SYTYCD - Top 18 Perform

Okay, so Karen's having internet issues lately, so I'm not sure if she'll be blogging tonight, so I'll do my best, even though I'm running behind.

I love that we're making fun of Mary and her Botox comment from last week... ha!

Evan & Randi - Jive ... OMG! So fun! *ding* I guess the word for their performance is "fun" and we're keeping count! They're a little harsher on Evan as I think they should be!!

Melissa & Ade - Jazz choregraphed by Sonja ... I'm not sure where the jazz part of this is... Melissa's pants sure are bright though! Judges seemed to like it, and I have to say I didn't NOT like it!

Jason & Caitlin - Hip Hop ... Cute, but I don't think they were hitting as hard as they should have been.

Janette & Brandon - Disco ... wow! this IS fast! Wow! their physical abilities are killing me! The lift with her inverted V!?! and the last lift at the end?? WOW!! Lil C cracks me up with his ... I'm not even sure what to call it ... "birth of progression" or ??? I'm EXTEREMLY impressed!

Asuka & Vitolio - Waltz ... wow, I'm actually tearing up a little just watching their practice! Oh, I LOVE Enya! That was just beautiful! I hope the judges liked it! Okay, I know Mary can't really express facial emotions, but she's gonna make me cry!!

Max & Kayla - Pop Jazz ... Interesting! They're very colorful! I was distracted by my iPhone update, but I did like it!

Karla & Jonathan - Contemporary ... eh, I'm not really impressed - it was a great routine, but Jonathan seemed awkward. Apparently the judges don't agree.

Jeanine & Philip - Tango ... This is going to be tough for them to beat last week. Philip really tried, but it's really not his thing. Jeanine was great though! I still love Philip!!! We all knew this would be tough for him even before he started!

Ashley & Kupono - Hip Hop ... oh. Not good. Judges aren't going to be very favorable on this one!

Well, it's off to bed - I have a feeling it'll be Jeanine & Philip, Ashley & Kupono, and Jason & Caitlin in the bottom three tomorrow night! We'll see tomorrow!

American Idol - FINALE!!

This is it! Who will be the 2009 American Idol?? Just under 100,000,000 votes last night! Whew! I'm not sure how much of dent my votes made in that.

Oh my.... they're making fun of Randy!! For you, for me, for you....! Chris has been doing that all season! Kara .... the "sweetest" one ... ha! And Paula.... I've commented on how she likes to use big words! And Simon ... he's not from this country, I guess it's OK if he doesn't understand us!

Okay, it's always nice to make fun of the judges!

It would have been nice of them to turn Kris and Adam's microphones!

A trip to the hometowns for each of them (Hi Carly! We've missed you!) and then back for the group sing... oh, how I've not missed these! Not nearly as cheesy as they normally are!

First guest performance of the night, the reigning American Idol, David Cook with his new song, "Permanent". Nice!! I have to admit I haven't heard much of anything he's done so far, but what I have heard, I've liked!

And now - one of my favorite parts of the entire season ... the Golden Idol Awards!!

Norman Gentle! Pleeeeease let it be Norman!! Errr... Nick. I'm so confused!

Oh, I think this really MAY be my favorite part! Oooh, Ryan with the glasses and headband is SCARY!

Next guest performance - Lil Rounds and Queen Latifah.

Jason Mraz! ... with Anoop and Alexis (and the rest as backup singers)

Next up - Keith Urban and Kris! Yea!!!!!!!!! A great song, for Keith, for Kris, or both! Wow, I'm loving this! I might have to download this one!

Ewww, I think I'd repressed the memory of Megan's voice, but there she is ...

I haven't seen Fergie with dark hair. I think she can do either look! I definitely like this song! (and it's not even country!)

Did they just censor an AI performance???!? I think that's a first!

Now for more Golden Idols! "Best Attitude" Oh, goodness ... it's Bikini Girl, with her "girls"!!!

Oh, that's hilarious! Kara DID outsing Bikini Girl! Yeah, Bikini Girl, keep smiling like a good beauty contestant, even when you know you're losing! I can't believe Kara flashed us, but I can believe she did it for a charity!

Next up - Allison with Cyndi Lauper. Oh, that's funny. Allison's hair is closer to what I still remember Cyndi's as!

A little check-in with the 'rents, and now Danny Gokey, and Lionel Richie! Great performance! Danny should tour with Lionel! ha!

Okay, 45 minutes to go, and we're finally talking about our finalists a little!

Adam's cage shoulder pads are scaring me a little.... love the song, "Beth" though - fitting entrance for KISS though!!!!!

I'm hoping that after the stage tried to fall apart earlier this season, they reinforced it in preparation for this performance! That's alot of craziness/pyrotechnics! Is it bad that I think Adam's wearing as much makeup as the members of KISS, just more natural colors?

This is a great choice for Adam's duet!

Next up, Carlos Santana with the Idol guys! Okay, and girls!

Yeah! David Cook surprised them! Of course, the final two always get the Fords, but at least they didn't know it was happening right then!

Okay, speaking of being taken by surprise ... next up, Steve Martin with Michael Sarver and Megan Joy ... and his BANJO!?!?

Who would have thought - it took the entire season before Megan FINALLY sang a song that didn't kill my ears! I think she's found her niche!

Another group sing and it's Rod Stewart! Unlike Lionel Richie, Rod has definitely aged!! I used to listen to "Maggie" on 8-track in my mom's Corvette.... she still has them both - the car and the 8-track!

More Golden Idols ... time for the girls! Of course, it's Tatiana! She just NEVER goes away... no matter how hard they try to boot her off the stage!

Another duet with Kris and Adam ... and Queen!! Oh, the boys are having a great time with this one!!! I love it!!!!! They ARE the champions! (okay, how cheesy am *I* now?)

Okay, can it FINALLY be time?

That was VERY nice of Simon to say! I actually believe that he meant it!

Yes, the almost-100 million votes was a world record...

Oh, I'm nervous!

It's .... KRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really don't think it's hit him yet! I guess my text votes DID make a difference!!

I even hear fireworks! Either they're really overdoing it in Hollywood, or someone in my neighborhood is starting the holiday weekend early - I'm pretending they're for Kris!

It's been a great season - thanks for everyone who commented and/or read my blog!!

American Idol - Finale Performance!

Tonight is it!

Adam and Kris.

Kris and Adam.

Kradam.

Adis.

Why can't we all just be friends?

They're different enough that we could just have two Idols, right?

Or, as Ryan put it ... "the guy next door vs. the guy-liner".

Each one will get three songs tonight - their own favorite performance from the season, one chosen by the show's creator, Simon Fuller, and the winner's song written by Kara.

Adam is starting the night off with "Mad World" from the Year of Birth week.

Nice to see/hear Adam slow it down a little. I did like it! Judges did too. Very dramatic, in his usual style!

Adam is odd numbers tonight - 5701 for texting!

Kris will be singing/playing, "Ain't No Sunshine" for his personal pick. Goosebumps. I think what I like about Kris is that we know who he is, it's NOT all theatrics.

Wow - Randy copied me! Kara's finger-pointing scares me. And Simon has FINALLY gotten some sense in his head! Go Kris!!!

(Did Paula get a spray tan?)

Kris has the even numbers - 5702 for texting!

Round 2 - Simon Fuller's picks!

"Change is Gonna Come" for Adam. As Barney Stinson would say.... "Suit up!"

Well, I was wondering if he was going to get his screechiness in when this song started as it seemed too "sedate", but he did get it in the second half of the song. By far, not my favorite performance from him.

