'American Idol': Top 36 revealed
On last night's American Idol, the remaining contestants sang one last time and 54 of them found out they had made the cut. But they only sort of did, as tonight, we'll learn which 36 actually made it through. (The judges are making one last cut after rewatching the footage of all of them.)
Click here to see photos of the final 36
Instead of going up the elevator and walking down a hall, the contestants will walk through this Hollywood mansion to find out whether they've made it.
First up: Anoop Desai, whose performances I've really enjoyed. He is in!
Von Smith says he is more prepared for them to say no rather than yes. He tells Ryan Seacrest, "This is why I'm alive." Overdramatic, much? Well, that's kind of his thing. He gets crazy-overanalytical in front of the judges, and they finally tell him he has made the cut.
Waitaminutewait, we have to go through two hours of people walking to the judges and getting the news? Come on!
Amateur horror film maker Cody Sheldon is the first person to deal with tonight's twist -- the sing-off. He gets to the judges, and they tell him he has to sing one last song right now. He sings "The Love Remains the Same." Meanwhile, Alex Wagner-Trugman is the other victim, and, of course, these two are friends, so it ups the drama quotient. Side note: Do you think it's distracting having the camera swinging around them during this moment? Alex sings "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." The two friends sit outside and wait briefly, then get called back in. And this dragging out is why this show is two hours tonight. Grrr! Cody gets cut, and Alex makes it through.
Adam Lambert had been accused of being too musical theater, and he's a little worried. But he is through to the finals. Not a shock.
Taylor Vaifanua was called one of the best vocalists in her initial audition, but had a hard time during Hollywood Week. Well, that's what Ryan's narration says, but the clips show her singing well, albeit forgetting her words. And she is in the Top 36.
So are Jasmine Murray, Casey Carlson, Arianna Afsar, Megan Corkery, Mishavonna Henson and Stevie Wright. That wasn't much screen time for the women!
Joanna Pacitti, who caused controversy since she has already had a record deal, apparently forgot her words during nearly every performance of Hollywood week. Even so, the judges decide she deserves another (another) break, so she is a finalist. Or I guess that is semifinalist.
T.K. Hash, Chris Chatman and Reggi Beasley, all of whom we are seeing for the first time, don't make the cut.
Kendall Beard is hoping for the best but very nervous. Though they didn't love her song choices, she makes it anyway.
Jenn Korbee auditioned with her husband, and they hoped to both make it to the show, but he was cut during the group round of Hollywood Week. She stands up and sings "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice." Kristen McNamara is the other half of this sing off, and she figures it out while she waits in the hall and freaks out. She sings a few bars of "I Will Always Love You" with lots of runs that seem very nervous. Kara DioGuardi tells Jenn that was the wrong song choice, and Paula tells Kristen she has an identity crisis and that her look doesn't make sense. Then, all together, talking over one another, they say that it's interesting because if you put them together, you would have one great contestant. Which basically means they are telling Jenn she can't sing and Kristen that she's not cute. Ouch. Anyway, Kristen is through and Jenn is out. Which is weird because I thought Kristen's song choice was odd and oddly delivered and that Jenn did a better job. And Simon says he totally disagrees with the decision.
Alexis Grace will be away from her daughter if she makes it through to the Top 36. She makes it, so I guesss she will find a way to deal.
Scott Macintyre makes it, too. Ryan doesn't try to high-five him this time.
Lil Rounds hopes to make it through to improve her family's situation. The judges drag it out, but she makes it. On her way out, Simon Cowell comments that she is fantastic, "a good, old-fashioned singer."
Felicia Barton, Ashley Hollister and Devon Baldwin all find out they didn't make it. And like with the guys above, it's the first screen time they've gotten.
Frankie Jordan and Jesse Langseth will be in a sing-off, but Jesse hasn't really been on the show much, so I'm guessing Frankie is making it. Frankie is uber-nervous and her performance is not great. (Simon says: "Well, that made it easier for us.") Then Jesse sings, and she sounds better, but Simon tells her it was a horrible song choice. Jesse makes it, but Frankie doesn't. Simon says, "Frankie, if it's any consolation, you wouldn't have won anyway." Then he tells Jesse that, "based on that, you won't either." Yikes. And so much for my predictions.
Shera Lawrence and Derik Lavers find out they aren't making it. They cry.
Allison Iraheta is 16 and worked really hard to make an impression during Hollywood week. And though we have barely seen her thus far, so she's not had a chance to make an impression on viewers, she is in the Top 36.
Danny Gokey is hoping he and his best friend make it through. Randy Jackson asks how he thinks he did, and he says that he thinks he did well under pressure. Simon and Kara ask if he thinks he can be relevant, and he says he thinks he is relevant. Randy welcomes him to Season 8.
Then it's Jamar Rogers' turn (that's the best friend in question). Kara tells him that she isn't sure the risks he took during Hollywood week paid off, but the look on her face totally says, "Psych! You made it!" Except that then she tells him he is not going on to the Top 36. The holding room is mute with shock. So is Danny.
Ricky Braddy, Matt Giraud, Marylander Ju'Not Joyner, Brent Keith and Jorge Nunez all learn that they have made the cut.
Stephen Fowler says he thinks he was doing an excellent job until the final day of Hollywood week, when he lost his lyrics and walked out. He tries to plead his case, but they tell him it's too late. Then they tell him he is in the Top 36. Didn't they say some time during Hollywood week that if you forgot your words, you were out?
Norman Gentle/Nick Mitchell kept trying to decide between his comedic persona or his real persona. He shows up at the judges' table as himself, but he tells them his dream is to perform as his character on the show. Turns out that is what they (not including Simon) want -- Norman is through. Really? Nick says it is unbelievable, and Simon says, yep, it is. I concur.
Jackie Tohn says she thought she did well during Hollywood week. Randy says it's been hard having to say goodbye to some people, but she makes it, and she jumps up and dances and takes her shoes off and sprints out of the room.
Tatiana del Toro is next. Please no. No, OK? Please. I cannot deal with her. She squeals when she comes in the room, and Simon tells her to be quiet and to try to not be annoying. She shows Paula the bracelet from her line that she bought, and Tatiana tells her how she really wanted the ring, but it was sold out and she cried. And Paula comes over and gives her the ring off her finger. Simon gives Paula crap for promoting her jewelry line "on live television." Oh, and Tatiana gets through. Bleh. Well, as they remind us in the clips, she can sing, she just shouldn't be allowed to get near the cameras otherwise. Ryan says they look forward to seeing what she brings to their live shows. Aha. It suddenly makes sense.
Jackie Midkiff and Nathaniel Marshall are best buds, and of course, are thus in a sing-off. Jackie hasn't gotten a ton of screen time, but Nathaniel has -- he was Mr. Drama throughout everything. Now we get his backstory -- he has lived with lots of members of his family because his mother is in prison because of a drug problem. As I am making fun of his outfit, Simon asks him, "What are you wearing?" Jackie sings, and Kara questions why he is in this position because he is good. Nathaniel sings, and then they make him leave and wait. Nathaniel sits by Jackie, crying about how he wants it so bad but doesn't want to take away Jackie's dream. Nathaniel makes the Top 36, but Jackie doesn't. Randy tells Jackie to come back next time. Actually, because of all the drama he created, I hadn't noticed before, but Nathaniel's voice isn't bad.
Probably no one will believe me, but during the first sing-off, I said to my husband that they were totally going to make the oil-rig worker and the welder face off. Guess what is happening after the break?
Jeanine Vailes, Kai Kalama, Anne Marie Boskovich and Kris Allen all learn they are in the Top 36.
