Elimination Feels Good

Hershey's milk chocolate w/almond bits for tonight's snack. One of the kids is home so we're all snuggled on the couch under blankets watching the show.

Alison Irahata is the exception to my teeny bopper philosophy. She's a pistol. She sings like she's been around the block for about 40 years, through a few bad romances (or flings) and her voice sounds like she smokes at least a pack a day. I liked her last year and hope she's a big success.

I thought Chris was cute, nice and ho hum last year (especially up against Adam) and I have to say it's the same this year. Those Ford ads are real nice though, Chris.

The sad part about weeding out those with the lowest votes is that they have to sing the same dumb song that got them voted off. It makes you go, "oh right, that's why so and so was voted off." That's a comment from my s.o. who is supposed to writing on this blog too instead of just feeding me his two cents worth. The only good part is he's funny and kinda mean.

There's always a lesson or two from each season. This one comes from Casey who blamed the judges or someone for not giving him more direction. The Lesson: don't blame others for your shortcomings - be humble and grateful for the Idol opportunity and admit that you made some mistakes that were your own fault. Guess that's a good lesson for life, hmmm?

Casey, Casey, Casey...I Feel Like A Dirty Old Lady

Wow, Casey James. My God, what a cute boy. Did he really take off his shirt? The most interesting and entertaining things happen when I'm in the bathroom. Ryan, bless his heart, had the funniest laugh- out- loud line when he told Kara, "your HR meeting will be on Friday." Ha.

All joking aside, Casey sings really, really well. So good for him. At least the show has perked up. I was ready to give up on Idol.

Now Aaron is very good and is cute, but like my fellow writer, Miss Bunny think that teenagers have no place on the show, but for different reasons. It really rough out there, too hard on fragile egos, and show business is not the most wholesome place for kids. Besides, didn't American Idol producers have to kick David Archuleta's father off the set for being such a ridiculous stage parent?

I really like Lee, his voice and his guitar. He looked particularly cute in that hat. I have no idea why the hat was so appealing. Simon, who always speaks his truth, stood up for him and I love it when he goes against the other judges, and is complimentary towards a singer. It's always a surprise.

Toddrick was okay, but not wonderful. Germaine, who I really liked before, had on stupid clothes and didn't sing well. He appeared cocky and somewhat slimy. I almost expected him to wink at the camera. Tim Urban, get your guitar back.

Kara, you're great. I'm really happy you are showing your brains and your expertise in the music business. Okey dokey. That's all, Folks.

The Guys Don't Shine (except Casey)

Pre-show:

This blog started out as an exciting creative expression - it felt cathartic to pour out my opinions and feelings. I could say what I wanted without fear or trepidation, unlike what I face in my professional life. Now it's starting to feel like a job and an obligation. Two more hours! I wouldn't mind a break with the Olympics or even New Christine, but no, I've committed to the blog and blog I will. Hoping we'll see someone really special tonight, but after Adam, it all seems futile; there will never be another Adam. Geez, Simon the warning about nerves made me forget my own name. Such a bully at times.

After the show:
The guys are not impressive. I'll get to my favorites in a minute, but wow, they're not even nice on the eyes. Get them a stylist and start snipping locks and whiskers. Most of them (not all) need help with their clothes. Honestly the only adorable one with whiskers is Casey and he'd be a lot better without. I also think they should raise the age level to 18. There's some talented youngsters, but they are just too itty bitty. They either sing sappy songs or songs that are too racy and either situation isn't good. They don't look right getting all sexy and without the sex appeal, it's just not interesting. Maybe Simon should produce a Lil Idol show for the bambinos.

Overall the guy's night was dismal. Most as I said are sadly in need of grooming, but beyond that, their singing was just mediocre - especially when you line them up next to our (Miss Bunny and I) all time hero, Adam Lampert.

*Todrick Hall- needed more music behind him. But he's lively and he can sing. Cute guy but nothing special showing yet. Simon you are so mean at times.