The judges and I don't seem to agree. I just don't get it! I agree it was good, but I wouldn't say it was his best. *shrug*

Kris - loving him as always. He's singing "What's Going On?" Judges were a bit mixed. Looks like Round 2 went to Adam. I wonder what Kara's written for them?

Hey look! It's the Top 12! Wave to the camera!

Kara's song, "No Boundries". Adam's up first.

Okay, I really hope Kris does a better job of it, because I really didn't like that at all. I really think it may be the song though. Oh, Randy's calling it pitchy. Good for Randy! He didn't scream though! That's a bonus!

Kris finishes off the night - I definitely think that Kris' voice better suited for this type of song. I see Kris doing more inspirational songs than Adam. I agree with the judges that the song was too high for Kris' voice.

So techinically, Round 3 probably goes to Adam, but again, I think it's the song more than the performers. I don't agree with the judges at all on this one.

Good perforances by both tonight - now it's time for the voting! I hope my phone battery holds up! And my fingers!

American Idol - Top 3 Results

Okay, so now it comes down to three. Who will be in the finale?

Well, hello! Ben Stiller! What are you doing here? Hmmm, Night at the Museum pitch ... well, of course! That makes sense!

And it's much better than the normal beginning, so I'll take it!

A little sad that the American Idol "desk" will be in the Smithsonion. What have we become?

Judges tonight .... Randy "needs to realize he's not as cool as he thinks" Jackson, Kara "should be punched in the face" Dioguardia (and don't care if I spelled her name right or not), Paula "needs to lay off the drugs" Abdul, and Simon "he can stay just the way he is" Cowell.

Jordin Sparks and Katy Perry perform.

Alicia Keys is here to talk about all the good we can do out in other countries instead of helping out the kids in our own country...

Fun night ahead! Woo-hoo!

Is this in English? Really? Did they get Alex Foley's jacket out of the Smithsonian for Noah to wear on the show tonight?

FINALLY - some results!

Danny's out first.... shall we take a trip home? Okay, that was nice. The pink plaid pants was kind of funny though!

Now let's go home to Arkansas with Kris!

Cheese dip. For LIFE.

Every man's dream!

Okay, Kris and Danny are back to the stage from home and have been sent over to the couch to await the final word. Jordin Sparks is up next after the break.

Jordin - not bad! I think that's one of the first times all season I haven't grumbled all the way through a guest performance!

Now for Adam's trip home to San Diego.... where apparently he got streaked...?!?!?

Oh my goodness - that little boy at the theater was adorable!

Now, a few recaps from Ryan, another break, another guest performer, and maybe THEN some actual resutls!

Why did she have Adam's name on her cape? That doesn't seem very fair.... and Chris assures me that this is one of those songs that sounds much better in studio version than live. I guess I'm not hating it live, so I'd probably be OK with the studio version!

Okay... FINALLY, so results!

First one into the finale....

KRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy cow! I thought for sure they were going to put Adam through first to build up the suspense between Kris and Danny!

And who's it going to be?

Adam.

Shocker.

Hopefully Danny will go on to do good things! We'll see him on tour though!

American Idol - Top 3 Perform

So it's one week from the finale! Each contestant will sing two tonight - one judges' choice and one contestant choice.

Danny's judges' choice is "Dance Little Sister" by Terence Trent D'Arby, picked by Paula. Wow! Much better stage presence for Danny this week! I'm impressed so far! Overall the judges were too. Apparently, they don't want Danny to dance and just stand there and be boring. Whatever Kara and Simon!

Kris is up next with "Apologize" by One Republic picked by Randy and Kara. Hmm, good performance. Not straying far from the original, I don't think. Let's see what the judges say. Someone's going to say he's playing it safe.

Ha, Simon!! Way to tell Kara! I was thinking the same thing - she picked the song and then tell him he should've done something different.

That means Simon picked Adam's song - we'll see what he chose after the break!

Looks like he's singing "One" by U2!! I'll have to defer to Chris on this one for any comparisons. Chris, who states he was born to hate anyone else doing U2 songs, says that wasn't bad, other than a little screamy. I definitely liked the performance!! And yes, Simon's gloating ... a LOT! I'm just happy to see Chris not cringing over on the other couch!

Break time for commercial and Idol Gives Back.

Danny's up next with his own choice - "Your are so Beautiful" by Joe Cocker.

First thought - boring. I hope he opens up and let's us really here him later in the song! Good performance. Not great. But as Randy said, he *can* sing!

Kris will be singing "Heartless" by Kanye West. I don't know the original at all, but so far, I'm going to assume he's making it his own. I really liked it! I don't want to know the original!! Kris should definitely be in the finale!!

Adam will finish off the night with Aerosmith's "Cryin'". Love Aerosmith, almost-loved that performance. He's still screaming. Of course he did a great job.

Well, I have some voting to do to make sure my fave (who is NOT Adam) makes it through.

See you tomorrow night for the results!

Oh yeah, so my vote's for Kris. I'm sure Adam will get through. Danny just doesn't personalize the songs enough and, for the most part, all sound the same.

American Idol - Top 4 Results

And then there were three!

Performances tonight - No Doubt, Daughtry, and Paula!!!

Okay, enough with the group sings/lip syncing!!

Umm, okay Paula ... if you have the little headset mic, you don't need to use the stand. Oh wait. She's lip syncing too ... she doesn't need EITHER of them!

Loved the newspaper with Simon though!

Hey! Finally someone NOT lip syncing! Reminds me a bit of a Tae Bo workout! The push ups didn't help the image much...

Ummm. Drummer. Scary.

Okay - FINALLY. Some results!

Can. We. Talk. Any. Slower?

Yea! Kris is safe! Of course, very obvious now that Allison and Danny are the bottom two.

Up next .... DAUGHTRY!!!!

Next in the top 3 - Adam. Of course they were going to do that - must keep up the suspense!

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!! How in the world did Danny beat out Danny!?!??! That is just ridiculous!

I don't agree, but then again, I didn't actually vote, so I can't complain!

See you next week for the Top 3!!

American Idol - Top 4 Perform

So it's down to Adam, Allison, Danny and Kris! This week's theme is apparently ... the set is falling apart!

We can look forward to duets from the remaining kids tonight!

Guest mentor - Slash! I hope he can provide more actual musical input than say ... Quentin Tarantino!

Adam's starting us off with "Whole lotta love" by Led Zeppelin. Well, the Elvis lip is definitely coming out tonight!! I think he did a great job, but I'm really looking forward to the other kids perform! Of course, the judges are absolutely gushing all over him! Even SIMON!

Let's see how Allison follows Adam's performance. Her song is Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby". Good call to go to Adam's "hair girl" though! Wow, I don't know the original, but DAMN that girl's got pipes!

Kris and Danny are doing the first duet with "Renegade" by Stix. Not bad. Not sure I would have them do it again though. Are they even being judged on the duets?

Kris is up next with the Beatles' "Come Together". Oh, how cool for Kris! Playing one of Slash's guitars on stage WITH Slash! So far I'm liking it! It definitely has his own little spin/sound to it! Oh, the judges aren't liking it at all. Pooey on them!

Danny will finish off the solos tonight with "Dream On" from Aerosmith. Hmmm, first thought is not about the music ... it's why in the world would he a vest and dress shirt to perform an Aerosmith song? Okay, a little bored, and the end "scream" wasn't good. I honestly think I'd put him at the bottom of tonight's list. Blah. He should have had Adam do a guest appearance just to do the scream at the end....

