Idol Worship: Best To Worst Of Semifinals Round 2

It was another shaky week for American Idol as the second batch of Season 8 Top 12 contenders turned out to be just as disorienting as the first. Too bad, really, considering the episode's theme was this  magazine's very own Hot 100 chart. But we take back an earlier thought about the split of the three groups. Originally, we worried that each bunch was too talent-heavy. That's turning out not to be the case.

Good or bad, we had even more fun watching this week because we simultaneously taped a webisode of Jon Peter Lewis' new Idol show, American Nobody. Indeed, the season three contestant cringed with every syllable out of Paula's mouth and didn't mince words when it came to the contestants, either. As for us, we were simply left perplexed (see for yourself when the show hits the web this weekend). So with some trepidation, we present our Top 12  ranking of semifinals week two. And we have to say, that wild card round couldn't come soon enough.

1. Allison Irahetta: Allison really had the ultimate winning moment on Wednesday's show, as millions undoubtedly responded the same way we did: where did this girl come from? She can absolutely belt with the best of them, and while her social/interviewing skills could use some sharpening, Allison is one of those rare, out-of-nowhere contenders that could really shake up the competition. And to that, we say hallelujah!  

2. Adam Lambert: To put it simply: we don't know how much of Adam Lambert we can take. And if over-the-top, screamy, melodramatic performances become de rigeur on Idol, we fear for our ears once we get in that Top 12 studio audience. But compared to the rest of his semifinal mates, there's no doubt Adam's the top male contender. We've said it before, if he curbs the Broadway a bit, this contest is his to lose.    

3. Kris Allen: Another new face (and one of the finest, we might add), another so-so song. The as-yet-unknown Kris was a competent enough vocalist, but were it not for his good looks, and he might be a goner. We're pulling for him, though. Give the guy his guitar back and let's see if there's some cool in there.

4. Mishavanna Henson: The late-show surprise passed like a baton from the vivacious Mishavanna to the flamboyant Adam Lambert, both great singers in the technical sense. Sure, Mishavanna may have lacked in stage presence department, but there's no question the girl can sing. Now she just has to actually impress us.    

5. Megan Joy Corkrey: Beautiful girl with awesome tattoos and a sultry, distinct voice... were it not for her awkward Elaine from Seinfeld-like dance moves, she'd be the full package. But Megan did have some shaky moments in her attempt at Corinne Bailey Rae, and despite Simon's crush and America's penchant for forgiveness, we worry about her. Still, we think she'll get through.  

6. Jesse Langseth: While it would be nice to say Jesse could be a dark horse, because we happened to love her sass and style, her newcomer status doesn't bode well and we fear she may end up one of the forgotten. Still, we thought her twist on the timeless "Bette Davis Eyes" was a performance to remember.  

7. Kai Kalama: We actually got a little snoozy during Kai's performance, which was such a disappointment after hailing him as was one of our favorites from the San Francisco auditions. Is he too old-fashioned for Idol or simply too old?

8. Nick Mitchell: Seeing Norman Gentle dry hump the American Idol logo was one of the show's most memorable moments ever, right up there with Sanjaya's fauxhawk. We love this guy to death, he makes us laugh, and we think he should get his own Vegas show stat. But come on, it's time to exit the Idol stage, Nick and Norman. 

9. Matt Breitzke: We knew a 90s revival was eminent, but Matt's Breitzke's Daughtry-inspired take on Tonic's "If You Could Only See" was just plain dull. And really, there's only room for one burly male on any given season. Since Michael Sarver clinched that spot last week, Matt might be SOL.

10. Matt Giraud: No doubt the biggest disappointment of the night, as far as we were concerned. Though we have to give Matt points for attempting something current like Coldplay. But in butchering "Viva La Vida," Matt's whole Justin Timberlake vibe evaporated in an instant, and that was supposed to be his meal ticket. It was aggravating, but here's hoping there's a wild card spot for this guy. We know Paula loves him, that's gotta help, right? 

11. Jasmine Murray: What happened? We had such high hopes for young Jasmine from Mississippi. We were convinced she was Top 5 material. We believed in her every step of the way. But a so-so "Love Song" that, essentially, fell apart at the end, may have sealed her fate. Such a shame.

12. Janine Vailes: We hate to say it, but there was evidently a reason little-known Janine Vailes stayed "under the radar" so long. It's called mediocrity. We couldn't agree with Randy more — the best part of hearing her sing "This Love" was the end because it meant it was over.

What do you think of the semifinals so far? Who of these hopefuls has true Idol potential and who's riding on looks and charm?