AI: The Final Twelve

This was written yesterday, before the elimination show.

Tuesday's episode of American Idol was all about bigger: bigger auditorium, bigger audience, bigger stage and bigger stakes. Unfortunately, most of the performers had trouble with bigger. They seemed awfully small as they sang songs from the sixties. This new level of magnification revealed flaws in contestants who appeared flawless just a week ago. Because the final twelve is a big deal in the AI universe, here is a line or two about each contestant.

Jessica was the first big performer who seemed to shrink. She lost some of her stage presence and power. Perhaps the lighted American Idol sign, revolving around the tower onstage, distracted her. I know it certainly distracted me.

Anwar sang "A House is Not A Home", which is apparently the only song Burt Bacharach ever wrote. The judges weren't impressed. While it wasn't my favorite performance from him, I thought he showed consistency and control.

After Mikalah performed, Simon said her confidence exceeded her ability. I completely agree. Something about Mikalah bothers me. It's mean to say, but I think it's Mikalah. I can only hope she annoyed enough of America to put her in the bottom two tonight.

Constantine had a decent performance. Randy called it his strongest to date. I wouldn't go that far, but he probably shouldn't go home this week. If a guy has to go, he has my vote, but I think a woman is leaving tonight.

Listening to Lindsey was painful. Her whole performance, dance moves included, made me cringe. If she doesn't end up in the bottom two, I'll be surprised.

Anthony sang a Neil Sedaka tune. His voice has a wonderful quality about it, but he somehow managed to make the performance ordinary.

Nadia. What can I say about Nadia? She was awesome. She changed it up, chose a slow song, but still gave it her own twist. She took the stage with confidence and the confidence was justified. To me, she rocks harder than Constantine does and she can do it in a dress.

Bo sang "Spinning Wheel" and he commanded the stage. I wish he didn't tote the microphone stand with him the entire time, but that's nitpicking. He doesn't have a great range like Anwar, but I dig his voice.

Vonzell sang a Dionne Warwick song and it was okay. She will need to be more than just okay if she wants to make it into the final six.

Scott is another guy with a good voice, but he projects this attitude that seems to say, "I'm cool and I don't care." Personally, I don't find that very appealing. I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the first three guys gone.

For someone who showed so much promise early on, Carrie continues to disappoint me. She can sing country and country can be cool, but she seems to be squandering her chances to impress.

Finally, there was Nikko, the show's phoenix. Mario's mysterious exit gave him a second chance to shine. He sang something by the Jackson Five and sang it well enough to stay another week.

To sum it all up, as long as the singer going home tonight is named Mikalah, Lindsey or Constantine, I'll be happy.

Update: Last night, Lindsey, Mikalah and Jessica were in the bottom three. Lindsey was eliminated, but not before she mangled sang "Knock on Wood" again.