The Really Real Simon-(not really new news)

"Jennifer Hudson said American Idol was a 'stepping stone' for her. Stepping stone? It was her big opportunity to become noticed and she got noticed and she got Dreamgirls," Cowell said, noting that other past contestants "deliberately turn against the show that made them successful. The reason (people) come on the show is because all the doors had been slammed in their face."

AND

Contestants Alaina Alexander, Leslie Hunt, Nicholas Pedro and AJ Tabaldo were voted off and tears were shed. Cowell questioned the sentiment. "Oh, please," he drolled. "My theory is why would you cry if one of your competitors is kicked off? Be delighted. They know the cameras are on. Trust me."

Above are direct quotes from the King of Mean. Who put the turd in his lunch bucket? Does he always have to be so negative? Getting him to be nice would be like nailing Jell-O to a tree. I know that you shouldn't coddle the contestants but I think he feels he must say negative things to bounce off the positive that Paula gushes at times. Very rarely has Simon said anything nice since I have been watching. I have temped in Hell and some of those bosses were nicer than Simon.

Just had to get that out of my system.

Kellie Pickler

It's like she's had plastic surgery to convert herself into Marilyn Monroe. Seriously, she's got a HUGE rack and a girly ass! When did that happen?

Seriously?

This whole vote for the worst thing is... well... the worst. If that is indeed what is keeping the worst people there.

Some things I noticed with the guys:



I think Sanjaya and Sligh had the same necklace on. And Brandon and Phil had the same necklace on.



Sanjaya- now that you have another chance, can you paleeeeeese show us why the judges put you through? And I don't care if you have a stylist, never wear that ensemble again. Never.

Phil- much better and less muppet-like this week.

Brandon- you are such great eye candy, and I really like your voice... please get better, though, so you will be safe against the worst people. And, please talk with your stylist about the pants that were channelling Urkel.

Jared- "Let's Get It On" dedicated to your parents? That's sick, dude.

-----------------------------------------

Some things I noticed with the girls:

I LOVE Gina. If she gets voted off, I hope she kicks someones ass as she's walking off stage or something... that would be awesome.

I have to agree with Simon about Stephanie's "Beyonce-ness". She's gorgeous, and her voice is wonderful... but be yourself girl!

Antonella- The 70's called, and they want their kitchen curtains back.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

...tonight the role of Effie White will be shared by Sanjaya Malakar and Antonella Barba.

Sing it ladies:

And I am telling you, I'm not going!

Valerie's View - March 1, 2007

Random thoughts:

Sanjaya stays and AJ leaves? That is wrong on so many levels, I don't even know where to start.

Why is Sundance such a crybaby? Did you notice how often the camera panned to him? Probably because he was the most emotional. He was crying more than the girls!

Here are my choices for those that should be in the final 12 (in no particular order):

Melinda**
Lakisha**
Jordin
Stephanie
Chris Sligh
Chris Richardson
Blake
Brandon (if he steps up)

I'm indifferent about the other contestants.

**favorites

Da Girls

As I said with the boys, the girls also need help with clothes. And I just read from "The Dale", the contestants get stylists. Good. I know the style is tight and to show as much as possible, and this may be my age, but I don't care to look at it. Never did.

Gina..a younger Joan Jett. Sounded like she strained.

Alaina...breathy and off key at times

Lakisha...very good, needs a bit more attitude

Melinda...my favorite, reminds me of Nancy Wilson with a little Ella thrown in

Antonella...in her disco dress, was off key

Jordin...2nd favorite, very good voice, needs more confidence

Leslie...bluesy Marianne Faithful

Haley...very Whitney but she had fun, liked her attitude

Sabrina...off key

And before Simon comments on the outfits he should try wearing something other than sweaters and muted colors. Why do I get to comment? I am an older woman who gets to...with age comes privilege.

No f**king way

If you are to believe the DialIdol site...


Stephanie and Gina are going home BEFORE Antonella! AND Sanjay is in second place -- before Chris! America is NUTS... WTF...

I guess we'll see if these predictions are true tonight!

Can they do it again?

It is time for the girls. The guys did a great job last night, but were they better than the girls? We'll see!

