It’s the first week of competition, although the “real” competition doesn’t start until the final 24 are narrowed down to 12. But here we go!

Rudy Cardenas
Free Ride (Edgar Winter Group)

He has a good voice, but I had a really hard time understanding his words - I don’t know what he was doing with his voice exactly, but he needs to cut it out and just sing so people can understand him. Other than that, I think this was a good song for him.

Brandon Rogers
Rock with You (Michael Jackson)

What’s with the old songs? Not that I don’t like them - just seems to be the theme of the night so far. Brandon has a very smooth voice. Not a perfect performance, but enjoyable.

Sundance Head
Nights in White Satin (Moody Blues)

I really really wanted to like him a lot, but it was just kind of eh for me. It was really pitchy and just not the right song. And I’m bummed about that.

Paul Kim
Careless Whisper (Wham!)

What is with doing weird stuff with your voice tonight? This tempo felt slow to me (I know it’s a slow song, but it’s not a dirge). It felt like a really weird key - and his vocals were way back in the mix or something. Did not like this at all.

Chris Richardson
I Don’t Wanna Be

Good job - not great - but there is potential!

Nick Pedro
Now and Forever (Richard Marx)

My favorite vocal of the night so far. Understated, but pleasant. Still not knock my socks off though.

Blake Lewis
Somewhere Only We Know (Keane)

LOVE HIM. He is at this moment my favorite. And I’ll be rooting for him from now on. Great confident vocals on one of my favorite songs.

Sanjaya Malakar
Knocks Me Off My Feet (Stevie Wonder)

This was really tentative and pitchy. And I really like him, so I’m sad he didn’t do a great job.

Chris Sligh
Typical (Mute Math)

One of the better performances of the night. But still nothing has really blown me away.

Jared Cotter
Back at One (Brian McKnight)

Not spectacular, not bad. Just middle of the road for me. No one so far has really put themselves ahead of the others except maybe Blake. Most of these performances are really forgettable actually.

AJ Tabaldo
All My Love (Queen Pen)

At last, an upbeat number. Still not blow away, but one of the better of the night for sure.

Phil Stacey
I Could Not Ask for More (Edwin McCain

And finally. A blow away moment. ‘Bout time. He picked the right song. Best vocal of the night. Amen.

It’s really hard for me to say who’s going to go because it could be one of many. However, I can tell you that I think the best two were Phil and Blake, hands down.