American Idol Season 8

I am a great fan of American Idol. Now it is down to Top 12 finalists plus 1. It is special this year, the 4 judges decided to have an extra place in the final of American Idol. Yep, call it Lucky 13 for Anoop. He was picked as the last of Idol’s new Top 13.

Let get personal with Top 13 contestants:-

1. Danny Gokey

He is 28 years old from Milwaukee, WI who lost his wife just 4 weeks from his audition night. . He is the oldest among the finalists and a church music director. He has a great voice when he sang 'Hero', a Mariah Carey version. He is 1 of my favorites.

2. Alexis Grace

Alexis Grace (21 yrs) is a singer from Memphis, Tennessee. Grace has been singing since she was 7 years old. She was a member of the Concert Choir at the University of Memphis, and enjoys dancing, playing the guitar and taking care of her daughter. This is her 3rd times audition for Idols. She sang Aretha Franklin’s “Never Loved a Man”.

3. Michael Sarver

He is 27 years old, married with two children and hails from from Jasper, Texas. This family man has one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, as he works on an oil rig. He sang 'I don't wanna be', a song by gavin mcgraw.

4. Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert is a stage actor who is currently in the cast of "Wicked." Adam Lambert began singing at age 10 and has been involved with musical theater for the past eight years. Adam Lambert grew up in San Diego, California but currently lives in Hollywood. Adam Lambert is 26 years old. He is a flamboyant guy or gay? He sang The Rolling Stones' classic "Satisfaction." The judges were blown away, amazed that the singer could display such a range. He is also 1 of my favorites.

5. Allison Iraheta

She's only 16 years old. This Los Angeles native has appeared in a few commercials and lists volleyball, soccer and running as a few of her favorite activities. She sang the song "Natural Woman" as part of her initial audition and chose "Alone" by Heart for her semifinal performance.

6. Kris Allen

Kris Allen is 23 years old from Conway, Arkansas. He is a student at the University of Central Arkansas. He has been singing and playing the guitar since he was 13 years old. Kris Allen made the bold choice to sing Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" during the semifinals. It paid off.

7. Lil Rounds

Lil Rounds hails from Memphis, Tennessee. She made quite the impression on American Idol judges during her eighth season audition. Randy Jackson said she is a mix of Fantasia Barrino and Mary J. Blige. The 23-year old mother of three blew viewers away last night with her rendition of Mary J. Blige's “Be Without You." Her voice is incredible power. Another 1, my fave.

8. Scott MacIntyre

Scott MacIntyre is 23 years old from Scottsdale, Arizona. He is almost blind and plays several instruments including the piano guitar and drums. He started college at 14 years old and earned his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University at age 19. He then attended graduate school in London, England. He sang Bruce Hornsby’s 'Mandolin Rain' and the judges like him.

9. Jorge Nunez

Jorge Nuñez is in his fourth year at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. In addition to English and Spanish, Jorge Nuñez is also fluent in French. Jorge Nunez-Mendez currently lives in Carolina, Puerto Rico but is originally from Cidra, Puerto Rico. Jorge Nunez is 20 years old. He sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" a song by Elton John.

Below are the Wild Card Finalists selected by the judges:-

10. Jasmine Murray

Jasmine Murray 16 years old and currently lives in Starkville, Mississippi but is originally from Columbus, Mississippi. She is a high school student who attends The Mississippi School of the Arts. Jasmine Murray loves being on stage and has been singing since she was 3 years old. She sang 'Reflection', a song by Christina Aguilera. She is very to be lucky to be selected in the Wild Card Show. That night, she made quite of mistake in her rendition though she has good voice. Wrong choice of song, I guess. She wowed me in her earlier audition.

11. Matt Girard

Matt Giraud is a life-long resident of Michigan who graduated from Western Michigan University in 2007. Matt Giraud is a dueling piano player who sings and plays in local clubs and hotels. Matt Giraud currently lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan but is originally from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Matt Giraud is 23 years old. He sang 'Who's loving you', a song by the Jackson 5. He is a smooth singer, very entertaining.

12. Megan Corkrey

Megan Joy Corkrey is a font designer with a 2-year-old son named Ryder. She has been singing since age 3, and is a self-professed "foodie." She currently lives in Sandy, Utah but is originally from Taylorsville, Utah. Megan Corkrey is a 22 years old. The judges loved her sound during the Wild Card audition, as a rendition of KT Tunstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" made Corkrey dreams come true. She is a unique person. She got originality in her.

13. Anoop Desai

Anoop Desai is working on his master's degree at the University of North Carolina. During his undergraduate years, Anoop Desai was a member of the UNC Clef Hangers, an a cappella group. Anoop Desai is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Anoop Desai is 21 years old. He sang "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown. He is luckiest guy as the judges saw something in the affable singer and brought him back as a wild card.

American Idol 4 Judges, Randy Jackson, Kara Diogardi, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell with the host, Ryan Seacrest.

'American Idol' Season 8 shows on Star World (Astro Ch 711). You can also catch it on 8TV.