Idol Stalker - Watching American Idol

Posted: 11 Feb 2009 07:51 PM PST

Tonight we saw the fifth day of Hollywood Week on American Idol. The judges have chosen their top 36 and introduced a new way of deciding who'd make it through to the next round! Let me know what you guys thought of the results!

They switched it up a bit this week by inviting the top 54 contestants to the Hollywood Mansion where they announced the top 36 contestants of season 8! Little did the contestants know that the judges have also included a new "Sing off" challenge, where some of the Idol hopefuls would have to sing for their lives (yikes!) in order to stay in the competition.

More after the jump!

Anoop Desai was the first to face the judges and with a unanimous “yes”, he made it through to the next round! Von Smith, was the next person to be accepted in to the top 36, even though he was definitely not one of Simon’s favorites. He laid out his soul in the deciding room and convinced me even more that he should be there.

Cody Sheldon, who loves making amateur horror films, was sent in to see the judges and was asked to sing right there on the spot. He chose to sing “Love Remains the Same” and it was just okay for me. Without an answer, the judges sent him out of the room and brought in Alex Wagner-Trugman. When the judges asked him to sing a song, he chose “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” and I thought it was slightly over the top. The judges ended up putting Alex through.

Adam Lambert, who took a risk and sang “Believe” by Cher on Day 4 of Hollywood Week, was unanimously put through to the top 36. Then, Joanna Pacitti, who’s got a great voice but tends to forget her lyrics, met the judges and was also given a spot in the top 36.

Then, Jenn Korbee, who’s husband was eliminated during Group Day of Hollywood Week, was asked to sing for her life against Kristen McNamara. Jenn sang “Not Ready to Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks and Kristen sang “I Will I Always Love You.” They ended up choosing Kristen, though Simon was disappointed with his fellow judges’ decision and he made sure Kristen knew that. I thought she was the better choice too. As Simon pointed out, she isn’t as “attractive” as Jenn but the girl can sing.

Young mommy, Alexis Grace (one of my favorites) impressed the judges consistently and was put through to the next round. Visually impaired, Scott MacIntyre, was also given a spot in the top 36. I wasn’t so sure about that decision. Though, I totally respect him through and through, I’m just not sure if he’ll make it in the competition based on his vocals. Regardless, the judges congratulated him and moved on to Lil Rounds who also made it. Thank goodness! That girl has great pipes!

Frankie Jordan and Jesse Langseth were asked to sing for their lives against each other and the luck lady who was put through was Jesse. I didn’t quite agree with that, but I understand their decision. Allison Iraheta, 16 years old, who was unanimously sent through to the next round.

Best friends Danny Gokey and Jamal Rogers were sadly split up. Danny made it through, but unfortunately Jamal was sent home. Aw! They’re such good friends. It’s too bad they don’t get to continue on this journey together.

Then, the man of many names, Nick “Norman Gentle” Mitchell actually looked normal as he met with the judges and was put through! Craziness!

Judges held on to their seats as Tatiana Del Toro, known for her emotional fits, but strong and persistent attitude, met up with them in the deciding room. She started crying almost instantly. The decision was not unanimous but she was put through to the next round.

Jackie Midkiff was asked to do a sing-off against drama king Nathaniel Marshall and ultimately Nathaniel was sent through, leaving Jackie to pack his bags. I’m pretty convinced it was the right choice. Then welder, Matt Brightski and oiler Michael Sarver were forced to battle each other in a sing-off. Both of them ended up taking a spot in the top 36!

Others who were put through were Taylor Vaifanua, Jackie Tohn, Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Carlson, Megan Corkrey, Mishavonna Henson, Ricky Braddy, Allison Iraheta, Jeanine Vailes, Kai Kalama, Anne Marie Boskavich, Kris Allen Matt Giraud, Ju’Not Joyner, Jorge Nunez, Brent Keith, Kendall Beard, Stephen Fowler and Stevie Wright.