American Idol 2, February 4: Parental Guidance Not Recommended

Trenyce (wasn't she Lashundra Cobbins last week?), 'That's Just Love Sneaking Up On You"

Randy - "I'm impressed."

Simon - "Song stunk... sang it really well."

Paula - "unbelievable... I'm just in love with you right now."

Sting7 - Nice, saucy delivery, spirited, soulful, I'm with it. Bonnie Raitt was a creative choice. I liked her presence too, easy to root for her.

Meosha (once Meosha Denton), "How Do I Live Without You"

Paula - "Not sure it was your best performance."

Randy - "Okay... not really moved."

Simon - "Walked out like a loser... (performance was) 'so what?'."

Sting7 - It's so painful to see someone really, really want to succeed and tank. Sadly, Meosha tanked. Not that her performance was that bad, but compared to the other's we'd seen so far, it just didn't measure up. She seemed tentative and not sure what do with the song. Maybe she should have chosen one she knew better.

Bettis (he was Bettis Richardson not that long ago), "I Thank You"

Randy - "Did not enjoy that... vocals not on-point... couldn't wait for it to be over."

Paula - "Wasn't the best choice."

Simon - "I think you blew it."

Sting7 - Bettis does not have the strongest voice in the world. He seemed to be as concerned with his choreography as he was with his singing, and that was fatal. He's a dancer, sure, but a little less dancing and a little more focus would have served him better.

Charles Grigsby, "Overjoyed"

Randy - "Liked your voice... not unbelievable, but good."

Paula - "You should work on projecting your voice... nice."

Simon - "A lot of people disappointed me tonight, but you exceeded my expectations... well done."

Sting7 - There were some nice moments, I'd like to hear him when he is less nervous, but I don't think we'll have that chance.

Julia DeMato, "Son of A Preacher Man"

Paula - "Voice is wonderful."

Randy - "Vocally good, nothing special."

Simon - "You've sung better... would like to see you go on."

Sting7 - Another Pick to Click who didn't thrill me completely, but I thought she was charming enough to carry the day. Already heard some nasty comments out there, making me nervous for one of my faves.

Ryan Seacrest broaches the subject of the meow-mix that went down between her and Kimberly. Julia says it's over with. Kimberly agrees. I believe them.

So, those were the performances. Time for a little handicapping. Who I think should advance:

1. Julia DeMato

2. JD Adams

Who I think will advance:

1. Kimberly Caldwell

2. JD Adams

That was a tough call! And it will only get tougher! There was no one who really stunk. Some made some unfortunate choices, and nerves claimed more than a couple of victims, but they were all quite good. Yes, this round of 32 looks far more prepared than last year's 30.

Wednesday, we reveal the winners and look forward to the next round of eight. A brief caveat: JD, Kimberly, and Julia are the big three in this group. The one of them who does not advance (and if it's not two of these three, I will faint dead away) is sure to be a wild-card contender. Who will it be? Check back in 24!

For more thoughts on the contestants and judges, check out David Bloomberg's article on Foxes On Idol!

Sting7 can be reached at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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