Top 3 - Performance Night

Tonight, I am including random comments from my daughter, who is watching it with me for the first time this season.

My boys are outside playing with water guns I bought for $1 (for 5 of them!) at Walmart. Lincoln has no pants on - big shocker!. they have been playing for 2 hours.

What Abbey said about:
Paula - "She's really cheesy"
David Archuleta - "He's so cute"
David Cook - "He's not a good singer. Who is that woman? His grandmother?"
Simon - "He'd probably kill me if he heard what I was saying about him."
Syesha - "She's really pretty." And Luke said "She's singing Beaver? I know how that goes... 'I'm a country girl...beaver. Is that a country song?" And then Abbey said "Well, miss (wiggly eyebrows)" (This is while she was singing "Fever". Ha!)
Abbey and Luke didn't know I was writing down their comments - so their words were very innocent. Ha!

I think tonight is the best Syesha has ever done. The judges are on crack.

David Cook is doing Switchfoot. Awesome. Very cool. Ok, it starts a little rocky. This is a hard song to sing, and I can't say that he did it all that well. For people who had never heard the song, they might've liked it. Not me, though.

I don't know what everyone's problem with Syesha is tonight. I think she has kicked booty tonight.

Loved David Archuleta's version of Longer. beautiful!

Liked David Cook's last song. Didn't LOVE it, but I liked it.

Ok, so how many times have we heard it said that this is a SINGING competition. Well, if that's the case then based on tonight, Syesha won. David Archuleta botched his words all over the place on his second song. He botched it so bad that they couldn't even find a snippet of him NOT messing up to show on the ending roll-through. I mean, it's ok - he IS 17. But, don't rip other people to shreds for forgetting the lyrics and then just let him slide through. ya know?

I realize this blog is very incoherent and all over the place. Sorry. But, it's done!!! Whoo hoo!

Who will win? Probably Archie. Who will go home tomorrow night? Probably Syesha. I didn't think she would make it THIS far, but they were right that she peaked at the right moment. Now.

Top 5 - Performance Night

Well, my mother emailed to inform me that I had yet to post my blog for last night's performance and that I had better get on it. Ha! I've sucked her in! I love it!

So, it's almost 4pm on Wednesday and I'm just now watching the show. As I explained to mom, I opted to deep clean our master bedroom last night instead of watch. Here we go!

Yes, I already heard about Paula's... whatever you want to call it. Mental breakdown? Whoops-a-daisy? Stupidity? Ok, that was harsh. But, come on. I KNEW they were feeding her lines to her. Now I have proof.

Carrying on...

Paula actually looks... pretty tonight. I just wish she would get her bangs out of her eyes! Grrr.

I love Niel Diamond. That's who my husband sounds like when he tries to sing. We rented The Jazz Singer in our first year of marriage. I really liked it!

Jason goes first. Aw, he's so cute. I know some people think he's air-headed. I just think he's unpretentious. OK, he's singing. At first, my thought was "Uh, he's singing it too low." But then he took it up an octave and I really liked it! He has that lazy, folksy sound that goes well with the song.

Next is David Cook. His personality is weird tonight. A little cocky? Already, David? You're still a contestant. Still, I'm looking forward to him singing. Somehow when Neil said he got goosebumps and David said "Really?", I doubt that he was at all surprised. Wow, he sounds amazing on this song. [Ha, Lincoln just came up and told me to change this to something else for kids.] Really nice. I liked it - but man, does he look over-confident on this show.

Brooke - are you a hugger or a hand-shaker? Ha. "I'm a Believer" is first. Man, I gotta be honest - it's just boring me to death. This song? For the top 5? And she's doing something weird with her mouth that makes me wonder if the producers are staying away from closeups for that very reason. Eh. It was fine.

Little Archie is up next. Mr. Diamond calls him a prodigy. Ew - is it just me, or is he very pitchy throughout the first part of the song? I've never really heard him be this "off" except for when he forgot the words to the Stevie song. Ah, I didn't care for it. He seems a litle too young and innocent to be singing about such things! But the girls liked it, didn't they?

Syesha has improved the past few weeks. Neil looks really good for his age, whatever his age is. Hello, Again is such a beautiful song. Such beautiful melodies. She needs to commit to it a little more. Attack it, Syesha! Ok, here she goes. Pretty. Nothing spectacular, but very pretty.

OK, all of the contestants are coming out. Randy starts giving his opinion... man! While he's critiquing David Cook, David has his eyebrow cocked much like I imagine his attitude might be. Archulate, the bomb? No way. OH PAULA. Oh, oh oh. She tries to cover it, VERY badly. Oh, Paula. Just keep your quacky mouth shut. Oh, sickening. I completely agreed with Simon on almost everything, except (surprise) I liked Jason's performance better than Simon did.

How can Paula show her face after that? It's like someone woke her up from a dead sleep and she was trying to pretend like she knew what was going on. Sad.

Here we go with round 2...

Jason goes again with September Morn. I love the the tone of his voice when he starts out - despite the fact that he was a little out of tune. Honestly, this is one of my favorite songs of his. If he could stay in tune, this could be a hit for him. Does that make any sense at all? Ew, it ends badly, though. Oh, Randy, stop saying it's a singing competition. We all know it's not. Aw, poor Jason. He got clobbered. Here's the thing about Jason. He makes the kind of music that you want to pop into the cd player when you're going to be sitting out by the beach or in your backyard watching the clouds go by. He's not David Cook. He's just Jason and I like him. His style is needed, too.

David Cook - ugh, I wish he wasn't so good. I'd love to not like him. Ok, he hit a slightly sour note right at the beginning. Can they not hear tonight? I like his first song better. But this one is good, too. Good arrangement. Ooh, nice vocal fade out of hte big chorus. Nice. He's definitely the strongest of the night so far.

Brooke looks cute tonight - I really like her outfit. Well, the beginning of this song is the best I've heard her... but oh, my! When she gets to the chorus, it's some of the most awkward display of performing I've seen in a long time. Ack, my eyes! My eyes! Ok, as the song ended, I thought I heard someone say "She just... she hit a bad note" Huh? What was that all about??? Ugh, she is so spastic.

Little Archie is at it again - oh, gosh. He is just so B O R I N G to me. He just cracked. It's like he doesn't know what ad libs he wants to do. And his high notes are very thin and unsupported. Now, for most people I would still say it's amazing... but for him, it was not good. I agree with Paula - it was the perfect song for him to sing because no one will vote him off after singing that song. Remember Kristy Lee Cook singing God Bless the USA? Uh huh.

Ha ha ha ha ha! Ryan grabs that kid's head and the kid just looked at her mom like "Mommy save me."

Syesha closes out the show and she brings down the house. There are some pitchy places, but all in all I really enjoyed it! Oh, dear God, Paula just called her Brooke! She did! I ran it back several times, and she sure did. Simon is WAY off on this. Syesha had one of the better performances of the night. I loved this second song. If she goes before Brooke, it will PROVE that it's not a singing competition because she sings circles around Brooke. Puhleeze.

Ok, I'm all done. The Davids aren't going anywhere. Maybe Jason deserves to go, but I doubt he will. It will be between Brooke and Syesha... and I fear Syesha will be the one to bite the dust.

Top 6 - Performance Night

It's Earth Day. In honor of Earth Day, we had Daniel Wornicov come over and do our landscaping in our front yard, ha ha. He did an amazing job!!!! Just doing our part. Ha ha.

