'Idol' Top 24: First Reactions

February 15, 10:48 AM

Kudos to the producers and judges on American Idol -- Y'all have me stumped.

Four years ago, I could have told you from the start of the Top 24 that Ruben and Clay were the people to watch. You knew Fantasia was the favorite from Day One. Carrie Underwood was groomed for the Idol crown during her season's earliest promotions. And even if I might have guessed Paris and Ace Young at this point last season, I knew that Taylor Hicks and Katherine McPhee were the two I liked the most.

But as I look at this season's Top 24, I have to say that I don't know who the favorites are. Is that because the Idol producers wasted more time than usual on freaks in the audition rounds? Perhaps. Is that because a slew of audition episode favorites -- Robin Sparkles incarnate Jory Steinberg, pre-packaged country-pop princess Baylie Brown, that guy who looked like a Caucasian Castro -- were eliminated early in the Hollywood round? Probably.

Given that Bo Bice's second place finish is the closest an Idol contestant has come to winning without extensive pre-Top 24 coverage, this could be the most perplexing Idol season yet.

That's not the same as the best season of Idol yet, mind you.

Looking over the Top 24, the first thing that's striking is that this is an older group than we're used to. Sanjay Malakar and Jordin Sparks are freshest faces at 17 and the group's only other teen is Stephanie Edwards, at 19. On the other hand, nine of 12 men are 25-or-older and six of the women are 24-or-older.

If you're looking for favorites based on early promotion and Internet buzz, you'd have to look a pair of 28-year-old males, Chris Sligh (above) and Sundance Head (right), but both come with plenty of caveats. Chris has a good sense of humor and a winning personality, but we've had no indication that he can sing outside of a half-octave range. Plus, after Taylor Hicks won last year and has yet to generate even moderate sales buzz, will the Idol producers let another novelty act win? As for Sundance, after an impressive audition in Memphis, he looked awful in the parts of the Hollywood performances that we saw and he sounded even worse.

Early on, it looks to be a season of second chances. We've heard a lot about Gina Glocksen's several failed Idol runs and she certainly has a good voice and a bit of charm -- she has "First person eliminated from the Top 12" written all over her. Nick Pedro, a quitter last season, was lucky to get invited back at all this year and I'd figure his run to be short and perhaps there's a reason why A.J. Tabaldo didn't get through until his fifth Idol attempt and why he didn't get any camera-time until Hollywood -- 25 seconds of his nasally voice and I'm ready to get rid of him.

If what we've heard so far is any indication, viewers can expect plenty of over-singing. Early culprits in the acrobatics-over-tone sweepstakes include Nicole Tranquillo, Sabrina Sloan, soul-patched Rudy Cardenas, hyper-emotional Alaina Alexander and the otherwise appealing Paul Kim.

There are people who can obviously sing, but may not necessarily be marketable. If the show were actually about vocals, former background singers Melinda Doolittle (left) and Brandon Rogers might be heading for a finals showdown. I also get strong vocal vibes from Lakisha Jones and Chris Richardson, but early impressions are often deceiving.

It's a fool's errand to make any kinds of guesses before the contestants have sung a complete song, but I'm just that kind of fool.

Your (My?) Top Six males: Brandon Rogers, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh, Sundance Head, Sanjaya Malakar and Blake Lewis (Paul Kim will take Blake's space if the beat-boxer proves more of a performer than a singer).

I feel semi-confident about those choices. On the distaff side? It's a mess and some of these gals will really have to stand out, or else the judges will be left to explain leaving out Baylie, Jory, Marissa (who should have made it instead of walking Jersey Girl stereotype Antonella Barba) or that young lady who sang with Justin Timberlake at the Grammys.

My hunch:

Your (My?) Top Six females: Amy Krebs, Gina Glocksen, Melinda Doolittle, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks and either Lakisha Jones or Stephanie Edwards.

Recaps will begin next Tuesday (Feb. 20).

What do you think of this 24? Who are your early favorites? Who are you already ready to get rid of? Who would you like to have seen in the Top 24 instead of these folks?

in Reality TV

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Comments (40)

Comments

The fact that Antonella made it over Marisa is proof that they no longer know (to me anyway) what the hell they are doing. I can count two people in the top 24 who forgot their lyrics and made it through to this round. Sucks, stinks and shouldn't sit well with ANYONE.

