Episode 23.7 - Tiger-Free
February 22

Jason: ROFL
Chico: I like it!
Jason: That I would watch.
Chico: Welcome back to the show. This is a very special week for us at the 'net. Well, for Gordon, at least. Since it's his favorite show in the whole wide world...
Jason: Of course it is. I like it too.
Chico: And as is custom, we're going to go over the Top 24 of American Idol, and gauge chances... compare notes... basically do a whole rundown. Gordon, I have the Big Board remote. Just say the word.
Gordon: The Word

Gordon: It's our annual 'Really Big Board' Special. Let's start with the ladies, shall we?
Chico: Good idea. Enter our first lady.

DIDI BENAMI

Chico: Here's the problem. I didn't get a chance to hear a lot from her. I mean, she could be really good, but I don't remember her at all.... IN TOP 12, but barely.
Gordon: Really? I couldn't disagree with you more. She's the one who's there due to her friend's death and she has a great voice. Top 12 lock and threat to win the whole thing.
Jason: She has a great folky voice. She has a Jewel/Colbie Calliat sound to her Top 12.
Chico: Next...

CRYSTAL BOWERSOX

Chico: Now if Didi does get into top 12, it'll be because she's better than this lady. She's ALSO OUT OF TOP 12.
Gordon: She's a funky rocker in a unique genre. She gets to the Top 12, but she has to expand her repertoire if she wants to get much further.
Chico: I honestly don't see it happening.
Jason: Again, another one of the 6 women that make it. She has a voice. She can sing.
Chico: And a guitar.
Gordon: I'm agreeing with Jason??!!?!?
Jason: This year is WIDE OPEN.
Gordon: It is wide open, and that's a credit to the producers and the editing.
Jason: I dont think a woman wins it.
Gordon: I think that you could see a woman win it, but I think the men who are strong are VERY strong.
Chico: In that case, I'll take a woman to win. :-) Next...

LACEY BROWN

Gordon: Didn't get a lot of camera time and is only known for being the last woman out last season. I see an early exit for her. Out of the Top 12.
Chico: Same here. I mean, she's going to have to peak early, but not TOO early. Remember Lil Rounds?
Gordon: She needs to get on the map though. She's the only one that didn't make much headway.
Jason: She has the story to get her in, does she have the chops to win the whole thing? No.
Chico: So Lacey's out of the running. What about...

MICHELLE DELAMOR

Chico: Another one we JUST met during Hollywood Week.
Gordon: I didn't know that strippers from America's Got Talent were allowed to audition on American Idol :D
Chico: 1) That's a burlesque dancer. World of difference, and b) ... That's Michelle L'amour.
Gordon: Awwwwwww :(
Chico: Sowee. I wasn't blown away. I mean, she didn't make a lasting impression on me.
Gordon: She's competing for one of the 2 non locked slots. I don't think she gets it. Out of the Top 12.
Chico: Agreed.
Jason: Meh. Nothing special.
Chico: Nope.
Chico: Next..

KATELYN EPPERLY

Chico: You need a piano player in the competition.
Gordon: I don't think she'll get one of the non-locked slots, just due to appearances. Out of the Top 12.
Chico: I'm going top 12.
Jason: I like her. A lot. Top 12.
Chico: How about...

SIOBHAN MAGNUS

Chico: I ask you... who?
Gordon: WHO?
Chico: Exactly. OUT OF TOP 12.
Gordon: Must produce quickly or else.
Chico: She doesn't stand out for me. She needs to stand out. Or she'll sit out. The rest of the series.
Jason: A screamer. No way.
Chico: Next.. scream for...

PAIGE MILES

Gordon: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHout if the Top 12.
Chico: Yelling.
Jason: Not good.
Chico: Don't really recall anything of hers. Again, needs to really bring it. Otherwise, she's going to hear her name on Thursday for all the wrong reasons. Next...

ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ

Chico: I bet she'll lock in a top 12 spot. If for no other reason than she plays to an audience that votes.
Gordon: She's going to take the R&B vote. She should easily steamroll into the Top 12. Lock.
Chico: Exactamente.
Jason: Good looking, R&B...Top 12
Chico: Next...

LILLY SCOTT.

Chico: I'll go top 12 on her as well. She's different. Different at this early stage... usually good. USUALLY.
Jason: TOO out there. Just misses the top 12
Gordon: I think she gets into the Top 12, barely. Becomes an early Top 12 casualty though.
Chico: Yep.