I don't agree with Simon that Danny's going to be safe tonight. Not by a long shot!

We still have the second duet with Adam and Allison to end the night, with "Slow Ride" by Foghat. I think it's almost a little unfair to Danny and Kris to have Adam and Allison do a duet together for Rock Week. Heck, Allison could have done better with this as her solo than the Janis song!

My list for the night - Adam, Kris/Allison, Danny. I'm a little torn between Kris and Allison.

American Idol - Top 5 Results

Well, there's only a few more weeks! The group sing-a-longs are getting a little more bearable since we're down to 5. It's more of a larger band than a choir. I could still do without it though!

Let's hurry up with the good stuff!

Okay, the food fight was good! I'm jealous! I'd love to do that sometime!

Matt's up first. Hmm, Ryan's being tricky by splitting them up without saying if they're safe or not. Danny's next. He's not standing with Matt.

Allison's grouped with Allison. Kris heads over stand with Matt.

Adam's last. That's so mean to make Adam choose groups!

Natalie Cole - I hope it was just me thinking that sounded sharp and screechy? Glad that's over! Let's get back to the results!

Ha! Surprise! Danny was the one I was wavering on moving higher up on the list last night, but I don't know if he would have been in the top two. Allison definitely needed to be safe tonight though!

I totally missed Taylor Hicks' performance due to a family phone call...

Now back to the results!

Kris is safe! That leaves Matt and Adam in the bottom!! I'll have to go with Matt leaving over Adam. I promise to fall off the couch onto the floor like a guest on Springer if Adam leaves before Matt!

Wow! Ryan didn't even try to be sly there - Adam is safe and Matt's going home.

Okay, so what will next week bring? Come on Ryan .... give us a clue!!

Tired of listening to Matt sing again. This blogger has things to get done! See you all next week! The theme will have to come as a surprise!

American Idol - Top 5 Perform

This week is "Rat Pack" big band standards - with a mystery mentor! Who could it be?

Jamie Foxx! Okay, surprised me! This should be interesting!!

Kris kicks off the night with Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight". I loved it. Of course, I don't know the original, sad to say. He really had control throughout the entire song!

Allison's up next, looking lovely, as always! And surprise! I can't say I'm so impressed by a 16 year old, anymore! Happy belated birthday, Allison! She picked, "Someone to Watch Over Me". Oh my! Goose bumps right off the bat!! A shiver, too, there toward the end! Just absolutely spectacular!

Matt will be back after the break with, "My Funny Valentine".

Okay, I'm sure there will be people not agreeing with me on this, but I was bored by it! Not impressed at all with Matt this week. Okay, so the Randy and Kara agree with me. Paula is in a very loving mood tonight. Simon shocked me!

Danny will sing, "Come Rain or Come Shine". I'm really glad he picked it up there part way through! Loved the second half, bored by the beginning.

Adam finishes off the night with, "Feeling Good".

Yes, he has to be feelin' good after that performance! Of course, he got screechy again, as he usually does, but outstanding as always! I'm not sure he's at the top for me this week!

My final order for the night:

Allison
Adam
Kris
Danny
Matt

(Order subject to change after I think about it a little more...)

American Idol - Top 7 (take 2) Results

American Idol - Top 7 Perform (Again!)

Okay, a little late start tonight, but I'll do my best to catch up!

Lil starts off Disco Week with Chaka Khan. Not blown away. She should've gone home last night. Randy and Kara agree. I like Kara's comment that she's "been every woman".

Kris follows with "She Works Hard For The Money" by Donna Summer. Right from the first notes, I like what he's done with it. Again, he's turned it into his own!! Way to go, Kris! I loved it! I also like how Simon can compliment Kris all the same while slamming Lil's performance! Now THAT takes talent!

Danny's next with Earth, Wind and Fire's "September". Great energy! I might have gotten up and danced along with Paula if I didn't have a computer on my lap!

Allison ... "Hot Stuff" ... yes, she is! I would have to say not one of my favorite performances of hers. I'm not sure if she missed some lyrics or if my DVR is acting weird. Okay, Randy didn't mention missed lyrics, so I think my DVR is acting up.

Adam, all "suited up", is set for "If I Can't Have You". Wow, a tender side to Adam. I didn't know what the song was. What a nice surprise! I liked it, but I have a problem when artists skip/slur over words. I don't think he ever actually pronounced "can't have". Still, he absolutely blew that song away!!!

(Can we just end the season now? You know Adam's going to take it all....)

Matt's making his comeback with "Stayin' Alive"! Here's hoping he can stay alive one more week! So far I'm not all that impressed. It's a good performance of the song and all, but it's not anything special that would secure his spot for another week (other than Lil's lackluster performance).

Anoops finishes off Disco Night with "Dim All the Lights". Blah. Nothing special there. Still better than Lil though. Okay, judges say he can sing. Sure, I think agree with Simon tonight! Well, maybe not ALL of Simon's comments. Anoop's had a worse night!

SO, two will get voted off tomorrow night. Here's my list:

Kris
Adam
Danny
Allison
Anoop
Matt
Lil

Again, not sure I'll be able to make it for the results tomorrow, but will see you all next Wednesday for ... Darn! Ryan didn't leak next week's theme!

Good night!!

American Idol - Top 7 Results

A day late on watching the results, but I managed to avoid radio, tv, and internet enough today (including a close call at the hair salon) that I didn't catch wind of who was eliminated.

So far Allison and Adam are safe and Anoop's in the bottom 3 again.

Welcome back to Idol, Jennifer Hudson!

Kris and Lil are up next. Nice to hear Simon's comment that he liked Kris last night! Results show .... Kris is safe, Lil is the second in the bottom 3.

Matt and Danny - please stand! Ryan tricked Danny, and he's safe. That means Matt rounds out the bottom of the group!

So... I was off by one. I had Anoop much higher.

And Anoop is going back to the couches, so he's around at least one more week!

I'm not sure I've ever REALLY listened to Miley Cyrus sing ... man, she's nasely!!!

Simon says they'd consider saving one of them. I'd say save Matt if they were going to use it, definitely not Lil!

Oh my! I really thought Lil was going to be gone! Matt - sing your soulful heart out! I'd save you!!

And judges...? What will it be? Yeah! Matt will be back next week .... for DISCO NIGHT?!?! Yikes! What a night for a double elimination!

See you all Tuesday!

American Idol - Top 7 Perform

Tonight we have music from the movies! Special mentor is Quentin Tarantino!

Allison is up first with "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith from Armageddon. No surprise, I still can't get over her being so young! Great way to start out the night! Wow! *Very* promising comments from Simon tonight!

Anoop is performing, "Everything I Do" by Bryan Adams from Robin Hood. So far I like it. He's changing it a little, not a lot, but just enough that it's not the one we all know. Very good!!!

Up next is Adam with “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf from Easy Rider. Alright, we have our made-up Adam back this week! I'm sorry - are we at a concert or American Idol! He is so far above the others in stage presence!! Holy cow!!

We continue with Matt with "To Really Love a Woman" by Bryan Adams from Don Juan DeMarco. I loved the beginning. I'm not really sure I like what he did at the end.

I kind of like when they only have two judges comment at a time. There seems to be less bickering!

Danny's going with "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie from Endless Love. I hope he keeps his hands out of his pockets during the performance! Another emotion-filled performance. The beginning was a little rough. He didn't mix it up much though.

Kris follows with "Falling Slowly" from Once. I don't know the original, but I'm really enjoying whichever version (his or the original) that this is!

