Mightier Than The Pen

Oh man, I can’t even count how many times I dialed the "02" number last night, but I had such a hard time getting through to help make up the just under 100 million votes that were cast and I can only hope that’s indicative of the outcome tonight, and you know what I mean.

Both boys, dressed in white; Kris in a simple pair of jeans and button down shirt, and Adam in something flashy, quilted and space age looking with zippers and black boots...something Adam, in other words, take the stage as Ryan introduces the judges. Randy: for me, the song for me for you; Kara: sweetie, this song isn’t righ for you, sorry sweetie; Paula: infectious, intonation, brilliance, instinctual....ly, authentice...you’re authentic; Simon: what? what? what?

First up, in the spirit of Pink meets The Brady Bunch, all 13 idols, similarly outfitted in white, came out and did "So What". Pink, don’t start a fight. They are not responsible.

David Cook, last year’s winner, wearing a black armband in honor of his brother who passed away from brain cancer just a few weeks ago is up next bathed in green spotlights singing his new song "Permanent".

The awards portion, the Golden Idol awards, bestowed on those who didn’t make it quite so far. Hardee har har, but this is more a visual segment than anything, but among them is Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle with his silver lame shirt. And he gets the award, stripped off his sweats to reveal his trademark shirt and khaki shorts and sang "You’re Gonna Love Me"

"Cue The Rain" the first duet of the night is being performed by Lil Rounds and Queen Latifah. Queen, please, the body sock...explain! It’s not a flattering look and why half a zippered jacket on only your right chestal region? But kudos on the obvious weight loss.

Anoop and Alexis, by means of singing the opening lines of "I’m Yours" introduced Jason Mraz. And we got treated once again to why Alexis got sent home when she did.

Kris Allen then joined Keith Urban in a duet of "Kiss A Girl". That was enjoyable. My feet were a-tappin’. And how great if Katy Perry had come out to mix in her "I Kissed A Girl"?

The idol girls, singing "Glamorous" introduced fabulous looking Fergie who sang "Big Girls Don’t Cry" and then was joined by the rest of the Black Eyed Peas and did "Boom Boom Pow", with a back up dance troupe in skin tight black and white geometric stripes.

Here come some more Golden Idols and this category is composure and this group includes Bikini Girl, who won and ceremoniously accepted her award in her bikini, the top of which just about held in her new chest. And then, to bring the entire altercation with Kara during the auditions full circle, Kara joined her on stage, and Bikini Girl was not happy. But, to put a final mark of punctuation on the entire shenanigans, at the end of the song, Kara unsnapped her dress to reveal her own bikini. THE MOMENT OF THE NIGHT...so far.

The next duet, singing "Time After Time", Allison Iraheta and Cyndi Lauper. All I can say, I was waiting for Ms. Lauper to take an ever so quick break from her sitar playing and slap Allison for the mess she was making of that song AND for trying to outsing her.

Next up, Dead Wife Danny (sorry, I’ve been waiting all season to drop that little gem and if I didn’t do it now, I’d forever lose my chance- thanks Butchie) sang "Hello" to introduce Lionel Richie. He’s aged well. Together they sang "Just Go" FABULOUSLY, then broke into the classic "All Night Long".

"Beth" is Adam Lambert’s song to introduce Kiss. And really, what the F is he wearing? Wire shoulder pads? Little baby wings? The monster boots. The ridiculous sparkly eye make-up. Maybe he and Gene Simmons can touch tongues from across the stage. Wouldn’t that be fabuluth?

Not as fabulous as Carlos Santana, the next musical guest accompanying the 13 idols on "Black Magic Woman", which turned into yet another Brady Bunch moment.

The final Ford commercial was Kris and Adam leading in "I Will Remember You" with clips of past commericals.

Megan Joy (yeah, that’s easier than Corkery) and Michael Sarver sang "Pretty Flowers", a song written and performed by King Tut himself, Steve Martin, from his new album The Crow-New Songs For The Five Sting Banjo.

Next the idol boys, led by voice deficient Michael Sarver, at least in this song, did a rousing rendition of "Do You Think I’m Sexy" to introduce Rod Stewart, who rose up from behind the staircase and tripped coming down the stairs, and tripped again just in front of the mic stand, while he was singing "Maggie Mae".

More Golden Idol awards, this time for outstanding female and this group includes your favorite and mine, Tatiana Del Toro and of course she had to win. And she had to be escorted off stage because they needed to take a break. Staged as it was, the look on Ruben Studdard’s face in the audience at her tenacity was priceless.

Time for the dualing idols to sing their duet. "We Are The Champions" with Queen as back up accompaniment.

Oh, dear, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. I’m so on the edge of my rock, I really am.

Here comes the adjudicator with the results. And the winner is KRIS!!!!!!!! YES!!!!

The entire house in hootin’ and a-hollerin’ over our victory.

Well, another season, come and gone. It’s been a real pleasure commentating, again, as usual and I thank you all who read my weekly blogs.

I have some celebrating to do with some carrot cake. It’ll be a teeny tiny piece, but I’m having carrot cake nonetheless.

I hope to see you all, making a guest appearance every now and then on Brian’s blog.

I love you all! MWAH.

KRIS!!!! YES!!!

The tension is mounting. Can you feel it? The last performance show of season 8. Kris Allen vs Adam Lambert. They each sing 3 songs tonight; a favorite performance of the season, a song chosen by series creator Simon Fuller and the winners’ single co-written by Kara DioGuardi. Kris Allen was the winner of the coin toss last week to see who would start off on tonight’s show, and he chose to go second.

I’m not sure if my well publicized skewed opinion on the finalists makes it fair for me to critique on this all important night, so maybe I’ll just sum up my take of each performance in a word or two.

So, starting off, with his favorite performance of "Mad World", is Adam Lambert. Monotonous. Smug.

"Ain’t No Sunshine" is Kris Allen’s choice to start off the show. Smooth. Soulful.

And Simon called round one in favor of Kris!

Adam Lambert is now doing "A Change Is Gonna Come" as picked by Simon Fuller. Overdone in the end of what might have been a good performance. And what was with that adolescent pleading? Reminded me of Donny Osmond’s "someone help me, help me" in his version of Puppy Love. Sorry, that was more than one word.

Kris Allen is doing "What’s Going On", Simon Fuller’s choice for him.

Simon gives round two, a million per cent, to Adam.

"No Boundaries", the song co-written by Kara DioGuardi is the last song for each contestant. Adam Lambert is up first. Manic. Rushed. "Thanks for giving me that song" was his smug response to Kara’s own gushing.

And Kris’ version. Controlled. Passionate. You can see how he feels his music.

Well, I have to get busy with the phone. You know who I’m calling for.

See you tomorrow! Go Kris!

Last night, there were over 88 million votes tabulated and only 1 million separate the top 2.

Ford music video meshed live action with comic strip renderings of each of the top 3 idols in "Break My Stride"

Alicia Keyes came out to speak about the progress Idol Gives Back has been making in Africa in helping children in need and she introduced Noah from Rwanda to sing "I’m The World’s Greatest", the lyrics, to which, in English, he learned in only one week.

While we get ready to see clips of each Idol’s trip home, let me tell you what I heard this morning about Ryan Seacrest. Actually, it was on the Radio Chick Podcast. Ryan Seacrest is teaming up with The Naked Chef himself, Jamie Oliver, in a reality-type show to make over the unhealthiest cities in America. ABC TV has ordered 6 episodes of the as yet untitled show and they are scheduled to be seen next year. Just a little FYI. You’re welcome!

On to the results. First up, Danny and his trip home to Milwaukee. There was the parade and the crazed fans running after his limousine. And being reunited with his boo, Jamar, who got sent home in the elimination round. What is his status tonight? We’ll get to the vote in a little bit.

Kris Allen went home to Conway, Arkansas. He appeared on the local Fox affiliate and answered contest phones at a radio station and met crowd of over 20,000 fans then a teary reunion at home. What is his status tonight? We’ll find out soon enough.

Jordin Sparks takes the stage to perform her new single "Battlefield". I’d forgotten what tall drink of water this one is. She looks great, fierce in fact. And she’s in good voice.

Adam Lambert strolls down memory lame (I meant that) in San Diego. He also appeared on the local Fox news channel. He then returned to the Met (Metropolitan Educational Theater) where he performed as a child, encouraging young up and comers. Then his parade around his high school. What is his status tonight? We’ll find out in just a moment.

Katy Perry is singing her new song "Waking Up In Vegas" in a body suit modified to resemble an Elvis Presley sequined jumpsuit. She entered with a cape with the tasteless plug for Adam Lambert embroidered on it. Oh, did I mention, if she were a contender on American Idol, I don’t think she’d make it past Hollywood Week. She should have stopped at "I Kissed A Girl". At least that wasn’t a serious song, perfect for her not serious voice. Although, "Hot & Cold" was good, too. Okay, maybe she just can’t sing live. Speaking of which, I guess none of you out there wanted to hear Brian’s story, relating back to the lip synching incident. Oh, well, your loss.

Here we go. Good luck! The first person safe and competing in next week is KRIS!!!!!

Here comes the final decision. Adam.

So long Danny Gokey. Never in the bottom 3, never the underdog and he’s out of the competition.

Well, my guess was wrong for this week, but Kris is in and I've got one more ritualistic dance to do around my vat of dried flies.

See you next week. Go Kris!

Can you believe another Commander American Idol blog is coming to a close? Next week is the finale...already. I feel kind of sad that I’ll be leaving all of you, my regular readers and my new friends from Facebook, for another season. But, there’s always a possibility I’ll be showing up on Brian’s blog from time to time.

Tonight, on American Idol’s 300^th show, the three finalists are singing two songs each; one song being a judge’s choice and the other being each contestants’ personal choice.

"Dance Little Sister" by Terence Trent D’Arby is the song Paula has chosen for Danny Gokey. It was comparable to D’Arby’s version. Nothing really any more special about it. It typical Danny Gokey, with the characteristic rasp in his voice. I’m not sure why Kara had to diss on his dancing, it’s not a silly little dancing show they have next door, as Simon commented.

Kara and Randy picked "Apologize" by One Republic for Kris Allen. Randy picked it because it’s a big song and Kris deserved a big moment. But, I have to admit, and hate to do it, but it might have been just one notch too big for him but what wasn’t too big was done well. I wonder if he might not have done a better job standing to get better air in his lungs to get those intense notes out rather than sitting at the piano. But, I’m still voting for him.

Oh, surprise, Simon picks a song for his.... for Adam Lambert. "One" by U2. Simon got permission from Bono himself to allow the song to be used. There’s that screech. There’s that tongue. Why is everyone wetting themselves over this kid? For all the accolades he collects each week, this performance was rather lackluster, I thought.

Danny Gokey is back with his own choice of "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker. I wasn’t impressed with it. I think it sounded weak in the beginning–he’s not a good ballad singer–but when his vocals got more intense he got better sounding.

"Heartless" by Kanye West (ick) was Kris’ personal choice. This was a much better song choice, style-wise for him. He knocked that one way over the fence with his folksy rendition of it. He interpreted it to fit the feeling of the lyrics, like his heart was truly being broken even as he was singing.

Adam's personal choice was Aerosmith’s "Crying". First of all, the backup singers were too heavy and second of all, it was just too typical and he also tried just too hard to be "the bomb" tonight. And how nice of him to comment that Kris and Danny also did well tonight. Oh, gee, thanks Mr. Full Of Yourself.

So, who’s it gonna be tonight? That’s a tough one for your little newt this week. Well, Danny’s never been in the bottom 3. Kris has been in the bottom 3 twice and twice was sent back to safety. Adam, the alleged frontrunner this season was in the bottom 3 already, two weeks ago when Matt got let go. Based on tonight’s performance, even though I don’t think he’s really a good singer, he wasn’t up to his usual par tonight and so it could very well be Adam. So, judging by that, I’m going to make him my choice.

Over 64 million votes were cast last night (many of them mine, as many as I could manage) to decide who should go. I admit, I was in a very sour mood last night and still feel the theme was poorly timed to set an unfair advantage to...well, you know how I feel.

Tonight’s musical guests include No Doubt, Daughtry (memba him from season 5?) and our own Paula Abdul.

This week’s commercial was an animated...what?...paper doll cut outs of the idols psychedelically spiraling all around the Ford Fusion?

And this week’s Brady Bunch moment was "School’s Out" under the accompaniment of Slash. Can somebody please shut that Adam up? Sorry. I’ll stop.

Talking to the idols, to recap last night’s performances, Ryan Seacrest got each contestant’s take on last night. Kris feels it’s surreal, that he didn’t feel like he would make it this far. Adam: thith ith my favorite theme week...I had a blast and loved my outfit. Danny: obviously brainwashed about that final note of his song, saying how it made him laugh and laugh when he watched it after the show. Allison declared that Simon was asking for her talking back to him.

Before the results, Paula Abdul is taking the stage with her new song "I’m Just Here For The Music". It’s not a bad tune, all synthesized and studio perfect, but, uh-uh, Paula, don’t lip sync on a live singing competition show! Shame on you!

Next up is No Doubt doing "Just A Girl". Gwen Stefani is looking in top for post baby and oh, guess what? This was a live performance...go figure. Oh, I’ll bet Brian is reminiscing about a somewhat similar live vs. lip synching event. Maybe one day he’ll tell you about it. Ask him nice.

All the idols, please, center stage. Here we go. All four idols are on the stage and a quick recap of the judges critiques. One of them will be sent to safety and on the way to the homecoming parade in his or her town. And the first one called is.... KRIS!!!! YES!!!!!! YES!!!!!!

"No Surprise" the new song from the band Daughtry, headed up, of course, by season 5's Chris Daughtry. After his song, this season’s Kris presented Daughtry with a plaque signifying their debut album selling over 5 million copies worldwide. Take that Katherine McPhee!

Back to the results. The second person safe and in the top 3 is: Adam. Naturally.

And now, only one left: Danny is safe. Allison is eliminated. Not bad for the youngest ever contestant, who just turned 17 in the last week or so, to make it to the number 4 spot.

Well, your friendly neighborhood red-spotted newt was right again and can take the next few days to relax and gather strength for next week. He’s got a lot of ritualistic dancing ‘round his dry fly trough to do.

See you next week! Go Kris!

First up is Adam Lambert doing "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin. Well, it’s the perfect screechy song for him to do. And that’s all I’m saying.

Allison Iraheta is doing Janis Joplin’s "Cry Baby". Janis Joplin is easy for her to sing, that raspy bluesy style, but this song was done only so-so. A slightly bit overdone and a slightly bit flat.

A new feature this week is pairing up the idols in duets and the first duet to perform is between Kris Allen and Danny Gokey; "Renegade" by Styx. It’s not because I like him so much, but I think Kris did a better job between the two of them. Danny was a little off key in spots and out of breath. Kris is not a hardcore rocker, but I think he was in better control. Voting is allegedly not based on the duets.

Kris Allen is doing The Beatles’ "Come Together". I liked it.

"Dream On" by Aerosmith is the final solo performance by Danny Gokey. It was a commendable job. It was a bit too much of a vocal challenge for him.

To close the show, it’s Allison and Adam doing Foghat’s "Slow Ride".