KATIE STEVENS

Chico: I'm going top 12... Maybe even top 6 barring a chaotic. We're allowed three chaotics a season :-)
Gordon: Last one in the Top 12, though I can see her out. But I'm going to put her in the Top 12.
Jason: She is going to be in the teen voting demographic. She has a voice and a story. Top 12 easy.
Chico: Yep.
Gordon: Teen girls do not vote for their own. They vote for teen boys.
Chico: Well, some teen girls vote for teen girls. The really militant girl power ones, mostly. Just sayin'.
Gordon: I just don't see her as much as a lock as you guys do.
Chico: Next...

HAELEY VAUGHN

Chico: Interesting character, this Haeley. She wants to sing country. That alone will get her into the top 12.
Jason: She won't make it. She is a screamer. Out of Top 12
Gordon: Early trouble. Because I think, like Simon that 1. America will find her annoying and 2. She's known as the person who kept Angela Martin out of the Top 24. Usually those people pay dearly. Out of the Top 12. And I think you have a country diva that's going to take all of those votes.
Chico: I honestly think she's the only country diva of the lot. But that's just me.
Gordon: Oh no. you're missing someone.
Chico: I'm missing someone...Perhaps I'm missing...

JANELL WHEELER

Gordon: THERE's your country Diva
Chico: I sit corrected. =p
Gordon: And it's trivia time.
Gordon: Who is the on-again, off-again boyfriend of Janelle Wheeler?
Jason: Who?
Chico: ... you? =p
Gordon: I wish.
Jason: Tim Tebow?
Gordon: Tim Tebow
Chico: Oh dear.
Jason: The Florida Quarterback?
Gordon: That one.
Chico: Amending my top 12 accordingly. Janell gets in. Haeley gets out.
Jason: She is a lock for top 6.
Chico: Imagine for a moment... Tim Tebow's people.
Jason: And not for nothing...She has a killer voice.
Gordon: Janell is an EASY Top 12 Lock. She has a great voice, she's in the South, and she already has a couple of hundred thousand person voting base. She can win the whole thing.
Chico: She can win the whole thing... does she? I doubt it. I mean, if she gets to top 3... she's got a strong chance.
Gordon: She's in my Final 4.
Chico: But she has to make top 3.
Jason: She is the only woman in my top 4
Chico: So that's the girls' side. Gordon, why don't you take the dudes.
Gordon: Let's start with...

Aaron Kelly

Chico: Bo... wait for it... ring. OUT.
Jason: I totally disagree
Gordon: Top 12 Lock. This is the person little girls will be wrestling with their parents over the phone to vote for. Top 12 Lock and serious threat to win the whole thing.
Jason: Exactly. He is in my Top 4. He is the David Archuleta voting party.
Gordon: Completely agree with Jason here.
Chico: Not necessarily a good singer, but "cute as a button!"
Gordon: I think he's got a very good voice. However, unlike Archuleta, he can't afford a case of the lyrical dropsies. He could be this year's Sanjaya.
Jason: Could.
Chico: Scary thought.
Gordon: Or he could win the whole thing if he produces Next one...

Alex Lambert

Gordon: This is the one for me that's Bo...ring. Out of the Top 12.,
Chico: Agreed.
Jason: Out of the Top 12
Chico: Next?
Gordon: Next one...

Andrew Garcia

Chico: You know... if he can do something like "Straight Up" three more times... I think he's in.
Gordon: He reminds me of an urban Kris Allen. He's got the chops. He needs to produce early, but I think he can. This is my dark horse. He gets in the Top 12 and could surprise.
Jason: Torn. Makes the top 12...but leaves early. Nice story, too gimmicky
Chico: How's he gimmicky?
Jason: Oh...he can change a dance song into an acoustic song. Big deal. Been there before. He is in there because of his story...not his chops.
Gordon: Thats why I think he needs to produce early. Cause right now people think of him as the person who knocked out Thaddeus, and that's not a good thing to have around your neck.
Chico: No. Not really.
Gordon: Next one...