I was a Musical Theatre major, so Andrew Lloyd Webber is a hero of mine. I love his work. He's genius. This should either make or break people tonight...

Syesha gave me chills. She was REALLY good - musical theatre is def her genre! She was beautiful, cute, funny and her voice sounded great.

Jason is my man - I thought he was brilliant last week... but this week scares me. I'm just not sure his folky style will go with anything Sir Webber has written. Memory. Ok. It actually starts off good. I like it so far, but the low part is coming and... ew. But... then the unthinkable happens. He just is so adorable and sweet and I just ended up loving it!!! There was just something about it. No, Randy, I do NOT think it was a vocal trainwreck. Yes, Paula, I actually agree with you. It was different, but it wasn't bad. I just liked it. Nope, don't agree with Simon, either. I think he sold it, actually.

Oh, Brooke. Brooke, Brooke, Brooke. Why am I so NOT looking forward to this. Oh, MY! Did he really just say that??? Oh... well. He thinks she's a natural actress. WHAT???? Oh, my Lord. She just freaking started over on American Idol. Has that ever happened before on this show? This is just painful to me. I just want to fast-forward. The bridge wasn't too bad vocally... but she is so darn goofy. Wow, Paula seems really pissed that Brooke started over. That was some awkward silence right there. Now they are all fighting about whether she should've stopped or not. Blah. It reminds me of a funny moment I had in a musical one time. (Gosh, I feel like Randy right now) I was performing this REALLY wordy song and right in the middle of it, just before a key change, I lost my words. Once you got off, there was NO getting back on. So, I literally went "lah de dah de dah de dah... " and then pointed to the orchestra pit and yelled "KEY CHANGE!" Buzz, the pianist, actually fell off of the piano stool laughing. It was a fitting moment for the fun song that it was. Liza Minelli had made the song famous - it was called "Ring Those Bells" from the musical "And the World Goes 'Round". Ahh, the good ole days.

Hmmm, David Archuleta is next. Has he used up all of his cheesy inspiration moments? Wow, this is interesting. He has changed the vibe and feel of this song. Very different. He is really trying to keep his eyes open. I'm so used to him closing them that it actually seemed weird to me that he opened them. I wasn't in love with it, honestly. I could barely hear him through most of it, but it may be because I'm on the flat-panel TV. As usual, I liked his runs. :-) Andrew Lloyd Webber did NOT look happy - and Archie was apologizing when the song was done - did he mess up somewhere????

Carly is going Jesus Christ, Superstar. Awesome. I was actually in this musical and worked harder than I've ever worked "physically" in a show... until 2 years later when I broke my foot during Sweet Charity (I was Charity) and performed the whole musical in a leg cast. (Man, I AM Randy tonight!!! Dawg.) Anyway, I liked the performance and energy from Carly tonight. I have to add that when we performed JC Superstar, we changed A LOT of the musical to make it more reverent and true. Anyway... Jesus Christ IS my superstar.

I'm totally PUMPED about David Cook tonight. I think he has the perfect voice for a rock musical. David has had 3 bad weeks, so I'm counting on him to make a comeback this week. Pretend he's singing to a 17 year old? I hope not! He's in his 20's... oh, 25. Oooh, I'm so glad he's doing this song. Oh, my. His voice sounds like BUTTER!!!!!! It's GORGEOUS. I just gasped. This is so beautiful. Wow. Can I say enough? David Cook - RUN to Broadway. And quickly make an album so I can buy it. Awesome ending, too!!!!! Best ever!

Best of the night? Syesha and David Cook.

Worst? Brooke. Jason was a close second. Sorry! I still love you, Jason!

Top 7 - Performance Night

There is much I wanted to blog about for the Idol Gives Back night... I haven't done it yet, but might still in the next few days.

Jenni and Shelby both thought Jason had a strange look on his face after Michael Johns got voted off, so I just spent the past few minutes re-watching the last 5 minutes or so of last week's elimination night. Hmmm. I can't really say he looked strange - I think he was just a bit shocked. He kept looking out into the audience - perhaps at Johnsie's family? I don't know. But, I do know this - it made me sick all over again watching Johnsie get kicked off again. Blech. Hate it!

Ok, so tonight is Mariah Carey night. I don't quite know what to make of that. Will the boys stink? Will Brooke be able to pull it off? Will Syesha blow it? Well, let's get on with it and see!

It's midnight as I watch this, so it will definitely be knee-jerk reaction tonight. Ryan is getting a huge applause. Ah, his ex g'friend, Teri Hatcher, is out there.

Does it seem to anyone else that David Cook has on the same outfit each week?

I have to admit that Mariah was very much an idol of mine when she first came out. I loved her belty voice. Now, she's just strange to me. I won't deny that she is a huge talent, she is just a little slutty - as far as performance goes. Now, she seems like a very nice person as she's talking to the contestants.

Finally, David Archuleta is going first. Has he ever gone first? Cool - he's doing one of my favorite songs. When You Believe. However, it's a ballad, as usual. Ah, well - he rocks it. I like that he's doing a lot of runs, but he picked a weird place to do them - right at the beginning of the chorus. Wow, he has such great control on his runs. Honestly, this is one of my least favorite performances by little Davey A. But, it was really good. Maybe too many runs? I don't know.

Hmmm, Carly is going 2nd??? Notoriously, whoever goes 2nd ends up in the bottom 3. Simon is out to get her, I think. Why? Ok, now, this is the BEST she has looked! Nice dress! Without You - very good song choice, I think. Carly has such an amazing voice - I just wish she wouldn't furrow her brow so much. You know, it has been suggested that she had a bit of a crush on Johnsie. He's gone. And now she's singing "Without You". Coincidence? WHAT? What the heck is Simon whispering about in Paula's ear? Did he know that his mic was still on? Now, personally, I think this was one song where she could've just sung it as it was instead of playing around with the melody... but whatever. Simon was really hard on her - I thought it was ok.

Syesha is next - she looks really pretty. Ok, now I know this song because it's from the Emotions album and I was a big fan back then. But, the question is, will anyone else? And, this is one song that Mariah just kicked booty on - with her amazing pitch control. I am finding Syesha's rendition just irritating. mariah was so perfect on this song that it's hard not to compare. Yes, there were a couple of pitchy moments, Randy. No, Paula, it doesn't help me not compare... I know this song! I would listen to it over and over and try to emulate (to NO avail) Mariah. So, of course that's all I hear is Mariah in my head. Probably not many other people in America can say the same, though. That will definitely work in Syesha's favor, I think.

Oh, Lordy, Brooke is next. I have to say she is getting on my nerves lately. Her speaking voice kills me. Of course, she is singing Hero! She's going for sympathy votes. Mariah looked less than impressed. WHY is she playing piano on this song??? it's gonna be hard enough to sing a Mariah song without making it harder by playing along. MC writes her songs with some funky chords in them. Hang on, I gotta run this back and really listen. Oh, goodness, she is rushing the crap out of this song. Her rhythm is all off. She looks so nervous! Shaking. It just wasn't very good. Gag, here goes Paula with the "authentic" blubber again. Amen that Ryan and Brooke look great on stage together with their colors. I like her dress.

Kristy Lee is next - I had forgotten all about this song. Hmmm, this might be a good choice for little miss Kristy. Nah, the beginning is B A D. There is a 50's sound to this song that bodes well for Kristy. Aw, Lincoln just came stumbling into my room, dragging his blankie behind him. I might have to stop here. If I hit play again, he might wake up and want to watch. Let's see what happens. I have to say that Kristy is listening to someone - whoever has told her to show more emotion in her face. Her sweet spot is in the notes that she holds out up high. A much better sound for her. She is actually getting better each week. That's something. P.S. I do have one bit of constructive advice to give to Kristy - PLEASE stop wearing the glittery eyeshadow. Every week? Come on. It makes her look like she has pink eye.

