Idol says goodbye to "One classy Gentleman"

Idol opened last night with lots of drama, dimmed lights, and, of course, Ryperbole. "Blah blah blah.... Whose dream is on the line?" T.I.A.I. And, we will also be treated to Flo Rida and Kelly Pickler. Oh, goodie.

We get to see the judges: Randy with overgrown paisleys on his shoulders... or amoebas, Kara in purple, Paula in a wedding dress and gloves (why?,) and Simon in the elimination night color - black.

Next we get filler - doctored photos of Paula and Simon. Awe, shucks, these producers are hilarious. Then, we get to see Frankie Avalon on video from 1959..... and then, Frankie magically appears in person. This was probably the best part of the night.... because his voice still sounds so good! The judges seemed surprised and tickled, too. That's kind of cool.

Next we get to see the filming of the Ford Vommercial. I actually wanted to see more of dramatic vaudeville Adam.......but, we only got to see seconds of the kids and the costumes and makeup deserved more. I loved Allison saying her favorite part was the costumes and makeup... she is still a teenager, after all.

Then the judges all get a chance to say how awesome they think Adam is because they didn't get to last night, and he humbly said he was very flattered by Simon's standing "o" and seems humble despite his awesomeness.

RESULTS: Adam, safe (shocker!) Kris, safe. (Bummer for my picks!) Anoop - bottom three.
I actually thought Anoop was better than Kris last night.

Then, we got to see Flo Rida with his sunglasses, huge guns for arms, and his posse that Ryan called his harem. I spent most of the time trying to figure out what the girls were wearing - white underwear? Oh, yes- silver hot pants, of course. The girl singing with him had a huge voice and an attitude to go with it. I enjoyed this performance more than Kanye's, I have to say. But, what is up with the huge egos of these guys? At least Flo Rida made a comment about "roots" - overcoming, etc. I liked that. Admiration for overcoming adversity is a good thing.

Speaking of overcoming.......I think Idol overcame the judges walk to the front of the stage.... it was missing Tuesday night. Did anyone notice that?

More RESULTS! Danny - safe. Matt- safe. Scott - bottom three.

Then, we get to see Kelly Pickler, and we are reminded of the fact that she's not that great of a singer. She gave us her charm, though, when she said she was trying not to pop a seam. That is lovable about her.... her humanity.

RESULTS: Lil, safe. Anoop, safe. Scott - bottom three. The judges said that two of them wanted him to stay, and two wanted him to go. Thank goodness he gets to go, because his next song would probably sound the same as all the others. Nice guy, though. Paula said it perfectly when she said, "You are one classy gentleman."

So, how are you guys doing? I fell down 2 spots in one of my pools - bummer! I should have gone with my first instinct. Chime in all. Anything to add?

Top 8 Perform Some Stuff!

Another week of Idol, another week of Fun? This week is Baby Photo Week, also known as Sing a Song From the Year You Were Born Week. Since most of the contestants fall in the 1980-1992 range I was hoping for some awesome Hits of the 80’s, but maybe they are saving that for 80’s Night. Here’s to hoping!

Before we start the show we are subjected to baby photos of all the judges, just to make it fair and all. Randy is adorable in that precocious child wearing a bowtie way. Kara looks like she doodied in her diaper. Paula is at least 7 in her photo which raises a lot of questions that I won’t get into at the moment. Simon is also 7 in his photo, but dressed like a Trekkie and it’s awesome; laser gun and all. Last but not least Ryan has the most amazing buck teeth ever seen on a child in the history of the world. Paula wants to feed him carrots. Love!

Danny Gokey – Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Danny kicks off the night and I’m sighing at the prospect of another dedication to his dead wife. He surprises me (and all the other cynical asses out there) by singing this classic. Oh wait, this song isn’t about boys finding dead bodies in the woods, it’s about the night, and not being afraid, and please don’t leave me ever spirit of my dead wife. Damn you Gokey, I’ll get you for this. The song itself starts out terrible, kind of picks it up in the end but I don’t like his version. Danny’s got talent for sure, he just needs to stop being a complete tool. Paula is spewing nonsense, as well as nonsensical dancing. That was really not that good. Simon thinks its great. Boo!

Kris Allen – All She Wants To Do Is Dance – Don Henley
Is there something wrong with me? Or is this starting out as the worst night of Idol ever? Do I say that every week? Sorry. Kris wanted to grow up to be a Taxi Cab driver, which was my dream too! (for about a year, after watching Wynona Rider in Night on Earth) Perhaps if Kris became a singing taxi cab driver he would make a ton of money! He could be like a novelty person that they feature on some seldom watched TV show. He’s gotten a bit too confident after last week’s performance. This is way too cheesy. Plus this song sucks. And those drums and his mic skills are not helping him. Melodically Same Notes Song, Paula? Is that a genre of music I’m not familiar with? Really? Simon finally owns his own hotness. Woot!

