We’ve Moved.

Hi there, if you stopped in for the weekly Bachelor recap, or some American Idol gossip…or any other bit of pop culture gossip and a cup of coffee, please know that we have moved over to Karina’s main blog Candid Karina.  Please come on over, you’ll still get all the gossip, snarkiness and celeb-reality obsession over there…just a little bit more as well.

 

Come on over!

Back in Boston

When I was 13 years old I fell in love with a boy from Boston.  For the next 5 years or so I would follow him and his four friends in all they did.  The boy was Donnie Wahlberg, his friends were Jordan, Joey, Jonathan and Danny…collectively, they were The New Kids on the Block.  At that time my walls were wallpapered with their faces, my two cousins and I started a “fan club” out of my bedroom, and we would exchange letters and photographs with hundreds of girls all over the world.  In each we would profess our love and adoration of the five hardest working guys in showbiz.  It was not easy to be a “Blockhead” in those days.  The New Kids were not taken seriously by the music industry or by mainstream media, and they were certainly the butt of many teen boys’ jokes.  To be a New Kids fan was to be constantly defending yourself, and your boys.  But it was probably because of that constant abuse that New Kids on the Block fans are a breed to be reckoned with.

 

15 years ago, it all came to an end.  An unsatisfactory and some would say all too abrupt end.  The New Kids disbanded, went their separate ways, and talk of a reunion was always immediately shot down.  But like a volcano waiting to erupt, the New Kids fan base didn’t die, it just went into hibernation.  As fans, we kept following the careers of our boys, Joey’s turn at Broadway, Jordan’s solo album, Donnie’s success in movies and television…we never stopped following our boys from Boston.

 

And then it was announced…The New Kids WOULD be reuniting, releasing a new album and going on tour.  The volcano erupted.  The fans came crawling back out of the woodwork en masse.  Major concert arenas sold out immediately, the album shot to number one on the pop charts its first week of release, the fansites popped back up, and 30 something year old women, married and with kids, updated their freebie lists.  The boys were back, and so were we.

 

Friday night, September 26, 2008, the boys returned to Boston for their first performance in their hometown in 15 years.  Performing to a sold out crowd of 13,000 plus mostly female fans, at the Garden, they were home again.

 

And this 30something year old, along with the rest of the ladies in the crowd, was on her feet, screaming at the top of her lungs, feeling like she was a 13 year old star-struck little girl all over again.  We were ready.  And the boys…now men…delivered.

 

With a combination of their old hits, and some of the new songs, they delivered a non-stop performance for a solid 2 ½ hours.  Whether bringing fans back to the good old days with songs like Please Don’t Go Girl, Tonight, Favorite Girl and Covergirl, or introducing a sexier, dirtier side with new hits like Grown Man and Dirty Dancing, they did not disappoint.  For a bunch of men in their late 30’s, who were all rumored to be suffering ill effects of a pretty nasty flu that night, they evoked nothing but professionalism and energy.  They gave the audience a bit of the throwback dance moves in “The Right Stuff” and “Step By Step”, and incorporated a whole new catalogue of choreography throughout.  Joey McIntyre showed off the skills learned during his stint on Dancing With The Stars, and Jordan Knight shared one of his solo hits with the screaming fans.  Danny Wood, 39, took to the stage in a break dancing routine that made him look 19 all over again, and Donnie Wahlberg never lost his mischievous grin the whole night through, except for the moment when he found himself at a loss for words and choked up at the response he received from his home town, which he deemed “This beautiful city”.

 

The looks on the fans faces as they exited the arena said it all.  The boys are back, and better than ever.  And this girl?  I fell in love with a  boy from Boston all over again.

So You Think You Can Tell Me what the heck IV Real stands for?

There are only 8 dancers left, and we’re two weeks away from the finale.  Holy Crap…two weeks?  Did this season go by fast or what?  And seriously, what exactly does the IV Real we keep seeing on all their shirts, and hearing them talk about stand for anyway?  Anyone?

Once again, this week the couples are all mixed up.  The first couple of the night is going to be Will and Courtney, doing a samba.  And it was HOT HOT HOT.  I loved it.  I do have to say that Courtney’s outfit was actually distracting and annoyed me, but other than that, I thought it was a great perfomance.  They had great chemistry, and made it look fun and steamy.