Now it's time for David Cook and I am very excited. Considering what he did with "Hello" and "Billie Jean" and "Eleanor Rigby" (even if some WERE covers of covers), I think he's going to hit it out of the park with MC night. "Always Be my Baby"? Wow, this should be interesting. Geez - he is majorly out of tune at the beginning. David, what has happened to you??? Last week AND this week? David was the most solid singer of all up til now. Pitch-wise, anyway. Ok, I'm resuming... Ok, seriously? It COULD have been really great. It was in the totally wrong key for him. Raise that key, David Cook! But, who am I? The judges are singing his praises and I'm glad. He's crying???!! He's so Emo. I definitely want to go back and listen to it again when I can turn it up and not have someone snoring in my ear. Ha.

Lastly is Jason Castro, one of my faves. Have I mentioned that? Also, I really miss Johnsie. Ok, so here goes Jason. "I Don't Wanna Cry" is one of my favorite MC songs! yay! Go, Jason. Alright, you know, I really like this. It's so different. I love the vibe. This is the only contestant this year that Aaron ever comments on. He really likes Jason, too. And he hasn't watched any of this season.

Two things are clear to me after watching tonight's episode:

1) Mariah Carey was one of the best mentors they've had on the show. Seriously. She gave some really constructive advice. She helped them - and she wrote some great songs. That always helps.

2) I predict the bottom 3 to be as follows: Brooke, Carly and Syesha.

Good night!

Top 8 - Performance Night

Oh, my goodness! I haven't posted my blog in 3 weeks! How have my loyal fans been able to stand it? Ok, maybe just Shelby and Jenni... but still!!! I'm back. Rest easy.

Ha ha, Abbey walked in to tell me good night earlier when I had the show on and she saw Paula and said "What does she have on??? Her boobs are showing!" Now, personally I thought her dress was pretty, but I'm not 8 years old. (Abbey isn't, either, for a few more weeks)

Michael Johns starts things off and I gotta tell you - last week, he was SMOKIN' HOT. I mean, I was mesmerized last week... so I was really looking forward to his performance tonight. He did not disappoint!!! WOW. I thought it was amazing. I had to watch it twice, it was so good. The boy can sing. Randy! Are you on drugs? Randy must have a burr up his butt. Ridiculous. Johnsie was ON. Love him. He has improved every week. Whoo hoo!

Syesha is next. In my Fantasy American Idol Pre-performance picks, I picked Syesha to go bye bye. I just don't see her connecting with the audience. She is not a bad singer. Oh, no! She's trying to do Fantasia. Last week was Whitney and this week is Fantasia. Is she nuts? Ok, she is doing a great job FROM WHAT I CAN HEAR. They have the horns turned up WAY too loud. I can't even hear her vocals!!!! I think she nailed it... but I still think she will go home. Sorry. Ok, Abbey might have a point. Paula's boobs have a life of their own tonight!

Here's my man, Jason Castro. I just love this little guy. His hair gets on my nerves a little - I just want to smooth it down. Oooh, I LOVE this version of this song. I think he's doing a great job with it, but I would've LOVED to see him drop the uke and get up and sing it out just a little more. Just my opinion. But then again, that is not really his style and I do dig his style a lot. The TV audio mix is whacky tonight. In this song, the strings are really loud.

Kristy Lee is next and she has absolutely defied logic. It'a almost a joke now. Last week was Country music week - her GENRE, for heaven's sake - and she came in second to last. This week, she is actually singing the crap out of this song! I mean that in a great way. And she actually had EMOTION in her eyes. Amazing. Kristy Lee has sung for her supper tonight and might have saved herself from being in the bottom 3. She sang it well.

David Cook is next and he has won me over every week since being in the top 12. But everyone has their bad nights and I fear this one is David's. I heard a rumor about what song he was going to sing and was NOT excited. It's just not a great singer-song. So, here he goes. Ugh. He sounds like he's in the wrong the key. Then, he starts screaming. He sounds like he's rushing. Oh, my goodness! What is up with the mix on the TV audio tonight? I hear ONE of the 10 backup vocalists as though she's in my living room. Wow, he's getting into it like a worship leader. Aw, I like the little encouraging word written on his hand at the end. I agree that the song wasn't sung very well. But I thought he did ok with it as far as performance-wise.

Carly is singing The Show Must Go On. Hmmm, have I heard this song? Dunno, let's see. Yeah, I have. I think Paris Bennett did this song a few years ago. It's a bad tonight as it was then. The poor people on the front row kinda look shell-shocked. This was horrible. She was out of tune and screechy. Ok, and can I say - what is up with that outfit??? Simon said she looks good, but I don't. I thought he was very rude last week to her... but she should've taken his advice. She may have just saved Syesha Mercado.

David Archuleta is up next. I hear he's singing Angels. This should be good. Little David has a great instrument. When he finally hits puberty, he will be unstoppable. Ha ha ha. Anyway... ok, the beginning of the song is boring as can be. And then, when it gets to going, the crappy TV mix is KILLING ME!!!! I can't hear him for the strings and backup vocals!!! Is it just this TV? I'm going to go upstairs and re-listen to a few of them and see if it's any better. I have to agree with Randy - the last 5 seconds of the song were the best of the whole song. More runs! more runs!!! Get funky, David.

Brooke is closing the show? Hmmm, how crafty of them. She was in the bottom 3 last week and so they put her in the pimp spot tonight. I hear she's singing You've Got a Friend. That should be right up her alley. Of course, I thought that last week, too. Oooh, she starts out strong. Good move on not playing an instrument this week. And FINALLY, she is singing a song in the right key! Yay, Brooke. Jolene was too low. She can actually sing up higher than she thinks. There go those strings and BGVs again! Grrr. Nicely done, Brookie! Nicely done. Randy is being a turd tonight. What's wrong with him? I'm sure Brooke is safe this week. She MIGHT be in the bottom 3, but she won't go home this week. And most likely, she won't be in the bottom 3.

So, there! I did it! Yay!

Top 9 Performance Night

Since I obviously have missed a few weeks of posting, i wanted to AT LEAST include some thoughts I posted on my Fantasy American Idol comments page:

Wow, was I wrong in my PP Picks last night.

Brooke was awful. She was out of tune, rushed and sang the song in the wrong key for her. She should've taken it higher.

Ramiele has gotten progressively worse each week. It was so bad I almost felt bad for her.

Kristy Lee actually had moments of "betterness" (I know that's not a word) but all in all was just not good enough.

On the other hand, David Cook's vocals were so good that I picked up the phone and voted for the first time this season. Gasp. He was spot-on. Darn it!

I thought Jason gave one of his best vocal performances to date, but I don't know if anyone will appreciate it but me. Sorrow.

Carly was brilliant in her rendition of Here You Come Again. I LOVED it. It was the first time I was impressed with her all season.

Oh, and Johnsie. Whoo. I lost myself for a moment and felt completely mesmerized by his performance. It was hot. Sorry. :-)

Archie was good but whatever. I definitely wasn't hating Syesha, but there's no way someone can be remembered fondly for singing that song. Just... no.

Those were my quick ramblings!