Lil finishes off the night with "The Rose" by Bette Midler. Not often you hear this as a gospel tune! She's doing a very good job with it though! If anyone can do it and get away with it, it's Lil!

Here's my list -

Adam
Anoop
Danny
Allison
Kris
Matt
Lil

Thanks for joining! Have a wonderful night and I'll see you next week!

American Idol - Top 8 Perform

Allllrighty! It's baby picture night! Well, really it's songs from the year the contestants were born, but who doesn't like seeing baby pictures?

It appears we'll be going in age order tonight, starting with the oldest - Danny Gokey! He's singing "Stand By Me" from 1980. I like the arrangement. It's still the same song, but he's definitely changing it into a Gokey song for us! I really don't think Mickey Gilley sang it like that! Ha!

Next up is Kris Allen, born in 1985, who wanted to be a taxi driver when he was little! He's singing, "All She Wants To Do Is Dance". The first line seemed rushed, and it's throwing me off through the whole thing. I still love him, but this isn't my fave from him by far! The judges definitely agree!

Lil, singing "What's Love Got to Do With It" from 1984, is up next. (I guess we're not going in chronological order...

She looks good tonight! I like that hairstyle on her much better than her original very short style! This is one of those songs where you can't change it too much from the original. I think she did a darn good job with it! Unfortunately, I agree with the judges that she's a great singer, but she's not making anything her own.

From 1986, Anoop's singing, "True Colors". Hmm, interesting choice! We'll see! I definitely like the song, and it's been Anoop-icized. I hope the judges liked it - I sure did!

(I must have missed whatever happened between Anoop and Kara last week - I have no idea what they're talking about!)

Okay, halfway through the show. Time for the list!

Anoop
Danny
Lil
Kris

Scott, born in 1985, loves trains. Singing "The Search is Over". Funny, he picks tonight to NOT use the piano, and this is a song I can actually play! Well, good for him to get out of his comfort zone, but I'm really losing my love for him. The end was very screechy. Ouch! (Hey, Paula used my word, "screechy".)

Wow, Allison was born in April 1992, probably within a couple weeks of when I graduated high school! Scary! She's singing, "I Can't Make You Love Me". And in the first 5 words, I could tell she was going to do a good job! She'd better not be in the bottom 3 tonight! Good job, Allison! She definitely got love from the judges!

1985, Matt is born! Aww, such an angel! Here we go with "Part Time Lover" from Stevie Wonder. Wow, Matt is back!! With Matt and Allison, the top of my list has taken a turn!

Wrapping up the night, is Adam. Well, thanks to my DVR and the overlap of time, I missed most of the performance. I really wasn't sure what to think since I only saw the end, but the fact that Simon just gave a standing ovation says a lot!

Okay, so my final list:

Matt
Allison
Adam
Anoop
Danny
Kris
Lil
Scott

I put Adam as #3 since I know he did an awesome job, but I only caught a bit of it. See you tomorrow night for the results show!

I'm always ready for something free!

Who knew you could rent camera lens? I guess I never thought about it! You can win a free rental by going to http://http://www.jmg-galleries.com/blog/2009/03/25/win-a-free-lens-rental-from-borrowlensescom/.

I'm enterinng!!

American Idol - Top 9 Results

And now for the results! A recap from last night....

My list:
Kris/Adam
Danny
Allison
Lil
Matt
Scott
Anoop
Megan

With a few differences from Anne & Melissa's list:
Adam
Allison
Danny
Kris
Matt
Lil
Scott
Anoop
Megan

Special appearances tonight by Lady GaGa and David Cook. Hopefully I recognize a song from Lady GaGa. I want country night back! Ha!

Okay, so for once, the Ford music video didn't suck! Now for the group sing! Weird. A few times there it looked like they were lip syncing! I'd guess they WEREN'T, but still...

It's nice to have a little "free" time and see the kids having fun!

Now for some results! Megan, Matt, and Kris are up and heading to the stage in a group. Now Adam, Lil, and Allison are grouped. That leaves Scott, Danny, and Anoop in group three.

Oh! I've missed David C.!! It is funny how Ryan looks so miniscule next to David!

Well, I don't think Kris should be in the group, but Megan's pulling me toward the first group if we can't split them up for the bottom three. I like Karen's idea of one from each group though!

Well, Kris is safe! Maybe they're NOT going by groups as a whole!? Oh, Ryan is mean! But that was a good joke on Matt! Did you see Megan clinging to Matt's arm? She knows she's going to the bottom three... !?! What is with Megan tonight? She's acting like a dork!

On to the middle group. Lil is first, and she's safe! Oh man! Allison is joining Megan. No surprise, Adam's safe!

Group three. Danny's first. Gokey, Gokey .... go to the couch! And that was nice of Anoop to agree that Scott was better than him last night!

Of course, we have to have another performance before more results...

And Lady GaGa is on stage ..... as a spastic sheet of tin foil playing the piano?!?!? This. is. why. I. don't. like. watching. the. results. shows. live. I want my FFWD button! >>>>>

As expected, Allison is safe!

And it's MEGAN.... finally!! They are SO not going to use their "save". I love Simon for being so straight forward about it!

Well, we're down to 8 now! I wonder what next week's theme will be?

Ooh! Songs from the year they were born! This one always makes me feel OLD!!!

See you next Tuesday!

American Idol - Top 9 Perform

So tonight the theme is iTunes Popular Downloads - the kids get a little more freedom to pick their songs.

We'll start off the night with Anoop singing Usher.

So far I don't think he's doing a bad job, but I'm not blown away. Will one of the judges use the word, "karaoke"? Okay, so no reference to karaoke, but Simon was darn close.

Up next, Megan's going to sing Bob Marley...

Booooooring. She needs to move around more to distract me from her screechy voice. That's really all I'm going to say. Okay, one more.... she needs. to. go. At least the judges are finally agreeing with me on her!

Danny's next with "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts. I LOVE this song, and I can imagine Danny doing it justice. I hope he doesn't disappoint!

He definitely didn't disappoint! Good for Danny! I think he is the best in this group at expressing emotion through his singing.

Allison has some crazy hair this week! I didn't know she played the guitar! She's doing "Don't Speak" from No Doubt. There won't be a lot she can do to satisfy Kara's need for "artistry", but I like it! I'm glad she kept the guitar simple. It was more of an accessory than an instrument.

Well, I'm glad so far that Randy and Kara spoke my mind about her outfit! ha!

Okay, next up .... Scott's piano, accompanied by Scott! They'll be doing Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are". (I'd like his hair just the way it WAS! It's not even the same on both sides! One's puffy and the other is slicked back!)

Oh yeah - he's singing! I was distracted for a minute. Good performance!

Okay, so far tonight I'd rank them: Danny, Allison, Scott, Anoop, and Megan.

Matt Giraud's up next with "You Found Me" by The Fray. So far the first part seemed a little rough - maybe too low for his register. It's not the Matt I've loved every other weeks. Hmmm. Not a bad performance, but he didn't wow me at all.

The judges didn't really like it either.

Lil is going for a big Celine Dion song, "Surrender". I got some goose bumps there at the end! I think she did a good job with it! It's not often someone can do such a big song!

Adam's picking it up this week with "Play That Funky Music". He's definitely entertaining! I don't like his hair, but I like the performance! Wow! What an ending! He just jumped up high on the list tonight!

Kris finishes off the night with ... the piano! And "Ain't No Sunshine". I'm not sure I know the original, but I really like Kris's version! Once again, he's going to be in my top group! I really hope the judges agree!!

(well, Kara finally got "artistry" worked into the night! Good for her!)

