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.

Jovany Barreto: “I'll Be” by Edwin McCain

Oh how the nerves showed themselves tonight for Jovany Barreto. You could see it in the stiff arm he held across his (beautiful) abs as he started the song. Another horrible song choice, Barreto did little to set himself apart. He is so pretty though, I don't think it will matter.

Judges: Steven Tyler looked stoned or at least as bored as Simon did last season, and Jlo did her expected swooning. Only Randy Jackson spoke up in constructive criticism for Jovany's performance saying, “that sounded very karaoke to me... it was just okay.”

Jordan Dorsey: “OMG” by Usher

Then came Jordan Dorsey.... a dream come true for VFTW.com. Sadly Jordan chose the wrong song and sang it even worse. He admitted it was “not me” after the performance, but I hope it was too little too late. Seriously, this was one of the worst Idol performances ever. Not the worst, but one of the top ten worst.

Judges: All of the judges concurred that this was not even close to a good performance by Jordan Dorsey. Jlo gave the obligatory “You know I love you...” beginning, that's just never good.

Tim Halperin: “Streetcorner Symphony” by Rob Thomas

Interesting song choice... I give bonus points for any Rob Thomas song (that goes for Counting Crows too!). I'm not sure Tim Halperin wowed me with this performance though. I think he was very nervous at the beginning of the song, but ended it fairly strong. He seemed to move on stage well and got the audience involved. The song did nothing to show off his voice though.

Judges: All agreed it was not a great song choice, nor was it Tim Halperin's best performance.

Brett Loewenstern: “Light My Fire” by The Doors

Oh Brett, I had such high hopes for you. I love this kid's voice....despite the fact that he appears to be the love child of Richard Simmons and Tommy Chong. Peace and love do abound when Brett is near... and that's cool. I just wish tonight had not been so drag queen-esqe. See now I'm just making up words to describe what my eyes will never be able to un-see. If you are a counter, Ryan Seacrest confirmed that Brett tossed his gorgeous red locks a total of 14 times during his stage time on Idol. I think I've finally seen enough.

Judges: All agreed that the vocals had some pitch problems, but he was fun to watch. M'kay. Jlo said there was “more hair tossing than me and Beyonce in ten years.”

James Durbin: “You Got Another Thing Comin'” by Judas Priest

Yep, I said it... Judas *bleeping Priest on American Idol. I was not impressed with James Durbin because I did not think he could command a stage like his obvious mentor Adam Lambert. I was wrong, at least for tonight. James Durbin chose the perfect song, sang it well and even commanded every inch of that giant stage. He dressed like a rock star and more importantly he got the crowd going like a rock concert. James Durbin was the biggest bright spot on Idol as of this point in the show.

Judges: Steven Tyler forgot to use his new face bubble when he blurted, “That was *bleeping crazy good!” Randy Jackson chimed in with, “...That's how you do it!”

Robbie Rosen: “Arms of an Angel” by Sarah McLachlan

I like Robbie Rosen, but he had a big act to follow. Luckily there was a long commercial break after Adam Lam, er, I mean James Durbin. Robbie chose a tough song and changed it just enough to make it his own. He went off pitch several times though. I wish he would have been at his piano. He looks more comfortable there and seems to feel the music more. Robbie Rosen was only okay tonight.

Judges: Jlo and Steven Tyler are completely sold on Robbie and commended his performance. Randy Jackson disagreed saying, “...the notes were really pitch-y... you never really settled in.”

Scotty McCreery: “Letters From Home” by John Michael Montgomery

Wow, Scotty McCreery.... just wow. I seriously have never heard such a mature, rich voice on American Idol. I'm not a country fan, but any fantastic baritone like Scotty McCreery's has to be listened to... a lot. Look out Nashville, we may very well have another country American Idol. I won't hold my breath though, Scotty has shown his youth in other ways. Namely forgetting lyrics. I hope if he can stick to his country roots, he won't have those mishaps on the live stage (I'm sure he's headed for the top 10).

Judges: Giggling with glee over finding such talent...Steven Tyler agreed that Scotty could not have chosen a better song. Jlo agreed that McCreery is born to sing country music (she's apparently filling in for Captain Obvious this week).

Stefano Langone: “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars

I think Stefano Langone wins for most overrated by the AI judges tonight. The song was okay. It's always hard to sing an upbeat song on Idol the first week. He hit some real clinkers at the end of the song. I'm sure his looks will carry him far in the industry, but I'm not sure he should make the cut tonight.

Judges: Randy Jackson said, “You had us all up here rocking... there were a couple of notes when you went up high that were off, but that doesn't matter cause you had us all rockin!” See, now I thought it did matter.

Paul McDonald: “Maggie Mae” by Rod Stewart

One thing I'm thinking about Paul McDonald is to expect the unexpected. I have no idea what this guy is going to do next. I want to see and hear more of him though. I worried when the music started, I mean come on... it's “Maggie Mae”. Then I remembered the gravel of Paul's soft voice and I settled in to enjoy. He has sort of a weird stage presence, like you can't not watch him. Odd dancing, if that's what it is... but he really is having fun and singing at the same time. A false claim made by so many Idol contestants. I really think Paul will make it to the next round in AI season 10.

Judges: Steven Tyler said, “You've got a real character about your voice...” and Jlo added, “...you've got a real character when you move too!” Randy Jackson added that Paul McDonald is just unique.

Jacob Lusk: “House Is Not a Home” by Luther Vandross

Jacob Lusk did not disappoint tonight, and I doubt if he ever will vocally. Lusk held back when he had to tonight, which brought the feeling out in the song. His tendency to over sing every note was gone tonight. He seems to be gaining a control on his emotions. I don't think he's dramatic to be dramatic either, he seems to genuinely get lost in the music. It's refreshing to watch.

Judges: Steven Tyler said divine intervention had brought Jacob Lusk to the Idol stage and that he was honored to “be in your presence when you sing.” Jlo said Luther Vandross is gone, “but now we have you.” Randy Jackson said “Luther would be proud of you.”

Casey Abrams: “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin' Jay Hawkins

He's not the best singer on American Idol season 10. He's certainly not the most stylish. Casey Abrams is something else altogether. Really more of an entertainer, I think with the right management Casey Abrams could be as big as Garth Brooks once was. (*Ducks from flying objects*) Seriously, this was the weirdest song choice ever and the guy pulled it off. It was entertaining, to say the least. It was fun, and it was on key. What more do you want?

Judges: Steven Tyler said it was “as good as it gets”. Jlo told Casey he was sexy. Randy Jackson said, “I love how you transformed yourself into the character of that song.”

My picks for the best five guys tonight (and some of these are tough): Casey Abrams, Scotty McCreery, Paul McDonald, Jacob Lusk and James Durbin. Not sure how many “saves” the judges will have, but it will either be a top 12 or top 13 this season of AI. My guys on the bubble (for you March Madness fans) are: Robbie Rosen, Tim Halperin, Brett Lowenstern (thanks VFTW crowd) and Clint Gamboa.

So who are you voting for tonight on American Idol? Who were your faves? Leave me a list of your top five guys from tonight's performances.

Copyright @ 2008 TV Review

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