Season 8, From 11 to the top 10!!!

YESSSSS! A night at home without anywhere to be or anything to do! I get to watch AI semi-live (because I pause it to write this here blog... that's my country-speak for the night) and that makes me happy!

My first bit of attention goes to Megan Joy. Did anyone else catch her look as she was walking on stage?

Well, I had to pause and put the kiddos to bed and missed now I'm almost an hour behind now. Oh, well. The cutest thing happened when putting the kids to bed. I'll try to put it on my other blog or in my Facebook notes.

Anyway... we're off! Michael Sarver kicks us off tonight with Garth Brooks. I could've guessed as much. He's so sweet. The song sounds a step or two too low for him. It's hard to sing fast when you're in that bottom register. But he's having fun... and apparently so is that harmonica player!!!! Man, that guy is having convulsions. Does it take that much energy to play the harmonica? Anyone know? Hold on... it was Michael's artistic ability to take a harmonica player? Huh? Oh, Paula...

You know, WHY do they pick country music week if they're going to slam the song choices non-stop??? Crazies!

Allison Iraheta is next. Man, this girl has such a neat voice... but are we sure her parents didn't freeze her for 5 or 10 years? She certainly seems older than 16! Funny thing, even when she's singing a semi-twangy country song, she still sounds like a rocker. I really don't like this song. Must she hold up 2 fingers every time she says 2-timing? I do LOVE her outfit, though. Kickin'.

Ah, here we go with Kara again. "You can sing the alphabet and sing it well." I suppose I should be thankful she didn't say the phone book.

Ooo, I get to vote tonight! Yay!

Kris Allen is going to sing Garth's "To Make You Feel My Love". He sounds really good, and he's a cutie... even if he looks like he has Bell's Palsy when he hits his big notes. Kris is really smart. You know he is playing on his "cute guy" status by singing this love song. 12 yr old girls across the nation are probably going wild. And it was a nice break from the first 2 hyperactive songs. Aw, his dad is crying. I like Kris because he is straight-up. He's not gimmicky.

"I didn't even know that it was Opryland" - Kara. Oh, girlfriend is NOT letting me down tonight!!!!

"Tender Dog" - Randy

Ok, now I am loving Lil Rounds dress tonight. Cute, the only country songs she's heard are on movies. Me, too, honey. Oh, wow. "Independance Day". Really? So overdone. Ok, let's hear her sing. She is starting out pitchy, dawg. Sorry, but she is. Is it just me, or is this tempo just a little too... peppy? I don't like it. At all. She's under pitch. It doesn't sound natural. Nice ending note, but that's it for me. I maybe just became an un-fan. Sorry - I know she is a fan fave. But not for me.

"We all know you're a great singer. You'd have to be DEAF not to know that." - Kara

"Look, Little." - Simon

Adam Lambert is going country... or is he? Sitar? Really. This, I gotta hear. He's scaring Randy Travis. Hilarious. "I'm guessing you're not going to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in the next week or anything like that." AND "For me, I don't see men wearing nail polish that often." Great quotes. Ok, so here's the deal. I LOVED this arrangement. I know A LOT of people are going to disagree with me and think I'm cuh-razy. But I absolutely loved it. His falsetto is amazing. And I truly appreciated the fact that he didn't scream the entire song as he has done in the past. I don't know... I just liked it. I might even buy it. Great control of his voice.

"The fire, the egyptian thing..." - Kara (Did she miss the part where the Sitar is an Indian instrument?)

You know what I've noticed? When Kara goes first, she doesn't EVER know where she stands!!!!! That's what kills me! She's clueless...

And now we have Scott MacIntyre singing "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride. Ha, Randy took the words right out of my mouth. Scott got a haircut. Well, crap... I picked Scott to go home tomorrow night, but it seems like he's gonna do alright tonight. Unless the judges throw him under the bus, he should stay in dance and go on tour. I just don't like his style. It's too sugary for me. I like his look tonight... no pun intended. Ha, Paula's talking to him like he's dumb, not blind. Paula is way off-base... and Scott had a great comeback. Simon was right to call her comments stupid. Billy Joel leads from the piano and connects. It's his crappy song choice.

Well, dern. For once, Kara said something very intelligent in her feedback to Scott.

I will say that Scott's pretty smart, too, to say that he will drop the piano but won't tell us when. Ha! Sly sense of humor, that one.

