Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Well, if Vote for the Worst is looking for its first contestants, I’ve got a suggestion: Jovanny “Can’t Keep My Shirt On” Barreto.

If Idol viewers are looking for someone to root against, I’ve got a suggestion: Jordan “Let’s Change the Story After Dumping My Group” Dorsey.

But all in all, this is an incredibly talented group of guys heading into the semifinals.

And a group that will make it very tough for a female to break the string of three straight males winning American Idol.

Those who made it Thursday …

Tim Halperin: Wow, those of us who prefer contestants of the singer-songwriter ilk and who have graduated from high school have two guys to root for — Paul McDoanld and Tim. He’s 23 and talented enough to go far in this competition. I just selected one of his songs — “She Runs” — as the Idol Chatter song of the day earlier this week, and he’s got other solid originals to go with it. Pre-Idol music.

Brett Loewenstern: Bullied as a youth, Brett finds redemption on Idol. And gets an outlet for his vocal talent, which is considerable. But would he have benefited from a couple  more years of seasoning before hitting the big stage? Especially since teen Idols who don’t sing country have a shelf life of about 15 minutes. In Brett’s case, I haven’t decided. Judging from last night’s episode, he’s mathematically challenged. But I love the gumption he showed by singing an original — which sounded very good — for his final song. Pre-Idol music.

Jovany Barreto: You see, here’s the deal. When I check out a guy’s Facebook page, and there are more photos he’s snapped of himself shirtless than mentions of his music, I figure: 1) he’s not that serious about music; 2) he’s got a major ego problem. Let’s end Jovany’s Idol journey next week. Hey, Vote for the Worst, here’s your first pick. More about Jovany.

Robbie Rosen: Another of the Idol teens, except he hasn’t gotten nearly the air time of a Jaycee Bardeaux or Brett Loewenstern or Scotty McCreery. I’m wondering if he can be any more than cannon fodder in a very talented field of guys, especially since he isn’t as distinctive as Brett or Scotty. Pre-Idol music.

Scotty McCreery: I’ll make an exception to my preference for older contestants for Scotty too. Because, when he’s on, he’s the best male country singer we’ve had on Idol since … well, perhaps ever. But certainly since Josh Gracin. His success might depend on whether Nigel Lythgoe sticks to his pledge to let contestants stick to the genres they do best. For starters, Scotty had to sing the Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye” in Vegas. Not a promising start. Pre-Idol music.

Jordan Dorsey: At one point, I thought his voice was the best we’d heard in season 10. Then he showed his true self on group day, when he was picky about who joined his original group, basically making others audition to get in, then wound up dumping his own group in favor of another. Then tried to change the story in front of the judges, totally ignoring the fact that he dumped his own group. My support for Season 10 Idol will not go to an arrogant prima donna. Viewers, we have our villain. Pre-Idol music.

James Durbin:  A great back-story with vocal ability to match. And, as a male rocker, he brings variety to the field of remaining contestants.  My only fear: that shriek. Use it sparingly, James. Otherwise it ceases to be special. And you’ve got a vocal range that doesn’t require screaming every week. If you want an example of what not to do, look no further than Siobhan “The Magnificent Screamer” Magnus from season nine. Pre-Idol music.

Jacob Lusk: I thought James might have the best range of any guy on the show this year, until Idol dusted off Jacob and finally let us hear him sing during Hollywood Week. Now I think he might be the best pure singer among the males. The best all-around performer? I’m not sure. But pouring passion into his performances won’t be a problem judging from his solo effort in Hollywood. Pre-Idol music.

Casey Abrams: A successful season of Idol needs characters as well as talent. This guy delivers character in heaping helpings. I’m not as sold on his singing, but the semifinals needed him, so I’m glad he made it. Wow, did you hear that compliment from Randy Jackson. He called Casey one of the best all-around musicians Idol has ever had. Pre-Idol music.

Stefano Langone: He has “star” written on his forehead, according to Jennifer Lopez. He says he’s lucky to be singing after being badly injured in a May 2009 crash. I look at this list and figure he’s going to need more luck to make it past the semifinals. Pre-Idol music.

Those who made it Wednesday …

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.