Shoot, I'm not sure what I'm going to do now for my top pick! Okay, here's where I have to put them..

Kris/Adam (I just can't decide for #1!!)
Danny
Allison
Lil
Matt
Scott
Anoop
Megan

Thanks for everyone who joined me tonight! I should be on tomorrow night for the results (no more Purdue to watch)!

American Idol - Top 10 Results

Sorry - Purdue basketball game beats Americon Idol. I'll be back with the results later!

American Idol - Top 10 Perform

Okay, so tonight we're going with 50 years of Motown. I hope they have good song choices tonight!

Our Top 10 started out the week with a trip to Hitsville USA - now THAT would be awesome, especially meeting Smokey Robinson and Barry Gordy!

Up first is Matt Giraud with "Let's Get It On". Alright! He's up from the piano! Good move for him! I like it - I don't really know if he "made it his own", but not bad in my opinion!

Kris Allen is up after the break!

Here we go with "How Sweet It Is"! Good an upbeat song! Oh! I love how excited Smokey was during rehearsal - I hope he does the same tonight!

YEA! Wonderful! No wonder Smokey was excited! That was great!

Scott MacIntyre will do "You Can't Hurry Love" - along with his baby grande! Okay, so far I'm not very impressed with the voice.... at ALL. Piano playing, of course, I'm jealous. Well, it's getting a little more entertaining there at the end, but the beginning and middled needed some help, in my opinion.

And Simon and Randy seem to agree. Okay, he's definitely down at the bottom of the list so far tonight.

Oh my ... it's looking to be a good one between Paula and Simon tonight! I can't believe she brought him Crayons and coloring books! And at least Scott realizes someone dressed him funny! ha!

Megan Joy Corkrey is up with "For Once In My Life" ... and at least in rehearsal, in another quasi-maternity looking shirt. I think it's what Smokey called that "half-jazz" sound to her voice that I just DON'T like! I don't think I can comment on her voice any more. We all know I don't like it. So I'll move on to her outfit.... does she realize it's competing with her arm"?!?!?

"Train wreck" ... yeah, good one, Randy! They were all fairly brutal - but rightfully so!

"Ooh Baby Baby" is next with Anoop Desai. It has to be cool to have Smokey there with all that history of these songs to share!

I'm a little bored by the tempo, but he's doing a very good job with the song! He needs to work on the blowing into the mic problem a bit. Probably hard to avoid on that song, I'd suppose.

So half way through the night - Here's how I would put them:

Kris
Matt
Anoop
Scott
Megan

Michael Sarver, who was apparently sick this week, will entertain with "Ain't To Proud To Beg". Okay, not at the top of the list, but not terrible. I'm not sure on this one. I guess we'll wait for the judges....

Okay, so they're putting into words what I was thinking. (Side note, you CAN'T give anything more than 100%... it's a PERCENT.)

Lil's going to forego the phonebook tonight and sing "Heatwave" for us! Oh, she's just GOOD! I don't think she really did much to make it her own though, so I'd put her under Kris and Matt.

(Seriously - what is with Paula tonight? Can she go back under the table and color so the other three judges can give us real comments?)

Adam Lambert's up next with "The Tracks of my Tears". Wow! What a different look for Adam! I'm liking the performance - I think he should have stayed with a toned-down version of *his* look though. I definitely think the guys are dominating tonight!

Wow ... standing ovation ... including Smokey and Barry Gordy!

I could go for a little Gokey after the break!

"Get Ready" for Danny Gokey! He's just SO entertaining! Oh man! There goes the top half of my list! He's just a natural!

(Okay, the judges apparently killed too much time jabbering on the others and barely had time to say two words about Danny!

After the break, last performance is Allison Iraheta!

We'll end the night with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". I'm always excited to hear Allison! I'm really enjoying it - it's just hard to understand some of the words! But AMAZING just the same!!! Wow! I think she'll give the top guys a run for their money!!

(Okay, Paula and Simon are ridiculous!)

So ...

Danny
Adam
Matt
Allison
Kris
Anoop
Lil
Michael
Scott
Megan


I'm really torn on the top half! Bottom of the lineup I'm confident on though!!

Goodnight, all! Thanks for joining me, Karen, Chuck, and Anne!

American Idol - Top 11 Results

Okay, let's see if I can not get annoyed by watching this live. I LOVE being able to fast forward through the commercials!

I'm looking forward to seeing Brad Paisley and the Randy Travis & Carrie Underwood duet! Yea!

Okay, now for the group song - Travis Tritt's "T-R-O-U-B-L-E". Apparently no one bothered to tell Ryan that the song name is spelled out, not "Trouble"! It's nice that they work Scott into it by having him play the piano. Not cool to make the blind guy dance around the floor! Ha!

Okay, after a lot of filler material, Danny is safe and going on tour!

Lil ... I think she'll be safe.

Did Lil and Anoop forget that today is March 18, not St. Patty's Day? Well, doesn't matter - they both got lucky and they're safe!

Allison and Michael are standing now - (Oh, Paula - grow a backbone and say Michael's in the bottom...)

What?!?! Are you kidding me? She was WAY better than Michael! Oh! Surprise! Michael's there, too! They're not leaving much for the 2nd half with only one more to put in the bottom group!

Ahhh, Brad Paisley! He's awesome! I'm actually not sure I've heard this song yet!

Scott - I'm not surprised that he made it in, but I still don't think he's the strongest.

Megan's up next. I hate to be mean, but I'm sick of her! I don't like her quirky voice! Oh well, guess I'll be seeing more of her!

Matt, with his version of Carrie's "So Small", is safe, too! Kris is safe too - no shock there!

Okay, so now we're down to Alexis and Adam. You know there's going to be a break and Randy Travis & Carrie Underwood duet before they give the actual results!

Okay, so I was a little wrong. Alexis is in the bottom three. Of course, one goes back to the couch... I'm going to say Allison!

Okay, so that leaves Alexis and Michael. I don't think they're going to use the judges' save on either of these two.

I can't tell - did Carrie cut her hair or is it just pulled up?

Oh, this is cool. I LOVE this song, no matter which one sings it. This would probably be the one I buy off iTunes!!

Well, now we're back to the judges. Okay, so they would "consider" using their save on one of them. I'm going to guess they'd save Alexis, but I really don't think they'll use it this early!

Wow - I'm shocked! Michael's safe and Alexis is out! I wonder if the judges will save her? And what does that do to the number of eliminations in later weeks?

Nope, no save for her.

Next week - we'll see you WEDNESDAY and Thursday. President's speech beats American Idol! We'll be back with "50 Years of Motown!" See you then!

American Idol - Top 11 Perform

Okay, so I went out for St. Patty's Day, so this is DVR blogging this week - and it's COUNTRY WEEK!

Welcome to American Idol, Randy Travis!

Up first, Michael Sarver singing "Ain't Going Down 'til the Sun Comes Up". It was okay, but didn't showcase his voice. There are some bigger songs he could have chosen. Judges agree with me!

After the break, we have Allison Iraheta with "Blame It On Your Heart". Well, right off the bat, I love it! Still hard to believe she's 16. I'll probably say that every week! I bet the judges love her! I did! And the judges did!

Kris Allen will bring us back to Garth with "To Make You Feel My Love". One of my favorite songs! I like the way he's changing it up a little. Not too much, but like Randy said, making it his own. Beautiful! Wow! Simon said "terrific" and other nice things! Judges are liking him too!!

