Jackson week???? :hypno

When Paula is trying to talk tonight it sounds like she is crying

She's been close to tears for 3 or 4 people so far. :hypno

I actually liked Megan tonight.

I'd just like her more if she wore long sleeves.

She seems to be having trouble connecting her thoughts  . . .  but that doesn't stop her from talking!  :para

She has already picked two finalists tonight!  :bigsmile  

Go, Adam!! :purpbana  Woo! :bouncy

Adam Lambert - Black and White

Voice is a little high and screechy but I like him anyway  :lol


Randy - most current; most right now; could make a record right now and shoot right to the top; you've got it

Kira - you hit notes I didn't know existed; all the way up; I hope MJ is watching this tonight

Paula - Never have we seen someone so comfortable on the stage; your innate ability to know who you are as an artist and marry fashion with music you've got the whole package; I believe with all my heart we'll be seeing you running all the way to the end

Simon -that was to me in a totally different league than what we've seen; whether its your stage performance or what but vocals were terrific

Matt Giraud - Human Nature

nice but boring


Randy - couple of pitch problems

Kira - talented guy; hope to see you for many weeks

Paula - talented; sexy; authentic; blown away

Simon -very good; meat and potatoes good solid performance

Matt did better than I thought he would.

What the heck is with Paula? :bduh

At this rate she will have a hard time making it to the end this season (but that's never stopped her before, has it  :bigsmile )

I don't know but it's nearly impossible to try to pull something coherent of hers to post.

That is the $64,000 question.  I thought maybe adding Cara would force Paula to pull it together, but I was wrong.   :para

Do you think Paula's ramblings are just part of Idol by now???

Alexis Grace - Dirty Diana


Randy - good not great

Kira - you're back; so happy to have you back; you're a naughty girl and I liked it

Paula - fantastic; watch your oversinging

Simon -very over the top; probably not as good as you thought it was

They are, but that's not necessarily a good thing. I think that when Kara showed up, Paula pulled it together for awhile. Now, maybe she's starting to crumble under the pressure.

I'll go with Randy--Alexis was good, not great. But again, at least she put some energy into it. Most of the other performances were pretty drab.

I walked in from the theatre just as Adam was finishing, and heard the judges comments, was he as good as I think he must have been????  Need to see that performance ASAP :slick

IMO Lil was the best one tonight.  We'll find out tomorrow night which two go home.  Hard choice for me because I was not impressed by too many of them.

I probably won't be here tomorrow night but I'll sure check in when I get home.  Oh how terrible, I'll miss Kanye West -- NOT.

As usual, thanks for your input Michelle.  Enjoyed spending the time with you ladies.

See you back here next week.

I think Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert kind of stole the show tonight . . . . and the judges were very positive about them!  Other than that, I don't have a clue regarding which two will go home tomorrow night.

MICHELLE - I don't know how you keep all the info straight for us, but it is much appreciated!  :clap

See y'all tomorrow night!

Yep.

I lost count of who I thought should go. :blush

SHARON - Glad you got to see Adam.  Lil Rounds also was very good.  They both are very energetic and have great stage presence and audience appeal.  

There were some disappointments tonight, I think.  Hope you join us tomorrow night!   :bouncy :bouncy

So far I've been able to vote 14 times for Lil,and Matt.

Thanks Michelle!!!

 :wave

I was surprised (since I did not watch auditions) at how many good singers there are this season. Adam and Lil were the best, but there were several who were almost as good. (And I didn't think Anoop was that bad - I also don't see what the Judges see in Megan!)

Did you see the reason why they had to change the last #...if you dial the #13 it goes to a sex line..thats why they changed it.

Why, Marlene, you devil. :slick

(No wonder Ryan stressed that you had to dial carefully.) :giggle

Sunny ~ Don't be blamin' it on me...:bigsmile

I thought to that Adam and Lil were the best
tonight. What I don't understand is why they
chose Michal Jackson songs for the first night
of the final 13. He is a tough act to follow.
I think most of them did better than I thought
they would.  Scott is still my favorite by far.

West Coast finally checking in. Lil Rounds and Adam Lambert are my favorites for the evening. My guess is that the first to go are Kris Allen and Jorge Nunez.  Paula was really "out there tonight". See you tomorrow.

Thought Lil was great and so is Adam!!  But I think Adam has an unfair advantage with tons of broadway experience.  How must the other contestants feel???  I am still a Danny fan , love the guy, love the voice!!!!!!!!! 

FRANKIE, I'm with you the judges have been pushing Megan from the start, I guess because she looks good, her talent is not excessive as far as I can see.  Maybe they like her tattoo!!!!!!

Adam has a good deal of stage experience, but not Broadway. 'Don't know how it makes the others feel--maybe like they can watch him and pick up a few tips. :shrug

Yep, I'm diggin' Mr. Lambert big time :lol *Sharon backs away from the YOU Tube of BorW*

Oh Sharon - me too - I LOVE ADAM!!!  Almost makes me wish I were a gay guy (since all my faves seem to be - Ha!).
Other faves were Danny and Scott.  The guys rock - the girls, nah, not so much!!
Can't wait to see what the new change is tonight.   And to see Kelly - love her too!!