Then it was time for the first solo of the night, and it belonged to Comfort.  I’m still not the biggest fan of her solos, but it was good.  It just didn’t blow me away.

The next couple of the night would be Twitch and Katee, doing a contemporary routine, choreographed by Mia Michaels.  Wow.  No doubt that Mia Michaels is a freakin’ amazing choreographer.  Seriously!  From the full-on liplock to the serious fighting, to the door slamming it was crazy.  Crazy good.  Their performance was fantastic.  They were in it 110%, and the dancing was great…they moved so seamlessly and it was just great!  LOVED IT!

So far this night is shaping up as my favorite this season.

The next solo is Will’s.  And I LOVED IT!  Loved it because he took the opportunit to have fun with it, don a costume and a wig) get into character and STILL blow us away.  Without a doubt he is THE ONE to beat!

The next couple is Mark and Comfort with a hip-hop routine by Tabitha and Napoleon.  Another great, fun performance.  Comfort definitely had the upper hand in this routine, and I was about to type the words “she is such a better dancer when she has choreography”, which I believe I’ve said before, but then Nigel said that same exact thing.  Mark wasn’t as “hard” but I still thought he was fantastic…both of them were…I loved this one as well.

What a great night this is.

The next solo is Katee’s, and she always has beautiful solos.  She has great lines, and always shows such emotion in her solos.  Love her.

The final couple is Joshua and Chelsie,doing an Argentine Tango choreographed by former contestant Dimitri. Wow!  Once again…another great performance.  Chelsie is just amazing, and I would say she stole the show, but Joshua totally rocked it too…so it was fantastic.

Mark’s is the next solo.  He is unique, he is quirky, but he is also good and a pleasure to watch.

For their second dance of the evening, Courtney and Will are doing a “slow” hip-hop routine, choreographed by Tabitha and Will.  And again, the song ended and I heard myself saying “Wow”.  I really enjoyed this one too.  It was just a very emotional piece and they totally had it and it was powerful and beautiful and I loved it.  LOVED IT!!!

Chelsie takes on the next solo.  I usually love her solos, but tonight’s I wasn’t all that impressed by it…we know you can shake your hips and twirl around…but is that all you’ve got?  It was sort of redundant.

Katee and Twitch’s second routine is a Broadway piece by Tyce Diorio.  I’ve said before that Broadway routines are not my favorite, and they are not.  However, I really enjoyed this one.  I thought it was fun, but it also had some great moves and a fun story line.  And I thought they did a fantastic job.  Twitch, the “hip hop” guy, is so good at all these styles.  And Katee is just fantastic.  LOVE IT.

What a night!

Next doing his solo is Joshua.  His solos are always entertaining.  He’s such a cutie, don’t you always want to just pinch his cheeks?  But, I do love to watch his solos.

Then it was time for Courtney’s solo…she’s my favorite female soloist tonight.  Again it’s the emotion she puts into her solos…

One more solo, and it’s Twitch.  Not my favorite Twitch solo by far, I think he winged it tonight, didn’t choreograph it at all, and it wasn’t his best.  Still good, but not his best.

Next to a Jean-Marc choreographed Foxtrot for Comfort and Mark.  Not bad, not bad at all.  They didn’t blow me away, but they were pretty good.  The first routine of the niht that didn’t “wow” me, but it was good.

The final performance of the night is Joshua and Chelsie’s Disco routine.  I’ve questioned before why there are disco routines on this show, since NOBODY does disco anymore, but this could have actually been a fantastic routine. But in all honesty, as much as I love Joshua and Chelsie, I thought this routine was a bit sloppy.  Some of the tricks and lifts were amazing, but some of the basic steps were just a little sloppy, and Joshua even had a mistep that was almost a “fall”.  Still, it was fun, and I think that the amazing lifts saved it, because they were CRAZY good.

Overall, tonight was definitely the best night of the season.  FANTASTIC!!!!

Who will go home?  I think Comfort and Mark are in danger again, but then, America is voting, so anything can happen.  Tune in and stop on by tomorrow for the results.

And anyone…IV Real??