Lil Rounds – What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner
Lil has got some pipes, and she looks REALLY good tonight. It’s the best performance so far, but I’m not loving it. This leaves a lot of room for Adam to steal the show. Simon calls it a ghastly copycat performance. Lil looks like she’s just had her heart cut out. Aw Lil, she makes me want to cry. But she does look hot tonight.

Anoop Desai – True Colors – Cindy Lauper
Anoop apologizes for being a fratty douchebag last week, and I’m not talking about his song. Anoop and I share the only child curse of having a million pictures taken of us as a kid. Once some people came over to my house and thought my parents had five daughters. FIVE! Ooof. What is he wearing? I’m pretty sure I also owned that cardigan in about the 5th grade. When did he get so nasally? Is that supposed to be an R&B version? I still kind of enjoyed it though. Go Figure.

Scott McIntyre– The Search Is Over – Survivor
Oh my Gosh. How awesome would it be if Scott came out and just started playing spooky Halloween music on the piano with some ghostly moaning and sudden screaming? (If I produced Idol I’m pretty sure only mental patients and those with tourettes would watch it) In the real world he starts out pretty good with him on the mic, and completely falls apart when the band kicks it to high gear. Those high notes make me cringe. The music is completely discordant with his singing. Who is this in the audience? Hello! Scott totally has a hottie for a brother! Hubba hubba. Hope you are still here next week, Hot Brother!

Allison Iraheta – I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
Allison definitely went through some serious style phases as a child. Unfortunately what she’s wearing these days isn’t much better. Only a very slight improvement over last week, but she sounds GREAT! She’s got the total Bonnie Raitt voice without sounding like an imitation. Amanda Obermeyer could take a lesson or two from little Allison. Here come the Kelly Clarkson comparisons.

Matt Girard – Part Time Lovers – Stevie Wonder
My gracious friend Scott pointed out the mole on Matt’s forehead to me last night, and now I can’t stop staring at it. Thanks for that Scottie! Holy baby Forhead! (minus the mole) He’s so adorable. Oh good, he’s wearing a hat. This is pretty good. I like his interpretation, and the scatting didn’t suck. The judges are shitting their pants, which I find kind of funny. But I also thinks he totally deserves it.

Adam Lambert – Mad World – Tears for Fears
Who is that freckley redheaded kid? He’s so cute. What happened? This song totally reminds of something that I can’t put my finger on*. He looks like he’s sitting in the chair because he has to crap. Not sure if the surfer chic hairdo really suits him. He performs the song really well. It’s just about perfect for his range and his voice. However I don’t think he deserved a standing O from Simon. I thought Matt and Allison were better tonight.

Top 3 – Allison, Matt & Adam
Bottom 3 – Scott, Danny & Kris

*Oh yes, Danny Darko. Thanks internets (Go Sparkle Motion!)

Top 9 Results: One Flew Out of the Cuckoo's Nest

Top 9 results: One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest

Is it because I watch these shows so early in the morning that they seem so bizarre to me, or are they actually quite strange?

I don’t what was weirder – Megan’s weird faces that she was making, the “caw-ing,” or the zipper over Lady Gaga’s eye?

Anyway – let’s get to the highlights.

The show started with dramatic clips from last night’s show, some Ryperbole, and a little chat with the judges. Randy said, maybe the theme was too big – “Sing Whatever You Want Night, Current or Whatever.” Awesome theme. Genius title. Then Paula said some stuff about exceeding expectations (Adam,) and Simon picked his bottom three: Anoop, Matt, and Megan. (2 out of 3, Simon, not bad.)

Then, we had the Ford Vommercial – mixing up faces and bodies. I wonder if these commercials actually work for them. My favorite: Allison’s hair, Danny’s eyes, and Anoop’s mouth. It’s the child of Tina Turner, the Verizon guy, and the Love Guru.

Next we get the treat of the Group Song, with Scott at the keyboard (nice problem-solving,) and ending with Adam in the middle with a solo. Don’t even try to pretend that he’s not the best singer, even with his 80’s rock voice.

Then we get to see the Idol House, some chocolate cake for Scott (cute,) and impersonations of each other.

Finally, some hints at results….. grouping the kids together. It turns out these groups don’t really mean anything. Filler!

Then, we get to see David Cook sing. He sounds great, his mom looked so proud, and David Cook even got teary with his gift for his album going platinum. Awe. We love our Cookie. I wish I’d downloaded some of his songs last season! Does anyone have any?

Results again. My favorite clip was seeing Jason Castro sitting behind Randy – yawning – when Ryan was talking about Scott’s performance. Classic.

Bottom three: Megan, Allison (what?), and Anoop. This doesn’t happen without cawing and weird faces from Megan, by the way.

Then, we get to see Lady Gaga. This was awesome. She had a piano filled with pink bubbly things and starfish (of course.) She wore some metal top that had to be removed by her posse before she got up to dance. She had one eye all blacked out – oh, wait! Of course! It’s a ZIPPER over her eye. So, when she gets tired, she can just zip her eye and take a rest. I should have known. She did some dancing with the Men In Black, and she wore her bathing suit bottoms and some top. I think my favorite part was the violin player with the dreads that went below his butt – that takes some serious hair-growing commitment.

