Crystal and Lee Face Off for the Idol Crown!

Last night Crystal and Lee had their final performances that count for the votes. What did you think?

I think Crystal owned the whole night as far as energy and performance, but Lee is still great. Based on last night, Crystal should win. But, we love Lee.

What do you guys think? I can't wait for tonight!

Top 3 Perform!

The top 3 performed last night, and we were all surprised with the outcome! (Not really, right?) Lee did amazingly well, Crystal was solid and herself, and Casey was just kinda “alright.” What did you think?

Yes, Poppoolers, it appears that — barring any strange voting wonkiness — we are headed for a Lee DeWyze-Crystal Bowersox finale. The judges really want that, as we saw when we Simon say that Lee’s second performance (of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”) proved he was “a fantastic singer and a great person.” It WAS Really good, mind you, but that arrangement with the half Gospel chorus and the mariachi horns kind of threatened to overshadow Lee. I’m going to download the full song and see what his longer version is like. I have a feeling I will like it better! Whatever. It was still Really Good!
Meanwhile, MamaSox sealed up the second spot at the Nokia, not with her unbelievably predictable spin on Melissa Etheridge —“Bring Me Some Water”— but with a vocally daring and emotionally spot-on “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Was it at all weird that she kept refering to herself as a MAN in the song? But then, I kept reminding myself that Ellen picked the song.

Casey James, by comparison, wore a really cool purple striped shirt for his second number. And, his hair looked really really nice for the first song. I actually really like John Mayer, and I thought Casey did a pretty good job. But, was it good enough to secure a top three spot?

Songs performed:
Casey James: Eric Hutchinson’s “OK, It’s Alright With Me”Crystal Bowersox: Melissa Etheridge’s “Come to My Window”Lee DeWyze: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”Casey James: John Mayer’s “Daughters”Crystal Bowersox: Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed”Lee DeWyze: Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah

Top 4 Perform Songs from the Cinema!

Last night the top four performed "Songs From the Cinema." The two things that stood out the most to me were: wierd song choices, and the duets were better than the solos.

In my opinion, the best solo performance was by Crystal (but wierd song choice.) The least effort for the solo was put in by Lee. Michael had the BEST backup singers performance, and Casey is in danger due to song choice and a little bleating in his voice.

The duets were really pretty good - especially the one by Lee and Crystal to "Falling Slowly." I did find it odd that the judges didn't even mention Kris Allen singing that song last year! Casey and Mike did a pretty good job - with the major highlight being Casey's awesome guitar playing!

What did you think of tonight's performances and song choices? How does Ellen maintain a tranquil expression sitting next to Randy while he obnoxiously yells ''BOO! BOO!'' during Simon's intro, and aren't you glad that Ellen actually made cracked a joke about "really ever loving a woman?" What did you think of Jamie Foxx as a mentor? (Did you like those t-shirts.) And who do you think will and should go home?

Top Five Sing Sinatra!

Last night the top five performed songs from Sinatra. Highlights included Harry Conick Junior’s humor and piano playing, Simon’s scary, scary shirt that showed his chest hair all the way to his belly button, and the surprising lack of luster from the contestants, with the exception of a great performance by Lee.

I’m still rooting for Crystal, but she needs to stop trying to explain her “artistic reasons” to all four judges. Smiling and saying thank you would be good. In fact, Lee actually really might win this thing. What do you guys think?


Score card:

Aaron – B
Casey – D
Michael – B
Crystal – B
Lee – A

Top 6 Perform songs from Shania Twain!

This week’s Idol was unbelievable and amazing - because everyone was good!

Shania did a great job mentoring the kids, and no one was bad!

Overall, what stood out the most was Simon’s comment about Michael’s performance being “wet,” and Siobhan’s outfit.

The other judges all wanted to know what Simon meant by “wet.” What I got out of what he was saying, was that it “was a little girly for you.” Maybe it didn’t pack enough of a punch for Simon.

Siobhan’s outfit – what WAS she wearing? Michael Slezak from Entertainment Weekly said it well: “And while some blame must be laid at the feet of Idol's team of stylists, what in the name of all that's floral was Ms. Magnus wearing tonight? To my eye, it was an outfit made of flower-y couch fabric (with a lacey bustier and apron-front skirt); leather suspenders; lace-up boots; and a jaunty spider necklace. Dial 1-800-TOO-MUCH-LOOK.”

