Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey and Alexis Grace Take American Idol by Storm

In a night full of miscues both musically and technically, a few American Idol hopefuls saved the show. Tonight we got our first full glimpse of 12 competitors. The top male, female and overall vote-getter will move on to the final segment of the show. We repeat this process two more times then a wild card and finally the Top 10 will be named.

Funny, for all the hype about 'plants' in this season of American Idol you could not tell that any of the contestants had ever been on stage. In fact, the more experienced vocalist fell flatly on their faces. As has happened in past seasons, the guys definitely owned the night.

Here are the 12 that crooned tonight: Jackie Tohn, Ricky Braddy, Alexis Grace, Brent Keith, Stevie Wright, Anoop Desai, Casey Carlson, Michael Sarver, Anne Marie Boskovich, Steven Fowler, Tatiana Del Toro.

The first night of live performances has almost always proved a disappointment for American Idol. Tonight was no different. There were technical issues and some sound problems. Most of the performances were complete train wrecks. Thankfully there were a few AI hopefuls that pulled out the stops and sang.

Alexis Grace was a savior for the first hour of the show. She performed a heartfelt version of "Never Loved a Man" by Aretha Franklin. Alexis brought the heat. The judges had told her to 'dirty up' her appearance, and dirty she got. She looked absolutely amazing and her vocals were spot on. All four AI judges were beside themselves with praise, and a little awe. No one thought she had it in her. Simon Cowell called her "the dark horse" and "one to watch in this competition". All the judges compared her to Kelly Clarkson, and that's exactly who she reminded me of.

Anoop Desai did not make the judges stand in uproarious applause, but he did not disappoint either. I enjoy this guy's vocals on just about anything. Tonight he chose "Angel of Mine" by Monica. He brought his brand of soul to the song, but not a lot of flash. Anoop played it a little safe on the riffs. This guy needs to get through to the next round.

Danny Gokey ended the night with a bang. He chose "Hero" by Mariah Carrey, inspired by those who have lifted themselves from adversity. Again he mentioned the passing of his wife, again and again. We get it. I feel for Danny, but let's just concentrate on the singing now. Thankfully Danny has an incredible instrument that reminds me of Elliot Yamin of American Idol: Season 5 (finished 3rd).

While I can't support her in any way, Tatiana Del Toro actually proved why she made the show. Singing "Saving All My Love (For You)" by Whitney Houston, she made another weird impression on the judges. Weird is just a good word to describe this American Idol wanna-be. Simon hit the nail on the head when he said, "You are a complete and utter drama queen. You are desperate to become famous. The performance wasn't bad, but drop the weird demure act." We did see a different Tatiana tonight. She got a little bubbly backstage with Ryan, but said this was more her persona. The judges told her to bring back her freaky laugh, then imitated it for her. I'm not sure why they brought her here.

The rest of the night ranged from strange to just plain awful. At least most of the parents were there to console those that needed it. Though it was obvious to all that the judges were mostly right, as they usually are. It must be a rule that the first week the contestants are not allowed to perform with an instrument. Steven Fowler mentioned being uncomfortable without his piano, after butchering Michael Jackson's "I Want to Rock With You". If it is a rule it needs to go! We need to see these American Idol contestants as comfortable as possible to really know their abilities and choose the right one.

There is little doubt about who tonight's winners are: Alexis Grace, Anoop Desai and Danny Gokey will hopefully move on. Ricky Braddy and Michael Sarver have a real shot too. Both had decent, yet forgettable performances tonight. Best of luck to all.