American Idol 2009 Review: Wednesday, February 25

Wednesday night's American Idol highlighted the second group of 12 contestants hoping to be voted into the Final 12. The new Idol rules for 2009 are that the guy with highest number of votes makes it to the Final 12 and the girl with the highest number of votes makes it as well. The third contestant to make the Final 12 is the third highest vote getter, girl or guy. Tonight's show featured music from Billboard's Hot 100 List.

Jasmine Murray, a 16-year-old from Mississippi, kicked off the show with her rendition of "Love Story." All four judges agreed that it was poor song choice and not a good performance. Simon also commented that perhaps she is too young for the competition and to give it a try again when she is a little older because really does have talent. Matt Giraud followed Jasmine and sang Coldplay's hit, "Viva La Vida". Simon called the performance a pop star wannabe and the Randy commented that he should have stayed with his soul vibe. Jeanine Vailes sang Maroon 5's "The Love." Once again, the judges felt it was poor song choice that didn't showcase her voice.
Next, the most colorful performer of the season, Nick Marshall aka Norman Gentile complete with a red headband and wristbands took the stage performing "Living Without You". And, he literally took the stage starting at the top of the stairs, crawling around on the floor and kissing the American Idol logo. Simon said he is praying that Nick doesn't get voted on and Kara, Paula and Randy found him entertaining. Sixteen year old, Allison Ireheta performed "Alone" by Heart. Randy said it was the hottest performance of the night so far and Simon said it was the best by a clear mile. Kris Allen was up next with Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror." Kara felt it was the wrong song choice for him but Paula, Randy and Simon loved it and said it really showed his personality.

Megan Joy Corkery sang a bluesy rendition of "Put Your Records On." Paula loved her song choice and thought it was beautiful. Simon thought it started out well, but she over sang it. Randy and Kara thought she did a nice job. Matt Giraud sang Tonic's "If Only You Could See." The judges unanimously agreed that it wasn't a good song choice and he sounded boring. Jessie Langseth was up next singing "Betty Davis Eyes." Randy it was okay, but not very exciting. Paula called her performance captivating and Simon called it forgettable.

Kai Kalama performed "What Becomes Of A Broken Heart." Kara called it pitchy and old fashioned. Simon said it was something you would hear at a wedding or in a hotel lobby and Randy felt it was a safe performance. Mishavonna Henson, 18, sang "Drops of Jupiter." The judges didn't like her song choice and Simon said she needs to act more like 18 than 50. Closing out the show was Adam Lambert with the Rolling Stone's "Satisfaction." Paula said he was in a league of own. Randy loved it and said he's the most modern contestant on the show and is a combination of Steven Tyler, Fallout Boy, and Robert Pattinson. And, Kara said his vocal range is outrageous.

Be sure to tune in on Thursday night for the live results show where the top three contestants will be announced. The three will automatically make into the Final 12. The last group of 12 will perform next week and the final three spots in the Final 12 will be the wild card choices of the judges.