Watch American Idol Season 8 Episode 12 - Semifinalists (Gro

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They've made it through the auditions. They've endured Hollywood week. Now they face their toughest critics of all. America! The Top 36 of American Idol starts now.

So the way this will work is that 3 people will go through from this group into the Top 12. The others will get a second chance via a wildcard show.

Let's get into the show!

Jackie Tohn

Tonights performanceicon
Elvis Presley - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - A Little Less Conversation A Little Less Conversation
Voting Information

Randy: Loved how she launched American Idol.
Kara: Thought she can really use the stage.
Paula: Didn't think it was perfect but perfect is sometimes boring.
Simon: Thought she played the clown tonight and that it was a bit gimmicky and didn't do herself any favours.

It was a reasonably good, confident start to American Idol by Jackie.

Ricky Braddy

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Carpenters - Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition - A Song for You A Song For You
Voting Information

Randy: Is sure they've got more talent than they've ever had before.
Kara: Thought he killed it with effortless interpretation.
Paula: Paula is so proud that America has had the chance to see his talent.
Simon: Doesn't think he has any star quality to go with his voice.

It was nice but it didn't really stamp put me through on it.

Alexis Grace

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The Commitments - The Commitments (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - I Never Loved a Man I Never Loved a Man
Voting Information

Randy: Loved it.
Kara: The genie is out of the bottle with you.
Paula: Loves her ability to display all that soul at her age.
Simon: Thought she was better with the other two and has soul and self belief and wonders if she is the dark horse while also comparing her to Kelly Clarkson.

It's certainly been a good start to the live shows. I'm loving the phrasing from everyone tonight.

Brent Keith

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Jason Aldean - Jason Aldean - Hicktown (Radio Edit) Hicktown

Randy: Loved that he returned to his country roots.
Kara: Thought he was a little safe tonight.
Paula: Wants America to remember his audition but thinks he could be a great country artist.
Simon: Didn't think it was safe. He thought it was forgetable.

It was ok but I'm with Simon on this. Not really an impacting performance.

Stevie Wright

Tonights performanceicon
Taylor Swift - Fearless - You Belong With Me You Belong With Me

Randy: Wasn't really feeling that at all.
Kara: Thinks she has an identity crisis.
Paula: Paula agrees it wasn't the right song for her and thought it was too low for her.
Simon: Thought the others were being polite.

I think Stevie is going be mortified when she watches this back. Terrible vocal performance. Her American Idol journey is so over.

Anoop Desai

Tonights performanceicon
Monica - The Boy Is Mine - Angel of Mine Angel of Mine

Randy: Thought it was an interesting song choice and thought it was a little sharp.
Kara: Didn't think he had the capability to nail it.
Paula: Tells him that America has already connected with him and that extra side of him was good.
Simon: Thought it was a little bit grown up and serious for him.

Underwhelming. Where was the energy he was talking about bringing to the show?

Casey Carlson

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The Police - The Very Best of Sting & The Police - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

Randy: Randy didn't think it was good for him and was wrong for her.
Kara: Thought everything about that was wrong.
Paula: Thought the phrasing was weird and singing iconic songs just didn't work for her.
Simon: Says she looks good but thought she couldn't have picked a worse song.

Again, another weak performance. The tone of her voice is pleasant enough but she doesn't have the same strength as others tonight.

Michael Sarver

Tonights performanceicon
Gavin DeGraw - Chariot - Stripped - I Don't Want to Be I Don't Want to Be

Randy: Thought the pitch was a little weird and wasn't sure he performed it well.
Kara: Didn't think it was his best performance.
Paula: Thought he actually did a really good job and showed a different side. She also wishes he didn't keep swapping the microphone between hands.
Simon: Tells him that he's there because they like him and if he gets through, it will be because of that.

Again, another weak performance. The tone of her voice is pleasant enough but she doesn't have the same strength as others tonight.

Anne Marie Boskovich

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Aretha Franklin - The Best of Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Randy: Thought she fell way below the par of the slayings of that song done by other contestants on American Idol.
Kara: If you're going to take on a song like that then you need to kill it.
Paula: Compared to what we heard at Hollywood week, she believes she did better.
Simon: Says that she would have done well if they were looking for a hotel singer.

It certainly wasn't the massive vocal that the song normally demands.

Stephen Fowler

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Michael Jackson - Essential Michael Jackson - Rock With You Rock With You

Randy: Thought it was pitchy and not very good again.
Kara: Thought he was connected during Hollywood week but this performance was empty.
Paula: Was also wondering where the connection was.
Simon: Wishes he'd forgotten the lyrics and thought it was pointless.

Boring. Shouldn't have been there.

Tatiana Del Toro

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Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love for You Saving All My Love For You

Randy: Loved the good moments.
Kara: Wonders where she fits in the industry. Is she a character or an artist.
Paula: She loved her closing note but is confused about who she is as she's quite relaxed at the moment.
Simon: Thinks she is desperate to be famous.

She is so much nicer when she isn't talking. Singing is definitely her thing and her personality is going to take her a long way.

Danny Gokey

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Mariah Carey - #1's - Hero Hero

Randy: Calls it the redeemer of the night.
Kara: Tells him he is great.
Paula: Says "Sold out Arenas".
Simon: Thought it was ok but not fantastic.

Everyone is going crazy and I just don't get it. Too much hype and it could be his eventual downfall.

Tomorrow night, the results. See you there!