Andy Capwell’s American Idol Recap: Top 12 Guys

It was the first live show of American Idol this season from the Fillmore in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens with Aretha Franklin singing the disco classic 'I Will Survive'.

Now, we start to find out which 4 guys aren't advancing to the top 16.

The first contestant safe is 15 year old Daniel Seavey. The kid seems nice enough, but I really don't think he is all that good. He performs 'How Sweet It Is' on Motown night and does an okay job. I'll give Daniel a C.

Mark Andrew is next and he sings 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone'. It was a decent vocal and it felt like an open mic night performance at a jazz club. I'll give Mark a B.

Rayvon Owens is next and sings 'My Girl'. Rayvon could have the best pure voice of the guys. He doesn't seem to have that thing that is making him stand out. Vocal home run though and I give him an A.

Adam Ezegelian is safe, why? Another contestant (along with Daniel) that I wouldn't have had in my top 8. Adam sings the Jackson 5 'I Want You Back' and the judges loved it? My ears disagree. Adam needs to go home. I'll give him a D+

Clark Beckham takes on 'Tracks Of My Tears' and Clark is one of my favorites but he wasn't that good last night. He tried too much to change up the song and it was all over the place. I'll give him a C.

Nick Fradiani, the oldest contestant, sings 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' and plays guitar as well. He looks and sounds like a pro. Nothing gimmicky or flashy, get a straight ahead solid performance. What a nice change of pace. I give Nick an A.

Qaasim Middleton takes on Stevie Wonder's 'I Wish'. He's pure energy but only so-so with the vocals. The judges love him. Me not so much. I'll give him a B-.

Quentin Alexander is the final guy to advance and sings another Stevie Wonder song 'Master Blaster'. I like him much more this week than last week. It was solid but not great. The judges love him. I'll give him a B.

That means Michael Simeon, Riley Bria, Savion Wright and Trevor Douglas are going home. I wish Michael and Riley were in the top 8 and Daniel and Adam weren't.

What do you think of the top 8 guys?

Here are my two favorite performance last night.