Top 11 - Performance Night, Part 1

I'm sitting here with Shelby, watching a day late.

Randy is yawning...Paula is sparkly...and Simon just winked.

Ew, Simon just winked again. What is up with that?

Amanda Overmyer is first - she is the Gretchen Wilson of American Idol this year. She likes the stage better than singing on a flatbed truck. Yeeeeeehaw! Back in the USSR. The backups are SO loud. It's the best I've seen her look - and she definitely looks right at home on stage. She is having a blast... and I'm JUST ABOUT to be won over by this chick! What is going on here?!?!?! Um, hello judges. She IS what she is. I knew she wasn't going to change when I heard her in Hollywood. Why are you surprised?

Kristy Lee Cook - Is it bad to dread hearing a contestant? She has a sparkly top, too. Did she and Paula shop together? You've God to Hide Your Love Away. Poor girl thinks it's a new song. Maybe she just meant new to her. She started out so strong on the verses. It was probably the best I've heard her. But then she hit the chorus and all heck broke loose. Will her cowboy boots be enough to keep her another week? I think she was singing the chorus wrong. I'll have to ask my aunt Mary. Ha! Randy just said EXACTLY what I just said to Shelby about the melody being wrong. Shelby just mentioned that when Paula tells you that you look nice, it's the kiss of death. Simon: "Musical Wallpaper - you notice it but you don't remember it" Classic. Uh oh - I can't even repeat what Kristy Lee just said to Simon. I strive to keep this blog rated PG!!!

David Archuleta - Let's see if the little cutie can remember his words and hold it together tonight. Ahhhhh, the beginning is MAGICAL. When this little guy is on his game, he is ON IT. Lovely. He's kicking butt and taking a bunch of names. His voice is just so pleasant. He has just the right mix of hitting the right notes and adding in the runs and colors. He did what he did best.

I wish Paula would get her bangs out of her eyes. PLEASE!!!!

Michael Johns - A Day in the Life. Wow, that's a tall order to condense this song to a minute and a half. In many ways, I think this is the best he has sounded. He is putting a lot of emotion into it. He had one little flub with the chorus. He was actually singing instead of grunting and growling through it. Just MHO. I like it. Shelby didn't care for it and neither did Randy. Let's see what Paula and Simon have to say... I don't agree with Simon that it was a mess. Aw, he is such a cutie - don't be so mean to him!

Brooke White as the driven snow. That's a very interesting dress. Oh, Here Comes the Sun. Ok, the dress makes sense. Hmm, that little twirl was very awkward. Oh, my. this whole song is very awkward. Very. Awkward. Almost show choir-ish. Uhhh, are Randy and I on the same wave-length? He says the same thing I say, right after. Is Simon going to say she acted like a drunk cousin at the wedding reception?

David Cook - he's doing the Whitesnake version of Daytripper. Hmmm. Ok, I really like it so far. He is confident. He really uses that sideways lip snarl a lot. It wasn't as good as the past 2 weeks but it was better than most. Simon says he looked smug throughout. What's new about that?

I can't blog about the rest... I gotta get ready for church. More later

Top 12 - Performance night

We’re still in St. Simons Island (or Sea Island), GA. But, Aaron is snoring after a long day of golfing so I thought I would watch American Idol. How, you may ask? Because our room has stinkin’ TiVo!!!! Can you believe that??? And of course I thought ahead enough to record it.

Ryan introduces the judges and asks them what they think about it being Lennon-McCartney night. Randy reiterates word-for word what the guy from Billboard just said on the video. Way to be redundant, Randy.

Big set – nice

Syesha goes first - “Got to Get You Into My Life” I honestly didn’t know this was a Lennon-McCartney song. Who performed this song? I don’t like it. She’s not in the pocket. She seems like she’s being eaten up by that big stage. But, she ends very strong. Lucky for her. Ok, Earth, Wind and Fire! Of course! That’s where I heard it. This performance reminds me of the first season when it was bare-bones and had the ghetto setup.

Does it seem like the audience is smaller this year? I don’t like it. I don’t like the feel at all. I miss last year’s stage and setup. I like the bigger, more energetic audience.

Chikezie – I like ole Chikezie. Do I think he has longevity? No. Sorry. Oh, my Ryan. What are you doing? Ooo, I LOVE the way he started this song. Although I have to admit that I thought he might’ve been a little bit off-beat. But I guess he wasn’t. Say what you want – Chikezie entertained tonight and no one will forget his performance tonight. His mom cracks me up. Her Holy Ghost experience is directly tied to how well Chikezie does. Oh no! What is wrong with Ryan tonight? Is he just trying to kill time? He’s making an ass of himself.

Ramiele Malubay – Who knew Ramiele was so dull? Her backstory is boring me to tears. “In My Life” is a great song, but it may be her undoing. Ooo, she botched the first 2 or 3 notes. Ew, this is just not good. I like the tone of her voice so much, but she is just not singing this well. Bad move starting on the steps, too. She looked very awkward trying to walk across the stage. Now we know why she stayed put in previous performances.

Jason Castro – my personal favorite. What’s up with the flowers in his hair? Aw, he’s so cute. I love him. This is a hard song to sing with all the jazz chords! Man, if he just had a few voice lessons, he would kill it. He is so endearing, even if he does have some strange facial expressions. The song was not boring, Simon. Oh, gee. The Kardashian family is there. Wonder who Kim is scamming on.

Ooo, Simon just threatened Ryan Seacrest. Was he hinting that he would fire him? Interesting.

Carly Smithson – “Come Together” Cool. Ok, she’s having fun with it tonight. She is definitely in her element tonight. But can I just say one thing? I HATE the lyrics of this song! Toe-jam football? Gag.

David Cook – I don’t want to be mean but he just strikes me as a sweaty person. Ew, with painted fingernails. “Eleanor Rigby” I had decided long ago that I didn’t like this guy, so WHY is he winning me over lately??? I loved his “Hello” version last week. Now, I’m totally digging this tonight. Loved the arrangement. Stellar. Dang it. Why can’t he suck? Who in the world does he remind me of???

Brooke White – possibly the nicest girl in the world. “Let it Be” She sounds like Old Country to me tonight. I liked last week better. She should’ve stepped away from the piano. Ugh, she’s not only boring me to tears but she is so out of tune when she tries to jam it up. I don’t think she’ll go home but it was not her best performance. I can’t believe Simon said it was. He must really like blondes.

David Hernandez – it’s so weird how he keeps skirting around the whole gay stripper thing. Pizza Bistro? Nice try. I think he’s one of the best singers in the competition. He just has such a great voice. One of his runs on this song went a lot sour, though. He is commanding the stage. I guess he feels right at home on stage. With or without clothes, ha ha. I can’t resist. It’s too easy! Interesting – the judges are slamming him. Have they caught too much flack from keeping him in the competition? He took the criticism well. Aw, what a good attitude for a stripper.

Amanda Overmyer – I just have to admit that I don’t like her voice. I agree that she can perform. I just don’t like HEARING her. This is the prettiest she has looked in the entire competition. Hang on a second... She didn’t change the lyrics in this song. She said “Don’t be talking to him” Strange.

As the show has gone on, I have completely forgotten about Syesha’s performance. It seemed so amateur. And it just seems like the rockers are ruling this year.

Michael Johns – such a cutie. Tennis coaching. Ha! Love the shirt with the Vegemite on it. I tried that for the first time at Christmas, thanks to my neighbors, the Scholls. “Across the Universe” Great song. Wow, this is the best I’ve heard his voice. Great pitch. I wish he would control that vibrato a little bit. I liked it.

