Top 12 boys tonight; we’ve only heard about half of them audition.

Paula makes a funny: First and foremost, to just give it up to Randy, he only said two “dogs” and three “mans.” It’s very shocking. Actually, it was two “dudes” and three “mans,” but who’s counting? I mean other than Paula’s speechwriter.

David Hernandez, 24.

Flashback to his audition, “Ain’t too proud to beg,” ridiculously heavy on the finger snapping.

Tonight’s selection: “Wait till the midnight hour.” Utterly forgettable in every way.

Randy: Nice opening, but it got a little pitchy at the end.
Paula: It’s hard to be first. Really cool.
Simon: Better than I thought it was going to be. Very stiff and nervous.

Final take: I’ve already forgotten.

Chikezie, 22

He’s going by one name now? Audition flashback was friendly and sweet. Not his first season auditioning. But he probably shouldn’t be here this year, either.

Tonight’s selection: “I love you more today than yesterday.” Way too slow. Boring. Bad orange suit.

Randy: Pretty good. A little old fashioned. A’ight.
Paula: Very nice job.
Simon: Hated the whole performance.

Final take: he’ll be going home soon.

David Cook, 25

Before: The guy with the droopy faux-hawk. Bon Jovi audition a little on the slow side.

Tonight: “So happy together.” Too fast. Poor song choice. Sloppy performance. He can’t figure out if he’s a rocker or a dork.

Randy: You worked it out.
Paula: It was a bit “worthy”… of great praise.
Simon: Good. Shouted a little bit. Weird song to choose. Almost believable.

Final take: the judges like this guy way too much.

Jason Yeager, 28

Before: Not previously aired. Dude with the blond streak up front.

Tonight: “Moon river.” Amazingly, it didn’t suck. Nice, mature voice. A little Disney. Very confident stage presence.

Randy: Pretty good job. Pitchy. Lost focus.
Paula: Simpler songs are more difficult to sing.
Simon: Very cruise ship. Like a dependable old dog.

Final take: the judges are wrong this time.

Robbie Carrico, 26

Before: Boy band singer turned rocker. Skull cap and mullet.

Tonight: “One is the loneliest number.” A little weak voiced. Not very good. Pointless.

Randy: Nice version. I was like, “yeah I like this.”
Paula: Perfect song for you. You’re authentic.
Simon: Only performance tonight with any coherence. Questions the rocker authenticity.

Final take: Bo Bice wannabe. I’ve heard enough.

David Archuleta, 17

Before: “Waiting on the world to change,” a duet with Randy. Really good stuff.

Tonight: “You better shop around.” Wrong song for him, but he did as good as he could. Great on stage. Unfortunately, he takes raspy, audible gasps between every line. It’s a pity, because he’s got a great voice otherwise.

Randy: Really brilliant.
Paula: Brave and bold song choice. Unbelievably confident older soul.
Simon: When you got it, you got it. Best performance of the night.

Final take: very likable, but the breathing thing is unavoidable and grating.

Danny Noriega, 18

Before: “Rolling on a river.” Emo hair. Weird finger snaps and body movements. Highly annoying. Overconfident drama diva.

Tonight: “Jailhouse Rock.” Pretty outstanding, actually. I’m impressed. Good stage presence, and kept up well with what seems like a difficult song.

Randy: Pretty good. Ok vocals. Interesting song choice for me, for you. Kinda hot.
Paula: Very warm. Almost scalding. Amazing vocals. Safer song.
Simon: Verging on grotesque. Hideous performance. Destroying an Elvis song.

Final take: I dislike him alot less.

Luke Menard, 29

Before: Not previously aired. Second season auditioning. Looks like Hugh Jackman.

Tonight: “Everybody’s Talking At Me.” Shaky, pitchy, bland and boring. Awful performance.

Randy: For me, that song… very pitchy. Almost consistently sharp.
Paula: Not the best song choice.
Simon: Forgettable.

Final take: the judges got this one right.

Colton Berry, 18

Before: Not previously aired. Short, shaggy blond hair, white eyebrows.

Tonight: “Suspicious Minds.” His voice wasn’t quite big enough to carry it. Decent vocals and performance. He seems ok, personality wise, but nothing incredibly special.

Randy: Pretty good job.
Paula: Not his best performance, but eager and fun attempt.
Simon: Ok. No relevance in the music industry. Complete waste of time.

Final take: the judges are right again.

Garrett Haley, 17

Before: Not previously aired. Skinny, 80’s hair band look.

Tonight: “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” as a slow, crooner ballad. He’s afraid to be on the stage, but behind that mop, this kid is the next Barry Manalo.

Randy: Didn’t do anything with the song to make it his own. Pitchy. Boring.
Paula: Too slow.
Simon: Boring, whiny and terrified. He needs some fresh air.

Final take: This kid will learn and improve a lot if he sticks around.

Jason Castro, 20

Before: Not previously aired. Rastafarian dreads, blue eyes. Plays guitar and drums.

Tonight: “What a day for a daydream,” with guitar. Very nicely done. Good song selection, and arranged well. Worked the crowd. Excellent.

Randy: Little pitch problems. A’ight, but it didn’t blow me away.
Paula: You did blow me away. Perfect song choice. You nailed “less is more.”
Simon: In the top two performances of the night.

Final take: I’m looking forward to hearing more from him.

Michael Johns, 29

Before: Australian. Slightly odd audition, but good. Plays guitar. His “Bohemian Rhapsody” was outstanding.

Tonight: “Come On Baby, Light My Fire.” Good song choice. Performed well. Looks like a professional on stage.

Randy: That was hot. I love that.
Paula: Excellent way to end the night.
Simon: The most consistent contestant. Natural charisma of a lead singer.

Final take: He’s got to be the favorite to win at this point.