I suppose I have to make a prediction for tomorrow. Allison.

Over 47 million votes came in last night (and a good percentage of them were mine...for Kris Allen...) to decide someone’s fate.

Wow..okay, right away we’re into the Ford Commercial; the Fusion as Haley’s Comet leaving a tail of rainbow colors in its wake with cosmic dust helixes abounding.

And right after that, the obligatory Brady Bunch moment. In keeping with this week’s theme, it was a medley of "It Don’t Mean A Thing" and "I Got Rhythm". Not bad actually. It started off rough and atrocious, but they perked things up by the time they got going.

Getting into the results already.

Matt: please stand on the right side of the stage

Danny: please head up to the left side of the stage

Allison: step up there next to Danny

Kris: stand next to Matt

Adam: take a look at both groups. Which group do you think you belong to? He chose Allison and Danny’s group. But, Ryan put him with the others, Matt and Kris, to make up the bottom 3.

Kris? In the bottom 3? Really?

Matt in the bottom 3...totally expected. Adam in the bottom 3? Could my wish finally be coming true?

The first musical guest is the very fabulous looking Natalie Cole doing "Something’s Gotta Give" from her album Still Unforgettable.

Oh, great, and now a visit from the Soul Patrol, Taylor Hicks, singing "Seven Mile Breakdown" from his new album "The Distance". He’s rather slimmed down since that fierce competitive season 5. Speaking of which, how come Elliott hasn’t been on yet? He’s got a new album due out next month.

Here comes the bottom 3 to center stage, and one person is going back to safety and that will be...Kris!!!!!!!

Oh my God....how happily I’ll admit to being wrong last night if...only.....

Oh, now we have to listen to Jamie Foxx sing "Blame It". Or rather, a robotic synthesized and electrified version of his voice.

Okay, here we go, the deciding moment. Dim the lights. And it’s Matt who’s going home. Damn. I was THIS close! But my prediction was correct last night.

See you next week.

...or dies. We’ll find out tonight when the contestants take on the songs from the golden days of famed Rat Pack; Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.

The top 5 are waiting to meet the mystery mentor for this week....Jamie Foxx. Are you kidding me?

And whoa, who is Paula tonight, Jessica Rabbit?

First up is Kris Allen doing "The Way You Look Tonight". Smooth. Flawless. A beautiful bluesy take on a jazzy, half-spoken Frank Sinatra version. Screw you, Simon...all wet like a trained cocker spaniel, indeed. That’s a new one.

Allison Iraheta, the only girl left just celebrated her 17^th birthday yesterday. She is singing "Someone To Watch Over Me". Again with the mumbles. She was trying too hard, and even though she sang it as a bluesy song, tried to put her rock voice to work on it and it missed. She reached too hard for a lot of high notes and they ended up coming out flat.

"My Funny Valentine" is being done by Matt Giraud tonight. He’s got an almost natural look that in the right get up, he could channel a Rat-packer. And if going on looks alone could work, I can imagine him sailing through. But I’m listening to him sing and, (you’re gonna think I’m nuts) I’m hearing strains of Carol Channing. Is that wrong? Vocally, he was all over the place and was just more or less wooden.

Danny Gokey is singing "Come Rain Or Come Shine". Applause, applause. Big finish to an otherwise bluesy rendition of the song. I wasn’t sure about it when the ending came, but as he went on with it, it worked, and it worked big. And it worked because he stayed true to his style and it wasn’t anything more or anything less than we’ve gotten from him all these weeks.

Guess who’s closing the show? I wonder if Simon has his towel close by. Sorry, that was rude.

Adam Lambert is doing "Feeling Good". Pompous ass. Always with that frikkin’ screeching and tonight with the tongue hanging out like he’s Gene Simmons. Like that, Simon?

So, let’s see, right off, I am having a tough time deciding who, between two, will be gone tomorrow night. Those two are Allison and Matt. They’ve both been in the bottom 3, and neither gave a stellar performance. This little red-spotted newt is totally flummoxed. What’s the worst that can happen? I can be wrong? I’m going to pick Matt.

The countdown is on and by the end of tonight’s show, we’ll have our top 5 and I’m not having a real good feeling about the whole thing, especially where my girl, Lil, is concerned. I would be shocked beyond belief if she doesn’t end up going home. And I’m not getting this claim that this is the best assemblage of talent ever.

I hope Brian’s new temporary bridge doesn’t crack tonight; I know he’ll be clenching his teeth in disgust with musical guest David Archuleta, or has he so fondly (that’s sarcastic, folks) refers to him as Luv Puppy, last year’s imp who got Simon’s attention week after week.

Tonight’s group sing dance performance was produced by our own Paula Abdul and the song they Brady Bunched to was the Jacksons’ "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground). After this display, I’m wishing I had chosen Matt last night as one of the two going home tonight, but time will tell.

The Ford commercial was a mishmash of things including dog grooming and cake decorating.

Time for the results:

Lil Rounds is gone. Just like that. The first name called and the first elimination. It’s been coming for a long time, it's true, but now, damn it, I have to find someone else to fawn over. Not that I’m fickle, (Heaven knows Elliott Yamin is still my one true American Idol–I can’t help it if the listening public has no taste other than to choose Taylor Hicks over him, and then again thankfully it wasn’t McPhee either) but I have hope for one more contestant this year; an alternate if you will.

Here’s a blast from the past. First up, Freda Payne singing "Band Of Gold". Excuse me, but this really isn’t a classic disco song. This predates the disco era but somehow through the years it has surreptitiously become an iconic disco staple.

Thelma Houston is up next with her quintessential "Don’t Leave Me This Way" and massacring it along the way. And it’s quite a surprise her cantaloupes didn’t fall forth from her ill-fitting lemon yellow outfit reminiscent of the chicken lady who once tried out for American Idol.

KC and The Sunshine then came out with their perennial hit "Get Down Tonight". As long as the back up beauties were singing and gyrating the attention away from the lead singer, Harry Casey’s spent voice was well masked.

More results:

Kris (my new alternate fave...isn’t he cute as a button?) is safe.

Adam "Smug as the day is long" Lambert (look at him being all full of himself I hate him) is safe.

Danny Gokey is safe.

Anoop Desai is in the bottom 3.

Allison and Matt, the last two to round out the bottom 3. Matt is safe, so that leaves Anoop and Allison. Will I have yet another successful week? Now I’m starting to think I want Allison to go, but to be fair, Anoop was my choice last night, along with the already ousted Lil.

Why is Brian looking like he’s gonna throw something at the TV? It could only be one thing. Luv Puppy who has less of a voice than he did last year and he still looks like he wants to throw up while he’s singing [sic].

Back to the results:

After 45 million votes last night, it has been decided that Anoop will be going home. And that means yours truly has another bulls eye week!

Okay, that’s it for this week. Now all I have left to hope for is Kris Allen.

Commander....OUT!

Bad timing. Poor Brian and that ordeal he went through today and he’s been pretty knocked out for most of the day since he got home from the dentist earlier this afternoon. He’ll probably go into detail about his ordeal tomorrow so I’ll spare you the details now. He’s only been awake long enough to swallow down a medley of soft foods like a pureed vegetable soup, pureed chicken salad and both mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes; all stuff he didn’t have to chew.

Well, even though he could probably stand to take another pain pill right about now, he’s chose not to so he can make sure my review of American Idol can get posted before he zonks out again. I’ll do my best to not give him much to edit so he can get it taken care of that much sooner so he can get back to relaxing.

Yes, Brian did scoop me on the possible American Idol scandal about the Kara/Paula battle or that Simon Cowell is thinking of leaving, but we’ve heard that before, and of course he played that astonishing Susan Boyle video from Britain’s Got Talent. But, now it’s my turn, it’s possible she and Paul Potts, the snaggle-toothed cell phone opera singer may be signed to do a duets album. And a film called "Star Struck, based on Potts’ rise to fame. It’s a good album. Brian plays it from time to time

So, let’s get back to American Idol. Tonight’s theme is disco and two contestants face elimination tomorrow night, thanks to that wasted "save" last week of Matt Giraud.

First up is my girl, Lil Rounds doing Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman". This would have been a great choice for her, but the song is background singer heavy and her voice was lost and flat. I’ll be calling for her when the show is over and doing my best to try to keep her in.

Kris Allen is channeling his inner Donna Summer with "She Works Hard For The Money". Interesting rendition, but like–dare I mention his name–Adam Lambert’s moody and haunting anything but country rendition of Johnny Cash’s "Ring Of Fire" for that night’s theme, "Money" was not done in disco style, but rather with a sort of an Afro-Cuban, Santana like spin. But I liked it. Very much.

"September" by Earth, Wind and Fire is Danny Gokey ’s disco song. He sang it in his typical Danny style, engertic, lively and fun, even if this particular arrangement was more or less copycat to the original.

Also bitten by the Donna Summer bug was Allison Iraheta doing "Hot Stuff". This was Donna Summer’s first song after she "abandoned" the disco sound for a more rockish style, so it’s no wonder Iraheta picked this. But again, she sings likes she’s swallowing her tongue and thank goodness I know the words to this song so I was able to follow along and I think she’s let all the accolades the judges have afforded her go to her head to the point where she thinks she can do no wrong. In all the weeks of the competition, she hasn’t once given us anything else to listen to but that gravel voice and it’s growing weary.

Adam Lambert is next. Let’s see what he’s gonna shriek out and call it music. Oh, who’s he fooling in a suit and tie with his hair all done up a al Elvis Presley. "If I Can’t Have You" by Yvonne Elliman. And here I was thinking he’d do something self serving like "Do You Think I’m Sexy?". Who am I fooling? He sucks, but I have a feeling he’s gonna win this whole shebang. Doesn’t mean I have to buy his records. Paula was feeling his vulnerability and his pain in his rendition. Well, what about my pain of having to hear it? And once again, Simon is all peeing himself again. Actually, they all are.

Lucky as s**t Matt Giraud is hoping that the Bee Gee’s "Staying Alive" will help him do just that in tomorrow’s results. It was energetic, a little more "rocky" than "disco-y", his falsettos again were a little clipped, like he couldn’t work up enough air to get them out and it seemed a deliberate attempt, rather than an artistic one, to make up for his close call last week.

Anoop Desai is closing the show with yet another Donna Summer classic, "Dim All The Lights". She was, after all, the Queen of Disco, though some may argue it was Gloria Gaynor, but with that annoying song that gets way too much air play, even 30 something years later, "I Will Survive", that’s not much to base that judgement on. Back to Anoop. He started off with a slow intro tempo, which would have been a great arrangement in itself, kind of like Kris Allen’s, but then he picked up the tempo slightly but gave it no extra energy. But he maintained his Anoop-ness and did an admirable job.

So, with the elimination of two tomorrow night will there be a bottom 3? Maybe I’ll just make my prediction for the two that will be sent home. Unfortunately, even with attempts, I think Lil will be sent packing. And as much as I would love for you know who to get the ax or even Allison, I think it might just be Anoop.

And to add insult to injury, Luv Puppy is going to be the special guest performing tomorrow night. Doesn’t mean I have to listen. Na na na na na na!

It may be D-day for income taxes and there may have been "tea parties" all over in protest of the way some of you humans are handling the country's finances, but for a little while, let all that go and see how America reacted to last night’s performance show.

Freeze Frame is the Ford commercial song with each Idol gracing the covers of several magazine covers and top 7 Brady Bunch moment is "Maniac" from the movie "Flashdance".

The Results:

Allison...safe. After last night, that’s a crock!

Adam...safe ($%&@&#$!) and all giggly wondering if Simon’s comparison to The Rocky Horror Picture Show might have been an insult and Simon was just as giggly in reassuring him it wasn’t.

Anoop...bottom 3. Expected.

Jennifer Hudson returns to the Idol stage to perform her single "If This Isn’t Love" off her debut self-titled album.

More results:

Kris and Lil...and Simon just complimented Kris and told him that he was brilliant last night, because he wasn’t one of the judges critiquing him after his performance. And Lil defended herself against all the flack she gets from the judges. Kris is safe. Lil is in the bottom 3. And it’s not because I didn’t dial my little digits into a frenzy.

Matt and Danny...Danny is safe. Matt is the bottom 3.

Well, two of my choices are standing there and one of the three is about to get a reprieve. It’s gotta be Lil. And it’s not. It’s Anoop. He’s safe. So now it’s between Lil and Matt.

Miley Cyrus now. I don’t get this one. But then again, I’m not a teeny-bopper little girl.

Back to the results. Simon will you use the save? "There is one that I would consider saving and I think it might come as a surprise to that person".

Oh man, here we go.... over 36 million votes have brought us to this decision between Matt and Lil. And Lil is SAFE!!!!!!! Oh, man that is fantastic! Thank you America!

Is Matt worth the save? Listening to him again tonight, I would say no.

But he was saved. Does that mean I lose my standing of making another correct guess? I’m taking the points anyway.

Well, next week, TWO contestants will be sent home because of this save tonight.

See you next time for Disco Week!

Because of last week’s whoopsie of running late, Simon declared that tonight, only two judges at a time will critique each performance. He also blamed Paula and Kara for being the culprits. The only bad part was that it cut into the show Fringe, but luckily, with the DVR and another TV in the house, I was able to see the end of the show AND this years’ Luv Puppy, Adam Lambert.

Tonight’s theme is songs from the movies with mentor Quentin Tarantino.

Allison is up first with Aerosmith’s "I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing" from the movie "Armaggedon". Allison’s knack for sounding like she is swallowing her tongue half the time, in tandem with her raspy voice did little in her favor tonight. This was probably her worst ever performance, not that I’ve been overly impressed with her all along. She was all off key and she sounded unsure of what she was singing. I don’t think she was feeling it and I know I wasn’t. But Paula and Simon were wetting themselves over her, Simon saying she is the girl’s only hope of staying in the competition.

Anoop is singing Bryan Adams’ "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" from Robin Hood; Prince Of Thieves. He went against Tarantino’s advice of adding some real gravelly punch to it and he sang it on the softer side. Well, of course, he doesn’t have the coarseness the Bryan Adams has. It wasn’t bad, it sounded smooth, he sounded in control. And the emotion level of the song was just a pinch above middle ground.

Adam is doing "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf from the movie "Easy Rider". Just too much. I wonder if he can do anything without screaming or screeching? And look at that smug look on his face. Get over it Adam, you’re not a god.

Matt is doing Bryan Adams also with "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" from the movie "Don Juan DeMarco". Oh dear. He started off a little shaky and then continued to hit a few bumps in the road. He was doing too many riffs and some where they went low should have been a little higher and vice versa and his falsetto, when he employed it seemed forced and out of place.

Danny, sans glasses, is doing "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie/Diana Ross from the movie of the same name. Hmm, well, it had it’s good parts and it’s bad parts. In places he sounded out of breath, with his words cut short and in other places his lyrics flowed smoothly, with just the right touch of a riff. There was no great impact by his rendition, influenced, no doubt once again by his widowerhood (an ongoing theme–that’s mean, I know, but that’s how I am) and it came across as just so so.

