OK, confession: I am a huge American Idol fan. I’ve been watching since season 1 (some of my favorites through the years have been Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and David Cook).
This year I’ve had an extra incentive for my ultra-fan status: My UNC classmate Anoop Desai is competing. He sang Tuesday in the top 36, choosing “Angel of Mine,” a song he previously sang as a UNC Clef Hanger.
My take? I thought he was pretty good. I think he’s capable of singing better, but considering it was his first try in front of a live national television audience, it was a great effort.
My other favorites of the night?
- Danny Gokey: I think he definitely could win the whole show. He has a unique sound. Plus, he seems so genuinely nice and has an amazing story — his wife died weeks before he decided to audition for Idol this summer. Tuesday night he sang Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” and definitely pulled at the heartstrings.
- Alexis Grace: She’s a petite blonde 21-year old with a soulful voice. She sang the Aretha Franklin hit “Never Loved a Man.” I like her a lot — and it’s not because of the cute pink streaks in her hair. She really connects with the songs.
- Ricky Braddy: He is the other North Carolina native in the competition (from Elizabeth City). He sang “Song for You.” I don’t think he’s as charismatic as he needs to be, but he can work on that. His voice is fantastic, however.
Tune in tonight to Fox to see who gets through to the top 12. The top male and female vote-getters will be safe, as well as the person with the third highest vote total.
Here is Anoop from last night:
