One of our Posters, Matthew did such a great job breaking down the first 12 last week, and now he’s back to do it again….Heres “Matthew’s Thoughts”
Group Two – Who Will Advance Into the Top 12?
By Matthew Chisling
Wow. I must say, this past week truly shocked me. When I looked at the twelve people who would be singing in group one and the twenty-four who were going to sing against one-another in the second and third weeks, I expected there to be a dramatic imbalance in talent. Instead, I am kind of relieved that we will see some new faces in the next two weeks; the ones who all got airtime really let me down.
With one exception; Alexis Grace. As I said in last week’s article, Alexis’ only chance of making it through to the top twelve was if she was the single best girl in the group. And boy oh boy, she was the single best person in the group! Alexis proved that a great performance can still be the ticket for getting into the top twelve.
Danny Gokey’s move into the top twelve was predicted weeks ago. His performance this week was great, but if you want my honest opinion, everything the judges said before the performance, plus all the video clips and interviews, actually made me appreciate his performance so much less. He could have sung as badly as Stephen Fowler, and the judges would’ve told him he was better than Kelly, Carrie, Jordin, Fantasia, Taylor, Ruben, and David combined. If Danny Gokey truly is the “hero” of this show, why are we even voting anymore? Just saying…..
The interesting finalist this week was Michael Sarver. He was outsung (clearly) by both Anoop and Ricky, yet his charm helped him make it through. Personally, his performance this week was borderline atrocious, but he has shown to be a fan favorite, and because of this, he made it through on potential.
What’s important to note about these first three finalists who’ve advanced from group one is that they all made it there on different paths. Alexis earned her spot through an incredible performance, Danny made it through due to a blend of producer pimping and delivered talent, and Michael made it through based on potential, charm, and personality.
In my opinion, the championing of Alexis, Danny, and Michael means that many more of the contestants in group two have a shot of making it through. This second group of twelve is an interesting lot, and hopefully, we’ll see some terrific performances out of them.
Having said that, let’s take a look at just who truly has a shot of making it through this week.
The Ladies
Sorry ladies, but once again, I think group two is the time for the guys to shine. For some reason, the producers have stacked this group with two different types of women, and neither of them are the type that have been overly featured in this competition. The third group of performers, singing next week, seems to have the strongest ladies in it, but still, let’s take a look at the girls by category, and see who may come out on top.
The “I’m talented and have a big voice” group: Three truly talented ladies make up this group, and out of these three, it could be anyone who really does well. Jeanine Vailes, Allison Iraheta, and Jasmine Murray all fit into a very similar American Idol prototype. Of the three, the one I would LIKE to see do the best is Jeanine Vailes, seeing as she has had the least amount of airtime (um…none?). Having seen a couple of her performances on youtube, she’s definitely got a strong voice, and watching her interview, she seems like a fun type. So why are the producers hiding her from us? It’s tough to say. I would love to say that they’re hoping to create a “Latoya London” out of her, but with all the pimping of Lil Rounds (singing in week three), it doesnt seem likely. Jeanine REALLY needs that song that will make her shine (Side note: I was thinking about what Jeanine should sing before I saw any of the performances, and I thought that “I Never Loved A Man” [which was sung by Alexis Grace] would’ve been a great song choice for her, but now it’s too late 
) Jasmine Murray is another girl to watch; her everpresence in Hollywood week certainly gave her a good fanbase. But, at the same time, not everything we saw in Hollywood week was particularly phenomenal. She’s a young talent, but I get the feeling that Jasmine is going to pull out a boring song choice and fall flat. The one to really watch in this category is Allison Iraheta. Allison wasnt shown a lot in the past weeks, but what we did see of her was truly great. The judges, especially Paula and Kara, seem to really like her, and that helps her. In addition, as a Latin-American sixteen year old, she’s something that this competition hasnt seen often; young talents with mature voices. And we all know how good that was for Jordin Sparks.