Gina Glockson: Where did her arm tattoos go? Where they fake or are the covered up with tons of make up? It started off a little rough, but she ended it pretty well. It's hard to hit the notes Heart hits... she did it though.

Alaina Alexander: I couldn't hear her during the chorus -- the background singers were louder than she was. She backed off too much. I liked it, but she didn't do as well as she did last week. She could be in trouble.

Lakisha Jones: I get chills the minute she opens her mouth. She sounds AMAZING! Final two -- Lakisha and Chris. (Of course I haven't heard Melinda yet)

Melinda Doolittle: She needs to fire her designer "Gayle" for putting that outfit together. She looked like a grandmother. She needs to look younger... not older! Her voice was amazing -- of course. Now I'm torn... Lakisha... Melinda... Lakisha... Melinda... I can't think about it. I love them both (but Melinda more). I just wish she'd get a new wardrobe.

Antonella Barba: She needs to go... she needs to pack up her skank ho, nasty self and move back to NJ. That was bad. bad. bad. Buh bye... (I hope) Who knows... maybe the porn thing will work out better for her. She should NEVER, EVER compare herself to Jennifer Hudson! Shame on her!

Jordin Sparks: Started off pretty shaky but she picked it up with the chorus. It's hard to sing Christina, but she did it OK. Not my favorite performance... but she does have a lot of talent. The kid will go far... maybe not in this competition, but we will definitely hear from her in the future.

Stephanie Edwards: I don't know that song, but it felt rushed. I told my hubby that she couldn't blow a song... could I have been wrong? She looked beautiful but that's not what this is about... is it? She held that note beautifully! The judges thought it was terrific (at least 2 out of 3)... was it? I don't know...

Leslie Hunt: She did a great job! MUCH better than last week. Don't know how I feel about the scatting... but all in all I think she may have saved herself from going home. I like her... not as much as Melinda, Lakisha, or Stephanie, but more than the others. I think she's in my middle picks.

Haley Scarnato: Another one of my middle picks. I think she is such a pretty girl and she did a good job with the song. It wasn't the best of the night, but it was better than last week.

I'm sick. sick. sick of Whitney songs though. Let's get original ladies! Quit it with Whitney and Celine. They are overdone and you will NEVER do it better than them. It is a waste of time because the judges will always tell you it wasn't good enough.

Sabrina Sloan: Bleh. Bored. She's pretty but I felt like she was screaming that song at me. Not impressed. Last week was better.

The girls were good, but I didn't see the overwhelming performances like last week. I think they are back on an even playing field with the guys.

Going home: Antonella and Leslie.

Da Boys

I know this is not a clothes contest but I think the contestants need to dress a bit better. The sloppy look is so annoying to me. It seems the guys tried to dress better this time...some of them. That said...
Phil...still my favorite.
Jared...off key
AJ...nothing special
Sanjaya...too Michael Jackson
Chris S...has got a good bluesy voice but that hair, do something better with the hair.
Nick...soulful
Blake...outfit was terrible but Paula like him...a lot. Singing just OK
Chris the other...not someone I would listen to regularly
Brandon...too nasal and breathy
Sundance...did make me smile because he is so in love with his new baby. He has good pipes.

As an aside I would like to go up and smack that smug look off of Simon's face. I just know he is thinking, "Gee, I hold these kids ego in my hands and I can smash it if I feel in the mood." Maybe not but that is the look on his face as he watches the contestants I think.
Randy at least was giving some positive comments now and then and Paula was just happy to be on TV.

Let's see what the girls will do.

Not nearly as bad as I was expecting

CP votes off:

1. Sanjaya
2. Nick

The CP Recap:

Phil Stacey. I thought Phil was great and all Simon can say is "you are a very good karaoke singer." This from the man who brought back Carmen-the-Mormon as his wildcard in Season Two. Get a life.

Jared Cotter. He's "challenging" himself with Marvin Gaye? He's lucky his father didn't murder him too. Was that harsh? Although I did like the egg down the face move. I'd kind of like him to do that to me. Randy thought it was hot, too. And God, Ryan, stop fawning like a school girl.

AJ Tabaldo. Mindy's little muffin of love. Singing Nina Simone. It was ok, but can I just tell you all, Gentle Readers, that CP is about to issue a moratorium on the black-singer glissando? I am OVER it, folks. Every single song in the world does not need that little ornamentation. For cripe's sake.