As for the singing and the other contestants – they were all pretty good. It’s going to be a tough week! Who will go out?

Here are the grades for this week: Lee: B+, Michael: B, Casey: A (he really stepped it up!), Crystal: B (for her, not as good,) Aaron: B+, Sobhan: B.

What do you guys think? Who is going home?

American Idol: The Top 7 Perform!

American Idol: Top 7 Perform!


Last night the great Alicia Keys was the mentor for the kids for “Songs of Inspiration.” I don’t know about you, but I was only inspired by 2 out of 7 of the performances. But, both those two brought me to tears, so I say it was well worth watching.


So, without further ado, this is how it went down:

First out of the gates was Casey James. He looked handsome, had some good guitar playing, but it was just okay. The judges thought it was good, but not great. He gets a C+ for playing it really safe and not being very inspirational.

Next was Lee. He sang, “The Boxer.” This was beautiful, awesome, brought me to tears (I am a sap and cry when things are amazingly beautiful.) He had the string section on stage, played the guitar, and pretty much ruled. The judges loved it. Simon called it brilliant and Kara thought this was his “moment.” He gets an A+.

Tim was next. This wasn’t bad. He’s not as great of a singer as Lee, but gosh darn it, people like him. He is smiley, and it was okay. Pretty good. The judges thought it was okay, but not great. B-.

Next was Aaron. I wrote, “The song is too big for him.” Then, the judges copied me and Randy said, “You picked a giant song. You did a good job with such a giant song.” The judges like him, and thought he did a good job, but Simon said, “If I heard it on the radio I would have turned it off.” B-.

Siobhan was next, wearing all kinds of butterflies on her shoulder and arm. Alicia Keys was very impressed with her voice, but again, she picked a big song by Whitney and Mariah (the Divas!) So, the rule is, if you don’t want to be compared to them, don’t pick songs they have done. Duh. Then, she said she didn’t want to be compared to them, but that she just likes the song. Hmmmm. Kara said she sang it well, but she still doesn’t know who Siobhan is as an “artist.” I think it was “just okay for me,” as Randy said. B+.

Michael was next, singing “Hero” from Spiderman. I have never heard this song, and I was actually kinda bored. What did you guys think? It was okay, but my mind kept wandering again to wondering what he would look like if he lost his “baby fat” layer. He actually has lots of muscles. I obviously wasn’t paying much attention to the boring singing. Simon thinks he’ll be around next week. (The judges like him, did you know that?) C+.

Crystal was last, and completely ruled the house. She sang “People Get Ready," without her guitar. She started singing without any band backup at the beginning, and I got the chills. She sang so beautifully, with the strings and band, and this was the second time I was brought to tears. Crystal even brought herself to tears at the end. Randy gave her a stand-up and Simon thought it was very inspirational and said she sang it “fantastically.” A+.

So, the best: Crystal and Lee. The worst: Casey, Mike, Tim, Aaron.


Some other notes: Why do they insist on using footage from dress rehearsal to show the replays at the end (Crystal’s tears and choke up were mysteriously gone,) and good thing I record Glee afterwards so that I can actually watch all of Idol!

So, chime in! Let us know what you think!

Top 9 Perform (Again!)

The Top 9 Performed (again) last night! After last week's "big save" of Big Mike, two must go this week.

With Adam Lambert as the mentor, Elvis as the theme, and lots of glitz and glitter, this week's show has lots to talk about!

I promise to post more, but first, let's hear what you think!

Top Nine Perform!

Last night's theme really should have been "Anything Goes As the Idols Cover Beatles' Songs!" We had a didgeridoo, the bagpipes, Bones actors, and another questionable outfit from Siobhan.

First up was the smallest contestant, Aaron. Blah, like wet cereal. Not exiting, but still sweet and a little soggy. Randy started off with a chuckle, and a "Yo, yo, yo," .... so you know it wasn't good. He said it perfectly: it was so sleepy. He gets a "C-."

Next, Katie came out in a pink belted dress with a pony-tail. She will apparently go to the prom with whoever votes the most for her. Yey Katie! She actually sang really, really well, standing at Mathilda the microphone the whole time. Her eyes were sparkly at the end, and her dad was in the audience and not the bar, like he will be tonight. She did a good job. "B."

