American Idol Season 8 Top 12 Performance

America already has chosen three of this season's "American Idol"'s Top 12: Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver. Wednesday night in a two-hour live event, 12 more of the Top 36 performed songs from Billboard's Hot 100 in hopes of making the cut.

Jasmine Murray — Love Song: I saw Sara Bareilles sing this in concert. Just had to share. This girl is no Sara Bareilles; it was pitchy in parts, but it seems like a good song choice. She’s a good performer. Hmmm. Overall, I’m disappointed.

Matt Giraud — Viva la Vida: Love Coldplay. This guy has potential, but I’m not sure he’s Top 12 material. The judges are on my page.

Jeanine Vailes — This Love: I want to come back in my next life with her legs. That is all. I like the song, and I like how she makes it her own, but it’s just not working for her.

PSA: The judges complain that the contestants are choosing the wrong songs so why don’t the producers allow the judges to HELP THEM CHOOSE THE RIGHT SONGS!? It would make the show SO much better.

Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle (or whatever he’s going by this week) — Living Without You: I really don’t know what to make of this guy. If he can sing, he’s sure is trying awfully hard to hide it. Randy calls it entertaining. I think that’s being generous. Paula calls him memorable. Perhaps.

Allison Iraheta — Alone: One of my favorite songs; pretty ambitious for a 16-year-old. Why am I doubtful she can bring it? Okay so that’s… wow. I’m pleasantly surprised. She has a very individual sound. I love it when Randy says “blew it out the box”. I always want to say that but I could never pull it off.

Kris Allen — Man in the Mirror: What a cutie. But can we ban all Michael Jackson songs from this competition from now on? Kthanksbai. Okay so yeah, he’s a really good performer. I’m liking this, Michael Jackson and all. He comes into his own towards the end. I don’t remember him in Hollywood so I’m not sure what Kara’s talking about. Interesting, judges are divided. Glad to know I’m not totally off base.

Megan Joy Corkrey — Put Your Records On: Great song. She’s adorable. Feeling optimistic. Oh this isn’t quite what I was hoping for. I dunno. Paula loves her. Simon’s onto something — it got shouty at the end. And yikes, Megan’s saying she rocked it in that part. Now you know I don’t like it when the contestants argue with the judges. I’m with Simon — I want her to get voted thru, but she didn’t nail it tonight.

Matt Breitzke — If You Could Only See: Great song. Awww, he’s like a big teddy bear. I want to like him, but I’m afraid this is just really good karaoke. Is it just me, or is Simon nicer this year?

Jesse Langseth — Betty Davis Eyes: She’s gorgeous. Now let’s see if she can sing. And she CAN. I’m liking this chick. But next time she needs to finish knitting her sweater before appearing on national TV. Was she just trying not to yawn? Yeah, I’m with Randy on the 5-note range. Nevermind the part about Simon being nicer this year. Telling people they are forgettable is so rude. Ugh.

Kai Kalama — What Becomes of the Broken Hearted: Eh. He’s good, I guess. I’m too distracted by that mop on his head to be objective about the performance. There’s potential there, but I’m not sure he’s Top 12 material.

Mishavonna Henson — Drops of Jupiter: I’m always intrigued by those who are cut and come back to get through the following year. That was strange. There were parts that were all there and there were other parts that were really baaaaad. The judges keep saying she’s a good singer, but there were parts of that song that were very off.

Adam Lambert — Satisfaction: Oh yeah. Awesome song. I LURV THE STONES. Yes I realize he just said it’s his MOTHER’S favorite band. I’m 36 going on 50. This guy has mad talent, but I’ve always found him a bit uncomfortable to watch, and tonight is no different. Yes, thank you Simon! “There were some parts that were excruciatingly bad and parts that were brilliant.” That pretty much sums it up for me too. But I can’t see NOT voting him through. He’s got amazing potential, once he drops that affected stage persona.

See Jesse Langseth “Betty Davis Eyes” video here.