The Grande Finale

This will be my final posting for the season which I'm sure is disappointing to our many fans (har har). This has been some fun except for the show's tediousness. We didn't get the fame and fortune we expected, but I found the writing to be fun. Discussing the show with Miss Bunny every week was fun too although we should probably disagree more to add interest. By the way, as you noticed by the tag line, originally there were to be four of us, but the other two backed out and neither Miss Bunny or I know how to change it. So that clears up that big mystery...

I thought the finale show was a mixed bag. Cristina Aguilera was fabulous, as well as Crystal singing with what's her name Morrisette . But Joe Cocker, Chicago and Paula were embarrassing. It's clear that the new Idol singers have surpassed them in talent. That being said, it wasn't a surprise that Lee had won - I think the young mostly female audience went for the cute guy once again. It's too bad there couldn't be two winners. I know Crystal will be fine, but she worked so hard and is such a fine singer and musician, she really deserved it too.

The tribute to Simon was fun, but really, monkeys could be judges (that's a quote from my significant other.) He's been bugging me to write that all season, so there it is.

Next season, I hope they try to shake it up a bit. Don't drag on the beginning auditions and although the truly foolish ones are amusing to some, they just take up time. I wish Elton John would be a judge as rumored, but why would he? Find someone who has a real love and expertise in music and singing. I like Kara's concept of frankness and helpfulness - we don't need a meany who's hurtful. Ellen was just okay in my book.

So long, it's been swell...

My Wish List for the Top 3

Well, I'll be watching tonight and tomorrow, but I don't really have a strong feeling about who should win. I think maybe Lee will win just because it's women who vote. Crystal is really talented and likable. So is Lee. Casey James was adorable and very good, too.

Here's my wish list for the three of them:

• Love and happiness
• big contracts
• tons of money
• artistic independence
• and tons of fun doing it.

I hope they find:

• honest agents
• accountants who do right by them
• publicists who don't make them do stupid things
• stylists who listen to them
• Band members who become great friends

I hope they can:

• buy houses for their moms
• take good care of their children
• resist temptations like Hollywood lifestyles and diva tantrums, drinking and driving, ecstasy parties, and overspending
• Listen to their own hearts and voices
• use their God given talents and treat them like the gift it is!

I'm back after a week's respite. I just didn't feel like writing. I'm suffering from the same malaise as my cohort Miss Bunny. Just don't care who wins because I'm sure they will all walk away with well-deserved contracts. At least the last three were my favorites and hers.

Casey's hair is so great. I used to have similar curls with a perm and now looking at him makes me want it again. He should have picked a perkier song but he's still good. His second song showed his little vulnerable side, which is very endearing.

Crystal- Come to My Window. Very good, she's still at the top. Simon's correct - she stays true to herself. Don't like the gray pants however. Second song was even better showing a lot of range. And her outfit was better too.

Lee - isn't he just adorable. Great song, straight from his heart. He won that round. Halleula - this was just made for him. Another winning song. He could win...

OK so I predict Casey goes home and then maybe it's Lee as the next Idol. But anyone of them could win this.

All three of them are shy and unassuming, so this stage must be difficult when you know you're competing and you have to win over your colleagues.

Crystal, Casey, and Lee

Well, I've been calling it from the beginning: Crystal, Casey, and Lee are the last three standing.

All are powerful and talented. At this point it doesn't matter to me who wins because they will all get contracts so they can live out their dreams of singing to a wide audience who will buy their music. Good for them! I'm looking forward to the finale. My fellow blogger and sister, Dina, and I would love to go be in the audience so if Idol sends us tickets we'll be there!

I can't quite put my finger on why Idol bugged me so much this year. Maybe I just got used to the rhythm of the results shows, but I couldn't bear the false suspense. Plus I surfed back and forth between Modern Family, Cougar Town, and Idol so I saw what I wanted. Maybe the way the show has changed, maybe Paula being gone, Simon leaving, Ellen coming on the show just changed the dynamics enough to bore me 75% of the time.

I still love the idea of people getting their dreams fulfilled and I'm sure I'll love the finale, but I don't know if I'll watch next year.

Sinatra Night

Nancy Sinatra! Man she looks bad - like they've shot a pound of collagen into her lips. Those lips were made for walking...I'm mean sometimes...

Aaron - his voice isn't as strong as usual, but he looks like a young Sinatra. Cute boy.

Casey - It wasn't his strongest but he's still a favorite.

Guess I'd better vote tonight.

Crystal - this shows that she can sing in the Sinatra style - she was a big sultry and it felt like a nightclub act. Not her best but she's going to get my vote tonight.

Big Mike - I got lost in my own thoughts while he was singing. It was not that great - don't know why the judges like him. Do not like his wave.

Lee -this is his style. He came off confident and smooth and looked like he was having a lot of fun. Thought he was the best of the night.

Voted twice for Crystal and Lee both.

Time to Vote

I've never voted before. I never felt I had to do it, but I'm worried about Lee and Crystal.
So I will do it tonight. I was surprised when Siobhan was voted off. I was feeling pretty smug about my favorites, but no more.

The truth is I'm really kind of done with Idol. Last week, because I am so used to the timing of how they reveal the person going home, I watched almost all of Modern Family and Cougar Town and still was back in time to see Siobhan lose. Which was a shame because she's really unique and talented, just a bit whiny.

I'm tired of Mike pounding his chest and acting overconfident. He's sweet in a way, but mostly a boring guy. To give him credit, the week where he sang a gospel song he was wonderful, but mostly he's snooze city.

Oh, and Casey. He's so talented and so cute. He's not all fluff, but a really good singer.
I'll vote for him too.

Shania Tunes

Dinner's over, the snacks are consumed and we're nestled in under blankets on the couch. The remaining contestants are all my favorites except for Mike. I'm hoping he's the one to go tonight.
Lee started out very quiet with his song, but then he put his heart into it. Lee is right up with Crystal. Darling boy...

I'd better start voting.

Big Mike, big bore....he sings every song the same. I don't agree with the judges thinking he's so great.

Casey - he was a little misty eyed. He really sang with his heart tonight and you could tell the difference. It was really good because he didn't depend so much on the guitar. He's back up there on top too.

Crystal - not my favorite song (nor the judges) but it was really cute with the band and with her boyfriend in the audience.

Andy - good job! I take back everything about his age. This kid is a great performer.

Siobhan - she sounded very country and did a good job. Much better than previous weeks and I'm glad the judges didn't pick on her so we didn't have to listen to her whining. She still deserves to be in the running.

I haven't been a Shania fan and I'm no country western fan, but I loved her songs.