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.

Alicia is a real class act

Alicia Keys added another spark to another wise bland night once again. She's so beautiful and graceful and was so helpful to the contestants. A real classy lady.

OK, the winners so far: Crystal, always at the top; Lee is amazing and growing each week; Casey, so cute and I thought did a great job last night; Aaron is getting better too and he sang his cute little heart out.

Tim - I just don't know. I don't like him much, but a little more than before if that makes any sense.

Siobhan - quit the damn whining and dialogue after the judges - it's gotten so old and makes you look maudlin. Don't care much for you anymore. And drop the butterflies - Simon was right, they were a distraction.

Mike - he acts so cocky and cool. You need to act more humble, but even with that, I think he should go.

Guess it's time to start voting - two of my favorites are at the bottom.

I'm going to donate to Idol Gives Back - it's hard enough watching kids from other countries who are ill or orphans, but on top of that seeing that kids in our own country don't have enough food or good medical care just tears me up.

Urghh.... the show's going on too long. Just tell who's gone so I can go to bed. Well, I'm glad it's Tim and not Casey. Good night.

Crystal Gets Mad, Adam Comes Back to Visit, Ryan Saves the Day

I'm sorry I've been such a lazer blogger. I haven't found much to be excited about. I could have told you Andrew and Katy would be gone. Mike should have been gone last week. All nice people, but not dazzling either.

So here we go...Crystal as always was wonderful, smart, in great voice with her guitar, being herself, and making me happy just by singing. I watched her face as Katy and Andrew were kicked off and she looked so upset. I read on another blog that she started to walk off the show, ran into the parking lot, but Ryan caught up with her. He told her to stay. He told her the best thing he got from American Idol was lots of money and he bought his mother a house. "You could buy your mom a house, too." Supposedly that stopped Crystal dead in her tracks. I know, Crystal, I know. You could buy yourself and your little boy a house, too. It's not pretty is it?

Lee was great, Tim surprisingly found a good song and surprised us, and Siobhan looked pissed. Siobhan, figure out some way not to show how upset you are all the time. It's taking away from your talent. And Aaron, well he's got a powerful voice and I hope he gets a contract. Casey, I almost forgot you. So good, so handsome.

And, Adam...well, he's still got it. His song and his laser show -really interesting and I was happy to see him back.

Adam's Gonna Sing!

We're tivo-ing through the show tonight. It's just too long and drawn out. First, I want to see Adam sing and find out who is eliminated. So far, Andrew is gone and that's to be expected.

OK there's Adam - spectacular! The song wasn't the greatest, but he's so cool that it makes up for anything else. That was the highlight of the show.

Too bad for Katy - she was starting to grow on me.

Be Still My Beating Heart - It's Adam!

Crystal - I'd buy her tunes right now she's so good. Although I don't want her to look like a Barbie or anything, she could have used a little floofing tonight.

Andrew - You Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog. He almost smacked Randy with the microphone. Just okay...Randy didn't like it at all. Ellen was right, it needed more swagger.

Tim with the silly grin...I Can't Help Falling in Love with You - our wedding song. Since it's a favorite, I thought it was pretty good. He played great guitar.

Lee Dewyze - A Little Less Conversation. Really good - he belted it out. I'm a big fan of Lee's.

The Glee stars are right behind the judges - another great show. Glad it's starting again.

Aaron - Blue Suede Shoes. I have to close my eyes with Aaron because he looks too young to be singing it, but his voice is good.

Siobhan- I thought it was just a little pop-ish as an Elvis tune. Simon is right on - he said she lost herself a couple of weeks ago. She needs to liven it up.

Mike - we'll see if he was worth saving. The judges liked it, but I thought it was boring and so did the rest of my gang tonight.

Forgot to mention the snack - dutch apple crumb pie. Delicious. Adam is giving great advice and he just looks great. He seems like a genuinely nice person.

Katy - That was one of the liveliest songs tonight. It was a touch loud but very good. Have to remember she's only 17. My daughter says she should have firmer arms for a seventeen year old.

Casey - good but not his best.

Last week's show was much better. Their Elvis picks were just okay. But of course, Adam was the best and I'm looking forward to his singing tomorrow night.