Kris is doing "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard from the movie "Once". When he started off, I was nervous because he sounded like he had just woken up from a nap, but once he got going, I was captivated. He’s so unassuming and has a velvety smooth voice. His best performance? Not necessarily. A little pitchy in some spots? Yes. But otherwise he was cool and confident. There, Simon, I just wet myself!

Lil round(s) out the evening (you like that?) with Bette Midler’s "The Rose" from the movie of the same name. Before she even gets started, I’m making it clear right now, I’m going to be hyper-critical with this one. After all, she is taking on the Goddess! I approve of her rendition, with a mix of gospel for the second half of the song. I did detect a slipped note in one, possibly two spots and she seemed to choke on her final note. I thought it was a good rendition, but still not at her ultimate best. Simon hated it, but he’s been hating her for weeks. He can’t seem to get passed Adam Lambert. He had that same trouble last year with Archuleta.

I have to say, Quentin Tarantino was probably one of the most worthwhile mentors. As a film director, he’s not afraid of expressing want he wants from a performance, unlike some musical guests who sometimes come across as afraid to share the secrets to their success.

To get back to the matter at hand, I have to pick my bottom 3. Of course you know who I’d like to see there, but since I know better than to waste my keystrokes, I’m picking Allison, Anoop and Matt. And of these three, I think it might actually be Matt’s time go.

Let’s find out tomorrow. See you then.

Oh, and look at Paula bringing glamour back to American Idol, with her elbow length gloves.

In an effort to establish what year Simon was born, Ryan showed a video clip of Frankie Avalon singing his classic "Venus" and then magically, he appeared from backstage to finish off the song. He’s well preserved.

The Brady Bunch moment, as I so lovingly like to refer to it as, was a song from 2002, when American Idol was born in America, "Can’t Get You Out Of My Head" by Kylie Minogue. This had to be one of the most deplorable group sings I’ve ever heard. Honestly!

Tonight’s Ford commercial was shot on the stage in an old vaudeville theater in LA to Britney Spears’ "Circus" with the Idols dressed up as Moulin Rouge type magicians.

Finally, the results:

Adam, please stand up. Kris, please stand up. Anoop, please stand up. Adam is safe, and the judges are still peeing themselves. Kris is safe. Anoop is in the bottom 3.

"Right Round" is the song off his new album that much tatted musical guest Flo Rida is performing, the chorus of which is a sort of sample of Dead or Alive’s "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" from back in the ‘80's.

Back to the results:

Danny please stand up. You are safe.

Matt, please stand up. He’s safe. Hmm.

Scott, please stand up. In the bottom 3.

Allison, please stand up. Lil, please stand up as well. Allison is safe. Ouch...Lil in the bottom 3.

Simon is thinking one of those three, Anoop, Scott and Lil, are worth using their save for. My guess it's Lil, if it comes to that.

Season 5 alum, Kellie Pickler is her to sing her new song "Best Days Of Your Life" in her Wilma Flintstone-like dress, except with more rhinestones. She’s so cute. So what if she’s not the best singer? So what if she’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer? She’s Kellie Pickler.

Back to the results:

Lil is safe and heading back to the couches. Whew...that was close! Lil you gotta pull it out next week, girl!

Out of 34 million votes, only 30,000 separate Anoop and Scott. Scott is the one with the lowest number of votes. Now that he’s been called out, I feel bad for him, even though after last night it’s so understandable why he’s singing for his life. That sudden loss of hope just washed across his face and gave me a lump in my teeny little throat. Oh man, I think he won’t be saved. So far, it’s a split decision. But Simon made the decision and chose to send him home. So long, Scott!

So, the salamander got another one right. So why do I have tears in my eyes? I just have to newt-up and look forward to next week. See you then!

Tonight’s theme is songs from the year each contestant was born...and who was that very scarey bald man in the audience who looked like he was ready to pounce and possibly crush someone’s head?

Well, after a spate of baby pictures of the judges, in celebration of tonight’s theme we get started on tonight’s show.

Born in 1980, Danny is singing Mickey Gilley’s "Stand By Me". Horrible beginning, all flat and extremely hard on the ears. He picked up the tempo a bit and this is how Danny sounds best, but together with the opening, it was inconsistent, straining and stretching for a lot of his notes. Of course the judges are wetting themselves over his performance. I’m staying out of my wading pool just to keep myself dry.

1985 baby Kris, whose childhood dream was to be a taxicab driver, is singing "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" by Don Henley surrounded by a harem of girls from the audience, his own little pack of groupies. I wasn’t so impressed with this song. The arrangement was sluggish and boring.

Lil, born in 1984, is doing Tina Turner’s "What’s Love Got To Do With It". She can really do some interesting things with her voice, she can finish off a note with incredible flair, but again, tonight, she wasn’t the Lil I fell in love with back in, when was it? January? February. When she has powerful notes to sing, she can’t be touched, but the softer side of Lil seems to get lost somewhere.

Anoop was born in 1986 and is singing Cyndi Lauper’s "True Colors". It wasn’t the most fascinating performance, but it was a refreshing original interpretation of the haunting and lamenting original. It’s unanimous in the house tonight that it would be the perfect song for Elliott to sing.

Wannabe train engineer Scott was born in 1985 and he’s singing "The Search Is Over" by Survivor. Tonight he was out from behind his piano, strumming his guitar. Again, no inflection in his voice–singing louder is not necessarily melodious–and monotone as ever, flat and failing at high notes. Tonight could very well be his undoing.

1992 is Allison's birth year is singing Bonnie Raitt’s "I Can’t Make You Love Me". Okay, she started off soft and it was nice, a nice change of pace from Allison and I thought, ‘oh, this might actually be good’. But then she started with that gravel voice and the marbley mess and kind of letting her mouth form strange shapes that make strange sounds out of her notes.

1985 was the year Matt was born is singing "Part Time Lovers" by Stevie Wonder. The original, not the greatest song, quite frankly, was an uptempo jazzy song. Matt’s was, not the greatest, a tedious slower paced jazzy song. He was overcompensating with unnecessary riffs and trying to level off his voice trying to catch the correct notes. But, obviously, I hear differently than the judges because they all were dripping after he sang.

Adam was born in 1982 loves dressing up in costumes (and in drag from what I’ve seen on some online sites) is singing "Mad World" by Gary Jules. His constant falsetto is like a fingernail down a blackboard. But because they were running out of time, Simon was the only one to give a critique and he led the panel in a standing O. I don’t get the attraction.

So, my pick for bottom 3 tonight are Scott, Allison, and Matt. I’d like it be Adam and be done with him, but even I know that’s not gonna happen. And who of those three will go? Scott.

See you tomorrow.

36 million votes from last night will once again decide someone’s fate and when asked by Ryan Seacrest who should feel worried, Simon responded with the three names I chose last night. Well, at least I’m on the same wave length as "Lord Cowell", as he was dubbed by Seacrest. So funny, that.

"Mixed Up", using three-way split screens, fusing one idol’s eyes with another’s forehead and another’s chin....you get the idea... is this week’s Ford Fusion commercial

"Don’t Stop Believing" by Journey is the obligatory Brady Bunch offering.

Here we go, time for results:

Megan, please stand up. Matt, please stand up. And Kris, please stand up and head to the far side of the stage.

Adam, please stand up. Lil Rounds pop up. And Allison please stand up and please head to the center of the stage.

Scott, stand up right there please. Danny, you, too.

After a nationwide vote, Anoop, please stand up, right here (Ryan led Scott to his position and asked Danny and Anoop to join him.

What’s going on with this grouping? Is there one bottom three in each threesome?

Reigning American Idol David Cook is singing his new single "Come Back To Me". My first thought on it....not good. But in true David Cook style, it built in interest as he went along, but something was off with either him, or the song or something. I’m just not digging it. Maybe I’ll have to hear it another time or two. What I am waiting for is Elliott Yamin to appear to plug his new upcoming album and sing his new single, "Fight For Love", which you can hear on my scrapbook page... just a reminder! And don’t forget my interview with Robin Lennox.

And David Cook was just presented with his platinum album for selling a million copies of his debut album.

Back to the results: To the first group of three...

Kris is safe! Expected. Matt is safe! Surprising. Megan is in the bottom 3. Expected.

Group two:

Lil is safe. It was that one extra call I made! Allison is in the bottom 3. After last night I can see that. And Ego-man is safe.

Group three:

Danny is safe. Expected. Anoop is in the bottom 3. I get that. Scott is safe. I’m like this and like that about that.

Lady GaGa is now (entertaining) us, which is a prime example of why we get the kind of contestants we do on American Idol because obviously this is the kind of music humans like to hear. And I don’t hear Simon dissing her outfit, especially the unzipped zippered eye patch over her left eye. I just eat flies, what do I know?

One goes back to safety and that is, Allison. So, now it’s between Anoop and Megan. And it’s Megan who is in peril and going home. And throwing her own words back in her face, that she didn’t care what Simon had to say, he said they don’t care either, so to enjoy her swan song, they wouldn't reconsider. And that’s that! And this salamander...and the rest of America were in sync this week.

On that note, I’ll see you next week, when the contestants sing songs from the year they were born!

Condolences first of all to Danny Gokey on the passing of his grandfather this past weekend but sources say he will be performing tonight.

Also, from the American Idol rumor mill, Simon Cowell is feeling overworked with all that he’s involved in; running his own record label and production company, acting as judge on Britain’s X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, not to mention judging on American Idol. And he’s deciding how to cut down his workload. Well, let’s see, could the addition of Kara DioGuardi really have meant a clean getaway for Simon, even though rumors were swirling just a few weeks ago that Paula Adbul might be flying the coop? So far this season Paula seems to be coherent, even offering some worthwhile technical advice to the contestants so, maybe it wasn’t she Kara was called in to replace. Perhaps it won’t be American Idol Simon will abandon. And really, what would American Idol be without him? Or Paula for that matter?

So, let’s get on with tonight’s show. Tonight it’s open music night, the contestants can sing any song they want as long as it’s a popular iTunes download.

Anoop is up first with Usher’s "Caught Up". It was so so and a bit wobbly in spots and his voice was too busy trying to find a comfortable zone for this smooth R&B rap song.

Megan is doing Bob Marley/Lauren Hill’ "Turn Your Lights Down Low". She really gave us no pizzazz with this song. She has a terrific voice, but over the last two weeks she’s done nothing with it other than show that she’s beginning to fade into monotonous oblivion.

Danny is singing Rascal Flatt’s "What Hurts The Most". For about 99% of song he was good, but it’s obvious he had his recent loss in mind and it understandably got the better of him with a few over-emoted notes, but that aside, it was a confident and competent performance.

Allison, who’s hair looks more crimson than ever, is doing No Doubt’s "Don’t Speak". I really wish she would sing without that mouth full of marbles. I know the song and found it hard to follow. And she was also off-key going into the chorus, and a little too forceful, trying to drive her rock prowess home.

Piano man Scott is singing Billy Joel’s "I Love You Just The Way You Are". I’m not sure about this one. On one hand it was okay, on the other hand it sounded flat. But it was a better song choice than his rendition of Diana Ross last week, it suited his voice and his style. For me, what the judges called riffs, were more like his searching for the right notes.

Matt is up next with "You Found Me" by The Fray. What a mishmash of sour unstable notes this song was.

Lil (come on, Lil) is doing Celine Dion’s "Surrender". She’s so powerful and convincing, but unfortunately there was a few high notes she had a problem with.

Adam is singing Wild Cherry’s "Play That Funky Music". Mr Full-of-himself. It was just loud and shrieky like everything is that he does.

Kris closes the show with "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers. A very different arrangement for this song, sort of a torch song vibe to a classic R & B classic. My favorite performance of the night!

Now I have to pick three (is that all?) for tomorrow night. Well, I’d say definitely, Matt, Megan and I'm torn betweetn Scott and Anoop for my third choice. I'll take Anoop, but I think it will be Megan going home.

Over 36 million votes were cast last night. Not the most ever, but the most for any top 10 in American Idol’s history.

Rubin Studdard is performing tonight. Smokey Robinson is also on hand singing a duet with Joss Stone and Stevie Wonder will spin a medley of Motown hits.

A medley of Motown hits–obligatory style; "You Keep Me Hanging On", "You’re All I Need To Get By" and "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough".

The Ford Commercial: "Pocketful Of Sunshine" by Natasha Bedingfield. The Idols built a "sunshiney" landscape, using individual paintings and created a winding roadway through a field of flowers, with mountains in the background and big billowy clouds in a sky of blue.

Rubin Studdard next performed his new single "Together".

Okay, finally, time for some results:

Adam Lambert: safe. Show of hands...any doubt? No, I thought not!

Matt Giraud: in the bottom 3. I’m a little surprised, but listening to his song again, I can see how I might have misjudged, falling into the frenzy of accolades for his performance last night.

Kris Alan: wow, you, too, are safe!

Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver learn their fate together: Lil is safe. Michael is in the bottom 3. That is understandable.

A break now for some song. "You’re The One For Me" the duet by Joss Stone and Smokey Robinson. I don’t know about you, but if you closed your eyes, it was like the same person singing. It looked like a very uncomfortable collaboration. And Smokey, I think, can’t blink! That’s creepy.

Back to the results.

Allison Iraheta: safe

Anoop Desai: safe

Danny Gokey: safe

Scott Macintyre and Megan Corkery together: Megan is safe. Scott is in the bottom 3.

Of the three guys in the bottom 3, Scott is actually safe. Hmm. Well, it looks like I was wrong. However, still awaiting his fate is one of my three considerations last night, Michael Sarver.

Stevie Wonder now is singing "My Cherie Amour", "Superstition", "Overjoyed" and his latest song, "All About The Love Again".

Okay, time to find out who will sing for survival, hoping the judges will deem him worth of being saved. Michael Sarver must sing. Matt Giraud is safe.

Actually, after listening to him, (and it was fairly evident last night as well) he won’t be saved.

And Michael Sarver is going home, back to the oil rig and back to his baby daughter. And he'll be in the Idol Tour.

I think it finally happened, that moment I think that just happens every year with each new group of contestants, the moment that when they are no longer a bunch of strangers. They’ve become comfortably familiar and almost someone you can care about.

And here come the judges. Oh gracious, Abdul and her tulle, spinning around the stage like a ballerina.

It’s Motown Week. How appropriate for their 50^th Anniversary. I have high expectations for Lil Rounds tonight. And what will Adam Lambert do with whatever song he’s singing tonight? Will Allison tone down her intense rocker-chick persona a peg to meet with the trademark velvety smooth Motor City sound? I’m not all that certain that this is the right genre for Scott or Kris, but we’ll see how it all turns out.

The Top Ten are under the guidance this week of Smokey Robinson.

First up, Matt Giraud, singing Marvin Gaye’s "Let’s Get It On". He started off promising and for the most part, it was a good performance. Some of his falsettos came across a little flat and I also think his riffing was just a tad overdone. On a scale of 1-10, I’ll give it a 8.

Kris Alan is doing "How Sweet It Is" by Marvin Gaye. He started off a little shaky and unsure, but as he went on he got more confident and comfortable and held his own with his own styling of the performance and it wasn’t over or underdone and the result was very enjoyable. I’ll give it a strong 7.

