TVSquad

(S08E09) Seacrest begins the show with some cold, sexy numbers. We started this season with over 103,000 American Idol hopefuls, and now, going into the last night of Hollywood week, we're down to 72. Now that we're under the century mark, we get to be fancy: the contestants have backup singers, bands, and can play instruments if they want.

The way they're doing this is pretty hardcore: Each singer takes the stage, but receives no feedback afterward. Since this is their last chance, it kind of doesn't matter if Simon makes them cry, or Randy calls them Dawg. Either they're good enough or they're not. After they're finished singing, they have to wait until the end of the day, when the entire group is broken up into two groups: those who are going forward, and those who are not. Or, those who are immediately fading into obscurity and those who will fade more slowly, singing some goofy songs while hamming it up in some sort of Ford vehicle on the way.


Adam Lambert is unlucky number 1. His main criticism is that he's too theatrical, so he naturally chooses "Believe" by Cher. *Facepalm.* Dude rocks it like Ethel Merman. Some people seem to be into it, but I just find it terrifying, frankly.

Matt Giraud is up next, and the Dueling Piano Player by trade gets a keyboard to help him through his rendition of "Georgia." I do think he's a little overdone, but he's damn good. The judges are impressed, and Kara, Randy and Paula all give him standing ovations. Even Simon's smirk seems mostly positive.

I like Jamar Rogers, but his version of The Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" is as terrifying as his cheek piercing. Kara and Paula are really into it, but it's way too twitchy and fast for me. It makes me nervous and itchy to listen to it.

Danny Gokey, Jamar's best friend sings a song that I know a lot of people love, but just pisses me off in a deep and meaningful way: Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance." I am just not on the same wavelength as the judges tonight. Paula practically throws her panties on the stage, and I'm just sitting here thinking how much he looks like an over-emotional dad commandeering the stage at his daughter's wedding.

I'm not exactly sure why, but I am drawn to Anoop Desai. He actually sings "My Prerogative" and completely rocks it. Not very many people could get away with that song without looking ridiculous, but he totally does. Jorge Nunez makes Paula dance, but I'm pretty sure she would be doing that regardless of whether anyone was actually on stage or not.

Scott Macintyre finally gets his piano. He's pretty good, and after his audition, he makes sure to note that he did not see Paula give him a standing ovation. No word on whether Ryan attempted to high-five him again.

Next up is a group of girls. Kendall Beard, the blond Texan from Puerto Rico, sings Carrie Underwood. I'm always uncomfortable when someone sings a song from a former Idol contestant. It's embarrassing -- kind of like when you go to a concert with a friend and they're wearing the t-shirt of the band you're going to see. Now, I'm not 100% up on my Carrie Underwood, but doesn't she talk about drunken karaoke in "Before he Cheats?" Because that's what this performance reminds me of.

Stevie Wright does pretty well, but there's something too harsh about her performance. Likewise, Lil Rounds is a little too over-the-top for me, but I think she's better than she was last week. Kristen McNamara also chooses a former Idol, this time it's Kelly Clarkson. As much as it still weirds me out, she knocks it out of the park.

Last year, Mishavonna Henson made it to the second night of Hollywood week before getting cut. She's back again, and it looks like she's going to go further. She seems super-annoying, but she sang a good song.

Quite frankly, I am flabbergasted by the fact that Tatiana Del Toro has not been booted from the competition yet. She's not that good of a singer, and she doesn't listen to the judges. This performance is the best I've seen from her, but it gets really scary at the end. Alexis Grace also sings "Before he Cheats," and is completely passable. Kenny Hoffpauer sings Jason Mraz, and although Seacrest says he's good, the brief clip they showed did not exactly wow me. Jasmine Murray goes for Jordin Sparks, which takes away from her great performance.

Nathanial Marshall is having a nervous breakdown, but I'm kind of in love with his acoustic rendition of "Disturbia." Joanna Pacitti is also not doing very well, and it shows in a bad way when she completely forgets all of the words to "If I Ain't Got You." LIke Jasmine Murray, Casey Carlson sings "Tattoo," and like Joanna Pacitti, she forgets the words. Stephen Fowler brags to the cameras that his song isn't hard to memorize, but completely craps the bed and asks to start over.

Nick Mitchell brings Norman Gentle back once again for "Georgia." Once again he's good, but once again he's completely ridiculous. But whatever, the dude's growing on me. I hope he gets through, because at least he's interesting.

Anne Marie Boskovich sings "I Hope You Dance," and does a really great job, even though I completely loath that song. Ju'Not Joyner sings "Hey There Delilah," and where Jamar Rogers was too fast and twitchy, Ju'Not is a little too slow and creepy for me. But, damn. His baby is cute.

Kaylan Loyd also sings "If I Ain't Got You," and while she remembers all the words, Simon actually ends her song. Leneshe Young is pretty good, but there's something weird about her song that I just can't put my finger on. Kai Kalama had voice problems during his last performance, and I hope it doesn't affect him too negatively, because I really like him. Michael Sarver, the oil Roughneck, continues to do really well, so hopefully he'll make it through, as well.

Finally, the judges are ready to give their decisions. Room 2, which includes Kai Kalama, Jasmine Murray, Stephen Fowler, Michael Sarver, are through to the next round. Room 3, which includes India Morrison and Leneshe Young, are not going any further. Room 1, which includes Lil Rounds, Anoop Desai, the best friends, and, basically everyone who has been featured, is through. Room 4, which includes freaking Tatiana is through. But Nick Mitchell is also through, so I guess it's okay.

Tomorrow: It's the final 36! We're almost to the live shows ... right? RIGHT???