Shout Out to Idol!

When Miss Bunny and I started this blog, we had great expectations of millions of followers and fans, followed by ad revenues and glorification by the Idol producers themselves. We see ourselves as representing the baby boomer generation, a large share of the Idol audience based on our conversations with those in our age group. We're both a little naive I must admit, but you can't blame us for dreaming. Well, we do have some loyal followers, two of whom are from Brazil and I think two more in Thailand, among others. It's been fun writing but of course disappointing that our big dreams have not yet been realized. Then, Miss Bunny found out that the real American Idol is following us!! As in the beginning, we're high with expectations - maybe they'll consider us for a permanent blogging post and pay us a fortune. Maybe free seats whenever we want to see the show. Maybe we'll get to meet Adam or Simon. Maybe free tour tickets. Who knows but we're keeping our hopes up.

In the meantime, saving Mike...he's not one of my favorites so it seemed like a foolhardy move. What happens if Casey or Crystal ends up at the bottom and now there's no more saves??? Did they think about that??? Of course they have access to all the voting data so I presume there's no chance of losing the best ones, but still.

We'll be glued to the TV and laptop next week with the return of Adam - our favorite American Idol.

Much Better (To My Relief)

Miss Bunny:

Last night, I was babysitting my grandchildren so I missed the first half hour of American Idol. It actually helped because I can barely stand the two hour shows. For the most part, I enjoyed the show because I liked the music.

Once again I found Crystal to be excellent. I saw Janis Joplin in concert when I was 17 and Crystal's voice reminds me so much of her. I'm really happy for her because she's going to have a great career and make a really good living for herself and her baby.

Lee was in great form, his voice and his song compelling.

Siobhan was interesting and in great voice, always artsy and true to herself.

Casey James gave his best performance ever. Like Kara said, he showed depth, which I hadn't seen before and he seemed, for the first time, to be a serious artist.

Andrew's and Mike, both lovely people, were pretty good, but also it seemed corny to me.

I always like Aaron and I think he'll do well.

At least I know who the Beatles are

Aaron - Long and Winding Road. I love the Beatles because you can actually hear the words, and it's such poetry. Aaron is growing on me. The judges didn't like it but I thought it was pretty good.

Katy- Let It Be. she's changing it up a bit, as the judges suggested on some Beatles tunes. They all liked her performance and it was really good. She seemed to grow up a little too which helps.

Andrew - I thought it was just corny but the judges loved it.

Mike - All the Lonely People - it's hard to criticize anyone tonight because these are so many of my favorite songs of all times. I liked Mike better tonight.

Crystal- Come Together. She made it even livelier than the original. She just can't do a bad song. And she's looking much cuter. Just a little eye makeup and her hair a little floofed and it helps with her style.

Tim- All My Lovin'. Another favorite and actually he did probably his best performance. He changed it up and made it fun to listen to.

Casey James - Jealous Guy. A beatles tune I'd never heard before. It was very emotional and I thought he looked really adorable tonight. Wish I had his curls.

Sibbhon - Across the Universe. It was very quiet for her but very well done.

Lee - Hey Jude. He seems a lot cheerier and more confident tonight. He's making a new sound with an old classic. Not sure I loved the bagpipe but oh well, he's cute anyway.

They all did better tonight. I think the music selections really helped make a more entertaining show and display their talents better.

I couldn't predict who will be eliminated.

Good bye Didi

Well, Didi's going home (or actually on tour) but I thought for sure it would be Tim. Actually we're watching Modern Family in between. I guess this is where the demographics (ok we're kinda old) kicks in. The celeb singers on the show are mostly people we don't know or even like. I'm always thinking that if they were contestants, they'd be kicked off by Simon. Miss Bunny and I are both unhappy with the show this year which is too bad because we were so excited to blog about our favorite show. Bunny's right on - it's so long and sell, sell, sell.

Yeah Crystal, Lee, Casey, and Siobhan!

Well, another two hour ordeal of listening to kind of blah music except for Crystal, Lee, Casey, and Siobhan.

Crystal on the piano and singing was a nice change and I always love her voice and her songs.
Casey was really good and still, cute as can be.

Lee is really a talented guy and I always enjoy listening to him.