Lil Rounds is going to sing "Independence Day". Oh, big song for Lil, but I think she can do it! She's changing up the first verse a little, but nothing too much. She definitely has a big enough voice for the chorus! So far I'd put her above Michael, but Kris and Allison are still on top.

Adam Lambert is up next with "Ring of Fire". It's a strange arrangement. I suppose for the arrangement, he's doing a good job, but it's hard to let go of the original Cash version!! Kudos to him for being different and showing his vocals, but I'll take the country version any day! Kara's confused but happy, and Simon thinks it was rubbish. I agree with them!

Scott MacIntyre with Martina's "Wild Angels". Beginning was a little slow, picked up at the end. I agree with Paula that he's leaning on the piano too much. He's not standing out from the crowd.

Alexis Grace is going to sing a Dolly Parton song, "Jolene". I'm not quite sure what to say on this one. I think she did a good job. Changed a little from Dolly's, but I'm not sure that's what she needed to do. Judges agree for the most part.

Danny Gokey sings "Jesus Takes The Wheel". Wow. Very nice!! That's about all I can say! He's definitely up into the top half so far tonight!

Anoop Desai with "Your Always On My Mind". Not sure I can put my mind around Anoop doing Willie. Randy T. says there's promise! I can't wait! I love it! I'm definitely glad he stayed around for this week! "Zero to hero" according to Simon! I totally agree!!

Megan Joy Corkrey is singing "I Go Walkin' After Midnight". Man, oh man. Whatever it is about her voice that they say is quirky ... I JUST DON'T LIKE IT. Judges are liking her. She's not in the bottom of the night though.

Last up, Matt Giraud with ANOTHER Carrie Underwood song, "So Small". Why are they all picking songs from Carrie? There are SO many other Grand Ole Opry members to choose from! He's doing his own version at least! Not sure I liked the very, very last note. Will have to see what the judges think!

So, my top picks for the night: Kris, Allison and Anoop

Bottom picks: Michael, Scott, and Alexis

American Idol - Top 13 Results

Okay, so tonight two contestants will get voted off, and there's supposed to be an announcement about a change to the whole process. I wonder if it'll actually be something significant or just a little change all hyped up?

Yes, everyone .... THIS is American Idol!

Okay, so the judges get a "save" card to play. I think he confused me about when and how often it can be used. Well, that's Ryan for ya!

Now for a little group sing-a-long and a recap of last night.

Michael Sarver's up first and he's safe! Allison's next. I'm sure she's fine! (Yes! She is!)

Jasmine's next. Oooh, she's in the bottom three! She's not my favorite from the night, but I'd think she's going to be safe!

Okay, after a little confusion, Matt's safe and sitting back on the couch. Whew!

Now we have Kris and Megan standing for results. I'd definitely pick Kris over Megan!
Ha! Tricky Ryan!

Oh wow, so Megan beat out Jasmine! I just don't get whatever it is that everyone seems to see in Megan's "quirky" voice. It just annoys me!

Sad to see Jasmine go! She's adorable - this won't be the end for her!

Okay, time for a little entertainment break. Too bad I can't fast forward though this! Kanye West. Bah! Okay, so he really needs to decide if he's going to wear tight jeans or baggy jeans. They look like they're supposed to be fitted, but he just didn't pull them up all the way. Or there's just extra fabric in the ass on purpose. Baaaad!

Okay, now back to the reason we're all here!

Scott's up! He's safe! Whew! No one tried to give him a high-five and missed!

Alexis, aka Dirty Girl, is up .... and she's sticking around for another week!

Danny's up next. Not even a worry - of COURSE he's safe!

Oops, Anoop! I think you're heading to the center stage! (Yep, there he is!)

Adam's next. Now, I didn't really like it, but I DO like HIM, and I'm sure he'll be back!

Our little foreigner... Jorge! Ha! Ryan thinks he's funny again!

Now to compare him to Lil. I think Jorge will be joining Anoop center stage.

Okay, my prediction .... Anoop will be staying! He's shown more promise than Jorge, I think!

Ooooo! Kelly's in the house! Woohoo! I missed that earlier! WILL the judges judge her? I think it'd be weird to come back to that same stage and not feel like you were back in school in front of your old teachers!

Okay, back to the decision-making... and yes! Anoop's safe and I seriously doubt the judges will save Jorge. Hope, he's outta here. Simon didn't drag that one out at all!

Okay, so we're down to the Top 11 for next week. I wonder what the theme will be? Guess we'll have to wait and see!

Goodnight, America!

American Idol - Top 13 Perform!

Well, I'm a little behind tonight, but will try to catch up to live time!

Like Ryan said, it was nice to see the judges actually walk out on stage rather than just always sitting at the table.

Tonight's songs will all come from Michael Jackson!

Lil Rounds ("The Way You Make Me Feel") - I like it! I really do think she could sing the phone book! I hope they all do this good tonight!

Scott MacIntyre ("Keep the Faith") - So nice to see him with the piano! I have to admit that I don't think I know the original, but he's giving me goose bumps!

Danny Gokey ("PYT") - Wow! Again, I don't know the original, but man! That boy can sing! Energetic and entertaining!!

Michael Sarver ("You're Not Alone") - This guy has a big voice, and uses it well!! I have to say I actually agree with Simon - he's probably not the BEST singer, but he has the passion that shows through!

Jasmine Murray ("I'll Be There") - Okay, so I really like Jasmine, but I'm really not impressed with this song. I actually forgot to keep watching it for a minute! Good, Paula and Simon at least agree with me!

(Is it just me or does Paula look like she let a 12-year old do her makeup and hair? She looks raggity...)

Kris Allen ("Remember the Time") - He's got his guitar tonight! He sings sideways out of his mouth... but it sounds good no matter what side of his mouth it comes from! ha! Not blown away, but I liked it! Entertaining and current!

Allison Iraheta ("Give in to Me") - wow! She cut her hair! I keep having a hard time remembering that she's only 16!! I think she did a good job! I like having a rocker girl in the mix, but not outrageously so!

Anoop Desai ("Beat It") - He's not going to be able to do a lot with this as it's THE song. Hmmm, I don't think he should have tried it. It's almost like not touching a Whitney song. He just couldn't make it his own, and you can't match the original. Too bad, I like Anoop!

Jorge Nunez ("Never Can Say Goodbye") - I like his voice, but I don't think I like this song (no matter WHO was singing it). Not sure the judges are going to like it. Reminded me of a cruise ship performance.

Megan Joy Corkrey ("Rockin' Robin") - Oh! I like her better as a brunette! Okay, I thought I was going to hate this, since I haven't really liked her so far, but for being fairly cheesy with the wing-flappin' arms, I actually liked it a little!

Adam Lambert ("Black or White") - I'm not sure if it's my headache or not, but I REALLY want this to be over! He's entertaining, but this just seems screechy.

Matt Giraud ("Human Nature") - So he's got the piano out too. So far, difference between Matt and Scott is that Matt's a singer who the piano too. Scott's a piano player. Very nice!!!! I liked that a lot!!!

Alexis Grace ("Dirty Diana") - A lot of screaming going on. Okay, maybe it is the headache talking. The last note didn't seem right, but the rest of it seemed good! Not in my very top, maybe middle-ish.

Okay, so my top picks for tonight...

Danny
Michael
Allison


Skipping to my bottom picks...

Anoop
Jorge
Megan

I'm off! (always a *little* off) Can't wait for the results and whatever this surprise change is tomorrow night!

Thanks for joining me, Karen and Chuck!