Ooo, I love me some Alexis Grace. Love that girl's voice and soul. Don't know so much about her personality... she's a little Carrie Underwood stand-offish. However, I do not like her singing this song. She's definitely having trouble with it... and I don't like some of her phrasing. Hmmm. Her stage-presence is lacking tonight, too. Usually I like her... but not tonight. And darn it, again I'm agreeing with Kara again. The song came off a little flat. Paula doesn't care about pitch problems? Well, that's obvious from her records. Ha! Simon must've smoked crack on the commercial break to say that she sounded like Dolly. She so didn't.

Hmmm, so Danny Gokey is singing Carrie Underwood. That's surprising. Please don't jump the shark, Danny. Ooo, it makes me nervous that he kept messing up. Why did he pick this song? I will say, though, that his version is very different from Carrie's. Mmmm mmmm mmm. Dat boy gots some soul. I couldn't imagine liking this song at all... but he made me like it. Love his riffs. I'm so thankful that he doesn't just do a karaoke version of songs. Thank you, Simon! Danny's jacket is not good. Polar Expedition, indeed.

I want dessert.

Ok, moving on! Anoop! Anoop! Anoop is on fiiiiiire. Well, maybe not. What will you sing for us, Anoop Desai? Let's find out. Yes - Willie! I think Anoop's gonna tear this up! He CAN sing. And come on, let's face it. It's India's year. ;-) Whoo, sliiiide on up to that note, noop dawg. It might've been funny for Scott to have done this song. Anyway... Good job!!!!! Loved it. Anoop has redeemed himself. Hilarious! Paula says "Anoop is BACK!!!" and no one appluaded. Ha! I think it threw her for a loop. Anoop threw her for a loop. If I'm not mistaken, my dear friend Penny's dad co-wrote this song, too. I enjoyed this performance. He's gonna stick around for a few more weeks, anyway.

Some bad news... I've been voting for Alexis for awhile now and getting through every time. Uh oh! I just want to see her go a few more weeks at least!

Megan Joy is next. Can we count on more animal sounds tonight??? Gosh, I hope so! Not. "I Go Walkin'" is a good song choice for her. It will suit her voice realy nicely. Beautiful dress. She is so pretty. Lincoln is with me and had been acting pretty hyper, but when Megan started singing, he calmed right down. Ha! It's my personal opinion that even though Megan has done better tonight than last week, she still may not appeal to the masses with this performance. Oh, she has the flu. No wonder she had that cranky look at the beginning. Ha, Simon just accidentally flipped us all off. She did good, but she still could be in danger.

Oh, my man Matt Giraud is next. What will he sing? Something good, please!!!!! Last week was so nice. Hopefully he'll be at the piano, to. A Carrie song? wow. Not sure what I think. Is Paula SMELLING Simon's arm? Gross. OK, back to Matt. Wow. I loved it. I know he had a few vocal bobbles. But dang, he is so attractive when he plays those keys. And I love the suit. "Authenticity," Paula. Man, he can pound on those keys. I didn't move while he was performing. I just watched. That's a good sign.

The best of the night goes to Matt, Anoop... and Adam! Sorry. Danny was a VERY close 4th.

I can honestly say I have NO idea who is going home now!!!!! The weakest performances were by Lil and Scott in my opinion. Well, Michael's was very forgettable, too. He could very well be in danger.

We shall see!!!!!! Thanks for reading, people!!!!

Season 8, Top 13, Performance Night

A night late and $6 short... because, dear SIL#2, I have discovered something very disturbing about myself. I'm more addicted to saying "G*h" than I previously cared to admit!!!! So, I will still try to refrain from using it here in this blog... but can't make any promises in person.

Ok, I have another confession. It's very late on Wednesday night (nearly midnight) and I am feeling so disheveled and out-of-sorts. I have just been frazzled the past 2 days... have barely been at home at all... missed making my Fantasy American Idol picks on time (something I've never done in all 3 years of playing!!!)... and am just now getting around to watching. I have no idea who got kicked off tonight. So I'm really feeling disconnected.

Now, on to the show!!!!!!

The judges appear from behind a big screen with what sounds like a WWF announcer... and excuse me, but was Paula getting a wedgie out???? Let me rewind it. I can't be sure, but it sure looked like it! And what is going on between Simon and Ryan? They always have this little private joke going on.

