I was so skeptical, but all I can say now is “Simon who?”  Amazing dynamics with the new judging panel and so much more constructive criticism is being given to the contestants.  I am totally digging the new format of the show, so much so that I am diving into writing yet another season of reviews, although they may be abbreviated somewhat.  I just cannot help myself, so with that said, off we go…
 
The Top 13… actually it is fine with me that we are starting with this number instead of the traditional “Top 24” which would be whittled down at the rate of two per week for several weeks.  That was almost painful, so not having to endure that part of the process is a good thing.  Did they get it right though with THIS “Top 13?”  I think they did – for the most part anyway. 
 
Ashton Jones (25 years old, Valdosta, GA) – This wannabe diva is no Whitney and certainly no Dianna… I grow tired of her pretentious ways already and I don’t think she sang that song well at all last night!  There is something bothersome about her eyeballs too – can’t really explain it, but I find her hard to watch.
 
Casey Abrams (20 years old, Wilmette, IL) – Funky little dude who I actually enjoy watching.  He won’t win because he is an acquired taste and not mainstream at all, but still… so fun!  His enthusiasm is infectious!
 
Haley Reinhart (20 years old, Wheeling, IL) – Cute girl with some talent, but way out of her league.  She has not left any sort of lasting impression on me and may be a weak link this week.
 
Jacob Lusk (23 years old, Compton, CA) --  Okay, I just do not see what all the fuss is about this guy… he gets on my last nerve.  And the backup choir last night – give me a break!  He is so full of himself too – yuck!
 
James Durbin (22 years old, Santa Cruz, CA) – And then there is James Durbin… the immediate front-runner, and I must say he has really grown on me already (in the good way of course).  He is like a heterosexual, not-so-glam version of Adam Lambert, who by the way will be on the results show tonight.  Thought his performance was brilliant and that he has a lot of potential this year!
 
Karen Rodriguez (21 years old, New York, NY) – A Selena song in front of JLo?  Really Karen?  Thought that was a totally bad strategy even if she sang it well, which she SO did not!  She’s trying to work that Latino angle way too much, which gives the appearance (at least to me) that she is just sucking up to Jennifer.  Stop it please!
 
Lauren Alaina (16 years old, Rossville, GA) – Have adored this girl right from the start!  She is adorable and can totally sing, but her song choice last night was almost disturbing.  She is 16… so Shania’s “Feel Like a Woman”… yeah, not so appropriate.  It was cute and fun but not too impressive… because honey, you are so NOT a “woman,” so how can you sing about how it feels?  Nonetheless, I doubt she is going anywhere for a while, so I am anxious to see what she can do next week.
 
Naima Adedapo (26 years old, Milwaukee, WI) – I am really trying to like this girl, but the jury is still out.  I cannot decide if she is thoroughly exotic or just plan “fuglly.”  And is she trendy and cool or just a little too ghetto? Just not sure yet!  There have been moments when she blew me away with her vocals, but not sure that last night’s “Umbrella” performance was one of them.  But it was her first performance of the judging season, and she was noticeably nervous, so I will reserve judgment for at least another week.
 
Paul McDonald (26 years old, Huntsville, AL) – Totally dig this quirky little fella, and loved his Rod Stewart song last week.  However, Paul… going forward, please select a song that someone besides yourself has heard!!!  He was having a great time and totally feeling it, but how in the hell could we get into his groove when we had never heard the song before?  It got slightly uncomfortable actually since he seemed to be the only one really “getting it”, which made his on-stage performance just seem a little spastic.  We shall see what his future holds!
 
Pia Toscano (22 years old, Howard Beach, NY) – Beautiful girl with a great voice… and she SO knows it!  She is like a pageant contestant with every move she makes… a plastic Barbie doll, not “organic” (like Lauren) in the least!  And that flowing drapery thing she had attached to the back of her form-fitting dress last night… what the hell was that all about?  I was so distracted by it I hardly paid attention to her singing.  Is it a pageant or is it a wedding. Or maybe a runway modeling gig?  I think she was perhaps a little confused about where she was!
 
Scotty McCreery (17 years old, Garner, NC) – The non-gay, non-creepy , country version of Clay Aiken!  Love this guy but know he has no chance of winning… he is a one-trick pony, but that one trick is quite delightful!  Just seems like a great kid!
 
Stefano Langone (22 years old, Kent, WA) – Kind of reminds me of a Backstreet Boy reject.  He has his moments vocally, but his persona is just a little bit too much “My Cousin Vinny-ish” for my taste.  I will reserve judgment somewhat for this one too – who knows, he may grow on me within the next few weeks.
 
Thia Megia (16 years old, Hayward, CA) – Cute and talented for her age, but SO out of her element.  Most of her song last night was a total mess and I predict she will be going home tonight.  Hurry home sweetheart, your algebra homework awaits!
 
And there my friends is the condensed version of my (insightful) thoughts on the Top 13.  Results show tonight with “The Glambert” making a guest appearance… I am interested in his feedback about the show thus far this year, plus I like to look at him.  As always, thanks for playing along!