Idol Thoughts: Danny Noriega

Showing posts with label Danny Noriega. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Ranking American Idol's Top 12 Guys: Jason Castro Makes Quite a First Impression

Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe 60's music as a theme just didn't work. Maybe the guys were nervous. Whatever the case may be, tonight's Top 12 guys on American Idol just didn't blow me away.

Don't get me wrong -- there is a lot of potential in this group, and some of the guys were actually quite excellent. Even better, there's only one potential Sanjaya in the bunch (we'll get to Garrett Haley in a bit). But all in all, I think I expected a bit more from what many (including myself) have referred to as the best group of finalists ever. I'm willing to cut them some slack, however -- it is the first week, and as far as first weeks go, it definitely could have been much worst.

I do think the theme was at least partly to blame for the lack of fireworks on the stage. Usually in the semi-finals the contestants can choose any song they'd like, giving us the chance to see how they view themselves as artists. Gina Glocksen singing an Evanescence song, for example, defined her as the "rock girl" for the season, while Chris Richardson's performance of "Geek in the Pink" let us know what kind of artist he aspired to be. Restricting the contestants' choice of song so early in the competition is a bummer, and their choice of mostly ballads even more so.

However, many overcame those obstacles; others -- not so much.

As for the judges -- Simon was mostly right on, Paula was puffier than usual (sober? pilled up? I'm not quite sure), and Randy was, well, Randy. That about covers that.

As I will do throughout the season, here's my rankings of the Top 12 guys:

1. Jason Castro
Where did this kid come from? Having not heard him sing a single note so far this season, I didn't know what to expect, but he came out with and performed with originality and such effortless charm that I was instantly won over. He looked like a natural with the guitar, and though he's certainly no vocal powerhouse, he definitely posseses a distinct style. Does he have the chops to survive week-in-week-out of this competition? I'm not sure. But for now, I'm happy with what we've got.
Grade: A-

2. David Archuleta
How freakin' adorable is this kid? I just want to squeeze his cheeks! "Shop Around" was an interesting choice for young David, and it took me a minute to get used to seeing him bop around the stage, but he ultimately pulled it off with aplomb. And that voice! Sounding much more mature than his 17 years, the kid showed he's really got the goods. Expect to see much more of him in the next three months.
Grade: A-

3. Michael Johns
This guy's good. I knew he was good going into tonight's performance, and I believe he was good having seen it. Unfortunately, he chose to sing a song we've seen him sing before. Why, Michael, why? This was his chance to really set himself apart from the pack, and although it was very well sung, it was the same song we saw sung last week about a dozen times, at times better than Michael sang it tonight. He's still a frontrunner, but he lost some originality points in my book.

4. David Cook
There's an understated charm to this guy, and his unconventional take on "Happy Together" brought a refreshing dose of originality to the stage. And while his vocals aren't perfect, he's a credible rock singer with what seems to be a pretty versatile instrument. I dug it.
Grade: B+

5. Colton Berry
I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is, but there's something about this kid I really like. His voice is great, and he's got a soulful stage presence that, at least for the moment, is on the right side of too theatrical. But more than that, there's a lightness and genuineness to him that I find quite endearing. I hope he sticks around a little while.
Grade: B+

6. Robbie Carrico
This performance was pretty good, however, while I can't say anything bad about it, I can't say it was particularly memorable either. What's special about this guy? He may tap into the Bo Bice/Bucky Covington fanbase and ride that wave for awhile, but American Idol? I don't see it.
Grade: B-

CONTINUE READING FOR #'s 7 through 12

Who was the best of the Top 12 guys? Who will go home? Take the polls now!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Ranking the Top 12 Guys: #'s 7-12

7. David Hernandez
This guy's got a great voice, no doubt, but he's gotta take a deep breath and relax! Granted, the first performance spot of the night (and the season) is always a challenge, but I'm a little worried this guy doesn't have much charisma, and if he doesn't at least start looking like he's having fun he's not going to be around much longer. Plus, that last note was painful.
Grade: B-

8. Danny Noriega
What an Idol oddity Danny Noriega is -- a flamboyant, bitchy, very talented young man. I've said it once and I'll say it again, he's the Idol version of Project Runway's Christian. His performance tonight was definitely not his best (he didn't show off the range we've seen in his prior performances), but I'm curious to see how America will respond to him. I'm hoping they give him another chance to show what he's got.
Grade: B-

9. Chikezie Eze
Barry White whaaaaat? I've been a Chikezie champion from the start, but I was let down by my guy tonight. Sure, he sounded great once he hit his stride in the song, but that suit was a travesty, and arguing with Simon the first week is never a good idea. If he starts picking better songs he might be a contender in this competition, but tonight's performance was a non-starter.
Grade: C

10. Jason Yaegar
Booooooooooring. If you haven't gotten any screen time on the show, you've got to make sure your first appearance blows people away. Jason Yaegar -- not so much. His competent but snooze-inducing performance of "Moon River" reeked of cruise ship singer, and I'd be shocked if this guy makes it through the week.
Grade: C-

11. Luke Menard
I was prepared to love Luke -- I mean, have you looked at him? But about 10 seconds after he started singing, I was over him. This guy may make it through a week or two based on his looks, but there's no way he's making it to the Top 12.
Grade: D

12. Garrett Haley
I love this kid's story -- that he was vacationing in San Diego and decided on a whim to audition -- but unfortunately I hated his performance tonight. Tinny and whiny, this kid just can't hold a candle vocally to his competitors. Hopefully the voting public won't be wowed by his Sanjaya-esque hair and get any crazy ideas of keeping this kid around much longer.
Grade: D-

Who was the best of the Top 12 guys? Who's going home? Take the polls now!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Wacky Judges and the Best Male Voice of the Season on American Idol's "Best of the Rest"

SPOILER: Top 24 Finalists Revealed!

Yippeeeeeeeeee!!

That's the sound of glee that escaped from my mouth the minute last night's American Idol ended. No more bad auditions!!

Yes, the beginning of Hollywood week marks the beginning of what Idol purists (like myself) consider the real start of the competition. Of course, due to the spoiler list that was leaked, the surprise of who will make it and who will not is not as present this year -- still, there's much more fun to be had in Hollywood than there is with a costumed Santa in Dallas. I'm just saying.

As for last night's episode, labeled "the best of the rest," we did get some glimpses of real talent, along with, of course, more annoying people and wacky judges behavior. Simon can't pronounce people's names -- it's crazy! I do have to admit, though, that his reaction to Alicia Stelzl's performance of "Islands in the Stream," after having been given a second chance by Paula and Randy ("I hate to admit it, but you were right!") was pretty classic. In fact, next to the guy who sang "Go Down Moses," it may have been the funniest moment so far this season.)

While Cardin McKinney is so musical theater, and Amy Davis is nothin' special, plus-size model Joanne Borgella is gorgeous, totally charming and has a sick voice, and the presence to match. Mandisa and LaKisha have spoiled us -- we gotta have a big black girl in the finals!

Chikeze Eze may have the best male voice I've heard this season. Yeah, I said it. His version of "All The Woman I Need" was flawless! While the judges seemed less than enthused, I was blown away by this guy.

And what to make of Danny Noriega? His voice is fierce, and there was something endearing about his desire to overcome his meltdown from last year. I also love that he's "trying to be myself this year." Is that his way of saying he's gay? (It did appear to be his boyfriend who accompanied him to the audition). Perhaps I'm being presumptuous, but I think it'd be awesome to have an openly gay contestant on the show.

So, that's it for the Season 7 audition tour. See ya in Hollywood!

SPOILER: Top 24 Finalists Revealed!