Wow, nice stage! I must say I'm sooooooooo glad to have the REAL band back. Holy cow! That band they've had the recent weeks really sucked. SIL#2, can I say sucked? What about crap? LOL!

Let's get to sangin'! (That a sassy way of saying "singing") Lock up your children, it's Michael Jackson week. This should be interesting! Will Adam Lambert sing Thriller?

First up is Lil Rounds. She's good, no doubt. Cute little kids! Aw, she's a sweet girl. "The Way You Make Me Feel" Cool - one of my favorite MJ songs. I'm not loving her version. She a little out of pocket. NOW, I realize it's her first time on that big ole honking stage, so in light of that, she's actually doing great. She is quite the performer. I'd like to go on the record and say I abhor her outfit. Bottom line - she performed the heck out of it, but I did not care of her singing. The judges are deaf tonight. She did not sing well. Thank God for Simon for telling it straight.

Kara is getting on my nerves. Already.

"Give me 5 minutes with Lil and I straighten her out" - Simon
"You know what? That's all it would take." - Paula
Ha!

Next up is Scott MacIntyre. Oh, boy. I hate to say that his vision impairment has gotten him this far... but I really think his vision impairment has gotten him this far. Sorry! OK, WOW. That was more than just a little creepy when they played the clip of he and his siblings singing that weird little song. Yikes. OK, the song starts off nice. Love the piano playing. Not sure I am familiar with this song. His singing goes downhill fast. This song is so weird. I will say that Scott is a fabulous pianist. But come on, people. A standing ovation? It's a SINGING competition. He doesn't sing all that well, people! Sheesh.

Shut up, Kara.

"It's magical seeing your instrument at your fingertips." - Paula
I'm gonna leave that one alone...

Danny Gokey is next and I just love him. PYT, awesome! Ok, the show has started now as far as I'm concerned. Wow, he rocked out that intro. Loved it. What in the world is up with his dancing?? It's like he's trying to ride a Shetland pony. But I do love his soul! I loved hearing his family back-story, how they sing everything. We do that in our family. :-) Aw, Paula is all emotional. I'm gonna have to rewind his performance and watch it again. Love his voice! Yes, it is very Michael McDonald-ish. Mmmm mmmm mmm. Good stuff.

I love this guy - Michael Sarver. What a sweet, precious guy. I think Michael has a great voice, but I don't think his voice is "pop" enough to win. It's very Christian Adult Contemporary, which is not a bad thing... it just is what it is. His voice is very inspirational. Does that make sense? Kara... ugh. And Paula's eye makeup. Gee! Instinctually, Paula? Is that a word? (Not according to my spell-check)

Jasmine is next. Snore. She's cute and all but I just am not into it. Jasmine's family is very attractive. I'll Be There? Hmmm, don't know if I would've picked such an old-school song choice if I was one of the youngest ones. She starts out singing it very well.. and then quickly falls off the cliff. Her licks are very Mariah-esque. And she botched them towards the end. She can sing, she just needs one more year to grow. She is very composed on stage.

Whoo, I'm getting sleepy...

Kris is next. Can he keep me awake? Aw, he's a newlywed. So sweet. Remember the Time. Oh, I'm so glad he has his guitar. He's so much better when he has his guitar. Ok, let's stop. From a completely TECHNICAL standpoint here... WHY does he jut his lower jaw out to the right side of his face when he sings big notes? That drives me crazy! Someone somewhere should work with him on that. Horrible habit. Ouch - he completely dorked-out on the bridge and ending. Throwing his arms around erratically... weird. He botched the big notes, but I forgive him. I liked it.

TOTALLY weird moment when Paula tries to explain why Kris helps others and Simon starts pulling on her dress. Did anyone else catch what happened next? Ryan goes over and tries to stop Simon and kinda gives him a little pat on the face. It was very demeaning, if you ask me. I'm surprised Simon didn't whack him. Uncomfortable.

Allison Iraheta is next and she can sing... but she's a little weird. Given to me? I don't know this song. Of all the popular songs from MJ, why are they choosing all of these obscure songs? Allison seems like she's channeling Amanda Overmeyer or something. Her vocals are spot-on... but the song is very 80's rock ballad. I love me some 80's... but this brings back the bad memories of the 80's for some reason. Love her voice. Hate the song choice.