Then, Simon says there’s only one worth saving (Allison!) At least that’s my opinion.

Finally we get the results. Megan is the one with the least number of votes, and she tells Anoop and Allison, “don’t forget to caw.” Stop it already, Megan! Simon gets personal, and tells her, “You said you don’t care. Neither do we … I won’t pretend we are contemplating saving you.” (Something like that.) Ouch. Ouch. Then, Megan sang her song really close to the judges’ faces with weird dancing and all. Then, they showed her goodbye montage – and she actually got teary. She actually does have a soul. And, she will do just fine in this world, I have no doubt.

What do you guys think of the results? Oh yea, my pools are looking good. I only wish Alexis hadn’t left so soon. Megan’s time was clearly up. Comments?

Top 9 Perform The Hits (and Some Misses)

Hello Idol Fans!

I’ve been out of the loop for a while, and after tonight’s performances I’m still not sure I’ve figured out what this season is all about. Tonight’s Top 9 have the song selection of Whatever You Want To Sing As Long As It Was Popular Once. For the most part I think tonight’s song selections were pretty good, but like any night on Idol there were some hits and some definite misses. Let’s get right to it, shall we?

Ryan introduces the Top 9 and from the quick pan of the camera down the line I’m a little worried they are going to be performing in a Fall Out Boy video. Luckily we are spared that catastrophe (and also any “tribute” Ford commercial in the same genre). We’ve also gone from two hours to an hour and a half, and that makes my job a little easier, but also means Ryan isn’t wasting any time getting to the singers, after a little side trip to his Top 40 radio studio, of course.

First up is Anoop singing Usher’s Caught Up. Ryan encourages him to bust out his “signature” moves and it’s hard to tell if he’s mocking him or not. But alas, that is the beauty of Ryan Seacrest. At first I think Anoop is wearing a backpack, possibly with a laptop in it, but turns out it is just a silver chain wrapped around his shoulder. Word. He tackles the song okay, but it’s hard to do Usher if you’re not Usher, and not a dancer. Or an R&B singer, despite your best efforts. The judges concede that he’s a great singer, but wrong song choice. Kara calls him a Frat boy involved in a hazing dare, and Simon calls it an utter mess.

Megan chooses to sing one of her favorite songs; Turn Your Lights Down Low by Bob Marley as sung by Lauren Hill. I have a hard time watching Megan, because she is so pretty and you can hear an amazing voice in there somewhere, but she really doesn’t know how to let it shine. She’s swallowing her words and sounds a bit indulgent of the genre. Side Bar: Fashion Tip! Don’t let the accessory department just throw a bunch of necklaces at you as you walk by. Also, a pooch can be kind of sexy on the right type of woman, but don’t try to strap it in a corset. The judges are disappointed right along with me, unsure if Megan is long for this competition.

Danny sings Rascal Flat’s What Hurts the Most. He has GOT to stop singing these songs. I feel for him, I really do, but if you’re going to build your career on Songs That Sound Like I’m Singing About My Dead Wife you are going to lose a lot of your audience. He’s like a Method singer, and has got to branch out into something else, IMHO. Of course the judges eat it up and think it’s his best performance to date. I just thought it was okay. I have yet to catch the Danny fever I guess.

Now it’s time for my favorite Idol, Allison! She tackles No Doubt with Don’t Speak, one of my favorite songs of all time. I love Alison, so I’m a little biased, but I think she is miles ahead of most of the competition. Not sure how I feel about the Fiesta on her head, but I can forgive that (and the white strappy non boots) in favor of her amazing talent. The judges say as much.

Scott is at the piano again with Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel. His performance is great, but he’s still not stepping out into spotlight. The judges think he’s taken it to a new level, but I have a hard time seeing it, probably because I’ve been keeping up with Idol on illegal YouTube videos. I find it a bit boring and he seems a bit flat. However, he’s definitely going to garner some votes with the judges approval, so I think he’s safe this week.

Matt is one of the best singers in this competition. His voice is phenomenal and he just seems like a sweet nice guy. He tries to grunge it up this week with You Found Me by The Fray. I think it’s a little too current for him to really make it his own and it comes across as a bit of an imitation. I like his enthusiasm though. The judges think he’s uptight, and the performance was a put on. I see bottom three in his future, but I really, really hope he gets another chance. Damn you Top 40!

Lil decides to tackle the big leagues with Celine Dion’s I Surrender. She’s wearing someone else’s hair and a bit of a mess of an evening gown. Actually, with those arms she looks a bit like a transvestite. Although, I’ve never seen a Transvestite with awesome booty like that. The song starts out a bit shaky, but when she hits her stride she really hits it. Her pipes are amazing and she has the mouth of a diva for sure. The judges would like to see her do something a little younger, and I agree. Maybe she should sing a little Usher! Her kids are adorable though; Ryan just can’t stay away.