The Bachelorette – Sing a little song for me

There are nine bachelors left, and their first challenge tonight is to write and perform a song for Deanna.  The prize?  A one on one date with the Bachelorette.

Up first is Fred the lawyer with a country version of a little kid song…Randy would have said he was “pitchy dawg”, but thankfully this isn’t American Idol.

Graham’s wasn’t very memorable.  Robert was actually pretty good.  Twilly I STILL DON’T GET.  Jeremy rapped.  Wait…let me say that again…Jeremy rapped?  Yikes.  Sean…eh.  And Jason didn’t actually sing, but you know, he’s still cute.  Jesse the skaterboy was cute too.  Brian kind of “rocked it out” a bit.  All in all it wasn’t horrible, and it was funny as hell.

When it was all said and done, Skaterboy took the one on one date.

His one on one takes place at a theatre, with a small table set up for a romantic dinner for two.  Jesse showed a different, more serious, even slightly romantic side of himself on this date tonight.  I really like this guy.  I think he’s a real down to earth guy, but really sweet too.  And then Natasha Benningfield (Beddingfield? whatever) serendaded the two of them while they danced…all together now…AWWWW.  Cute.

Meanwhile, back at the “outhouse”, the guys find out who will be going on the group date, and which two guys will be “battling it out” on a “two on one” date with her.  Those two are Robert the chef and Fred the lawyer.

The group date, with Brian, Jeremy, Graham, Jason, Sean and Twilly is at a stock car race track.  The winner of the “speed race” for some one on one time with Deanna is Sean, the martial arts guy.  Honestly gals, I realized tonight that this guy is still here.  I had one of those “OH, he’s still here?”  He seems like an alright guy, but he hasn’t had much screen time, so I don’t really have too much of an opinion on him yet.

I’m still having issues with Jeremy…I think it really does have a lot to do with the fact that he reminds me A LOT of Mr. Vain, but it’s more than just that, he just comes across as…too much.

Graham might have blown it tonight, showing his green.  Jealousy is an ugly ugly beast, and you enter a game like this, you have to be able to “control” that somewhat, at least in front of her.

At the end of the group date, Sean gets the rose.

After an impromptu party thrown by the “outhouse” boys, which backfires RIDICULOUSLY and results in Deanna leaving the party in tears, it is time for the Two on One date with Fred and Robert.

Okay, Robert?  I’m going back to my first thought about him…I don’t like him.  I don’t like him even a little bit.  I think he’s sleazy and slick and ick.

Fred however?  He’s kind of sweet.  He could grow on me.

ICK!!!  Oh sorry, just a delayed reaction to Robert.  ICK.

Good for Deanna for realizing that ICK factor, and kicking Robert to the curb!  SEE YA!!!  With his crocodile tears.  Spare me!

And yet, Deanna chooses NOT to give the rose to Fred either.  Not seeing a long term connection with him, she chooses to send him home.  Fallen into the “friend” zone, Fred suffers from the “good guys finish last” syndrome in this situation. 

AH, chemistry is a bitch, ain’t it?  If it ain’t there, it ain’t there, you can’t force it, you can’t fake it, and you can’t make it up.

And bonus points to Jason, who was at the mansion ALONE after Deanna sent the other two home, to comfort her. 

So, it’s time for the rose ceremony, who will stay and who will go?  There is only one guy going home tonight, so who will be the odd man out?

Jason, the single dad, is safe.  As is Jeremy.  And Twilley?  Really?  Okay.  So, the final rose will either go to Brian or Graham, who will it be?  Graham it is.  Brian is going home.

That’s all folks!

 

 

 

 

 

The Bachelorette – I know one of the Bachelors.

I’ve never watched the reality shows “The Bachelor” and “the Bachelorette” before.  I’ve seen the odd episode here and there, but these “match-making” reality shows just don’t do it for me.  There’s something about going on reality television to supposedly find true love that’s just weird to me.

So, when the new season of The Bachelorette kicked off on Monday, I didn’t watch it.  Even though I had seen Deanna Pappas (the Bachelorette) on the Ellen Degeneres show, and thought she seemed like a sweet girl, and smart girl, so would probably be one of the best bachelorettes to date, I was still not interested in watching the show.