*Aaron Kelly, 16 yrs old. Ho hum...read the above. It's hard to know how to judge the kids. I don't think the final Idol will be someone this young. Kinda like David Archuleta, singing all the soppy songs. He'll probably get the teeny bopper vote and go all the way...boring.

*Germaine Sellers - pretty good singing but nothing special. Simon and I are in sync on this one.

*Tim Urban - Sorry, I can predict what Simon sez- that was abominable. Yep...

Not impressed so far.

*Joe Munoz- oh Simon, take it easy on the poor kid. Snory snore snore. Simon's right, he's not a star. Forgettable.

*Tyler Grady - a rocker! You'd think he would jump around a bit though. Voice just so so. He'll stick around for a while because he's more exciting with the great clothes. But the hair is awful and he needs some makeup.

*Lee Dewyze - some real flat notes..but first night jitters. He has some possibility. Simon was a real surprise - he likes him. Dress him up a bit so he's more attractive. Shave, dump the t-shirt. He looks like the goofballs you see at the movie theatre or at the mall.

*John Park- liven it up kiddo! Nice voice, cute guy, boring song.

Another hour to go...

*Michael Lynche - upbeat energy, he's lively! He's happy and smiley, but it wasn't the greatest.

Simon's right again.

*Alex Lambert - looks a little like John Lennon. Simon's right again because you could tell he was nervous. He'll have to get some steely nerves to keep going. But nothing special again.

*Casey James - finally, something to look at! Also the best singer so far. Just trim him up and unbutton the shirt a tad and you'll make the ladies go a-twitter.

*Andy Garcia - I really liked him from the auditions, but poor song choice once again. Just make these guys look better too. Hate to be so superficial but back to Adam - not only did he have powerful talent, he was so easy to look at.

So much bad hair and blah performances. Some of the girls rule - I think they've had more talent in the past but don't ask me to recite names because I've forgotten.

Aren't These 2 Hour Shows Exhausting? Miss Bunny Speaks

These longs Idols are a big commitment of my time and energy, but at least I'm feeling more optimistic about the show. But honestly, American Idol producers, listen up: I don't need all that needless drama and sad family stories to bond with great singers. The viewers don't need to be manipulated like that, if the singer is good and you get to know them better, for cripes sake, trust your viewers.

Okay, hear goes:

Paige had a really good voice and a boring song.

Ashley-terrible song, not interesting

Janelle- I like her but she was SCREEchy last night.

Lily-love her voice and loved the song

Michele - she's really great

Siobhan-terrific, great voice

My fav- Crystal Bowersox-great song, loved the harmonica also and guitar.

On another matter: Adam, did you really say something nasty about Susan Boyle because she beat him in record sales? You are better than that. WATCH THE EGO, Buddy. I only say that because I love you and worry about you. You are a nicer boy than that.

The Girls

I'm back at home this week, in my pjs with my kitty and s.o. by my side. No snacks yet, maybe after the first hour. I'm hopeful that tonight will get me feeling good about Idol again. I found the judges to be much more engaging and interesting tonight, and have a much better feeling about Ellen. I agreed with Simon on many levels. Rather than go on and on about each contestant, all of whom were pretty good, I'll just talk about my top ones.

* Paige Miles - preschool teacher - sparkly smile, missing energy not sure why; maybe it's the song since I expected some blues or soul from her; Simon's right about the song choice; she'll hang in there. Didn't realize voting starts tonight - people might get tired of it if they start now - I won't start until I really start caring about one or two people. She shouldn't have taken on Leona - it's like the Whitney, etc. syndrome. Not so good for her.

* Janelle Wheeler - What about love? voice is a bit flat; she sang so well in the last week; too bad...Simon's right again. So is Kara. It always comes down to song choice - pick something that doesn't overwhelm your voice and give it your own choice.Easier said than done, I'm sure. These poor kids aren't pros yet.