American Idol - Wildcard Night (Judges' Choice)

So tonight we hear from the 8 contestants that the judges brought back to fill the last 3 spots in the Top 12! (wow - that's a lot of numbers! Let me just add that this is the 3rd AI show this week and I've watched them in 2 days! ha!)

There's no voting for the fans tonight. After all 8 perform, the judges will pick their top 3. First up -

Jesse Langseth ("Tell Me Something Good") - Okay, I didn't really like it, but I won't say that she did a bad job.

Matt Giraud ("Who's Loving You") - He's definitely showing us more of his bluesy side! Not bad. I'm still not completely blown away, though. Here's hoping the night gets hotter!

Megan Joy Corkrey ("Black Horse and a Cherry Tree") - Okay, I'm thinking there's going to be a "pitchy" comment, and something about her little twisty move. Geez. Again, still not blown away. Grrrrrr.

Von Smith ("Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word") - Boring. Blah. (Wow. First thing Simon said was "boring". Eeeek! I'm becoming Simon!)

Jasmine Murray ("Reflection") - I really do like her! So far I think I like her the best tonight! (I think Paula and Simon are gonna throw down soon!)

Ricky Braddy ("Superstition") - I think he did a good job, but maybe I just don't like the song. At least he showed his personality!

After the break ... Tatiana and Anoop. Let me just say, I HOPE they only brought Tatiana back because she provides some drama and they really have NO INTENTION of putting her in the Top 12!!!

Tatiana Del Toro ("Saving All My Love For You") - OMG. She loves everyone and everything, doesn't she? And where did the accent come from? Beginning wasn't good. Dang it. I hate that she can sing though! I hate her freakin' personality!

WOW. Is it just me, or has Ryan gone a little toooo far more than a couple times so far this season?

Anoop Desai ("My Prerogative") - I just crack up at the voice that comes out of him! You just don't expect it! He had BETTER make it in the Top 12! Fantastic!!

Judges? Whaddya say?? Hmmmm? Yeah, the liked him. They're trying not to say it, but they liked him.

Now time for deliberations!

Up first to center stage is Jasmine .... Randy says she's through! Yeah!

Next up, Ricky. Kara has to give the bad news - his personality wasn't enough.

Megan and Tatiana. Paula's dragging on. Woohoo! Tatiana's gone! Not sure I would have put Megan in either, but I'd pick her over Tatiana.

Jesse's center stage now. Awww, no Jesse. Von's up. Paula's letting him down easy.

So it's down to Anoop and Matt.

WHAT? Matt over Anoop!?!?! Okay, I officially hate Simon now. I'm sure it wasn't just his decision, but ...

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!! They're putting through 13, not 12!!!! Anoop's in! Okay, I guess I don't hate Simon after all! LOL

G'night y'all! I'll be seeing you next week!!

(and now I need to hit the books! I was supposed to be studying something other than vocals!)

American Idol - Top 36 Night 3 Results

Okay, so here we are, ready to pick the 7-9 of the Top 12!

First to stand up is Lil ... and she's through! Awesome!

Now standing we have Arianna, Taylor, Alex, Kendall, and Scott! Oh, big surprise ... ONE of them is through. And now it's time for a break! Silly Ryan!

Arianna's out. Taylor's out. Alex ("the Growler") is out. Kendall's out.

That leaves SCOTT! (Like we're surprised!)

Standing up, we have Nathaniel and Kristen. They're both out.

Next up - Felicia and Von. And both of them are out.

Down to Ju'Not and Jorge. They're center stage.

Oh wow! Yea for Jorge!!! They should have a translator on hand for him if they're going to keep giving him good news!

Oh! They're going to announce the Wild Card show!

So next week we'll be hearing:

Von Smith (from tonight! Good, cuz I was torn putting him in my tops!)
Jasmine Murray
Ricky Braddy
Megan Joy Corkrey
Tatiana Del Toro (noooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Matt Giraud
Jesse Langseth
Anoop Desai

American Idol - Top 36 (Night 3 of 3)

Okay, so tonight is really LAST night, and it's not live, except I've made sure not to watch any of the results yet, so it's DVR-live blogging!

First up, is...

Von Smith ("You're All I Need to Get By") - I wasn't sure at the very first line, but then it just got better! I agree with the judges that it was great start to the night!

Taylor Valfauna ("If I Ain't Got You") - Does this song ever speed up? It's been a long day ... I'm falling asleep...

Alex Wagner-Trugman ("I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues") - I like his "feud" with Simon ... Okay, he needs to leave out the gravely stuff. He's trying too hard. Wow. Not sure I remember the judges making fun of a contestant quite that much before! I'm not saying it wasn't funny .. just a little much!

Arianna Afsar ("The Winner Takes It All") - I don't know this song at all, so it's hard to tell how's she's doing comparitively... but no, I'm not impressed. Judges are surely going to say she needed to do something younger! (Yep, they did. Simon says it was like being at a funeral!)

Ju'Not Joyner ("Hey There, Deliliah") - wow, beautiful song and beautiful performance! Judges liked it too!

Kristen McNamara ("Give Me One Reason") - Blonde Barbie and this song don't really go together, but she has a great voice!! Judges are giving her mixed reviews. Great voice, but not quite sure who she is...

Nathaniel Marshall ("I Would Do Anything for Love") - (what IS it with the headbands? At least he's not wearing a baby tee with stretch pants!) He's not doing a bad job, but I'm not completely wow'd yet.

Felicia Barton ("No one") - I'm liking it! I'm glad she got called back to the show!

Scott MacIntyre ("Mandelin Rain") - I love his voice! Wow!! I think he's my favorite of the night by FAR!!! He'd BETTER be back so we can have him with the keyboard!! Wow, Simon didn't gush, but his was still the strongest comments!

Kendall Beard ("This One's For The Girls") - Well, I was hoping for a country girl to make it through, but even though she's doing a decent job with this Martina McBride song, I really don't think it's enough to get her through to the top 12. It'd be a good karaoke night though!

Jorge Nunez ("Don't Let The Song Go Down On Me") - He definitely has a big voice! I think he did a great job! I would like a little more of his accent in there! Paula's crying, and yes, Jorge's so darn cute! I love that he can't speak in English when he gets so emotionals!

Last up!

Lil Rounds ("Be Without You") - She looks great! Ooo! I think she just gave me a chill! Amazing! I think my fave girl, if not overall fave, tonight!

So my top three:

Girl: Lil Rounds
Guy: Scott MacIntyre
Next Overall: Jorge Nunez

American Idol - Top 36 Night 2 Results

Okay, took a few days, but I finally had time to watch Results night!

And the winners are ...

Adam, Allison, and Kris!

(And Megan was the last to be eliminated, so I guess my picks were pretty close!)

American Idol - Top 36 (Night 2 of 3)

Okay, so we've finally made it to the 2nd group in the Top 36! Let's see who's up first?

Jasmine Murray ("Love Song") - I'm not sure. I didn't really like the beginning, it got a little better later, but just so-so. Judges agree.

Matt Giraud ("Viva la Vida") - The dueling pianist! Yea! Too bad he doesn't get a piano tonight! I'm not hating it. I don't really know the original though. Okay, I think I liked it, but not blown away.

Jeanine Vailes ("This Love") - Okay, what is it with the girls singing songs too low for their register? Not much about this that I liked.

Haha! I love Paula! "Great legs."

Well.... will it be Nick or Norman tonight? America wants to know!'

LOL! It's Norman Gentle! Dedicating it to Group 2! haha OMG, this guy is hilarious!!!

AND, he. can. sing.

