American Idol: The Top 12 Guys Hit the Stage

Judge Simon Cowell started February 24^th's American Idol television show warning the top twelve guys, "If you lose it tonight, your career is over." In my opinion, if that's the case, many careers ended last night. The top twelve male contestants on American Idol were a disappointment. I found myself continually thinking, "They searched the country and this is the best they could find?" Nerves are high, of course, and that no doubt added to the number of vocalists who went off key. In American Idol's Season 9, the ladies have a definite advantage thus far. (Read about the 2010 Top 12 Female American Idols here.)

Although no contestant emerged as a frontrunner, some of the top twelve male American Idols were better than others....

Casey James has a nice tone to his voice. I like him. He is good looking; however, American Idol judge Kara's obsession with his looks is quickly getting stale at this point.

Andrew Garcia has a very good voice, but he didn't have a great night. Expectations were high following his original rendition of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up". I think he will improve each week and the result will be something big on American Idol.

Lee Dewyze has the raspy, Bruce Springsteen-like quality that I love to hear in a male singer. His voice is very distinctive. Even though he went off key a few times, he hit some impressive notes as well. Simon thought he was American Idol's "best of the night".

Aaron Kelly is only sixteen years old. He does have a raw, natural talent as noted by Kara. With his humble nature, the American Idol audience will find him likable. His high notes sounded a little forced, but I think he's going to do well in the competition. He may end up as one of country music's new young stars.

Michael Lynche made the American Idol studio audience sit up and take note. He lit up the stage when he played guitar and sang. He wasn't showing much in vocal range, but he was on key for the most part and was a pleasure to watch.

Some of the top 12 guys on American Idol just seemed to be trying too hard...and it didn't work out...

John Park has a nice voice, but I kept waiting for him to really get going. He seems to have a good sense of humor, which the American Idol audience will like. He needs to pick better songs.

Alex Lambert looked extremely uncomfortable. After all, the kid was terrified! He had never sung in front of more than twenty people at a time. The millions watching American Idol no doubt unnerved him. He has a nice tone to his voice, so when his nerves settle, maybe he'll stay on key.

Joe Muñoz has a pleasing quality to his voice, yet at parts he seemed to strain. He looked comfortable on stage, which was refreshing. I believe he'll improve each week on American Idol.

Todrick Hall got the American Idol audience's attention immediately. Unfortunately, it wasn't due to his singing. He had great moves and rhythm. Performing will no doubt only take him so far.

Tyler Grady wears his passion on his sleeve. That passion would be 1970s music. He was pushing too hard on the high notes...it seemed his key should have been lowered. When he gets off the imitating kick and falls into his own on American Idol, we could see a change for the better.

These poor guys...

Tim Urban may have experienced his fifteen minutes of fame. He was really struggling during the American Idol contest among the top twelve guys. If he does stick around, I think we'll see him go back to his acoustic guitar and softer style.

Jermaine Sellers threw the band under the bus at a previous audition. The American Idol audience just may do that to him tonight. He was trying to show off a range, but it backfired. He was breathy and nearly screaming on the high notes. I do like his hats and his personality though!

I'm sure it's daunting for these kids to be in front of such a large audience of this caliber. Hopefully, we can look forward to next week being much better. As for now, the top ten girls and the top ten guys on American Idol will be announced on February 25^th. Visit the American Idol website for voting details.

Top Twelve Girls Compete on American Idol's Season 9