Early Favorites Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace Impress on First “American Idol” Semifinal

Maybe it’s the recession talking, but American Idol is more fixated on marketability and singers’ business potential than ever this season. In the wake of a few commercially underperforming Idols, the judges — particularly newcomer Kara DioGuardi — seem to be focusing their commentary less on the strength of the vocal takes and more on the possibility of profitability. If the show is looking for instant marketing data, they’ve got it: iTunes will sell all the semifinalistists’ performances the day after they sing. So who will stick around? Last night’s first live semifinal show lasered in on a few Idol truths: he who receives little screen time during auditions and Hollywood Week episodes is screwed (see Braddy, Ricky) and she who has the potential to drive up ratings with nuttiness is encouraged to remain insane (see Del Toro, Tatiana). And let us not forget the sponsor who pays the most money will receive a bright-red couch on which the singers and their loved ones will conduct some of the most awkward interviews in televised history.

Twelve hopefuls performed hits from the Hot 100 since the chart’s inception. Here’s a quick rundown:

Ones to Watch:

• Alexis Grace: the skinny white girl with Christina Aguilera’s taste in lipstick slays Aretha Franklin’s “Never Loved a Man.” “The genie is out of the bottle with you,” says Kara, no doubt hypnotized by Grace’s makeup.

Read the full article here.