Learned some new things tonight:

1) Miley can headbang to any song (did it to this love song, has done it to “The Climb”) FYI, it’s silly, not dramatic

2) Siobahn’s friends are as quirky as her…Siobahn-bees with fake blood running down the face…ummm….okay

3) Did you realize the judges aren’t actually there for the guest performances?  There were stand-ins.  Watch the playback…that’s not them.  PLUS Miley talked about Simon as if he wasn’t there, and they never showed his facial reaction….BECAUSE HE WASN’T THERE

4) Miley didn’t really play the piano…was a prop

5) Demi Lovato likes to shout

6) Joe Jonas looks goofy with black earpieces.  Don’t they make clear ones?

7) If the girls were the ones to beat this year, why have 2 of them left already?

America must be really hopeful that Andrew will turn around.

So Andrew WAS NOT in the bottom three.  Really stunned.  We must all know he is better…and are just hopeful he’ll turn around.  In his place, Katie.  Not totally surprised she’d be a candidate, but it didn’t really matter, as she was instantly saved.  So between Paige and Tim, he’s safe and on tour, she’s out.  Right decision?  Who knows.  Again, it’d be better to have Lacey on tour than either of these two. And the judges don’t even give her a chance to be saved.  Ouch!

Next week is R&B.  I bet Big Mike is ecstatic.  Should be interesting…and the end of the line for Tim or Andrew.

So once again, tonight is a “big night” as it determines the tour.  I agree, but every night is a big night, right?  Anyway, as an overview for this week, I was overall pretty bored.  Not sure why.  Maybe the song choices.  Seriously, Huey Lewis and the News?  From all the songs you can choose from?  Pretty strange song choices overall this week.  With such a borad topic of great songs, this was just weird.  And did Miley Cyrus even help ANY of them???  Here we go…

Lee - I thought he was excellent, and I liked his take on the song (the Bob Seeger version).  Of course, it’s not really relevant to what he SHOULD be doing for his career.  And he did move more, but needs to keep pushing himself further.  Overall, very pleased.

Paige - Simply AWFUL.  Was she trying to whisper the song?  It was actually annoying and pitchy.

Tim - Are you kidding me?  He lacked musicality, was boring as Randy said, and if you were not a fan, this certainly wouldn’t make you one.  It was fun, but not of the caliber deserving of this competition.  Kinda wish Lacey was back.  Rather her on tour than him or Paige at this point.

Aaron - Another with laryngitis? Wow. The verse was very good, chorus kinda bland, and the bridge okay.  But he did just stand there. He continues to improve, and can certainly sing, especially considering the laryngitis.

Crystal (and her carpet) - Amazing once again.  This was a goosebump performance for me, when it’s so good, your skin tingles.  I think only “Straight Up” from Andrew, and a Didi song at some point did this to me this season.  Anyway, it was the PERFECT song, and I really didn’t want her to have to do a short version.  Though, as Ellen said, it was missing the audience connection.

Big Mike - Very nice! BUT, I’m ready for something upbeat.  I disagree with the judges, as this was better than they’re giving him credit for.

Andrew - Oh man, yikes! And why was he worried about impressing MILEY?!? It was a good idea to lose the guitar, but it was cheesy, bad karaoke, more spoken than sung.  You can tell Miley didn’t even like it when they showed her in the audience. Last 2 weeks just have not been who he really is as an artist. He needs to figure that out, and QUICK!

Katie - She’s got a great voice, had really good stage presence, and it was nice to hear a current song.  However, I just don’t think she’s got a “pop” voice.  I can’t figure out the kind of album she’d make.

Casey - HORRIBLE song choice. Sure, he made it work, and it sounded really good, but it was certainly not original or current. Of all the songs he could have chosen… And I thought he was going to do more than just stand there.  He needs to put down the guitar.  I get it, he can play, and play well.  But we need more.  He’s kinda just a wallflower.

Didi - Sad moment, as for the first time this season, I didn’t like her at all. Horrible song choice. She was natural on stage, though sometimes cheesy.

