After last week’s Wildcard show I was hoping to get out a bonus blog post about my thoughts regarding the wildcard performances and the judges’ choices.  Since the results were announced during the actual show I was in no hurry to have it out the next day.  Then the weekend was crazy busy with work.  Then I just didn’t care.

Now, with the top 13 performing tonight, I have a sudden urge (and a few minutes) to summarize some random AI thoughts.

First of all, I’m a little disappointed that I only got two of the Group 3 picks.  Scott and Lil were obviously moving on to the next round, but neither of my two choices for the third spot made it.  Jorge?  Who saw that coming?  (Besides Patty R.?) 

I did spend a few minutes with the DVR over the weekend and played back many of the performances from the last three weeks.  I think Jorge and Michael are the weak links in the top 13, but on re-listen I’ll admit they were better than I first thought.  However, there are a few people who have been bumped who I thought were better.

Goodbye to:

Brent – (from Group 1)  Maybe he didn’t deserve a top spot, but I’m surprised he didn’t get to do a wildcard performance.  (Seriously… TATIANA got a second chance!?!)

Nick (Norman) – (Group 2)  Ok… I know he probably didn’t belong in the top 12 (or 13), but he would have been fun.

Von – (Group 3)  At least he got a wildcard nod if not a spot.  Probably a victim of bad song choice.

Ju’Not – (Group 3)  When I re-watched his “Delilah” performance I came to the conclusion that he was robbed.  I guess I called that one since I wrote that he was good enough for top 12 but my gut tells me he’s going to fall a few votes short.  Sometimes I hate when I’m right.

Felicia – Also Group 3 and also robbed.  Ok, I know… I didn’t predict a top spot for her anyway.  But I’ll miss her.

Kendall – Another one of my Group 3 picks.  Decent country vocals, adorably cute, good overall performance… I don’t see how she didn’t make it.  I won’t miss her, but that one puzzles me.

The serious competition starts TONIGHT.  So here are some preliminary thoughts on our Baker’s Dozen.  (Alphabetically by first name, just as they appear on the AI web site.)

Adam – Is it me or is there always a guy with too much eyeliner in the top 12?  Good singer but he’s probably better suited for theater than the Billboard 100.

Alexis – I know we all expected her to move on to this round, but when I went back to listen again I was blown away.  She’s awesome.

Allison – Someone with a whacky dye job always makes it into the top 12 but never wins.  Nice pipes for a 16 year old, but I expect her to run out of steam somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Anoop – Glad the judges gave him that lucky 13^th spot.  Definitely chose a better song choice for his wildcard performance. 

Danny – Those hacks that accuse him of getting the sympathy votes because he’s a grieving widower didn’t listen to his vocals.  I can see him doing very well if he’s wise with his song choices.

Jasmine – Our other 16 year old.  I was surprised that the judges awarded her a wildcard spot.  She can definitely sing, but I doubt she’ll be around for a single digit spot.

Jorge – How many Puerto Rican’s are there and how often do they vote?

Kris – I look at him and I think “milquetoast.”  However, I thought he did a great job with “Man in the Mirror” a few weeks ago.  If he picks the right songs he might make top 6.

Lil – I don’t know what to expect from her.  She could crash and burn early or make it to the top 3.  I have no idea whatsoever.

Matt – How many Michigander’s are there and how often do they vote?  Definitely better song choice for his wildcard performance.  Liked the hat but what was up with that scarf?

Megan – Cute.  Quirky vocals and moves awkwardly, but you have to have a tattoo sleeved woman in the top 12!  She’ll be one of those “love her or hate her” contestants.  Look for her to make it to a single digit spot.  High single digit.

Michael – Great karaoke, but I expect an early exit.  As noted earlier, I think he stole a spot from someone more deserving.

Scott – Look for him to be a crowd favorite.  He may not be the best vocalist, but he will kick out some great songs – especially when he gets behind a piano.  Also – look for some wicked, nearly gymnastic, dance moves!  He many not win but he’s definitely an entertainer.  (For those of you who don’t watch the show but live vicariously through my blog… I’m kidding about the gymnastics.  The dude is blind for Pete’s sake.  We don’t want him falling off of the stage.)

I hate to make predictions at this stage and I plan to make fresh predictions each week based on performances, but here is a pull-em-outta-my-ass prediction for the season:

Bottom 4 (early exits):  Jasmine, Jorge, Matt, Michael.

Middle of the pack:  Adam, Allison, Kris, Megan.

Top 4:  Alexis, Danny, Scott, Anoop.

No idea – anywhere along the way:  Lil.

Yea – I don’t know how Anoop made it into my top 5 (counting Lil if she makes it).  But there are surprises every year.  Ya never know.

Top 13 starts in a few hours. 

Michael Jackson songs tonight. 

Let’s hope nobody grabs their crotch during their performance. 

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