* Lily Scott - she looks a bit rough around the edges, so maybe she'll be interesting. There you go, take a Beatles tune and make it your own! That's what they're talking about. She's got a great style - not like every blondie on the street. Ellen agrees! Simon doesn't think she has star power but it's early - they don't reveal stardom til later in the season. Glad the judges liked her. I think she'll hang in there for the long term. One of my favorites.

* Didi Benami - I like her voice and style; I can see her going far because of her special style.

Simon didn't like her but we can't agree every time. OK maybe the song was a bit sleepy but I like her. I'd vote for her.

* Michelle Delamour - pretty powerful voice; sounds quite professional; nothing really unique; but a very beautiful girl. Do something really interesting, make it your own and you could go far.

Simon, quit picking on Ryan! It makes me squirm when you hint about his gayness. Doesn't matter...even if he doesn't want to say it.

* Siobhan Magnus - A favorite from the beginning. Beautiful girl that doesn't look like everyone else. A little edgy but has style which is nice. Liked her song choice that showed her range. Star power!

* Crystal Bowersox - I think they whitened up her teeth which helped a lot. Too much harmonica - you gotta sing girl. She did create a good vibe with the audience. She is fresh and new and she stands out from the others. But Simon's right - there's a lot of these kinds of street singers. She will go far on the show but needs to listen the judges, for right or wrong. Even though I like her look, she's going to have to let them mess with that hair at some point. She seems to be very shy so she might have to come out of her shell a bit to get the audience to like her.

That's about it - we'll see how the guys do tonight...

It Was Wrong on so Many Levels...Angela Martin

It was so wrong on so many levels-What the heck were you guys thinking? I really dislike cruelty. And I don't mean the kind where Simon tells someone they don't have talent because, honestly, so many of those kids need to know that (see my Thank you, Sister Miriam column) they seriously need to pursue other interests. I mean letting this poor woman try out 3 times and all 3 times she is stopped dead in her tracks. I'm not that into the contestants stories so it's not about that, but this woman can really really sing so what is your problem with her? Simon doesn't play games with people which I admire although I don't always like how it comes out because he can be a little mean.

At the very end of the show last night, Angela Martin was cut loose once again. Kara must have thought Angela was going to have a breakdown right there because she went and sat in her chair with her, winding her arms around Angela. The whole ethics of the way it was handled was manipulative and sadistic. Stop it!

That being said, I really like Jermaine Sellers, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Alex Lambert, Aaron Kelly, and Lily Scott. Also may I say that Ryan is always funny and sweet while being supportive of the singers. He's a genuinely nice guy. And I'm sorry to say this but Ellen is really boring and I hate her teasing the contestants. It really is icky, Ellen. Kara is wonderful. Simon, for God's sake, you are acting like a dope. What is with that goofy smile all the time? I always depended on you for honesty. On a side note, I sent a reply to Adam's tweet and he ignored me. What did I do wrong, Adam? Was it something I said?

I'm Following Adam Lambert...

I called my older sister yesterday to tell her that Adam just went out for ice cream. "Whaddya mean?" was her response. "I'm telling you I'm watching what he's up to!," I repeat. "He sent me a tweet." I hear her laughing hysterically while she's telling her daughter, Jennifer, I'm following Adam on Twitter. Jen joins in on the laughter.I don't see what's so damn funny.

Well, I know when I was in my twenties I would have been horrified to find myself followed by someone in their 60's. I know Adam. I know. You've got to understand. Your fans come in all age brackets, you just probably think it would come to this. But here's the deal: I was just as pretty as you when I was your age. And I'm honored that you let me know what you are up to. I worry about you. I do. So it helps to know that you are doing such wholesome things for fun. Sometimes you are better about telling me what you are up to than my own kids.