Anoop is next and he looks very handsome tonight. They've done something a little different with his hair. Beat it! Oh, wow. Aaaaaaaand he's dancing. He comes out strong with his vocals! He sounds really really good at first. I can honestly say that I LOVE what he has done with the vocals on this song. I am very pleasantly surprised!!! Loved it. Completely.

Paula hated it??? Simon hated it??? Whaa? They're completely throwing him under the bus! Kara says he didn't do any riffs... yes he did! I love what he did with the song. Were we hearing the same song? I mean, it wasn't earth-shattering or anything, but it certainly wasn't bad!

Jorge is next. Hmmm, never have been a fan, but he seems like a sweet guy. Just a bit boring. I thought Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me was a little safe. But what do I know? Never Can Say Goodbye? Wow - he sounds great. I mean, his vocals are pretty good on this song. His pitch is great. Especially on the higher notes, which can be hard for men to stay on pitch up in that register. He had a few bobbles, but overall I thought it was good. Do the judges need a snack? They are getting cranky.

Whew, I have a headache now.

Megan Joy is back. Can't wait to see her dance moves. Not. Her brother, who looks a little like a pot-head, is in the audience. She is so beautiful! Look at those pictures from when she was younger. So cute! I think she's gonna be a star of some sort... just not sure it will be in singing. Aw, she misses her little boy. Rockin' Robin. Hmmm, really? She has such an interesting voice. I really actually like it. It's so different and interesting. I already said that. Oh, wait! Caw caw?????? WHAT?

Adam is next. Please, oh please, let him be singing Thriller. It would be so appropriate. Oh. Black & White. Like his skin vs. his fingernails? He starts out strong with the first part of the verse. He is certainly comfortable on stage. Oh, my - he really hit some raunchy notes on this one!!!! Can't anyone hear that? It kills me when they cut to Paula trying to come out of her coma to dance. Paula can barely speak - she is out of breath with emotion. She's all kinds of crazy tonight! I like about half of what he does and the other half just turns me off. Paula is nuts.

"I hope Michael Jackson is watching this tonight." - kara
"I love him!" - Adam, mouthing the words.
You're too old for him. - Me

My boy, Matt Giraud is next. He let me down greatly during the top 36... but now he gets his piano back and I'm believing for him to kick it up a notch!!! Don't let me down, Matt! Oh! Human Nature is one of my favorite MJ songs. Oh, sing it Matt! He seems to be singing more in his key tonight. WOW. Nice. He has some pitchy places... but.. Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay for having his piano back! He took some risks and it paid off. I don't mind telling you that performance was dead sexy, too. Moving on!

Ok, who's next? Alexis Grace! I really liked her when she sang Aretha the first week. Oh, my! Dirty Diana? Love that song! Alexis looks like a star already. The song is a bit fast. But, WOW. listen to the judges fighting over who goes first. I liked it. Why didn't they make her # 13 in the phone number? Why 36? That might mess up her chances if people don't get her # right when calling to vote. I think the judges are hard on her. She sang the heck out of that song and performed great.

I predict Jorge and Michael Sarver will go home. But, I wish it was Scott MacIntyre. I just don't think he's a strong singer.

Peace out!!! And no, I STILL don't know who was voted off. Not sure if I have the stamina to stay up and watch it...

Very wild cards!

LOL, Kim!!!!! Your comment on the previous post just reminded me that my SIL, Jenni, DID pay me $6 at Bible Study Tuesday night because I refrained from saying "Gah" in my other post.

Now, since she already paid me, I'm wondering if I can go back to saying it... or if I'm bound to refrain the rest of the season??? Hmmmm.

I haven't heard a peep this season out of my SIL Shelby, who usually has several comments to make. Shelby, where are you???

Also, I know it's only Thursday morning, but where is Tracy, Talysa and Jenni??? Angie, Lori??? Come on, girls. Comments. Gimme.

I'm highly disappointed with the wild card picks. Don't get me wrong, I'm LOVING Ricky Braddy and Matt Giraud. Yay for that. But Jessie Langseth??? Seriously??? She has a good voice but her personality GRATES on my nerves. Tatiana??? I'd take Nick over her! (but then, I liked Nick)

I'm REALLY disappointed that Felicia and Ju'Not aren't getting another chance. They both out-sang Von, Tatiana, and Jessie!!!!! I'd buy Felicia and/or Ju'Not's CD. I hope they make it HUGE. Take THAT, AI.