Kristy Lee Cook – her days are numbered if there is any justice in the world. Alaina should’ve been in the top 12 instead of her. Kristy, have you heard of a little production called “Nashville Star”? Poor little girl – it wasn’t even great singing. She botched every single run. She just has this “I’m scared to death” look on her face. It’s boring. Redundant. Gah, they need to vote her outta there. Simon’s hair looks horrendous this year. A huge fan base? Really? I hadn’t heard.

David Archuleta – Gosh, he looks so TINY! NO WAY! He just flubbed the lyrics! Good for him for pushing through. He looks SCARED to death. Aw, I just want to hug him. Oh, he is botching this whole song. It’s very Show Choir. The song is bigger than he is. I was NOT expecting this at all. Man. Too bad he didn't save "Imagine" for this week. Bummer.

If I have to pick someone to go home, it’s going to be either 1) Kristy Lee Cook, 2) Ramiele or 3) Syesha I think the guys are safe this week.

Say it ain't so!

How can this be???

I'm ashamed to admit that I came in DEAD LAST this week in my Fantasy American Idol picks.

You know what this means, don't you?

It is time for me to get serious.

I have relaxed this year in my AI dedication... half-heartedly watching, not doing my "research", etc.

No more!

I shall make a victorious comeback this week! I cannot let my fans down. People are looking to me to be an informed blogger, if not a winner in AI Fantasy-land.

I shall do my level best from here on out.

Or not.

Whatever.

Top 16 - Women

It's 12:30pm and I'm just now getting around to watching AI. Man, life is just too busy sometimes. Ha! ;-P

Some of these girls look different every time I see them! What is up with that? Carly, especially.

Oh, goodness, Paula's hair. Is that a belt buckle in her hair?

Ashai'h - She starts out strong with Whitney... she is so dang cute! I really like her voice and didn't think I would. She has a better sense of pitch than most of the other girls... and while she's dancing, no less! Impressive. Uh oh, Paula is up dancing. I liked this performance. Simon, you're a boob. She did a good job.

Kady Malloy - I'm a little ticked that she stayed and Alaina went home last week. I know it's not her fault, but still. Oh, gag. Her voice sounds pretty bad. She doesn't have the control for this song. She is hitting "some" of the big notes... but not enough of them. Thank you, Randy, for saying what I just said! I liked her better last week.

Man, I miss Season 5. Daughtry. Mandisa. Even Taylor Hicks. Elliot. Where are those loveable characters?

Amanda - Joan Jett, of course. At least she doesn't look like the freak she did last week. That was scary. This is not as bad as last week. She is a performer. Nothing boring about her, I guess. I still hope she gets voted out. Well, crap. I picked her to go home and now Simon is singing her praises. She ain't going anywhere. She is so pretty when she smiles... please, smile more Amanda.

Carly - huh? What is this song? Oh, I drove all night. Didn't Celine do this? Man, she is so Steve Perry when she belts. I wasn't impressed with this performance. She sings the notes, but I feel ZERO emotion from her. Zero. I'm just bored. Aw, her mom is cute.

Kristy Lee - She's going to do a country version of Faithfully. What do you want to bet that Rnady brings up the fact that he played on this song? What in the world are Paula and Simon doing over there? making out? One week Kristy Lee looks young and hip and the next she looks... odd. This is an odd week for her. I didn't care for her performance. She's a sweet girl.

Ramiele - Ok, now Ramiele knows how to EMOTE in a song! yes! Most of these girls would slaughter the beginning of that song. I'm sick of this song in this competition, though. Ramiele's tone is just GORGEOUS. She had a few bobbles, but more than made up with it in her tone and performance. She had some great moments in this performance. Oh, my - Paula is in rare form. I bet Ryan loves Ramiele because she's shorter than he is.

Brooke - Alright now, THIS is the best I've heard little miss Brooke. She has secured her spot in the top 12. I would buy this single right now. Fabulous. Interesting. Modern. Loved it! Randy, you are so on crack tonight. Stop talking between yourselves, judges! This is the time of the contestants.

Syesha - Aw, I recorded this song in one of those Sound Choice Studios when I was in, like, 9th grade or something. Memories. I honestly thought Syesha did better than Whitney in places. If you listen to the original recording by Whitney, there are some places where she is a little out of tune. Seriously. I thought Syesha did a great job with it. I wasn't expecting her to, and I'm not sure she deserved the pimp spot (last performance of the night).

We shall see what happens. I'm guessing Kady and Kristy Lee Cook have seen their last days.

Top 16 - Men

I'm a day late and a dollar short here so I have to hurry. The usually witty comments might be at a minimum today. Ha, that was pretty funny though.

Luke Menard - Oh, my. Wham? He's not even in costume. How about a Member's Only jacket or tight-rolled jeans? What about the signature dance move that George Michael did in this video? This performance was TOTALLY phoned in. He either didn't commit to it, or he just doesn't have the gusto to push those notes out just a little bit more. I thought it was lackluster and boring and just a little bit awkward. I'm not sure his "good looks" are going to be enough to keep him here another week.

David Archuleta - David's going 2nd this week? Hmmm, I always thought they put whoever they wanted to go home in the #2 spot. But, DANG. He starts strong. I have chills. I never particularly liked this song...he's making me love it. I love love love what he does with his melodies!!! This guy is a smart singer. Now, there are times when he bobbles out of tune just a little, but not as bad as everyone else. I love the way he starts and then gets up from the piano. I love his tone. This guy is brilliant. He sells it. And he's socially conscious. Last week was Imagine and this week is Another Day in Paradise. How can he lose? He'd have to pull a Milli-Vanilli and admit he's lip-synching.

Danny Noriega - I have a love/dislike relationship with little Danny. I love Tainted Love. I love his singing (usually) but can't stand his prissy little attitude. Or, do I???? He's addicting, in a scary sort of way. If he had been on pitch, this would've been a kick-butt performance. He had some good MOMENTS, but the song as a whole was just out of pocket. It was fun, though, and I think 12 yr old girls everywhere were probably voting for him like crazy last night.

David Hernandez - His most embarassing moment? A booger? Yeah, right. Try getting yourself outed nationwide for being a gay male stripper. And darn it - he's SUCH a good singer. I think he's better than little David Archuleta at times. Ooo, Celine. This should be good, because he has the chops. Why do all of the contestants sound out of breath? This was NOT a good song choice. I was wrong. He usually is SPOT ON with his pitch, but he was all over the place. I love watching the judges are skirting around the whole stripping issue. Ha, is he flirting with Randy?

David Cook - Technical difficulties... we will get back to David.

Michael Johns - Oh, yes! Breakfast Club! This guy is so adorable. I have to agree with an acquaintance - you listen to the beginning and the end but sort of just tune out in the middle because it's nothing spectacular. Just more of the same... which is not BAD. Anyway, I just love him. Mediocre or not.

Back to David Cook - Hello? Seriously? HE is doing Lionel Richie? I would never have guessed that... but I LOVE IT!!!!! Up until this performance, I was not to impressed with Mr. Cook. He has won me over - for the time being. That was an awesome arrangement. He has definitely secured himself a place in the top 12.

Jason Castro - ooh, he's singing "Hallelujah" And I like it! I think this performance is magical. I had NO hopes of Jason doing well... but I think he did. I was scared of him singing without his guitar. It was sweet and it captured me. Yes, he cracked a little bit, but it was charming, I thought. I liked it so much I ran it back and watched it again. I hope he doesn't get sent home. (Paula is sounding crazier than ever tonight. Scary.)

