Top 7 Recap - (What did they BLEEP out?)

Last night I was left wondering - what did Steven Tyler say for ten seconds that AI had to bleep out? No fair.

My favorite performance of the the whole season actually happened last night - from the Idol "rejects," also known as "Paul and His Harem." This was all kinds of awesome. Paul had this big solo, because he was the only guy, and he proceeded to forget 75% of it. Perfect. I think I saw Pia trying to help him out when he forgot the words. Poor Pia. She's probably thinking, "You are kidding me, right? Now I have to help him out!" Naima's crazy jumping was not lost on me either. She's pretty amazing. This was so crazy to me, because they all seemed to be trying so hard to look like rock stars. Soooooo great.

Scotty was up first, singing a song by Leann Rimes about being on a swing with a girl. This didn't make sense to me, and rightly so, because it's from 1963 or something and originally sung by a guy. Is this cheating? (Songs from the 21st century, right?) It doesn't matter, though, because the guy who holds the mic like a flute will be safe, even with a boring song. Bluhhhhhh.

James Durbin was next. I loved how his Idol friends were kinda making fun of his scarfs he always wears in his pocket. His performance: The marching band drummers were awesome, and unexpected. James' clothes were also very interesting, and I actually liked this performance. I'd never heard the Muse song, but I thought James did a good job.

Haley was next with an Adele song. (Soooooo much better in my opinion than Gwyneth covering Adele on Glee!) I thought it was pretty good. A little boring, but pretty good. She's cute.

Jacob is know by his Idol friends as a diva. Wow. We are so surprised. Jacob sings a song about missing his dad, and he will probably get votes for that. Awe. Randy wants the crazy over-the-top Jacob back. I kinda do too.

Casey Abrams. I just love him. He picks a Maroon 5 song. He really can sing anything, and sings in tune. He gets in the faces of the judges because he feels like it, and then kisses Jennifer on the cheek. I love it. Steven goes crazy and they bleep him out, but good job Casey. Stir it up. Great singing.

Stefano was next. He was actually looking at the camera with his EYES OPEN. Good job. His eyes are actually dark and sparkly. When he dances, he moves a little, then plants his feet in a solid stance. Signature Stefano. This was probably one of his better performances, but I feel like he is in the danger zone.

Lauren was next. She had the last spot, and an opportunity to hit some really great notes and blow people away. She didn't! She has such a great voice, but we all still think she is holding back. She will be safe, I think. But, come on Lauren!

Bottom 3: Stefano, Haley, Casey or Jacob

What do you guys think?

Top 8 perform!

The top 8 performed songs from the movies last night.

My biggest question: Why was Jlo wearing a loofah at the bottom of her dress? I'm calling it V-fluff. Steven sported tight white jeans, a blouse, as usual, and little cavebones on his necklace. It would be fun looking in his closet. And, every week Randy gets closer to prep school. It started with the v-neck sweaters, then the glasses, and now he even added a TIE! Hmmm...... going for the smart look, I guess. You, for me, for you, dawg!

Onward. Jlo is now "the most beautiful woman in the world." She IS extremely beautiful, so I'm glad we have that settled. We can stop looking until next year for someone prettier. So, sit back and relax!

Paul starts out with another flower suit (I liked it!) and sang Old Time Rock and Roll. It's the dreaded first spot. He was ridiculous and not too bad. He distracted us with Sax girl and the tambourine, and only got positive comments. Then Ryan HAD to add the sleaze with, "If you liked Sax with Paul," vote ....... Ewe.

Next up was Lauren, singing a Mylie Cyrus song. Okay, I am really enjoying Will i. am.'s comments...... but, not really sure why he is still here. I am liking it, though!

Lauren's performance was kinda boring, though. I realize she was trying to channel Pia, but it was kinda dull. She moved Steven beyond tears, though. (What?)

Next, Stefano, looking a little defeated in the taping segment, was up to sing a Boys to Men song, "End of the Road." (Will this be prophetic?) The best thing about this was HIS DAD! His dad looked so proud. Loved that. It was pretty good, and I loved the little brass section on stage. We will see if he has enough love from voters to stay.

Scotty was up next with - what? Another country song? No way! The background were a little loud. He sounded sweet and okay. His last notes were a little wierd - maybe strained. I figured out that he looks like a bobblehead to me when he sings. Safe, none the less. And, he actually seems like a nice guy in his off-stage interview. Geez. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not crazy about him, but he's growing on me.)

Casey was next. I loved his song. Loved the bass, again. "Bassy Casey." He was really good. I hope he stays.

Basically so many of the singers last night gave Jimmy Iovine the finger and didn't take his suggestions, instead doing whatever the hell they wanted to. (Scotty, Casey, James.) I loved this part of the show.

Haley. She's so cute. Great hair. Great outfit. Steven made some comment about looking up old addresses........ translation - I want to do you. Niiiiiiiiice boots, too. She did well, was smiley and true to herself. However, she is the only one the judges actually didn't put lots of love all over....... and basically thought it was the wrong song choice. We will see.

What? Is that Elvira in the audience. This show is just wierder and wierder all the time. I love it.

Jacob actually listens to Jimmy and changes his song to Bridge Over Troubled Water. He sounded great with the background singers, was actually controlled, and might have saved himself this week by being a little more humble. Nice.

James, Heavy Metal, Durbin was next. Not bad. His voice sounded great. Sounding a little too cocky with Jimmy in the pre-singing video. It was actually quite good, though. Very entertaining and the singing was good. Zakk Wylde's hair was awesome, too. I think Zakk is safe. I mean, James.

