Welcome to another season of The Examiner’s “Idol Chatter.” We’re down to this year’s Top 24, which means we’re 23 too many on the invite list to the Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Hicks Winners’ Club. And it’s time to bring out the black permanent marker. Let’s meet the fellas, who perform in tonight’s two-hour episode at 8 p.m. on Fox.
A.J. Tabaldo, 22
» Santa Maria, Calif.
Likable and friendly faced, A.J. reeks of marketing potential. So unless his singing reeks, too, A.J.’s future is bright. For the record: He’s part Filipino and Portuguese with Spanish, French, Italian and Chinese.
» Turn up or tune out: Unless he forgets the words (as he once did for the national anthem), A.J.’s here for a while. Turn up.
Blake Lewis, 25
» Bothell, Wash.
Blake proved — as you probably always knew — that beatboxing is cool. His four-man singing group — due in no small part to his driving beats — brought the house down in Hollywood. This guy appears to be quite the character.
» Turn up or tune out: Blake’s awesomeness should trump the fact that this is, well, a singing competition. Turn up.
Brandon Rogers, 28
» North Hollywood, Calif.
Unimpressive Brandon is a less-funny, less-talented version of big, goofy Tommy, who was cut in favor of Sundance Head in “Idol’s” final reduction. Greatness seems distant.
» Turn up or tune out: Brandon was a member of a disbanded boy band. He’s in for more failure. Tune out.
Chris Richardson, 22
» Chesapeake, Va.
Chris is a little rough around the edges. Translation: He has the look of a guy who shoots puppies with BB guns and drinks malt liquor with his Frosted Flakes. He scores points for uniqueness, though. (And he’s one heckuva singer, too.)
» Turn up or tune out: Elliott Yamin gets nasty. Turn up.
Chris Sligh, 28
» Greenville, S.C.
Funny and funny-looking, Chris entered Simon, Randy and Paula’s decision room by quipping, “You’re all probably wondering why I called this meeting today.” Everyone loves a comedian.
» Turn up or tune out: Sligh seems to have the chops to match his unique appearance and personality. Turn up.
Jared Cotter, 25
» Kew Gardens, N.Y.
Jared has model-like looks and a basketball scholarship. Those are good reasons to hate him, but not good reasons to eliminate him. His marginal singing ability is, though.
» Turn up or tune out: How far can good looks get you? The Top 24. Tune out.
Nicholas Pedro, 25
» Taunton, Mass.
Nick did little to stand out from the competition in the Hollywood rounds. Now, he has something that will let him stand out: A below-average voice.
» Turn up or tune out: He’s already forgotten. Tune out.
Paul Kim, 25
» Saratoga, Calif.
Paul Kim is a horticulture expert and a pool boy. He’s also Asian, which is what “Idol” producers will (and already have) focused on. Paul has a black belt in tae kwon do, too, but he’ll need more defense than that.
» Turn up or tune out: Paul insists he’s nothing like the infamous William Hung. They’ll soon share more than a similar ethnicity. Tune out.
Phil Stacey, 29
» Jacksonville, Fla.
What kind of schmuck bails on the birth of his daughter to audition for “American Idol”? Phil Stacey. More importantly (maybe), he’s only a passable singer, at best.
» Turn up or tune out: Unfortunately, “Idol” vibes tell me this guy is going to be around for a few rounds. Turn up.
Rudy Cardenas, 28
» North Hollywood, Calif.
Rudy has “loser” written all over him. Simon actually voted “no” in his original audition. Rudy is an OK singer, though he says he’s in a band. If Rudy couldn’t sing, he says he’d like to be the quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
» Turn up or tune out: To repeat: Rudy has loser written all over him. He’s the first to go. Tune out.
Sanjaya Malakar, 17
» Federal Way, Wash.
Sanjaya cried like a little girl when his sister was eliminated in Hollywood. How sweet. Time to move on — and start rehearsing. You’re gonna need it, Sanjaya.
» Turn up or tune out: Once Rudy gets the boot, Sanjaya’s close behind. Tune out.
Sundance Head, 28
» Porter, Texas
Sundance has a great name and great charisma. The son of famous American singer Roy Head, Sundance has been a favorite of “Idol” cameras thus far.
» Turn up or tune out: The sun won’t set on Sundance for several more rounds, once people figure out he’s a good but not great singer. Turn up.
Watch it
» American Idol
8 p.m., Fox
Last Wednesday, the judges cut an initial semifinal group of 40 down to 24. Tonight, inthe first live episode of the season, the 12 male semifinalists will sing for their supper. It’s gonna take 120 minutes to get through the guys’ songs, so stock up on snacks. Tomorrow: the women. – Zap2It.com
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