Next up is the most confusing Idol contestant of all time: Adam. He’s some kind of awesome, but also scares the crap out of me. He will be singing Play That Funky Music White Boy by Wild Cherry. He’s rocking some kind of Eddie Munster in the head region, and I’m beginning to wonder if tonight’s theme was really Wig Night. He sings the crap out of the song, and I get the feeling that he’s just one nervous breakdown away from being as nutso as James Brown. Show us your splits!

The show ends with my favorite performance of the night with Kris singing Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone by Bill Withers. He’s adorable and soulful and I love him. His rendition of the song reminds me of David Gray, one of my favorite performers of all time. If you get the chance to see him live, you must! I’m greatful to Kris for tipping the scales of the night away from zzzzzzzzzzzzzz and in the direction of hope. Hope for Kris, hope for Season 8, hope for humanity as a whole! Did I mention I love Kris? (Sorry Alison, I think you’ve been unseated!)

Top 3: Kris, Allison & Adam (I think Danny got edged out this week)

Bottom 3: Anoop, Matt G (please let me be wrong!) & Megan

Comments?

Top 10 Results Show!

Top 10 Results Show – Stevie Wonder Wins!

Can we please just once have Ryan trip down the stairs? Just one time? Is that too much to ask? THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL!

The show starts with a recap of last night, put in this exact categorizing: Okay = Kris, Danny, and Anoop. Bad = Megan, Lil, Michael, and Scott. Good = Adam, Matt, and Allison. And, then, Ryan alluding to the weird mustache-drawing on Paula from last night, says, “Who made their ‘mark’ on you?” Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. He is is just sooooooo funny!

Next, we are treated to the dreaded GROUP SONG, which I am finding out is pre-recorded and lip synched this season. That would explain my wonderment over Adam emerging at the mic to sing some awesome licks, and then amazingly be back in the creative pyramid formation .0001 seconds later.

Time for the Ford Vommercial. I actually kind of liked this “Pocketful of Sunshine,” number because it sounded like Allison got the lead part in the vocals. Nice.

Ruben Stoddard was next to sing something……. But all I could focus on was how much he was sweating. He has the most infectious smile, and his voice is lovely, I can’t help liking him! And then, more weirdness with Ryan using his bare hands to wipe sweat from Ruben’s head. It was actually kind of endearing in a bizarre way.
Get this guy a towel, please! Kanye had one and didn’t even use it, after all!

Then we got to see some shots of the kids looking bored in the airplane on their trip to Detroit. Really? There had to be better shots than that!

Finally, we get to the results. Adam = safe (shocker!) Matt G. = not safe….. And this was actually shocking to me, and to him, too, it appeared.

Next we are treated to Joss Stone and Smokey Robinson singing a duet about being together, and it was a little creepy for me. Joss looked beautiful, and Smokey looked sweet and oldish, at 69 years. I didn’t love the combo, but they can both sing!

More results: Kris = safe. Lil = safe. Michael = bottom 3.

Next, we get to the highlight of the show: Stevie Wonder. He sang a medley because he has so many awesome songs, they couldn’t pick just one, I’m sure. My favorite parts: the singing, his awesome harmonica playing (how does he do that?), the kids going crazy over him, and him saying, “It’s all about ‘positivity.’ It was a feel-good moment, and I loved it.

More results: Allison = safe (yey!) Anoop = safe. Scott= bottom 3. Meagan = safe (what????)

Then, Scott gets sent to the safety couches first, leaving Matt and Michael. And, thank goodness Matt gets the safety, because America would need to personally apologize to me for taking Matt away. Michael handled it all with class – even the judges’ fake deliberation about the “save.” Bye, Michael! I think it’s great that he gets to go on tour, and I’m happy for him!

What do you guys think of the results? More importantly……. I’m so excited about my pools right now!!!!! Comments?

Motown Night - Top 10 perform!

Motown Night – Top 10 perform!

Warning: Kara can’t count to six, Paula is taking over Adam’s usual hairstyle for the night, and Simon gets silly with a black marker! ….. THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL!

My DVR started recording in the middle of the Ryperbole, but I don’t think I missed anything. I’m sure he was saying the stakes are higher than ever, they have to lay it all on the line, etc. etc., blah, blah, blah. Then, for the third time, we get to see the judges walk the stage! It has now turned into a couple’s thing, with the two couples holding hands. Awe. Stop that already! I think it’s mainly a fashion thing, what do you guys think? We get to see Paula’s entire outfit, ballerina tutu and all! And, seriously, her hair was so smashed down and hair sprayed, Adam Lambert style. Then, I saw why: Adam actually was channeling Elvis in his later years, and needed Paula to wear the Adam “usual” do.

I really enjoyed hearing the history of Motown, and learned an interesting Factoid: Smokey Robinson has written over 4,000 songs!!! OMG, he is so lazy!

First up was Matt Giraud, with “Let’s get it on.” I’m a fan. This was nice, smooth, and his singing makes me happy. I know lots of you aren’t, but come on! Doesn’t his singing make you feel groovy? (And don’t his tight in the crotch jeans make you feel uncomfortable?) The judges all liked him. Yo man, Dude. Solid. Cool performance, etc. (By the way, I have an official “Giraud Squad” number… I know you are jealous.)