What do you guys think?

Bottom: Haley, Paul, Stefano, Casey.

Top: Casey, Jacob, James, Lauren, Scotty.

Notice Casey is in both? ......... sigh. I'm a little worried for him.

Top 9 - all sing Fine!

I couldn't resist that title. Rhyming. Never gets old. Except all the time.

I'm posting this picture of Scotty, because I'm very intrigued. So many people like him. He WILL be safe this week. He showed a different side of his voice - it wasn't just all deep and stuff. My mom likes him. I guess I kinda get it. He seems nice. But, jeez, I still have a confused look on my face about why he is such a favorite. Look at the dorky look on his face and have you noticed his weird dancing?

Okay, let's move on.

Jacob starts the night out and says, "If I end up in the bottom three, it won't be because I sang the song wrong, but it will be because America is afraid to look at themselves in the mirror." Okay Jacob, it won't be because of your creepy hip thrusts, or because I was almost more interested in hearing your back-up singer than you? He did sing pretty well, but I was too busy looking at myself in the mirror to vote for him. (My skin is so dry lately.)

Haley was up next with a Janis Joplin tune, finally. She's cute, moves well, and growled on almost every single note. I think she'll be safe, but perhaps make an appearance in the bottom three.

Casey was next with, thank God, his string bass. The judges loved it almost too much, and I think it made them ignore all the weird things he does with his mouth and all uncomfortable faces he makes. I actually loved the song, though. Safe.

Lauren was next, tackling Aretha. Brave girl. She sang it okay; actually quite well. She has a great voice. But, Randy couldn't praise her too much, because, after all, if you sing Aretha, Mariah, or Whitney, you are asking for a little grey skies from Randy. And, her weird outfit? Gwen Stefani hates her. Gingham shorts over tights? And, the shorts kept bunching up at hger crotch. Will i. am needs to create another word besides COUNTROUL........ , it will be CROTCHING, for crotch bunching. (Thanks to Annie Barrett for that one.) Safe.

James was next. I drew a little cartoon character of his head while he was singing - squinty eyes, hair sticking up, ears sticking out. I like his voice so much, I just really wish he wouldn't keep blinking on camera!! He seems very sweet and has a good voice. I appreciated that he didn't do another crazy fast tune, and I liked it. I was glad he ended with an Adam Lambert signature note, but still I don't like him as much as Adam. He can sing. I liked the strings. Safe.

Scotty was next singing Elvis. Not bad. I'm still perplexed.

Pia. What the heck did Gwen Stefani do to you? She must not like you very much. You looked so hot and beautiful last week. Well, it must have done something for Steven, because he said "a million guys are having a million drinks in a million bars over you." Translated - "I want to do you." She sang beautifully. But, if this is Pia getting "wild and crazy," then that is hilarious. Great voice. Beautiful girl. Still mellow and subdued. Safe.

Stefano, "Pink Lips," was next. What's up with his pink lips? He actually sounded good! Great song, great job. His voice is so crazy high! I thought he did a good job. Probably his best yet, in my opinion. Maybe in the bottom three though.

Last was Paul. The producers told him to go crazy and sing it, or something like that. He sure did. He had fun. He had the coveted pimp spot, being last. He might be safe, but shouldn't be. He will probably be in the bottom three. He was last and everyone there was just done, so the judges really had nothing to say, and Paul inspired all the contestants to get up and do some crazy dancing that Ryan Seacrest and I felt would never end.

Bottom three: Jacob, Stefano, Paul, and maybe Haley or Lauren. Whoa, that's five. What do you guys think?

Top 11 are touring in 2011! (Kinda makes sense)

So, we have a top 11 this year. Fresh and new for 2011!

Frankly, I am sooooo glad Casey got the save, even though I did pick him as going out this week. He got the dreaded #1 singing spot on Wednesday night, had his grungy friends in the audience which didn't do him any favors, however awesome they may be, and I'm not sure if the voting people "get him."

I totally get him. He's amazing and awesome and needs to get back up there with his string bass. He is just an amazing musician and I would be sad to see him go! (I actually picked him in my top 12 as #1.) I love him. I just don't think everyone is sharing the Casey love.

Anyway....... how great was Jacob? His performance was so controlled and glorious. I had tears. He did show beautiful retraint, and i was moved.

Okay, on to the wierdest results show ever: March 24, 2011.
Stevie Wonder - awesome. Hulk Hogan - wierd and kinda awesome. Steven Tyler's bday - of course!!!! Awesome.

On to the conflict of my restless night: How do I still like Sugarland while retaining respect for myself? Elf leggings, a red 80's bolero jacket, a gigantic seafoam belt, and a black mesh shirt that at first I also thought was a fanny pack at the bottom. Great voice, but I am really pretty freaked out by the outfit. Help! Stylist! Do I still like them? Not sure. Still freaked out.

And, the English major in me was really reeling in pain during the song, "Where you at?" ..... Really? We are not only ending the sentences in a preposition..... repeatedly; but we are are also not using the verb "are." Ouch. Painful. Jennifer Hudson, congrats on your weight loss!

So, this season not only is super glorious because of Steven Tyler, made better by Jlo, but Randy Jackson is actually saying constructive things that I agree with! (Except that last thing about James not hitting it at the beginning.)

And, back to Steven: I think he might be wearing a smaller size jeans than me. Hmmmm. Interesting. I am looooooooving his jewelry and style. Yes!

Sooooooooooooo, what do you guys think? Let's start hearing your comments!!!!

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?