Sanjaya Malakar. Ok, Simon has not spoken yet, but I'll imagine he'll say it sounds like he was auditioning for a high school musical. There's something about this kid I just can't stand. And I feel bad about it because he seems nice. Good thing I'm not.

(ps: Randy just compared Sanjaya's performance to a bad high school talent show. I should have his job.)

I just realized the strangest thing about Chris Sligh. I have a co-worker who is a good friend and is a strikingly gorgeous woman. And in the oddest way Chris Slight looks just like her, down to the hair. Except that she only has one chin. Anyway, Chris has a nice voice and a nice vibrato. His performance was just slightly "Star Search" tonight, though. Not happy about that.

Nick Pedro. I've hated that "Fever" song ever since Madonna did it. Leave now please. Oh and Simon honey, charisma does not end with an R. PS: Nick, the "Vote for Pedro" joke was funny the first 20 times you said it. Give it a rest.

Blake Lewis. Min and I had pegged him as the possible Mormon contestant, although he surely would have come out with it by now to capture the LDS vote. Blake, I see you trying to convince us you're kind of cute, but hats like that always remind me of Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids.

Brandon Rogers. Aw. Time After Time. That's such a great song, and you were just mediocre at it. You gave it a good shot on that one "I will be waiting!" line, but it was just....flat. Sigh.

Chris Richardson. Yawn.

Sundance Head. You really need a makeover, dude.

It's their second chance

I missed the first 10 minutes of tonight... I was at my son's first play. He did fantastic -- thank you very much....

I don't know if I missed anyone and I'm too lazy to rewind my DVR and watch the beginning. I'll wait til the end -- or a commercial.

Jared Cotter: "Let's get it on" I love this song and he sounds pretty good singing it, too! I can't stand that ol' finger "come on" wave though. Much better than last week.

AJ Tabaldo: That sounded like a broadway performance to me. He has a really nice, smooth voice. SOOO much better than last week. The boys are stepping up!

OK -- I went back during a commercial and watched the first performer - Phil...

Phil Stacey: He always starts off pitchy. Bleh. That was a totally forgettable performance; I liked last week's better. Not impressed - he may be in trouble.

Now. Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

Sanjaya Malakar: Very sweet story behind the ring. A pony tail and earrings? Holy cow, is he trying to be his sister? I liked the hat only because it covered up those scary eyebrows. But we have to listen to his singing, right? Hmmm... it was OK. That's it. Just OK.

Chris Sligh: His wife if HAWT! WOW! I don't ususally like ballads, but that was awesome. That boy has such a soulful, clear, amazing voice. I could listen to him sing anything! He is totally safe and will be in the top 4 of this competition.

Nick Pedro: That was a good sound and song for him. He has a smokey, bluesy voice. MUCH better than last week. He's safe. Vote for Pedro.

Blake Lewis: Hate the hat - lose it. Now. He sings songs I don't know very well - if at all. I can't compare them to the original so I have to judge it on his version. I liked this one, but it didn't impress me too much. I liked last week's performance better. He brought out the beat box. I think he'll be safe only because he is a cutie pie and the young girls would sop him up with a biscuit.

Brandon Rogers: I want him to quit moving his hands around so much. I love spastic moves from Taylor... Brandon's aren't as endearing. I didn't really like his performance. I was bored. Very forgettable. He could be in trouble -- even though is a such a hottie! Hopefully he will stay and bring some excitement next week.

Simon is showing his a$$ tonight! Why is he being so ugly about Brandon wishing his dad a happy birthday. Dickhead.

Chris Richardson: Don't like his bobbing and weaving... that gets. on. my. nerves. I don't think Big Mama would like that song -- because she wouldn't know it! She'd say "What the HELL was that, boy? I wanted to hear some Tim McGraw!" (I wrote that before Simon said it -- I swear!) I think he did a good job though - bouncing and all. He's safe.

Sundance Head: Very endearing dedication. He did a great job -- I admit it. He sounded better tonight than I have heard him since his first audition. If he keeps singing like that, I may... may... change my mind about him. As long as I don't have to look at him. That was really good. He's safe.