Jason | Feb 15, 2007 11:05:50 AM | #

While I liked a few of the top 24, I was more baffled by a majority of the choices. Especially in the final choices of the night. Even though the Tommy was cocky and I liked Sundance's original audition- I thought he was horrible from the clips they showed of his hollywood week. And Marissa's clip they showed was WAY better than Antonella's clip. You would figure they would at least show the best of the people they picked and the worst of those they didnt. But maybe its all about controversy, and they want us to talk. I just remember liking many of the top 24 already last year, but I dont see any standouts yet this year. But I'm sure that will change in the weeks to come.

EMP | Feb 15, 2007 12:16:20 PM | #

While I liked a few of the top 24, I was more baffled by a majority of the choices. Especially in the final choices of the night. Even though the Tommy was cocky and I liked Sundance's original audition- I thought he was horrible from the clips they showed of his hollywood week. And Marissa's clip they showed was WAY better than Antonella's clip. You would figure they would at least show the best of the people they picked and the worst of those they didnt. I just remember liking many of the top 24 already last year, but I dont see any standouts yet this year. But maybe its all about controversy, and they want us to talk. I think they are making the show about variety and image and ignoring the quality of voices unfortunately.

EMP | Feb 15, 2007 12:17:54 PM | #

It's IDOL people! It never makes any sense and that's one of the reasons we talk about it. Although, I do agree that no-one really stands out right now. It makes me more anxious to see them perform next week. I've had favorite voices in the past who just couldn't get over their nerves during live shows. I'm waiting to see.....

DEB | Feb 15, 2007 12:33:51 PM | #

Chris Richardson, I feel, will be the sleeper of the competition. He has very quietly breezed through the prelims, and all 3 judges concured 100% yes, to one of the 12 spots, all this, without making a complete ass of himself. What with the clownery? Youve got an overperforming backup opera singer (Sundance) A Bozo the clown comic (Sligh) and a few other cruise boat acts (Beatbox guy). This is a singing competition correct? Richardson although he has had what 30 secs of airtime? has proven he can sing, and looks to be very marketable in his looks and appearance. It would appear the judges are seeking a Male pop artist this year. Watch him to be a frontrunner with his talent and popularity.

IDL | Feb 15, 2007 1:54:40 PM | #

Marisa's crying jags were extremely annoying. For that alone, I'm glad she's gone. But I agree, she has a better voice than others who made it.

APM | Feb 15, 2007 2:00:35 PM | #

I'm agreeing with you on most of the picks. Marissa should have beat Antonella from what short clips we saw in Hollywood. But that's just it - we've only been provided glimpses and short sets on some of these contestants so early to tell.

IDL's commentary on the clownery is very funny, and well, true. Chris Richardson does show promise, and I'm waiting to hear more from Sanjaya, there's 'something' about that kid.

Right now I'm looking at Sligh and Sundance as Taylor Hicks want to be's but I guess we will soon see what they've got to bring to the stage.

JewelsR | Feb 15, 2007 2:46:50 PM | #

I still can't believe that Sundance got through. He is already irritating...kind of reminds of Matt Rogers from season 3. I'm pulling for Sanjaya and Melinda Dolittle...but it still very early and I think being limited to just "clip" of their performances it's hard to pick a clear favorite.

STEVE O | Feb 15, 2007 3:42:20 PM | #

I think we are in for a season full of surprises because, as mentioned, I can't see one clear winner yet, so we will be surprised to see who pulls ahead in the weeks to come. Personaly I'm going for Sanjaya and Chris Richardson for the males, and for Melinda and Gina for the girls. Can't wait to see them on stage!!

BerkeleyDude02 | Feb 15, 2007 5:00:46 PM | #

I agree...its all about "generating a controvery to get our attention." I did not hear that "beatbox" guy sing a single note...yet he made it to the top 24. Moreover, how did that guy who sang through his nose made it to the top 24? The judges either heard something we didn't or they made those choices to get us talking.

lisadee | Feb 15, 2007 6:02:02 PM | #

I think after experience that the judges were definately looking for emotional stability as a key factor. That is why Melissa didn't get in. Can you imagine her after weks of pressure? Also they don't want a person with an attitude problem either. I think they choose some mediocre contestants so we have someone to vote off early we don't feel strongly aobut so it keeps us watching the show as well.

suzie | Feb 15, 2007 6:18:31 PM | #

Marisa should have def beat Antonella in that final choice. I know Marisa was probably like this cannot be happening and I don't blame her. Sanjaya representing the Indian population! I'm pulling for ya buddy! I love that tall girl...i forgot her name. She should have totally been picked over a couple of those girls and I'm really thinking it has something to do with her height. What can ya do? If you're going to vote, select who you think is the better vocalist, not one who will look the best on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Ankur | Feb 15, 2007 8:10:25 PM | #

You know, not many really stand out for me yet!! Though a few I like are: Girls--Lakisha: the mom, & Gina: the one with the red in her hair!! The guys--Sundance Head, Chris Sligh, Sanjaya--even though I liked his sister better!! Also, Nick Pedro, & Paul Kim!! We'll see!! This will be a very interesting year I betcha that!!

