American Idol: Top 36 Group 1

I feel like I’ve been in American Idol mode for at least the last 12 hours but still wanted to get my thoughts out on the contestants.  Overall, last night was bad.  I thought for sure this Top 36 would be our best over but I was very disappointed.  Many people I thought would be contenders lost it last night.

Anoop Desai – Angel of Mine – Annnooop!!  I really like Anoop.  My inner (and outer?) geek connects with him.  And I secretly think Indian men can be hot.  But last night he did not pick the right song, his energy was very low and I was all around disappointed.   He has a huge fan base though so maybe he pulled in enough votes.
Alexis Grace – Never Loved A Man – I loved. this.  And yes, Heather, I was a bit skeptical of her before last night but that was an amazing performance.  She really was like a different person this round.
Tatiana Del Toro – Saving All My Love For You – Darn. it.  This girl drives me crazy but I don’t think anyone can deny she can sing.  Heather and I looked at each other a few notes into her song and were like “Nooooo”.  She did well.  Unfortunately.
Ricky Braddy – Song For You – I think he did really well.  Even Mom called this morning and said “Who was that guy who was shy?”  I think it’s sad he didn’t get more publicity on the show.  Add to the fact that his performance was good but not amazing and I don’t think he’ll get in tonight.  BUT I know Paula has said he is in her Top 3 so I fully expect him to make a return in two more weeks.
Jackie Tohn – A Little Less Conversation – The outfit was bad, the song was bad.  Just bad.  And I like her voice too.
Brent Keith – Hicktown – I thought he would be good competition but I didn’t like this.  And as a country fan, I can say it wasn’t memorable.
Stevie Wright – You Belong With me – This was a painful performance. I really think her nerves took over.
Casey Carlson – Every Little Thing He Does is Magic – I really wanted to like that but I didn’t.
Michael Sarver – I Don’t Wanna Be – I really liked this actually.  Maybe because it’s One Tree Hill’s theme song but I’ve heard a lot of people really screw that song up.  It’s harder to sing than you think.  But he did well.  I think he’s going to make top 12.
Ann Marie Boskovich – Natural Woman – Not good.
Stephen Fowler – Rock With You – No.  Just no.
Danny Gokey – Hero – Yes, yes, yes!!!  I am on Paula and Kara’s fangirl train.  I was clapping and yes-ing the whole performance.  I was so nervous after starting iheartdannygokey.com that it would be my luck he’d turn in an awful performance and not make Top 12.  Well, my friends, after that AND all the publicity he’s gotten on the show, he’s Top 12, hands down and maybe our next American Idol!!

I’m hoping Danny, Alexis Grace and Anoop get in but think Michael will replace Anoop.