I am happy that the boys brought it tonight. I think watching the girls last week scared the crap out of them. They knew they had to improve or it would be an all girl final. I still think there is only one guy that can hold a candle to the girls... any guesses?

Chris Sly

Did you know that Chris Sligh is a 'Christ-follower and a rock star'? Not that there's anything wrong with that.

His blog posts are down but if you check the link My Illustrious Band on MySpace you'll find him singing his heart out.

One to watch indeed.

On Second Viewing

In the UK, Sunday afternoons are about reruns. Most of the networks air shows that ran earlier in the week, and so it's the perfect opportunity to catch up if you missed something. I'm taking a break from my homework for lunch, and I was flipping channels for something to watch while I ate. They're playing AI again, and since it was the women singing and not those tone-deaf boys I decided to watch this. On second viewing, I've gained these insights:

1) Alaina is a cow. She is incredibly ungracious and full of herself.
2) Lakisha's performance really is as good as I thought. It holds up well to second (and third) viewings and you feel happy for her when she finishes.
3) I am now an AJ Tabaldo fan. Not because of his singing, but because of a camera shot during Lakisha's performance. Most of the time contestants try to look engaged, but are keeping an eye on the camera. AJ was not. He was on his feet, a look of pure joy, flailing his arms about as he whoopped for pure talent. That is a good man. Keep him around.

I now want next week to rid us of Alaina and Antonella from the ladies, and I'm thinking Jared Cotter and Chris Robinson from the men. Or maybe that littel boy with the eyebrows.

I'm ready to commit to Lakisha, Stephanie, Melinda, and Chris Sligh as my top four, with Leslie, AJ, Gina and Jordin in my keep-around file. Blake, Sundance, Nick and Phil round out my top 12, but I have no commitment to them right now, so I could easily turn on them. And if the threaten the safety of any of my babies I'll slit their throats like a chicken.

24 and counting down

We're finally where I love to be. I hate audition shows and can't be bothered really. But once we get to the part where they perform for real then I'm ready. Last year I had Elliot and Taylor pegged straight from the top, and had Chris, Mandisa and Paris in close pursuit. Admittedly, I was wrong about Mandisa and Paris got old quickly, but I was pretty damn close. Let's see how I do this year.

By the way, do you have to watch that moron Cat Deeley, or is she just forced on us by ITV2?
And why have I never noticed Ryan's hooknose before? What a profile. Bless him.

1. Rudy Cardenas - He interviews well, and he has really nice teeth. His singing, however, sucks ass. He mumbles, and his odd hand gestures are distracting. I think he might be the gay South American version of Ethel Merman. Go home.
2. Brandon Rogers - I think he's handsome. But I think he's always sharp. And last I looked at the calendar it was February, so what the FUCK with the white belt, my friend? Go home.
3. Sundance - I can't help it. I like the Goatman. I think he has potential. Get the stylists working on his goofy hair and fucked up beard and he'll be fine. Tonight he was pitchy, but I still believe there's something there waiting to wow us. By the way, I know what creeps you all out. The way he styles his hair looks vaguely horn-like and he's got a goat beard...if you painted him red and gave him a pitchfork he'd look like a big fat Satan, not unlike South Park Satan. Sadly, I think he's actually trying for rockabilly hipster. Bless.
   
4. Paul Kim - Word chewer. (CP, how on earth could you even consider voting for him? Rice queen.) Plus the barefoot thing is a stupid, stupid gimmick. Dumbass. You can't sing, you can't dance, and you need to stop with the pointing immediately. Put your shoes on and go home. And confidential to Ryan...if you want to debunk the gay rumours, stop with the pedicure knowledge.
5. Chris Robinson - I think the Mormon kid from the Fantasia Barrino year (JPL?) changed his name and is trying for a comeback. Watch for celestial underpants. And you're right. He's got a horrifically nasal voice. Can you imagine an album of that shit? Go home to Salt Lake.
   
6. Nick Pedro - Shakes his head and grabs his crotch when he sings, neither of which is a good thing. I think he waxes his eyebrows. He could be worse, but he isn't good. Still, there's a raspy, kind of husky thing going on in his voice that could be sexy with the right song. And he managed to fly up into the falsetto really easily and that could have been really miserable. He has nice teeth, too, though, and really pink lips. He doesn't need to go home yet, as long as he takes his hands out of his pockets. Seriously, pal, what's with the slouching? I bet he got really drunk and slept with someone really inappropriate when the Red Sox won the series.
   
