Hollywood Week, Part Two: Top 36

Finally, the show is about to get down to business. Of course, my favorite part of AI is when the Top 12 are revealed because you know they are the best of the best (at least, they usually are...I think Sanjaya, Scott Savol, Kellie Pickler, to name a few, made it for who knows what reasons).

So, last night I was excited to see some of my favorites make it through. I have to admit that there were only a few disappointments on my part (Tatiana anyone), but overall, this is going to be a good season. I will predict right now that this year's winner will be R&B because I don't see a huge variety of singers as we've had in the past (Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice, David Cook, Carly Smithson, Constantine, Blake Lewis, etc.). But I could be wrong.

Anyhow, here's the Top 36 for your enjoyment (in order as they were shown last night):

Anoop Desai
Von Smith
Alex Wagner-Trugman: This was the self-taught closer singer. Although he was forced to sing for his life against Cody-the-horror-film-maker, he deserved it.
Adam Lambert: He should be in "Rent".
Taylor Vaifanua: From Hurricane, UT, only a 15 minute ride from my house.
Jasmine Murray
Arianna Asfar: Remember her? The clean-cut HS student who is a granfriend?
Casey Carlson
Megan Corkrey
Mishavonna Henson: Made it to Hollywood, Season 7, but was cut before they picked the Top 24.
Stevie Wright
Joanna Pacitti: This girl has been causing nothing but trouble with AI gossips. She's had label offers, was recognized by Kara at her audition, yet she forgot her words twice during Hollywood week. Okay, so she's in the Top 36, but that doesn't mean she's going to make it all the way. It doesn't matter to me either way only 'cause I don't think she'll win.
Kendall Beard
Kristen MacNamara: Yah, I agree Paula, her outfit was horrible.
Alexis Grace: Love her, love her, love her...I predict Top 12.
Scott MacIntyre: No surprise here, but we'll see how he does outside of his comfort zone.
Lil Rounds: Tornado victim, but a typical R&B/hip hop singer to me.
Jesse Langseth
Allison Iraheta: Only 16, but there have been contestants that young before in the Top 12.
Danny Gokey: He has the most amazing voice! I definitely predict the Top 12; he's a shoe-in.
Ricky Braddy
Matt Giraud: The dueling piano player...definitely digging his style. I'd love to see him make the Top 12.
Ju'not Joyner
Jorge Nunez
Brent Keith
Stephen Fowler: Not sure if I agree with this one since his last performance wasn't that great. I guess we'll see how far he makes it.
Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle): Didn't really agree with this one, but there always has to be something, right?
Jackie Tohn
Tatiana Del Toro: Is she for real? I don't think she'll make it past all the voters, but who knows...Sanjaya did. But he didn't start to get annoying until after he made the Top 12. I DID NOT agree with this one at all.
Nathaniel Marshall: Almost reminds me of Danny Noriega a little bit. I liked his headbands though.
Jeanine Vailes
Kai Kalama: From HI and cool style. I've liked him from the beginning.
Anne Marie Boskovich
Kris Allen
Matt Breitzke: The welder...okay voice, but I didn't want to see him go either.
Michael Sarver: The oil-rigger...if they were going to pick between Michael and Matt, Michael should have been the pick, but I'm happy. He's got an amazing voice.

Some disappointments:
Why oh why didn't Jamar Rogers make it through? I liked his version of "Hey There Delilah" better than Ju'not's. I was very sad to see him go and I think Danny Gokey was too.

Obviously the fact that Tatiana will still be "gracing" my tv screen next week. Shall I start a "No More Screaming" fan club? "Ohhh, I'm aliiiive! Aaaaahhhh!" Sheesh.

The fact that Nathaniel made it past Jackie Midkiff...Nathaniel is too much drama for me.

Will Nick be performing or will it be Norman Gentle? Anyone remember the season where Dave made it through to Hollywood Week simply because the judges were tired, cranky and he was just standing there screaming and shaking his body? Okay, so "Norman" can sing, but is he going through because of Norman or Nick? Pick a persona please and "shtick" to it.

But wait, there's more: Just saw on MSN.com that Joanna Pacitti has been disqualified for unknown reasons (hmm). Felicia Barton will be taking her place...interesting.

Here's how it will go: The Top 36 have been split into three groups of 12. The first group will perform next Tuesday, we vote, then the vote-off is Wednesday. Repeat second week and third week. I will be posting a poll each Tuesday night for you to vote who should go home. I don't remember who is in the first group of 12 except for a few names (Tatiana, Danny, Stephen...).

Comments? Agree? Disagree?