Andrew was up next. Apparently he cracks up the other contestants back in "the house." He came out with buffont hair, a suit, and sang behind the judges backs. I thought it was fun, but a little boring at the same time. Randy called it a little corny. He gets a "C," and better step it up or he will be gone soon, if not tonight.

Big Mike, or the teddy bear, was up next. The string section in his song, "Eleanor Rigby," gave me the chills because they sounded so good! Michael gave a great vocal performance in his tight pants and wide-leg stance. Personally I'd like to see him lay off the carbs for a few weeks so we can actually see his personally training on his own body, but that's just me. Kara called it "fire," and even with a couple of Glee references, I thought it was really really good. "A." I also loved when he picked up Aaron backstage after his performance.

Crystal smashed another week. It wasn't her best, but it was brilliant, beautiful, and totally rockin'. This girl is so comfortable and confident, and she can be a star right now. Her didgeridoo player love fest was priceless, too. Whe rules and is an amazing singer. "A."

Smiley Tim even gave a good performance this week. It was a little boring, but likable. The judges must have had someone say something to them, because they were amazingly nice and encouraging. Simon even said that Tim has taken past criticism "like a man," whatever that means. Maybe the judges are using this strategy of niceness to try to get him voted off, I don't know. He gets a "B-."

Casey James, or Fabio, or Trevor, was up next. Okay...... he was amazing. I actually thought his vocals were awesome, the arrangement was very nice, and the accoustic guitar/cello combo made it feel intimate and vulnerable. I loved it! Simon even thought it was the best performance of the night so far. Kara called it "soulful." I agree. He gets an "A."

Siobhan was next. Surprisingly, her fellow contestants called her, "interesting, wierd, unique, and amazing." Wearing a grey vest over a lace wedding gown that got put through a paper shredder, she sang very subdued sitting on the stool the whole time. Her eyes and lips were very sparkly .... as she sang with restraint and control. This showed how beautiful of a voice she really has, but I couldn't help thinking that this could go on my kids' "Lullaby" playlist on my iPod. Very mellow, but very pretty. "B+."

Last up was Lee, who is apparently BFF's with Andrew. I loved that Crystal said they could get married and have little Danny Gokey babies. Awesome. Okay, I think the judges went easy on him, because I thought he was really pitchy at the beginning. I love his voice, but I actually cringed a couple times at some notes! Then, just when his vocals were getting better, a fricking full-costumed bag-pipe player came walking down the Adam Lambert memorial staircase, playing the bagpipes! WTF? I didn't even know that Jude was Scotish! This was definitely the wierdest moment of the night, and was never really explained, except that it was Lee's idea, so I guess that makes it make perfect sense. "B-."

Okay, what do you think? Who is going home? Based on last night, it probably should be Aaron or Andrew. What do YOU think?

Results Show - top 10 become 9

Okay...... there are so many fun moments from last night's show, I just don't know where to begin.

Let's start with the Clash of the Titans promo/comparison that went on for an eternity. WTF? The cross-promo was a little far-reaching. I haven't seen any monsters on American Idol yet. Well, maybe a few. Like that Vampire-like girl dancing with Diddy. The artist former known as Puffy. The artist formerly know as P. Diddy. I'm think he's now Diddy, and his band is Dirty Money. Anyway, I digress. There was also a gladiator battling the little monster named Ryan. Michael picked him up and lifted him up like he was a baby. Can this show get any wierder? (I know, the answer is Yes!)

The guest "performances" were quite the treat last night. First we had Rueben Stoddard, the vegan, singing an unknown song that didn't stick with me at all. What I know is - he has a great smile, a great voice, and is quite the soothing, smiley "velvet teddybear" that Ryan called him. Even with all that, I will not be downloading his song.

The Ford Vommercial this week was to Kung Fu Fighting, with everyone except Casey James dressed in "Kung Fu apparel." We were not told why. I can only assume that is because he was the tallest and they couldn't get an outfit in his size. (Okay, here's an idea - Casey - you just wear regular clothes, okay? We'll think of something for this video.)

Michael Lynche - WTF about your fake hair tail?

Crystal - nice crocheted hat. Cute.

Andrew's mom - I didn't know Snuggies came in a black and red checkered pattern. What WAS that?

Ryan - don't stereotype the Latin mama by suggesting she cooks something and has the judges over. Maybe she doesn't like to cook. (I doubt it, but STILL!)