7. Blake Lewis - The beatbox thing drives me up a tree. UP. A. TREE. He's shiny. And he couldn't have picked a dumber song if he'd tried. Except for maybe that stupid James Blunt Beautiful song, which I guarantee some asshole will sing this year. (I also find it odd that his middle aged dad knows the words to a Keane song.) And his hair is a little Jimmy Neutron for me. But he's endearing, and he has potential.
8. Sanjaya Malakar - I want to pet his eyebrows. Look at those soft, furry eyebrows. Imagine their silkiness. Mmmm....sillllkeeee. I think he's got a lovely voice, and he seems really sweet. He could be really great if he wasn't so boring. I think that his efforts to repress his homosexuality are making him suffocate any campness, which might be the one thing that could make him interesting. That, or playing up the similarity to Michael Jackson. People love that guy, even with all the child molesting. And why two buttons? Oh. And Sanjaya's teeth are lovely.
   
9. Chris Sligh - I love him. I love his hair. I love that he looks like Jack Osbourne. I love his jokes. I love that he hates Sweet Home Alabama. I love his song choice. He's really interesting, this kid, and he deserves to be famous. He will be a great famous person, unlike that surly Eddie Vedder or that retard Howie Mandel.
   
10. Jared Cotter - I cannot take you seriously. You make an Earnest Face when you sing. Your name is straight out of a Harlequin Romance. And stop with the Expressive Hands. Jazz Hands are at least funny. And when you try to stylise your vocals you lose your pitch and it's really annoying. You're right...your challenge is yourself. And now you're hitting on that skank Cat Deeley. Go home.
11. AJ Tabaldo - Again with the perfect teeth. Not a great singer, definitely not a great dancer. But he put forward a decent performance, so I'll let him stay. But someone please help him dress. Turned-up-collar polo shirt? You must be joking.
    
12. Phil Stacey - Personally, I'd shave the head a little less closely, because your eyebrows look really out of place on all that white forehead, Phil. And they've put too much blush on you tonight, my dear. You look like a prostitute. And you started out a little flat, though you came through in the end. But you're sweet. And I like bald men. So you can stay. This time.

I'd like to point out that, though you got a whole 22 hours between round one and round two, I am now only halfway through four hours of American Idol. Will be really pleased when they get more of these people eliminated. So far, I think Simon is on the money, though I don't know what he means about the student gig. Randy is trying for some of the glory by being a prick, but he is not succeeding. The worst part about back to back shows? You have to watch the performance summaries twice in a row. Most of these guys sucked the first time, let alone the second and third.

Now for the ladies. I think Paula is wearing a trench coat and has nothing on underneath. Please, Paula, don't flash us.

1. Stephanie Edwards - She's got great hair, she's wearing a great dress, and she's got bitchin' cleavage. Good song, lots of personality. Completely kicking ass. May have been on her knees, but did not dance like that retard Katherine McPhee. You kick ass.
2. Amy Krebs - That's an unfortunate dress. She was fine. Nothing great. Nothing horrific. Nothing noticeable. She's like chicken. Why order it? You could make it at home. Have the lamb instead.
   
3. Leslie Hunt - I like that she's a spaz. Spaz is good. But the spastic body motions are not good with the song. She's appealing, though, and I like her voice. In her profile she comes off as a bit of an alterna-chick, which would be a refreshing after the acres and acres of Whitney-wannabees that keep showing up on this show.
4. Sabrina Sloan - Her audition sucked so I wasn't sure she why she got here. Tonight I'd say she did a good job. Though there was some inappropriate smiling going on. Listen to your lyrics when you sing. It's like you're on the Weather Channel glamming to the camera while you tell us about a tsunami. Keep singing like that, though, and you have a chance.
   
5. Antonella Barba - I'm naming this one Jersey Skank-Ho until she goes. She sucks, her outfit is appalling, and she has really bad grammar. And really bad taste in friends. And did you see her parents in the audience? Talk about Jersey Barbie and Ken. Go away, little girl.
   
