Culturally Preconditioned

Well the new season is here upon us again. This show is one of the few shows on TV that I try not to miss, however bad it gets. They’ve shown us the auditions and the Hollywood rounds for the past few weeks, and we’re now down to the Top 24. And here they are (pictures courtesy of justjared)

Back Row L-R: Alexandrea Lushington, Robbie Carrico, Jason Castro, Danny Noriega (striped shirt), Brooke White, Amanda Overmyer, Michael Johns, David Cook (bandana), Luke Menard and Carly Smithson (standing far right).

Bottom Row L-R: Chikezie Eze, Colton Berry, Asia’H Epperson, Kady Malloy (seated, black dress), Joanne Borgella, Ramiele Malubay, David Hernandez (seated, front), Amy Davis, Alaina Whitaker, Syesha Mercado, Jason Yeager, David Archuleta (seated), Garrett Haley and Kristy Lee Cook.

Well tonight’s it’s the Top 12 guys, where this week 2 guys will be cut out from the show. Who will it be? Your guess is as good as mine. I’m just glad that fake British wannabe titty sucker Josiah didn’t make it this far into the show. This week’s theme is Music from the 60s. Good call that they’re putting this snoozefest of a theme out of the way so soon into the competition, so we don’t have to endure it later down the line.

David Hernandez - In the Midnight Hour (Wilson Pickett)

Dude can sing and is pretty easy on the eyes. It’s always hard to judge the first singer of the season. And does he remind anyone else of David Rocco? 6.5 out of 10.

Chikezie - More Today Than Yesterday (The Spiral Starecase)

How can you not love a guy with a name like Chikezie? Well that’s what I initially thought anyway. He didn’t sound so flattering with his lower registers, despite his long note at the end. I especially didn’t like him mouthing Simon off. There’s a place and time for that, but you weren’t that great to be mouthing people off in the first show. 5 out of 10.

David Cook - Happy Together (The Turtles)

Isn’t this one of the songs from Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat show?Anyway, it sounded weird. Is it the offbeat temp? I just didn’t like it as much as the judges did. not at all. 4.5 out of 10.

Jason Yeager - Moon RIver (Audrey Hepburn)

This song maybe as slow as shit, and his performance may be boring as sin, but I actually liked his voice. I dunno. I’m surprised there were such venomous remarks from the judges, actually. 7 out of 10.

Robbie Carrico - One (Three Dog Night)

Okay, that came across more of a Bucky than a Bo. At this point of the show, I was almost in tears and so not impressed with this batch of guys. 4 out of 10.

David Archuleta - Shop Around (The Miracles)

I’m sre this guy has a HUGE fanbase already. Personally I think he’s okay, but I’m not overly impressed. Turn the doe-eyed visuals off and you can almost tell that a child is singing. Not my favorite, but I’m sure he’s a lock for the Final Five, at least. 6 out of 10.

Danny Noriega - Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley)

OMG it’s Betty’s nephew-clone! The swagger and the ‘tude. Oh my. I am kinda torn. He’s like Sangina, but can actually carry a tune somewhat. God help me. 5.5/10 (that +0.5 point for the diva headsnap he gave to Simon)

Luke Menard - Everybody’s Talkin (Fred Neil)

Yet another boring as shit performance. His voice is actually decent, but the performance was just dull, dull, dull. In fact, the only thing interesting about his segment was a shot of his wife giving a quick slap on his ass when he got the golden ticket. Worst song choice ever. 3.5 out of 10.

Colton DeGeneres - Suspicious Minds (Elvis Presley)

I loved his Ellen reference. It was actually kinda funny. But this isn’t Last Comic Standing. I wasn’t expecting to like his performance, but it was actually quite okay. Plus I actually like this song. 6 out of 10.

Garret Haley - Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Neil Sedaka)

Holy Austin Power, it’s Heather Graham-lite! Okay, his voice was okay, but I have slight problems distinguishing if it’s a male or a female voice. The snooze of a performance definitely didn’t help either. 4.5 out of 10.

Jason Castro - Daydream (The Lovin’ Spoonful)

The dreadlocks are cool and I was totally hooked within the first line of his performance. Excellent song choice and excellent call with playing the guitar. He’s like a slightly youthful sounding Jack Johnson. The best of the night so far. 7.5 out of 10.

Michael Johns - Light My Fire (The Doors)

I loved his rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody during the Hollywood auditions and his performance tonight proved to the others that he is definitely one of the guys to beat in this competition. 8 out of 10.