Loved Adam the best too. He was hot. :thud Black or White was the perfect song for him.  Hope Paula is right he'll make it into the finals. :cross

Also liked Danny but I'm not crazy about him. I love the P.Y.T. song and he was funny with his dancing.

I really liked Lil, Alexis and Alison with the girls. They got some strong voices.

I also liked Kris and Matt.

I still like Anoop but he didn't do well. Think Jorge might leave. He was the worst of the night IMO. Thought Jasmine was boring so don't care if she goes either.

Megan was cute but she picked a bad song. Vote For The Worst picked her so won't be surprised if she stays cause of them.

I think the surprise might be you know how on So You Think You Can Dance they dance for your lives? I think whoever is at the bottom tonight might sing for their lives and the judges might decide who stays and who goes. Just a guess. Could be wrong. It was a rumor I heard.

Can't wait for Kelly Clarkson tonight either Lori. I got her new CD and it's awesome. Going to see her on tour in August. Looking forward to it.

Thanks Michelle for all you do and enjoy reading everyone's comments every week. Going to be an interesting season.

 :spit :clap :clap Now that was funny Lori :wink

Hello!  :wave

The change up this season is...


"The Judges Save"

Up until the Top 5, the judges can save a contestant just ONCE. All the judges have to agree to the save. The "save" can only be used ONCE the entire time, once used it cannot be used again the rest of the season. And when it is used no one will be voted off that night BUT the next week TWO contestants will be sent home.

So, basically, the judges get to overrule the audience vote. :shrug

Oh well, at least they took out that ridiculous introduction they had last night.

The contestants are singing I Want You Back by the Jackson 5.

Scott did well with the choreography. They had Alexis holding him when they had to move too much.

Ew, I didn't need to see Danny Gokey doing pelvic thrusts. :para

Where's Adam? :slick

But they can only do it once the entire season, not once per contestant.

We are spoiled when it comes to pelvic thrusts!  :angel

 :wave   The group song wel well and they did a great job with Scott!  :clap

Yeah, I could have done without that as well :blink

 :wave

THEA!  :wave  How did you become a "newbie"??  You are one of the "originals"!  :hugg

Michael Sarver.....is SAFE

Allison Iraheta.....is SAFE

Jasmine Murray..... is in the Bottom 3

Matt Giraud.....is SAFE

Kris Allen......is SAFE

Megan Joy Corkrey.....is in the Bottom 3

Jasmine Murray is the first to be voted off

I'm "original" all right, WISC BARB!   :lol  

Well, I think intonation-wise, Jasmine is proving why she is going home.  :para

I'm thinking no save for Jasmine.

Now Kanye West is singing his new single "Heartless"

Can we spell "E-x-p-l-o-i-t-a-t-i-o-n", Kanye? 

I don't get it. These contestants all have real voices, real vocal talent. Then, someone like Kanye West comes on with that voice, and they see what a fuss is made over him.

What are they supposed to think? :hypno

This is ridiculous, for sure.

I agree!

There are 7 previous seasons of American Idol and many of those contestants are making CD's and doing "gigs".  I think each week, they could have previous Idol contestants perform!   Even those like Daughtry and Underwood would do well appearing on Idol.  (hint, hint)!

Scott MacIntyre....is SAFE

Alexis Grace ....is SAFE

Danny Gokey ..... is SAFE

Anoop Desai .... is in the Bottom group

Adam Lambert ....is SAFE

Jorge Nunez-Mendez....is in the Bottom group

Lil Rounds ....is SAFE

I absolutely agree, Barb!  Heck, I'd rather even watch William Hung again than some of these "imports".  

Mmmmmm . . . . . William Hung!  :lmao     

Just think of Bucky, Kelly Pickler, Justin Guiarni (sp?), Josh Gracin . . . . and so many more!  That would be fun!  :purpbana

It would send a very positive message to the IDOL contestants . . . . no matter if they won or not!

Okay now, let's not get crazy! :para :lol

Kelly looks great!   Let's face it, appearing on IDOL with a new CD is an awesome opportunity!

Neil Diamond (with millions and millions of CD's over the years) came in #1 on Billboard (for the very first time in his career) after he appeared on IDOL last year.  Too bad that he was in competition with Clay because their CD's were released the same date.  :para

Kelly Clarkson singing her new single My Life Would Suck Without You



Isn't this one of your faves Sunny?  :lol

Ah....the lyrics just roll off her tongue.  Poetry in motion....
All together now:  MY LIFE WOULD SUCK WITHOUT YOU!!!!!  :purpbana :purpbana :purpbana

Yeah. Nice word choice. 'Can't wait to hear a group of 12-year-old girls singing it at the mall.

Jorge Nunez - Mendez is the second person VOTED OFF

And he's outa there.

They're not going to use that "save" unless it's for one of their front-runners.

Jorge is under the gun.  I wonder if the judges will "save" him.

Actually, until last night . . . . he had some memorable performances.  

Mmmmmmm . . . .

I'm very disappointed that Jorge is going home. 

