Lucky 13
*photo courtesy of mtv.com
The 8th season of American Idol has been marked with several changes and revisions to the show’s mechanics right off the bat. The most evident being the addition of Kara to the AI judges and the longer Hollywood week period leading up to the final 12 finalists that will compete to become the next American Idol. Well, well, well… I admit, I fell for it. I had been reading lots of spoilers but the announcement of a final 13, instead of 12, was so spontaneously done that I shared Anoop’s reaction.
To provide a little context, 8 contestants who failed to garner enough votes during the first three rundown of the top 36 contestants to determine the top 12, were given a second chance in their so-called Wildcard phase. The best feature about this stage of the competition is that it is the judges who get to decide which singers make it through.
One episode was dedicated to allow the top 12 (or 13, now that we already know it) another shot at performing, and impressing, the judges to show they have what it takes to be the American Idol (as they often bill it.. pardon me for the cliche). Some were impressive, while others nailed their own coffin. But the results were pleasing for my part since two of my bets made it through… Megan Joy Corkrey was chosen over the-girl-who-just-won’t-stop-crying-that-she-starts-to-get-on-my-nerves Tatiana del Toro. Huh, even her attempt to mimic Jorge’s “when I get emotional, I turn into Spanish” plea did not do much.
Last, but certainly not the least, to perform for the night was Anoop Desai. I had to agree with Simon that it wasn’t the best vocal performance, but Anoop never fails to charm the audience. So, it came as a total shock when Anoop was about to leave the stage after Matt Giraud was announced to be the 12th finalist, and Simon announced that they just made a decision to make it a top 13 instead of 12. 13 wasn’t such an unlucky number, was it for Anoop?
Now that Anoop’s part of the pack, I look forward for more exciting weeks at AI. Keep voting guys! 
March 9, 2009 at 2:58 am
Now that Anoop is in the top 13, he will be my dog to win win this season, he and that Lil Rounds.
Lil was like a common powerhouse singer but since she chose to sing “Be Without You,” I saw the vulnerability side of her vocals and it was cool.
But Anoop is way different from Lil but they are on same niche and I like it. Lil got a superstar vocals while Anoop might have the great ability to turn any songs in his own soulful version. Looking forward him singing Usher or Neyo.
May 4, 2009 at 6:56 am
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