Michele Nieto | Feb 15, 2007 8:42:25 PM | #

Sundance reminds me of King Tut, the villain by Bruno Vesota on the old Batman series in the 60s.

Frank Rook | Feb 15, 2007 10:06:29 PM | #

Sanjay Malakar is a wasted spot, my wife and I thought he sucked. When it came down to Sundance and Tommy,I was ticked off because I thought Tommy should have gotten that spot.

Ken | Feb 16, 2007 1:30:12 AM | #

I was obvious that the South was debertly cut out. According to the judges the Birmingham auditions were the tops but in December they stated by a very vocal Randy Jackson and Simon that Birmingham would be no contestants in the competion. Washington was the poorest cometition and yet four people made it into the top rounds. I hope they enjoy the 29 million that watched on Wednesday for the top 24 selection because when it comes to the voting I hope California will be satisified with there winner, since they have been the most vocal against anyone from the south.

judy | Feb 16, 2007 6:01:12 AM | #

I don't know why Antonella was set up to be the villain here. I think it's really unfair. The top 24 were picked long before those two chairs were set up.

Patty Cee | Feb 16, 2007 6:51:59 AM | #

I think American Idol was trying their very best not to pick many Southern singers since Southerners have dominated the finals. Looking at where these singeers came from, they have finally covered the west coast heavily.

This could be their undoing since Southerners are very loyal. Without someone to root for, they may lose their prime viewers.

Homecoming for two California finals will be so dull.

anyone remember katharine's homecoming?

Connie | Feb 16, 2007 7:18:39 AM | #

Well, I'm not from the South, I'm from New England - we have alot of great singers here (yea right! - but we do have Berkeley School of Music which does actually attract and produce outstanding singers and musicians, so I do want to give us some props). Anyway, I do like the singers the South has produced, the Bo Bice type, I'm not a country music fan. So, it's not too relevant to this discussion, just wanted to mention. Oh, I like Likisha (sp?), the single mom. I just like that style of singing and music.

Sue | Feb 16, 2007 8:05:31 AM | #

Where's Ebony? Wasn't she
supposed to be the next Whitney?
What about Baylie Brown? Just
because she forgot her lyrics?
So did others in the Top 24!

fd98 | Feb 16, 2007 9:21:17 AM | #

i think amy should be in the top 12 shes really cool and she can sing i think thats the most important thing in this cométition, shes the best one because shes not like the other girls that looks like sluts for example antonella shes a slut no doubt about it i think she shouldnt have been elected in the auditions marissa is better than she

but anyways VOTE FOR AMY KREBS!!!!

diego | Feb 16, 2007 1:03:54 PM | #

I agree that over the last 5 years, you knew exactly who was going to make it all the way to the end. You could almost predict the winner. Sadly, this year, absolutely no one made me say..that's the winner this year! Melinda Doolittle stands out as well as Lakisha Jones. But that Antoinella girl???? She was terrible! She needs to be the first to go! I was shocked that they took her over Marissa, who was very good! And what the heck were the judges thinking when they let Baylie go?? When I first heard her, I thought she could be a finalist. So big deal, she forgot her lyrics. So did many of the others. The poor girl only has one night to learn the song. I think its sad that a great singer is let go because of lyrics. She was wonderful and I think the judges were sleeping on this one. I hope someone down in Nashville was listening to this girl! If these are the best of the hundreds of thousands that auditioned, then that's sad. I have no clue who's going to win this year.

Annmarie | Feb 16, 2007 9:49:11 PM | #

Sanjay Malakar is more than one of the freshest faces; he's sizzling hot, his voice is like treacle,(warm molassas) and I predict he'll be in the final three!!! Remember, I predicted it first. If only I weren't middle-aged. Laxmi

Traci Jones | Feb 17, 2007 7:02:28 PM | #

Sanjay Malakar is a wasted spot only if you're a country hick, Ken. Laxmi

Traci Jones | Feb 17, 2007 7:05:32 PM | #

And without calling any names, before claiming the South, how about a spelling and/or grammar lesson? Surely you didn't deliberately make us look ignorant, but you did nothing to dispell the sterotype.Laxmi

Traci Jones | Feb 17, 2007 7:21:03 PM | #

Oops-stereotype! Perdon.Laxmi

Traci Jones | Feb 17, 2007 7:26:25 PM | #

Uh...hate to tell you, Traci,but (since you're giving spelling lesson)"dispel" only has one "l".

