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.