I’m trying something new — TiVo has desktop software that lets me move the show over to my computer. This makes it much easier to watch and type at the same time. And take screenshots, if necessary.

The show opens with the most weird and awkward introduction of contestants EVER — Seacrest walking down along a line of guys, naming each and then giving each one a moment of meaningful eye contact. What on earth is that all about? Then we get the judge introductions, with some weird semi-flirting whatnot between Simon and Kara, even though Kara mentions Simon’s fiancee. Who is apparently a makeup artist for the show. Moving on!

Lee Dewyze – He’s doing Owl City’s “Fireflies”, acoustic guitar in hand. Okay, here’s my thing about this song. The only place I’ve ever heard it is at the roller rink, but they play it every week. And it’s the wussiest, girliest song ever to be performed by a guy. I kind of hate it, but I kind of don’t mind it. Lee’s a little flat on a few of the notes, but he’s charming (something most of the girls aren’t). And it’s a song that the tween girls LOVE, so he’ll get votes galore. He put a little rough edge on the song, but it’s still lyrically wussrific. The judges are mixed, but applaud his progress.

Alex Lambert – He’s doing “Trouble”, also with a guitar, and the first note is … surprisingly good. The mullet is still awful, but this kid has improved in leaps and bounds! It’s not a terribly dynamic performance, because he still hasn’t developed any showmanship, but his confidence has increased a thousandfold, and it shows in his voice. He’s on key, he’s hitting the notes. Ellen continues her creepy banana analogies, and says, “Don’t become a cocky banana.” The judges also want more performance and emotion, but applaud his growth.

Tim Urban – Sweet mother of pearl, is everyone playing their guitar tonight? He’s doing the Jeff Buckley version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. He’s a bit powerful with his plosives, but this might be the best we’ve heard him sing so far. Of course, it’s also boring and slow and plodding, because Tim took lessons from the girls last night. It’s a fair job, but it’s not moving the way this song is supposed to be. Randy calls it a “pretty good job”. Ellen runs over, gets up on stage, and gives him a huge hug. Kara loved it too — clearly the ladyjudges felt some authenticity that didn’t come across to me. I wonder if Vote for the Worst is still behind him. Will someone else take over the crap crown?

Andrew Garcia – He gets the brief red room interview, acoustic guitar in hand. So we’re four for four. He’s going to do “Genie in a Bottle”, to hopefully regain some of that “Straight Up” magic. The crowd is clapping along from the get-go, since he’s totally a favorite. It’s not quite “Straight Up”, but it’s a pretty good version. Clearly this guy’s niche is taking poppy bimbo songs and making them soft and acoustic. Randy says it was pitchy and there was no range. The rest of the judges aren’t any more positive. Simon nails it, I think, by calling it “a little bit desperate.”

Casey James – “You’ll Think of Me” by Keith Urban. With an acoustic guitar, natch. It’s a slow-paced country song, and he’s keeping himself planted by sitting on a stool. It’s a country song, so I’m biased against it to begin with, but it’s not bad. He seems to be singing in tune with the music, which is a plus. But it’s a little bit boring, which is a minus. Randy calls it a safe choice, and wants something more edgy. Kara the cougar is “kinda back on the Casey train” but she’s missing some spark. Simon calls it his second best.

Aaron Kelly – He’s doing “I’m Already There” by Lonestar, another country song. But for the first time tonight, NO GUITAR! But at least he walks himself out to a stool and plants himself firmly there. Another first tonight — a bad performance. His voice is shaky and weird, and it’s totally whiny and nasal. He gets up from the stool and does this weird spread-footed hip-shaking movement, and it’s cringingly awkward. His voice is very first-few-seasons. Ellen gives him a compliment on his confidence (WHAT) but says the song was too big. Kara says the song was too old and big for him.

Todrick Hall – Ryan announces he’ll be doing Queen, and my hopes soar that it’ll be terrible. Let’s see how he mangles “Somebody to Love”. First off, he’s wearing a jacket made of what looks like potato sack burlap. His first note is bad, but then he finds his falsetto. He stalks, he struts, he goes down on his knees, and he warbles and oversings — it’s like Nick Mitchell (Norman Gentle) is back! Is it my anti-Todrick bias, or did he oversing the crap out of it? Randy loves. Ellen likes. Kara doesn’t know whether to laugh or like. Simon says this finally defines him as a Broadway singer. Ugh, I hope this doesn’t save him.

Michael Lynche – We close the night guitarless with “This Woman’s Work”. He’s looking dapper in a jacket and tie. Now this is how you start a song with falsetto (take notes, Todrick). It’s a slow song, but he knows how to connect with the crowd and with the cameras. It’s totally not my type of music, but he performs it very well. Definitely the best performance of the night. Randy babbles a lot of hipster lingo praise. Ellen loves all over it. Kara actually cries, thereby cementing her place as Paula’s replacement (and curse her, she appears to be one of those pretty criers). Simon gives Kara awkward hugsies, then calls the song the best performance of the semifinals.

I gotta say, screencaps are much better than taking a picture of my TV.

As opposed to the girls, this is going to be a really tough decision. Because most of the guys were, if not good, at least adequate. I think of the two really young boys, Alex has improved so much and Aaron hasn’t, that I’m going to pick Aaron for elimination. Then, because of my personal name-based bias, I’m going to cross my fingers and hope for the overshowy Todrick to get the other axe.

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