Kris Allen was second, with “How Sweet it is.” Ah, cuteness – with military or jail numbers on his shoulders. He was a cute, sweet puppy, singing with a guitar. Good. Safe.

Next was Scott MacIntyre with “You Can’t Hurry Love.” I actually loved having the back-up singers close to the piano, and as Paula amazingly said, they “brought new life” to his song. His otherwise threatening-to-sound-just-like-his-other-songs new song, in spite of the upbeat tempo. His songs are starting to all remind me of “Mandolin Rain,” and I don’t know how much more America can take of it. Then, Simon said that exact thing, so I’m a little worried for Art – I mean Scott. He seems funny and sweet, and I hope he gets one more week.

Megan Joy Corkery was next, with “For Once in My Life.” For once in my life, my tatoo sleeve actually matches my dress perfectly, and look it matches my necklace, too! Beautiful girl, weird dancing, didn’t nail the song. Randy said, “Dude. Train Wreck. Mad, crazy, rushed.” Simon said, “You look good, it was horrible.” Megan is probably in the bottom three.

Next was Anoop, singing “Ewwwww, Baby, Baby.” I mean, “Ooo, Baby, Baby. Okay, I know there are a lot of Anoop fans out there, but when he sang the “ooo” parts, I kept cringing and thinking “ewww.... please wipe the sweat off your upper lip.” Yes, he can sing. Yes, he seems like a nice guy and is probably really smart. I get that. And, he’s probably safe. I just didn’t feel it this week. The Anoop Troop is going to be all over me for the “eww,” I just know it. Bring it!

Michael Sarver was next with, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” (… To beg to stay?) Can he please go now? I think we’ve had enough of his charm. The judges all felt it wasn’t great. Please. It’s your time, love. It wasn’t great, and he said he was happy to be in the top 10. Not safe.

Next was Lil Rounds, with “Heat Wave.” I loved the clips of her being moved by the Motown history. That was cool. Her song had too many words and not enough range for her to blow us away. It was just alright. The judges thought it was just okay, and Simon reminded America to keep her in by saying, “You are one of the best singers here.” Thanks, Pimp Simon.

Adam “Fat Elvis” Lambert was next. NO, I DO NOT THINK HE’S FAT! I just think the image is funny. (Thanks to my sister Mary for forever putting that in my head.) Before I talk about his song this week, I have to say that his “Ring of Fire” song from last week is one of my favorite songs on my iPod. Why? Because it’s interesting and unusual, and the guy’s voice is amazing and he’s always in tune! So, this week, he did another amazing job with “Tracks of My Tears.” He sang the whole song in falsetto and displayed amazing vocal control and was again, completely in tune and nailed it. Personally, I was hoping for him to sing some of it in his lower range, but Elvis says NO! And, I loved that he changed his look up – he’s keeping it interesting. Kara then said, “Six words – One of the best performances of the night.” Um, Kindergarten again, please Kara.

Next was Danny “I want to dance” Gokey, with “Get Ready.” It was just okay. His vocals were strong; it was kind of boring, but not bad. It was a bummer for him that he had to follow Adam. And, he didn’t take Smokey’s advice about the arrangement! (Ooo, bad call. Don't snuff the Smoke!) I still think it was solid, and he’s safe.

Last, but not anywhere near least, was Allison with “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” This girl can sing – and she completely nailed it! The judges loved it, and she better not be in the bottom three.

Okay, so what do you think? Who will go? It should be Michael, Megan, or Scott. Comments?

Top Eleven Results - to save or not to save?

Top Eleven Results Show – to save or not to save?

The show opens with Ryperbole about “the results may shock you,” etc., etc., and, This Is American Idol!!!!! And, down the stairs he goes. Can he please just trip once? Just once?

Paula was wearing straps made of black tulle, and definitely spent a lot of time with the flat iron before the show. Simon apparently slept in his old white t-shirt from yesterday and was wearing it again.

We had a review of last night, and then the GROUP SONG. Hmmm, the choreographers ask themselves, “What to do with Scott?” They put him at the piano tonight, and it looks like he was ripping it up! Nice! What a goofy song, though. T.R.O.U.B.L.E. Man, I like country music, but some of these songs are enough to make you insane.

Then, the Ford Vommercial, this time all goofy with water balloons. Oh, these silly kids! (Insert geeky chuckle.)

Results: Danny, safe. Lil, safe. Anoop, safe. Allison, in bottom 3. Michael thought he was safe, and then Ryan made him stand up again and told him he was in the bottom three. That was kinda mean, Ryan. I no likey.

Next, a commercial, and then when Idol came back, Brad Paisley had already sang a few lines of his song. I had to rewind to make sure I didn’t mess up. Come on, FOX. What the heck? I don’t want to miss Brad Paisley!

Well, if you missed it too, it was pretty much exactly like Kanye’s performance last week, except completely different. Cowboy hats were involved. Take away welding masks, bullet-proof vests, sunglasses, and 3-feet high shoulder pads, and insert a few cowboy hats.