Scott Macintyre still hasn’t exorcized himself from his crutch, his piano. "You Can’t Hurry Love" by Diana Ross is his choice. I was not very impressed with the performance. His voice was very monotone with very little fluctuation with key changes–well, that was redundant. Singing louder and shouting does not qualify for variety. But you know all his heart went into that performance. I’ll give it a 4.

Megan Corkery is singing "For Once In My Life" by Stevie Wonder with her trademark shimmy. She has such a unique joyful quality about herself but I’m afraid tonight she just couldn’t find her niche with the song. It was flat and it was screechy. Giving it a 5.

Anoop Desai is doing "Ooh, Baby, Baby" by The Miracles. It was on par with the rest of what we’ve heard so far tonight. Not great and not bad. Perhaps he should have tried interpreting those "Smokey Robinson" falsettos into his own vocal register. He hit them, but they weren’t strong. I’ll give this a 6.

Michael Sarver decide to "church it up" with "Ain’t Too Proud To Beg" by The Temptations. This was a mess. I don’t know what else to say. He’s cute as a button and charming, but his performance was too overextended without much basis. Does that make sense? I have to give this a 4.

Lil Rounds is singing Martha Reeves’ "Heatwave". I found her performance just a little on the disappointing side. Her fantastic powerful voice was evident. I don’t necessarily agree with the judges that she sounded like she was racing through the song, but she did seem to be unnaturally yelling her song rather than projecting her voice the way we know she can. But I’m still voting for her. And I’m giving her a 7.

Adam Lambert does "The Tracks Of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson. Don’t let his slicked back hair fool you, singing the entire song in a falsetto voice came across flat and annoying. It was just all off pitch. I’m giving it a 4. The judges all loved him. BJ anyone?

Danny Gokey did an energetic version of The Temptations’ "Get Ready". It was good. Not fantastic, but a good palette cleanser from the preceding performance even though he completely didn’t do what he agreed he would that Smokey Robinson suggested with singing the lines meant for the backup singers. I’ll give it a 7.

Allison Iraheta closes the show with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by The Temptations. I have to disagree with the judges. I don’t this performance was the next best thing since sliced bread. For the most part, her voice, when it wasn’t screeching in her typical rocker-girl fashion, it sounded garbled and muffled. I’ll give it a 6.

So, does being comfortably familiar mean the contestants can give us mediocre performances? Well, I’m actually glad this is over tonight. Who’s going home tomorrow? It’s a toss up between Michael Sarver, Scott Macintyre and Megan Corkery, but listening to the recap...can I sit this one out? I’m going to pick Scott Macintyre.

See you tomorrow!

After tonight, the ten remaining are the ones who will go on tour...did you guys hear Elliott’s new song on my scrapbook page yet? How was that for a disconnected segue.

31 million votes last night (and a goodly amount of them were from me for Lil Rounds) will decide someone’s fate tonight...oh please, oh please, oh please.

Time for the obligatory Brady Bunch moment; the group sing. It’s Travis Tritt’s

"T-R-O-U-B-L-E". Scott Macintyre stayed tickling the 88's while the rest of the troupe skittered about the stage with their country driven gyrations.

"Here It Goes Again" is the song for the Ford commercial of the week. This time it was the use of water balloons being dropped on and thrown at a Ford Fusion and once it was all clean, they drove away in it.

Time for some results:

Danny Gokey: safe–expected

Lil Rounds: safe–as it should be

Anoop Desai: safe–well deserved after last night

Allison Iraheta and Michael Sarver together: Allison in the bottom 3–total shock. Michael Sarver is also in the bottom 3–that’s fair.

Enter Brad Paisley singing his new single "Then".

More results:

Scott Macintyre: safe–there goes my guess for the night. Alas!

Megan Corkery: safe–after last night, well deserved

Matt Giraud: safe–I just don’t think he actually sang his heart out

Kris Allen: safe. Nice!

Alexis Grace and Adam Lambert together: In the bottom 3 is Alexis–yeah, after last night, I can see that. But Adam being safe? Oh well.

Heading back to safety right away is Allison. And that leaves Alexis and Michael to suffer through Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis before they find out. Between the two, after last night, this is a tough decision. I still don’t see the judges using their "save" just yet, not on these two. So, my pick......................Alexis.

Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis did their duet "I Told You So".

Back to real life but before we fine out, we have one last commercial break. But Simon said it would be worthwhile using their save for one of them. I think it’s foolish to use it so soon, but we’ll see. If it’s Alexis, I think that’s who they use it on. If it’s Michael, I think they’ll just let him go.

Michael is safe! Alexis has to sing to prove herself worthy of saving. But she’s too nervous watching the judges deliberate, her voice is all cracking and she’s quite off key. And she’s being let go.  Bye-bye, Alexis.

And that wraps another week.

See you next week!

It’s the Grand Ole Opry Week on American O’Idol. Here come the judges. Paula in a pretty floor length flower and butterfly print dress, Kara in a non-microwaveable short silver dress, Randy in his jeans and sweater with the oversize pockets and Simon in his trademark T-shirt.

Randy Travis, who has sold over 25 million records and who has had 22 number 1 songs on the charts, is tonight’s mentor to the "Idols"

First up is Michael Sarver, singing "Ain’t Goin’ Down (Til The Sun Comes Up) by Garth Brooks. That was quite a wordy song with virtually non-stop lyrics. If you closed your eyes, which I did, I heard Garth Brooks singing. He is obviously comfortable singing country, but it was nothing really "wow". And kudos to Michael Sarver gets the all-time Commander high-five for responding to Simons comment "...you came over as a likeable guy, who liked country music, who is a bit clumsy and this could have been karaoke night in a country western club..." with "If we were all perfect, we wouldn’t need this show!"

Allison Iraheta is singing Patty Loveless’ "Blame It On Your Heart". Energetic. Well sung. She put the Allison rock edge to this song but I agree with Paula, that she has to start showing a different side of herself. Before long, she will have to sing a ballad and that raspy straining voice won’t cut it.

Kris Allen is doing Garth Brooks’ "To Make You Feel My Love". Only one bad thing I have to say is that some of his ending notes on some of the lyrics got lost. It was understated and less is more and it was a pretty good performance.

Lil Rounds is doing "Independence Day" by Martina McBride. She said she wanted to leave behind her R&B element to honor country. The real Lil didn’t shine through until the second half of her song, but throughout, she held her own. The girl can sing and I’ll be calling for her when the show is over! She promised the judges, who felt that the real Lil was completely absent, that there were a million other songs she could have sung, if American keeps her around, they will see the real Lil Rounds from now on.

Adam Lambert chose "Ring Of Fire" by Johnny Cash. Next! We had this type of arranging from David Cook last year. Let’s try to be a little more original Adam. And stick with the program, the theme is country western, not moody gothic.

"Wild Angels" by Martina McBride is Scott Macintyre’s song. The song and Scott only came alive, slightly, during the chorus. For the most part, he sounded flat and similar everything else he’s sung so far.

Alexis Grace, the alleged Dolly Parton clone sang "Jolene". Well, yeah, now that you mention it, she does kind of have a similar look. Oooh, that flat bridge note. There was something off with her performance; it was like a bad over sung Broadway performance that wouldn’t convince Jolene to stay away from her man.

"Jesus Take The Wheel" by Carrie Underwood. Perhaps this wasn’t the song for widower Danny Gokey to sing, the emotional connection is obvious. He was all over the place vocally.

Anoop Desai is singing Willie Nelson’s "Always On My Mind". I’m impressed. Not so much a twangy country standard as a surprising soulful turn. Anoop Dawg is back in da house!

Patsy Cline’s "Walking After Midnight" was Megan Corkery’s song. I’m not sure about this one. The first impression I got was that she was doing Patsy Cline, doing Billie Holiday, doing someone with a sore throat whose vocal notes.....whoops, she DOES have the flu. In that case, she did a very good job!

Matt Giraud closed the show with Carrie Underwood’s "So Small". It was smooth. It was confident. But I don’t think it was all that as the judges thought.

Of course, Lil Rounds gets my votes for tonight. Who do I want to go? After tonight, it’s a toss up between Adam Lambert and Scott Macintyre. I know Lambert isn’t going anywhere just yet. I’m going to pick Scott Macintyre.

New Rule Alert

For crying out loud, it’s like they’re making things up as they go along. This new rule is called The Judges’ Save, whereby any contestant who the judges feel are being booted too early can be saved only once by a unanimous vote among all four judges. However, this "save" can be used one time, and one time only, up until there are 5 remaining contestants. Basically, if, say, I was among the top, let’s say, 6 and I had the least votes, but all four judges thought I sang my heart out, they could save me that week. However, the next week, whether I’m included or not, 2 contestants will be let go. The judges can employ this tactic at any point between now and the top 5, and I think it would be more beneficial to hold out using it as long as possible.

However to hear Simon tell it, it’s like the judges have the power to name the next American Idol. Is it a good idea? Yes and no. It’ll add a temporary bit of drama; it could save someone who may have had the misfortune of one bad night, but on the downside, it almost feels like the vote is taken away from the viewing audience.

The baker’s dozen is performing a medley (try again Ryan, it was one song... ABC) as the customary obligatory. Yawwwn!

"We Will Rock You" is the first Ford commercial of the season, where the images of the Idols were superimposed on high rise buildings of a metropolis.

Time for the results.

Michael Sarver is safe

Allison Iraheta is safe

Jasmine Murray is brought to center stage

Matt Giraud, nervously began heading to center stage, but learned he was safe. He was one of my picks from last night.

Kris Allen is safe

Megan Corkrey joins Jasmine center stage. Megan is safe, Jasmine is going home, unless the judges decide to keep her while she attempts to influence them with a "save" with reprise of her performance from last night. And she is going home. I called that one.

I think this is a good time for me, while Kanye West blusters onto the stage, to make like the famous 18 minutes of the Watergate Tapes and disappear. I’ll be back in a few.

Ahh, fully refreshed from my little respite inside my green cave, I am ready to continue.

Scott Macintyre is safe.

Alexis Grace is safe.

Danny Gokey is safe.

Anoop Desai, my toss up along with Matt Giraud last night is taking his place center stage.

Adam Lambert is safe.

Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds are asked to stay by their seats until Ryan reads the results and Jorge is joining Anoop center stage. Lil Rounds is safe.

Who between these two guys will have the potential of staying with a "save"? The person with the lowest number of votes will be revealed...you guessed it, after Kelly Clarkson sings her latest single, "My Life Would Suck Without You".

Here we go...Anoop is safe so Jorge will have one more crack at his performance while the judges deliberate. But he’s outta here.

So, I was one for two tonight!

See you next week!

Elliott Yamin alert!!!! His new single, "Fight For Love" is out today and a Youtube video can be seen on my scrapbook page.

And thanks to everyone for your votes. As you can see, after a vote of 22 to 13, you found my original typewriter picture preferable.

Oh, yeah, the baker’s dozen! I forgot all about that little "twist", the new thing for this season. Oh, and how formal, the judges got announced from behind the stage and then sauntered across the stage to their table. The stage is set, all waxed and glistening and the judges answer the question that anyone of the 13 contestants have the potential to be on the radio. Well, yes, but only a few can really sing, but compared to some of what’s on the radio these days, any of them would fit right in.

Simon just dropped the bombshell that two contestants will be sent home tomorrow. Which begs the question...why bother having 13?

Tonight is the songbook of Michael Jackson.

Lil Rounds, from Nashville, recovering from her and her family’s home being destroyed by a tornado, is first up singing "The Way You Make Me Feel". Ouch! She gave Michael Jackson a run for his money and she set the bar for the rest of the night. She is a powerhouse. From her first note to her last, she made this bluesy jazzy turn her own!

Scottsdale, Arizona’s Scott Macintyre is up with "Keep The Faith" with the accompaniment of his piano. He had good moments, some flat moments and I think the fact that whether it’s a familiar song or not is not an issue; after all, all songs are unfamiliar at one point or another. But his performance of the song was just so so.

Widower Danny Gokey from Milwaukee selected "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing). He started off like he was going to sing it as a ballad, then broke into a raspy rocker, kind of on the order of Huey Lewis. And he sort of looks like a younger Elvis Costello. His performance was uninhibited and pretty good.

Jasper, Texas is the home of Michael Sarver, the oil rigger serves up "You’re Not Alone". I hate to say it, but the beginning of the song started off a little shaky for me, and it only got worse as he went. His heart was in his performance, but his voice sort of failed him.

Jasmine Murray, a high school student from Columbus, Mississippi is singing "I’ll Be There". Even though she had a huge smile plastered across her face, she still seemed unsure of herself and for about 3/4 of the song, it was evident. She seemed like she was struggling, a little off key in spots. Yes, she hit some good notes, but for the most part, it was a flat performance.

Newlywed Kris Allen of Conway, Arkansas is strumming his guitar to "Remember The Time". This might have been the best song for him to choose. It sounded like it was all over the place and yet, he sounded like he was in control of his own style.

Raspy-voiced Salvadorian Allison Irhaheta from Los Angeles rocked to "Give In To Me". I’ll admit she’s got a powerful rocker voice, which was too strong for this song selection.

Anoop Desai from Chapel Hill, North Carolina is doing one of his favorite Michael Jackson songs, "Beat It ". He held his own. He’s not the best singer, by far, but he did a pretty good job. But those back up singers have to got to tone it down! There were times when I couldn’t hear him. And I don’t really understand these judges.

Cidra, Puerto Rico is home to Jorge Nunez is singing "Never Can Say Goodbye". It was refreshing to hear him sing with his native accent. It was a good performance, for the most part, but there were some struggles in the higher notes.

Next up is Sandy, Utah’s Megan Corkrey (did I spell that right?) doing "Rockin’ Robin". She gave a modern mock rocker twist to this bubbly little number and it sounded both current and reminiscent of the original Bobby Day version of 1957. Does that make sense?

Overly self confident Adam Lambert, the "Wicked" touring actor with the black painted fingernails from Los Angeles is singing "Black & White". His voice suited the song, but I didn’t like his performance. He’s too shrieky.

Matt Giraud, who calls Kalamazoo, Michigan home and he chose "Human Nature". It was a confident performance, but I think he sang in too high a pitch.

Rounding out the evening is Memphis Tennessean Alexis Grace sang "Dirty Diana". She began sounding like she was rushing through her lyrics and she, too was quite shouty in her performance. And because of the extra singer tonight, a special number had to be established because the number ending in 13 is rumored to have taken callers to place young boys and girls should not be calling. But don't try it, the line has been disconnected. If you want to vote for Alexis, use 36 as the last two digits.

My favorite of the night, Lil Rounds. Who’s going home? Remember there are two getting the boot. Jasmine Murray, I think will be one of them. And I think it’ll be between Anoop and Matt. Who? Who will it be? Well, Anoop is a fan favorite, so this week I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, so that leaves Matt.

No messing around tonight, we’re getting right into it.

Jesse Langseth is the first up singing Rufus’ "Tell Me Something Good". I’m not all that thrilled with it. She was all smiles and all feeling herself (not literally...please, it’s a family show) but she was also all over the place with it, turning a smooth groove of a song into a mish mash of key changes and attempts at reaching those brassy notes that only Chaka Khan can.