Casey James

Chico: Hmm.. Now I'M torn. One hand... he's this year's Bucky Covington. On the other hand... all he did was take his shirt off. I'll go top 12 if only because he has little competition.
Jason: I am not. In my top 4 to win the whole thing.
Gordon: I think as the lone country rep from Texas, he's a lock to get into the Top 12. His run endss at around the Top 6 or 7 when he runs into Janelle Wheeler's fan base.
Chico: They're going to have to choose one.
Gordon: Yep, and I think Janelle's base wins.
Chico: It's not going to be easy.
Jason: All depends on performance though?
Chico: Early. Then it depends on "who's left".
Gordon: Right. We are all assuming that they all perform to their potential. Obviously if Casey or Janelle fumble early, then it's a new ball game.
Chico: Again, wide open ballgame. On deck?
Gordon: Next one...

Jermaine Sellers

Chico: Wow. He's in deep. He's got three, maybe four people to compete with. He gets in, but JUST.
Jason: I don't think he does.
Gordon: 3 R&B male singers, so I can understand why Thaddeus wasn't selected. He's the most cocky, and America doesn't like cocky. BUT he did come in 3rd on Sunday Best, so he does have a following. Just makes the Top 12, but does real damage once he gets there.
Jason: Talented, but there are two R&B singers who will get the vote.
Chico: I know the two :-) Next?

Joe Munoz

Chico: No, not him. Out of top 12.
Gordon: Nope. Not him. He'll survive week #1, but not week #2. Out of the Top 12.
Jason: Nope. Not him
Gordon: Well what about...

John Park

Chico: Survives week 1. MAYBE week 2 if he's lucky, but doesn't make it to the big stage.
Jason: This guy will surprise. Top 12, but out at 10 or 11
Gordon: Will not survive week #1. Out of the Top 12.
Chico: We're all over the place with this guy.
Gordon: I hate to sound like this, but no male Asian of Chinese descent has gotten out of week #1 because they turn stereotypical and get all weird.
Jason: True. Not PC, but true.
Chico: Well, to be fair, the last Asian who was on AI and actually made some noise... Sanjaya. Again... just saying.
Gordon: There have been male Asians to get out (see Desai, Anoop), but not Chinese/Japanese, etc. Can John be the first person to break the mold? I don't think so.
Chico: D'oh forgot about him. And we went to the same school and everything. We're acafellas...He a former Clef. I'm a former Achordant. Anyway. That's neither here nor there. Next?
Gordon: Next up...

Lee DeWyze

Chico: WHO?
Gordon: He won't take the R&B Vote. He will, however, make the Top 12 easily.
Chico: Oh, HIM! Yeah, the top 12 needs a blue-eyed soul singer.
Chico: We haven't had one since Elliott Yamin.
Gordon: Hard rocker with a guitar. I think he gets in and could also be a dark horse.
Jason: Blue-eyed Soul indeed...top 12 :)
Gordon: Next one...

Michael Lynche

Chico: Top 4 easy.
Jason: Big Mike is a lock for the top 12. He gets the Ruben Studdard vote. I WANT to put him in the top 12, but I have one more that I want, too.
Gordon: I think he's battling Ashley Rodriguez for a Top 4 spot. I say he doesn't get it. This is your early exit upset special.
Jason: It's a coin flip for me.
Gordon: Easy Top 12 lock though.
Chico: With sauce?
Gordon: and cheese
Chico: Nice. Next?
Gordon: Next one...

Tim Urban

Gordon: I think he's in early trouble if he doens't produce early. Out of the Top 12.
Chico: This could go either way. I mean... were it not for research, I wouldn't even know he MADE the top 24
Jason: Not far, he has the HUH factor going way strong for him
Chico: I'll have to agree with Block. Hmm.. that's something you don't hear every day.
Gordon: Next one...

Todrick Hall

Jason: My final member of the top 4. He looks like Lil Bow Wow's Son. And he has a voice.
Gordon: I was going to put him in my Top 12...UNTIL....This:

http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/musical-parents-angry-with-american-idol-semifinalist-todrick-hall-10453.php

Chico: Long story short: he took money from people. Yeah, that'll cost him a few votes.
Gordon: If that gets out (which I'm sure it will in 3 weeks), he's screwed. out of the Top 12.
Chico: I think Jermaine might've just bought his spot in the Top 12. LITERALLY.
Jason: I dont think it hurts him. I mean it.
Gordon: Oh no. I think it SEVERELY hurts him. You have 1,000 kids who paid $50 and didn't get their money back through Toddrick's show and you think it doesn't hurt him?
Jason: In the whole scheme of things...NO.
Chico: Kids vote, you know.
Gordon: Kids do vote, and so do their parents.
Jason: Look at what happened to the guy who choked out his wife... Top 5
Chico: Scott Savol.
Gordon: Scott Savol, and he left very quickly after the news broke out.
Chico: I expect the same thing to happen.
Jason: Noted.
Gordon: I think Todrick has another problem in the form of Michael Lynche and Ashley Rodriguez, and that will keep him out of the Top 5.
Jason: Ok.
Chico: Next.
Gordon: Last one...

