Thanks to last night’s Michael Jackson-themed American Idol, I haven’t been able to get through one moment of today with out MJ’s songs hammering my brain - and I like it.  The “Beat It” riff here, a little “PYT” chorus there, “Black or White”s preachy lyrics everywhere… Heeee-HEEE!

I’ve been unimpressed with this gang, but actually most of them did (to quote Randy) “a very well job done!” No one really embarrassed themselves (shucks), so begrudging props all around.  Thoughts:

Lil Rounds - The Way You Make Me Feel: Yeah, I still don’t get the Lil Rounds thing. I like her energy and how she gets the audience going, but the tone of her voice just never really gets me all goosebumpy or sells the song. Take me there, Lil! I want to drink from the Lil Rounds’ punchbowl of Kool-aid! Note to Kara: I love you, but please try to stop awkwardly using hip hop phrases whenever you critique Lil. It makes me uncomfortable.

Scott MacIntyre - Keep The Faith: Sorta slumbery. Nice to see (cringe, no pun intended) resident-blind-guy Scott at the piano, but of all the MJ tunes to choose from, why this slow, unknown one? Scott should be able to get a record deal regardless - I mean he’s so sweet and inspirational, but he’s far from the best on Idol and shouldn’t stick around for long.

Danny Gokey - PYT (Pretty Young Thing): Damn you, Gokey! Always impressing me even though I get this feeling that you aren’t the “nice church widower” they’ve profiled you out to be and lack humility (I saw you basically shove bereft, dream-crushed Tatiana aside to celebrate when you beat her for a spot in the Top 12). Still, Danny really let his Church Choir Director personality out and gave PYT a nice spin. An “I’m sangin’ this for Je-SUS!” spin. I can really see him winning.

Michael Sarver - You Are Not Alone: Aw, this big block of oil rigger is so cute. He doesn’t light up the stage like Lil or Adam, for e.g., but he’s really solid and seems so comfortable with who he is. He’ll get the Middle America vote but I don’t know if he can make the finals unless he brings more spark and pizzazz.

Jasmine Murray - I’ll Be There: So our little 17-year-old Mo’nique look-alike made it through the Wild Card round! She is just adorable in the face parts and really did alright on this song. Her problem is that her personality puts her somewhere in the middle: she’s always got that guarded perma-smile on and with her OK vocals, so she won’t be around for too long.

Kris Allen - Remember The Time: Wow, Mr. Milquetoast is way more appealing with his guitar. Very Jason Mraz-y, as Randy also said. Buuut, he’s still boring. Plus his sideburns are too long and make him look like a chimpanzee at times. Distracting! The BEST part of Kris’ performance was Randy Jackson’s slip of the tongue critique: “Very well job done, baby!” A very well job indeed, dawg.

Allison Iraheta - Give In To Me: I’m still rooting for Ms. Sweet Sixteen. She rocked out to this song (although I wold’ve preferred something better known). I do worry that she’ll stagnate down the road if they try to lock her into this “wailing rocker chick” role. But, I appreciate her passion and hope she makes it far. PLUS, her awkward teenagerness off-stage still cracks me up (e.g., professing last night that she’s not a cutter - way to be, Al!).

Anoop Desai - Beat It: Anoop Dawg was one of the most disappointing last night. I mean “Beat It” is killer and he couldn’t keep up or give it the energy it needed. Oh, Anoop, you goofy geekball. We all knew he wouldn’t get too far, but who’da thunk he’d become “blah” so soon?

Jorge Nunez - Never Can Say Goodbye: The other notably disappointing performer last night. First of all, he has EYEBROWS for days and I can never get past them when I see his eager mug. He’s a likable guy and singer, but the song choice was poop in a scoop. It won’t be a surprise if Mr. Nunez is sent packing tonight.

Megan Joy Corkrey - Rockin Robin: Her voice is growing on me but I still cannot get over her rhythmless twitching dance moves between lyrics.

Adam Lambert - Black or White: The judges looove this musical theatre actor-turned-rocker. I am always impressed with him and his charisma, but I thought his rendition was actually dizzy and frenetic. I’m not sure if his persona is really mainstream enough for a win compared to Danny Gokey, but we’ll see. It’s also possible that he’ll get backlash for the recent leak of his gay, in-drag makeout photos - you know how them Bible belters can be.

Matt Giraud - Human Nature: I’m still not into Matt Giraud and his bloated Justin Timberlake resemblance - sorry! Still, he was solid and is way more interesting when he’s playing the piano.

Alexis Grace - Dirty Diana: I like Alexis, she can sang like mad for such a tiny gal. Her look is still a little “try too hard” and Nikki McKibbin for me though. C’est la vie.

Which two will get the boot tonight? It should be Anoop and Jorge, but you know how America can be effin insane, so it’s anybody’s guess. Catch American Idol tonight on FOX and find out!

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