So, last night on American Idol, due to Crystal Bowersox being ill, they changed it up and put the guys on first. What follows is my MAC (Morning After Commentary for those just joining us…) as the show unfolded…

First up, Michael Lynch and dayum, that was niiiice. Smooth, soulful, lovely. I could rewind and watch that again right now, that’s how smooth that was. Huge improve.

John Park brings us some John Mayer. I’m not a fan of Mayer (seriously, John? Shut up.) But Mr. Park also seemed to learn his lesson from last week’s debut. Sounded good with Gravity. Hard to follow Big Mike, especially doing something soulful, but he did a better job than last week. He’s not in the winner’s position yet, but he shouldn’t go home on that performance.

Mmm, Casey. Killer baby blues. And I honestly just like the guy. And btw, John? The first five seconds of this performance was what they meant by authentic. I don’t think this knocks Bo Bice out of the box as Bo has a much bigger bluesy voice, but the electric guitar was a nice touch. I wish his voice had more power. But there are those baby blues. Yeah. He’s not going anywhere.

Alex Lambert is the cuteness and I can identify with his competitive nerves. My youngest always had to do that before every football game and once he did, he was calm and good to go. I hope he’s comfortable up there this week. I can’t imagine performing for the third time in your life on that stage. Wow. And you know what? I like the guy this week. Serious cuteness and a pretty sweet sound, too. Hunh. Who knew? Wow, the guys are really stepping it up this week!

Toddrick Hall decides to take on Tina Turner, which would have had me rolling my eyes, but his humble interview with Ryan pre-sing had me hoping he keeps the improvement trend going tonight. (And what a dancer. Triple threat! I can see why Christina Applegate and Adam Lambert have been hyping this guy now.) And he’s not hard to look at, either. (Pass me the umbrella drink and just get it over with.) What is with the ballads tonight? Possibly not as deeply soulful as say Big Daddy Mike, but he’s trying. Not sure he has enough to be the winner…and agree, go with your strength. Dance. I also think it’s got to be confusing to know to what degree to implement the advice their getting. He honestly tried to do that, and to learn and grow, and for that he gets mad props from me.

Jermaine Sellers is up next. Not quite as humble, our Jermaine, but I wish him well. Singing Marvin Gaye…(why can’t these guys be current? And STOP changing it up so much.) I really think the ones who are struggling are applying too much of every nuance of what the judges say to their performances and losing themselves in the process. Toddrick I hope gets it figured out. Jermaine? Not so much. He’s not a bad singer, he just doesn’t do anything for me. I’d be okay if he goes home this week. Boot #1 of the night for me.

Onto our seventh performer is Andrew Garcia! Yay! Man, I hope he brings it, because I love him. I love his voice. I could listen to him for a long time. Well…not a step forward. He had a few flat notes and I hope he brings his guitar back next week. Pout. I hope he’s back next week, because he was my number one coming into this, but the judgery is right, he’s not really bringing it.

Aaron Kelly is up and he’s also the cuteness. Surprised he went the non-country route. The opening didn’t get me going, maybe he should have infused a little country into it…but he can truly sing. More confident, this week. And there’s the cuteness, so I’m thinking he’s safe.

Tim Urban is up next and…wow. What do you do when you bombed so spectacularly last week, but didn’t go home? Tough being this guy. But, on the other hand, what have you got to lose, really? It could only get better…or get you sent home for reals. He did a better job, but that’s not saying much. Was it enough to stay? Not thinking so. He’s got the same kind of vibe as Alex Lambert, but Lambert has a better grip on his sound and Tim isn’t going to be special enough to stay. So he’s Boot #2 for me tonight. But then, he was last week, too. We’ll see.

Lee Dewyze winds up the show for us, and I liked his backstory about his school years. Motivational and very true. This guy has such an authentic voice…the one I wish Casey had. Needs to work on the flat stuff, which was harsh tonight….but hope he stays around. He hits it right, it will be memorable.

So, tonight for me? Big Mike owned the night in terms of all around performance. Casey made me want to keep liking him. Same with Andrew and Lee. My surprise this week was Alex Lambert. Cutie patootie…and good chops. In the playback at the end of the night, still really got me. I hope Toddrick stays around, and Aaron already will. Beyond that, Tim, Jermaine, and, sadly, John, are the ones in danger for me.

Tonight it’s the ladies and I hope Crystal, as my frontrunner, is back up and running. I also hope the girls bring it like the guys did last night. Could be getting interesting in here!

What did you think? DISH!!

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