'American Idol' recap: Hard Rock Cafe top 48 performances

Two stood out as early favorites for the top 12 based on their live solo performances: bluesy Clark Beckham and R&B singer Tyanna Jones. Plenty of others show promise: Michael Simeon, Shannon Berthiaume, Rayvon Owen, Lovey James, et. al.

Up first: Michael Simeon ("Classic" MKTO) He starts slow and sultry, then goes upbeat. He worked well both ways. He's an easy in. He is confident and borderline cocky. Or maybe it's those eyebrows and that wink.

Then: Loren Lott ("My Heart Will Go On' Celine Dion): She goes big and stays in key but her voice seems to lack depth. It comes across slightly shrill. HCJ is even concerned that she didn't quite connect. That will be her challenge. Find the right songs that can balance her personality, her voice and a proper emotional tie with the TV audience.

Adam Ezegalian ("Here I Go Again" Whitesnake) - He is a goofball a la Chris Sligh with flannel shirts and a rock voice. I have no clue why they put him through except for comic relief?

Cody Fry ("Viva La Vida" Coldplay) - He is one of the early favorites who somehow didn't quite make it through. I don't think I heard enough to judge if it was that bad. It sounded okay to me. Surprise! He's cut.

Lovey James ("Wings' Little Mix) - She is young and has pop star potential. That's more than enough to get her through. She certainly could get the votes into the top 12 if she can be solid live.

We then see some brutal cuts: Hector Montengro, J. None, a tearful Reno Anoa'i, Zack Kaltenbach, Hannah Mrozak.

Adanna Duru sang "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." She is overwrought but she does stay in key and is entertaining enough for the top 24.

Maddie Walker (Fergie "Big Girls Don't Cry"). I'm not sure this song really fit her. She seems more country than pop. So she gets eliminated - at first. Ahem.

They bring in Rachel Hallack (Miranda Lambert "Gunpowder & Lead"). She has the attitude but her voice lacks grit.

The judges decide to bring both in and have them do an "impromptu" sing off. Maddie does Kellie Pickler's "Red High Heels' with a frightened look on her face. Rachel is far more comfy doing "Son of a Preacher Man." I would have picked Rachel. But the judges inexplicably pick Maddie.

Clark Beckham blew the Hard Rock Cafe roof off with a spirited "Georgia On My Mind." Yowza. He is a super easy in.

Daniel Seavey ("Straight Up" Paula Abdul) brings  unusually mature stylings and energy but his voice still sounds like he's 12. Odd dissonance. But he goes through, even as he fashions himself a "ladies' man." Sigh...

Tyanna Jones ("Woman on Top" Beyonce) - She brought it from the first note. She has a hearty R&B voice and a deep spirit that connects. I see top 12 in her future.

Rayvon Owen (with John Legend magnetism) and Shannon Berthiaume (despite no experience with a live audience) were both easy ins for the top 24.

Jax ("You & I" Lady Gaga) - She took a big chance by creating a "dramatic" pause during the song. I have never been a Jax fan and am not sure she deserves to be in the top 24 but ... (long pause)... she is.

"Idol" sent out advance videos before the show debuted. In the last "Idol" entry, I already posted Adanna Duru and Jax's performances.  Here are a couple more:

Quentin Middleton ("Wears the Rent") is performing more than singing here. He's very much about style, not sure about substance. Or maybe he's trying too hard:

Shannon Berthiume had never performed before a live audience until Hard Rock Cafe ("A Piece of My Heart"). She has a very sandpaper type voice but she's intriguing.

Trevor Douglas goes against type by doing "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley. He's more Elvis Costello:

For folks who know the spoiler 24, you know who won.