 :yeahthat

 :highfive

Sunny my business partner's daughter was singin' it today in the background during a phone conversation~~really loud, and it really didn't sound appropriate :naughty and she's 13.

That's exactly what I mean. The word "sucks" has connotations that make it  inappropriate for casual usage.

So I guess this means another week of Megan"swishing" :bang :bang

At least. :rolleyes

My guess is they'd save Megan once :wink

Unless she goes, "Caw! Caw!" at the end of a song again.

Tell me she didn't do that Sunny, I missed the actual performance last night~~~at the end of "Rockin' Robin" please tell me no :para

 :nooo :doh

I just don't understand what the judges find so special about Megan.  The more I see her the less I like her!!!  I hate it when the judges try to influence the audience. 

I must have really bad gaydar.  Has it come out that Adam is gay?  I just love his eyes.

Debbie

Yes. He has said his preference is not women in a way-before-Idol performance.

Check out just about any pre-AI pics of him on the 'net. There are several of him kissing guys. Nice tongue. :wink

He could give me some makeup tips. I wanna know how to do my eyes like that. :lol

My reaction exactly, Sharon!  I said to myself, out loud, "no, she did NOT just do that!!"  My hubby who never watches happened to be standing there, and said the same thing, practically word-for-word! :lol

OH, NOOOOOOO!!!!!!! :doh

WHY???? :bang :bang  (I apologize to country fans- :lol)

From MJ’s Big Blog:

Grand Ole Opry Week on American Idol

America’s top-rated television show is about to join forces for a week with the “Show That Made Country Music Famous”! American Idol will feature a Grand Ole Opry theme on March 17 & 18, as contestants will select and perform songs popularized by Opry members!

Ahh, will it be Carrie, Bucky, Kelly Pickler, or Josh Gracin performing next week on results show, I wonder??? :bduh

And what-the-heck is Adam gonna do about this?? :arg

Simon will be at his worst....he always hates country week, and is usually in a bad mood and hates all performances!!

What's the point of having them sing country, since none of them would sing country if they won? :hypno

 :wave

I wish I had time to participate in this thread while the show is actually on! I think the contestants that left  were probably the right ones (there were a couple of others that could just have easily have left - Megan, for one).

Since I still get Google alerts about Clay (haven't stopped them since I stopped helping with the News) and since Clay is mentioned in every article about Adam, I did get those photos of Adam and his boyfriend  :para A touch too graphic for me.  I wonder how he will be treated if and when the photos come to light for everyone. It is great, however,  to see Adam's parents in the audience every week supporting their child  :clap He is really talented - I will go way out on a limb and predict that it will be an Adam/Danny final that will rival the Clay Ruben final (how is that for a prediction!  :lol :wink )

And Simon needs to get over his dislike for country music - it is atually music that still sellls!!!!! And country stars all know how to treat their fans! (Other people we know could take lessons from them).  :zip And a lot of "young" country is rock based - I think country week will be O.K.!

They have come to light. Contestants need to disclose early on what, if any, sort of information may be learned about them from sources legally accessible to the public, such as criminal records and the internet. It's to keep AI ahead of any surprises they might have to deal with, like topless photos, arrests, etc.

Apparently, being gay on AI is no longer verboten.

 :wave

I forgot to say that I hated Kenye West last night (and every other night). I have hated him (and there are not many people that I do dislike) since 2003 when he and Clay were both brand new to the business and they were both nominated for the same award (some sort of fan favorite award - can't remember which one) - I will never forget how insulted Mr. West was to be nominated with Clay.

But I loved seeing Kelly Clarkson on Idol again. I did watch the first season, and voted for her. I love her music, and the fact that she seems to have remained a "real" person.

     

     Frankie,
                   I thought Kenya  West was terrible last night. Everyone one of the contestants had
           a better voice than he.It was the first time I have seen him and I hope it is the last.
               
               I don"t care for Kelly"s music, I did see her and Clay when they toured   together 
 
             I  like the fact she has stayed grounded, she seems like a nice person.
       
               It will be interesting to see if you are right about the Danny/ Adam finale.


                         Betty
           
                 

agreed on both accounts :bigsmile

Oh - and about the Adam photos becoming mainstream - I have no doubt that being gay does not bother Idol at all, judging from other contestants from this season and from the past. I wasn't referring to Idol's opinion. I don't think the photos have become public knowledge yet, though, unless you are an Adam fan and have gone looking for information on him. I haven't noticed the photos in any major newspaper, magazine, or on any of the entertainment shows (although I surely could have missed them).  When I went to visit my Mom, it was as though Clay did not exist, because she did not have (or want) a computer. I think we all (think we) know so much about Clay because we are on fan sites and read Clay news. I am interested to see what information will make the headlines about Adam  and the other contestants - judging from past magazines, the Idol 8 contestants should be getting more and more press time every week.

And, Sunny and Sharon - if you ever try the Adam look, I will expect photos to be posted!  :lol

 :wink

You're on! :thumb :lol

This is at least a partial list of songs up for grabs for next week. Who do you think should sing what?

SONGS FOR GRAND OL' OPRY WEEK (http://www.votefortheworst.com/20090305/spoilers_upcoming_american_idol_8_theme_weeks?page=2)