Siobahn - She is 2 totally different people.  Her normal self, and Siobahn the performer. Very different. This certainly was not her best, the hair was STRANGE, the song dragged at times, and she can stop the Lambert-esque screaming anytime now.  Still safe, but not her best.

Bottom 3: Andrew, Paige, and Tim

First top 12 show of the season, first time for all these guys on the big stage, and all in all, not too bad.  Some certainly impressed, most connected well with their songs, some worked the stage well, most didn’t.  In fact, I find it hard to predict a definite loser.  Here’s how I see (hear) it…

Big Mike - Great performance, very entertaining, chorus was okay, but everything else was excellent, especially the breakdowns.  He’s got great soul vibes.

Didi Benami - Emotionally believable, in fact painful at times…in a good way.  I loved it, but hope she moves away from the ballads.

Casey James - Yet again, sounded great, played great, but boring to watch.  Needs to move around, could’ve rocked it out.

Lacey Brown - Still not a fan of hers, and Ellen nailed it: she sat down when the song picked up, but was walking around during the slower part, weird.  The song did end better than it started, but still very rough.  Could be at risk.

Andrew Garcia - Oh man, not good at all.  I’m a fan, but this was NOT his best, and really NOT his style.  He didn’t work the stage at all, and simply tried too hard if you ask me.  I really hope he’s back, but after that, I just don’t know.

Katie Stevens - Better for her, as it was younger, and she sold it, very believable.  However, she lacked stage presence and was very pitchy, and kinda boring too.

Tim Urban - What was that?  For such a rocking song, to put a reggae feel on it, yikes!! Just didn’t work. He was connected to the song, but there was no “performance” value to it, and to me, he sounds like a Jason Castro wannabe who just isn’t nearly as good.  At risk??

Siobahn Magnus - This was undoubtedly a great performance, and she looked great.  Very emotional, believable, and fun to watch.  HOWEVER, I think she’ll be great on Broadway, just not good for this competition, as I don’t think she’s a pop star by any means.  That being said, I look forward to her performance each week, as she has that “what will she do next” flare to her.

Lee Dewyze - I loved the performance, as he took a standard and made it his own, almost giving it a Dave Matthews feel.  He does need MORE though, more stage presence, more connection with the audience too!  Regardless, I’d buy his CD.

Paige Miles - I’m not a fan, however, this was very good, ESPECIALLY considering she had laryngitis…WOW!  Her best so far.

Aaron Kelly - Looking at his pictures, he was certainly country raised. While he connected to the song, the performance was kinda boring.  He can sing though, and I agree 100% with Randy’s Rascal Flatts comparisons.

Crystal Bowersox - She is by far the girl to beat.  Doesn’t have to try that hard to put on a good performance.  She’s very controlled and has a cool singing/talk mix style to her music. Just a natural on stage.

So who’s the bottom 3?  Lacey, Andrew, and Tim, with Lacey or Andrew out.

They promised surprised tonight, and there kinda was. Why did they put Lee “on the line”? Seriously, was he even close? And kinda surprised Lilly left. Though I’m by no means complaining. Sad to see Alex go, as he has huge potential, but needs to shake those nerves. I’m curious how Rolling Stones night will work out Tuesday, and will it help guide Andrew Garcia better? At this point, predictions for top 5 are Lee, Big Mike, Didi, Crystal, and…either Siobahn or Casey.

After tonight’s performances, I have no clue who is leaving.  Though I know who’s NOT!  Kinda weird that 6 of the 8 played guitar.  Also glad I’m not the only one who picked up the Kara/Simon closeness.  Must admit I was confused by Kara’s tears, but totally understood Ellen’s hug.  One theme is evident for the guys, and really has been.  Singers vs Performers…almost all the guys have proven they can sing, but most are so boring.  It’s so easy to turn up the volume, and walk away, and miss nothing.  That is where almost all of them need the most work.

Lee Dewyze - Very interesting and risky.  Wasn’t my favorite from him, but certainly wasn’t bad.  Her version of the song actually worked.  I’d just really am ready to get his CD.  Needs to work on his stage presence though.