Matt Breitzke and Michael Sarver will be facing off in a sing-off. Matt is the welder, and Michael is the oil-rig roughneck. They sing, and they wait. Simon says he likes both of them, but he's not sure either could win. Oh, twisty, they both get through. Awww. That's sweet, but I bet Danny and Jamar are sad.
For the next three weeks, the Top 36 will perform in groups of 12. Looking forward to it! What did you think of the choices for Top 36.
Comments
I am wondering if you know the name of the song that Michael Sarver sang in the sing off with Matt. It was something like, "i got love, i got love", "i am good as long as your by my side..."
It was very pretty and i would like to know title/artist.
Posted by: BROOKE | February 11, 2009 10:57 PM
He forgot his words, he's still in. Simon did say forget your lyrices, your're out. That lady has a record, she's in. Isn't American Idol for amateurs? Its not fun anymore - I think they're keeping Tatiana just for the thrill of it - shes always up to something. Its like a reality show - not a talent show anymore.
Posted by: S | February 11, 2009 11:28 PM
Great writeup. Somehow my Tivo died and didn't record this tonight. I was steamed, especially since my wife is out of town, but at least you gave me the rundown. Thanks.
Can't believe Jamar didn't get in. Total robbery.
Posted by: Scott | February 11, 2009 11:45 PM
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME !!!!!! I USE TO LOVE THIS SHOW BUT WHAT ARE THEY THINKING THEY SENT ALOT OF GREAT TALENT HOME AND KEPT THE DUMB ASSES ........I AM DONE WATCHING .....NEVER AGAIN......
Posted by: tammy | February 11, 2009 11:52 PM
I can't stand Tatiana!
Posted by: american idol watcher | February 12, 2009 12:33 AM
I really can't believe they didn't put Jamar through! Both my husband and I will stop watching this show! They actually put Nick the clown through!! I am out on American Idol! THEY SUCK
Posted by: Cheryl Young | February 12, 2009 12:40 AM
Oh my did they make a big mistake by letting Jamar Rodgers go. I couldn't believe it and by the reaction of everyone else they couldn't either. They need to get him back!
Posted by: Janet | February 12, 2009 12:42 AM
Oh my did they make a big mistake by letting Jamar Rodgers go. I couldn't believe it and by the reaction of everyone else they couldn't either. They need to get him back!
Posted by: Janet | February 12, 2009 12:42 AM
I think it's really stupid and unbalanced. In a way it even seems fixed. Jamar should have definitely made it to top 36. That's crap. And it seems as if they were trying to separate them cause they were friends. It's really stupid but hopefully it will be a good season. Damn I'm pissed.
Posted by: Omar | February 12, 2009 12:44 AM
I CANT BELIEVE TATIANA MADE IT SHE NEEDS TO SHUT UP AND SING
Posted by: VEVO | February 12, 2009 12:49 AM
Jamar is the best and he didn't make it but the drama Queen and King did I don't like it
Posted by: Na Daddy | February 12, 2009 6:57 AM
I had to switch over to the basketball game (Tar Heels Rock) and missed the last part of the show. I think that the whole show is full of POOP. To let that Tatiana freakshow through not to mention Nick/Norman and not Jamar and some others just shows that they're not choosing the most deserving but just trying to throw in gimmicks. I guess that's called manipulation...
Posted by: Belle | February 12, 2009 7:04 AM
The sing offs......what a joke they were. It was clearly not done to produce the better singer but simply to raise the drama. Running up the drama by carefully telling the tv audience of friendships formed....then pitting them against each other to boost ratings. Some good talent was kicked to the curb due to this. Also if you were not a good looking female, you didnt stand much of a chance with Simon......the show is losing some of the class of past shows.
Posted by: Curt | February 12, 2009 8:08 AM
The fact that they let Norman in and not Jamar Rogers makes it obvious they are going for ratings here and not who can sing the best. Norman...really? He was awful. I really dislike Tatiana, she is going to be a mess, but at least she can sing...whenever she gets kicked off...that will be a show.