Tyler Grady

Chico: Who?
Gordon: Small skinny Aoerosmith Rocker dude.
Chico: Ah. I think we have your upset special here.
Jason: Meh. Out of top 12
Gordon: I agree. Not strong enough.
Chico: So right now... preseason top 4s...
Gordon: So to sum it up. Top 12 first.

Chico: Didi, Katie, Janell, Lilly, Ashley, Katelyn, Andrew, Jermaine, Michael, Lee, Casey, and Tyler.
Gordon: Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Ashley Rodriguez, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Janell Wheeler, Katelyn Epperly, Lee DeWyze, Lilly Scott, Michael Lynche, Toddrick Hall
Jason: My top 12: Hall, Lynche, Allen, Dewyze, James and Park. Women: Wheeler, Stevens, Benami, Rodriguez, Epperly and Bowersox

Chico: Top 4: Ashley, Janell, Michael, and in a shocker... Tyler
Gordon: Top 4: Janell Wheeler, Didi Benami, Ashley Rodriguez, Lee DeWyze
Jason: My Top 4: Aaron Kelly, Casey James, Janell Wheeler, Todrick Hall

Jason: Preseason Winner: Janell Wheeler beating Aaron Kelly in the Final
Chico: I'm going with Ashley in an upset over Janell.
Gordon: I'll go Janell over Lee
Chico: We'll revisit this post in a couple of weeks with March Madness. For now, though, congratulations to Angela Martin on winning American Idol. When we come back... WHAT! HAPPENS! FIRST!
Gordon: That would be What Happens First. What happens next is that we go to break.
Chico: Right on.

(Brought to you by Bo Griffin's Beverly Hilton. The only hotel on earth that comes with its own live call-in/web-in game show. We miss you, Bo...)

Jason: *silence*
Chico: Thank you. Welcome back... This is the thing and we're the guys
Gordon: And it's time to see what happens first. Let's stay with Idol.

Angela Martin releases a single
OR
the season 9 winner of American Idol releases a single?

Jason: Season 9 winner.
Chico: Season 9 winner
Jason: The feel good story is nice for now. But she will be forgotten.
Chico: But it won't translate into sales. I mean, schmaltz can get you so far. What about substance?
Gordon: I think Angela releases the single first. It usually takes a LONG time to get a winner's single, and if Angela's team is smart, they want to get it out ASAP to capitalize on her 15 minutes.
Chico: Good luck with that. Seriously. Next...
Chico: We haven't talked about Amazing Race at ALL this week. I'm disappointed! So...

Brent & Caite win a lap
OR
Jeff & Jordan win a second lap?

Chico: Both teams have females who are... admittedly dumber than dirt.
Jason: I will see Brent & Caite taking first.
Gordon: Jeff & Jordan, because at least Jeff is intelligent.
Chico: I'm going to go with Jeff & Jordan, because I can see Jordan dragging Jeff down. A lot. Next?
Gordon: Next one...

The Survivor Villains lose an immunity challenge
OR
Tom gets booted off the island?

Jason: I will say Tom gets booted.
Chico: I think the heroes are due for a win. The Villains are going to Tribal first.
Gordon: I think the Heroes are playing for the merge. The problem is that there may not be enough of them to make a difference. Bye, Tom.
Chico: Alrighty. Next...It's GSN ragging time. We all know that the brass is running the network into the ground. AGAIN. So...

GSN comes to its senses and develops a new studio-based game
OR
GSN comes to its senses and hires back AJ Benza?

Jason: Can I go off the board and say none of the above?
Chico: Judges? (BZZZZ!) Sorry, have to choose one.
Jason: Then if I have to pick...I will say hiring back AJ Benza, because they don't have any sense or judgment now.
Chico: No. Not really. Seriously, whoever's making the programming decisions have come up with winners that are few and far between. I'm going to say... studio game, if only because I don't think HSP is coming back (I honestly think GSN is trying to kill it).
Gordon: I'm going to say Studio Show, just because I don't think AJ Benza is going to want to come back, even if they offer to rehire him.
Chico: We'll see. Next?
Gordon: Next one....