But that all changed tonight because I received an email from a college friend of mine letting me know that we knew one of the bachelors from college.  When I got her email I figured he would be one of the guys we “sort of” knew from the old days, but curiosity got the best of me, and I researched the show online.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this particular bachelor was not just someone I “sort of” knew, but was actually someone I knew extremely well!  He was one of the guys we hung out with daily in school.  In fact, I know this guy so well that I’ve got some pretty interesting blackmail photos from a particularly racy game of truth or dare sitting in a box somewhere.  In fact…nah, I won’t share those, not yet anyway.  My cousin PM even sort of dated one of his cousins at one point, and my friend BFF dated one of his best friends for years.  We were all a close-knit group during those years, and although we’ve lost touch through the years, just last week I found him on Facebook and considered inviting him into my circle of friends.  For whatever reason, I never sent out the invite, but now I’m thinking maybe I should have.  We’ll see how much of a fool he makes of himself on this show before we make that decision, shall we?

So, who is this guy?  Which bachelor am I speaking of?  His name is Eric and he’s the 31 year old Senior Analyst from Boston.  One of the two guys who spoke greek to Deanna when he first met her.  The one with the greek parents who want him to marry greek, and are probably already planning the wedding.  That guy.  That guy and I were good friends in college.  And now he’s one of the Bachelors.  How funny is that?  I haven’t spoken to him in nearly 10 years, but back then we were all a pretty tight crew…it’s funny.

Last night I watched the season premiere online, because now tha I know one of the Bachelors, I figured I had to check it out.  Well, as much as I’d like Eric to stay on the show for a while, mostly because it’s too funny to watch someone you know personally on a reality show, still, I don’t think he’ll make it very far.  The fact that he’s greek will keep him around for a little bit, but he’s just not coming across as very warm, or interesting, or even all that interested in Deanna besides the fact that she’s greek, you know?

Then there’s the previews of upcoming episodes and the fact that he’s not in any of them.  And then there’s this article in a local newspaper today, which makes it pretty clear he didn’t stay to the end (unless he’s trying to throw everyone off, but I don’t get that impression). 

Anyway, now that I’ve watched the one episode, I’ve picked some of my favorites to win, and know I’ll be watching the show…so that means I’ll also be recapping it here at Cafe Karina.  Come on back next Monday night (or possiby Tuesday, since I start my new job next week) for my recap, and maybe I’ll share some of my college photos of Eric.

Lucky Number 7 – American Idol

It’s Mariah Carey night on American Idol,  and Mariah is actually showing up to mentor the kids.  ow I know different folks have all sorts of opinions about Miss Mariah, and  do too, but overall, I really like her.  I think she’s a bit crazy, and a bit cooky, but she has an amazing voice and there’s just something about her that I really like.  But, she has some really tough songs so how will these kids fare? 

David Archuletta is up first and are those LEATHER PANTS he’s wearing?  Well then, check you out little David!  Singing “When You Believe”, he sounded great.  I think this was a great song choice for him, showcasing his voice, and really right along his style of song.  And I really do think he has a wonderful voice, but I just might be getting a tad bit bored with him.  Just a wee bit.  Still love him, I’m just not as excited about him as I used to be.

 Next up is Carly Smithson, who I’ve taken to calling “Cinderella” as I feel Simon, Paula and Randy are like the mean stepmom and ugly stepsisters treating her like the outcast family member.  She’s singing “Without You” and I thought she sounded “bloody fantastic”.  This girl has an amazing voice, and I’m really getting sick of the judges beating up on her.  SERIOUSLY?  They’ve really got to stop beating up on her. I’ve been saying it for weeks, and I need to know if I’m the only one who feels this way…the judges ARE trying to get her voted out, right?  It’s not just me is it?

Next up is Syesha Mercado, singing “Vanishing”, one of my favorite Mariah songs.  After two weeks tackling two other “major” songstresses’ songs, how would she fare with Mariah Carey?  I don’t know.  I think Syesha has a great voice, but I wasn’t in love with this arrangement.  I didn’t feel so much that she was “singing it” as she was trying to just showcase her voice.  It wasn’t a bad performance, I just didn’t completely love it.