Then, there is the “I’ve got a unique voice/bring something different to the table group” which consists of Jesse Langseth, Megan Joy Corkery, and Mishavonna Henson. These kinds of girls are not a common breed in Idol, which generally favors the aformentioned big voices, but this may be why all these girls are in the same group; the producers are finally hoping to push one of these voice types into the top twelve. Jesse Langseth, of the three, is the biggest longshot. Jesse does have quite a phenomenal, and unique voice. However, she has been criticized for her obscure song choices, and that, along with Frankie Jordan backlash, and a former crime (DUI) may be a bad combination for the girl. Mishavonna Henson’s chances are also rather slim. I’ve heard some of her recorded music (a fresh stream of country pop) and let me say, this chick is really good. Mishavonna, however, simply hasnt had enough airtime. Like Jeanine, it looks as if this girl is fodder, and it’s unfortunate. However, if she picks a strong, familiar country song and sells it well, she may win over the alarmingly large country music voting block (ask Bucky Covington, or better yet, Kristy Lee Cook). Of the three, however, Megan Joy Corkery seems to be the most lucky. Megan has a good backstory, had a prominent audition piece, and on top of it, has a killer voice. In addition, she’s gorgeous and sweet. As long as her performance comes out half-decent, Megan may earn a coveted spot in the top twelve.
However, only one girl will probably make it through. Truthfully, I think it will be the girl who has the best performance of the night, (And I’m hoping Jeanine or Mishavonna does that) but if we have to include all other factors, I would say it comes down to Allison Iraheta, and Megan Joy Corkery. While Megan’s got the whole package, I think Allison will be the one who blows the judges out of the water, and give her the advantage. I put the dollar down this time around on Allison Iraheta.
The Gentlemen
While I feel the ladies competition is still up in the air, I think the battle for which guys will take spots in the top twelve is a bit more obvious. As previously mentioned, I think two guys will get spots in this round, but unlike last week, if two girls really knock the judges’ socks off, we may see an upset.
Still, one spot for the guys is going to Adam Lambert. Adam is the second member of the “Judges pimpage trilogy” (the first being Danny Gokey, the third being Lil Rounds, interesting that they were all split up to guarantee spots?). However, I think that Adam truly deserves that spot. His voice is certainly a unique one for the guys, and he seems to work as a perfect mix between Clay Aiken, Constantine Maroulis, and Carly Smithson. That’s not a bad thing at all. Like Danny this past week, Adam could sing the phonebook and make it through.
Who gets the second spot though? It doesnt look good for either Kai Kalama or Matt Breitzke, solely based on the results that we saw in group one. Matt B.’s toast. With Michael making it through, and so many excellent, diverse talents to pick from, I don’t think that Matt will get the fair shot he deserves. All through Hollywood week, I compared Kai Kalama to Stephen Fowler. The reason why I think Kai is a goner is because if he tries to sing something upbeat, he’ll sound off (ask Stephen), but if he sings something boring, the judges will call him out on it. What both of these guys have though, is the intruiging backstories. Time will tell.
I think it’s also the end of the road for Nick Mitchell, or Normund Gentle. While Nick was a hilarious force during Hollywood week, his shtick is getting old. The performances he’s put on in this competition seem to be all the exact same, and Tatiana Del Toro’s elimination shows that America still favors talent over personality.
The two guys left, in my opinion, are the ones who have the best shot of making it through. Matt Giruad is a talent that has been featured a lot in this competition, and I think the producers would love to see him in the top twelve. This may be just me, but I think the producers shafted Ricky Braddy when it came to airtime to feature Matt more, since they are similar (in both appearance and talent; both have been compared to Elliott Yamin). This airtime thing will be good for Matt, and if it’s coupled with a solid performance, may seal his fate in a good way. A potential upset, however, is Kris Allen. Kris is a great looking guy, and his small features both in Hollywood week and in the audition process has given him internet buzz. Much like Allison Iraheta, Kris may be the underdog to pull out on top. If Kris’ performance is the best on the guy’s side, you may see an upset, as Kris would be the Ace Young of this season; a charming, good looking guy with a sick pop voice.
