AI Top 1-3....

OK so did everyone hear about the phone# issue? That when you dialedthe extra contestant's number (idol1-3) you actually got a phone $ex line? Yeah. Pays to check on this stuff first. On to the show!

Lil - the way you make me feel
Too slow in tempo – huge butt awful pants! – wonder if she can do a song without belting. Actually – I don’t like it. I’m bored.

Scott - keep the faith

I thought this was good. Cheesy but good. I figure MJ must have given rights to his catalog since he just announced a new “farewell” tour and wants people to remember he used to be pretty good.

Danny - PYT
Kinda awkward beginning but then warmed up, liked the grittiness but was on the verge of shouting at times, liked it - good start to the show.ohhh…I’m scared…love his voice but not sure about this…hey! I think he’s pulling it off! Yay! OMG he’s got the Taylor Hicks sweaty sportcoat! ICK!

Michael - You are not alone-

So very happy..wow – I’m surprised actually…a little rought spot in the middle and his enunciation is kind of flat but overall not bad…why did his family all dress like Jackson Pollack interpretations of bumblebees?

Jasmine - I’ll be there
Love her dress…don’t spit into the mic…she does NOT look 17. I think she needs coaching – she’s a little uneven but could be an improver week to week. I’m not crazy about it. Oh look! Her Moms got a new weave! Pat your weave, girl, pat your weave…

Kris - Do You Remember

Why is Paula dancing? The guitar is completely pointless. OK, boring. It amazes me that MJ did all these sort of normal hetero songs. Hey Dave – why does his guitar look really long? “Adorable $sexy”?!...hey, random gay dude in audience agrees!

Allison - Give it to me
I love it! She’s gotta not say “Ho kay” but I love her low husky range. Very Joan Jett/Patti Smith/Pink. I love her!

Anoop - Beat It

This could be a bad choice…2nd half got a little better….not great. He looks like the dude from Harold and Kumar go to White Castle. Wow – Paula being original and truthful…Anoop-dawg- you in trouble

Jorge - Never can say goodbye

he surprises me every time he sings – even though he looks like the Joker sometimes – really good though. Geesh his family’s really white?????

Megan - Rockin’ Robin
Stupid song! She could get by on cute..oh man she might be going home…isn’t it “go Rockin’ Robin”? she’s CAWING?!?!?! Oh good bye
p.s. checked Jackson 5 lyrics for the song and she sang the wrong words…repeatedly
Gordon Ramsey!? I love you!!!!

Adam - Black or White

Look at him…walking down the street, being interviewed, in the recording studio, and he only owns one plaid shirt…I hope he wins so he can expand his selection of tops…it’s so sad… He kinda reminds me of the now deceased lead singer of INXS and now deceased Jim Morrison, they all had that snaky, slinky movement…I hope he keeps his tongue in his mouth… OMG!!!!!!! BEST OF THE NIGHT!! But I’m not sure if he’s the Idol, or if he should be in a production of Rent or Jesus Christ Superstar… I’m not sure where he fits. He’s kinda Eddie Izzard in drag… What is with the extreme close-up of his face?! Stop it! What? He loves Michael Jackson? Oh Stop…that’s shocking….He’s also huge next to Ryan

Matt - Human Nature
Dang how do you follow Adam? And why are his parents talking like he’s dead? His instrumental sounds like if Toto did an arrangement of it in the early 80’s. But I kinda like him. Little flat on the highs and the ending is lame …not the absolute best but totally agree with Randy – I see Justin Timberlake every time I look at him.




huh? My dvr cut this off????!!!

I think the huge winner is Adam. I think Megan is a goner.

AI Wildcard ...

I love hindsight, don’t you?

’tell me something good”
I thought it was a very weird song choice. And all I could think of was the episode of That 70’s Show where Eric is traumatized after he walks in on his parents one morning and see things no child should ever see, and that song was playing on the radio, and he would have horrible flashbacks everytime he heard it. That’s seriously all I could think about. But I really think this girls’ style is too much for Idol and also more than the American public wants to hear weekly.