It is Brooke White’s turn with “Hero” on the Piano.  Sorry folks, I just don’t get the fascination with this girl, she doesn’t do it for me.  And besides being slightly bored with this performance, I actually thought it was BAD.  She didn’t sound good.  She was “pitchy” dog, and it was just weird – Kinda rough…  I didn’t like it.

 And now it’s Nine Lives…uh, Kristi Lee Cook, singing “Forever”.  ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ….boring.  I mean, okay, it was “alright”.  But…eh.  I think her time has come.

David Cook chose “Always Be My Baby” in order to “rock it up” a bit.  LOVED IT.  He almost lost me for a moment, I loved how he startd, but then, I thought the beginning part went on “softly” just a bit too long, but HOLY CRAP, he brought it back and completely won me over.  LOVED IT!!  And I believe this is his second performance of the season that I plan to download.  As soon as I geta job, and can spend money frivolously again that is. 

And finally its Jason Castro, singing “I Don’t Want to Cry”  (another of my fave Mariah songs).  Have I mentioned how much I love this kid?  I really think he’s unique, and has a beautiful soulful voice.  I can completely understand that he’s not for everyone, but his style is by far my style of music and I love him.  I thouht he was fantastic and I would also buy this song right now.

So, who’s in danger?  Were it up to me it would be between Brooke White and Kristi Lee Cook to go home.  That said, it is not up to me, and oh America, how you disappointed me last week!  So, I think Syesha or Carly could be in danger this week.

What did you think? 

 

BREAKING NEWS

I know I promised a listing of when t.v. shows are coming back, and that post is in the works, but I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather.  I’m feeling better today and was going to give you that post…but we have breaking news folks.

We’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow…but today…well…today I give you:

A few months ago I posted about the rumors that the New Kids on the Block were staging a reunion. Well, ladies, grab your old t-shirts and buttons because it appears the rumors were indeed true.

This Friday at 7AM NKOTB will appear on the Today show…ALL FIVE members, together in public for probably the first time in at least 15 years. A big announcement perhaps? A performance perchance?

Click here, to be taken to a page with some more information and links to videos of interviews with some of the guys. In one of the videos Joe alludes to time in the studio…a new album in the works?

Call me silly, tell me I’m acting like a teenager, but I don’t care. I’m giddy with excitement and yes I will be standing in line for tickets if they go on tour. We’ve discussed before how there’s a certain amount of nostalgia tied up with certain icons of our childhoood, and for me, none hold more than NKOTB. So go ahead, laugh at me, but I wore their buttons proudly back then, and I’ll do it now too.

Well…okay, no…I won’t really wear the buttons this time around, but you know what I mean.

UH, right…okay, well, go on about your business…I…uh…I’m going to go back to work.  Yeah…I’m a mature adult…I…uh…right.

When you were born

Let’s get to it…the theme tonight was “The Year they were born”.

 Ramiele Malubay, born in 1987, kicked things off with “Hearts Alone”.  A powerful performance, showing the strong vocals we know she has, but I still felt it fell a bit short.  The judges kept talking about how sick she is, and how she has no voice to even speak, so maybe that was why it wasn’t as good as I was hoping.  It wasn’t awful, it wasn’t great…it was okay.

 Next up, also born in 1987, was Jason Castro singing Sting’s “Fragile”.  I really like this kid.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I think he has a purity to his voice, and his overall personality, that just appeals to me.  I know that this song tonight is something I would download (and just might) and listen to regularly.  I thought he did a great job with it, I loved it.  Paula actually said “Those are the songs that are your niche”, and I think that’s true, and that’s what I like about him…maybe they are right, maybe it’s not enough for “America” to fall in love with him, but I like it, and I hope he sticks around because I want to hear more.

Syesha Mercado, also born in 1987 is next up (is anyone else feeling really old?).  She’s singing “If I were your woman”.  I’m still not entirely sure why it is that I’ve heard so many people say they’re not big fans of this girl, because I think she’s incredible, and tonight’s performance was spectacular.  That’s it, that’s all I have to say.  Flawless.

