Fan Fare

13 becomes Anoop Desai’s lucky number on “Idol”

And then there were……13??

The judges expanded the “American Idol” top 12 to include Anoop Desai and make it a top 13 for the first time in a suspense-generating stunt.

 But Tatiana Del Toro, with all her tears, ambition, drama and unpredictability, will have to find a stage other than “Idol” to emote on. Is the show better off?

Instead, we get Anoop, who has emerged as Mr. Likeability with the judges. But does he have the same rapport with viewers, who eliminated him in week one in favor of Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver.

 Along with Anoop, the judges also brought back Jasmine Murray, Matt Giraud and Megan Joy Corkrey.  Bringing them back is a way for the judges to correct the tyranny of the “Idol” majority, but do they have the chops to survive without a helping hand from the judges?

It’s a diverse line up, with Anoop, blind singer Scott McIntyre and Puerto Rican Jorge Nunez, along with teens Allison Iraheta and Jasmine.  Paula Abdul told Iraheta, 16, she reminded her of season one champion Kelly Clarkson.

Clarkson herself will perform on “Idol” next week when the competition at last gets down to serious business. Rapper Kanye West will also make a guest appearance in what could be a sign of the star quality to come over the next few weeks.

Did the judges do right by “Idol” comeback hopefuls?

Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Nunez moved on to the next round on “American Idol” Wednesday, but none of those names came as a surprise and the focus moved to the eight contestants who will compete in next week’s “wildcard” round.

Did the judges pick the right contestants?

 The always-dramatic Tatiana Del Toro immediately burst into tears again at getting a second shot while Anoop Desai, who Cowell called “original, likeable, talented”, looked stunned when his name was called.

The judges also brought back Megan Joy Corkrey, with judge Simon Cowell saying she was one of their favorites from the audition rounds and that it came as a surprise when the bubbly blond was eliminated in week two.

 When the “American Idol” crew reconvenes on Thursday night, the judges will make their pick of the top three from the eight. The wildcard round — brought back this season after being left out for a few years – gives the judges a chance to rectify mistakes made by the voters.

Did they hit the mark, and who should now go through to join the Top 12?