Matt G sang some Stevie Wonder, right? I don’t remember the song but I remember being much happier about it and thinking he’s very “now” looking. A little Justin Timberlake-ish.

Megan J - I really don’t think this chick’s gonna last. She’s got a style and I HATE her dance moves, but I was very surprised at the end that she made it through.


And I still think Von looks like a Squirrel. I did think this was very weak. Not good.

Jasmine - Man I do not remember these songs… I will take notes next time….again, I was surprised that she made it through. I’m not sure she’ll last because I think she needs more training.

dude who's name I cannot even remember just sang something....Pass…not memorable

Tatiana – do NOT sing the same song 3x in a row. Only one girl has ever gotten away with it, and she stopped after the judges told her to knock it off. (remember...season 2, maybe...Yes! Kimberly Locke...kept singing Over The Rainbow...yeah don't do that). And THAT was THE most dramatic exit I have ever seen. She shouldn't be that sad - she's got Paula's costume jewelry!

ANOOP doop a doop…I love Anoop but I am not feeling comfortable with a top…1 3 see I don’t even want to put the numbers next to each other…

Who will LEAVE the first show? If we’re only doing one at a time my money’s on Matt….but we will wait til the fat lady sings…or whoever….

AI Group 3

"You're All I Need To Get By" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Von S - it’s ok but he’s got some control issues because he overpowers himself easily. I can’t look at him though. Like the screaming Squirrel in that commercial where the car is careening down the road and everyone is screaming including the crazy-looking wife…

Taylor V - "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys
she’s the oldest looking 18yr old I’ve ever seen. Yeah, not crazy good but good.

Alex W/T - "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" by Elton John
Kd – I was all psyched for this guy but now I gotta say, WTF was that? Ugh.

Arianna A - "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA
ohhhh that was baaaadddd…she lost the pitch at the beginning, couple of cracks, and that was it…noooo waaayyy

Junot J - "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's
I don’t know why anyone would sing this song. It’s about somebody being stalked basically and he’s gonna try to turn it into some soft r&b thing. I hated it.

Kristen - "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman
all the clothing was kinda bizarre. My grandmother woulda picked that outfit for me. I can sing that song. It was good but I’m not THAT impressed.

Nate M - "I'd Do Anything For Love" by Meatloaf
I loved his grandmother’s less than enthusiastic response… she’s “used to his music”. Yeah, like I’ve gotten used to having cramps once a month. This was a horror show. If Meatloaf was dead, he’d turn over in his grave.

Felicia B - "No One" by Alicia Keys
now I am intrigued by why they called her…hmmm….but it was eh. I hate this song too.

Scott M - "Mandolin Rain" by Bruce Hornsby
DK: It's hard to hate on the blind guy but this was just an ave performance
Kd – I don’t think it’s hatin’ and I agree. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I don’t want him to keep getting through on sympathy.

Kendall B - "This One's For The Girls" by Martina McBride
I don’t like Martina Mc Bride – man this is NOT my night! – and this girl…I’ll pass

Jorge N - "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" by Elton John
there’s something mildly pathetic about Jorge and he makes you want to root for him. He actually sounded very good when I heard this on the radio. Why is it that people get so excited when someone sings this song?

Lil R - "Be Without You" by Mary J. Blige
I like Lil but don’t know how far she will make it. I don’t know if she’s versatile enough, soft enough, just like I like my jammies – versatile and soft! Yeah!

On to the wildcard!

AI Group ...2

Hands-down: Allison, Adam and……Norman Gentle….I just love him….

And here’s why

“Love Song”
Jasmine M - What a disappointment – wrong song, wrong key, just wrong

Cold Play song
Matt G -
I don’t like Cold Play but this was just weird anyway – frenetic, not him, another disappointment because I had liked him until this.

can’t remember her song – how’s that for forgettable
Janine V - I was completely distracted by the thought that I think she may actually be a drag queen. But of the first 3 she was the best – then quickly faded away…not good enough… and really hammy….I didn’t like that.