I did find it amusing that you could hear Randy and the others tell Jamar to come back next year...it almost seemed like they wanted him, but was told not to by the producers or something.
Posted by: Bill | February 12, 2009 8:14 AM
Jamar's exit was a big disappointment for my young sons. they really loved his singing. Now he is gone! I believe the producer somehow despised him, so better let him go rather than having him voted by the fans in top 36.
Norman and Tatiana are just for a pure entertainment in the 36 group.
Posted by: Greg | February 12, 2009 8:23 AM
tatiana is annoying and getting corny.She can sing but not so good.i think jamar rogers deserve to be in,oh this guy can sing;I wonder why he hasn't gone through,he sings better than the others making it to the top 36,He has style and his song is not boring with an upbeat tempo that suits to his voice.
Posted by: allan monterona | February 12, 2009 9:11 AM
Jamar Rogers rocked in his audition. I was so touched by hey there deliah. When I heard the Kara say he was not in my heart sank. Look at the other contestants' reaction. They knew he might have won this season. He has it all!! Is this fixed somehow. Look at some of the 36 that made it.
Posted by: Dale Craigie | February 12, 2009 9:19 AM
My level of pissitivity is way up.
There is no way that Jamar Rogers should have been sent packing. (One example: Nathaniel “Cry Me A River” Marshall goes on while Jamar goes home? Sheesh.) And that smirk on Kara’s face while she was dragging out the decision was just mean-spirited.
I’m glad the welder and the roughneck made it through but they won’t last long once the tweens charge up their cell phones for the viewer voting. I’m thinking they will carry Anoop deep into the competition. (Truth: During the show, I got a text from my 14 year-old niece swooning over his eyes…her soccer team alone might carry him to the finalists. Those girls can text.)
Ann Marie made it. Good. Norman Gentle made it. Bad. (Wouldn’t Norman be better on “America’s Got Talent,” which traces its lineage directly to the Gong Show?)
And is this the match made in heaven or what? Tatiana becomes celebrity spokesperson for Paula’s line of jewelry. (Do women actually buy that? The bracelet looked like something a Ninja warrior might throw at you.)
My cable information thing says that next week, 12 perform on Tuesday and nine get cut on Wednesday. If that’s the way it’s going to work, does that mean there will be only nine finalists? Seems so.
Posted by: Bucky | February 12, 2009 9:35 AM
Love Norm Gentle
So gald he made it. Now I have a reason to watch! hope he can hang in there for top12.
Posted by: Norm-the-man | February 12, 2009 11:41 AM
Felicia Barton got on a place back to CA early this morning....she is top 36 someone has been disqualified!!!!
Posted by: April | February 12, 2009 12:12 PM
i want laneeshe young back. I wonder why they didn't keep her.
Posted by: shirley MacDonald | February 12, 2009 1:04 PM
Felicia Barton replaces Joanna Paccitti. I believe this year they are bringing back the wild cards. Watch for Jamar to return. Bank on it. 3 weeks to whittle 36 to 9 and then add 3 wild cards.
SKK: Oooh, good point regarding Jamar being brought back as a wild card. I hadn't thought of that.
Posted by: MightyTiki | February 12, 2009 2:05 PM
So our next American Idol will be one of these lucky 36. Watch me not care....,
Posted by: Brian | February 12, 2009 2:09 PM
When Tatian made it through, I swore I am going to stop watching this show until she gets voted off. I cannot stand listening to that giggle of hers! Did anyone else notice how *not* thrilled the rest of the contestants were when she announced she made it through? It was just polite clapping but no one looked too enthusiastic.
I also cannot believe that Jamar was cut and Norman (or whatever his name is) made it through. Ugh!
Posted by: CJ | February 12, 2009 2:46 PM
MightyTiki - I hope you are right. (I didn't even know about the wild card thing.) Now everyone who said they were going to stop watching can keep watching.
Posted by: Bucky | February 12, 2009 3:02 PM
Isn't Jenn Korbee the same girl in Hi-5, the kiddie show band??? She looks so much like her!
