The Ghost Of Simon: American Idol Recap [Top 12 Guys]

With Simon Cowell’s departure from American Idol the judging has become a little, shall we say, warm and fuzzy. I do not consider myself one prone to teddy bear sentimentalities. I also do not think I have the same discernment for talent as Simon. A voice of reason — or at least a voice of Simon — is a lacking commodity on this season’s American Idol. The Ghost Of Simon is a place to share our Cowell-like critiques of the night’s performances.

CLINT JUN GAMBOA – B

That was a very karaoke song to pick. It’s overused and doesn’t show individuality. Plus, the song kind of ate him up; the arrangement and the band were too big for him. There’s no doubt Clint can hit some crazy notes, but it wasn’t a unique performance.

JOVANY BARRETO – C-

Another very generic song selection. It’s a karaoke favorite again. If song selection ate up Clint, the stage swallowed Jovany whole and spit him back up. Extremely forgettable.

JORDAN DORSEY – D

Finally someone chose a current song. A song like this will connect with the voters even if it’s not a very good performance, which it wasn’t. Jordan started too low in his register and was trying too hard to perform. It resulted in a lot of missed notes. The dancing was awkward and outside his comfort zone. There was something dishonest about this performance.

TIM HALPERIN – D+

Again, harping on song choice but this one was too unrecognizable. It seemed like it was in his wheelhouse, but it felt like he was just going through the motions.

BRETT LOEWENSTERN – C

Okay. What’s with all the chewing of the lyrics? Li-yar. High-yer. Fi-yer. A very distracting stylistic choice and kind of weird. Not a good impression, especially when added to his rather strange stage presence as well.

JAMES DURBIN – A

That was the first genuine performance of the night. Whether you like hard rock or not, this kid can sing and it was natural. James was the first contestant who seems to know who he is as a performer.

ROBBIE ROSEN – B+

A good vocal. Controlled. As this is a singing competition he seems to understand that it’s about the voice. He didn’t hit all his notes but he mostly kept within himself and didn’t overreach.

SCOTTY MCCREERY – A

Scotty stands out especially because he’s the only country guy, but he also sounds authentic. It’s a lot like something you’d hear on country radio. His stage presence is a bit ham… and i don’t mean the Kanye West/Jay-Z kind of H.A.M. — perhaps more like a canned meat made largely from pork.

STEFANO LANGONE – A-

A perfect song choice and he sang it well. The high note was rough, but overall it was the right song and a decent vocal. He’s also a rather likable guy and should do well with the female voters.

PAUL MCDONALD – B-

Paul seemed natural out there in spite of being a quirky guy, both in voice and presence. Unfortunately, the song isn’t very memorable. Sorry.

JACOB LUSK – A

Jacob’s voice commanded the stage and the studio. It wasn’t a great song choice for vote-getting but there’s no denying his vocal ability. He brought the gospel and his performance was stand out.

CASEY ABRAMS – B+

This guy is a pretty weird dude. It was difficult to tell if he was taking it seriously or not. But he went for it and I guess I’d have to say he got it. It was at least… entertaining.

Who was your favorite? Who should go home? Comment below.

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