And I am Telling You
Nick M - I’m sorry but I just love this guy. Yes, I voted for him! And I’ve heard him sing better so the singing here was a disappointment. He really can do better. It’s ok to add in the silliness I think so long as the quality of your vocals is up there.

Alone
Allison I -
Holy Mackerel child, where did you come from?! She blew me away. Really really good. Can she sustain it week after week? We’ll see…

another song I don’t remember (man in the mirror)
Kris A - Yeah, I remember thinking the song was odd but also that I enjoyed his voice. Good enough to get through. Eh.


Put Your Records On
Megan C - I like this song, and for the most part she did a good job, cute, some weird dancing, and I agree with Simon, a little shouty in the middle. Now whenever I hear someone sing a song like this though, I have to ask – is that your voice, or are you channeling the original singer of this stylized song. The thing about this Corrinne Bailey Rae song is that it is bluesy ( a little Lady-Day-ish in her sound) and very restrained. Is that who you are? I think she could be a wildcard. And yeah, what’s up with the sleeve, man?!

forgettable song (if you can only see... Tonic)
Matt B - What’s up with the mediocrity and songs so boring that I don’t remember them today. I can recall thinking ok this is nice….NEXT! He’s a goner.

Bette Davis Eyes
Jesse L - What a stupid song. It is just not a singer’s song and you need that right now. She won’t move on, but she would have been interesting to hear.

oldie that I don’t remember
Kai K - .Just like Matt B – lovely background music, pleasant, but *yawn*…these people aren’t bringing their A game and I am completely perplexed.

don’t remember the song – AGAIN!
Mishovana H - She was OK – my ears weren’t shriveling up from the sound but just so so blah….

Satisfaction
Adam L - WOW WOW WOW – he’s got a lot of stuff wrong (weird hairstyle, kinda glam/goth, tongue affectation when he hits the big notes), but so much is right – he is hammy in the right way, he is very, dare I say it, Freddie Mercury – I love it!!!!

Winner - Allison & Adam, but my 3rd….Nick/Norman

I will refrain from choosing wildcards until is said and done… it’s too hard … well wait I’ll choose from Group 1 since they’re done: Anoop, Jackie, and yes, I do believe, Tatiana. And that’s based on the theory that it’s judges’ choice, which we don’t know yet. There’s some stories out there that are unconfirmed on how that group will be picked. So if it’s on votes, then my 3 wildcards would be different….(and in fact you could probably figure out if you watched the vote off show in the first place).Whaddya think?

Don't hate me because I'm right

Yes yes yes I know - my Idol predictions came true....what can I say? he Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey, Michael Roughneck (I can't remember his last name), all in.

So we watched Batman the Dark Knight with Heath Ledger last night and man was he good. My favorite Joker moment? When he was dressed like a nurse in the hospital with Harvey "Two-Face" Dent and just said "Hi" as if he were filled with chagrin. Awesome. It really was good. Dark and violent (definitely NOT for kids) but really good.

So let me tell you what happened with my cheesecake for the Batman's birthday. I followed a Paula Deen recipe instead of my tried and true one and it looked beautiful but when we cut into it. Yep, RAW. Ugh! I was so mad! Put it back in the oven for about another hour and just crossed my fingers that it wasn't completely ruined. It's ugly now but cooked and tasting fine. Shoulda stuck with what I know.

Anyone watch OC Housewives finale? Ok, so I knew all along because I read Gretchen's blog that Jeff died before they aired any of these shows. But man, these women are royal biatches, judging what she does, and saying the relationship isn't real. I can't wait to see the reunion - I hope she pulls someone's extensions out. I haven't watched my NYC housewives yet....shortly....while I am folding laundry...