Chikezie - He sounds like Luther Vandross. He sang this in his first audition and it made me take notice. I don't think he did quite as well tonight as he did the first time. It wasn't as much of a slam dunk as I was expecting. Yes, Paula is crazy. Coo-coo.

Honestly if I had to pick 2 people to go home, it would probably be Luke and Chickezie.

Top 20 - Women

I'm in a hurry tonight, so let's get on with it. (It's almost time for the results show)

Carly Smithson - I am soooo jealous. "Crazy" by Heart is one of my all-time favorite songs and it's always been my dream to perform it live. Carly definitely has the pipes for it and gave me several chillbump moments... but Anne Wilson, she is not. I just didn't particularly like the "arrangement" of it. Not the band, so much, but her choice of phrasing. In fact, I would've had her start it slower and build up to the rock-ness off it. My opinion. The girl can sing. Randy - must you accuse everyone of having pitch problems? She didn't in the beginning or end - like you said. It was the middle, where you said she did well.

Syesha - I had a feeling she wouldn't do very well this week. This girl has pitch problems. I'll just go ahead and say it. She's beautiful. She has a great voice. She just needs to learn how to stay in TUNE. Not a good song choice AT ALL, I will agree there. There were so many better choices out there.

Brooke - Good choice with the Carly Simon. She started strong - like the guitar playing. When she got to the chorus, though, she got very shaky, as usual. Use your diaphragm, girl! Big breaths. She's a sweet, cute girl, though. She'll probably make it to the top 12. Nice - strong ending. I'd like to hear more of that grit in her voice!!!

Ramiele - are we surprised she hulas? Nah. And she has something in common with Sanjaya! remember that? Ooh, I love this song - Don't Leave Me This Way. She needs more freedom and runs at the beginning. Oh, girl, don't get so into dancing that you get off in your singing. I could've stood to hear more backups on this song. You know - other than this song being incredibly boring and having a weird ending, it was just ok. She is a good singer. Stays on pitch most of the time. Hate the outfit, but what do I know? Ha ha, Simon says he's heard this song at ghastly weddings? I bet! This song at a wedding??? Whatev.

Kristy Lee Cook - obviously this little girl is feeling better. She kicked it off strong and fiesty. Gotta love some Linda Ronstadt. There is just something missing from this performace, though. Ouch, what was that? Phlegm? Lousy ending. Is she holding back?

Amanda Scary - Hmmm, she and David Cook should get along well. They both like to read. Oh, my word. She looks horrible. I'm sorry. I don't mean that to be hurtful, even though I am PMSing like crazy. She just did herself wrong by doing her hair like that and... everything else. The beginning of the song was AWFUL. The ending of the song - the very ending - wasn't too bad, surprisingly.

Alaina - I like this girl. I didn't like for my food touch when I was a little girl, either. Hopelessly Devoted is such a fun song to sing. But man, she did better last week. I was looking forward to her getting to that big part of the song, and she blew it. I can absolutely overlook it, though. She is good. She will come back.

Alexandrea - Oh, man, this song takes me back! I don't know what to think about this gal. I think she is a fine singer, and usually a great performer... and she tries hard every time she's on stage. She MIGHT make it into the top 12.

Kady - what is it about this girl? Honestly, I think she should just be an impersonator. I actually like the song tonight. (or last night) Always love me some Heart. She had some really good moments.

Asai'h - I was wondering if anyone was going to do this song. I got really worried when she hit the first chorus and her voice dropped out. The first verse was a little shaky and let me tell you that is a HARD song to sing and a hard part to sing. I wish Carly would've sung it. I would LOVE for this girl to get some lessons and learn how to focus the sound more and use her resonation. She SOOOO sings from the back of her throat. It could be so much better. I love her personality, though, and he charisma. Love her.

Top 20 - Men

And we start tonight with Paula's hair looking WAY better. Has she been reading my blog, perhaps? Or maybe just her hairstylist has.

It's 70's night. Can't we just let these kids pick their own music? Must we give them a decade to choose from? Grrr.

Michael Johns - Straight out of the cage with Fleetwood Mac. Ouch. BAD song choice. Now I severely regret picking him as my top choice this week on the Fantasy Idol site. Gee. This really stunk in places. I would've definitely lowered it a step or so. He improved towards the end. Were the judges even listening??? It was not that great. In fact, it was downright painful in places. However, it is not easy to sing Fleetwood Mac and considering that, he actually didn't do that bad. I would've liked for him to actually put a new spin on the song. That might've bene better. He's a cutie, though, and seems to be really nice. He's not going anywhere.

Jason Castro - My new personal favorite after last week. Too much makeup is my first thought. Was he afraid Simon would make a comment about his pale complexion this week since Garrett Haley is gone? Ok, his interview WAS quite weird. He starts his song and it's the Bee Gee's. Or wait, is it Andy Gibb? Can't remember. He starts out very strong. But it quickly loses steam. His high notes were not good. But he's very likable. You know, when you think about the songs of the 70's however... were there any really BIG showstopper songs? I guess if you go the disco route, which I happen to like. But still, for guys, there weren't a lot of big voices that I can remember. We had a LOT of men singing in falsetto back then. Odd.

Luke Menard - How ironic that he mentions that in order to do acapella music, you have to be flawless. Hmmm... did he forget that tonight. Tough song choice, but a good one for his voice type. Too bad he isn't really nailing it. He's a handsome guy. Maybe that will carry him... He definitely has done himself a favor by picking up the tempo and flirting with the camera. Maybe people will forget that he's sharp for half of the song and flat the other. Now the song is getting boring. And he tried to play with it at the end and it didn't really work. But, all in all, I think people will remember him as doing well. Ha, Ryan just called him Dawson's Creek. Funny.

Robbie Carrico - the first thing I noticed was that Robbie's hair looks awful. Did he and Paula trade hair? It's just way too girly. Oh, I love it. Ryan's face when Robbie said for Simon to get used to it was priceless. Ooh, Hot Blooded. Foreigner. Lou Graham. 70's Rock. Robbie has a good voice. And how nice of him to use his fingers when singing "fever of a hundred and three". Psh. I seriously do not buy him as a rocker. And last week he was WAY better. Three Dog Night was a much better choice for him. Hmmm, Paula is so flirty tonight!

Danny Noriega - Oh, this kid. He is so... sooo Jessica Alba! He's more Jessica Alba than Jessica Alba is! Honestly, I like his voice. I just wish he wasn't so fiesty and girly. Nice job on the song, though. If I didn't have to LOOK at him and his funky facial expressions, I would really enjoy his music. I will take his slow vibrato over Michael John's super-fast vibrato ANYDAY.

David Hernandez - Apparently David works topless in a gay bar according to Vote-For-the-Worst.com. So, are we surprised to learn that he was really good at gymnastics? Nah. He can do a mean cartwheel. David has some SOLID vocals. And thankfully, he is showing much more personality this week. Wow - I really enjoyed this! Nice. I love love love his voice. Why are people always so surprised to get a good remark from Simon? He just tells the truth, usually.

Jason Yeager - Hmmm, so David plays numerous instruments. Maybe he will redeem himself this week, because he stunk last week. OH! The Doobie's! One of my favorites. Yes! PERFECT song for little Jason. He is still a little Show Choir'ish for my taste, but SUCH an improvement! You go, Jason. Oh, my, though - that cheesy ending! Ugh. RANDY!!!!! WHAT????? Pitchy? Compared to most of the other guys this week, he was definitely NOT pitchy. I disagree with the judges on this one. I liked it. Simon was dead-on on the choreography at the end. But they were really cruel and merciless on this poor, nice guy. Boo.

