“I caught a glimpse at the contract the top 24 has to sign, and i’m glad i didn’t have to sign it. If I made it to the top 24, they would own me for 3 years no matter how far i made it, and if I had won, they would make big changes to my music. I got a pretty good feel for what they’re looking for, and they don’t want artists who already have an established sound–all my favorite contestants who I thought were great songwriters with a unique artisticsound were also cut today. I’m once again in full control of my music career, and I’m very relieved I’m out.”

The prediction this week is a little tougher for me…so I’ll be as specific as possible: I think Menard is gone…and the other will be Chikezie or Hernandez (I agree with you, Radley…something is really sort of creepy/unlikeable about him) Remember that Noriega is being supported by VTFW, therefore probably keeping him in at LEAST one more week (VTFW was the same reason Sanjaya made is so far).

DO NOT WANT
DO NOT WANT
DO NOT WANT

Jason Castro is like a lot of white college schmucks with dreds: overrated and undercool. Surprised he isn’t wearing Birkenstocks and a Marley T-shirt. His song couldn’t have been more Karaoke.

With you Radley on the other contestants. Daniella Noriega is melting down. If (s)he is not gone this week, expect a more horrid performance next, then to hear “I wanted to quit, so I just tried to get voted off” excuse from him.

We were kind of hoping that Eze would have jumped onto the stage singing 1989!! The number, another summer ….
Not a good singing choice but would have been hilarious and entertaining….

I would figure Luke Menard and Chickezie will go this week (if they are still chucking 2 at a time) Norriega will make it one more week.

There is so much more talent in the guys group this year than there is in the girls group.

My wife must have voted for Castro 25 times last night and never got a busy signal. She tried to vote for Archuletta but the line was always busy.

My favorite is Castro but I have a strong feeling that Archuletta is going to win it all.

I’ve only seen half an episode this session, so I scoffed at this statement, with there being 16 people still in it. However, Pinnacle confirms it:

http://www.pinnaclesports.com/ContestCategory/American+Idol/101~2A~Odds+to+Win+Season+7/Who+will+Win~3F~/Lines.aspx

With 16 people left, this is like WOWOWOWOWWOWOW. I have a hard time believing the field isn’t a great spot…guess I’ll have to watch the show now.

Danny Noriega struck me last night as a girl who thought it would be easier to get into the final 12 by posing as a guy. He’s creepy, has terrible hair, and just doesn’t sing very well (for this level of competition).

Also, while I think Johns will go far, I don’t think he’s got the chops to make it all the way. I’m sick of the Michael Hutchence comparisons, too, because that’s exactly what he wants to hear. It’s like walking up to a local furniture dealer who calls himself the “furniture king” and saying, “Hey, furniture king!” You know that’s what he wants, so don’t give it to him.

The leader, at the moment, is Castro (and not just because he’s my fave). Take a look at the Idol forums. The guy has over 261,000 views on “his” thread. The nearest after that is Archuleta’s 121,000. Johns is stuck at around 60. Judging from years past, the forum hits are a pretty good indication of current standing (e.g., Taylor Hicks was always well in front of everyone on that score, as were other winners).

Menard will lose big this week, but the second loser is unclear. It’s either going to be Noriega, who was bad, or Hernandez (due to lack of personality/scandal more than on-stage talent).

David Archuletta has a great voice, and I liked his performance, but his goofy “people without homes” reference at the end was out of place and forced.

Luke Menard boasted about his a capella group last week; he sounded like an a capella group member without his backup guys last night.