Top Chef - Stefan, I've had with your smugness and it will be your downfall. My money's on Carla. You go girl!

Oscars tomorrow night and I'm considering making a conscious effort to watch more nominees and review them here. So long as an emotional journey isn't involved. that may leave Slumdog Millionaire out for me. Why can't Shrek be nominated? I've seen it a million times already. Oh well. *sigh*

AI Email-blog - Group 1

I am craving a coke and not sure why?????


Marilyn's predictions:
Winners:
Alexis
Danny
Ricky

Alexis and Danny totally nailed it!

I liked Tatiana, but I don't think she'll make it tonight-however
she'll probably make the wild card show in a couple of weeks.


Ladies and gentlemen, start your voices:

Jackie T - “A little Less Conversation”
DK: Wasn't horrible, never a fan of the low bending over, good energy, ave vocals at best – bye
KD – I am so frightened of her pants I can barely listen. I think though the tempo is too slow. A like that she did her own thing with it, but it actually turned out a little dark for me, kinda like if Jim Morrison came back from the grave and decided to do a remake of this song. I don’t think it’s gonna get her to the next round.

Ricky B - What the heck was that song? I don’t even know.
DK: Great voice, pretty tone, nice control - liked it
KD: He’s got an excellent voice but I don’t know if he’s got the star quality to get through. I think he’ll make the wildcard round.

Alexis G - “I Never Loved a Man”
DK: I wasn't a fan, thought she had some major intonation problems especially in the lower register - agree her look is much improved but just didn't do it for me. Paula seems slightly buzzed
KD: LOVED IT – she’s staying. She felt that song from her head to her toes

Brent K - “Hicktown”
DK: Not feeling it dog - but I don't like country, forgettable – bye
KD: TOTALLY FORGETTABLE – I agree with Simon. I thought if he wanted to do something like that he should have taken advantage of the background vocals that were available and done Boomtown’s “Boondocks

Stevie W - Some Taylor Swift song
DK: The beginning was a mess, I really like her tone but overall kinda a wreck - she's too young – bye
KD – AWFUL – lost her pitch, voice had no support, low range is just missing, couldn’t catch her breath. She’s a goner.

Anoop - “angel eyes”
DK: If you closed your eyes you would never guess that its a kinda dorky looking Indian guy singing this - he can really sing but I'm not sure he pulled this off. Very nice warm, pleasant tone. I've always liked him - we'll see
KD – UNSURE – I really like Anoop and have from the beginning because I think the tone of his voice is so pleasant, but this song was just boring. If you don’t have people on their feet and smiling in this round, you may be on the chopping block

Casey C - “Everything She Does”
DK: so off tune, bad, oh well - a great bikini model tho. Soooooo bye
KD – that was nuts. She’s so beautiful (like a little mini Kat McPhee) but dang she don’t sound like her. At one point, she was just opening her mouth and yelling aaaaahhhhh. Ew. Bye bye.

Michael S - “Lately” (I think that’s the name of the song)
DK: Great song choice, did a nice job. He's such a likable guy.
KD – I think he’s gonna be #3 through just simply because this was so enjoyable. And I love how he looks like a gorilla next to Ryan Seacrest on the couch.

Anne Marie B - “Natural Woman”
DK: Kinda boring at first but warmed up a little, technically good but no wow. (and where was the "ayoop" by the background singers early on?)
KD – NOT GOOD – I was so annoyed by how she pronounced “feel” and that was a killer for me. There was no “L” on the end of the word. It was a back of the throat guttural end to the word so it actually comes out “feegl”. See ya wouldn’t wanna be ya.

Steven F - “Don’t Stop”
Dk: sooo eh. forgettable, really poor song choice
KD – No please stop. It was just a-right for me dawg, if I may quote Randy. No fire, no excitement. I don’t appreciate that they didn’t follow through during the auditions on their “if you F up you’re gone”. Apparently not. Btw I notice that now Paula just copies whatever Randy AND Cara say. Greeeaaaat.