Allison Iraheta ("Alone") - She's only 16. Based off the first line, she's already got the others tonight beat out. How can she only be 16?!?!

She's "spunky" - I like her! I like her a LOT! The judges loved her too! Wow, even Simon.

Kris Allen ("Man in the Mirror") - Not bad. I'd put him 2nd after Allison so far. He definitely has more confidence tonight!!

Yea Paula! I was just getting ready to say I hoped someone disagreed with Kara! And Simon agrees with Paula! Woohoo!

Megan Joy Corkrey ("Put Your Records On") - I liked her in auditions and Hollywood. I want her hair. (Sorry, I'm obsessed with getting a haircut right now ... tomorrow after work, yea!) I'm not really blown away by her. She's really cute. It's getting better. I don't like the way she's just standing there and not holding the mic at all. The judges will probably love her since I didn't like it so much. Maybe I'm wierd.

Matt Breitzke, aka The Welder ("If You Could Only See") - Not sure I know the song by Tonic. Oh wait. I do. Silly Wendy! I definitely like him! I hope the judges agree!

Boo, they didn't really like the song so much. But they still like him!

Jesse Langseth ("Bette Davis Eyes") - Love the song, I hope she does it justice! Again, I'm probably jinxing it, but I think she's doing a good job with it. Again, not blown away, but she's doing OK! (and I love her sweater!)

Kai Kalama ("What Becomes of the Broken Hearted") - I like Kai! He's fun and can sing. I hope the judges like him! I did!

Mishavonna Henson ("Drops of Jupiter") - So far so good ... and now she picks up. I think she's really doing a good job here!

Poo, judges say she can sing, but just wasn't a good song. They say she's too serious! Apparently Simon likes 'em young and fun!

And up last to finish the night out...

Adam Lambert ("Satisfaction") - Yea Adam... satisfy us up close and personal! He can definitely sing, and entertain as well! WOW! Awesome!


Okay, so my picks...

Guy: Adam
Girl: Allison
3rd: Hmm, I'm torn. Kris? Megan?

Good night!

American Idol - Top 36 Night 1 Results

Okay, so I'm a little behind tonight....

So far we've denied a trip to the Top 12 to Casey Carlson and Stephen Fowler and sent Alexis Grace through.

Now to ffwd through some commercials.... MUST catch up to live time! Sheesh!

We have Ricky Braddy and Jackie Tohn up there together. They're not going to let them both through, and very well may kick 'em both to the curb...

Awww, they're both out. That still leaves 2 seats left for the remainder.

Next up is Anoop and Michael.

Wow ... Michael over Anoop! I don't agree!!

Fast forward through the filler material ... I need to catch up!

Now we have Brent, Stevie and Ann Marie - I have to guess that from Karen's Facebook message that none of these make it since she was rooting for Danny over Tatiana for the last spot! LOL!

Again, Tatiana is wearing a sparkley dress ... is she part mermaid?

Danny, Danny, Danny ......

No drama queen, no drama queen ....

YEA!!!! It's Danny! Whew!

Awwwww... Tatiana's stunned that the world's not worshipping her.... what ever will she do???

I don't think I minded WHO went through - as long as it wasn't Tatiana! :-)

Good night, y'all!

American Idol - Top 36 (Night 1 of 3)

So tonight is the first of the live performances. Apparently we get to meet all the parents upstairs too!

Here we go!

Jackie Tohn - She can entertain, but we weren't impressed with the vocals or her outfit!

Ricky Braddy - (anyone else try to call him "Ricky Bobby"?) Good vocals, I'm not blown away by him.

Alexis Grace - Yep, she "dirtied up" her look. We could do without the super-red lipstick, but good vocals!

(Chris has abandoned me, I guess I'm on my own now!)

Brent Keith - (video malfunction... will this help or hurt him?) He's singing a country song, "Hicktown". I like the song, and he's not doing a bad job of it, but I think could be several over songs he could have chosen that would have been better.

Stevie Wright - Singing a Taylor Swift song. Yeah, I think I hate this song. The beginning was awkward and it didn't get much better throughout.

Anoop Desai - I can't wait to hear him sing! Finish with his story already!!

Okay, I wasn't completely blown away, but I still like to hear him sing!

Casey Carlson - Singing The Police. Not very strong vocals. I think she's paying more attention to her facial expressions than her singing. Yep, judges were right there with me!

Michael Sarver - Hmmm, a little torn so far. I expect to hear Trace Adkins coming out of him (oil rig worker, etc.), but he's singing Gavin Degraw. I'm not nearly as impressed with him as I was during the audition and Hollywood week. The judges seem to agree with me!

Ann Marie Boskovich - "Natural Woman". Okay, so I think so far tonight she's done the best. Let's see what the judges think ... ?

Okay, so Randy doesn't like it. Neither does Kara. Paula's being nicer, and Simon said the song destroyed her. Well, it IS a big song. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Stephen Fowler - He walked off the stage on solo night during Hollywood week. I hope he proves them right tonight for giving her a second chance! I liked it, but darn it, again the judges aren't liking him! ARGH!

Oh geez ... Tatiana is next. I honestly can NOT believe she's made it to the top 36. This is going to be painful if she makes it past this point.

Tatiana Del Toro - She's attempting Whitney Houston. Damn. She has a voice at times. Maybe that's how she got here. I just couldn't hear it through all the stupid drama she puts on. (Did she maybe take a Valium before the performance? Ha! Simon just called her out on live TV as a total drama queen! Awesome!)

Danny Gokey - Last one! I'm crossing my fingers for him! (I love that he has a whole glasses wardrobe!) I'm loving it! Seemed a little safe at the beginning, and then he just let it go! WOW! (and the judges LOVED it! Okay, Simon's his usual self - lol!)


My picks: Danny Gokey, Ann Marie Boskovich, and I hate to say it ... Tatiana. Ugh.

Okay, that's it for tonight!

American Idol: Live Blogging with Karen

So I'm not doing my own blog ... I'm participating in Karen's ...


Feels Like Home

Retroactive "You gotta love kids" moment...

So a few weeks ago I was sitting on the couch and Matthew made a comment that completely cracked both me and Chris up. At the time, I thought, "I should really write that down!" But I didn't. Oops.

So I've been racking my brain trying to remember what it was. Chris couldn't even remember. I had the first part of it, but the rest was just escaping me.

And then this weekend it came back to me as I was eating lunch with him on Saturday...

It was during the week that Chris had Matthew leading up to Christmas, so I'd gone to the grocery store to stock up on easy-to-fix lunch and dinner items. One of these was a box of individual Mac'n'Cheese packets from Sam's Club.

Now, this is helpful when it comes to fixing lunch/dinner for Matthew, or even me, but for some strange reason, Chris does not like mac'n'cheese! I know. It's strange. I still can't wrap my head around it!

So here's how the moment went...

Me: (to Chris) Are you sure you don't want me to make you some?
Chris: No
Me: (to Chris) It's just so unnatural to not like mac'n'cheese!
Matthew: (walks up with puppy dog eyes and stands directly in front of me as I sit on the couch ) Well, who's your sweet little boy who loooooves mac'n'cheese???

And my sweet little boy had mac'n'cheese with his dinner.

Beware world...

I'm in a foul mood. I'd elaborate, but the damn UPS guy that we've been waiting for just got here (at 11:20 for a 10:30 delivery) and now the rest of my pissy-ass day can continue.

I'll just leave with two things people have told me...

"Don't sweat the small stuff. It's all small stuff."

and

"You can't fix stupid."

You decide which one is keeping me from snapping.