Matt Giraud up next with the Jackson 5's "Who’s Loving You". I don’t even know the song, but it’s in his bones, ever since he was a young’un. It was a bluesy spin on a soul song, first squeeked out by young Michael (as opposed to the current Michael) and his vocal gymnastics were a little overdone.

Megan Corkrey (how the heck do you spell this chick’s name? I spell it differently every week. Hey, at least I don’t call her John–completely off the topic) is doing "Black Horse And The Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall. A little nasally, a little stiff stage presence, near the end she started getting winded and her voice was straining.

Von Smith (DayVaaaay) is doing Elton John’s "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". I wasn’t impressed with his beginning, his voice was too constricted, like he was scared to be singing. He got a little better, powerful, toward the end, but for the most part it was a little bland. And SHUT UP Kara, with that dialed in stupid saying. SHUT UP!

Jasmine Murray ’s up with Christina Aguilera’s "Reflection". Oh dear. I really liked this girl, but I’m afraid this is going to be the end of the line for Jasmine. Way off key, she couldn’t "dial in" to it. She has such a pretty voice but she just missed the mark tonight.

Ricky Braddy is taking on Stevie Wonder with "Superstition". It wasn’t bad, he showed his vocal range, he showed good stage presence, but the ‘wow’ factor was missing.

Why didn’t they bring back Kai Kalama? I ask you.

Yeah, Ryan, you’re giving a second chance to 8 lucky contestants. So, why do I feel like the one whose luck ran out?

Tatiana Del Toro, this year’s freak show, whose accent suddenly became thicker than ever before–hey it worked for Jorge Nunez–(and ever with those puppy dog eyes and overdone expression of gratitude) is doing Whitney Houston’s "Saving All My Love For You". She really has a powerful voice, even though her beginning was a little shaky and unsure.

Anoop "Dawg" Desai is doing "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown. He’s not really a great singer, but he’s a fan favorite, so I think he’ll be going through.

So now, while the judges go off and make their final decision, let me review what I said last night and how I feel tonight and see if I match the judges.

Hmm, well, because we need the "we love to hate" contestant, Tatiana fills that bill. But she does have a voice. Anoop, only because he’s so popular. And I think, based on tonight, Megan will round out the picks.

And here are the judges now. Jasmine...is IN! Wow! Ricky...out. Between Megan and Tatiana...Megan is in. Tatiana is outta here. Jesse Langseth...out! Von Smith...out. And lastly, between Matt and Anoop, it’s Matt who makes it. Anoop is number 13 in this years sham of a top 13. Hogwash!

So, they dismissed the freak factor. Curious. I guess they realized it just doesn't work. She did sing well, but Simon was right, she sang the same song over and over again. Not a wise decision if you're hoping to show your vocal range. But, I did pick Jasmine last night, Megan and Anoop tonight. So, that counts, right?

Did I just hear Ryan Seacrest say that Kanye West was on next week? As a mentor? A mentor in what? If that’s the case, it might be one episode you don’t get an update on. It’ll take some hefty convincing. I may call in sick. I'll run away from home. Brian....pleeeeeeeease!

Show of hands...anyone surprised about Adam Lambert, who, according to a website headline, has tons of pictures of him and some other dude playing tonsil hockey? Just as I thought, no big rush of hands flying up into the air. I was just checking. Nothing to see here. As you were.

So, here we are, the final 3 will be announced–and then tomorrow is the judges choices from the wildcards who were previously eliminated. I’ll make my hopeful predictions at the end of my blog tonight.

Sounding like the Brady Kids’ stint as The Silver Platters, the obligatory group sing is Katy Perry’s "Hot and Cold".

After a recap of last night’s fiasco, we get to see Ryan interview a few of the waiting contestants. Nathaniel hopes he makes it through because he has "a killer voice" that the judges haven’t heard yet. Well, dingbat! What are you waiting for then?

Lil Rounds is first up to learn her fate and she is, need I say it?, through to the next round and she accepted most humbly and with another killer performance of the Mary J. Blige song she sang last night.

Back to the results and Ryan asks the following to stand and remain at their seats, Ariana Asfar, Taylor Vaifanua, Alex Wagner-Trugman, Kendall Beard and Scott Macintyre. Only one is through. Oh boy, I have a commercial break to make a quickie prediction. Well, after last night, I would say Scott Macintyre. Ariana...out! Taylor...out! Alex...out! It’s between Kendall and Scott. Kendall...out! And Scott Macintyre...YEAH! He’s in.

It’s official, the new term they’re using, "dialed in", has got to go! It’s just as annoying as "amazing". Maybe more so. Shut up, Kara!

More results, this time for Nathaniel Marshall and Kristen McNamara. Both are out.

Felicia Barton and Von Smith are both next and both are out.

So now it’s between Ju’not Joyner and Jorge Nunez. It has to be Jorge. And it is! Jorge Nunez!

Next up the judges will reveal the 8 people who will return tomorrow night for the wildcard pick. Simon said, that as close as the last commercial break in tonight’s show, they were still changing their minds but have agreed on the 8 choices they have made.

Going down the line, for the first 4, starting with Randy, then Kara, Paula and Simon, the selections are: Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy and Megan Corkery. And following the same order for the second pass down the line the remaining 4 selections are: Tatiana Del Toro, Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth and Anoop Desai.

Not a bad call this week. I guessed two out of the three that made it through tonight. Now I want to make a prediction about tomorrow night’s results. Well, first they have to sing, but based on what I remember from the last few weeks, I am going to say Jasmine Murray, Tatiana Del Toro, and Matt Giraud. I know Anoop is a fan favorite, but these are my picks.

Oh, and by the way, my Davey Hansen reference last night concerning Von Smith, was the claymation character of Davey and Goliath fame. No?

Here is this week's dartboard!  And don't forget, you can still vote for my website photo.

We’re back on track. It’s Tuesday and I’m ready to roll. And at least we have Lil Rounds in this group.

Great, on Ryan’s relaying a suggestion from many viewers, saying that Simon constantly complains about song choice and why doesn’t he pick them, he said he will. Not tonight, but perhaps there will be a Simon Cowell week.

Von Smith, sort of the Davey Hansen of American Idol, is the first to entertain us with a selection of Billboard’s all-time hot 100. "You’re All I Need To Get By" by Marvin Gaye. He started off with an undecided vocal range that was all over the place, reaching straining lows to highs that sounded almost effortless (how is that possible?) and everything in between. In the end he managed to make something of his performance and did a satisfactory, if not erratic job. At least he held the overt shouting like in Hollywood at bay.

Next up, lucky Taylor Vaifunua, who even though she messed up on her lyrics during Hollywood week (a no-no according to Simon) chose "If I Ain’t Got You" by Alicia Keys. I liked this girl right from the auditions. Again, as Von Smith did, she had the unnatural low register in the beginning of her song, but when it came time for the punchier lines, she really shined. Simon didn’t like it because she’s 17 trying to be older. Yeah, maybe he should pick the songs from now on if he’s gonna bitch and moan and roll his eyes after every song.

Seemingly a little dorky Alex Wagner-Trugman took the stage like an unsure child, like he couldn’t make up his mind at the last minute if he wanted to make his folks proud and be the "big boy" and stay at summer camp or jump back in the car to go home with his parents. He sang "I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues" by Elton John. Would that be Sir Elton John? No, because he sang it before he was knighted. This poor boy. Well, I can say this, he definitely has his own style, which, was, kind of dorky, although entertaining, (oh, and now I feel bad because he really poured his whole self into that performance) but his attempt at rocking out came across as guttural moans as though he was being punched in the stomach, repeatedly. But he was having fun.

Oh no, here comes another 17 year old. Cute as a button Arianna Asfar decided on "The Winner Takes It All" by Abba. Goodness, did she forget a lyric? Poor girl. Indeed, the "judges will decide"; this was one of the most horrible dreary performances I’ve ever heard, and believe me, after hearing Brian when he’s on a tear, i thought I could handle anything. She couldn’t carry a note for longer than a beat throughout most of the song. Her voice was shaky and unsure, cracking and dry.

Let’s see what Ju’not Joyner (who’s happy because ‘his people’ don’t always get the opportunity to realize their dreams) gave us "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T’s. He had a few good vocally gymnastic gems with key changes in this version that was a soulful take on an otherwise folksy song. And thanks for the info on the shot of cortisone in your butt for your asthma. There’s an image we could have gotten through the night without.

Remember the drama between Kristen McNamara (I have to rest my voice) and Nathaniel Marshall (ear grommet crybaby boy) during Hollywood week? Tonight, she sang "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman. I liked this. I think it’s the best of the night...so far. And here’s one example of how those judges are so ridiculous. She made the song her own, a lively contrast to the bluesy original and she may have had one troublesome spot, but she carried the song confidently. But because the judges felt she would have done a better Kelly Clarkson, they are "confused" by this girl, but yet, they say she has terrific vocal range.

Next up, drama queen Nathaniel Marshall (grommet ear boy). Please, before he even sings, can we just vote him off? "I Will Do Anything For Love" by Meatloaf. I’m just going on record saying I hated it. It was like a Broadway production rather than a rock anthem. And yeah, that probably sounds hypocritical of me after I just raged about the judges assessments. And Nathaniel....stop whining and cooing!

Felicia Barton, who was initially turned away is back and taking up the spot Joanna Pacitti had, the girl who had the contract with A&M and therefore was ineligible for the competition. She chose "No One" by Alicia Keys. Maybe she wasn’t the right choice of a replacement. Her voice was very strained and flat during a lot of the song.

The contestants this year are just horrible. Really.

Scott Macintyre, our visually impaired contestant was next. He chose Bruce Hornsby’s "Mandolin Rain". Though his eyes are somewhat dimmed, you can see how he sees the world. His passion for singing gives him life and his eyes light up. I liked his performance, even with the few technical flaws he had. It was an honest performance, even though some of the lyrics annoyed Simon. WTF? But he got a stationary high five from Ryan, one that connected, unlike during the auditions.

Country girl Kendall Beard, hoping to get her father to do the alligator dance at least once more on national television chose "This One’s For The Girls" by Martina McBride. Remember 45 rpm records? Remember putting them on your record player without that little yellow adapter, just a little off center? And remember that warped sound the record would produce while the needle valiantly kept up with the record spinning almost side to side?

Puerto Rico’s own Jorge Nunez did Elton John’s (and I’m not going through that again) "Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me". He has a good voice, but I think he tried too hard to NOT sing with his native accent. If he gets through and can embrace his natural dialect, I think he’d be a force to be reckoned with.

And lastly was Lil Rounds. Girl! Don’t let me down. "Be Without You" by Mary J. Blige was her song choice. I want go out on a limb and say there’s the next American Idol. But I know I’m up against the rest of America, but I know who I’ll be dialing my phone for in the future. And I’m starting tonight!

So, my three for tonight? Lil Rounds, without a doubt! I’m torn between Scott Macintire and Jorge Nunez for the guy. I’m going with Jorge Nunez and for my third spot, Kristen McNamara.

Before I sign off, please don’t forget to vote for my new webpage photo on my scrapbook page. You can vote once daily until March 10. Thanks!

25 million votes last night will decide the fate of this second group of 12.

The obligatory: Neo’s "Closer". Zzzzzzzzzz Please stop!

First up is Allison Iraheta, Jessie Langseth and Matt Breitzke. Only one of these three is going to make it through, and it’s Allison Iraheta. Again with that over-screaming style that she has. It wasn’t good last night and it was even less so tonight.

Megan Corkery and Kris Allen are next. Real quick, of the two, I think Megan should get it, though I like Kris. They wait over on the side while Ryan Seacrest brings up Jeanine Vailles and Matt Giraud. Out of this group of 4, only one will go though. It won’t be Jeanine. It won’t be Matt, either. And it is Kris Allen, who is going through. That’s a surprise, considering his not so good rendition of his song last night, but–and I reiterate–I like this kid. And is celebratory performance tonight was decidedly better.

Next we’re treated to a time stalling repeat of the retrospective of the past contestants. Elliott!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Claudette. Awwwww! Get on board the E-train! Elliott, please, we want a new album.

Welcome back Brooke White. She’s tonight’s guest and she’s singing her first single, "Hold Up My Heart". Very nice happy ballad. She’s come a long way. Good for her.

Here we go. Five at a time. Mishovanna Henson, Kai Kalama, Jasmine Murray, Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle and Adam Lambert. Understandably, after last night Jasmine was let go. But oddly and–really America!–Mishovanna and Kai were also rejected. So, that leaves us with the ego monger Adam and the mess in the silver lame shirt, Nick/Norman.

My stomach, my little dehydrated fly-filled stomach is all in knots as I sit through the Dyson Ball Vacuum cleaner commercial waiting for the result; one would be ridiculous and the other would be a McPheeism. Nick is out, Adam Lambert is in. I know, I liked him once, he had an asterisk after his name, but he got on my nerves last night. For that matter, so did Allison.

And there you have it. This is what you’ve done. But thank you for eliminating Nick/Norman!

Of these three, I like Kris Allen the best.
Again, the picture below is a thumbnail, so you'll have to click on it to see it better.
See you next week.

This just in: It’s rumored that season 9 of American Idol will be down one judge. Paula Abdul said in an interview that she loves Kara DioGuardio, but four judges just really doesn’t work. And since her contracted commitment to American Idol is ending, Paula Abdul may be stepping down. So, hmm, does that make you wonder if the addition of Kara this year was a way to soften the blow, to make Paula’s leaving that less severe?

I feel a little out of my element with this week’s shift in schedule, but I’ll get over it. Again this week, as I had hoped, they are using the same theme; Billboard’s Hot 100 from all time.

First up, Jasmine Murray (come on, girl, do me proud) is singing "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. She started off in too low a voice and she was off key quite a bit, especially in the beginning. After tonight’s performance, and with eleven more contestants to go, it might be tough to keep her in as a finalist. Sorry, girl.

Fun. It’s all about fun. I have to talk to Brian and see what he thinks about all this "fun" in competition. It’s almost as disturbing as "amazing". My, aren’t we a bitchy bunch? It’s the story....

Matt Giraud is attempting a soulful twist on Coldplay’s "Viva La Vida". It didn’t sound any different than what I hear on the radio. I didn’t hear any "soul" in his performance. About halfway through, his voice became brashy and flat and I think he got too carried away in the heat of the night.

Bartender Jeanine Vailles in her demin hot pants, is singing "This Love" by Maroon 5. Man, she has got a set of stems. What is going on tonight? We’re three for three. She just needed to calm down and she might have had a home run with this song. When it was time for her high notes, she strained and reached for them and she kept that mode for most of her performance.

You know what I’m wondering at this moment? How soon before Brian says he’s gonna have a cup of decaf tea.

Norman Gentle/Nick Mitchell, in his khaki shorts and signature silver lame shirt, red head and wrist bands squawked out "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls. He knows he’s not going to be the next Justin Timberlake (thank God, one is two more than sufficient). It was really a ridiculous performance, like a tired drag queen in a smoky piano bar croaking out her last notes of her career. But you know how you are, America, you’ll probably vote to keep him in.