Oh, and WHY did they only choose 8 wild cards??? Why not 12??? They could've let in some good singers to go with the jokes they picked.

And how dare Simon point out Jennifer Hudson. He blasted her that season. And she wasn't even a wild card!!! Was she?

Ok, hopping down from my soap box now! Have a great day!

Third 12 out of 36!!!

Ok, I've got to hurry! Church is coming up and I haven't watched last night's episode yet...

Here we go...

Does it seem fair that Alexis, Danny and Michael have gotten more face time than anyone else?

Gotta admit, I'm kinda getting sick of Kara.

Fast forwarding through the judges silly banter.

Von Smith is first. This guy gets on my ever-last nerves!!!! How wide can someone open their mouth. Breathy at first and REALLY pitchy. But the chorus sounds kinda good as long as you don't look at him... oh, until the end of the chorus. BAD song choice. He has some fairly good moments, but all-in-all it's just not good enough, dawg. Nah. "Pitch perfect", Paula? Really?

Next, the pride of Hurricane, Utah, Taylor Vaifanua. Cute dress! Love it. The low notes aren't working for her. Honestly, after hearing Alicia Keys sing this song, Taylor just doesn't seem to have the chops. It's too rigid. "You've had a voice since the moment we met you" - Kara. GAG! Taylor's a sweet girl, but she's forgettable. Sorry.

Alex Wagner-Trugman is next. Geeky boy, but that could totaly work for him. I really like his tone. But the dancing!!!! And the growling!!! Oh, my word! I could do without both of those! What the crud???? What just happened? Did the spirit of Mufasa come over him? He lost that lovely tone that I dig and went haywire on us. I think if he had just sang normal and been dorky-adorable, he would be fine. Ha ha, Randy! "Did you forget something back there? What was with those dance moves?" Exactly.

Arianna Afsar is next and I looked her up on Youtube and she has a pretty good voice... so of course, I ranked her pretty high in my Fantasy league... which of course means she'll probably do horribly. Oh. My. Goodness. She is sooooooo off from the accompaniment music. What in the world? I don't even know what to say. I think she has a good voice deep down. What is with Kara telling people they don't know who they are as a person???? Paula always brings it back to the positive.

Ju'Not Joyner is next and he was one of my favorites throughout the auditions. I hope he does well. I like what he did with Delilah in Hollywood... so let's see. I saw some stuff he wrote on youtube and liked it a lot. Ummm, love his riffs. Love his take on this song. Love it a lot. This guy can sing. I completely appreciate the fact that he stayed in tune the entire song. THANK YOU!!!

Ugh, I just had to kick the boys out of my room. They are breaking my stride!

Fast-forwarding... but wait - did he just say something about his butt?

Kristen McNamara is next and there is something about this chick that bothers me. Don't know what. OH, I detest this arrangement of this song!!!!! I would say it's like bad dinner theatre, but I don't want to talk bad about dinner theatres. Theme park, anyone? She has a decent voice... but ugh! This version!!!!! So CHEESY!!!!!!! I agree with Kara for the first time tonight - but now I can't remember what she said that I agree with. Oh! I know - she should sing more Pink or Kelly Clarkson.

Oh, Nathaniel... our little flamer. Meatloaf? Seriously? Meatloaf. Why, Nathaniel? I think Nathaniel has legitimate talent and a good voice... but this is absolutely ridiculous. Methinks he's trying to out-flame Adam Lambert. All the pointing and the jumping... I thought I was watching aerobics. I do remember him singing "Disturbia" in Hollywood and loving it. I wish he had picked a different song.

Up next is my favorite, Felicia Barton. I've loved her from the get-go. I'm so glad they kick Joanna out, because Felicia could win, I think. She's cute and I listened to her stuff of youtube and loved it a lot. Ok, so she's singing "No One". Ooo, she's got a little Nelly Furtado thing going on. Ouch, she cracked a little, but I'm willing to forgive her. I like her. She has lost her groove towards the middle, but I think if she makes it to the top 12, she can really show us what she's got.

Scott is up next with Mandolin Rain. Good song choice. I'm just gonna say it - I'm not crazy about his voice or style. I think he made it this far because he's blind. I know that may sound cruel, but come on. Ok, good big note toward the end. Good job. I predict he'll get in the top 3. Probably beat out Felicia, bummer.