The Top 24 Snorey Snore Snore

First of all, I'm not in my usual comfy venue tonight. I'm at my daughter and her husband's house (Fanny and George), eating lava cake while watching the show and writing. Fanny has a wickedly sharp wit so I'll give her credit where credit is due. I'm also calling Miss Bunny and my significant other (who is supposed to be writing but just can't right now) for their opinions and comments.

Honestly it's time for some changes. The show is so predictable and manipulated that for the first time ever (and I've been with it since the beginning) that the drama, the tears, the teasing from the judges, all seems so boring. It's gone on too long and it's just flat. Getting little snippets of the contestants is frustrating and doesn't allow any bonding with any of them.

Not even the judges are revealing much of themselves, especially Ellen. I had such high hopes for blogging because I've loved the show up til now. Voice problems, forgetting the words, the nerves, running mascara, disappointed in self...snory snore snore.

I wanted to be all cheery and funny tonight and be excited about the show, but as Fanny says, "Well, people in hell want ice water. What can you do about it? You don't write the show."

Why in the hell do the judges have to bring someone to tears, teasing them about not going through, like they did with Didi? It's f-ing cruel. Didi, you gotta toughen up a bit, honey.

Finally, Jessica Furney - begging, pleading, SHUT UP! They should have brought in the bouncers. I LOST MY VOICE OMG. SURELY YOU'LL LET ME IN SINCE I LOST MY VOICE. Fanny says, "I lost my voice on a ride at Disneyland but it doesn't give me the right to get in for free."

Snory snore snore...

Twitter is stressed out a bit right now...????

Well, no kidding. Me, too. I'm trying to learn all the new technology and teach it to myself so I can get readers for my American Idol blog. It's not so easy when your are over 60. It's frustrating and is giving me a pain in my neck and shoulders plus a giant headache right smack in the middle of my forehead. So imagine my surprise after finding out how to semi-use Twitter, going back to the site with a list of people to search, clicking on, only to receive the following message:

"Twitter is stressed out a bit right now so this feature has been temporarily disabled." Doh.

Okay here goes. I have high hopes for Idol tonight. Make me laugh like when the "Pants on the Ground" guy sang or at the very least let there be wonderful singers with great creative talent who will entertain me. More tomorrow. I'm going back to see if Twitter has recovered.

For Crying Out Loud

I am so bored with American Idol tonight that by 9:17 I began switching back and forth to see Modern Family and Criminal Minds. Last night Ellen, said about someone, "this girl is going to get really annoying. " Really, Ellen?

If this show is part of the Bread and Circus distraction our culture is providing to keep the masses from rioting in the streets, they are going to have to do a lot better than this. Simon is phoning it in, Randy's "dawg" shit is really getting old, and Kara is getting quieter and quieter. And Ellen, don't get me started. Her ego has gotten so big it's hard to abide her.

I don't care what groups are feuding. I wish I at least found more of the contestants appealing. I sort of like Tim Urban, but the one I really like is Crystal Bowersox with her guitar and dreds with her beautiful natural looks and superb voice. Will you guys have her hair cut and face made up to look like Miss America by week 6? I like her precisely she isn't like that little "whip girl" last night who said her parents are still proud of her. Oh good. Mothers and fathers who are proud of their little girl dressed up like a dominatrix.

Paula, COME BACK! The reason the show was good was precisely because it was unpredictable and surprising. It made it fun and interesting. For now, I'll keep my remote handy.

Wednesday Night...I'm getting very sleepy...

I need to turn off the heating pad or I'll fall asleep. I don't care about the group auditions, I want to see performances. This is pretty much a bunch of ramblings because the show is a big snore tonight. Watching them rehearse, and cry, and agonize, and cry some more - please!! After so many years, why don't they change it up a bit? I'm tired of the tears and the drama. The Jack in the Box commercial is more exciting and amusing. The judges are bored I think. Nothing interesting from them either. I'd rather see some more focused auditions, but here's my take on some the groups (keeping in mind that it's hard to stay focused):

Charity and Company - nice, good sounds, cute girls

Big Mike, etc. - hmmm, I know, the baby drama. very sweet but I'm watching for the singin'.