6. Jordin Sparks - I like this girl, especially because she makes Ryan look like a midget. That's one hell of a voice coming out of a 17 year old girl. I mean, SERIOUSLY. Well done!
7. Nicole Tranquila - Don't let this girl dance. What is up with the faces and the odd annunciation? Stop doing that! You are not Mary J. Blige. STOP IT. STOP IT RIGHT NOW. Go to your room.
8. Hayley Scarnato - She would benefit from charm school, as she has no presence when she's interviewed. Singing a dumb song, wearing an odd jumpsuit. Isn't this a Meatloaf song? Or maybe Celine Dion....same thing. She's fine. But I don't love her. In fact, I think I hate her.
   
9. Melinda Doolittle - She rocks. She completely rocks. She's got composure, she's got style, and she's got serious pipes. How is it possible she's been a background singer? She holds the stage. I wish her neck were longer, though.
10. Alaina Alexander - She pissed me off with her Nina Simone song in auditions because girls like her should not be singing Nina Simone. She looks like Mariah Carey, by the way, which bugs me. She's not horrific, though she was a bit pitchy. And it was a stroke of brilliance to sing that Pretenders song...no one knows what the lyrics are, so it won't matter if you forget them. But the part you can understand makes you sound desperate.
11. Gina Glockson - I like Gina. It's about time we have an American Idol with a pierced tongue. She's a little flat, but somehow that seems appropriate for this song. Her mom is cute. I say GO GINA GO.
12. Lakisha Jones - She's from Flint MI, so she deserves to win. I really like her voice and, while I get tired of hearing the single mother story, at least she's not the Crack Baby. Takes some guts to get on the stage and sing that song while Jennifer Hudson is echoing around the world, but she did a standup job. Yes, Lakisha, I'm going to love you.

Rudy Cardenas is pissing me off even when he's in the audience. Thank god he went.

Vote Early, Vote Often

I was reading Chancelucky's blog and he mentioned in a comment that there is a site called Vote For The Worst. Hilarious and it possibly explains Antonella's staying power.

They mentioned on the big show last night that Stony Bennett and Martina McBride are going to be on helping to coach the kids this year. Let's hope they get to Tony early as he seemed a little befuddled when he helped out on Canadian Idol last season. Martina helped the Canadian kids too last season. She was less befuddled.

That is all.

Fifty percent

I got 50% of my predictions right!

Paul and Rudy --- um -- - buh-bye.

As for the ladies...

I can understand Ms. Tranquilizer. She was so dull.

BUT

Why the hell did America send Amy home before Antonella? Huh? Explain that to me? Is it because the little New Jersey chick looks good and likes posing for nude photos?

I guess it makes good T.V.

Oh well. There is always next week.

I take back my prediction...

Because if people vote based on talent rather than if they like pretty boys, than I think it just might be a lady. And, I promise not to predict anymore, because I've been shocked before by this show.

I do have to wonder what the hell was up with Paula's drunken Charro hairdo and Inspector Gadget inspired top, though.

Antonella I think will definitely be going home.

My favorites were Stephanie and Melinda.

So tonight we get the hour long torture of who's going home. I'm on the west coast, so I'll skip it and just look out for spoilers.

The ladies are doin' it for themselves

Thank God for tonight's recovery. I was worried about the future of the series after that debacle the men showed us last night.

My picks for the ladies' top 6 (in no particular order)

* Sabrina. I thought it was funny how she made a big point about NOT doing a ballad because they don't work for anyone - and then following her, that train wreck Antonella did a ballad - and sucked all the way through it.

* Jordin. Way to belt out a Tracy Chapman. Poor George called her ghetto chic.

* Stephanie. She gets brownie points for opening the show with a number that convinced me I don't need to stop watching....yet.

* Melinda. I agree with Marni that she is a favorite. She's the one I'm going to favor for a while.

* Gina. Another favorite of mine. I loved her voice and I think she really cranked that "Go Fuck Yourself" song that I hate so much. But she belted every bit as good as Celine (who only learned English about two weeks ago, or so I hear.)

* Lakisha. She was great, but I'm not sure I trust her. She has a little too much Mandisa in her and we all know how that ended up (showing her true colors after getting voted off.) Plus, I think she was just aping Jennifer Hudson on that song. The jury is out on her as far as I'm concerned.

