'Idol' Bust

After seeing and hearing the semifinalists perform, I was hyped about this season. Then came Thursday night's results. Unlike last year where I liked everybody and thought they were all great, I don't think the same this season. America voted Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, Heejun Han, Shannon Magrane, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, Colton Dixon, and Jermaine Jones into the Top 10 and the judges chose Erika Van Pelt, Jeremy Rosado, and Deandre Brackensick as the wild cards; rounding out the Top 13. I was happy about some of them getting in but not so happy about others in the Top 13 and leaving the show.

My favorites were Eben Franckewitz, Reed Grimm, Aaron Marcellus, and Haley Johnson who, by the way, are all gone! In fact, Reed was the only one of the four given a second chance by the judges for the wild card spot. And the bad part is, per "American Idol" rules, they are ineligible to audition again because they got to the semifinals (which I think should be changed). I was not at all happy with Heejun, Deandre, and Joshua getting in the Top 13 because I, personally, thought they didn't do as well as some of the others.

First, Heejun. I appreciate his personality and sense of humor he displays but, when it comes to singing, he didn't show up this week! He sounded way off pitch and it didn't really do anything for him vocally. Next, Deandre. I would like him if he just wouldn't use his falsetto during the entire song. I would also like Joshua more if he didn't scream and have a growl-like tone in his voice on every song. I'm just not too much of a fan of people who overdo it.

Now, on to my favorites. I liked Eben from day one. For only 15 years old he has a great voice and stage presence, especially during his group song in Vegas. That said, I was worried he wouldn't get into the Top 13 based on his performance Tuesday night...

Next, Reed Grimm. He did a a jazzy, slow jam version of Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger." I thought it was really cool. I think his downfall was he sounded a lot like season ten contestant, Casey Abrams, on that song. Regardless, I thought he was awesome!

Then there's Aaron Marcellus. I honestly thought he would be a lock for the Top 13 after his performance but, once again, I was wrong! And I was shocked that the judges didn't even give him a chance to fight for a wild card spot after reacting the way they did about him.

Finally, Haley Johnson. I really started liking her when she performed that amazing group number in Vegas I was mentioning earlier with Eben, Reed, and Elise. However, her rendition of "Sweet Dreams" left something to be desired; so I'm kind of not surprised she was voted off.

So, with pretty much all my favorites gone, I have no idea who the heck I'll be pulling for (if anyone). If I had to pull for a few in the Top 13 it would be Elise Testone, Phillip Phillips, Colton Dixon, and Jeremy Rosado. But I don't even know if they'll make it far!