Rick | Feb 18, 2007 2:28:50 AM | #

Thank-you Rick. Sincerely, Laxmi

Traci Jones | Feb 18, 2007 7:10:29 AM | #

Instead of the best/worst final audition show, they should have previewed all of the best Hollywood contestants. Some of the better voices in this competition have not been showcased at all, personality-wise. It's pure manipulation and it's unfair to these kids. Then again, we keep watching it no matter what they pull on us. Besides a few belting, potential divas, I didn't see much on the girls side. The guys seem to possess all the talent this year and it will be all the harder to eliminate them because of such a pool of talent.

Michael | Feb 18, 2007 10:13:02 AM | #

Traci,
It sounds like you're on the verge of a britney meltdown. These are merely opinions, you shouldn't take them so seriously. It sounds like you have issues with the south and grammatical errors. Sorry, we can't all be perfect like you.

American Idol Fan | Feb 19, 2007 4:33:05 AM | #

I definitely think Marisa, Bailey, Jory, Denise and Robyn should all be there in the top 24 at least. I think it was completely unfair to send Bailey (just one of many examples) home after one time of forgetting her words, and to keep Sundance after one dreadful performance of nasally singing and forgetting his words, and then letting him move on after a second time of the same thing. Why is it that Sundance can get away with it twice, but people like Bailey, Matt, and Robyn can't even get away with it once. Jory Steinberg had a great first Hollywood performance but gets send home because she wasn't "any good," when Sundance goes after her in the same first Hollywood round, sings like he does, and still makes it. This is biased with a capital B.

My top 12: Lakisha Jones, Jordin Sparks, Leslie Hunt, Alaina Alexander, Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen, Chris Sligh, Nicholas Pedro, Brandon Rogers, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, Chris Richardson

Michael | Feb 19, 2007 6:48:32 PM | #

Dear AFI-you are so right-I'm a middle-aged schoolteacher on the verge of a meltdown every day of the week, but that's normal for me-I don't know what's normal for Britney-anyway-Sundance was only chosen over the other guy because his dad is Roy Head-who cares??? I do have big issues with the South-you would too if you'd been "stuck" there your whole life with a bunch of bible- toting wanna still be Confederate rednecks. It's no wonder that Sanjaya is one of my top pics-sweet vocals, excellent grammar, genteel, exotic,very appealing in his innocence. Hopefully he will evolve into a steamier,sexier version of himself. Alas, for me there will never be another Constantine Maroulis!!! The barefoot Asian guy was uniquely appealing, even with an imperfect falsetto. Laxmi

Traci Jones | Feb 20, 2007 8:10:55 PM | #

Correction: That should have read "Dear AIF". Laxmi

Traci Jones | Feb 20, 2007 8:12:35 PM | #

Goodbye to Haley, Alaina, Sundance, and.....

Traci Jones | Feb 21, 2007 7:02:42 PM | #

Goodbye to Haley, Alaina, Sundance, and.....

Traci Jones | Feb 21, 2007 7:05:07 PM | #

I am routing for Sanjaya. I hope he pulls through his shyness. He has a fantastic voice. Listen to him carefully and you will realise that he has a very unique pitch to his voice that has been heard by Kelly Clarkson only.... check it out

Idol Fan | Feb 23, 2007 10:58:32 AM | #

I am in total agreement with the comments regarding Sanjaya, and did you hear Ryan say that he is in the top four males?! It's more than his hair, Simon. I think we will see a more confident Sanjaya next week.

Traci Jones | Feb 24, 2007 9:41:16 AM | #

The IDOL judges are not supporting the 17 year old Sanjaya, when he selects old classics only because he is so young and they want him to pick songs which are easier. I think he has very good voice quality and natural talent and just needs more confidence. He is the kid to watch out in the next coming weeks.

Sandesh Patil | Mar 1, 2007 6:06:16 PM | #

Its clear to me whos gonna win, Likisha Jones i absolutely,totally 1 billion pecent voting for her. She can sing its unreal. YOU ROCK GIRL WOOOOHOOOOO !!!!

Mica | Apr 6, 2007 1:50:45 PM | #

Melinda Doolittle will released her first album in fall come join us fans of her www.mdstreetteam.com

Louise7 | Jul 25, 2008 8:19:52 AM | #