Ack! Fast forwarding! Gotta go to church.

Kendall Beard. I'm not expecting much from this girl. She's cute and has on a fantastic dress! She's not doing bad so far... but I'm just not crazy about it. Actually, it's not unpleasant. She's actually doing better than Kristen McNamara. Hmmm, well, until that big note she just botched. People may actually vote for her because they love country music. Her parents are beautiful!

Ok, so I ranked Jorge the least likely to make it through tonight in my pre-performance picks... but later heard that he did pretty well. Let's see... there's no question that he has a great voice. He can wail. But, I don't personally care for it. Abbey just said "is that Newt?" I just looked at her and she said "You know, a-NEWT. a-NEWT!" HA HA HA She meant Anoop! Cute little thang. Wow, Paula loves him a lot. She just wants to squeeze him. Aw, he's crying.

OK, so here's the thing about Lil Rounds. She's great and has a great story and a spunky personality. Great performance. She's a natural. But, she's just not my favorite. Don't know why. Just not. She'll probably be in the final 2 or 3 of the top 12. Maybe even go against Danny.

Alright- I'm sorry this wasn't my normal fun-loving AI blog. I'm in a rush!!!! We will do it all again tomorrow night!!!!! The wildcard!!!!! Go, Ricky & Matt!!!!

My prediction for top 3: Lil Rounds, Scott, and Ju-Not. BUT, I hope Felicia beats out Scott.

Wildcard from tonight. Nathaniel and maybe one other. ???

Have I mentioned I hate this format????

Second 12 out of 36!

[Foreward: My SIL Jenni has asked me to refrain from saying a particular word in my American Idol blogs. She has offered to pay me $6 if I will stop typing the word "Gah!". Times are hard. I need $6, so I'm gonna try my level best to refrain from saying it. Now, I don't have a problem with the word. Like I told her, I'm a true child of the '80s and it just comes naturally. But apparently it reminds her of a certain blond bimbo, so I'm gonna TRY. I was itching to say it tonight. Itching!!!!!!]

The show begins with Ryan asking: Where else can you find a welder a bartender a font designer and a comedian?

My husband walks in the room and interjects, sarcastically: Church!

And this is the way we start the show. Again, Ryan is dressed down. Hmmm. Paula brought her cleavage along for the night.

I'm watching the show at 10:00pm because I had church tonight, and I've heard it wasn't very good.

Jasmine goes first. I've not been as enamored with Jasmine as some have been. She's cute, though. Ooo, she's singing Love Song. I can't wait til Abbey watches this tomorrow. Ok, here's the thing. It's hard to compare with the silky soulfulness of Sarah. But I think Jasmine got a little too into the song too early. She should've "sat on it" a little and let it build - she lost the soulfulness of the song. Her stage presence is lacking. She has confidence but got a little geeky with it.

Ooo, Matt Giraud is up next - he's my favorite. Please don't let me down, Matt! UGH. Off to a bad start. Crud - I picked him to go all the way in my fantasy league!!!! Oh, my goodness. WRONG SONG. And too fast. What is with the band/tracks being so fast this year? He sounded so nervous/shaky. Wow. I don't know what else to say. I'm bummed. Crud.

Jeanine Vailes is next. I've never heard her sing at all. Maroon5, huh? Maybe I could learn to like this girl. Man, those legs. Whoa, she is SHARP... as in almost out of tune. Yep, she just went completely off. I think the judges are being a little too hard on her. I agree with Kara (gasp!) that is was just way overdone. She could've settled into it a little, just like Jasmine. OH, my, she's begging now. How sad. Have some dignity, girl! This ain't the only rodeo!

Oh, goody! Nick is up next! I've been looking forward to this! Oh, gosh - I've had to PAUSE the show to laugh. Did you see his mom and dad??? His mom is smiling like a proud peacock. His dad is glaring with something close to hatred. Ok, resuming... Ok, now his dad is looking happier. I'm. Just. In. Shock. Don't know what to say. Except that I really wish he had just been normal and sang.

Again I ask, why does Paula wear her bangs in her eyes??? She needs to take some of those bangs and put them over her boobs.

Allison is next - I saw a video of her on youtube from when she was 14 and she was fairly good back them. She looks older than 16... and acts older than 16. Well, and she kinda acts... silly. Especially when she says "Alone". Gee, the track is killing me. She's a little spastic when she sings... but good job! Good voice! Best of the night so far. I'm now regretting not following my gut in my placement of her in my fantasy league now. I had a thought to rank her high but changed my mind at the last minute.