 We go to commercial and I take a second to ask you…what in the world is Paula Abdul doing wearing rubber fingerless gloves on national television?  And what’s with her dress?  Doesn’t one of the sleeves look like it was torn off?  Oh, the wonders of celebrity wardrobes.

Back to the singing and it’s Chikezie’s turn.  Born in 1985 he’s singing “If Only for One Night”.  I really wish this kid would lose the “grandpa” look, and loosen up a bit with his wardrobe (I know, I know, let it go already Karina), but I thought he actuall sounded really good tonight.  This was professional crooner style singing.  I was very impressed.  However, I’m pretty sure that exchange with Simon at the end will send him right home.

Next up is Brooke White, born in 1983 and singing “Every Breath You Take”.  After a bit of a false start, she had a great performance.  Nothing “unique” about it, this song has been done a million times so it’s kind of hard to do anything different with it, but I thought she sounded great and delivered.

Up next is Michael Johns, born in 1978 (thank God he’s legal, and in fact, not that much younger than me…so it’s okay for me to crush on him).  He’s doing a bit of a medley with “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions”.  This definitely is his niche, and it was fun to listen to and to watch (but then, he’s always fun to watch, isn’t he?)  I really enjoyed it.  The girls in the audience had a bit of a Beatle-esque frenzy attack, and the judges loved it as well.  Nothing negative to say.

Carly Smithson, born in 1983, and singing one of my all time favorite songs “Total Eclipse of the Heart”.   This girl in no way deserved to be in the bottom three last week, and this week, she blew me away.  I have no idea what the hell Randy and Simon were talking about.  Sometimes you’ve got to wonder if the judges have a bit of a hidden agenda before they even hear the performances.  Or if we’re watching the same performances.  I thought she was fantastic tonight.

Next up, the youngest of the group, born in 1990 (wow, 1990), David Archuletta,  singing “You’re the Voice”.  You all know I love this kid, but this was not my favorite performance by him.  It’s not that it wasn’t good, because it was, but it just wasn’t great.  I think for me it was definitely song choice, I didn’t love it.  But it’s okay, little David is loveable, he’ll be okay.

 Side note…if you have been following the media coverage of this show at all, then you’ve heard all about how David A’s father is big time “Stage Dad” making little David cry and all that other stuff.  I thought Simon’s last comment to him was interesting.  “I’d be surprised if you chose that song yourself”, a dig at the father perhaps?  Hmmm….

Next up is Kristi Lee Cook (is this girl still here?), born in 1984 and singing “God Bless the USA”.  I think this was a perfect song choice for her, and in my opinion her best performance so far.  It wasn’t perfect, and it was certainly pitchy, and I still don’t think she’s up to par with the rest of the contestants, but good performance.  This may have saved her this week.

Last up, David Cook, born in 1982, (yes folks, he’s legal too).  He’s singing “Billy Jean”, and doing it his way.  Well, he’s done it.  I’ve been warming up to him little by little as the weeks go by, and tonight he did it, he won me over.  I’m a David Cook fan, through and through now.  Stellar performance.  He’s a rockstar!

So, bottom three tomorrow night?  OOH Lordy, this is a tough one this week.  With the surprise of Carly being in the bottom three last week, it’s hard to think anyone is safe.  I think Chikezie will definitely be in the bottom three.  I also think that although she may not go home, Kristi Lee Cook will also be in the bottom three.  The third person to bethere with them?  Unfortunately I think it could actually be Jason Castro, though I think the little girl vote will keep him safe, or  Ramiele Malubay and even possibly Carly because well…you just never know now do you?  Were it up to me, I’d still send Kristi Lee Cook home, but I think it could very well be the end of the road for Chikezie.

We’ll see, come back tomorrow for the results, and if you’re wondering when your favorite television shows are coming back, now that the writer’s have been back to work for a few weeks, come back on Friday, I’ll have all that dirt for you. 

The Beatles are still rockin’ American Idol

I’ve never been a huge Beatles fan, so I have to admit I’m just about at my limit for Beatles songs on American Idol.  And yet, supposedly by popular demand (though I think it has a whole lot more to do with some contractual obligation than actual audience requests), it’s another week of Beatles songs on American Idol.  Fair enough, let’s get on with the show.  We’re down to 11 finalists, and two hours, which means, of course…lots of filler.