Alex Lambert - I like this guy, really do.  But again, turn up the volume, and leave the room, and you miss nothing.  He got a bit more into it, but still very little “performance.”  He’s got such a awesome voice though.

Tim Urban - Certainly his best so far, but we’ve heard this song done so much better (Jason Castro).  I’m just not sold on him.  As to Kara’s comment, NO, one song does NOT put him at the top of the guys.

Andrew Garcia - My problem with Andrew is that he’s made himself a novelty.  His takes on such weird songs.  Yes, Paula worked.  But since then, you’re trying too hard.  And WHY would you cover a female sung song about being a Genie in a bottle. Not relatable to a guy.  He’s got talent, but he needs to make better choices.  His time is running out.

Casey James - Nice version of the song, and very believable and enjoyable.  Performance was lacking again though, as he really doesn’t like to move around.

Aaron Kelly - I have been a fan of his all along, but tonight, felt like he really dragged the song down.  Just held onto the notes too long, and it didn’t work well.  He does sell the emotion of the song, but he’s wearing on me.  Can’t see him lasting too much longer.

Toddrick Hall - Judges loved it, but for me, it just didn’t work at all.  I say he’s gone.

“Big” Mike Lynch - Woah…falsetto!  Great performance, believable, easily his best. WOW! And nice long held note near the end.

So I can tell you Big Mike, Casey, and Lee are safe.  For the rest of em???  I’d say Toddrick for sure if the judges didn’t love him so much.  Beyond that, it’s such a toss up.

So as Simon reminds, it’s time to sing for your life.  You make it through tonight, you make the big show where only 1 person leaves a week. And MOST of them followed his advice.  Kinda weird start as Ellen, who supposedly has not been getting along with Simon, was sitting on his lap.  Weird.  Then it was back to Kara and Simon on top of each other still.  Also, we’re on rapid fire tonight, no interviews. Kinda nice.

Katie Stevens - Nice performance, at least a younger song.  Should be enough to get her in the top 12, but it really felt like a karaoke performance, and was kinda all over the place.

Siobahn Magnus - Very risky acapella on an interesting song choice, but it was very cool, and she nailed it! She’s still odd, and I’m not quite sure what her CD would sound like.  Could definitely see her on Broadway.

Lacey Brown - WOW! For once, she did really well.  I figured it was her own song. Really nailed it!.

Kaitlyn Epperly - Ummm…????  She didn’t even seem like she was trying.  Very subpar and Friday night at the bar with someone on piano in the corner.  She’s most likely gone after that.

Didi Benami - FINALLY the judges give her the credit she deserves.  Still my favorite of the girls, she was amazing yet again.

Paige Miles - Believable performance, but still kinda weak and old.  She also missed the true emotion of the song yet again.  Probably gone.

Crystal Bowersox - Certainly the girl to beat.  She has “it”! Wow!

Lilly Scott - I just don’t get it.  Not her worst, but still awful.  I mean, seriously, Patsy Cline?  It was cheesy and totally not relevant for today’s music (Sorry Kara). I just don’t get what the judges see in her. Simon almost gets it.  I say she’s gone.

Leaving: Kaitlyn, Paige, or Lilly

Well it couldn’t last forever for our “country sweetheart” who has lost her country charm anyway.  Talking of course about Hailey Vaughn.  It was her time to go. Just why would they be so mean to make a girl sing after being booted AND after the video.  A guy MIGHT be able to handle it, not Hailey. Poor thing! Other than that, not surprised with the choices.  Disappointed some stayed over Michelle, but certainly glad with the guys that are leaving.  Next week determines the top 12.  We’ll see what happens.

In a week of too many ballads, the judges continue to state how frustrated they are with song choices and performance.  I agree! Ballads kill the energy of the show. None the less, thankfully, Crystal is better and the girls are up. (And Kara and Simon are sitting almost on top of each other…wierd!)

Crystal Bowersox - Definitely a front runner, very good (just lose the lip stud)

Hailey Vaughn - After that, could be at real risk. Just subpar, singing w/o feeling

Lacey Brown - Sung well, nice energy, but no connection to the song.