Garnet-red headed Allison Iraheta, is singing Heart’s "Alone" and she just wants to have fun with it. How appropriate in her black Cyndi Lauper-like "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" video outfit. Okay, we’re at number 5 of 12 and we’re in the same spot we were in at the beginning of the show. She sounded like she was being strangulated and was gasping for air during her entire performance. All the judges are loving her. I guess I missed what they all heard.

Kris Allen chose Michael Jackson’s "Man In The Mirror". Maybe I need to start this night over. I wasn’t impressed. I like this kid, I liked him from the 3 seconds we saw him during the auditions, but this performance disappointed me.

Did I take a grouchy pill tonight? Am I taking after you know who?

Megan Corkery is singing "Put Your Records On" by Corrine Bailey Rae. So far, even though there were some spots she seemed to go a little off-key or she got a little overzealous, this is the best performance I’ve heard all night. She has a confident strong voice.

Welder Matt Breitzke is singing "If You Can Only See" by Tonic. Well, I waited to hear what the judges had to say before I wrote my opinion. They didn’t like his performance. I did.

Jesse Langseth, one of Simon’s least favorite; and he told her so after her sing off is singing Kim Carne’s "Bette Davis Eyes". She started out so-so and near her end of the song her voice just started petering out almost like she just got tired of singing, or she was trying to remember the lyrics.

There he goes, into the kitchen for some tea. He’ll probably be rummaging around for some cake, but there isn’t any. He’ll probably grab a piece of chocolate. Oh, look at that, a dish of Hershey’s Kissables.

"What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" by Jimmy Ruffin is Kai Kalama's choice for the night. And in my opinion, it was a great choice. He got my attention. So far the best performance of the night.

Now, what I don’t understand is these danged judges. You can never please them. I complain about this all the time. You try to emulate someone and they say you fall flat. You try to be put an personal twist and they tell you to sing like the original. They give you a full spectrum of countless songs from the Billboard Top 100 from all time and you pick something that’s not a standard for the rest of contestants and you get told you’re old fashioned.

Mishavonna Henson is singing one of my favorite songs, "Drops Of Jupiter" by Train. She promises she’s not gonna let American down. Excellent range, she hit both highs and lows, her voice was in great control. And once again, the judges hated it and told her that she sang like she’s 50 years old instead of 18 and she needs to loosen up. Is this an aerobics show or one that showcases singing talent? I hate this show tonight.

"Wicked" touring member Adam Lambert is singing his mother’s favorite band, The Rolling Stone’s "Satisfaction". He started off with that David Cook-esque haunting lilt and then broke into a vocally convulsive interpretation of the song. It was energetic and at times just too way over the top, and I think our boy Adam just seems a little too full of himself for his own good.

And now, I guess I have to find 3 out of this mess who I think should make it through tomorrow night. Well, I’m sure it’s a given that Adam Lambert will be included, but this section is for me to pick my favorites. I’m liking Kai Kalama, Megan Corkery, and Mishavonna Henson. We’ll see what tomorrow night brings. See you then.

Twenty-four million votes were cast last night to decide the fate of the first three into the final top 12.

Oh gosh, I forgot all about the obligatory "group sing" and it’s Jason Mraz’ "I’m Yours". I don’t know, but it sounded like a march, like it belonged in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you know, the part you hear when they come back from a commercial break and they’re fading out one act into another.

First up to join Ryan Seacrest on the stage is Casey Carlson and she is the first to be sent packing.

Steven Fowler, too, is gone.

Alexis Grace is the first one in. I don’t get it, really, and her celebratory performance was further proof why this was a silly choice. Ah, well, but we can always vote her out later!

So, I’m 1 out of 3 to the negative in my choice. I still have 2 chances to redeem myself.

Ricky Braddy and Jackie Tohn are up next together. And they are both out. Good for her, but after I published my blog last night, I started to think maybe Ricky would have a chance. Well, there’s always the wildcard spot in a couple of weeks.

Anoop Desai and Michael Sarver are the next tag team up to learn their fate. Of the two, it’s Michael Sarver. Well, after last night, I would never have thought he had a snowball’s chance in hell. It really had to be his likeability factor that I thought would get him in as a wildcard that got him in. Either that, or the entire union of oil riggers across the country jamming the phone lines. But, I’m glad. I like him, I just wasn’t happy with his performance last night and this "acceptance" performance is decidedly better. So, good for him.

Oh, look at that... special guests Michael Johns, who’s album is coming out in May and Carly Smithson, both from last season, came out to sing "The Letter"by The Box Tops. I liked him right from the start and it took a while for her to grow on me and just as she was getting really hot, she got let go. If I can be critical, she was a bit screechy, but I remember that about her.

Anne Marie Boskovich is asked to rise from her seat and remain there as is Brent Keith and Stevie Wright while Ryan recounts the judges opinions from last night and they are all out.

So now, it’s between Danny Gokey and Tatiana Del Toro. Oh man. This is a tough moment. I wasn’t expecting this, my choices for top girl and top guy facing off against each other for the last of three spots tonight. But quite frankly, between you and me, between the two of them, and like I said last night, I hate to admit it, I think it should be Tatiana. But it’s Danny Gokey.

Okay, so I got one right all night, but maybe she’ll make it in later. Or Brent Keith.

Below is the new dartboard with our three winners listed. Yeah, I know, it’s different than how I described it last week. See how I am? But I’ll be using that black and white fading feature after the Top 12 is all assembled. It’s a thumbnail, so click on it to see it larger.

No second chances tonight. A minute and twenty seconds is all each contestant has to prove him or herself worthy. Only three of tonight’s group of 12 will make it through to the coveted final top 12; the highest girl, the highest guy and the next highest vote getter.

The theme tonight is hits from the billboard hot 100 since the charts began. I think to make it fair, all three weeks should be the same, so there might not be an unfair advantage of one theme being more suited for the first round than another. But then again, if we’re looking for a singer, then that person should shine regardless. And they’ll have their stumbling blocks anyway. So, who cares, Edith.

Jackie Tohn is up first. "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis is her choice. Too much of a mix between hard-hitting girl rocker and sex kitten cooing in her track and field lycra pants and sneakers. Her notes at times were all over the place, but she kept a fair tempo.

Okay, I see the pattern, why we have to sit for 2 hours tonight; the family interview with Ryan Seacrest, listening to why their little munchkin is better than anybody.

Ricky Braddy sings "A Song For You" by Leon Russell. Not bad. Melodious. This style of song suits his voice. He could have done without a run or two, but otherwise it was an admirable performance.

Here comes Alexis Grace. She’s tackling Aretha Franklin’s "I Never Loved A Man". Bluesy? Not so much. I didn’t feel much bluesy emotion from this performance. I got a shrieky unmoving and rigid performance. The judges deemed her close to the next best thing since sliced bread. I must have missed it.

Anybody out there watch Guiding Light? Doesn’t Brent Keith remind you of Robert Newman who plays Josh Lewis? Go ahead, Google Robert Newman and see.....I’ll wait. See? Brent Keith sang "Hick Town" by Jason Aldean. Really, how can you mess up a country song? Well, Brent Keith wouldn’t know, not with that performance. It was energetic, his voice was suited for that song a. What has happened to Bucky Covington? (exactly) Well, according to Simon, that’s how Brent’s performance was. Oh well, what does a salamander know?

Stevie Wright is singing "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift. She decided to sing it because she’s young and Taylor Swift is young. And she did Taylor Swift proud, in that Taylor Swift can’t hit three correct notes in a row either. (Thanks to the Bullseye section of last week’s Entertainment Weekly magazine for that caustic barb–oh yeah, I stay current). That was really, really bad.

Anoop "Anoop Dawg" Desai is going to wow us with "Angel Of Mine" by Monica. I’m not sure where to go with this one. In one respect, I didn’t like it. He just seemed to be there, on stage being drowned out by the backup singers and then he seemed like he was digging into the depths of his soul to get the song sung.

Nasal Casey Carlson, who’s inspiration is Idol winner Jordin Sparks decided on "Everything She Does Is Magic" by The Police to be her song. Vicki Carr she’s not, so she shouldn’t be trying to convert this anthem into a tired lounge act.

Oil rigger Michael Sarver is next with his song "I Don’t Want To Be" by Gavin DeGraw. Oh dear. He started off rough. By the time he got to the chorus, he seemed to find himself and excelled, but then he lost it again. He’s got a good voice and it’s quite suited for a song like this, but he just missed the mark tonight. His likeability factor may keep him as a wild card, but this performance will not.

Anne Marie Boskovich who initially had a chance to reinvent herself during auditions chose "Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. That old girl is getting a workout tonight, but thankfully that hat is tucked away someplace far away. So far, I have to say, this is my favorite performance, male or female, tonight. And naturally, all the judges but Paula (go, girl!) said she was too old fashioned, too irrelevant, too small in voice for such a big song, not original. I’ll say it again...if the contestant sings an exact replica of a song, they’re told to be original and if they put their own spin on it, then they get told the song is too big for them. That’s why I don’t listen to them. I have ears of my own.

Stephen Fowler (that’s Prowler!—come on people, don’t let me down, that’s the second similar reference to something classic I made tonight) crooned "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson. Well, he didn’t forget his lyrics tonight, but he also just stood there and limply sang. Oh man, I don’t get it. His performance started off bad; bad notes, no charisma and his styling was so off, it sounded like he was suddenly remembering how the lyrics lined up with each other.

Giggles, better known as Tatiana Del Toro is going to sing "Saving All My Love For You" by Whitney Houston. I’ll be damned if she didn’t nail that song, except for one or two pitchy notes towards the end. Damn her!

Danny Gokey is our last contestant tonight. He’s singing "Hero" by Mariah Carey. He sings well, he’s got an honesty in his voice and he’s charming. I like him. Can he be the next American Idol? Probably not. The only disappointment of this performance was at some points it was a bit choppy, but otherwise, very good performance.

Of course it’s impossible to try to read America’s mind, I found that out last year, so I’m just going to pick my three for tonight and we’ll see how close I come once tomorrow night rolls around. Top girl, much as I hate to admit it, I think should be Tatiana. Best guy, oh boy, I’m torn. I really liked Ricky Braddy and Brent Keith, but then comes Danny Gokey, who will probably get voted in. If I narrow it down, then it would be between Danny and Brent. So, I’ll say Danny as best guy and then, good golly, I’m torn between Anne Marie Boskovich and Brent Keith for the third. Does it seem like I’m stalling? Third spot should go to Brent Keith.

And if you haven’t done so yet, check out my interview on my scrapbook page with former American Idol hopeful Robin Lennox, who, also left a comment on the comments and suggestions page.

Finally, we’re on the threshold between the nonsense and the real competition.

The judges, more like Kings and Queens are poised in the plush red velvet furniture in front of the marble fireplace, the room dotted with potted ferns, the walls adorned with huge painting with bulky gild frames in the Judges’s Mansion, will receive each contestant and each contestant will learn his or her fate. However, this year, we have the wildcard spot, where 12 contestants (in addition to the normal 24) will "sing for their lives" in order to win a spot to round out the top 36. And I can’t wait to see how many of my initial picks from the audition weeks actually make it, now that they are in one collective spot.

The SING OFF is between two iffy singers. An (S) will follow those names; one will be in and the other will be out. I thought of keeping those pairs marked in their own list, but really, at this point, it’s not relevant who outsang whom in the SING OFF. And those names marked with asterisks are my picks from the audition weeks–those that remain after all those previous eliminations that went speeding past, not to mention the disappearance of room 3 last night–no matter which list they happen to fall into.

OUT:

T.K. Hash*; Chris Chatman; Reggi Beasley; Felicia Barton; Ashley Hollister; Devon Baldwin; Shera Lawrence; Derik Lavers; Jamar Rogers; Cody Sheldon(S); Jenn Korbee(S); Frankie Jordan*(S); Jackie Midkiff(S).

Obviously  we got gypped out of seeing the rest of the contestants get sent away. Alas!

And here are the Top 36

IN:

Anoop Desai; Von Smith; Alex Wagner-Trugman(S); Adam Lambert*; Taylor Vaifanua*; Jasmine Murray*; Arianna Afsar; Casey Carlson; Megan Corkery; Mishavonna Henson; Stevie Wright*; Joanna Pacitti*; Kendall Beard; Kristen McNamara(S); Alexis Grace; Scott Macintyre; Lil Rounds*; Jesse Langseth(S); Allison Iraheta*; Danny Gokey*; Ricky Braddy; Matt Giraud; Ju’not Joyner; Jorge Nunez*; Brent Keith; Steven Fowler; Nick Mitchell; Jackie Tohn; Tatiana Del Toro; Nathaniel Marshall(S); Jeanine Vailes; Kai Kalama; Ann Marie Boskovitch*; Kris Allen*; Michael Sarver(S); Matt Breitzke(S).

The heartbreak of the night, without a doubt, was the astounding separation of friends Danny Gokey, the widower and Jamar Rogers. That brought a tear to my eye.

So now, the Top 36 will perform in groups of 12 over the next 3 weeks for our votes, America! From each group, 3 contestants will become part of the final contending Top 12; the judges’ wild card picks will round out America’s 9 to that final 12 by the end of the three weeks.

Below are two thumbnails; one of the top 18 girls and one of the top 18 boys. I had to make thumbnails because of the size of the page and a regular size picture looks all scrunched. So, just click on each to open it. Each week, as contestants get voted off, instead of that red X I used last year, I'm going to fade their pictures to black and white.

And now, I’m tired, so, see you next week!

Oh, wait, I have an "Idol" related update! Former Bikini Girl, Katrina Darell, is back in the news. Nude photos of her, taken in 2008, along with brief video footage, have been sold to Joe Francis, Girls Gone Wild proprietor, for a sum in excess of $50,000.

Now, I’m going!

See you next week! 

So, it seems like there was this traveling salesman...

Other than that, there isn’t really much for me to do tonight. In rapid fire succession, with some painful stopovers at some lesser deserving performances, the contestants flashed before my eyes singing their hearts out in front of the judges.

Tonight we see some of the contestants for the first time since the season started and it’s hard to keep up with what anyone is doing.

From what they’ve shown, the guys out-sang the girls tonight, including Adam Lambert, the Wicked touring company member who sang Cher’s "Believe". Think back to the powerful haunting rock ballad styling David Cook was so good at last season and you’ve got Lambert’s performance tonight.

After they all sang, the contestants were put into one of 4 rooms. You remember Tatiana, don’t you? Well there was drama. After her excruciating performance she was sent off to one room, then there was a judging mishap and a retabulation put her in room 4, coincidentally where the clown Norman/Nick was placed.

Even though Lenesha Young, the homeless girl, sang late in the show, she set the bar for the girls.

Yikes! Simon had to dash out to catch a plane to London, leaving the remaining three judges to announce to the split up contestants. Into room 2, arm in arm, the somberly strolled, lamenting on how hard it is to make a final decision and then Kara announced they were coming back.

Room 3 was next, where Lanesha Young waited with 17 others, only to find out they have been sent packing. That’s a wrong decision, I feel, when there was a singer in the previous room whose voice just went while he sang, and another who quit and started over with his performance, only to stop again, and that room got through.

Room 1 was next. This room included Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Lil Rounds.

And finally room 4, where Tatiana nervously awaits news with the rest of the group, complete with over dramatic sobbing apologies. They too got put through. This group included Ann Marie Boskovitch.