My Als0-Ran: the crazy looking Holly Hunter-looking girl. She was just enough of a spaz to create "Taylor Lite." I think the judges fucked with her too much and now she won't know which way to turn her head. She might end up looking like one of those bobble-head dolls people put in their car windows. That can only be .... bad?

The men all pause

It's time for the women to perform. If they suck as bad as the guys I don't think I'll be able to watch any more. Last night was painful... I hope tonight is better.

I will once again be typing as the performances are happening... that is why it sounds so jumpy. I hope it makes sense!

Here we go!

Stephanie Edwards: The first female singer blows every single guy out of the water. Gotta love a Georgia girl! What a beautiful voice, face, and personality. Love her!!!!!!! Top 10!

Amy Krebs: She sings a little nasally (is that a word?)... she did OK. A few missed notes. Still better than the boys. I have to agree with Simon -she doesn't "stand out"

Leslie Hunt: She's a dog walker and according to her "quick facts" on the Idol page she has lupus. I'm a sucker for red-headed men... and I like her, too! There is room for improvement, but she was better than Amy! I do want her to get rid of the head jerks... THAT gets on my nerves. Definitely top 12.

Sabrina Sloan: Don't like her poodle hair - isn't that sad? She does have a nice voice, though. She may have moved to my number one spot in front of Stephanie. GREAT job! I hope they straighten her hair.

Antonella Barba: She's gone. Yuck. Nasally, off pitch... horrible. The only thing that could possibly save her is her looks, but even that may not help. Simon said he doubts she will remain this week and I totally agree. I wonder if her BFF has forgiven her yet? Will she be waiting at the airport when she gets home?

Jordin Sparks: Another poodle... great. She has such a pretty face and I do like her voice; a lot of control and maturity in it. She did a fantastic job! She's top 10.

Nicole Tranquillo: She's a plain Jane isn't she? With a voice to match! Gotta go... tomorrow night. Not impressed at. all. Too much screaming to cover up her lack of singing talent. The judges say that she can sing, but I didn't hear it. I needed a tranquilizer to get through that one...

Haley Scarnato: Do you get the Katherine McPhee vibe from her? Not voice wise, but her look? A little pitchy and shaky. She's not the best. If she doesn't go home tomorrow she will be gone next week. I still think she did better than Antonella and Nicole.

Melinda Doolittle: She always looks like her shoulders are bunched up around her neck. It makes her look silly and awkward, but my gosh does she have a voice! Ok... forget what I've said before... Melinda is MY NUMBER ONE female. I love her. She is AWESOME. She will be in the finals -- and may win this whole thing.

Alaina Alexander: Bleh. Not impressed. I don't think she's very good. Only heard a couple of notes in tune. Maybe she should go.

Gina Glockson: I think she has an attitude and I'm still not sure if I like her. She picked a great song and held that long note better than I could have! She's safe for this week... I'm interested to see what else she has in her. Top 12.

Lakisha Jones: I love it when a "big girl" shows up the skinny little brats. Lakisha did just that. She has some amazing pipes! I loved. loved. loved her performance! She is full of peronality... Brionne should be so proud of her mama! She may give Melinda a run for her money! I think it was the first performance that I saw Simon smile afterwards. He looked so smug. "Jennifer Hudson watch out!" indeed.

So who's going home from the ladies? Antonella and Alaina.

Before last night I predicted a guy would win this competition. After tonight I have changed my mind. We are gonna have a woman win and I'm putting my money on Melinda. If I had to pick a guy, it would be either Chris Sligh, Blake Lewis or Jared Cotter. (I can't decide between them). But it WILL be one of the ladies.

What a great night!

A prediction...

I think a guy is going to win this year.

The guys are all better looking than the girls, in my opinion. There are like 2 or 3 girls that would pass as hot, and tons of boy-band looking guys. And, I'm almost positive that at least 80% of the voters are 13 year old girls.

I didn't think any of the guys did too horrible. Ones that stood out to me were:

Rudy- he was the first one, so I'll cut him some slack, but he needs to relax and pick a better song if he makes it through.

Brandon- oooh baby!

AJ- I got a very ADD/fidgety vibe from him that kinda bugged me.

Phil- something about him really really REALLY reminds me of a muppet.