Producers - showing the Clash of the Titans cast is still not making me want to go see it.

Lee - safe

Casey - safe

Aaron (the cupcake) - safe. Lots of talk here from the judges about love. Randy: "It's like love of your parents, only twisted." Did you see the look on Ellen's face after he said that. It was sort of like, Randy, you are so twisted yourself.

Siobhan - safe, but knows it wasn't good.

Katie - Bottom 3.

Ryan with Justin Bieber - or was it a young Hilary Swank? Something about how Usher shaped who Justin is an an artist. But, maybe he was really there taping a future performance?

Usher, channeling Michael Jackson, emerged on the Adam Lambert memorial staircase. Highlights: Usher is an amazing dancer. The girls were wearing black bras and suits, with lots of popping and locking going on. Nice dancing, again! Will i. am made an appearance here - I guess this is popular these days to have guests for your songs. The song was kinda boring - but the dancing was awesome. Is this So You Think You Can Dance?

Didi - bottom 3.

Michael - safe, but not before Ellen said there is a Tiny Mike inside of Big Mike. Hmmmm, Ellen, are you thinking about crossing over? She said she likes the Tiny Mike - he's sensitive. Then Ryan messed with Mike, prompting Mike to lift up Ryan like a baby, without even asking. Hands to yourself!

Crystal - safe.

Tim - B3. Not without the judges saying he smiles too much, basically. Kara even condescended on him (not correct grammar, I know) by saying that she doesn't think he even understands what they are saying to him and that's why he keeps smiling. What the heck? He's just a smiley dude - give him a fricking break!

Andrew - safe.

Katie - gets to escape to the safe seats, so Tim and Didi are the only two left in the "seats of danger."

Then, we get to find out that strobe lighting might be dangerous to view and we get a warning. Here's where the eye candy of Diddy and crew come in. I love that his back-up singers have curves. Awesome. Thanks Diddy. They sang, "Hello - Good Morning." I have to admit that it was a little catchy, for a few seconds. But, once again, awesome dancing. Nice eye candy with the black and white. Diddy shamelessly plugged his music....... but look how many people he has to pay! He has a crew of about 100 dancers and I'm sure tons of other people. He's doing his part to keep unemployment down. I might download that song. I know, I'm officially getting delirious. I will blame it on the brain-washing of the strobe lights. Hence, the warning.

Didi is the one going home. The judges don't save her, but she goes out with a great song - Rhiannon. Siobhan looked a little cranky or pouty as she watched - maybe she's planning her comeback. I hope so.

What did you guys think? I didn't get my pick right, did you? I am still #1 in one pool - but fell to #11 in another! How are you guys doing? Comment here........

Top 10 Perform!

Just When I thought the season wasn't going to be that great, the Idol contestants (mostly) step it up a notch!


We even got a peek at the backstage area with Simon saying that they (the judges) were making out, and I'm sure viewers everywhere thought he was so incredibly witty and funny. Ugh. Here we go!


Usher was the mentor tonight - love his music, and he is incredibly cute. But, can someone please tell me why he wears his sunglasses all the time? Does he have very sensitive eyes to go with his sensitive personality?


First up was Siobhan. A little off key at times and altogether not great. The judges spent a long time talking with her afterwards, which I can only think that they were surprised about her semi-sucky performance. Her dress was wierd - and her boots were wierder. However, the judges all liked the boots, but not her performance. She gets a "C." She's still a good singer.


Next was Casey James. He still makes Ryan look really small. Casey showed some awesome guitar playing, a lot of confidence, and some pretty good singing. Cute and hot. Plays the guitar and sings. Not the best of them, but really good. He gets a "B."


Big Mike was next. The Ladies' Man sang, "Ready for Love." I really liked the song and the arrangement, and we were spared his wide-stance dancing and finger pointing because he was sitting and playing the guitar. I felt this really worked for him. We even got to see the sway-bots in the audience swaying to his song. Really good. "A-"


Next was Didi Benami. She looked beautiful in her sparkly dress, and her arms looked really good. I wonder if she works out? She was a little pitchy, dawg, and overall, not really good. Ryan did his best after the song to make her cry about why she can identify to the song, "What becomes of the broken-hearted." She did not give in to Ryan - held her ground hard. Go, Didi! The judges didn't like it. She gets a "C-."