More results. Scott, safe. Megan, safe. Matt, safe. Kris, safe. Adam, safe. (Randy had to throw in a name regarding Adam’s performance, just so we know how much Randy knows.) Alexis, bottom three.

Then, Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis sang a duet. I don’t know why it was really a duet, since Carrie got to sing 90% of the song. I didn’t mind at all – she sounded great. Am I the only one who thinks Randy Travis is a little goofy looking? Long head and weird singing faces and all. I totally enjoyed the song, in spite of me being distracted by RT.

So, Allison, Michael, and Alexis were in the bottom three. Allison, safe. The judges said they would consider the “save” option for one of the two, Michael or Alexis, and Michael totally knew they wouldn’t use it for him in a million years. Then, Michael was safe, and Alexis had to sing for her life. No pressure. After singing, the judges decided to not use the “save,” ----- psyche! Bye, Alexis. Awe. She was classy, but we could tell she was bummed. She is so cute, I’m sure we’ll be seeing her soon – selling face soap or makeup – or even singing.

I really think that Michael should have been the one to go, and that Alexis has way more diversity as a singer. Darn America, I'm going to get you. You got this one wrong.

What do “y’all” think of the results from country week?

Top Eleven Perform!

It left me "confused, but kind of happy!" The Top Eleven Perform!

Tonight’s show opens with lots of Ryperbole about the stakes being higher, yada yada yada, and THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL!

Then, again, we are treated to the funniest addition to Idol ever: the judges walking upstage in a row. Kara and Randy are holding hands, Paula has such a funny swagger, and Simon is wearing a thin old white-ish t-shirt.

It’s Country Week! Can we get a “YEE-HAW!?” Randy Travis is the guest mentor, and he seems like genuinely nice guy. Awe.

First up is Michael Sarver. What the heck was this? It was a song with a million words all squished together that I never have any desire to hear again. I was also a little worried about the microphone, with his squeeze and release procedure. My question is: can we please vote for the harmonica player. He was awesome. Overshadowed Michael by far.

Allison was next. Good voice but too much running around! I kept thinking she was getting out of breath. This girl has such a good voice – in a sultry, rocker chick sort of way. I just hope lots of voters think so too.

Next was Kris without his guitar. Awe, he can sing. It was nice, and the judges called him a “tender puppy.” Probably safe.

Lil Rounds was next, wearing a red dress with a matching dinner napkin tucked into the front. I thought she was great. She told the story, and then let her big voice out in the edge. I even got that teary-eyed country song thing going on. The judges apparently had all kinds of ideas of what OTHER songs she could have sang. Give me a break. She was really good, and safe. A weird thing that is happening this season, is that Paula is actually making a lot of sense. She said Lil’s vocals were “spot on.”

Then, the most awesome thing of the night happened: Adam Lambert went into another world. This “Ring of Fire” took us into the underworld of some weird dracula-like scene, full of snarls, the sitar, black gloves, tight pants, high collars, etc. Do you think Adam is really a vampire? I can see it. I think this was the strangest thing I’ve seen on idol, and I have to say, I LOVED it. Like Randy said, it was like Nine Inch Nails doing country. “It was young, fresh, and hot.” Adam is all drama, and now I look forward to all the lip snarls, the sultry looks into the camera, and the drama. He can do it, because the boy can SING! Simon did not like it at all, but the rest of the judges were okay with it. Kara said, “It left me confused, but kind of happy.”

Next was Scott McIntyre. His piano playing is absolutely AMAZING. I think he’s safe, but his last couple of songs have sounded similar, and I was thinking he’d better add a little variety next time. He seems humble and sweet. I hope he makes it another week.

Alexis was next. She sang Jolene, I thought it was alright, but the judges weren’t loving it. They thought it was “okay,” it showed her soft side, and again had lots of ideas for other songs she could have sang (Randy and Kara.) Hmm, I hope she stays.

Danny Gokey was next. He sang, Jesus Take the Wheel. It was really comical how he kept messing up in front of Randy Travis, and I was a little worried. Then, he started singing and was awesome. His jacket was a little weird – I love that Simon pointed that out and that Matt Giraud said it looked like he was going to jump out of plane. Danny was solid. Safe.

Then, the biggest surprise of the night (next to Ring of Fire) was Anoop! Wow!!!! His voice is actually quite good! You take away all the weird dancing stuff, and he can sing! I actually liked his song a lot, and the judges were loving him. He was not surprised by all the good comments. (Cockiness or confidence? Comments, anyone?)

Megan Corkery was next, wearing two boob slings, gold eye shadow, and her tattoo sleeve. And, looking quite beautiful as usual. She was okay. The judges couldn’t stop talking about how sick she was, so she might just get lots of sympathy votes. Plus, the website that shall remain nameless has picked her as their pick. She might be safe, but is close to the bottom for sure.

Last up was Matt Giraud, on the piano again. I was happy to see this. He is better there, and I like him. He did a great job – his voice sounded great. The judges loved him. It’s only going to help him to have the power spot of the last performer of the night.

