American Idol 8 - Top 11

So here we are, live blogging about American Idol.
THIS...IS AMERICAN IDOL.... It's so funny, all the judges are dressed up so nicely. And then, there's Simon...casual as a Cancun community. Nice butterflies Paula. Cara, you're very fembotty. Love the little St. Patrick's Day tribute!
Tonight's theme: Grand Ole Opry, where the contestants are mentored by Randy Travis. I'll be honest, I'm not a country music fan, but I think I'll be alright.

Michael Sarver is up first. He has a really upbeat start. He gets the crowd really invigorated and definitely has a lot of energy. My problem is that I can't understand a word he's saying. It's like a rap, but country-style. I don't think it really BROUGHT anything to the table. Let's see what the judges say: Randy, not so into it. Cara, didn't really hear a lot of the notes. Michael is extremely charming, actually. Paula, what the HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??? "You had fun, so we had fun, we all had fun." Simon couldn't understand a single word he was saying, which, if you recall, was my exact analysis. I am more in line with Simon as a judge than anyone else. Seriously, we think the same about every person. Zlata's Thoughts: Goes home tomorrow.

Allison Irahetta is next. Personally, I think she's the opposite of a country singer, so I am interested in hearing how she sounds. Okay, I hate it. I think she sounds horrific. It's way too edgy and curt sounding. Completely unpleasant. Let's hear what the judges have to say: Cara likes how she brings her own spin to everything and thinks she gets better and better each week. Paula realizes her rock-edge. And also realizing the the rock she, herself smoked before, is wearing off. Simon calls out Paula. I love when he does that. Randy says it's dope, as Paula looks up and says "Where?!" Zlata's Thoughts: Stays tomorrow.

Kris Allen, hiiiii. Slow song on its way...His voice makes me melt. I was just entranced for a good minute. Though I get bored easily with slow ballads and am a bit nervous that others feel the same way, I really think that the judges and America will love him. Paula doesn't know what she's talking about, yet again. Simon thought it was terrific and the crowd goes wild. Obviously, everyone knows it's only Simon's opinion that really counts. Randy compliments Kris' tender moments. Alison Stanley canNOT get over why Randy Jackson always wears cardigans. And I quote, "It REALLY bothers me. Like, REALLY bothers me." Zlata's Thoughts: STAYS!

Lil Rounds, sup ma? Ryan asks her "How much time do you guys spend together?" To which she answers, " We spend quite a few time together...we always laughin' and talkin' and spending time in the kitchen together." -- You can't speak. She wants to "honor the Country." She does a better job of leaving "herself" out of it than Allison, that's for sure. Her voice is extremely controlled, but I'm not feeling any "umph" until we get to the chorus. There's no doubt she's an amazing singer, but I don't want her to win. Randy wasn't really into it. Cara gives pretty good feedback as well, actually. Her and Simon are the ones to take seriously. Paula is just funny to me. Simon, it's Lil' not "Little" -- this is so funny! Zlata's Thoughts: She'll stay. Also, Simon never understands any of Ryan's jokes.

Adam Lambert. You skeeve me out, but you're good. You also wear too much makeup. Randy Travis is speechless. But with his "speechless" nature, he says a thousand words. Woah, anyway -- This is a particularly scary arrangement. It's absolutely not country at all. Here are my thoughts: I'm really serious now. His voice is incredible. It's SICK, some would say. I don't think America is looking for this kind of artist. It's very Led Zepplin-esque. Cara is confused, but doesn't hate it. Paula is confusing, as usual. Simon obviously hates it, calling it "indulgent rubish." I love FOX's cuts back to Randy Travis for his reactions. Randy Jackson thinks it's hot and current because it's Nine Inch Nails meets country. Dear Randy: Nine Inch Nails was cool in 1996. xoxo, Zlata

Scott McIntyre. He sings better this time than last, but I still don't know why he's in this competition. Look, I feel bad that he's blind, truly - I do. But, that is no excuse for keeping him on. There was just a bit of drama between Paula and Simon. Surprisingly, I thought Paula was right and nothing that she said was disrepectful. Marissa thinks that Scott's smile looks like he doesn't know what his smile looks like and therefore doesn't know how to smile. Amazing. Anyway, Simon is too nice to Scott and it's 100% because he's blind. There's no way an abled person wouldn't get their asshole torn up by him otherwise.

Alexis Grace sings Jolene. Her voice is graceful, subtle and powerful, all wrapped up in one. Very wonderful job. I'll tell you thought, I don't necessarily like her "look." The pink needs to go and she needs to grow her hair out. Actually, if she put fake boobs in her shirt, she'd look like Dolly Parton herself. Randy didn't enjoy it too much. Cara thinks she could have sang edgier, which I don't disagree with. WHY ARE ALL THE CONTESTANTS TALKING BACK?? Like, that wouldn't have been okay in past seasons. Zlata's Thoughts: She'll stay. After all, she has to bring the DIRTY back.

Danny Gokey, I love you. Amazing performance. Not so much with the white jacket. Cara says that during the beginning he was bland, but once he hit the strong notes, it was good. Paula disagrees and loved the whole thing. Simon agrees with Paula about vocals and agrees with me about the fashion. Randy agrees with Cara and thinks verses need to be supported better. Zlata's Thoughts: HE STAYS!!

Noooooop Doggg!!! Randy Travis has some really interesting and uplifting feedback for everyone. I really appreciate everything he says. Here we go Noop. He's so fucking fantastic. He gives me the chills. It's sooo good. I actually have a crush on him. Paula goes first and tries to get the audience really exited with "Anoop is baaack!!!" -- silence ---"He's back (looks up) everybody" She's so bawkward!!! I'm giddy at this. We all laughed and rewound it. Simon says that Anoop went from Zero to Hero and was one of Simon's favorite performances. Randy likes the arrangement and Cara thinks he's amazing. Zlata's Thoughts: JAI-HO!!!

Megan Joy - you're hot. I think you sound the same every week. I want her to walk around and have a bit more energy. She looked awkward on stage (though still hot) and I really think it needed more umph. Randy liked it, Cara thinks it was a perfect song and a perfect look. Simon and Paula like her too. Zlata's Thoughts: She stays!

Matt Giraud. You're very attractive to me. (Um, why was Paula smelling Simon's arm? Marissa thinks she was snorting a line.) Matt looks very classy, both with his daper suit and behind the piano. I love him - think he did a fantastic job. Cara says "there ain't nothing small about you!" to which Marissa replied, "That's what she said." Paula says he's piercing through her heart. Simon thinks he outsang Danny Gokey. It's Randy's favorite performance of the evening. Zlata's Thoughts: He stays!

Z-Crest...OUT.