Kris Allen is up next. Don't know a thing about him! Have we heard him yet? Man in the Mirror? Are you kidding me? The track is too fast. Again. Ok, Kris isn't as bad as I thought he was going to be. I kinda like him. I just wish everyone would stop bouncing around when they sing. It makes them sound shaky. He might be a wildcard. Maybe? I liked what he did with "Everything". Again, I'm regretting my pick for him in my fantasy league. Ugh, are you sensing a trend???

Megan Corkery is next - she had a very unique voice in the auditions... but I don't know if she's a one-trick pony or what. "Put Your Records On". Ok. Her dancing is atrocious! Stop that! I like her sound, I really do. It's very jazzy. She needs to hold the mic because I'm losing her voice at times. Man, is she awkward!!! Beautiful face - good facial expressions. Just show her from the neck up! Wow, I completely agree with Simon, it started well and then she began to oversing.

Matt Breitszke is next. I like this guy. He reminds me of a bigger JJ Langford. Sweet guy. LOL! Aaron just woke up out of a dead sleep and said: "I was wondering what I would look like on American Idol" They do both bite their lower lip when dancing. Ha! Ok, back to Matt. He is a good singer, but there was a certain element of energy missing from this performance. He also should've held the mic. It was terribly boring.

OK, Jesse Langseth is next and I'm looking forward to hearing her. She kinda sounds like a dying cat on the chorus. Bad, bad song choice. It's so boring. She does as good as she can with it... but it's just bad. I would love to hear her on a different song. She started pretty good. Hated the chorus, though. She's a little trite. Is that the right word? Wildcard. "too cool for school" Wow, Simon. Very profound.

Kai is next. He's cute. He's so lovable. What a perfect song for his voice. It's impossible to make something new of an old song with this crappy track band playing. ugh. But even though his song was safe as can be, it was very enjoyable. He was good! I think he out-shone the other guys for real.

Mishavonna is next. I liked her voice in the auditions, or maybe it was Hollywood. Can't remember. Good start, Misha. To me, this is the best performance of the night because she's not over-doing it. She's a true performer. She knows what she's doing. I thought she did a GREAT job with that song. She has been my favorite so far tonight. GOOD LORD! Now they're hating on her for being too put-together! Jackie Tohn was too crazy, Misha is too put-together. Oy. I liked her a lot! I hate it when the judges try to discourage people from voting from someone who was good.

Adam Lambert is last. He scares me. Lots. He screams. Me no likey. I'm not saying he can't sing and perform. Musical Theatre, you don't say! Shocker. Satisfaction. Really? Wow, he's a little girlie to me. Wow, his range is higher than mine! Great performer, no doubt. Energetic. But I would NOT buy his record nor would I want to hear him over and over. Maybe ever again. Ha!

Ok, for tomorrow night, here's who I think will get through: Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Megan Corkery.

Matt's fans might surprise us but I think he'll go Wildcard along with Kris and Jasmine. Or maybe Misha?

Later!

Season 8, yo!!!! First 12 out of top 36!!!!!

Here we go! It's been a long time... and yes, I have missed you. Whoever "you" are. :-) Let's do this!

I'm very excited about this season. They actually have some real singers this year.

Oh, gawd. Paula's hair is back to looking horrible. WHY??? She actually looked great and acted semi-normal during the audition process. What happened in between then and now? Come on, Paula!!!

Ryan is looking very casual tonight. Hmmm. Simon is in a black shirt, as usual. Moving on.

Hits from the hot 100??? That's a broad spectrum. Gee.

I'm gonna go ahead and predict Danny Gokey will shine. That said, let's say hi to the first 12 performers...

Helloooooo, Jackie Tohn. I like this girl - but she seems a little older than her age. Oh, no, those pants. Oh, no, the lip curl! What the heck is she doing??? She's making a fool of herself. She's energetic but I feel like I'm at King's Island in the late 80's. Of all of the songs she could do... this is just downright annoying. She's funny, though. She reminds me of Chelsea Handler. Buh-bye Jackie Tohn.

ha, whenever I hear Simon talk, all I can think of is the bonus material on the Shrek 2 DVD.

