*Idol Watchers* – Top 13

On JLo
Hello, abs! Mom says, "Is she wearing hose, or are her legs just that shiny?"

On Keith
Mom again: "You're not supposed to wear a jean jacket that doesn't match your jeans. Very wrong. Faux pas."

Momisms
If Mom keeps up the quips at this rate, this season will be the most entertaining yet at Casa Cobb.

"This Is Me" Theme
Looking forward to it. It'll be a great way to get to know the contestants.

New Ways To Vote
I googled "American Idol," and one can vote right from the Google site. Interesting. I think the new ways are neat, and will reach more people. Ed: "That's the stupidest thing ever."

Idol Top 13... GO!

Dexter Roberts – Fayette, AL – "Aw Naw" by Chris Young
Hey, it's Randy with some backstage commentary. I spent most of this performance trying to understand what he was saying. I missed the title of the song and the original artist, so I was trying (very nearly unsuccessfully) to place the tune. Dexter's vibe was energetic and positive, but the key was too low, and I could not understand one word. Mom loved, Ed hated, I was indifferent. Anyone notice Dexter's Mom's hair? Good 1980s country hair there!

Malaya Watson – Southfield, MI – "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars
I love this song choice! I'm afraid she may overdo it and get breathless, though. Wait. WAIT. This is not good. She sounds out of breath, out of tune, and out of time. I hate this song choice! I don't think this song was able to show the deep talent Malaya has. I have her in my eventual Top 2. She'll be safe, though. This one has a following.

Momism
"Keith looks like a cute Peter Pan."

Kristen O'Connor – Sebastian, FL – "Beautiful Disaster" by Kelly Clarkson
I don't particularly like this song, but I'm enjoying her performance... a little. Her sound is somewhat dated; I'm thinking mid-90s Céline Dion. It's not a style I like, particularly, but you can't deny that Kirsten has talent. I thought the nuances of her voice were well-showcased throughout the song. However, everyone in my home HATED it, including Sam, who has joined the fun this evening. Ed said it was too pageant-y. My past in that realm leads me to not necessarily view "pageant-y" as negative, but I realize that 99% of the world does.

Ben Briley – Gallatin, TN – "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash
Oh, this is my wheelhouse, people. Whoa, what's that weird voice all about? It's like he's being a character. I don't understand. It got more entertaining when he started singing the upper part of the melody. The instrumentation was cool, and I liked the kicked up tempo. I also dug the staging with the silhouetted instrumentalists. This is where I used to type, "But this is a singing competition." However, I've changed my mind. This is a *performance* contest. The audience votes for the contestant who appeals to them the most, and that contestant is not necessarily the best singer.

C.J. Harris – Jasper, AL – "Radio" by Darius Rucker
I really like C.J., but I was instantly overwhelmed by the FLAT pitch. We hear pitchy a lot, but the first third was so flat, it was almost harmonic. He improved as the song progressed, but I thought it was vocally weak. Every vocal element was not up to par. However, his pleasant countenance and the upbeat ambiance he created amended for the vocal deficiencies... almost.

MK Nobilette – San Francisco, CA – "Satisfaction" by Allen Stone
Nearly every contestant is starting with a pitch problem. HCJ referenced this issue earlier, and he may be right that it's a monitor matter. I think MK is a great singer, but this performance was borderline lounge-y. Maybe that assessment just reflects my lack of knowledge of/interest in the genre. I didn't like one thing about it until the breakdown. Mom couldn't stop talking about her makeup. MK is obviously not a make-up kind of gal, and I liked the compromise she has reached with the stylists. Her makeup keeps her face looking fresh onstage while being understated. Perfect.

Interjection
I don't like that the contestants have to sit stage left and watch the other contestants. That gives them no rest.

Majesty Rose – Goldsboro, NC – "Tightrope" by Janelle Monáe
Majesty employed the best use of dynamics I've heard from a contestant in a few seasons. As has become customary this evening, she started with some short-lived problems with pitch, but she quickly broke into a comfortable place with the melody and with her presence. I think she found that sweet spot between comfort and humility. She took over the stage, and it was a delight to watch. I just wish she would not have worn the jackety-shirt over the dress-thing. It gave her a frumpy appearance.

