American Idol 02/25/09: The second 12

American Idol showcased the second group of 12 tonight. Tonight’s vote will choose the next three contestants – the top male, the top female and then the next with the highest vote total – to the final round of 12.

Kicking things off was 17 year old Jasmine Murray. She did not do well, starting out singing in her low register, which was out of her range.

Next up was Matt Giraud. After his wonderful performance during Hollywood Week, he really chose the wrong song tonight.

The night got no better with Jeanine Vailes. I’m thinking these performers think this is a modeling contest, not a signing contest. She looked good but her singing was horrible.

The alter ego of Nick Mitchell, Normund Gentle, showed up tonight. If nothing else, this guy is entertaining. And, truth be told, he can sing. But why he insists on this character, I just don’t know. I suspect he might be Vote For the Worst’s candidate for the evening.

It’s hard to believe Allison Iraheta is only 16. She absolutely nailed her version of Heart’s Alone.

Kris Allen chose the wrong song, although he performed Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror well enough.

I just like Megan Joy Corkrey. She has a style all her own. Maybe not the best voice in the competition but certainly the most original.

Welder Matt Breitzke has a very nice voice but lacks stage presence. So while he sang well, it was a boring performance.

Jesse Langseth has enuciation issues, and that’s a no-go for me. If I can’t understand the words to what you’re singing, I have a heard time hearing your voice.

I was looking forward to Kai Kalama. His performance was disappointing, although he picked a good song.

Mishavanna Henson has a nice very voice and probably was the second best female tonight. She picked the wrong song, though.

Closing the show was Adam Lambert. Before he sang, I had already pegged him as the best male singer of the night. Unfortunately, that isn’t saying much. While he sang quite well, I was surprised at the disconnect between his singing and his peformance. The vocals had all this energy, while his performance was, at least to me, flat.

Anyway – I think the top male was Adam Lambert and the top female was Allison Iraheta. Rounding out my top three is Megan Joy Corkrey.