I’m not understanding how Tatiana made it and not Lanesha. I am not understanding that at all!

Well, that’s it for tonight. Tomorrow is another day and we’ll finally know the Top 36.

I’m on the edge of my loft landing, eyes trained on the television waiting to see the much anticipated group round. Brian is amazed, even points my stance out to Ariel ( I guess they haven’t yet realized just how invested in this show I am).

Oh, yes, from the very opening of the show, pandemonium ensues as the remaining 107 contestants break off into groups and begin getting to know each other’s idiosyncracies and performing styles. Yikes!, it’s so dramatic. Tatiana, skin tight leopard print dress girl with the blue tulle sprays tucked underneath, can’t seem to connect with her group, wanting to be in full charge and she hooks up with an already established group. Then she decides to go back to her original group.

"It’s not only you here." "I don’t want one person who’s not ready to screw us up." "We don’t need the drama." "I tried my h-hardest." "Whaa whaa whaa." These were just some of the exhausted cries of by just about everyone (mostly from Team Compromise) as the hours dragged on and you could see by the tear stained faces and bugged out eyes of exasperation that everyone’s nerves were raw.

After whatever sleep they could get during the night, the groups were back at rehearsal, convincing themselves they were back on track and ready to go.

Katrina, aka Bikini Girl gets the award for Drama Queen extraordinaire who was too tired to rehearse, leaving her group members to fend for themselves, but in a dramatic turn, she decided she has come too far (yeah, right!) to back out now and humble herself to Group Diva. For a while there, I thought we were safe and she would just stay away. I’m gonna hate her, I’m telling you that right now. She’s this year’s McPhee, Sanjaya and Luv Puppy all rolled into one.

We’re at the halfway point of the show and still no performances. But here comes Simon and his warning, just before auditions were to begin, "Forget the words, and you’re out!"

White Chocolate was the first group, and they did the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back " . The group included one of my favorite picks, Kris Allen.

The next group, whose name I didn’t get consisted of two guys, one of whom was my pick J.B. Ahfua, and two girls. The girls bombed on the lyrics and were let go. The guys, are staying.

Action Squad, another split group, two and two, which included Ann Marie Boskovich, did Fleetwood Mac’s "Don’t Stop". They should have stopped before they started. One boy and Ann Marie made it through.

"Oh, they’re all crap!" "That was an absolute, total MESS!" "Excruciating." "It’s like a succession of horrors." "Chaotic." "Useless." "I don’t want to do this anymore." Those were some of Simons reactions to a swirl of groups that flashed past my eyes. Even Paula was holding her head in disbelief.

The next featured group that included Danny Gokey (the widower) and Taylor Vaifanua sang Queen’s "Somebody To Love" in very impressive harmony. Danny seemed to be the least harmonious and after the song was over, Simon singled him out of the line. "Danny, you have made it through to the next round and the other three...are joining you."

Next, a group that included Adam Lambert, from the touring company of "Wicked" made it though.

The Divas, with Bikini Girl all fresh and smug, was next. They sang "Mercy" by Duffy. Bikini Girl posed and pouted that she was on heels all day and was tired and had gone to be early and the performance reflected the lack of preparation. Not that she was the saving grace. She and three other girls were called out of the line up and promptly dismissed from the competition. There was a rousing round of Yea’s in the room, that nearly shook me off my slab of shale when this announcement came. There IS a God! Jasmine Murray (isn’t she the homeless girl?...and why isn’t she one of my picks? I have to have a talk with myself) is the only one who made it through and deservedly so. Why isn’t she on my list? Can I put her on my list now?

Uh-oh...in a quick montage, Emily Hughes, and David Osmond got cut.

Tatiana’s group is next up, and sounding horrible, but they made it through. Next up, my We Need To Get Rid Of Tatiana campaign.

Team Compromise is the last group of the day, the group with the most turmoil between each other. Another go at "Mercy" by Duffy. Nathanial, the tattooed, pierced (and with those grommet things in his ears) and Kristin, who abstractly reminds me of Kristen Chenowith and who was tired of rehearsing the night before. In spite of the remaining member, Nancy, who kept wanting to rehearse, trying to get Kristin out of her chair, got cut.

So, there you have it. Next week, the 75 remaining contestants will face the final elimination round. I really can’t wait. This is so much easier when there’s a finite group to work with where everyone gets the same amount of focus. And don’t forget the We Need To Get Rid Of Tatiana campaign.

See you next week!   

Before we get started, I have to tell you that I was surprised that Brian never mentioned Jennifer Hudson’s performance of The Star Spangled Banner at the Superbowl. I know he blogged about it briefly, but never mentioned anything about The National Anthem. Well, I took care of that. I posted the video in my scrapbook.

147 finalists culled from the previous weeks, some of whom we’ve seen, some not, gather on the stage of the Kodak Theater. Something new this year is the American Idol Boot Camp, where the contestants are put through the paces of hair design and stage presence and rehearsing. And the keynote speaker was legend, Barry Manilow, who assured his audience that "preparathon meeths opportunity".

Tonight, in groups of eight, with very little time to prepare, the contestants will come on stage and perform. At the end of each groups’ performance, those the judges like will stay, the rest will be sent home. See ya!

Because we haven’t seen all 147 contestants during the audition rounds, and they're plowing through these performances, announcing some with names and a lot without, and most of them we don't know yet, I will do my best to keep up with what's going on.  But, I can boast about those who I picked at the end of each show who make it through. So far, Lil Rounds, who belted out Whitney Houston’s "I Will Always Love You" has made it to the next round.

The entire second group made it through but none of them were any of my picks. Not to say none of them were any good, they were, but none were my immediate choices.

Group three includes Jorge Nunez, another of my picks, but tonight he disappointed me a little even though he made it through. Frankie Jordan, another pick of mine, from another group got through.  That oddity Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle combination, still with his gray and pink silk shirt somehow managed to convince the judges to let him stay for the next round.

Just as I thought, keeping up with the show tonight is very taxing. Danny Gokey, the recent widower made it through. I don’t think he was as strong as the audition, but for now he’s safe.

Trampy Katrina Darrell, better known as Bikini Girl, came out and vamped and shamelessly flirted her way through her performance. I’m telling you, this could decide it for me. Damn it, she’s through. Do I go on with this season? Of course I do.

The oil rigger, Jeremy Michael Sarver seemed improved over his audition and made it through.

The last group of the two day event included David Osmond, Erica Wesley and Emily Hughes. Of these three, David Osmond sailed through and Emily Hughes got by on a wing and prayer, but both names on my list. And one more name on that list that came up at the end of someone who was successful was Ann Marie Boskovich.

Tomorrow is group day for the 104 remaining contestants with only 7 of my 21 choices (that I'm aware of) being among them.

See you tomorrow!

Adeloa Adegoke, a former bank teller in NY, as of the day prior to this audition (she was that sure she’d go far in this competition–after all, she has been compared to Mariah Carey and Mary J Blige) started off the show with former "Idol" contender Jennifer Hudson's song "And I Am Telling You". Hmm. Very brassy, off key and thanks to Simon Cowell, speaking on the phone with David, Adeloa’s boss at the bank, he got the man to give the girl her job back.

Oh, I see how this is playing out, they’re cutting back and forth between the two cities. Don’t do this to me, I’m already flummoxed enough with these auditions. Give me some warning first. Sheesh!

Meanwhile, in San Juan, Jorge Nunez, sang "My Way" by Il Divo, in Spanish. Very powerful. Great voice. Then, in English, he sang, "What A Wonderful World". His Spanish song was more convincing of his talent, but his voice is commanding in either language.

Also from San Juan, Michiganer Jessika Baier, who claims to have won a goodly portion of over 700 singing contests honked out Celine Dion’s "I Surrender". She just wouldn’t take "no" for an answer in spite of all her whining and begging and pleading.

Back in New York, Melinda Camille, is next. She finds happiness dancing naked in her room. Hoping to uplift humanity with her voice, and while imagining Randy Jackson naked during the audition, she sings "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone. Smooth, jazzy, she has promise. And Melinda, I hear ya on the naked, it’s just me, my red spots and my dry flies! Yes, life is good.

"I’m Yours" by Jason Mraz was Jackie Tohn’s choice for her audition. She sounded rushed. Good raspy rocker chick voice, though. She sang a second song and seemed to waver between rock and country. After half the set fell apart behind the judges table, they passed Jackie through.

Crazy Rocker Joel Contreras who throws himself against walls, through open car windows (clear through to the other side) plays guitar in the streets of San Juan (think a denim clad Naked Cowboy from New York but with less appeal) enters the audition room with a life size cut out of an mp3 player, proclaiming he’s the "human iPod. He runs his finger around the oversized dial and makes that endearing click sound a real iPod makes until he decides on a song to sing. Good grief! Was he singing Mr. Big’s "Hold On Little Girl"? And then he sang "Don’t Let Me Leave" by Marc Anthony. It was true agony. He had a good voice, and he might have had a chance, but his antics were appalling and childish. True to his moniker of Crazy Rocker, he dashed out of the audition hall in a Superman outfit and straight into the pool.

Things didn’t get any better in New York with Nick Mitchell, aka Norman Gentle (oh brother) as he was quickly admonished for trying to be comical. He started off with "And I Am Telling You". Were he in a drag outfit, his performance would have been more fitting. "Amazing Grace" was his second attempt to woo the judges and he actually displayed a pretty good voice, until.... he went off into his drag cabaret act yet again. With Simon being the only sane hold out, with a "no" vote, he got passed through.

May I just say I cannot wait until these auditions are over and the show gets more serious. It’s so tedious, this nonsense. And I can’t even attempt describing the vignettes tonight. I don’t have the energy.

"I think you’ll love it" was Monique Garcia Torres’ little brother Christopher’s response to Simon’s question of whether his sister was any good. "You Can’t Hurry Love" by Diana Ross and The Supremes. A second song, a more ballady selection seemed to suit her voice a little better, she had more control. Not the best voice, not very confident, but a damn lot better than the cabaret mess just before her. A split decision between the judges got Simon’s final say so, and with a reassuring wink to his new pal, Christopher, Monique got put through

Returning for a second attempt was overly reactive Alexis Cohen from last season who got ready to sing her Madonna "Like A Prayer" audition with a Buddhist chant, that as far as I could make out went something like this: nom yo ho ren gay kyo. It was a horrendous display that combined sounds that could have been opera, half evangelic lecturing, half I don’t know what! She ended with a familiar endearing double flip of the middle finger she made so famous a year ago at Simon after they rejected her.

The last contestant in Puerrrrrto Rrrrico was Patricia Lewis Roman. She tanked with her Whitney Houston "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" with her voice skittering all over the place. But in a softer, less manic Spanish song, she won the judges over.

And there you have it. The auditions are finally over. My three for tonight: Melinda Camille, Jorge Nunez, and (by default, only because I want to have three names) Monique Garcia Torres. Next week we’ll see if any of my picks over the last few shows make it to the judges Top 36.

See you next week! 

Oh great, the home of Luv Puppy, David Archuleta. Loser! Also, the home of the Osmonds, who, I hear, are in full force in support of one of their own. Can’t the family just give him a job? Or is he that bad that even they don’t want him? Let’s find out, shall we?

David Osmond, son of Alan, the oldest of the performing Osmonds is first up. Like his father, he suffers from MS but right now he’s in remission. After confirming for Simon that he’s one of "the million" he sang "Something Within Me" by Take 6. Very nicely done, he’s definitely got the Osmond talent. Of course the judges were very critical in his choice of song, how singing harmonious runs doesn’t showcase his ability. Well, of course they have to say that, look where he’s coming from, they have to make sure the first golden ticket recipient of the night understands he’s got to get by on his merit. So, would Simon Cowell be David Osmond’s Andy Williams? Psst. I got a secret, I got a secret. Tell you later!

Heavy (big boned, I think is the politically correct term) ruby red-headed Tara Mathews, outfitted in a very cinching leather-like laced up dress over black stockings hooked up in peaks to garter clips has a good feeling, but doesn’t know if she could win sang "One Day I’ll Fly Away" from the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack. Guess what.... she won’t win. She won’t get through. Poor thing, though, she had such a determined look on her face.

Time for the montage: Aleesha Turner sang like a demented more masculine sounding coroner from the Wizard of Oz on downers (sorry, but everyone seems to think extra vibrato helps). Katie Sullivan sang like Mae West meets Ethel Merman, and Rich Kagel, either on the verge of a nervous breakdown or was high on something. Well, the maniacal bulge of his eyes and his eerie lip licking might be indication of the latter.

Baby faced, cute as a button Chris Kirkham came in with his good luck charm, some dude in a pink bunny suit his mother made for him. But after a disturbing display and even more horrendous audition–over used vibrato through the nose just doesn’t make for pleasant ear candy–both Chris Kirkham and his bad luck charm got ousted from the competition.

Frankie Jordan who’s been singing all her life who in an abstract sort of way, looks like Amy Winehouse and coincidentally sang her song "You Know I’m No Good". Pleasant voice, smooth. I liked it. I think she might go far.

Megan Corkrey, who is (or at the time of the taping of this show) getting a divorce, ironically chose "Can’t Help Loving That Man Of Mine". An otherwise bluesy torch song, she sang it in a perky rushed tone. I don’t know, but I have a feeling we have another McPhee on our hands. Her audition was sloppy and unsure, charming as she might be, and somehow, all four judges agreed that she’s the best thing since sliced bread. I consulted with my creative team and both Brian and Ariel agreed that they have no idea what those judges are talking about.

Andrew Gibson’s audition went by so fast I had no idea what song he was singing, but he sang it like a one man barbershop quartet. He got rejected.

"When I Look To The Skies" by Train is class president Austin Sisneros. Unconvinced, the judges allowed him to sing another song, "It Takes A Village" by Raffi. I don’t know why the hard time. It was, actually, both songs were better than the one by the sliced bread.

5'11" (without heels) Cher clone Taylor Vaifanua sang "Joyful Joyful" probably by Amy Grant. Great voice, perfectly timed. Best of the night.

Orphaned Rose Flack was determined to get the golden ticket to Hollywood to make her parents proud. "I Feel The Earth Move" by Carol King was her song choice. She has potential. She has the drive, she has the dream.

And that brings us to my picks for tonight. Taylor Vaifanua, David Osmond, and Frankie Jordan.

Oh, and that secret...Donny Osmond is going to be a contestant on the next season of Dancing With The Stars which starts in March.

See you tomorrow!

Before we get this show on the road, I just have to say I’m still thinking about Lenesha Young from last week. With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s get on with it.

Joshua Ulloa gets compared Justin Guarini more often than not. I know that’s a name from a past season of American Idol that I don’t know and side by side, sure, I can see the resemblance. He sang Marvin Gaye’s "Let’s Get It On", with his own voice induced musical accompaniment, like a harmonica and slide guitar. His voice was okay, but he seemed to be too intent with the gimmicky soundtrack.

Sharon Wilbur and her "amazing" dog Sasha (who found a comfortable spot on Simon’s lap) came in to sing Karen Carpenter’s version of "Superstar". Her voice was very raspy but she came across more like a sex kitten, kind of like a Britney Spears.. Oh, no, I said sex kitten, sorry. She really was horrible, but got through anyway.