Our Little Genius gets on the air
OR
Chico loses 50 pounds?

Chico: Chico loses 50! Chico loses 50!
Jason: Chico Loses 50....never getting back on the air.
Chico: Oh yeah. I mean... it's going to tarnish Mark Burnett's rep... Is anything legal going to come of it? No. Because it wasn't put on the air.
Gordon: Chico is going to be bald and sexy before Our Little Genius ever sees the air.
Chico: I'm bald and sexy right now, b(^_^). :-) And besides, I'm down 30 right now.
Gordon: But you could always be sexier.
Jason: Always :)
Chico: True. Finally...

the Cube is greenlit
OR
Minute to Win It gets cancelled?

Jason: Minute to win it gets cancelled. You don't expand to 2 hours on a premiere...filler.
Gordon: Minute To Win It gets canned, and then spoils The Cube in the Process.
Chico: I think M2WI is one and done. Not so much the fault of the format but the stiff competition.
Gordon: I think it's going to be a combo here; tired premise, inexperienced host, and ripped-off concept.
Chico: I'll add on the combo pack.
Gordon: What about adding on a Break?
Chico: We'll add on a break, then speed back to finish it up! Come on back!

(Brought to you by the Amazing Race Cow Milking Set. Sure you can Beat Your Monkey, but only real Amazing Racers can milk their own cow. And you can too, with your special set of Cow milking supplies! Cow not included.)

Chico: I betcha it's a hit at baby showers.
Gordon: You ever see a cow milked at a baby shower?
Chico: No. But imagine the possibilities.
Gordon: That's true. hat about the possibility of a Speed Round?
Chico: 100%. Speed round starts NOW!
Jason: Lets do it.
Chico: Who's out on Survivor next?
Jason: I say the Heroes are still in big trouble...Amanda.
Gordon: They are, but Amanda is way too close knit. Tom isn't, so he leaves next.
Chico: if the Villains go to tribal?
Jason: Hmmmm...not sure.
Gordon: I don't see Tyson making any inroads to make an alliance, That usually spells trouble, I'll say him.
Chico: I want to say ol' Randy.
Jason: Randy is a good choice
Chico: How about the Race. Who's next to meet Phil in Argentina?
Gordon: I think the detectives, who haven't been able to detect anything, are next to Tango out to Phil.
Chico: Agreed.
Jason: Alright.
Chico: Unless they pick it up. I don't see'em picking it up, though.
Gordon: Idol - who leaves first?
Chico: Siobhan "Who?" Magnus.
Gordon: I'll say her and Alex Lambert, John Park and Page Miles
Chico: I'll add Joe Munoz and Paige Miles and Alex Lambert.
Jason: So I will say Munoz, Lambert, Miles, and Magnus
Chico: Reminds me of Magnus Robot Fighter... that's all it reminds me of. And that reminds me. Do we have mail?
Gordon: We have some mail
Chico: Who's it from?
Gordon: Steve Waldie (in edited form, due to the volume of the letter)

Gordon: Yes Steve, it does.

Chico: GOOD NIGHT EVERYBODY!
Gordon: You know, all of a sudden, I don't think my Monkey and Cat meat jokes were that bad.
Jason: Ok...then.
Gordon: Do we have more?
Chico: Yes we do. Stat boy, SPEAK!

Gordon: I don't know about first, if you consider Jenna getting all nekkid for peanut butter and chocolate.
Chico: And Heidi. And this was during a Reward Challenge. So no, it would not be a first.
Jason: We have seen both male and female blurring.
Chico: Yes, Jason. Thanks for reminding us of THAT.
Gordon: Ok. Time to end the show before Jason Elliot yanks us...again.
Chico: Right. If you want to e-mail us, hit us up at wlti@gameshownewsnet.com, or on Facebook, MySpace, or GSNN's Video Wall at Youtube.com
Gordon: Special thanks to Jason Block for allowing us to corrupt him.
Jason: Thank you :) Always a pleasure to be corrupted :)
Chico: Next week... TPIR's on Spring Break... so are we, but we're bringing the games with us... Until then, for Gordon and everyone at GSNN, I'm Chico Alexander...Game over... and spread the love :-)