P. D. Griffith's P.O.V.

So this is yet another week without the Aussie awesomeness that is Simon Baker in The Mentalist. We, however, did get more shows than last Tuesday since the President isn’t taking up all the primetime slots.

Ep. “Third 12 of 36”

The final set of 12 contestants performed to get a spot in the Top 12. This week’s contestants were very promising; a lot of them were ones I wanted to get through during the early audition rounds.

Von Smith: Performed “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye. I thought the performance was alright. He performed the song well but I don’t agree that it was as good as the judges thought.

Taylor Vaifanua: Performed “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. I think she performed the song well, definitely a better performance in my opinion than Von Smith’s. My only issue with it is that she selected a song that is so “trademarked” by an artist. Alicia Keys has a very distinct tone and originality in her music and to try and recreate it is something that doesn’t really work.

Alex Wagner-Trugman: Performed “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” by Elton John. I really didn’t get the gruntal portions of the song, and boy did I laugh when he knocked over the mic stand. I don’t believe it was a performance that will get him through to the Top 12. The only chance he has is if the ladies find his dorkiness cute. Pity vote if you will.

Arianna Afsar: Performed “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA. She is just as cute as a button! Also, she decided to enter a new world for American Idol by being the first person in Idol history to perform a song by the Swedish pop giant. The only issue I had with her performance was that it seemed a bit theatrical, like she was auditioning for Mamma Mia!. Her vocals were a also a little pitchy at times and kind of gloomy. I didn’t think it was as bad as the judges thought.

Ju’not Joyner: Performed “Hey There Delilah” by The Plain White Tees. I am not going to lie, I am a bit tired of hearing this song on American Idol after Hollywood week. Also, his rendition of the song was very boring. I do give him props for trying to give it an R&B vibe though.

Kristen McNamara: Performed “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman. What was she wearing during her performance? She looked like she was getting ready to attend a Catholic school dance in 1993. Her performance was good though. I didn’t realize that she could hit a note that high.

Nathaniel Marshall : Performed “I Will Do Anything For Love” by Meatloaf. This man’s voice and image do not mix. He’s an Indy “scene” kid who has a serious theatrical voice and flamboyant stage presence. I also don’t think his rendition of the rock classic was anything to write home about. I am glad he didn’t cry this time though.

Felicia Barton: Performed “No One” by Alicia Keys. Can anyone explain to me how she is here? What happened? She was cut then she’s in the Top 36?” Also her voice makes me think that she is the illegitimate love child of Alicia Keys and Nelly Furtado (if that were possible). I must say that she was definitely better at performing Alicia Keys when compared to Taylor Vaifanua. She has a chance of getting through.

Scott MacIntyre: Performed “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby. I know he is one of the favorites of America with his “overcoming challenges” story, but I really don’t think he has the best voice in the competition. I am sure he will get through, but I wonder how long he will be around.

Kendall Beard: Performed “This One’s For the Girls” by Martina McBride. I really was pulling for her for some reason, but she definitely was a bit flat through most of the song. I don’t know if there is any hope for her to continue on.

Jorge Nunez: Performed “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down” by Elton John. I think he has a good voice, but I don’t think he was able to pull off the awesomeness that is Elton John. I guess we’ll find out what America thought sooner than later.

Lil Rounds: Performing “Be Without You” by Mary J. Blige. I think she picked a song that really meets her personality and she sang it very well. On top of that, she is probably one of the most personable contestants on the show this year. People like her. I like her. You do what you do so well Lil Rounds.

So this week, predicting the contestants that make it through is kind of tough. I would probably guess…Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre and Felicia Barton (but that third spot is really up for grabs).

Ep. “On Their High Horses”

This week was the first one where the ladies of New York didn’t have to compete with the women of Orange County. It worked in their favor since the OC women were such train wrecks.

So I really cannot decide who my favorite housewife of New York is. In the OC, Gretchen was my #1. In NYC, I thought it would be LuAnn; she seemed the most down to earth, but this season they are really making her look like a snooty bitch. I definitely hate Ramona. Bethenny and Jill are a bit too gossipy for me, and I cannot deal with the oddity that is Alex and Simon. Maybe this is why they added Kelly to the cast. She has potential of taking the place of the favorite housewife.

In relation to the episode, they must have decided to make this one the “health & wellness” week. Not only do they begin the episode with surf lessons, they also show LuAnn playing tennis, the women attending  boot camp,  a spa day with Simon and Alex, Kelly going horseback riding, and Bethenny and Jill going to the salon for hair cuts and facials before the “Tea Dance” gay party. Seriously, they should have just called it “Housewives for Health,” but listening to Jill at the class was hilarious. I also want to have Simon stop talking about not being gay. It seems like he is trying to over-compensate for the flack he got about his sexuality in season 1.

This episode was definitely better than last weeks, but it looks like the real drama will start next week. Keep your fingers crossed!