Top 12 Guys Shine on American Idol

Wednesday was American Idol's Top 12 guys night. The first thing I noticed missing from the show that has really changed it, for me anyway, is the absence of Paula Abdul. I love the addition of Ellen DeGeneres. She brings some fun to the show and also the opinion of someone who is a fan of music and American Idol. But I personally would have rather seen Kara replaced than Paula. Love them or hate them Paula, Simon and Randy have been a part of the show since the beginning and having Paula gone creates a team that is not complete. But the show is about the contestants and not the judges, so I am sure the show will still continue to go on as long as true, genuine talent is found.

I haven't been into Idol as much as I was a few years back when I voted my fingers off for Taylor Hicks. Though I did watch some last year and rooted for Kris Allen. But this year I tuned back in again because I knew Ellen DeGeneres was going to be a judge, and I wanted to see what she would bring to the show, but a few contestants captured my attention and made me what to continue to tune in to hear what they have to offer.

Those contestants from American Idol Top 12 guys night are Tim Urban, Andrew Garcia and Casey James. Though I have to say based on tonight's performances, Casey James is the only one who made a big impression on me with his performance of the Bryan Adams song "Heaven." Other than his performance, the show seemed rather boring to me both with the singing and the judges.

But that brings me to something I felt was just really strange and inappropriate tonight, and that is the way they reacted after Casey's performance. With the whole Kara thinks he's hot and talking about when they had him take his shirt off and all. The guy is there to be judged on his singing, not his looks. Now I do agree Casey James is a handsome man, but the judges are there to give their opinion of his singing and performing. They are not there to "undress him with their eyes." Even Casey looked a little embarrassed and shocked by it all. However they did finally switch the conversation back to his singing, and they all agreed he can sing.

While American Idol has become a little boring to me, I am still interested in hearing these guys and gals sing and see who touches me with their musical abilities.

Tune in Thursday February, 25 on Fox to see if your favorites stay or go. American Idol airs on the Fox network Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.