Katie Stevens - Natural talent and another dark horse, BUT she STILL needs to lose the older jazzy tunes, and sing her age (though it doesn’t sound like she likes any young artists)

Didi Benami - Wow, the judges tore her up.  I thought it was very natural and believable again, though not my favorite from her.  Does need to sing a more uptempo tune next week however.

Michelle Delamor - This version just didn’t work, leaving a disappointing and forgettable performance. Could be at risk.

Lilly Scott - For some reason, the judges love her.  I don’t. Thought she sounded whiney at times, and I don’t like her singing style.  Yes, she is talented and unique, but I agree with Simon here. Not safe.

Katelyn Epperly - Looks and sounds 100% better.  She connected to the song and sang it very well.  BUT, she took the fun out of it and almost created a Broadway ballad moment.

Paige Miles - You just don’t risk doing a Kelly Clarkson song unless you are EXCELLENT, especially if you attempt a copycat.  As Kara pointed out, she missed all the proper emotions to connect.  She can sing well, but at HUGE risk after blowing this.

Siobahn Magnus - Great control of her voice, and amazing high notes, but I feel she did try too hard, and again question this older style song choice.  I think it’s a step back, but she’s still safe.

So who heads home? Paige, Hailey, Michelle or Lacey

Girls night Ryan, girls night…wait, Guys night.  Okay, Crystal is sick an under Doctor’s orders NOT to talk/sing…WOW!  Hope she’s okay.  So for the guys, overview, it was boring to watch, but great to listen too.  In other words, vocally impressive, performance wise, kinda lame.  And the judges switched again, as Ellen in back in the middle.  Hmmmm…  Anyway:

Michael “Big Mike” Lynch - Curling Aaron Kelly in his intro video, and a theater guy. Never would’ve guessed that.  And he GETS IT that the judges are there to help them, positive or negative!  As for the performance, he NAILED IT.  Very believable, much better!

John Park - So it was better than last week, but forgettable.  No spark.

Casey James - Great sound, but as Ellen said, it was a “stiff” performance. It was also more guitar based than singing based.  Should be safe though.  What is his ritual???  Kinda hope he makes the Big show so we can find out.

Alex Lambert - Okay, odd, he created his own language?  Just a very nervous guy, but a GREAT sound, Far more comfortable, and 210% better than last week.  Another dark horse, though he’s still got a lot of work to do.

Toddrick Hall - I felt his performance, it was believable, and I feel better than the judges said.  However with their comments, he’s at a serious risk of heading home.

Jermaine Sellers - Such strange style.  Again, he can sing, but is just not current.

Andrew Garcia - Can they please get rid of the darn stool.  This is a performance show.  A great voice, but a very sub-par performance, missing the spark.  He’s got some serious work to do to get back up to the level we expect.

Aaron Kelly - For such a young inexperienced kid, he can really sing.  Far more confidence this week, BUT it was old and irrelevant, with perhaps too many runs.  I like what he can do though.

Tim Urban - Good sound, and better than last week, but no charisma.  Again, easy to hear, not to watch.

Lee Dewyze - This is easily the GUY to beat.  Loved it, in fact better than the original for me.

Who heads home?  John Park, Toddrick Hall, Jermaine Sellers, or Tim Urban

And then there were 20. First results show, and I’m stunned. The girls, while not what I wanted to see, I understand. While I wanted to see more out of both Janell and Ashley, neither did great last night. Were they the worst? No! But the worst usually gets saved. It’s the middle of the pack that gets cut. And I think that’s what happened with the guys. Seriously, cutting Jose? He was easily one of the best. I’m stunned. Tyler, yeah, I agree! Wow! It is amazing though how they always sound better on kick-off show with all the pressure off. Other thoughts: The group sings are still SUPER CHEESY and need to go. You can tell some really hate it. Either they over accentuate the smile, or they barely sing/smile. Funny. And the performances…it’s no wonder why Kris won. He’s still a great singer. As for Allison, it was a bit predictable, and way too unoriginal of a song. However, if you’ve heard her first single, this one is much better. I’m ready for next week.