Next was smiley Tim Urban, or "Teflon Tim," according to some people. He sang, Sweet Love, wearing a jacket and tie, and looking "adorable," as Ellen calls him. My mind wandered a lot during this song, which usually means that it wasn't that great. The judges didn't like it. Ellen summed it up with two words..... "but, why?" Classic. Kara said he took the soul out the song, and I agree. Sorry. "D-"


Andrew Garcia actually was amazing, singing "Forever." He sat, played his guitar, and was amazing. He had a string bass and drum on the stage with him ..... nice vibe. He made the other string players sit down in the pit with the sway-bots, though. His back-up singers sounded great, and so did he. I actually got chills. Okay guys, I get why you like him now. He was fabulous. Randy said, "Andrew is back!" And, how cute was Andrew regarding his mom? "Be nice, Mama." He loves his mama in the zebra vest.


Katie Stevens was next. Something about her next is a little strange to me. Maybe thicker than you would think for her body? What the hell was she wearing? A grey satin shorts jumpsuit with mom shorts and shiny pleather tights underneath? Katie! She was okay. Her voice was actually really good. The judges didn't love her - they want her to sound younger and they don't agree about which style she should pursue. That must be a little wierd for her. She gets a "B."


Next was Lee - who knocked it out of the park. He ruled, sounded awesome, looked great playing his guitar and singing, and made it look effortless. He has such a husky, full, soul-filled voice. Beautiful. The judges loved him, and so did I. "A."


Crystal was next. She played piano and wore high heels. Her song arrangement was beautiful, gave me tears. Awesome. Amazing! She didn't look super comfortable in her dress, and maybe concentrating on playing the piano held her vocals back at the beginning. She pulled the rest of the song off.... it was amazing. She is incredible. She has such a great voice and wonderful style. I will be getting this one off iTunes for sure. "A."


Aaron Kelly was last. He really has a great voice. I was waiting for a big moment, but it didn't happen. Like Kara said, "I liked it, but I wasn't in love with it." I also thought it was funny that he kinda ignored Usher's advice about the "I know, I know, I know" line. Weak. But, he has a great voice and can go far with it. He's only 16 after all! "B."

So, what did you think? Remember to get your picks in!!!



I

Top 10 revealed!

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our top 10!
I think America got it right last night, based on the performances from Tuesday. Paige leaves the group, and we are left with only four girls and all six guys.

Some highlights (or lowlights) from last night's show:

The horrific Group Song. They all looked super awkward, and the zoomed-in shot of Michael's hand with his finger pointing up to the sky was so wierd, and became even more surreal when he brought it down into a "jazz hand." Most of the kids successfully butchered the "jazz basic step," and looked pretty uncomfortable. All in all, the awkwardness was quite awesome. Let's have more of this.

Next we were treated to the Ford Vommercial (commercial + vommit.) The best think about this was when they showed the contestants after showing the commercial all of them were smiling and clapping - except Lee. He was probably thinking, "I refuse to clap and giggle for whoring ourselves out to Ford by making such a ridiculous video involving McDonald's playstructure balls meant for toddlers and putting them in a fountain and acting like the whole thing is so effing hilarious. No, I just can't crack a smile here, folks."

We also got to see Miley Cyrus looking abolutely beautiful singing and playing the piano. I was secretly hoping that the judges could say to her, "It was all a bit nasaly, and I just don't get the way you scrunch up your face when you sing,"..... or something like that. Awesome dress and hair extensions, though!

Then, before we could find out who went home, one of the Jonas brothers sang with another "hot young star," and I really didn't pay enough attention to that to even comment. I must have been really bored.

A couple other highlights:

Ryan....... when Michael watches his own kid it's not called "babysitting." He's the father. Get it?

Siobhan..... your boss and friends are a little odd. I'm worried about how big Brooks' beard might get. And, the Siobhan-bies are not the usual fans. I like that, but the fake blood is just a bit odd. But, I kinda like the potential for future shows...... to see what they might be wearing.

Katie - I'm sorry your dad can't sit through an hour show and has to go drink. You can write a book about it later.

I think the right girl left tonight. Paige seems to have a great attitude and I'm sure she'll do well in whatever she chooses to do.

Comments? What do you guys think? Which songs do you think people should pick for next week - R & B night? I'm looking forward to it!