Okay, let’s hear your comments. What was stranger – Adam’s song or Anoop’s recovery?

Top 13 Eliminations: Two Go Home

Elimination Night – Top 13, Two sent home

Yey! Idol is only on two nights this week! Can I get an AMEN?!

Here we go, off to see two contestants ousted.

Let’s get to the important stuff: the outfits. Ryan is wearing a suit again, looking very fancy. Randy is posing as a frat boy in a sweater. Kara is a villain from a Disney movie, borrowing something from Maleficent’s closet with a menacing neckline. Paula is showing more skin than I’ve seen on her in a long time, and better be careful not to pull a Janet Jackson tonight. Simon is of course, in black, in honor of the two cuts tonight, I’m sure.

Ryan now tells of the new rule. I had to rewind to make sure I got it all right. They are allowed one “save” this whole entire season. If they use it, no one will be eliminated that week, and the next week two contestants will be eliminated. Okay, that’s one more thing for the point calculators to have to figure out on PopPool, and I know they are all over it.

Next we get to see the mansion the contestants are staying in… not too shabby. I couldn’t figure out who the guy in the beanie was who always wanted to live in a house like that. Oh, it’s Adam without the signature hairdo. Who knew?

Next is..... da da da daaaaaaa..... the Group Song. The whole time I was trying to watch Scott and see how he was doing, and then come the lyrics, "Oh Darling, I was blind....." That just doesn't seem nice. And, here is the big question: Why is Danny the only one who got a DANCE SOLO? Was his dancing so awesome last night that we needed more? That is going to kill him if he keeps doing that.

Next, we get to the Ford Vommercial. Please tell me they weren’t part of the government bailout. If they got bailed out, only to spend millions on Vommercials like this one that left the contestants giggling at each other, I think they owe all Americans a payback.

Finally we get to some results. Michael – safe. Allison – safe. Jasmine – please come to the center of the stage and stand there indefinitely. Matt – safe. Kris – safe. Megan – come to the center of the stage. Jasmine goes home. No save from judges. Then she sings again, I push the ff button as many times as possible, only to be told that Kanye is up next.

Kanye. Wow. I’m wondering if he likes himself at all, or if he thinks he’s at all cool. Hmmm. He needs to attend a self-esteem workshop. This was actually one of the best parts of the show for me because I now know that I can actually be surprised. Questions: Why the gloves? Why the towell hanging from his pocket? Is he planning on dripping so much sweat that he needs a huge towell to mop his sweaty face while singing only one song? What were the huge poufy sleeves of the female backup singer made out of and why? Why was the male backup singer wearing a bullet-proof vest with lots of pockets? Is he a cub scout/police officer? Or, does Kanye periodically threaten him with a gun? Last, but certainly not least, why the industrial welding masks on the band? Feedback please.

Then, during the commercial break I finally realized where I’ve seen Danny Gokey before: the Verizon commercial guy.

Oh wow. We actually get more results. There is a God. Scott – safe. Alexis – safe. Danny – safe. Anoop, go to the center of the stage. (He did not seem at all surprised.) Adam – safe. Lil – safe. Jorge – go to the center of the stage.

Then, out came Kelly Clarkson to sing “My Life Would Suck Without You.” I really like her amazing voice, but my life would suck if I had to listen to that song again.

Finally, we are told that Jorge is going home, and Puerto Rico will be flooded with the tears of millions. Not really. If they had voted that much, he would still be in.

What do you think of the results?

Top 13 Perform!

Top 13 Perform!

Tonight we were treated to the judges walking from downstage to the front, and Ryan Seacrest walking down a flight of stairs….. Oh, what a thrill! You could tell they thought it was ridiculous as well. And, here we go! Two hours of American Idol!

Paula apparently ran into a seagull on the way tonight, and the remains were pasted to her chest. Kara was suspiciously covering up her neck with a giant bow, Randy was again sporting the colorful bead necklace that he probably proudly made, and Simon was looking somber in GREY. Paula wins for the outfit, and receives extra points for tons of “rouge” and gold sparkly eye shadow and questionable sobriety. Awesome.

First up was Lil, wearing the other strap of Paula’s dress, pre-seagull encounter. She was solid. Safe.

Next was Scott MacIntyre, aka Art Garfunkel. Come on, stylists – a little help here. I heard a rumor that he can’t see very well. The piano has finally arrived! He was good. Nice, sweet, good. Safe.

Danny Gokey was up next. Apparently he comes from a big family that sings all the time. Awe, he’s cute. They noticeably left out talking about his wife, which was a smart move for him. (Did you guys know that his wife recently died?) He sang really well, channeling Taylor Hicks’ dancing at times, and will be safe. He admitted that he’s not used to dancing and singing at the same time, which was honestly quite endearing. For sure – SAFE.

Michael Sarver was next. I think he’s a “rough neck” or something. I don’t know, really, because they never mention what he does. I’m so glad Simon pointed that out. This guy can actually sing. He was in tune, and solid. I think he just might be safe.

Next, was Ja$mine Murray, wearing a pink negligee and sporting eyes that seemed very far apart tonight. She looked good, sang okay, but might be in danger.

