Anoup Desai Lumped in with the Same Bunch as Tatiana Del Toro? Only on American Idol

Was America really surprised when Idol judges brought back Tatiana Del Toro for another go round in the American Idol wildcard round? Probably not. Tatiana is one of those annoying contestants who really can sing but who chooses to mask their talent with their extremely large ego and prefers to make a spectacle of themselves rather than actually showcase their talent. In fact, Del Toro cried more after she'd been told she had a second chance than I've ever seen any contestant do after they learned their dreams of fame and stardom had come to an abrupt, screeching halt.

So what will Tatiana do to cement her place as one of the top 12 contestants? Probably cry some more, maybe act a little creepy, a little disturbing, and cause the judges to get a little weirded out. It may be bad for the music business but it's good for television ratings!

One instance where the judges got it right was Anoup Desai. The young man has some serious pipes to back up his cool and collected demeanor but he looked a little ashen, as if he was going to get ill, when the judges finally announced that yes, he was coming back for another round. Of course, as Simon Cowell said in Wednesday night's broadcast, he was the obvious choice but they made him wait until the very end of the show before announcing the news-drama equals ratings.

A few others who deserved second chances were given them, notably Matt Giraud (although I hope he doesn't take the judges admonition to go all bluesy to heart-I liked him better singing Coldplay!) Though several of the contestants were given the reprieve not because of the merits of their previous performances but because Cowell and the other judges had good feelings about them and what could happen with their commercial careers. Strongly in that category were Jasmine Murray and Megan Corkrey. Hopefully the American voters will help true talent triumph over commercialism.

So who will rise above the rest and secure their spot in the final 12? It's a mixed bag to be sure and anything could happen but do any of the wildcard eight have enough talent to topple even one of the 8 contestants who passed through the brutal gauntlet that is American Idol's new elimination format the first time around?