After making small talk with the American Idol judges, Ryan Seacrest introduced a recap segment of the top 12 boys making it to this point in American Idol. In an intro clip, Rudy Cardenas talked about how Simon Cowell didn’t seem to like him during the auditions. Rudy sang “Free Ride.” Randy Jackson said “You definitely got the party started, but for me dog, it was really corny. I thought I would be in any bar in America.” Paula Abdul said “I thought you started off fantastic.” Simon Cowell said “Picking up on what you said on your clip about not caring about what I say, the reason why I haven’t been that enthusiastic was proven tonight, because I’ve never heard you do anything which is unique.” In his intro clip, Brandon Rogers talked about having the best feeling ever when Randy Jackson told him that he wouldn’t have to sing background anymore. Brandon sang “Rock With You.” Randy Jackson said “I think that the thing for you, is you always have to remember that you don’t have to do so much with the song. It’s cool just to sing the melody without runs sometimes.” Paula Abdul said “You’re use to doing background runs all over the place, you’re a lead vocalist now.” Simon Cowell said “Brandon, you’re a very good singer, there’s no question at all, I’ve always said that about you, it was just a very, very safe and predictable song to do.” In his intro clip, Sundance Head said he believed that the reason that he was still in the competition was because he had such a good audition in the beginning. Sundance sang “Nights In White Satin.” Randy Jackson said “I don’t even think you were on pitch the whole song. I think it was pitchy all the way through.” Paula Abdul said “Sundance, I think you picked the wrong song.” Simon Cowell said “Tonight, you were like dad at a wedding. Everything about you, from your song choice, from the way that you used your arms throughout the performance, very old fashioned, very uninspiring, and the whole performance for me was flat.” In his intro clip, Paul Kim talked about how he liked to go barefoot on stage. Paul sang “Careless Whisper.” Randy Jackson said “I don’t know if I loved this song on you, and it started really kind of pitchy and kind of weird and stiff for me.” Paula Abdul said “You kind of oversang the song and didn’t kind of find your center.” Simon Cowell said “I would suggest you put your shoes on next week if you’re still here. I would, I would…you know, pardon, it’s too much I’m not wearing my shoes or whatever, who cares, it’s a singing competition.” In his intro clip, Chris Richardson remembered how the judges compared him to Justin Timberlake. Chris sang “I Don’t Want To Be.” Randy Jackson said “I feel like the show just started right here.” Paula Abdul said “I thought you did a great arrangement.” Simon Cowell said “I thought your voice sounded very small in that song.” In his intro clip, Nick Pedro talked about how he couldn’t memorize his words in the group round last year. Nick sang “Now And Forever.” Randy Jackson said “It wasn’t good for me dog. It was really, really boring.” Paula Abdul said “It was the song that you sang, and the magic just kind of fell flat.” Simon Cowell said “I actually didn’t think it was that bad actually.” In his intro clip, Blake Lewis talked about how the group audition in Hollywood was one of the best experiences that he’s had. Blake sang “Somewhere Only We Know.” Randy Jackson said “Actually, you know what, I kind of dug it.” Paula Abdul said “Your vocals were spot on.” Simon Cowell said “By far the best performance that we’ve had tonight.” In his intro clip, Sanjaya Malakar talked about just getting his GED. Sanjaya sang “Knocks Me Off My Feet.” Randy Jackson said “Stevie, one of the best singers ever in the known world, ever, and you try to tackle a Stevie song, dude, it wasn’t even remotely close.” Paula Abdul said “I wish more of your personality and more force came through in your performance.” Simon Cowell said “The irony was the most used line in that song was I don’t want to bore you with this, and it was without question the most dreary performance we’ve had all night.” In his intro clip, Chris Sligh talked about his strengths in the competition being strategy and song choice. Chris sang “Typical.” Randy Jackson said “I am a Chris fan, I loved it, I liked it.” Paula Abdul said “The song choice was great.” Simon Cowell said “I kind of felt I was at some weird student gig.” In his intro clip, Jared Cotter revealed that he got fired from his waiter job for trying out for American Idol. Jared sang “Back At One.” Randy Jackson said “I thought it was pretty good man, I didn’t like the way it ended.” Paula Abdul said “I like when you’re singing more up-tempo songs.” Simon Cowell said “It was a very unadventurous performance, really.” In his intro clip, A.J. Tabaldo talked about it being his fifth time trying our for American Idol. A.J. sang “Never Too Much.” Randy Jackson said “Vocally, it was pretty good.” Paula Abdul said “A.J., you can definitely sing.” Simon Cowell said “It was good, nothing great, nothing terrible. I count that as kind of a theme park performance though.” In his intro clip, Phil Stacey talked about being an active duty United States sailor. Phil sang “I Could Not Ask For More.” Randy Jackson said “That was on point, in tune, rich, full, yeah.” Paula Abdul said “Man, you just opened up, and you were right on pitch, it was great.” Simon Cowell said “I don’t think you nailed it, I think it was ok.” After the performances, Ryan Seacrest questioned Simon Cowell on why he was being so negative tonight, Cowell replied “I’m not being negative. Unlike you, I actually respect the audience at home, and I don’t believe in lying to them.” Simon Cowell was right on target, because it was one of the weakest overall vocal performances on American Idol ever. The two biggest winners of the night were Blake Lewis and Phil Stacey, who likely surprised a lot of viewers by showing their range. Chris Sligh, Chris Richardson, Nick Pedro, Brandon Rogers, and Jared Cotter should also be safe, even though they gave somewhat average performances. The only thing that will likely save Sundance Head, Paul Kim, and Sanjaya Malakar are their past performances on the show. Our prediction is that Rudy Cardenas and A.J. Tabaldo will be voted off. Rudy because his performance wasn’t that great and he went in the dreaded opening spot that voters often forget. A.J. Tabaldo shouldn’t be going home based on his performance, but he wasn’t shown often enough in the auditions to build up a fan base, which will likely prove to be his undoing. American Idol Live News: |
Catching Up With Ramiele JPL Blogs! Happy Birthday Amy Adams Season 3 finalist Idols in Teen Choice 2008 |
Once 
Season 3 Finalist Jon Peter Lewis took some time off from the road to share his thoughts from the Salt Lake City auditions. He was there hanging with the auditioners -- you'll even see him doing some interviews for americanidol.com later this summer/fall! He was also in Salt Lake to celebrate the release of his second album, Break The Silence, which hit stores on July 22nd.
American Idol will be well represented in the upcoming Teen Choice 2008 airing Monday, August 4 at 8/7c on FOX. American Idol Winner 
