"Thriller Night? You decided..."

So the kids took on the King of Pop last night and it had the potential to be a great opening show (ala Season 7's opening Lennon/McCarthy night)! I was amped, jazzed, pumped and lots of other really 'excited' word... but as the night ended I felt so underwhelmed!

Lil started it off with "The Way You Make Me Feel" one of my all time favorite MJ songs and gave a pretty karaoke/by the book rendition. Lil is a competent singer that brings absolutely nothing new to the Idol stage. Her vocal on playback actually seemed a bit forced and slightly behind the music. I have yet to see (or hear) why the judges are supporting her so heavily... I just don't get it! Plus she looked horrible... I mean, really really bad! Results: Lil isn't going anywhere... Top 5 to Top 3

Scott made the right choice with "Keep the Faith", because while it was an unfamilar song his fanbase probably isn't familar with Jackson's songs anyway! The vocal was pretty good, till he tried stretching for a few of those high notes.. eek! Scott has a decent voice, but the fact that he's blind will carry him far past his expiration date in the competition... and I mean that in the nicest way possible! Results: Scott will be just fine this week... Top 8 to Top 6
(Anyone else want to punch Kara for making it seem like learning his song in a week was such a feat? when contestants did it all season long last year? Gracious, she grates on my last nerve!!)

Danny gets a few points for stepping outside the "inspirational ballad" realm with "P.Y.T." (also sung by the great Justin Guarini of Season 1)... it showed a different side and stage presence (his goofy dancing was even slightly endearing). He was pimped to high heaven by the judges and I don't get their love for him either, especially when Simon compares him to Michael McDonald... could Simon not think of a less relevant artist? Wait I thought of a less relevant one... Taylor Hicks.... Ohhhhh!!!! Results: Danny's here for the long haul... Top 3 to Winner

Michael attempted to show off his vocal range with "You Are Not Alone", but I think it still came off as weak,breathy and pretty boring. He be one of my picks to go home tonight, but middle America & the judges seem to keep giving him chances. Results: Michael should be going home after last night, but I think he'll get a least one more reprise... Top 13 to Top 10

I actually liked Jasmine's choice of "I'll Be There" and actually think her tone is more unique than Lil's, but she sings straight through her nose (much like all the young pop diva's) and that will great on A LOT of peoples nerves. The vocal/ stage presence came across as very (VERY) pagenty... big no-no on Idol. Results: I think it's very likely Jasmine will go home tonight.. if not... Top 11 is as far as she'll get.

Kris was my favorite of the night! His was really the only one I could have heard on Top 40 radio... he's definitely the most current (no matter what Randy says about Adam)!! His rendition of "Remember the Time" was very Mraz/Gavin/Castro-esque! He's a little quirky and awkward on stage... I dig it! The judges really don't seem to be on his bandwagon though which could spell trouble. Results: I could see Kris maybe falling into the Bottom group tonight, but he in NO WAY deserves to go... Top 8 to Top 6 (a la all the heart-throbs!!)

Allison song choice may be what gets her in trouble tonight. "Give It to Me" is a completely unknown song and while she got vocal chops, the performance just wasn't memorable at all. She is definitely a judges fav, but I think she'll land in the bottom. Results: Allison is a contender for the bottom spot, but if the Judge's twist is some kind of "veto" ... she'll be saved.... but I don't see more than a Top 10 to 8 finish for her.

Anoop got racked over the coals last night for a performance that I didn't honestly think was that bad. He took a risk with "Beat It" and while it didn't necessarily pay off... it was no where near to horror that judges made it out to be. He was entertaining and engaging, but the vocals were off. Results: Anoop will be fine this week (the OTT de-pimping will get him some votes), but he needs to step it up in the vocals to make the Top 6 to Top 4 spot he deserves.

Jorge sang "Never Can Say Goodbye" as a cruise ship lounge act! The vocals were good, but the performance was pretty boring and every couple lines he'd lose his diction lesson and I'd wonder if he switched to spanish (which might have actually been a cool latin-heartthrob ploy). Results: I think Jorge will be leaving us tonight... Top 13 or 12 is his spot!

I kinda sorta strongly dislike Megan.... so this will be super bias! First of all, her dancing is ridiculous, but in a completely staged, "I'm trying way too hard to be cute & quirky" way and she CAN NOT sing! All she does is shout at me... off-pitch! What in the crap was with the "Caw" at the end? She like the most annoying parts of Carly Smithson & Brooke White in one person... one fake person! So not a fan!!! Results: Megan will also pass her expiration date, but I'll never understand why... Top 9 to Top 6

Adam (aka Glambert) will probably win American Idol (unless we keep uncovering pictures of him kissing dudes) and it will be under my protest! He was so OTT (not nearly as over the top as the judging panel) it made me alittle sick to my stomach! Glambert most definitely belongs on a stage... just not this one! I'd love to see the kid on Broadway... but that's along way from my radio in the morning. Like I said... the judges are pimping him to high heavens and he'll probably win the whole dang show! Results: Paula crowned an Adam/Danny final... we'll have to see if she's right... Top 3 to Winner.

Matt tried way too hard to make "Human Nature" hip and cool! That seems to be Matt's MO... try too hard, give a mediocre vocal (that you can barely understand) and get praise as being the second coming of JT. I just don't see America buying into it! Results: Matt will be fine for the next few weeks, but I see him in Megan's spot... Top 9 to Top 6

Alexis had one of the better vocals last night with "Dirty Diana", but I just don't like the image she setting up... I think it's off putting to middle America and might get her into some trouble. Her stage presence could use some work along with her phrasing! None the less, I see her as the "girl" competition in the Boys club this year! Results: She in like Flynn.... Top 5 to Top 3.

Who's going home: Jorge & Jasmine (Michael & Kris have an outside shot)
Judges twist: I'm going with some kinda of chance at veto power or sing-off with the judges making the ultimate decision.... which we completely change Idol for the worse!!

We shall see tonight...