Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, are you excited about the prospect of voting up to 50 times, online, after each Idol performance show by using your Facebook login at americanidol.com?

I mean, pretty soon, a single dedicated fan will be able to cast a gazillion votes a night.

Or are you so bummed out by Jennifer Lopez’s breakdown/meltdown/tearfest at the end of last night’s show that you’ve been unable to think about anything else?

I mean … will she … can she … possibly muster the courage to continue?

The suspense hasn’t exactly been killing me. There’s another two hours of Green Mile drama in store for tonight.

I’m figuring Jennifer will be around.

Anyway, if you’ve missed today’s Idol news, you can go here to learn about Chris Medina’s Friday night gig on The Tonight Show and here to learn about the online voting.

By the way, Chris also has a song out — “What Are Words” that you can download now from iTunes.

And, if you’re like me, you’re more worried about who will and won’t make it through to the semifinals than about Jennifer’s status as a judge.

I’ve got my fingers crossed for Pia Toscano, Tim Halperin and Julie Zarrilla, all of whom I figure should be in the finals, none of whom are as much of a shoo-in as some of the Idol favorites — like Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Brett Loewenstern and, say it ain’t so, Jaycee Bardeaux.

Hark, Jennifer musters the strength to continue.

First up tonight, one of her favorite performers, Karen Rodriguez. Well, that leaves little drama. Of course she goes through, lest Jennifer go over the edge.

That leaves about 29 more contestants to learn their fate, with four girls and two guys already selected for the semifinals and only five contestants sent home.

Robbie Rosen: Another of the Idol teens. He’s been pretty consistent from what we’ve seen, but hasn’t gotten nearly the airtime of a Jaycee Bardeaux or Brett Loewenstern.

Ta-tynisha Wilson: Hmm. She’s had some screen time, but she’s been inconsistent. A bit surprising. She advances as well.

The judges send home: Brittany Mazur and Jimmie Allen.

Tim Halperin: The singer-songwriter deserves a spot in the finals. In my mind, he has the potential to be one of this year’s best. And Tim Halperin made it. Great news.

Julie Zarrilla: Now Tim’s Beatles partner learns her fate. More great news. She’s in the final 24 too.

Scotty McCreery: Wow. If we forgot how talented Scotty is, we just got a reminder with that rendition of “Long Black Train.” And he’s in the top 24. Another wise selection.

The judges send John Wayne Schulz home.

Now, please send Jovany “Gotta Show My Abs” Barreto home.  Nope, he’s in the top 24. And that’s the first judges’ selection that I totally disagree with. We’ve barely heard him sing since his audition, where he just had to strip out of his shirt.

Lauren Turner: Well, there had to be a contestant we barely knew who made it to the top 24. We just met her. Would have been nice if we had heard more from her.

The judges cut Tiwan Strong and Erin Kelly. Now, when you talk about contestants who are true novices, that describes Erin, who had very little experience prior to Idol.

Rachel Zevita just murdered Lady Gaga, and not in a good way. But she’s in the top 24 nevertheless.

Kendra Chantelle is next to learn her fate. She was introduced to us as Kendra Campbell, but apparently is now back to using the name she performs under. She has a whole host of originals on YouTube.  And she’s L.A. bound, too.

Jordan Dorsey: He’s the guy who was an absolute jerk in Hollywood. No way I’m supporting him, regardless of what happens from this point on.  And now he pretends it didn’t happen? That they came to him to audition? For the group he then ditched? I have less respect for him now. But he’s moving forward. Good. A villain to root against.

Lauren Alaina: With pink cowgirl boots and what looks like a prom dress, Lauren appears before the judges.  She’s in the semifinals. No surprise there.

Stefano Langone: He’s the guy who has a “star” on his forehead, according to Jennifer Lopez. And he’s in the top 24, too. Spots in the final 24 are disappearing at a rapid pace.

Jackie Wilson: Wow, that was a pretty tortured “Because of You” for her final performance. And the first time we’ve heard Jackie sing in ages. She doesn’t make it.

Jacob Lusk: Now there’s a guy worth rooting for — because of his voice, because of his enthusiasm, because of his passion. Idol season 10 needs characters, and just got one.

Wow, now there’s something of a surprise — only one of these three make it — Colton Dixon, Brett Loewenstern and Jaycee Bardeaux.

Pia Toscano: I like her as much as any of the female contestants this year, so here’s hoping she makes it. She’s into the top 24.

James Durbin: Given his vocal talent, there’s no way Idol could have kept him out of the final 24.

Casey Abrams: Like this guy. He says whether he gets through or not, he gets to hug Jennifer Lopez. “That’s a plus, right.” Idol needs his character. And he makes it. With an incredible compliment from Randy Jackson.

The final girls’ spot will go to Thia Megia or Jessica Cunningham.  Jessica who, you might ask. I don’t think we’ve seen her sing all season.  Ah, now Idol tries to catch us up. She’s a female rocker. And she deserves this spot, not yet another 15-year-old. And Idol keeps Thia and sends Jessica home on her birthday.

And now we’re down to the final spot for the guys. And it’s between Brett Loewenstern, Jaycee Bardeaux and Colton Dixon. Brett gets the spot. Good call, Idol judges.

Check back in a few. I’ll post an assessment of the advancing Idol contestants.