Neopolitan- a little high schooly. Did they really steal the idea from the other guys???The anguish is just so overdone...

Second group, same song - livelier, more dramatic but still kind of high school.

The mighty rangers - weird green glasses, forgot words, too baad. Stop your damn crying.

I feel so cold and heartless about a bunch of them but maybe it's just the format of the show. I'm getting very sleeepy....

Tech and Talk woke me up.

Phoenix- Jeff G, like his voice. He's about the only one. Simon didn't buy their excuses and I'm with him.

Gwen Stefani song - baad.

And another...what a mess. Stop whining...I want to see some come out and just belt out a great song.

Let's discuss Song Choice - don't these people watch the show???? Don't ever pick Mariah, Aretha, or Whitney and obviously now Gwen. I love Lady GaGa but she's another classic that's too tough to copy.

Katie Stevens - powerful! A definite keeper.

Please, please, give us a more interesting show next week. It something doesn't change besides the judges, I just won't want to watch. I can't even think of anything funny to say.

I should be more empathetic to the contestant's sob stories but instead I feel slightly used. I choke up very easily anyway and don't like it when it's used frivolously. I get very upset with myself when I cry at stupid commercials. So the stories of childhood hunger (ok that one's legit), the closeness with grandma (big deal), stints in juvi hall (boo hoo), struggling families (who doesn't), childhood illness (ok that one's legit too), just tug at my heart strings and it irritates me when it's for something that seems soppy. It sounds like I'm heartless but it's just the opposite - I'm a total sucker. There's some manipulative element to some of the featured stories, which makes me want to make fun. I'm so complicated and deep...

So we didn't hear too much from the judges on Tuesday night. Ellen made a couple of good funnies, but overall the show was uneventful. Seemed like they were rushing through. There were a couple of high spots:

Andrew with the cap - loved it - reminiscent of folksy stuff from the 70's. My generation...

Janelle Wheeler - wonderful voice and something snazzy about her.

Vanessa Wolfe - country girl "going on a air-o-plane, now she's going back to Tennessee.

Janell Wheeler - liked her a lot

Haeley Vaughn - not so much

Mary Powers- strong voice, big hopes, don't count your chickens yet

Jay Stone- horrible, don't spit into the microphone

Lily Scott- maybe, great voice

Michael Lynche - can't see him going through all the way; good luck with the baby thing. That's one of those soppy stories that piss me off.

Tim Urban - not so good. bad hair cut

Jersey sisters- partay girls are going back to Jersey

Maddy Curtis- awful song

Casey James - good singer, like the blues ; cute boy but I just can't stand the long hair whiskery look. Clean up and the girls will love ya

Did Benami - loved the song, loved her voice. If she's tough enough, she could go to the final.

Crystal Bowersox - another winner. Honey forget getting more tattoos; you're powerful; another finalist, I predict. And I'm a sucker for the baby once again.

Wednesday night's coming up soon. Snacks for tonight: dark bittersweet chocolate and some giant strawberries. We live big around here.

It's Hollywood Night!

It's still a couple of hours before Idol starts, but I'm getting prepared. The snacks are critical - we'll have kettle corn and some apples for nutrition sake. I need my heating pad since I wrenched my back, boxing on my WII this weekend. Now that we're blogging, I'll need my laptop to take notes - at this age, the memory's not so keen.

So, I want to discuss the judges. Okay, so Simon's not coming back next year. They'll need someone arrogant and sometimes mean to take his place. How about Sarah Palin? She's big on Fox and she can slam with the best of 'em. It would make me happy to have her make a ton of money and stay the hell out of politics. Some have suggested Judge Judy but she's mean just for mean sake. And her fashion sense - ugh. Maybe it should be another guy who will oogle over the cute girls, just like Simon does.