Tatianna - Whitney Houston song I can’t recall
DK: Even tho she is not likable her singing was technically very good, Maybe good enough - she definitely has a voice.
KD – I remember sitting there being surprised at her reserve. She is a very good singer. If she can tone down the over-the-top quotient we might get somewhere. Notice also that Paula had managed to replace the star ring that she gave Tatiana in Hollywood. I bet she’s got a closetful for her next QVC sale.

Danny G - “Hero"
DK: Excellent, technically perfect - great emotion - by far the best of the night.
KD – He is my favorite guy right now (and has been of whom I’ve seen). I wouldn’t be jumping out of my chair over this song like Randy, Paula and Cara, but it was really good. Plus he’s got a back story I think the producers just plain set him up last so he naturally makes it to the next round.

DK: So overall a pretty bad night:
KD - I agree – pretty mediocre night

DK's Winners - Danny G, Ricky B and (gulp) Tatianna
Karen’s picks – Danny G, Alexis G, Michael S

The day of which we shall not speak

Ok I was typing away and my stuff disappeared but I will recreate because I love you all and you're worth it.



Let us not mention what today is. I do not like to speak it's name or number. I am paranoid and superstitious and will remain that way, thank you very much. But I will feel better when it is tomorrow.



I do believe we have reached maximum joy, if that's even possible, with the reality tv right now. What's in my line-up? Survivor started last night, Amazing Race will start Sunday, we have OC Housewives going out but the ladies of NYC on their loud and fairly not classy way in, Top Chef is getting good, Hell's Kitchen is up and running, Paranormal State and Ghosthunters International have new episodes, Bret Michaels increased the skank quotient on his Love Bus threefold, AMERICAN IDOL NEED I SAY MORE, and then, to what do my wondering eyes should appear, but this magically dark and frightening cooking competition!

http://www.nbc.com/Primetime/Chopping_Block/
(sorry can't embed the video)

Was is das?! Chef Marco Pierre White hosts the Chopping Block????? I must know more. He made Gordon Ramsey cry?! The hell you say! Chef at the Yew Tree in England - oh I just read the menu and I must go now because they have one of my favorite things: a cheese plate with quince paste/jelly...oh how I love that....

Actually he's a fairly prolific chef with quite a career:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Pierre_White

So March 11th for that!!!



What else? So this low/no carb thing...I am starving all the time. I just ate 3 eggs plus a ginormous tomato and I am still starving. Would someone please tell me what else I can eat? I'm not losing any weight either. So my doc says, well are you exercising? I say yes - pilates, yoga, zumba, whatever I can get to with my schedule. She says are you doing anything weight bearing? I said I'm bearing my own weight, lady. Well then, there you go, says she. You need to do weight bearing exercise. UGH. Ok so first I starve myself. Nada. Jenny Criag. No luck. South Beach diet. Nuttin. Why? Apparently if i carried around more than a 25 lb baby, or at least carried him around while I was exercising then I'd be a size 4 again. Seriously? I might have to shell out for that nutritionist after all.



Now I know I am not updating you on reality TV why? I haven't caught up. Not even on Survivor. Damn that DVR! It is evil - I watch everything but what's actually on. I have decided that if I were younger, I would be Ryan's college girlfriend (he of the Penn State Paranormal Society), although I'm picking up some gaydar there. And of course that if I were a stripper I'd be on the Love Bus. I am reserving Idol thoughts until we have our first 12 contestants compete on Tuesday. Which it appears they are not doing the boy/girl thing; it's co-ed. Great. I was intrigued btw, by Natasha's make-up on the Love Bus. I hadn't seen anything quite like it.

why would you want to have this droopy dawg thing going on with the eyes? like a sad Halloween mask.

and in case you didn't know she is a) a porn star, b) an actual girl, not a man, although it wouldn't surprise me.

Until AI Tues.....smell ya later.....