American Idol: First Round, Males

The girls have to be psyched. After watching most of the guys struggle to stay in tune, it's clear that the month of May on Idol is going to look like Lilith Fair. That's two hours we'll never get back.  And Paula seemed drunk.

Here's the order of how the 12 male finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all in May:

1. Sundance Head
Gets the top spot based on difficulty of song. Don't believe anyone has tried this Moody Blues classic. Thought he was very good at times and then mediocre. Not as bad as the judges let on though he did sing through his nose at first. Seemed high-strung.
Odds of winning: 15-1

2. Blake Lewis
Beatboxing dude gets serious. Displayed subtle tonality and stayed in tune. Probably sounded better than he was since the six guys who went in front of him fell flat. The Anthony Federov of Season 6? Waiting for the U2 and Styx to come out.
Odds of winning: 15-1

3. Phil Stacey
Brought it home after a troubling start. Not sure why he mumbled through the first verse. Clearly has decent pipes, but have to agree with Simon. He's no Chris Daughtry. If this is one of the best, we're in for a long season.
Odds of winning: 20-1

4. Chris Sligh
So that's where Jack Osbourne went. Didn't like the song choice. Didn't feel like it fit his personality. We know this kid can sing. He just didn't find the right way to start his march toward the Top 10.  And here's where the talent ends.
Odds of winning: 20-1

5. Brandon Rogers
Nice composed opening. Once the band started playing, he started to lose his rhythm and hit a few bad notes. Showed poise and polish, but he's not talented enough to go far. Looks like a young Lionel Richie before he found the Commodores.
Odds of winning: 25-1

6. Nicholas Pedro
Pitchy but displayed a nice falsetto. Sounded average, but still better than the second tier of this group. Has the look and the past Idol experience. Could turn it around if he chooses the right songs.
Odds of winning: 30-1

7. Chris Richardson
Why would someone sing Bo Bice's breakout song? He does not even come close to generating the goosebumps Bice inspired. Thought he was off-key the whole song. He may have been an octave too high. Yecch.
Odds of winning: 50-1

8. Paul Kim
Yikes. Who let this guy through? He does not belong at this level. Boring, placid and typical.  Maybe if he gets some coaching he can improve, but there's not really any time. I'd be surprised to see him survive.
Odds of winning: 75-1

9. Sanjaya Malakar
There's always a Stevie Wonder type. Never was a fan of this kid. Sounded typical and played.  Lyrics were appropriate -- "I don't want to bore you with this" -- yawn. And yeah, I wrote this before Simon made the comment.
Odds of winning: 75-1

10. Rudy Cardenas
Weak. Great Edgar Winter song but couldn't understand the lyrics. Had a lot of odd pauses and he wasn't quite sure what to do with himself.  Sounded nasally and a bit phlegmy. Not unique nor memorable.  One of the first to go.
Odds of winning: 75-1

11. A.J. Tabaldo
Now where is that remote? The judges honestly have to be kicking themselves. This was the best of the best across America? Is Idol talent thinning, or are the producers' screens going awry as they hunt for William Hungs?
Odds of winning: 75-1

12. Jared Cotter
The worst performance of the night. Off-key and downright irritating. Disagree with the judges. He should be booted, but judges' praise and good looks will keep him around for another week.
Odds of winning: 75-1

Comments

[Claire]

I loved Nicholas Pedro. How can you put him sixth? He was the best performer by far, although I agree there were a lot of bad singers.

[Doug]

Knock knock. Who's there? Paul. Paul who? Paul who ruined a george michael song!!!!