American Idol Season 8 - Top 36 Revealed - Joanna Pacitti is Disqualified

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The Top 36 of American Idol Season 8 has been revealed and I'm quite happy because most of the contestants I'm rooting for made it... but there were still some, just like in past seasons, who were great but still didn't make it because the judges chose some who are more "entertaining" (read: funny, can make the show interesting).

This season seems to be really interesting, with all the new twists that they put in the show, it kept me excited. First, they add a new judge, Kara Dioguardi. Then, they have the contestants sing in the Kodak theater, possibly because they really want to see who fits in the whole finale thing. And then, they bring back the group performances. Lastly, they have the American Idol judges mansion and the sing-for-your-life gig. I hope the performances and the talent are really better this year.

Hollywood week was really tough for the contestants. And it really disappointed me to see my early fave Emily Wynne-Hughes go just because she forgot her lyrics. Dammit! Don't they learn from previous seasons?!?! Alright, her nerves got the best of her but that cost her the opportunity of her life. I just hope she'll be back next season... better prepare. Eat lots of nuts to boost your memory, Emily. LOLz. I would've loved you this season! Tsk tsk.

Anyway, right after the telecast of the Top 36, Fox announced that Joanna Pacitti (one of the original Top 36) has been disqualified or deemed ineligible. Why? Because she had record deals before and American Idol is supposedly for amateurs only. I'm just wondering why they had her go through everything and then end up disqualifying her. News reveal that there were HUGE amount of negative feedback from bloggers and fans of the show complaining why she was even given a ticket to Hollywood even though the judges knew she had a record deal already. Tsk tsk. Poor Joanna. I hope this will result to a break that she really deserves. Joanna Pacitti is replaced by Felicia Barton, who I don't really know and care about. I can't imagine her chances of winning, really.

Another surprising cut was Jamar Simmons, Daniel Gokey's best friend. I'm not sure why he didn't make it. I loved his performances! I would've loved seeing him and Daniel this season. It was interesting that Kara said he didn't make it this season. Is that an indirect invitation to try out again next year? Maybe they thought Jamar didn't have any chances winning this year with his best friend (or others who made it) around. I really hope he'll try out again next year. I agree with the decision because if he makes it to Top 36, he can't audition again next time.

Some of those who made it were really disappointing. Take for instance these people:

Tatiana Del Toro
She's plain weird. But, yeah, she's got some voice in there but I don't think that's the reason they put her through.
I guess they just want her because she'd make the show interesting, with all that crazy giggles and drama.
I really hope Tatiana can stay sane during her stay in American Idol. She's pretty, though.



Von Smith
I don't understand why he made it and Jamar didn't. I completely agreed with Simon when he said that Von sang like how a kid would - all that yelling pretending to actually be singing is really irritating.
I hope he doesn't do any of that during the contest proper. I hope he gets kicked off early.
Hmmm... maybe that's why he's there. Like in other seasons, they have people who made it just so there'll be early eliminations that won't be big disappointments for the audience.


Enough of them who I don't like. Here are the American Idol Season 8 Top 36 contestants that I'm rooting for:


Daniel Gokey
I love, love, love him! He looks like Robert Downey, Jr. - but better, way better. He auditioned along with his best friend Jamar Simmons but he's the only one who made it. I hope he goes far, in the finals even.
He reminds me a little of David Cook, last year's winner.
I hope he makes it to the finals.





Michael Sarver
I almost thought he won't make it even after his amazing performances in his audition and Hollywood week.
He doesn't look like the typical American Idol contestant because he's too big. I like him better up-close, like this picture over here. Heheh.
Going back to his voice, he's really got the talent.
I hope he makes it to the top 12.





Anoop Desai
Mai officially has a crush on him. He's handsome for his race.
He's smart but he doesn't act and look like a nerd.
But, his performance can sometimes be boring.
I hope he'll do better now that he's in the Top 36.
He's part of group 1, by the way, so I can't wait to see him perform.





Taylor Vaifanua
She reminds us of Jordin Sparks in Season 7.
But, I love Taylor's voice more. I loved, loved her audition!
She seems really promising.
I hope she'll be part of the Top 12.





That's it. There were others who I also like but these 4 are on top of the list. Let's see if they'll stay there once I've seen their Top 36 performances. I just hope these 4 will make it to the Top 12.

After the jump, you'll see all the photos of the Top 36 contestants.

Who are you rooting for?