Top 11 Perform "Bill-bored" top 100

The Giant Ryan Head starting out last night's show should have been an omen to all of us that the show was going to be very odd. Really, with 52 years of top 100 songs to choose from, did we HAVE to hear so many songs that have been performed on Idol already? And, to top it off, the mentor for the night was that resource of wisdom and experience that can only come from age and experience, Miss Miley Cyrus herself. Lord, help us. Don't get me wrong, I love "Party in the U.S.A." just as much as almost anyone, but usually when it comes to the idea of "mentor," I usually expect someone older than 17. But, This Is American Idol!

Here's a quick re-crap of last night's performances:

Lee Dewyze - great smokey voice, but a little boring. I kept drifting off in my mind. Yes, a little of that is due to ADD, but it wasn't that exciting. Am I right? I liked the brass band, the back-up singers, and the black outfit, but it wasn't that exciting. Good. I give him a "B."

Paige Miles - WTF? "Pitchy" is an understatement. She gets an "F," even with those five-inch high heels.

Tim Urban - owes an apology to Freddy Mercury. Tim is cute, and was good at sliding across the stage (did you see that?) But, it was just okay, and as a huge Queen fan, it did nothing for me. I think he gets a "D+."

Aaron Kelly - Had larangitus AND tonsellitus. (What? I need a medical briefing here about just what he has.) Seriously, I have heard this song on American Idol several times before - most recently from Alison Ireheta. This was okay. He'll stick around. Not awesome, but not too bad. He gets a "B."

Crystal Bowersox - ruled. Nice job channeling Janis Joplin and sounding awesome. Not boring. Crystal made all the judges happy and not embarrased that they are part of this show. She even had a magic carpet that she brought in special. I'm loving this girl, and can't wait to see what she does next. Not in the Adam Lambert way, where I wonder what awesome over-the-top thing she is going to do, but I just love hearing her sing. She's really good. "A."

Michel Lynche - lifted Miley up off her feet. This guy is likable in the older brother let's hang out way. His voice was solid, except sometimes I feel he doesn't enunciate very well. He sang a sexy song in a sexy way, "hoping to speak to the lovers out there." Excuse we while we all go get our Corvosier and listen to the Ladies' Man. He was okay to good. C+.

Andrew Garcia - missed his guitar and tried to make up for it in awkward dancing. I arrived late to watching this season, and I know a lot of you really like Andrew. I'm going to have to go back through my recorded episodes and find some love for him, because I think he's just alright. He seems sweet and his voice is okay, but I don't feel any huge love for him yet. D+

Katie Stevens - I loved the Fergie song. This girl seemed comfortable and I thought she did a great job. Yes, she had some pitch issues, but okay overall. C.

Casey James - oozes cuteness. I loved how he told Miley, "I'm a big fan..... of your dad's." Awesome. What the heck was up with his song choice, though? Huey Lewis? Brought me back to the Paso Robles Mid-State fair in 1986 or so. The song was a little boring, but I really like his voice, his sexiness, his smile, and his guitar playing. I predict he is safe. B.

Didi Benami - came out with one sleeve missing on her bedazzled dress. I thought she was okay, and I really like her voice. The judges kinda ripped her a new one - saying she was pitchy, not the right song, very dramatic, etc. I don't think she was that bad. B-.

Siobhan Magnus - this girl is awesome. She's super tall, can look like a geek and then a beautiful rock star. She likes to channel Adam Lambert at times with her rock star screaming (but of course no one is as good at that as Adam.) She wears the wierdest things (doilie under a black vesty thing with a lady's face peeking out.) She sang Stevie Wonder's song, Superstition, which reminded me of Elliot Yamin. She is amazing, fearless, and will be around for awhile. It wasn't her best, but she was pretty darn great. B+.

What did you think? Bottom three - probably Paige, Andrew, and Tim. But Tim might have lots of girls voting for him...... so maybe Paige, Andrew, and Katie. What do you guys think?

American Idol Season Nine!!!!

There were many great moments last night, the least of which was not all the great shots of Crystal's awesome dad with the chin strap hat. I hope she stays around for awhile, and after her great performance she probably will.

Other highlights: Big Mike's dancing with a wide-leg stance, cutie Casey, awesome Lee, and Siobhan kicking butt.

So many other great moments....... I promise to post more in the future!

But, the big message for the day: get your picks in and sign up before 5:00 Pacific time today!