American Idol: Week 2, Night 1

We're ready for the top 13 to get their song on, so let's get to it...

1) Lauren, Lauren, Lauren...she has one of the best voices in the competition, yet (once again), she's picked a terrible song. I hate that song with a passion, and it didn't do her any favors. She sounds better singing something slower with bigger notes, like she sang "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" in her audition. These last two fast-paced pop-country songs haven't made her sound as good as she is. I am sure she'll stick around, she's super likeable, but she needs to pick better songs. She has a chance to win this thing, but not with songs like that. Even Steven said it wasn't very "kick-ass." Step it up, girl!!

2) Casey picked a great Joe Cocker song, and I just love the sound of this guy's voice. His scruffy look, his incredibly sill personality, the voice...this guy is awesome and I wouldn't be surprised if he won the whole thing. I'm thinking he'll be at LEAST top two. He's just awesome and I think he nailed it. Jennifer said it: "I'm watching someone important!"

3) My girl!! Ashthon is amazing, and she's taking on Diana Ross tonight. She's got the chops to pull it off, but does she? Of course. Not a song I've ever heard before, and it started off in a lower register. But she was able to spread her vocal wings and hit her note. She looks absolutely stunning, too. She reminds me of the singer Monica, with more power. Love her: love her, love her, love her!!

4) Bradley Cooper look-a-like Paul is next, singing a Ryan Adams song (I've never heard of this guy). Someone needs to SERIOUSLY have a wardrobe conversation with this guy. I have actually heard this song he's singing, but he sounds kinda coffee shop-ish. I can't believe this guy is here over Bret and Robbi. Didn't love it, I think he's a candidate for going home this week.

5) Pia picked "All By Myself" by Celine Dion, and when I heard that I was like, "Whoa, that is a HUUUUUUUUUGE song!" There's that one note that is humongous and not every singer can nail. If she can pull this off, she's more amazing than I thought. Starts off sounding good, and when the bigger notes come in...she sounds good then, too. I was excited at first because THAT NOTE sounded good, but then she cut it SHORT, and I thought that was a cop-out. It's the best part of the song, and she cut it short. I pulled my phone out and You Tubed Celine's version of that part of the song and showed him what that note was supposed to sound like. Pia didn't fully hit it, and hitting that note is what that song is about, in my opinion. I was disappointed, that's my favorite part of the song. But she still sounded pretty good with the song, so she can stay. =)

6) Paul McCartney is James's idol (good choice, man!), and he is singing "Maybe I'm Amazed", which is...well, an AMAZING song! I'm excited to hear James sing this and put his spin on it. Starts off low and sweet, and he keeps it reigned in, which is good because it's a sweet song. I think he did outstanding. Nailed. It. Probably the best of the night.

7) Haley (GAG!!) is next, singing one of the most obnoxious Leann Rimes songs ever recorded. I'm so over this. Next please.

8) THE STAR is after THE DRECKATUDE. He makes up for the crap that was just on the stage. He's singing "I Believe I Can Fly", which will be such a great song for his voice. I'm related to a Jacob-hater, and I know she will totally disagree with me, but I think this man is READY. Face it, Andrea: THIS MAN IS A STAR. He has power and charisma and talent and he NAILED IT. I would be thrilled if this guy won. Talk about TEAM JACOB!!!! I smile every time he's singing.

9) Thia Megia...singing a Michael Jackson remake of a Charlie Chaplin song, and it's a song I truly don't like at ALL. But something that I love about Thia is that she made me like HER VERSION, something Lauren failed to do. I think she has such a strong voice, and it always surprises me because she's so quiet and little and then she starts singing and you're blown away by that voice. She's great, I love her!

10) Stefano's doing Stevie, and he picked "Lately"???? There are so many WAY better songs, and he picks that one. Oh well, I just love this kid, he is UBER likeable and has a cool, smooth voice. The techno beat needed to go, and I worry people won't like it because they don't know this song. He is so much better than that. I was sad for him. Still a huge fan, though.

11) Andrew's least favorite, Karen. Singing Selena. I'm not a very big fan of this girl. She starts off with a terrible note, and just sounds pretty bad in general. She also reaches her arm out to the camera too much. Looks like she's trying to be a singer, rather than being natural onstage. I'm with you tonight, babe...this chick sucks.

12) Time for Scotty. I wish I liked him more. He's talented and kinda cute. But I like this guy less and less. That drawl-y country sound just isn't my thing. He picked a great artist, but "The River" is not one of my favorite Garth songs. He holds the mic with both hands, like a toddler with a sippy cup, haha. A great country performance. But I won't miss him when he's gone.

13) Last, but certainly not least, is Naima. Her idol is Rihanna. She's singing "Umbrella", which I don't love by Rihanna. A little-known singer named Marie Digby sings a super slow version of this song and makes it REALLY great (check it out sometime!), but otherwise I don't like this song. I do love Naima, though. I DO have to say that she blew it. Her and Stefano really let me down tonight. Randy was right, she should've done that whole thing as a reggae version. LOVED her little dancing thing, though. She worked it!! =)

I would love Haley (GAG!!) or Karen to go home from the girls' side, and Paul or Scotty to go home from the guys' side. Any combo of those 4 would suit me just fine.

Tomorrow night should be interesting!