 A little background on who the Beatles were (just in case we’ve all been living under a VERY large rock), some of that oh so not funny back and forth between Ryan and the judges, and it’s on to the singing.

 Amanda Overmeyer is first with “Back in the U.S.S.R.”, you all know how I feel about this girl by now, so let’s see if she can win me over. Seriously?  NO.  I mean, really, come on folks, why is this girl still on this show?  Somebody explain it to me, because I just don’t get it.  Take all the audio from all the songs she’s done to date, put them up against each other and tell me if you can tell a difference, because to me, it doesn’t matter what song she’s singing, she always sounds exactly the same, and she does NOT have a good singing voice.  It’s not that she’s bad, it’s just that she’s nothing above average.  I just don’t get it.  Close your eyes, take in the audio…hear what I’m saying?  NOT there.  Finally the judges seem to be taking the earmuffs off and actually hearing what I hear.  Simon actually said “same thing week after week after week”…couldn’t agree more.

Next up is the girl who in my opinion escaped elimination by sheer luck last week, Kristi Lee Cook.  She’s tackling “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” a song she’d never even heard before (uh, me neither).  She started off fairly well, and just when I was beginning to think “Hmm…maybe she’s not as bad as I thought”, she lost me.  Didn’t love it.  And you know when Paula complements the way you look, you had a bad performance.

I’m going to completely leave alone her bad choice of words when telling Simon she could blow his socks off…at least, I think that’s what she meant.  Uh…yeah, skipping that.

David Archuletta, who butchered the lyrics on his last attempt at the Beatles, is up next with “The Long and Winding Road”.  And YES, he’s back in full form.  This kid just has an amazing voice, and I’m so glad he survived last week to come back with this performance.  I still love him.  Love him!  LOVE.HIM!  That’s it, that’s all I have to say.

And now we’re doing iphone commercials right in the middle of the show?  Seriously??  Seriously??

Up next is Michael Johns with “A Day in the Life”.  He started off and I thought, “perfect song choice”, it worked well with his voice, his style…then there was this weird thing in the middle, and I’m not really sure how I felt about that…but then he went back to the same stuff I liked from the beginning and got me back. So, overall, kind of a weird arrangement, but I really liked the beginning and he end.  When he was good, he was really good, but unfortunately, it wasn’t good all the way through.

And now it’s Brooke White, with “Here Comes the Sun”.  This girl has a thing for starting off a song sitting on stairs, doesn’t she?  It was alright.  I mean, she has a great voice, but I just thought it was a bit boring. (I just said in Simon’s voice and accent in my head).  But yeah, she sounded good, but it was just alright for me.  And that ugly yellow dress with banana looking ruffles dangling from it? Not pretty.  And I’m not sure how much I buy the innocent, accepting “it’s okay, it’s okay” act after the judges comments either.  But that’s just me being cynical, isn’t it?

 Next up was David Cook with “Day Tripper”.  It’s been brought to my attention that I was way off base last week with my thoughts about his performance, and that I haven’t given him a fair chance so tonight, I decided to try and do just that.  I was going to close my eyes and just listen, but before I had the opportunity to do so, he stared singing, and pulled me in wihthout me having to do so.  Maybe it was the song I didn’t love last week…because I thought he sounded amazing tonight.  This was reminiscent of 3 Doors Down or even my favorite favorite band Lifehouse, and I loved it.  Of course, Simon hated it…so, I guess we’re on different pages.

Carly Smithson with “Blackbird” is next.  I love this girl.  I think she has an amazing voice, and incredible control of that voice.  She sounded fantastic, and it was a beautiful performance.  Love her.

Next is Jason Castro, the boy with an angelic voice (in my opinion).  His song this week is “Michelle”, can he handle the bi-lingual-ity of it all?  I like what he was trying to do, stepping away from the folksy stuff to show a different side, and overall, it wasn’t bad.  There was some awkwardness in the beginning, but toward the end, I thought it got better.  Not his best peformance for sure, and I didn’t even get to enjoy his voice like I have in the past, but I still like him a lot.

Syesha Mercado next on stage with “Yesterday”.  I thought it was beautiful.  Simple, powerful, clean, and beautiful.  Loved it.

