Idol Chatter & Voice Views

For the first time in four years, I’ve refused to even glance at the spoiler lists.  You know, the ones that reveal the names of the 24 contestants who are supposed to make the American Idol semifinals.

Looking at the list takes the suspense out of Idol’s green-mile episode.

Besides, I think my blogging reaction to the selections will be more honest if I don’t know ahead of time who’s likely to be singing for our votes next week.

We’ll find out some of those names tonight.  We’ll find out the rest tomorrow night.

Follow along; I’ll be blogging live right here both nights.

Having said all of that, I think some contestants are sure bets.  Those would include:

Guys:   Heejun Han (for his sense of humor, if not his singing);  Reed Grimm (based on the screen time he’s gotten), David Leathers Jr. (Nigel calls him a “little star”),  Eben Franckewitz (who doesn’t need lipstick on his cheek to remind everyone that he’s cute and adorable), Joshua Ledet (probably the best voice we’ve heard) and Phillip Phillips (remind you of any past winners?) and Colton Dixon (one of the last green mile cuts a year ago).

That’s seven of the 12 needed for the semifinals.

I’m far less certain on the ladies’ side because Idol hasn’t tipped its hand as much.

I think it’s a fair bet that Shannon Magrane (would you believe she’s younger than David?), Jen Hirsh (lots of screen time recently), Lauren Gray (praised every time she performs) and Erika Van Pelt (big voice and stage presence) will survive the cuts.  I’d like to think we can add Baylie Brown to that list.

But that still leaves seven positions open and lots of ladies we haven’t heard much from.  Hopefully, Idol will change that in its handling of the solo performances in Vegas, which kick off tonight’s show.