Dana Moreno massacred Chaka Khan’s "Through The Fire". She sounded more like the wailing siren of a fire truck rushing to a burning building.

Kaneswa Finnie. To be fair, I cannot make a fair assessment of this girl because, for some reason, the television signal started crapping out and I barely got to see her name through the pixilation. I did manage to hear enough to know that she sang Anita Baker’s "Caught Up In The Rapture" and Simon saying at the end it got progressively worse.

The TV knocked itself back into shape in time for Julissa Veloz, "la candidata". She decided she would sing some Whitney Houston for us. "I Have Nothing", as a matter of fact. Where she started off like she might have been able to carry it off, she kind lost her vocal footing and ended up straining for those high notes.

Visibly shaken Darin Darnell was way over the top with sadness (tears and all) for the friend he just made while waiting for his audition who had gotten axed. He fittingly sang "It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye" by Boyz II Men. Of course it’s tough to sing while blubbering for a perfect stranger–well, he wasn’t that perfect if he got rejected, now was he? Even through all this, he, too, was turned away.

"Loving You" by Minnie Riperton was Naomi Sykes’ offering. Minnie’s dead, right? I think just this once she should be roused to come and slap the you know what out of this girl. Even the ‘la-la-la’s’ were insufferable. But somehow, she hit a fairly impressive high note at the end, but, come on... Did you know Minnie Riperton had a 5-1/2 octave vocal range?

Jasmine Murray sang Fergie’s "Big Girls Don’t Cry". Cute, but very nasal. She got passed through. Somewhere out there is a hopeful singer trying to make it through, but now his or her spot has been taken. Alas.

A mustachioed Amish man, or a bearded Hermie the wannabee dentist Santa’s helper? Neither, it’s George Ramirez. Oh man, you know that old adage that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all? Katrina & The Waves’ "Walking On Sunshine" was just turned into an unrecognizable, too well enunciated, half spoken, half not sung (that’s for sure) mess. Kind of like a stern college professor giving a lecture with an attempt at levity to loosen up the room.  I'm not saying a thing.

Ann Marie Boskovich came in and on Simon’s request, went out to "find" her true self because he felt she was too much someone else, trying to be "too big" all at once.

In the meantime, while we waited for the make over, T.K. Hash sang "Imagine" by John Lennon. A passionate soulful offering, lots of vocal gymnastics, (otherwise known asa melisma) a la Christina Aguilera. Great voice, he doesn’t need all that unnecessary effect.

Guitar totin’ Michael Perrelli panicked when he wouldn’t be allowed to use his instrument for his Third Eye Blind’s "Jumper". He wasn’t as bad as Simon made him out to be; he was better than some of the nonsense we’ve been subjected to so far. He’s not a superstar, but didn’t deserve the browbeating Simon gave him.

Re-enter Ann Marie Boskovich. She sang "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat. She’s okay. I’m not familiar with the song but it was adequate. Sorry, I know that’s not much of critique. I zoned. Can’t help it.

Now comes the arduous task of finding three top performances from this less than inspiring show tonight. By default, then, the girl would have to be Ann Marie Boskovich, the guy, T.K. Hash (melisma and all) and for my third pick, Joshua Ulloa.

Leggy Tiffany Shedd, dressed in a black and white polka dot dress and high heels feels she has a great voice and would be great for the show and says that if she doesn’t make it to Hollywood, she’ll go to college. According to her mother she "sings at home...makes concerts for me." Can you have a mosh pit with just one person? Continues her mother, "my heart melts when she sings for me." Tiffany chooses Mariah Carey’s "Hero". Alas, the injured cat is college bound! Her positive attitude went flying out the window. Stupid show, stupid judges, they’re just looking for freaks. Hmm!

Joanna Pacitti, ex-signee from A&M Records, was emotional before she entered the judges chambers and Kara remembered her from her brief stint with the record label. She sang Pat Benatar’s "We Belong". She sounded great, but as powerfully she sang, she still sounded restrained. I’m liking this one.

Scary looking (in a Deliverance sort of way) Mark Mudd, who’s great-great (and maybe one more great) grandfather was Dr. Samuel Mudd, the very same doctor who took care of John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg when he jumped off the balcony after he shot Abraham Lincoln. "White Lightning" by George Jones (sung, coincidentally, in a Deliverance sort of way) was his choice. He was dismissed and his closing remark to "be careful in whatever you do" was taken as a threat by the judges. The only thing missing from this audition was a turned over wash tub and a jug of moonshine.

Brent Keith Smith strolled in confidently and got right down to business singing Bad Company’s "Can’t Get Enough". He sang pretty well, but his overzealous time keeping foot stomping was distracting. He got passed through. Simon wants him to sing more passionate songs.

The obligatory montage: Irene Angueloba punctured our ear drums with something that after I listened to it three times I realized what it was. "Over The Rainbow". Somewhere over the rainbow is a note she might be able to hit on key. Obianuju Omwurah continued the Wizard of Oz theme with her incredibly unique voice, reminiscent of The Munchkin Coroner with whatever the heck it was she was warbling. Wil Heuser did "Tainted Love" while making silly faces and shrugging his shoulders, sort of like Marilyn Monroe might do. Ryan Benningfield sang something about Mr. Zebra while wearing...you guessed it, a zebra-striped vest. Oh yeah, and his black and white painted face.

Matt Giraud, who reminded Simon of Elliott Yamin from season 5 (now that was a crack!) sang "I Don’t Wanna Be" Actually, Elliott DID sing that, so maybe that’s why Simon was so reminded of him. He got put through, but I didn’t like him.

Academic Ross Plavsic, who busies himself with arranging Chinese characters by their common radicals... yeah, I know... he does that when he’s not studying opera singers and the way they form their mouths and use their soft palettes...oh the list goes on with this guy decided on "Cara Mia" by Jay Black and the Americans. He sort of sounded like he was lampooning that deep vibrato people use to imitate Count Dracula. So, after a downing Paula’s water, he tried again with Elvis Presley’s "Love Me Tender", but the Count got the better of him again because his throat was ruined by the air.

Stay at home mom, Alexis Grace sang "Dr. Feelgood" by Aretha Franklin. I’m not hearing the voice the judges heard. All I heard was one 30-second screech!

Aaron Williamson sang Creedence (and) Clearwater Revival’s "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" Actually, he presented it like an angry clergyman, righting all the wrongs of his congregation. He got rejected.

Rebecca Garcia half sang, half spoke "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood with an extremely nervous lilt in her voice. The tears began to well up when she realized she wasn’t going any further.

The final montage: Kris Allen sang "I Don’t Wanna Be". Better than the one earlier. Felicia Barton, Ryan Johnson and Shera Lawrence also made it through.

Lenesha Young sang an original song and she sang it very well, kind of reminded me of Rhianna. Great voice, great tone, great stage presence.

So, who do I like tonight? Lenesha Young, Kris Allen (even though I only heard him sing for 3 seconds) and Joanna Picitti.

See you next week! 

The place where Katherine McPhee was found. What a swell thing to be reminded of.

Tatiana Del Toro was the first contestant tonight and she sang "I Never Loved A Man" by Aretha Franklin. I’m not sure what that half ball gown, half too skin tight print sheath of a way too mini dress with some blue tulle tucked up underneath it was that she was wearing, or that incredibly annoying nervous, yet affected giggle was all about. Her singing was horrible but she got put through because she has that "naughty" aspect. Honestly, if she makes to the top 36 after Hollywood week, I’m gonna stop writing this blog. Either that, or I just won’t mention her name.

Dean-Anthony Bradford in his plaid coat of life (?) sang "Stars" by Simply Red. Do I have to describe this one?

Jesus Valenzula (really Valenzuela...shame on you American Idol graphics director) sang (allegedly) something I don’t know. After bringing in his two kids, his aces up his sleeve to try to cajole the judges into letting him through got his wish after quickly tried another song, "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers, still in that nasally over vibrato voice. It was only Simon who initially rejected him, but to not disappoint the kids, the other three put him through. And Simon got a little melty when one of Jesus’ kids hugged him.

By the way, in case Brian forgot to tell you, I have a new sub page. I’m calling it Commander’s Scrapbook and I put in a few pictures for you to see. Some you may have seen already, but they’re well worth another look.

In 24 seconds, nervous Dalton Powell solved a Rubik’s Cube before entering the judges chambers. (Ooh, I like that one). After several deep breaths, he began "Ooh, Baby, Baby" by Smokey Robinson. Oh, interesting, by constricting his throat muscles to a seemingly painful degree, and singing as quietly as he could, he almost sounded like Smokey Robinson...on a bad day after he tried to jump a fence and missed.

Before Akilah Askew-Gholston, the body part expert (she uses her larnix when she sings) came out, we were treated to montage of arguments and disagreements between Simon and Kara. Akilah (I call her killa because she slays me... sorry, that was a Wilma Flintstone reference. Anything’s better than what’s happening on this show tonight) sang an original composition she calls "Makes Me Love". The overuse of her jaw, in an attempt to make some notes come out in a fluttery fashion, made them too mechanical. But, she realized, after she got rejected that she should not have let Randy and Paula irrackitate her.

A rapid review of three contestants that got passed through barely showed us some worthwhile auditions, but looking back at them, I can see why the were given golden tickets, maybe with the exception of one; John Twiford, Allison Iraheta and Raquel Houghton (maybe the exception).

Annie Murdock was indecisive about what type of song she would sing. Then couldn’t make up her mind about which artist she sing..possibly Bonnie Raitt. But she settled on either Billie Holiday’s version of "Summertime". She wavered between attempting to be a chanteuse, going for those subtle low seductive notes and then would break out into a major caterwaul.

Adam Lambert, a member of the traveling cast of "Wicked" ( I like him already) did Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody". Being a stage actor gives him a theatrical edge, but it also showcases his ability to sing. Really sing!

Kai Kalama crooned The Platters’ "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". He’s got a great voice, his style is not so hot, but he had some great moments. He has to reel in the loose ends of what he sounds like he’s capable of and I think he’ll do alright. I don’t think he’ll be the next American Idol, but... alright...he’s okay.

It didn’t look very promising in the beginning of this hour of torture but as it turns out I can come up with three names for tonight: Adam Lambert, John Twiford and Alison Iraheta.
Now I understand the McPhee thing. San Francisco is untalented.

Kansas City, David Cook’s hometown is our stopover tonight on this cavalcade of mellifluous (let me rethink that one) American Idol hopefuls. Jason Castro is in the wings supporting his brother, Michael. Let’s get the show on the road.

We start with Chelsea (oh, look at that, I'm missing her last name. No matter!) warbling Nilsson’s "Without You" in a nail down the blackboard squeal. "Do you want me to stop?" Did she really have to ask that?

Leona Lewis’s "Footprints In The Sand" was Ashley Anderson’s choice for her audition. Even singing the wrong lyric–footsteps– she was very smooth, very poised and very professional. Best song so far between last night and tonight.

Casey Carlson sang "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton. It was good. Her voice was reminiscent of Idina Menzel.

After taking two years off from music, opera-trained Brian Hettler who has been compared to Josh Grobin and Michael McDonald (by someone he knows, I’m assuming) is showing his stuff with Aretha Franklin’s "Think". I think his hiatus went one day longer than it should have. Wasn’t last year a leap year? Ha, look at me, making a sort of amphibious joke.

You know, I really am doing you a disservice because I can’t "show" you what’s going on. From the montage of reactions to rejections, to the simply hideous auditions in sounds that are barely human...if you’re not seeing for yourself, you’re missing out.

Von Smith got off to a phlegmy start on "Over The Rainbow" which he quickly ahemed away, then began belting it out. He demonstrated good vocal range, some being unnecessary overkill. His styling was not so admirable but with a little work, he can reel it in and make it work. As Kara says (ad nauseam...already she’s getting on my nerves) he’s got "the chops".

Michael Castro explained how he’s different from his brother, Jason, in that Jason "is more girly and I’m more not girly." So, Michael, why the pink punk hair? Not that there’s anything wrong with pink hair. Gavin DeGraw’s "In Love With A Girl" is his audition song. He’s got a more powerful voice than his "girly" dread locked brother. Not superstar material, but passable.

Then there was Vaughn English, dressed in orange pants, tie and sneakers with a yellow shirt and blazer singing some song about a banana, while singing into one and hopping about like a court jester.

Husky welder/fabricator Matt Breitzke convincingly crooned Bill Wither’s "Ain’t No Sunshine" and humbly accepted his golden ticket to Hollywood.

Jasmine "Jazz" (Nothing else exists out of my life other than this, right now) Joseph, another of the painter’s pallet for hair set, painfully labored with "Over The Rainbow. Was she trying to not throw up?

Jessica Furney sang "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin. No pretense, she just sang it, sang it from her heart. Not the best voice, but she has heart.

Sisters Asia and India McClain entered the room together and rapped about some cookie with special sauce and dedicated it to Randy. Then Asia was the first to sing and was quickly dismissed. India then sang and true to Asia’s claim, she does have the better voice and for the nanosecond we got to hear her, it sounded like that was indeed true.

Jamar Rogers chose "California Dreaming" by the Mamas And The Papas. Cass Elliott just rolled over in her grave. He got passed through to Hollywood. I’m astounded.

Recent widower Danny Gokey (as of the taping of this show, his wife had died four weeks prior) sang "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. Smooth, soulful, obviously singing with Sophia looking over his shoulder, he deservedly made it through to Hollywood.

Anoop Desai "Anoop Dawg" as he told Randy Jackson to call him, sang "Thank You" by Boyz II Men. In a quirky way, he was actually good.

Time for the "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" montage. Good thing I don’t wear pants. Make of that what you will.

Andrew Lang was cheered on, literally, by two cheerleaders singing a cheer about Andrew and American Idol to the tune of "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer" and then he offered "My Girl" by the Temptations. He tried, but mistook shouting for rhythm and the judges rejection turned his cheering section into his "tearing" section.

Band director Asa Barnes sang "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson. Good voice, but why did he choose that song. He pulled off the intense pitch changes, albeit a little strained. I think if you give him a song in his own range, he would kill.

Undiscovered star, Michael Nicewonder , whose own mother doesn’t think he can sing, chose his own composition, a song he wrote about his mother (and then one about his grandmother). And you know....the mother was quite right!

Man, this is full show tonight!

Dennis Brigham (I can sing really, really, really, really, really good) nasally stumbled through "With You" by Chris Brown. But somehow he made it through.

Mia Conley, again of the rainbow hair coalition, once she was roused from her sleep sang Minnie Rippleton’s (of course she meant Riperton) "Loving You". You know that song with the humanly impossible high notes.... Let's put it this way, Ella shatters glass, Mia punctures ear drums. Poor thing.

Lil Rounds, tornado survivor, wife and mother of 3 young children gave a powerful rendition of "I do" by Stevie Wonder. It might be the recent drama in her life or the determination to not let her dream wither, but she gave a performance from the heart and soul.

So, who do I like tonight? This is tough, I liked quite a few, but here are my three: Lil Rounds, Danny Gokey and Asa Barnes.

Thanks for stopping by. See you next week!