Chikezie is next.  Chikezie!  You gotta love this guy’s name!  Tonight he is singing “I’ve just seen a face”, using a harmonica for the first time ever.  You know what?  I actually really enjoyed this performance.  I thought he sounded great.  I loved the slow start, he sounded great, the harmonica was a bit weird, and the country jig in the middle was kind of strange too, but then it turned almost rocker toward the end, and I loved that.  It was kind of strange, but at the same time, I kind of liked it.  It was fun.  However, when Simon said “gimicky”, I kind of had to agree.

And last up we have Ramiele Malubay with “I Should Have Known Better”.  She’s adorable, and has a great voice, but I’m not sure this song was the best choice for her.  Or maybe it’s just that these aren’t the best song choices for me…I’m pretty much done with the Beatles, I think.  She sounded great though, with the song she chose anyway.  It’s not as if she was off tune, or pitchy or anything of that sort, she just didn’t wow me.

So, bottom three this week? Amanda Overmeyer (please), Kristi Lee Cook (I mean, honestly?) and hmm…I hate to say it but it could be Ramiele Malubay.  Though, it could also be Chikezie.  Or sadly, Jason Castro…Then again, this is American Idol, and we all know with the audience voting, it could be anyone.

For me, going home would have to be either Amanda or Kristi.

The elephant in the room

It’s results night, and we’re all waiting on pins and needles (or not really) to see who will be sent home tonight.  So, let’s get the show going, right?  UH…wrong.  First, we need to waste a little bit of time plugging a Jim Carey/Fox movie.  I’m not a fan of Jim Carey’s, so I could have down without that bit.  Then we get a mixed performance of a Lennon/McCarthy Songbook medley by the top twelve.  Some good moments, some not so good moments, but it’s always hard when you’re mixing 12 completely different voices to sing a slew of random songs together.  And of course, then we need to waste a little bit more time recapping the show we ALL watched just last night.  As if we didn’t already know what happened. A few commercials, and we finally get to the results.

Sort of.  Carly Smithson is of course, safe.  As are Michael Johns and Jason Castro.  Unfortunately Syesha Mercado isn’t so lucky, and she’s in the bottom three.  So, let’s waste a little more time, and have her sing again. I think she sounded better tonight than last night, though.  Isn’t that always the way?

Another commercial, and a corny “Ford Music Video” later, and it’s back to the results, right?  No, not yet, time for some more interview videos about how AI has changed the contestants lives (and yet another shameless plug for that movie).  Well, as long as it gives me a chance to hear Michael John’s Aussie accent, I’m okay with th interview segments.  Keep ‘em coming.

Up next are Chikezie, Amanda Overmeyer, Kristi Lee Cook and David Cook.  Chikezie is safe.  Amanda – safe.  David Cook, who is growing on me every moment (including in tonight’s opening performance) is safe.  And then there was one…and even she knew it.  Kristi is in the bottom three.  I give her credit for having a sense of humor about the situation, apologizing to the judges that they’ll have to hear her song again.  (Thanks to Tivo, I did not).

And now, for a brand new time waster segment, phone calls from the audience to the contestants and judges.  Perfect fodder for some uncomfortable…uh…interesting moments.

But, before we get back to more results, it’s Katherine McFee and David Foster performing another song from the Lennon/McCarthy Songbook.  I always did like this girl, she has a beautiful voice, for sure.

And now, it’s David Archuletta, Brooke White, David Hernandez and Ramiele Malubay…who will be going home?  David Archuletta, who forgot his lyrics last night, but was thankfully spared and is safe.  (Yes, I did a little happy dance).  Brooke -also safe.  Ramiele is safe, David Hernandez is in the bottom three.

So, I had two of the bottom three picked out, David Hernandez and Kristi Lee Cook.  Although not one of my favorites, I didn’t think Syesha should go home yet tonight, and I guess I was right.  So, who will it be?

And it’s David Hernandez going home.  Kristi Lee Cook has managed to hang on by the skin of her teeth.  Personally, I would have picked Kristi to go home over him, but there you have it.  There can only be one winner, the rest of them are all…uh…not winners.

Good Night folks!