Here You Go, Phats...

...and any other American Idol buddies.

First of all...Phats, I talked to Nikki at the game tonight. :) We talked about you. The game was l-o-n-g and I hadn't had dinner yet, so I grabbed some fast food (consolation for losing the game) and came home to watch the Idol top 24 show, and here are my first impression opinions.

I was excited that the following people made it to the top 24:

David Archuleta (the 16 year old that Simon said had everything going for him). I think Simon was right - and I think that although the younger ones always struggle against the older ones - this guy might have a shot. So far I really like not only his voice but his charisma.

Kristy Lee Cook (the girl who went back to her original Amazing Grace audition for her last shot). I think she's kind of in danger of being a cookie cutter of a hundred other pretty blonde girls throughout the seasons, but I thought she had a good voice and she didn't annoy me, so I put her on my good list.

Brooke White (the girl who has never seen an R rated movie). And no, that's not why I put her on the list - although good job for her! I like that she has some unique quirks about her. I've liked her personality from the very first audition, and I think she has a confidence about who she is, but not so over the top that it's annoying.

Michael Johns (the one that Simon said in Hollywood had the best audition so far). Not sure what it is about him that I like so much - but I just really liked him.

And my top two favorites...that I was going to be DEVASTATED if they didn't get through - were Syesha Mercado and Asia'h Epperson. I loved, loved, loved them both. I thought Syesha did a great job of not begging for sympathy about her voice when she lost it...she competed fairly and with a good attitude. And Asia'h did a great job of pushing through even after just losing her dad.

Now for my other comments - the last two guys - Colton and Kyle. To be honest, I couldn't even remember Colton, but I thought he was a gracious winner, so good for him. And Kyle wins the most gracious defeat of the night. He was so very pleasant. Good for him. And good for his parents for teaching him those manners!

And on the last two ladies - Cardin and Joanne - didn't remember either of them from before, but I was happy (for self-esteem's sake if nothing else) that Joanne made it through. And I thought it interesting that Simon pushed away the weight issue. Hmmmm....could it be that he is learning?

And sorry, Phats, I was not thrilled that the rocker nurse made it through. She's going to have to win me over. Same with Carly - the one who had to drop out last time because of her visa? Not a fan at all.

So there. I only like 6 (potentially 8) out of 24 - my odds in the top 12 are not looking good!