Still, with all these conflicting voice types, personalities, and contestants, only three can make it through. While I’d love to see Adam, Kris, Mishavonna, or Jeanine (I like so many people!) make it through to the top ten, I think America will put through Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, and Matt Giruad. All three encompass different aspects of the competition, much like the first three finalists do, and all three have the abilities to have stand out performances. This week though, I suspect an upset, so don’t be surprised if my predicitons are wrong!
I look forward to seeing this group sing; it’s definitely composed of an intruiging bunch.
- Matthew Chisling
I predict:
TOP MALE-Adam
TOP GIRL-Jasmine
THIRD-Matt
Adam (*********) won’t make it. Too many videos of the REAL Adam floating around.
Based on performances so far…
TOP GIRL – Jasmine … or could be Mishavonna, depending upon
TOP GUY – Kai
EXTRA – Nick
Jessie will do FANTASTIC, but still not make it.
Confirmed: It will be Adam, and the producers and judges will pimp him hard.
How do I know? Go post something negative on the AI boards about Adam and any one other contestant. The Adam one will be removed within 3 minutes and the account banned. The other will be left standing.
*sigh* Is this going to be as big a joke as the last couple of years? I had such high hopes.
It is quite obvious that Adam and Matt have the best chance in this groop. As for the girls, I like Megan a lot, but I also like Allison, she really lookes like Kelly Clarkson!
He’s correct bout the three pimpage.. Danny in group one, Adam in the second group and Lil on the last.
my top three prediction is:
Kris Allen
Kai Kalama
Jasmine Murray
and i hope this three choose the best song to fit for their personality and good luck for their performances.
cross fingers!
If America favors talent over personality like you say , Why did Michael win over Ricky?? Clearly Ricky had more talent!
that was what i thought! danny, adam and lil are definitely their favorite 3.
Yeah, I saw the Adam vids, too. Dammit. I’m a big fan of his (not b/c of the pimping but b/c I think he’s really talented). Well, it might depend on how 1) what he sings, and 2) what the reaction of the judges is. I’m guessing no standing ovations (Paula standing for Ricky didn’t seem to help) They were pushing him about as hard as Danny before. I do like Kai and Matt, and I have the feeling one will come in 3rd and one will go wild card.
I don’t remember Kris, but I do remember Jasmine, and they ADORED her. She was like the next Jordin, I think they said.
Guy: Matt
Girl Jasmine
3rd: Adam
Then I think Megan gets in as a wildcard and kris will face off with Anoop and Ricky for a card spot… With Ricky likely taking it.
I think that America votes for personality first, BASED on air time. THEN they vote for talent. Michael is not as talented as either Ricky or Anoop, IMO but he made it in. Why? He had an interesting story and was the underdog. I honestly think it all comes down to air time AND a story until Top 12, I really do. (Remember, though Alexis was clearly the best girl, she also had the story about leaving her baby behind–Alexis is only 21).
Oh, and in an interview with TV Guide with the first three to go through, Michael says he thinks he may have gotten more votes than Danny! Seriously, dude? I think it’s pretty clear that Danny and Alexis got more votes, and Michael squeezed in over Anoop. Could Michael have received more votes than Alexis? Possibly, since the top girl didn’t have to have more votes than the 3rd singer, but there is every indication that Danny smashed everyone in the voting category. I think Michael is in for a rude awakening when we come to Top 12.
Matt Giraud is more deserving than Adam Lambert for the top male spot. He represents what Idol needs: a TRUE artist.
What does it take to be a recording artist in today’s music culture? Vocal, instrumental and songwriting ability! Look at Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry…they ALL have written their own music. That is what makes them true artists. If you can’t write your own music, your just a good karaoke singer. :/
Adam can sing…but his theatrics are a bit too much. I am hoping Matt steals the show and makes it through to the Top 12 where he can really shine and perform with his piano.
Agree with him!
Male – Adam
Female – Allison
3rd – Matt
Don’t forget David Cook:
Plays guitar
Sings
Writes own music
Is cute
Could this be why he won AI 7? Could be……….
