American Idol Season 10: James Durbin & Casey Abrams Rock Their Idols

Last night was the first live night of performances on American Idol season 10. It was a little disappointing and the nerves showed up for most of the Idol contestants. There were a few who shined through though. James Durbin continues to impress me, and Casey Abrams is still my front runner to win AI this season. Contestants were to choose a song from their musical idol this week.



Here’s how the first live night went on AI season 10:


Lauren Alaina - Shania Twain “Any Man of Mine”
It was a fun song, but for the first time it felt like a karaoke bar when Lauren Alaina sang. The performance was okay on the whole, but not nearly what I expected from this powerhouse voice.
AI Judges:
Steven Tyler said he wished it had been “a little more kick ass…”
Jlo said the judges wanted to hear Lauren “kick it into a higher gear…”
Randy Jackson agreed that Lauren sang it well, but needed to find a song to “make her shine.”

American Idol Season 10: Top 12 Girls Night Out

The ladies of American Idol season 10 took the big stage tonight. It turned out to be mediocre, and set the stage for the guys to rule the season. Even though it will likely be an even split going into the top 12 or 13 of AI, I think the guys will outlast the girls. That is, if tonight is anything on which to base a decision.

Ta-Tynisa Wilson: “Only Girl (In the World)” by Rihanna

Nerves got the best of Ta-Tynisa, or at least it seemed that way. She started off moving around the stage, but that was all she seemed to be be doing. Not really engaging the audience. Wilson just seemed very nervous.

Judges:

Steven Tyler seemed satisfied with Ta-Tynisa's performance telling her it was a great way to open the show. Randy Jackson and Jlo were at least more honest in recognizing her nerves and told her there were some pitch problems.

American Idol Season 10 Top 12 Guys: Which Five Will Survive?

Finally it's time! The first big full stage performances by the American Idol hopefuls of season 10 started tonight. The top 12 guys took the stage in front a few hundred screaming fans and a huge new stage. It was a night of ups and downs, as usual on Idol. Ryan Seacrest greeted the judges, then gave Steven Tyler his own mouth bubble in case he “saw any ducks”, or in case he were to *bleep* up.

AI season 10 contestants were allowed to choose their song tonight... I always fear for them when the door is left that wide open. It did not bode well for some of the top 12 guys.

Clint Jun Gamboa: “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder

Clint is a karaoke star in his hometown, and like so many other karaoke Idol hopefuls he chose one of the most overdone songs. Yes, it showed off his vocal ability... and Clint Gamboa does have vocal ability. He does not seem to have the heart of a true musician though. He doesn't seem to really have emotion when he sings. He's not compelling to watch, at all. He does sing well though.

Judges: All three judges thought Clint Gamboa was brilliant.