American Idol Group 2 Results

So, do I know America or do I know America?

Who should have advanced: Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert

Who I predicted would advance: Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert

Who did advance: Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert

What do you know? I went three for three in my predictions after all. Furthermore, these were the three I had at the top of my rankings for last night's show. They were even presented as advancing in the order I had it, on the program tonight, although I am certain that Lambert was the overall vote winner.

I just wish now I would have put some money on this after last night...


Since I described last night why I thought they would advance, I have no real need to repeat things, but I suppose its a feel good story of sorts, especially for underdogs Allison and Kris. I really liked the way they performed their songs last night (apparently James Morrison has a recent cover of "Man in the Mirror" that I did not know about, but nonetheless I think I prefer Kris's version over that one and Michael Jackson too in a way). Allison can flat out sing. She delivered again tonight on "Alone" in encore and proved it was not a fluke. Both of these now Finalists reacted with what seemed to be genuine appreciation and at least limited surprise.

The same can not be said for Adam Lambert, who it was a foregone conclusion (like the Gokey vs. Tatiana final pairing last week) when up against Nick Mitchell in a formulatic repeat. Adam did not appear to be very surprised or overwhelmed by emotion when he made the Finals, but I think it's good that he did not fake those things. He definitely has an ego, but if you can back it up, there is not anything necessarily wrong with that. I just think I could embrace his vocal stylings more if he were to put those screaming skills to use on some good '80's hair metal and not come across as being too Broadway.

As for the final group of 12 next Tuesday, I would bet money that Lil Rounds will have the pimp spot and I think she will be the top rated female (before I hear any singing of course.) Visually challenged Scott McIntyre I will say will win a spot in the Finals as well. The third choice will be harder. I think it might come down to Felicia Barton, Von Smith, and Alex Wagner-Trugman.

Now, Alex is probably not going to be among the three best singers next week, but I almost have a hunch that his sense of humor and dorkiness may get him a lot of votes. Is he Jewish? I don't know for sure, but I am sort of under that assumption. We all know how tough it is for Jews to break into show business (especially on American Idol), so maybe a celebratory dancing of the Hora might be in order for some if he achieves what only Elliot Yamin has on Idol thus far.

Of course, I just want the best ones to get in on merit.

Then, it will be time for the wildcard show and another chance for Anoop Desai and others (Ricky Braddy from last week probably and likely Matt Giraud and Jesse Langseth/Megan Joy Corkrey from this week). I still think Anoop will probably get in the finals, but now I have some other options to maybe root for as well, especially Allison and Kris.