Posted by: James | February 12, 2009 3:24 PM
I think it was a mistake to cut Cody Sheldon, he could have been a surprise top 12 I think considering his age, (remember Chicken Little, Covais) no one under 18 in men is represented.
Save his emo type looks and horror appeal, the kid was a surprise to all the judges who were shocked to have such an elequont voice come out of that walking flesh.
Shame, another boring year for idol. Show will lose millions of viewers this year, mark my word.
Posted by: ken | February 12, 2009 3:34 PM
AI will have a Wild Card group later.
No question Jamar will return in few weeks for the wildcard contest, much earlier than the judges' 'come back next year' comment.
Be prepared to have the Kleenex tissues handy when Jamar and Danny have a reunion.
Posted by: Greg | February 12, 2009 4:12 PM
The wild card will only include those in the final 36 that are cut in the next three weeks. It will not include those cut before the final 36 (ie. Jamar).
Posted by: Mike | February 12, 2009 5:40 PM
Jamar got robbed. The show is a joke. LAME picks last night. This has gone from a talent show to freak show. Put it in the same box with all the other "scripted" and overproduced reality shows.
Posted by: Gaver G | February 12, 2009 7:05 PM
AI lost major credibility when they eliminated Jamar. Many of their "top" 36 are far less talented then Jamar...I won't watch...it's not a talent competition...blantantly and totally scripted. They've probably already chosen their winner and didn't want Jamar to give their pre selected winner any competiton. He'll go on to be a success like Jennifer Hudson has and AI will try to take credit for "discovering" him like they've done for J.Hud as she has won every award in the entertainment industry except a Tony, which she'll win as soon as she does Broadway.
Posted by: Debra | February 13, 2009 11:21 AM
Jamar would have made it to the top 5 no problem. I was extremely disappointed this season and my Americal Idol watching days may be over.
Posted by: Kristen | February 13, 2009 3:07 PM
i can't believe, no
how could they, please please
they HAVE to bring cody back!!
I don't care what happens he was
amazing..
Better than him opponent..
Posted by: rikku | February 13, 2009 4:50 PM
Jorje, the Fowler guy, and Nick Mitchell are definitely worse than Jamar :S
and Tatiana is extremely annoying!
Posted by: zazu | February 13, 2009 7:37 PM
Ugh - Jamar needed to be in the top 36. I can't believe he's not! He was absolutely great and definitely better than Tatiana, and even that guy who forgot all the words and walked off stage. Seriously, I get that they want "drama" and what not, but they should at least keep the good people!
Tatiana irritates the crap out of me. I actually mute the TV every time she's on!
Posted by: Nida | February 14, 2009 8:16 AM
i cant stand tatiana or nathaniel...
I CANT BELIEV JAMAR LEFT!!!!
TATIANA IS ONLY IN 4 THE DRAMA AND SAME WITH NATHANIEL
Posted by: luv american idol | February 14, 2009 1:32 PM
Blah blah blah
yes jamar could sing
and yes it was sad he and his friend had to split
but i agree with the judges
he just wasnt entertaining and didn't shine or stand out
unlike norman
its not only about singing..its over all performance
thats why they judged Kristen for her looks
so. yeah
Posted by: ms. informing the dummies | February 15, 2009 7:48 PM
i was wondering if anybody knew what the song frankie sang for her life on idol?..does anybody know?
Posted by: maddie | February 16, 2009 12:17 AM
DOES anyone know the name of the song played as Jamar Rogers walked out of the judges room as he was eliminated? Woman singing. Breathy. Can't find it. Help!
Posted by: WW | February 17, 2009 10:43 AM
Maddie - I think she sang Brandi Carlile's "The Story." (if my memory is correct - I know someone sang that song and I think it was Frankie)
SKK: Thank you, CJ!
Posted by: CJ | February 17, 2009 2:09 PM