Yes, I’m a Matt Giraud fan. He just hasn’t been promoted as much as Adam, but I’m going to vote for him.
Top Male: Adam Lambert
Top Female: Jasmine Murray
Top Other: Matt Giraud
I’m not a fan of Jasmine Murray, but she’s gotten a lot of air time . I’d like to see Megan Corkery or Allison Iraheta go through instead of her.
It’s quite easy.
I predict that Adam will sing last……
All the last ones to sing, will make it through.
Why?
Because they’re the ones that are remembered as soon as the voting lines open…..
heyyyy…Adam is a true artist. The songs on the video are originals, his singing and songwriting remind me of George Michael, and his performance style may not be your cup of tea, but it’s definitely a STYLE.
Matt is my personal preference, but I had to point out that just because you don’t like someone’s art doesn’t mean they’re not an artist.
Nick Mitchell will go last I predict and will be in the top 12.
I agree except I think Jasmine will be the top girl, Allison didn’t get much airtime.
Male: Matt G.
Female: Jasmine
Next top vote: Adam (I hope!)
TOP MALE: KRIS
TOP FEMALE: JASMINE
NEXT TOP VOTE GETTER: JEANINE
from past performances i’d guess adam, matt, and allison are going to make it through. jasmine has a decent shot but she just feels like the type that will mess up badly due to inexperience. i dont care too much who makes it out from this round, but i sure hope they put on better performances then last week. i still cant believe michael made it, i just watched it again and i’d actually say he did the 3rd worst out of all 12 barely beating out stevie and casey who were both about as bad as bad can get at this stage.
I can’t wait for everyone to actually hear Kris Allen sing. I am positive he is going to blow everyone away…hopefuly everyone will vote based on what they hear on Wednesday. If not, lack of airtime is a huge disadvantage. I look forward to Thursday morning blogs to see how they have changed!
I think…
GIRL
Mishavonna-She hasn’t been featured a lot but I have a feeling this will be her time to shine!
BOY
Adam-I think he is already a favorite, his experience on stage, his looks, and his voice will get him through. Let’s hope he has a good song choice!
RUNNER
Matt-Definitely a favorite but not up there with Adam.
Allison Iraheta
Adam Lambert
Those 2 will be on the final
Adam got a commercial type but to much make up for me .Is he gay?
Allison huge voice and lovely personality.
Kind of ‘P!NK” quality .Bilingual-this is a huge place – can sell records in a huge Latin market
Like I said in my article, I dont think theres anyone who can touch Adam this round, just because it’s clear he has the producers behind him.
Matt Giruad will probably get through on the most talent.
None of the girls in this group received ample airtime, save for Jasmine. But Jasmine’s been iffy. The way the judges were talking up Allison Iraheta at the green mile episode, she’s got a good shot
Kris Allen has my vote. He has not had much air time but he can really sing, I’ve heard him in person, so I know. I wish all the contestant well, but Kris is the ONLY one I’m voting for. Go Kris.
#1 KRIS ALLEN
#2 Jasmine
#3 Matt
you guys just wait till you hear the underdog KRIS ALLEN…..you will be surprised….and amazed.
for Group 2
Top Male: Adam Lambert
Top Female: Megan Corkrey
Top Other: Jasmine Murray
Adams gonna make it through for sure. The judges love him, and so do I. I hope he picks a good song and really camps it up.
Matt’s got a good shot as well. If he really is doing the spoiled song and he totally slays it, could be incredible. Coldplay verges on untouchable, so if he does well it might be one for the history books.
Kris Allen is adorable, Im so sad that he’s fodder. But you never know.
For the girls, Im thinking Megan or Allison, whoever does better.
Yes, Adam is openly gay. Is that going to sway your vote? If so, that’s a crying shame.
Nick Mitchell is my top choice. The rest are ordinary and boring, with the possible exception being Adam but I fear Adam is going to tone it down to appeal to Middle America.