American Idol 6, February 20: Grey Area

It’s time for the next chapter of American Idol. We’re done with bad auditions, and we’re done with the beautiful awkwardness of Hollywood week. Now it’s time for the top 12 men and the top 12 women to impress the voters, build fan bases, and generally build their way to a win. Let’s get right to it and see who’s ready to win this thing!

Ryan gives the guys “good game” fives like at the end of a Little League game as he walks down the staircase and welcomes the audience to American Idol. Ryan says that the “weirdest audition tour ever” has been worthwhile, as it’s brought us this great group of performers. Of the twelve guys we see tonight, only six will make it to the finals, as we eliminate two a week. The guys give us quick hellos, so wave back to Rudy, Brandon, Sundance, Paul, Chris, Nick, Blake, Sanjaya, the other Chris, Jared, A.J., and Phil. The boys give us the thumbs up, ready to go. We also say hello to the women, who will perform tomorrow night. While I’m at it, I’ll wave over the internet to Jenn Brassler, who’ll be here to recap it for you.

Ryan suggests we rewind that part for clarity and fast forward his hello to the judges. Ryan, darling, if I’m using the fast forward on this show, it’ll be to skip most of what you have to say. Just saying. Anyway, Ryan Randy says, has been criticized for being tough this season. Randy seems to be as surprised to hear that as I am. He tells Ryan that “sometimes, the truth really hurts.” He says he’s not tough, just honest. Ryan laughs that he’s been lying for the past five seasons. Does Paula need to be more supportive to fill the void? She cracks up at that idea. She says she wants everyone to do well and is on their side. Ryan says that the stakes are higher than ever, given the success of past Idols Carrie, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, and Jennifer Hudson. Simon agrees that there’s more at stake than ever. What can they do? “Sing well,” is all Simon has to say.

Before the performances, we see quick introductions to all of the guys. All of them cheer as the judges welcome them to Hollywood. Brandon feels like he was put on this earth to sing. Blake beatboxes and is awesome. Nick dances. All of the guys face The Chair. Paul is tearful. Phil spazzes out. Sanjaya is adorable, and Chris Sligh is relieved.

Singing first is Rudy Cardenas. He sang Journey for his audition and sounded just lovely. He’s 28 and from North Hollywood, but originally from Venezuela. He’s a professional musician, which means he’s broke. Rudy jokes that he eats a lot of Ramen and mac and cheese. The first audition, he says, was nerve-wracking. Simon didn’t like him at first, but Rudy says “He’s been wrong before, and everyone has an opinion.” He says Hollywood week was totally crazy. He doesn’t care if Simon is on his side or not, though he wonders if he reminds Simon of “his tax guy or something.”

This season, I’m going to add a new feature to my recaps, which will be a fashion report. Rudy is sporting a grey jacket, a yellow t-shirt with a target on it, and jeans. I love a jacket and jeans with a funky t-shirt, but Rudy has inexplicably added another layer, a zip front sweatshirt with the collar up. It’s not working for me.

As for the song, Rudy is performing “Free Ride.” It’s fun and upbeat, and the crowd seems to be loving it. As for me, I’m not loving or hating it. He sounds fine, but I’m not excited. I will say, though, that after watching the rest of the show, I wound up liking this better. Now for the other judges…

Randy: It’s hard to start the show, and he got the party started. But it was “really corny.” Randy says he could hear a performance like that at any bar in America.

Paula: Paula thinks he was fantastic. She agrees that it’s hard to start off, but it was a lively beginning.

Simon: The reason he hasn’t been enthusiastic so far about Rudy “was proven tonight.” He’s not unique or distinctive. Paula gasps in horror, but Randy agrees. The song was dated and not memorable. They need someone more unique, and he’ll get lost in the mix. Paula starts to protest, but Simon cuts her off.

Rudy says he had a good time, and he thinks the crowd did too. What does he think of what Simon said? Rudy says he hopes to change Simon’s opinion soon. Ryan says he just wants Rudy and Simon to be friends.

Ryan chats in the lounge with Chris Sligh. What was the mood like as the guys prepared? Chris says that as everyone got ready, they all “straight-up” wanted to look pretty. Sanjaya and Brandon, he says, always look pretty. Chris Richardson says they’re all great and denies being nervous. Brandon Rogers is next, and Ryan reminds us he’s toured with Xtina and Justin. Brandon says working with the best has hopefully prepared him for tonight.

Brandon auditioned with “Always on My Mind” and sounded amazing. He’s 29 and a background singer from California. Simon said he was “by far the best audition” that day. On the last day of Hollywood, he felt like he was on the bubble, in danger of being eliminated. He thinks his final song was the best he’d done all week. He recalls Randy telling him he’d never have to sing background again, and it was a wonderful feeling.

Brandon is wearing a silvery-grey shirt, and multiple necklaces. His jeans are artfully faded and he is wearing a gigantic white belt with an oversized buckle. It looks pretty cool.

Brandon begins his performance of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” by making slow, sweet love to each and every one of us with his eyes. It’s really hot and amazing at first, but not as strong towards the end. Still, this guy sure can work the camera and has a great voice. He’s in no danger this week.

Randy: Not Brandon’s best performance, a little pitchy in parts. He needs to remember not to oversing, to just do the melody.

Paula: Brandon did a great job, but he should sing like a lead vocalist.

Simon: He’s a good singer, but this was “safe and predictable.” He needs to make an impact. It’s hard to do with a song like that, and he can do much better. “You’re better than that,” he concludes.

Brandon says that he wanted to choose a song he could be comfortable with, since the first night would be the hardest. He says he loves being at the front. He smiles cutely and gives us a thumbs up.