Jena Irene – Farmington Hills, MI – "The Scientist" by Coldplay
This poor girl's parents should've named her Gina and saved her a life of being called Jenna. Cue the early pitch problems. This song is a favorite of mine, but I don't know that I like it for her voice. She has wicked talent, but I feel this song is best sung less powerfully. However, she showed strong emotion throughout the performance. What in the heck was she wearing on her arm? I'm not sure that it could be called a bracelet.

Alex Preston – Mont Vernon, NH – "A Beautiful Mess" by Jason Mraz
I like the multi-screen shots that show the performer and his family. Fun. WOW, Alex! I've enjoyed his performances so far, but I thought he really displayed himself as a headliner tonight. His vocal was rich and strong. I liked the way the staging promoted a focus on Alex's voice. After all the crazy graphics for the other contestants, his lone red light shone in a special way. The choice to begin the song with only Alex's guitar and voice also promoted simple focus on that voice. Oh, did you see the X Factor winners, Alex and Sierra, in the audience to support Alex? Neat! Ed and I were big fans of those two last fall. Their cover of "Say Something" is better than original, in my opinion. Also, HCJ: "Let me caution you about something. Try to sing in tune." Oh, gee, Harry, thanks! Great advice. Hadn't thought of that.

Jessica Meuse – Slapout, AL – "The Crow And The Butterfly" by Shinedown
The beginning was haunting and showed that she has great control of her voice. When the instrumentation got stronger, I liked it less, but I still liked it. Her voice sounded like it cracked a few times, but I think that's part of the charm of her sound. The last note sounded out of tune, but the rest was sturdy.

Emily Piriz – Orlando, FL – "Glitter In The Air" by Pink
If Emily nails this performance, she'll have a fan for life in Ed Cobb. He loves Pink. Why isn't Emily doing acrobatics on silks? Her singing was very pretty, but I couldn't help feeling like it was much like a class night performance, likely the best one, in her high school. Eh. She can do better. Ed is making the McKayla Maroney face. Not impressed.

Sam Woolf – Bradenton, FL – "Unwell" by Matchbox 20
Sam's face is SO commercial... like his face genuinely makes me want to buy things. He's not the best singer in the competition, but... HIS FACE. He has huge star potential because of his stage presence and his serious approach to music. Have you ever watched him listen to the judges' advice? He's ALL business. I missed a good chunk of this performance because Mom was watching the graphics behind Sam, and she *would not stop* saying Rorschach Blobs. Like, over and over and over. Rorschach Blobs. Rorschach Blobs. Rorschach Blobs. Rorschach Blobs. Rorschach Blobs. AAUUGGHH.

Caleb Johnson – Asheville, NC – "Pressure and Time" by Rival Sons
Closing the show! That's a good sign for the man I predict will be the Season 13 Champ. He's the lovechild of Jack Black, Chris Farley, and Meat Loaf. I don't think Idol has seen a more natural rocker. We just sat in awe of his talent. Unbelievable! My favorite of the night. Idol wants to promote him, too. Did you see any other contestant with as many bells and whistles? He deserved them, though.

Tonight’s Show...
...went about like I thought it would. This crop of contestants is a bit more raw than groups past. I think the focus is showing their growth over the season. There were problems as the contestants got used to the hugeness of an Idol performance, but there were tons of entertaining moments, too.

Jo’s Ranking
It's a bit too early for a ranking, but I'll give you my Bottom 3. Malaya, Dexter, and CJ. That's a tough blow, because I predicted an appearance for Malaya in the finale. Caleb, Alex, and Majesty were my favorites.

Jo’s Prediction of America’s Ranking
Again, ranking 13 contestants is silly, so I'll predict America's B3: Malaya, Dexter, and CJ, same as I predicted... because America is soooo in tune with me. :o) I'll put Emily on the bubble.

What do you think? Who’s going home?

(Reminder: tomorrow's blog will be delayed due to a previous commitment, the BNL vs. Mitchell game. 'SGO, STARS!)