The Enquirer (I'm a subscriber, but I balance it with NPR), says that now Randy wants to leave. He's a nice enough fellow but whatever if he decides to go. There's tons of guys in the music industry to replace him. I'm a bit tired of the dawg thing. The Enquirer also says that Simon and Ellen are already fighting and I say bring it on. I'm holding my judgement of Ellen. My God, she's got status like Oprah now - nobody is that wonderful! Kara is lovely and talented and I like her in the midst of these characters, but she can be replaced too.

Who I truly miss is Paula. The silly comments, inaudible ramblings, slutty outfits and yet so kind and positive with nearly every contestant. Every week I looked forward to seeing what she wore - does she shop at Charlotte Russe?? Will her eyes be half closed? Is she on a new medication? Will she look like she's about to slip off the chair? Will she dance tonight? None of the others offer near the entertainment value. More after the show...

Miss Bunny Haynes-Age 60

Well, I'm writing this blog because I and my cohorts do not in any way fit the demographics for American Idol. In fact, every woman I know over 60 watches the show. What the hell are a bunch of old farts doing watching this show?
Isn't that crazy? I couldn't honestly tell you why I like the show. But here's a few things that I do like.
I really like to see people get to fulfill their dreams. Also the world is in a mess, a real ugly serious mess. I've written letters, made phone calls, marched in anti-war protests,signed hundreds of petitions, voted, and sent money and still...nothing has changed. So I'm just one person with a small amount of control so when I watch American Idol it makes me forget about it for awhile. That's it. Well, one other thing.

I'm strangely attracted to scenes of people trying to sing and they really can't do it. Then after Simon gives them the truth, they go out of the audition room, start screaming and swearing, and their mothers are doing the same.
I keep thinking, surely their mamas aren't telling them to follow their bliss?????????? But, yes, their mothers are telling their children bald-faced lies. What kind of parent does that? It's like sending a 16 year old out with a brand new driver's license and no brakes.

Ever since Sister Miriam, my Catholic girls' school choir director, told me "under no circumstances should I make any sound, but just mouth the words instead," I thought there comes a time early in life when people learn the brutal truth about their talents or lack of them. I was wrong. Not so. And even when some people are told, they refuse to listen. I never thought I would say this because I think she traumatized me, but thank you Sister Miriam.

We're going to Hollywood and not a moment too s

I've watched American Idol since the beginning so I think I have some expertise and authority to write about it, although I don't claim to be a great writer. In my job, I have a fantastic editor who makes me sound really good, but for this I'm entirely on my own. I watch Idol with my significant other, in our bed with our jammies on. We have snacks and never answer the phone if it rings during the show. Neither of us particularly like the beginning auditions but we still watch faithfully as if it's our duty. There's several things that keep us hooked on the show. It's interesting in a creepy way that the most confident contestants are the ones who have no talent whatsoever; in fact they all possess this common cockiness, and you know that they're socially at the low end of the food chain. They all have devoted moms who encourage them and boast about their talents when they should be funneling them into other careers. And these contestants all are shocked and hugely dismayed that Simon thinks they're horrible. There might be a name for their psychosis; I just don't know what it is. I'm not going to apologize for being so critical about these people; in fact, my ridicule will continue and be a significant element of my commentary.

This year the celebrity judges have added just a bit of color to the show. Katy Perry was a stuck up bitch! She was mean to Kara and acted stuck on herself . Honestly, Victoria Beckham is the only one I've liked. She's kind and she empathizes with the contestants, remembering her own struggle way back when. Her clothes are snazzy and she doesn't let Simon's opinions get in her way. Really, though, she should wear her hair down so she doesn't look like she's related to an alien being. I keep thinking about her hot husband and whether they're happy....

The beginnings of Hollywood are great too. Contestants can have plenty of talent but their emotional well being or lack thereof; their ability to get along with others; and whether they can stay up all night rehearsing soon separate the big boys and girls. I thought that Adam was king from the very beginnings last year. Not to brag, but I've got a very intuitive sense about the good ones.