Chikezie Eze - I don't know this song from Adam, but I like it! It's so much better than last week. However - I wasn't sure what key he was in at the beginning. ??? Did he just get off??? Oh well, not to worry, he got back on-key. Nice song choice. Very clever. He redeemed himself this week... and I done lost myself my Fantasy Idol fo' sho'. I picked ole Chikezie to go home this week.

David Cook - He plays the guitar backwards like Jimi Hendrix. Redemption draweth nigh for David this week. For me, anyway. Last week was ridiculous and I hated it. This week, while still a bit ridiculous at times, it was quite enjoyable.

David Archuleta - Gee, the little guy has a fan club already. I'm trying to guess what song he will sing while they go to break... dunno. Let me fast-foward. "Imagine" Ok. It's nice. I like it, and usually people destroy this song. David has such a great voice. It was solid.

I am just too tired at this point to make a guess as to who is going home. Maybe I'll make my picks after the girls sing tomorrow night.

My Picks for Week 1

Oops - I almost forgot to do this! The show is getting ready to start.

The girls saying bye-bye tonight will be Amy Davis and Joanne Borgella.

The boys taking their last bow will be Jason Yeager and Luke Menard... with Garrett Haley taking a BIG sigh of relief.

Let's see how it shakes out.

Top 24 Ladies - Week 1

Ok, so the bad flu (as opposed to the good flu) has hit the female contestants... this should be interesting. I don't want to get out of bed when I have the flu - bad or otherwise - and I can't imagine having to get in front of the world and pretend as though I feel like singing for my life! In fact, I was sick last night when I got home from church and - GASP - didn't even watch the show but went straight to bed after watching the eclipse.

First up...

Kristy Lee Cook - Aw, she sold her prize horse to go to American Idol. Can you imagine how silly she would've felt if she hadn't made it this far? I hope she can buy that horse back. If this performance is any indication... the horse is glue. Her hair looks better curly. Ok, she must be one of the sick ones - she looks pekid. Wow, this is a watered-down version of this song. Very boring. It just keeps going and going and going. As the song ends, the poor thing just looks like she's going to pass out. She sings well, it was just THERE. But, gosh, if she's sick maybe she deserves a second chance. Dunno. Paula sounds high. One odd note: as Kristy was singing, it showed the boys' reaction and some of them were clapping along but David Cook was just staring a whole through her. Suppose he's from the lineage of Cooks that don't like her side of the Cooks??? Ha.

Joanne Borgella - Ok, is she sick, too? Gee. That was not good. I have not been a fan of her from the beginning. If I hear one more time that she is a plus-size model I'm gonna puke. I was just not impressed by her voice. But, she DOES look sick.

Alaina Whitaker - Yes, she does look like Carrie Underwood. Let's just see how she sounds, though! She is a cutie. Much better personality than Carrie, it seems. Nice control of the voice. It's hard to sing that low and keep it in control. WOW - this girl is good. I love her performance! Very nice voice. No, Randy, it was not rough at the beginning. Did Paula just say that Diana Ross's performance of this song was a very dreadful experience??? Oh, my. Brazen. I can't say enough good things about little Alaina, though.

Amanda Overmyer - This chick is only 23? She seems older. She comes out strong... if not a little scary. Now, SHE is legitimate. Robbie Carrico a rocker? Nah. Amanda Overmyer? Heck yeah. Do I prefer this sound? Nah. But someone does. She can perform. No doubt about that. I like it when she smiles! It's not as scary. If we don't vote for her, is she going to come and find us and beat us up?

Amy Davis - Very pretty girl - great bone structure. Can she sing? I remember her first audition and thought that they made a mistake by putting her through. Shaky voice, I thought. Seems I was right. So many things wrong with this performance!!!! 1) who did her hair and makeup? Wrong. 2) Who picked this song? Wrong. 3) Why is she singing like that? Wrong. The placement in her voice is all wrong. Too forced. Not good control. Off-pitch. I'm not trying to be mean. This is my knee-jerk reaction. Oh, my word. This is unbearable. I bet that girl from Nashville that got beat out by Joanne Borgella is fuming right now.

Brooke White - I don't know what to think about this girl - the rated R girl. I thought her first audition in hollywood was not that great, but they gave her a free ride to the end. She seems like a really nice girl. Ok, I'm just going to say right off the bat that it's a bad song choice. She sounds nervous. She looks AWESOME. But her voice sounds weak and shaky. Why does she keep grabbing her head? Paula still sounds high. It's like she forgets she's on the show and gets startled by her turn to talk.

Alexandrea Lushington - I feel like I don't know much about this girl. Thank you, Alexandrea! She got into it, looked her age, performed and did it well. At least at first. She kinda lost it when she went up high. At least she gave it some energy. I liked it. Paula=still high. Simon=high by contact? He was way off on this one.

Kady Malloy - Oh, this girl... I don't know. She seems like a bratty little girl who has never been told no in her life. Hmmm, maybe she can take over Britney Spears life since she has her voice so down-pat. Anyway, she starts off pretty strong if not a little odd. She has a grunt to her voice that she should reserve for special moments in the song. Ok, she really got off in the middle of the song and again towards the end... but all in all, I think she will and should go a little further in the competition.

Asai'h Epperson - Wow, I wasn't too sure about her before this performance. But, this girl rocked it out. Personality plus. It was very enjoyable. I don't think she'll win or anything... but it was really good.

Ramiele Malubay - This girl is so cute. She performs well. She either has experience or she has spent some quality time in her bedroom with the hairbrush in front of the mirror. It was off-pitch at times, but it didn't bother me too much. She has some really good moments. She will hang around for awhile.

Syesha - She is beautiful and has a lot going for her. She had some pitchy places (and does with every performance I've seen, no matter how overall great) but it was a high-energy, good performance. She will end up in the final 4 if she doesn't blow it.

Carly Smithson - I like this girl. I felt bad for what happened to her last season. I hate this song, though. And she has some immediate pitch problems, but pulled it out in the end. Man, does she remind anyone else of Steve Perry? Totally! Best vocal of the past 2 days? Mmm, I don't know. It was good, though. She kind of put me off with her "Sick is not an excuse" comment. It was a little catty.

Ok, those are my thoughts! Let's see what happens tonight!

Top 24 Guys - Week 1

Oooh, I am so excited!!!! I LOVE the top 24 - have I mentioned that already???

I should probably tell you that I am part of an illustrious Fantasy American Idol group. It's pretty elaborate. I only "know" one person in the group, but feel very at-home making my picks and giving my opinions when necessary.

But blogging is where it's at for me. I really like getting my thoughts out about other people's talent. I'm going to try and not be so mean this year, ha ha! Here we go!

Ahhh, they're playing my last-year favorite - Blake Lewis - as they recap the process leading up to this. Nice.

David Hernandez - I really liked this guy in Hollywood. I think he has a solid voice... but I'm not sure if he has what it takes to be a "star". He seems really nervous whenever he sings, even though his voice is really good. I love the color in his voice. Ooh, Midnight Hour. Good start! Wow, his voice is better than I remember. Little pitchy part, but not bad. If you close your eyes, you would think he's already a star. Ouch - really out of tune towards the end, but who cares? All in all, I like him! I do. I like him. If it wasn't midnight, I'd vote for him right now.