Ricky Braddy - Belmont student - is up next. The Braddy Bunch is quite a fierce little fan club, too. He might make it through. Never heard him sing. Will now. A Song For You - Leon Russell. Crowd fave, usually. I LIKE HIM. Love his phrasing. He's taking a tired song and putting a little spin on it. Love his tone. His tricks. He knows what he's doing. I hope he somehow makes it into the top 12. There is just a SLIGHT hint of showtune quality to his voice at times... but hey.

Alexis Grace is next. I thought she did well in Hollywood week. Based on that, I picked her to be the girl that goes through. Ooh, she's doing Aretha. She better bring it. Good control at the beginning!!! The girl has soul, that's fo sho. I thoroughly enjoyed this performance!!!! Made me wish it was me singing that song. Ow! She's good.

Ha ha, look at Paula's bracelet. It's like the one Tatiana wore.

Brent Keith is a cutie, but can he get enough of a fan base? Oopsie, the tape messed up. Aw, he's a sweet guy. Hicktown. Great. Yeah, I can already tell he ain't going far. He's just not good enough. I like him. I hope someone helps him make a country album or something. Maybe he needs to go to Nashville Star. His performance is just awkward. And frankly, his singing is not very good.

Next is Maci Ashworth - I mean, Stevie Wright! She totally looks like my friend Maci. I can't remember if this girl can sing or not. Taylor Swift. Ok. Oh, good Lord. It starts of BAD. Poor girl. She seems like a sweet little girl, but this is just PAINFUL. Ouch. Seriously, how in the world did she make it this far????

Anoop Dawg is in the house. He has some fans. It's India's year. Slumdog, yo. He has a silky smooth voice... but was this the right song choice? I think not. He may not make it through this time, but may come back as a wild card. He can sing, but BAD song choice. What is up with those backups? And the band sounds like a band at a jr high dance. Eeek.

Casey Carlson is next. She's a cute girl, but I cannot remember her voice. The Police??? No, girl. Don't mess up my Police. And why the lip curl??? Why? Ok, so this is a weird song choice... but she has some interesting aspects to her voice. This performance sounds like it needs to be in a musical. And all those winks. Gah. (I love musicals, though.) Wow, watch her face while they are critiqueing her! she's downright pouting.

Ooo, I'm so ready for Michael! I want America to love him! I loved his voice throughout auditions. He's very soulful. Yay, Gavin!!!! One of my favorite songs! And he can pull it off. Yes, way to attack that song. Used to be, contestants only gave it their all after they had been voted off. I just like him. He's likable. Lay off him, Randy!

Ok, so next is Anne Marie. She's likable, but she's not my favorite. Hmmm, she's a demo singer. Didn't know that. Natural Woman. Starts VERY shaky. Eeek. Breathe through it, Anne Marie. I'm gonna tell you 2 things right now: 1) if she makes it over Alexis Grace, it will be a shame. 2) She looks weird when she sings. Also, she seems like she is trying to mimic Celine Dion. ??? She hit some of the belty notes, but it didn't transcend into the rest of the song. Wow, she just slammed Sarah Barellis. Or however you spell her name.

Steven Fowler. He better do better than when he forgot his lyrics. Michael Jackson. A little Rock wit you. He was way off pitch at the beginning. He is sharp as all get-out. Where is the band? I don't see them. Wow, he cracked. Twice. Ouch. Didn't like it. Buh-bye.

Oh, my. Tatiana is next. What will she sing? I think she has potential, but a CRAZY personality. Whitney Houston. How very appropriate. She has such a nice, rich belt voice. She was pitchy throughout the song, but I like the big parts... her belt reminds me of Bernadette Peters. yes, that's who she reminds me of. Oh, Lord. Is she gonna make it through?

I'm hungry. Is this show over yet?

Ok, let's hear Danny Gokey! Everyone's favorite! Man, he looks so much like Robert Downy, Jr. So much! He starts off pretty strong. Love his tone. Mmmmm. Nice. Aaaand, Paula is up. Wish he had chosen a different song - it's a little rushed, too. Ok, hands down he sounds the best of the night. Great singer. Love his style. It's gonna be fun watching him. Ha, you can tell he's a minister.

My top 3 picks for the night? Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Ricky Braddy. HOWEVER, I wouldn't be surprised if Anoop Dawg replaced Ricky Braddy. That would be a bummer, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Later!

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.