I completely disagreed with the judges about Siobhan. I thought she was wonderful and I really felt terrible for her. She looked completely crushed by the judges and in particular, Simon. Geesh, Simon. You can give criticism without being so cruel. Stop already.

The rest were okay or just not good. I hate that I feel so bored with Idol this year. Also, as I've said before I resent them putting on two hour shows just to increase their revenue. Is it just me or did this show used to be fun to watch????

Two hours again...

Just returned from a Las Vegas trip and was too worn out to blog during the show, so here it goes from memory.

What's with the body language between Ellen and Kara? Kara looks as if Ellen has cooties - she's squished up against Simon and doesn't even look at her or comment about anything Ellen has to say. It was very obvious last night. I can't blame her. Ellen is very opinionated about music and what the heck does she know? Especially against Kara.

So, Tim, Didi, Andrew or Big Mike could all go home now and save us the two hour agony. Even though Siobbhan was wonderful last night, I think she'll be one of the last ones to go. As usual, Crystal, Casey and Lee were all spectacular. And, Aaron and Katy are starting to grow on me once I let go of my teenybopper prejudice - they are both very talented singers. So that's it, the shows are just too long.

Tim, Paige, Andrew, Didi - Who's going home?

Tim just wanted to have fun -

Paige admits a poor performance -

Didi just doesn't know what the judges want -

Andrew thinks Simon's mean and he knows who he is as an artist -

We've seen these foolhardy attitudes before -

But it's Paige going home. Hope she gets another chance at fame even though she didn't do well on Idol...

Hoping for Wow Wear

Using the Little Miss Perfect metaphor - I'm hoping the contestants will use some Wow Wear and some Wow Songs tonight if we're going to put up with two hours again.

Lee Dewyse - they dolled him up - looking good. The music was too loud for his voice, but he seemed more confident tonight. The girls will like him. The judges did, except for Simon.

Paige - Guess everyone is getting Wow Wear! She looks really good tonight. Pitchy! S.O. says his ears are bleeding. Even Randy thinks she's terrible and so does everyone else. She'll probably go this week unless there's someone else even worse.

Tim - not moving with the song, other than sliding on the floor.Sang it too slow. We don't like Tim in this house. Doesn't sound like the judges did either.

Aaron- thought he was better last week. But he looks better all floofed up and he did pretty well considering he had tonsillitis.

Crystal - fabulous. She gets better and better. She deserves to win.

Mike- good rendition but not sure it's something special. He's a bit too cocky for my liking.

Andrew - Heard it through the grapevine...too somber. He has a good voice but not exciting enough to be an Idol. He could be a goner too.

Katy - Big Girls Don't Cry - well, we'll see about that. At least it's contemporary. And she's pretty good tonight. Her voice really came out. I forgot that's she was a teenager too.

Casey - he's easy on the eyes. I liked it - lots of energy. But Simon was right, it wasn't anything original. He looks like a rock star, a little like Wow Wear.

Didi- You're no good. Hmmm....her movements didn't ring true. Her voice is good but why all the old songs? When the contestants say "I just wanted to have fun," then they really aren't listening to the judges. Too bad.

Siobbhan - she's so cool. That was awesome. She rocked. And her style is definitely WOW and there wasn't hardly any wow all night.

I might regret the comments about Tim...

All by myself tonight. No family members saying, "C'mon, write that down after giving me one of their snarky comments about a contestant. Okay, I have included some of them. Like last night about Tim's Jesus smile and lady hands - that wasn't me. I'm much nicer than that but succumbed to writing it because it was funny and I was under pressure. So tonight it's just me. I've eaten my Jenny Craig brownie. I'm not fond of elimination night because they stretch it out to an entire hour of drivel and bring back some of the less formidable former Idol stars, like David Cook. Didn't like him then, don't like him now.

Bottom three: Paige, Tim, Lacey - I think that's about right. I predict Tim. I was wrong!

Kesha - what's her name? What a bunch of no talents with fancy props and sparkly lights. Wanna be Black Eyed Peas perhaps?

Lacey's going home - cute girl but her voice wasn't anything special. Will they save her or wait for someone else better, like Lee or Casey. Looks like she's gone.