Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The Idol judges made the final call on 10 of its final 40 singers Wednesday night.

And — I almost can’t believe I’m writing this — the judges made the right call in every case.

That includes Chris Medina, the guy with the incredible back-story, who was sent packing after a series of up-and-down performances.

Honestly, among the contestants Idol has showcased over and over, only Jaycee Bardeaux has been less impressive. And I’ve listened to Chris’ pre-Idol musis, too.

Again, not impressed.

But is Chris gone for good? Or is Idol playing games?

Remember, last year Chris Golightly made the finals. Then he was disqualified.  Tim Urban took his place.

Remember, two years ago Joanna Pacitti was disqualified. Felicia Barton took her place.

Could a reprieve await Chris Medina?

After all, back on Feb. 7, Paul McDonald sent out a tweet about “a pretty serious node on my left vocal chord,” raising speculation that it might jeopardize his Idol future. Subsequent tweets, though, seem to indicate he has continued performing.

For now at least, Chris is gone. But for a wonderful story about the impact his Idol appearance has had on his fiancee, Juliana Ramos, check out this story in the Chicago Tribune.

Now, my assessment of the contestants who have advanced:

Naima Adedapo: Ryan calls her a custodian. On Facebook, she identifies herself as “a singer, dancer, dance instructor, stepping instructor, actress and just all around performer. I’m seeking truth within myself so that in this horrible place of deception and lies (A.K.A. Babylon), I can find Zion within.” In the past, I’ve complained about not enough diversity among Idol contestants, so I can hardly complain about the inclusion of  a member of the Ko-Thi African Dance Co.  Pre-Idol music.

Haley Reinhart: Love the attitude. Told “no” during the auditions last year, she worked to improve and came back for season 10. Love the Carrie Underwood good looks. And the soulfulness in her voice. Not sure she can win it all, but it will be fun watching such a sweet young lady try. Pre-Idol music.

Ashthon Jones: We didn’t see her at all until Hollywood Week. And she’s been impressive every time we’ve seen her since. Having listened to her EP, I wasn’t surprised. Check out “Salsa, Salsa” and “Like This,” a pair of dance tunes from that EP.  I’ll be shocked if she doesn’t make the finals. Pre-Idol music.

Paul McDonald: A veteran among babies in this competition. He’s been lead singer for the Hightide Blues, later renamed the Grand Magnolias. The latter released a 10-track album last year; the former has a pair of EPs available on iTunes. One of the more distinctive voices among the guys. Another contestant we haven’t seen nearly enough of to this point. I just wonder if Idol will rally behind another singer-songwriter type. Pre-Idol music. (Check out “Dreamin’ Alone”)

Clint Jun Gamboa: Another contestant who has sounded great every time we’ve seen him. I don’t blame him for dumping Jaycee on group day, but you have to wonder if the prima donna attitude — that’s not the only time it has surfaced — will hurt. My least favorite among the five who have advanced so far.  Pre-Idol music.

Rejected so far: Chris Medina, Alex Ryan, Hollie Cavanagh, Deandre Brackensick, LaKeisha Lewis (aka Keisha Renee).