IDOL FIRST 12 of 36

Hi everyone -- it is that time again for my opinion on everything Idol. I'll throw in other pop culture moments but during fashion week when my brain is spinning, Idol is all I can indulge in. To remind my faithful readers, here is the judging system. VOTE means this contestant needs to get through (and probably got multiple votes from me), OK means I can tolerate the contestant moving on and will leave final judgement for later and BUH BYE means exactly that.

I'm very nervous because there are a lot of great contestants in Group 1 so to have only 3 move forward is scary. But let's see what they do first...

Jackie Tohn -- "A Little Less Conversation" She wore her black spandex leggings polka dot bustier outfit which showed her personality. I have to agree with the judges that she showed personality over vocals, although I do think she can sing. And she showed she can be modern by changing around the song. Felt a little Katy Perry to me. But by the end of the performance I was agreeing with Simon -- that's enough with the act. Did not get chills. OK

Ricky Braddy -- Not sure of the title, but we have definitely heard lots of contestants sing this. However, I don't think we have ever seen this contestant before which doesn't help him at all. Maybe Jackie's strategy was smart, because this is a little boring. He has a really good voice and the judges loved it which may help him shine in the voters eyes. Once again, agree with Simon that he doesn't have star quality. OK

NOTE -- no need to have the parents on. Waste of time. And no need to remind voters of your phone number by raising your fingers.

Alexis Grace -- "Never Loved a Man" Love the way she dirtied up her look - very well done. She has this Duffy thing tonight. Good song choice. She is such a little person and has a big voice. Simon compared her to Kelly Clarkson which is a huge vote of confidence. VOTE

Brent Keith -- We got a nice live moment with the tape not working -- I love this kind of thing and Ryan is good at dealing. "Hicktown" Great song by Jason Aldean. Brent was a contestant on Nashville Star so country is definitely his genre. Very mimicky performance like what I've seen at bars in Nashville. Nothing new and he doesn't have the rough quality needed for this song. Of course I would like to see some country on the show, but I say BUH BYE. Did like his rebuttal that country fans won't forget that -- but unfortunately Brent, that is because country fans are not at a very high critical level.

Stevie Wright -- "You Belong with Me" by Taylor Swift. Felt so wrong for her. You don't have to pick a song by an 18 year old to seem younger. Key was all over the place. Maybe no one can sing Taylor Swift songs on key, including herself. Felt the nerves. Yikes, it was terrible. I hope the judges don't crucify her -- well they were all trying to be nice but Simon of course did not mince words. I have to agree, BUH BYE. I would lose it if this had been me so she is a strong girl.

Anoop Desai -- "Angel of Mine" Interesting song choice and I am not just saying this because he is one of my peeps, but I really like him. Didn't do the best vocal, but still surprised me and I want to hear what else will come from him. I'm glad the judges are behind him and crossing my fingers the year of the Indian will propel him through. VOTE

Casey Carlson -- "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" Has a perfect look to be a star. Does not need a makeover. But needs a movement / facial expression makeover. Too sweet of a voice for a rock song by the Police. She should have done Taylor. Did not like that and either did the judges. BUH BYE

Michael Sarver -- "I Don't Wanna Be" I have high hopes for him...loved it from the first hmmm. He will look back and hate the shirt choice, but great energy. He is so nervous. Simon wants America to vote him through... VOTE

Annemarie Boskovich -- "Natural Woman" I never understood why the judges made her change in her auditions. She is a pretty girl. She has a clear strong voice, a little sweet for this song. Kind of Celine Dionish. Now I think the judges wished they had asked her to change something else besides her look. OK

Steven Fowler -- "Rock With You" I wanted Jamar to get in over him, so I have high expectations. It feels so old school. And he has no dance moves so why bother doing this kind of song. The long held note was not very good either. Wow the judges really hated it. BUH BYE

Tatiana del Toro -- I am SCARED of her. "Saving All My Love For You" Wow big song to take on. The least likeable person may have a really great voice. Very in control. Sounds kind of old but really good. She looks kind of angry though. Oh man, I am laughing because she is not getting a BUH BYE. WOW, she does not get a vote, but she redeemed herself. And Kara hit the nail on the head -- who is this girl? OK but she better not usurp Alexis Grace (okay but then on the couch, she once again proved she is nuts)

Danny Gokey -- "Hero" My all around favorite so far. Love that he is a Church Music Director! So excited to hear him. He just has natural grit in his voice. Will be downloading every song he sings. He didn't rush himself and just caressed each note. I love him already. Kara loves him, loves him Jamar is so PROUD!!! I kind of like that Simon isn't going crazy even though it is absolutely 100% percent true that this guy should be in the final 2. But we remember what happened to early favorites Carly and Michael Johns...VOTE VOTE VOTE.

Alexis, Anoop, Michael, Danny get the VOTE and 3 get to make it through...Alexis wins for Female vote, Danny for Male vote and then Anoop or Michael get next highest. So it wasn't as tough of a decision as I thought. A lot of people chose the wrong song and I am glad to not have to listen to them again. But man, if only Danny could sing every week or every day to me...

Great episode to get the juices flowing.

Keep your heads up my fashion flock and remember,
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...