Chikezie - I like this guy, too... but THIS SONG? Is this what I have to look forward to if he makes it much further? Don't get me wrong - it's a great song. But the arrangement is HORRIBLE. It's hard to hold out all of those notes on pitch if you're a seasoned performer, let alone the first night of a big competition. Bad move, dawg. But his mama was the cutest thing in the world! How sweet! I was kinda pulling for him because he got cut last year... but he may have just blown it. Paula is trying to cover for him by playing him up. [Side note - what happened to Paula's cute hair she had going on throughout the auditions? Ugh.] Now, I've heard that they put the worst singer in the #2 singing spot each night. Ouch.

David Cook - I don't know what it is about this guy that irks me... let me watch him and maybe I'll figure it out. Is it his hair? Oh wait, they are stealing David's thunder and talking to Colton instead. Eek. He is comparing himself to Ellen Degeneres. Come on - I like Ellen, don't do that to her. Then, Colton lets out this weird chuckle. Awkward! Can we move on to David now? Please? Whoa, David looks like a giant next to Ryan Seacrest. Weird. I hadn't thought he was that big. OK, he's singing. Off-pitch, with a weird vibrato. Is he this year's male version of Jordin Sparks? Let's hope not - her vibrato killed me. Oh, wow. He's... doing... weird things. Like a bad Vegas lounge singer. He's off-pitch horribly and he's winking and pointing at the audience. Seriously? Oh, my. I had to pause it to collect my thoughts. That was bad. Ha! I don't buy his whole rocker vibe. Just because you push out the notes and twirl the mic stand, does not a rocker make! What? Randy is singing his praises? Paula, too? I'm gonna go watch it again. Hang on - let me rewind. Nah, I didn't like it. Sorry. Chris Daughtry (sigh), he ain't. Those smirks. Gah. Whatever, moving on...

Jason Yeager - I can't wait to hear this guy. They did not let us hear him all through the audition process. I am not expecting him to be any good, but I hope he proves me wrong because I think he's a Christian. He sings in his mom's worship band, anyway, so let's hope so! What's up with the streak in his hair? I mean, I have that if I go too long without coloring the gray. But, on purpose? Aw, cute son. Ok, Moon River??? PEOPLE! You have a CHOICE during this part of the competition. And you CHOOSE Moon River? And off-pitch, at that. Jason, let me give you some advice. You have a rich, colorful voice. Get jiggy with it. That was so Donny Osmond. All of the smiling and looking around and pointing and smiling. Ick. I just don't know. Awww, Paula did her first ballet recital to that song? Well, nevermind then! We shall all vote for Jason because he did Paula's first ballet-recital song! My mind is changed! Oh, and it gets better. Jason's grandmother taught him that song when he was little. Look. Jason, you've already used your son. Must you pull out another family member so early in the competition? If you're lucky enough to make it to next week, try doing a song from THIS century, k? [Ha! Simon bought his first puppy to the song. Bah ha ha.] [Now I feel silly... I just found out later in the show that it's actually 60's night. I simply do NOT understand this. But, I digress.]

Ha, again! Ryan just said "Little David Archuleta". He must REALLY be little for Ryan to be able to call him that!

Robbie Carrico - This guy has a lot of rumors flying around about him. He used to be in a band called Boyz N Girlz United or something like that. Also, he is rumored to have dated Britney Spears. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm not sure I would go around spreading either of those facts. Now, he's a rocker. It's like a 12 step program with some of these guys. "I've tried everything else... I think I'll go be a rocker." What is up with the bandanna? He's kinda cute, though. Something about him reminds me of JT. Thank you for at least singing in tune, Robbie! Very nice! I have news for you, though, Robbie. You are not rock. You are SO pop... but GOOD pop! Go for more Peter Cetera and less Bon Jovi. Your voice is pure. Paula just said something that actually made sense - in the pocket! Yes! Current - yes, Simon! Robbie has surprised me. I like him.

David Archuleta - I picked this guy to win it all when I made my initial picks on my Fantasy American Idol. Such a cute little thing! I'm not sure if I still feel that he will win... but he will surely go far because he's so endearing. Uh oh, he just cracked a little. But, I really like his voice. He's 17. I'll give him some slack. Very entertaining.

Danny Noriega - With a name like Noriega, you expect some 'tude. But this chick... I mean, guy... really gets on my nerves. I think he has a talent. Great voice. He's this year's Sanjaya - except with a better voice and more soul. And more guts. I always sensed that Sanjaya was being flung into stardom at first against his will. This guy, though, his scratching and clawing his way there. Now, Jailhouse Rock is one of my favorite Elvis songs. And Danny has just kinda butchered the rhythm of the song. Oh, he is such a girl! This should be an interesting season. The head bob! Oh, my.

Luke Menard - I'm not expecting great things from him, but let's see. Has anyone caught the joke his name makes? If you haven't, then don't think about it. Moving on... Ok, his first audition this season was not bad. Ouch - his audition last year was hideous. He has a high voice. Whoa - off-pitch. Can he hear himself? Is his monitor working? I'm being serious. He's incredibly sharp, which means he's not breathing because he's nervous. Deep breath, Luke! Bad song choice, but he could've pulled it out if he had been on pitch. Seems like a genuinely nice guy. Too bad he won't make it past the first week. Cute wife! Ok, thank you, randy, for backing me up on the sharp thing. Aw, I like this guy. If he can sing, I'd like to see him make it one more week.

Colton Berry - Hmmm, who wants to place bets that Colton Berry and Danny Noriega become friends? Anyway... Colton has a really good voice, actually. He sings with heart. Nice. On pitch. Lovely to listen to, maybe not so much to watch. Hold up! the theme is 60's tonight???? How did I miss that? WHY???? Don't they have enough theme nights once they get whittled down to the top 12? Ugh. This show.

Garrett Haley - No idea what this little boy sounds like. Has his voice changed yet? Ok, he is not bad... just kinda boring. He can wail. I hate theme nights. Have I mentioned that? Next. Oh, my - Simon!!!! How rude to say that he looks like he's been shut up in his bedroom for a month! That was horrible. He seems like a very nice, good-humored boy. I hope Simon hasn't just scarred him.

Jason Castro - I have not heard this guy sing during auditions, and yet I picked him as this year's Dark Horse. It's just a hunch I have. I'm guessing that he's good. And it has nothing to do with his dreads, either. My, what nice white teeth he has. Whoa. He IS good. I'm loving it. Natural, raw talent. Reminds me of Amos Lee. Just PLEASE, please do something with that hair. I can't stand to look at it up close. Under the lights. He just passed up David Archuleta, in my humble opinion. Pitch problems, Randy? What? Are you insane? Yes, he blew me away. He was original. Love it. He's my fave so far.

Michael Johns - I have looked forward to this guy all night. I loved everything they showed of him during the audition process. And he's Australian - love those Aussies! Ok, so he's starting off a little shaky. good stage presence. And gracious... all I can think of while he's singing is that scary nurse-singer from the girls that sang it during Hollywood week. I don't think it was his best performance. He's very charismatic and charming. He actually reminds me of a non-drugged out Jim Morrison. Ha! He will do well.

My goodness, it's late. I'm going to bed.

A new Season...

Beginning tomorrow, I will do my level best to blog my little heart out about the new season of American Idol. Thank goodness they realized what a mess they made of last year's season and have already made some necessary changes. I'm actually excited!

Until tomorrow...