Kris Allen was next. We learned he’s been married for five months and wears matching aprons with his wife. It’s kind of sickeningly cute. Then, he shows up with his guitar, which kind of makes him cuter. He doesn’t even have to play it. He’s probably safe.

Allison Iraheta was next. Sixteen years old from Salvadorian parents. This girl showed her rocker self again, was solid, and Randy called her “one to watch.” I hope people don’t get tired of her. I like her, and hope everyone else does, too. She is probably safe, but I’m not sure.

Next was Anoop Desai. We learn he is an only child and apple of his parents’ eye…. Awe. Spoiled. He picked, “Beat it,” which is song that hovers around the same note for its entirety. Bad choice. The judges didn’t love it, and I would say he’s going to be out, except I did notice that the crowd loves him. Hmmm, he could actually be safe. Disturbing.

Jorge Nunez was next. This was kind of weird. Randy said it was the wrong song choice. Kara felt there was no emotion. Paula added nothing new (shocker) and Simon said it was corny and old-fashioned. I didn’t like it, and all of Puerto Rico better vote for him or else he’s probably out.

Tenth up was Megan Corkery. She sang Rockin’ Robin, looked pretty, of course, and actually added a “CAW, CAW,” at the end. Um, robins don’t say “caw,” right? The judges basically felt it was a bad song choice, and didn’t show who she is. She could be out, but maybe will stay in because of her looks.

Then, Adam Lambert gets his turn. I’m sorry, but he is just really good. He is confident, and can really sing. He is a little over-the-top. Okay, a lot. But, I don’t really care. He can sing. The judges loved it, and felt the over-the-top thing was fine while singing Michael Jackson. This also produced a great Paula comment: “My eyes are transfixed on you…… you marry fashion with music, etc.” I predict he is safe.

Matt Giraud had to follow Adam, and I think he did well. He had his piano, seemed confident, and sang well. I hope he stays.

Last was Alexis Grace. She is so darn cute. Her dad, Jerry Garcia, is also a musician. She did a good job, but the judges warned her not to over-sing. She was good. Safe.

Okay guys. Today is the day to get your picks in. Which TWO do you think will go home tonight? It’s time to order the top 13. Get your picks in by 5:00 PST. Don’t forget, you can “hedge your bet,” and pick two to go home tonight, and can pick a different two to be in the #12 and #13 spots in your game 1. That way you have a better chance of getting at least one right.

And, what do you think? Who’s going home?
Chime in. Leave a comment.

Top 12 revealed!, I mean top 13!

Our Wild Card show started with lots of Ryperbole about the "power of tenacity," etc., etc., but do you think the judges already had their minds made up? I kinda do.

Jesse Langseth had the spot of doom, going first. She sang great, had a lot of "swagger," and looked awesome. Sorry, you're out.

Von did not wear his hat, as he was told not to, but Randy made a comment about the last time he liked it better, the hat and all! Man! What's Von supposed to do? Well, he tried to pull his voice back from full tilt, and it didn't go over that well. Von's out.

Ricky Braddy sang really well, loosened up, and had fun. He has a great voice, but the judges proved that this show is about more than a great voice. Out. = (

TatiDrama actually sounded great. She can sing. Simon gave her a bad time about singing that song for the 3rd time, and also all of sudden she has a Puerto Rican accent that we haven't heard that much before. So, the judges are finally letting the drama go. Can we all say "Amen?!"

So, the winners are:

Matt Giraud, bringing back the soulfulness.

Megan Corkrey, with all her quirkyness and wierd dancing and good looks

Ja$mine Murray, because she's cute and actually has a voice.

Anoop Desai, because he is fun and gosh darn it, people love him.

What do you guys think? I know that we now have to rank our top 13 instead of 12!

Top 9 revealed, and 8 Wild Cards announced!

American Idol did it: an hour show with lots of action! We now know the top 9, and the eight wild cards were revealed. All this in one hour!

We still had the Group Song - which was all about stairs and chairs. (Did they do any of that because of Scott MacIntyre?) We still had Simon in the requisite black shirt in honor of the 9 slashings. And, we still had to hear 3 of the songs again from last night. They couldn't let us off that easy.

The last of the top 9 are:
Lil Rounds (Wow! What a shocker!)
Scott MacIntyre .... After all, we need to hear him with the piano, so say the judges.
Jorge (Come on, we need a little Latin flavor)

Woo-hoo! I called it!

Wow! And there are still 20 minutes left in the show! Not so much filler. Nice! And, we get to find out that there will be 8 Wild Card picks, chosen from the judges.

Here they are:
Von Smith (Hmm, what do you guys think?)
Jasmine Murray (I'm not surprised..... "You're so commercial, Ja$mine")
Ricky Braddy (Yeay!)
Megan Corkrey (Commercial)
Tatiana Del Toro (TatiDrama.... gag!)
Matt Giraud (good!)
Jesse Langseth (? comments, anyone?)
Anoop Desai (Duh.)

Alright, what do you guys think?