American Idol 2011...Finale...and the winner is:

Still a little disappointed it's these 2 in the finale...but I guess I have to get over it. I was underwhelmed last night with Scotty...but I have never been a fan of his. Lauren did great with her first 2 songs and really did fantastic with her last song. Scotty's single was kinda blah. I still don't have high hopes for Lauren winning 'cause of those silly tweens out there...

I'm halfway through the show...Marc Anthony is singing and I am waiting for J-Lo to appear since she isn't in the judges seat.

My fav performances so far...Jack Black with Casey and TLC minus the L...may she rest in peace...and of course they were singing an ode to my senior year of HS...don't go chasing those waterfalls kids.

Hey there's J-Lo reenacting her fly girl days!:) Oh and Sheila E...which David called from the beginning.

I was completely annoyed by freakin' Judas Priest and James but laughed when there number was followed by the gospel music including Miss Gladys Knight. I also thought that maybe they didn't need to sing all of Beyonce's songs before she made her appearance. I do wish they made the top 12 girls dance along with Beyonce in those ridiculous heels...how does she not break her ankle?

Now our top 12 boys are singing...who in the world picked these songs? AHHHH Tom Jones...Hearing them does make me remember how much I loved Stephano and Paul. (Shot to Jack Black...dude is groovin' and still crackin' me up).

Have I ever mentioned I can't stand Lady Gaga...I may be the only one...but I do. I don't hate her songs, I just can't watch her...I'd rather listen to Glee sing her songs.

Did I also mention that I fast forwarded through Tim McGraw...I won't however be fast forwarding through Carrie Underwood, because I love her...and it wouldn't be an AI event with out her. Sadly, as much as I like Lauren, Carrie's voice just puts her's to shame.

All the little clips of the contestants being all snappy are hilarious.

and if you haven't noticed...the last few weeks have been the Beyonce and Lady Gaga show. I like me some Beyonce...but seriously...speaking of seriously...Spiderman? It's a good thing I LOVE Bono and The Edge, or I'd be fast forwarding this too. I'm still SO sad that I wasn't at Rice Eccles last night...I need to attend another U2 concert...one ain't enough.

Steven Tyler is missing from the judges seats....ohhhh baby this could be good...so good. I LOVE that man!

And the winner is (already a minute late...thanks DVR for recording long)...

Scotty

(blech)

Alright America...your next country star has been crowned:)

Yes...I'm still watching AI.

I know I haven't blogged since like week 2 or 3 of this AI season...I've just haven't cared that much to share my thoughts each week. I've been annoyed with the contestants who have remained and those who have left. I miss Paul...but I thought since next week is the finale I would share 2 thoughts...

#1...I am SO FREAKIN' happy that James went home last week. I could not stand that kid from day one and I was clappin all alone in my house last Thursday when they put Scotty into the final 3 instead of James. Happy!

(I don't know if this is the strongest final 3 we have seen...however...with the 4 that were around last week...I'm then happy with these 3...did I mention I miss Paul?)

#2...I really wanted Hailey to go home the first week or so...but I'm not going to lie (and I have been a Lauren fan since she sang with Steven in her city audition) but I am really leaning for Hailey to win it all. I have appreciated her a TON the past few weeks...she seems to have come into her skin on stage and her unique voice has totally grown on me...AND...I also appreciate that she picks songs that aren't so popular at this moment or well known and then knocks them out of the park despite what the judges may say...

Those are my thoughts....I'm sure I'll have something to say next week for the finale:)

Oh....and if you aren't watching The Voice you should...I LOVE it!

AND....Dance starts next week and I couldn't be more excited!

Elimination week 1

Bottom 3: Haley-Karen-Ashthon (I had 2 of the three right...with Karen as my standby-not bad)

Going home: Ashthon....no surprise here....I won't miss her.

I forgot about the save thing...they aren't saving her...there's a shock.

I won't be in town next week...I won't be able to watch....and I won't have access to the internet...so you are on your own, unless AJ or Jo-Dan want to fill in...it's up to you gallies!

Have a great weekend!

The top 13....2011

So....my DVR wasn't loving me last Thursday...or my son has gotten too smart and deletes my shows so I can't watch them and have to play with him:) Either way, I missed the show where the top 13 got picked....oh well. My favorites are in and some of the annoying ones are out, so I won't complain too much! :)

Songs by their personal idol.

Lauren (you all know I love her)...idol: Shania Twain. Any man of mine. Not my favorite of her performances....a little "yelly" and she sounds nervous for the first time. Still love her big voice. (and don't say thank you at the end of your performance). I agree with the judges...she's young, someone help her pick better songs.

Casey: idol: Joe Cocker. With a little help from my friends. Could be a good song for him. Oh boy...he's got the choir out on the first week. this kid's voice is great....I do like him a lot. Sorry sweet Lauren, but he just blew you out the water. Again....totally agree with the judges.

Ashton: She's lucky the judges got a pick....'cause I don't really like this girl all that much. Idol: Diana Ross...only 'cause the judges told her she is like Diana. When you tell me that you love me. Rough start girl....rough. Got a little better....but still don't like her.

Paul: Idol: Ryan Adams. Come Pick Me Up. I really like this kid...really like. I want him to do well. Again, not my favorite performance...dang it. Steven just said "Pitchy"....I agree....just funny. And Randy just name drops...silly Randy. Vote America Vote.

Pia is pretty: Idol: Celine Dion....risky girl...risky. All By Myself. First time ever that I will say that I am not booing at her picking a Celine song. This girl has got a voice on her and I loved it. Keep it up Pia....Keep it up! Jennifer's crying....Randy's putting her in the group with his "big 3 of girls"....Steven wishes he was 30 years younger:)

James (I really can't stand this kid): Idol: Paul McCartney. Maybe I'm Amazed. I really wish he wouldn't sing anything related to the Beatles...blech. Not his best beginning. Wasn't horrible...still don't like him. I know he has fans and ain't going anywhere...so I will just tolerate. Annoying dude...quit making the girls scream by raising your hands....that's just showing us you are full of yourself.

Haley. Idol: Leann Rimes. Blue. Did you have to wear a blue dress? She's about to start doing a hula dance....no I think she is doing one. It's Hawaiian Country. If you like the country thing, it's not bad...I don't really like the real country, country. These little girls need to learn not to say thank you at the end of the performances. Steve just said that if you listen carefully you can hear the rest of America roaring, then qualified it with "the country western part"....he knows. I may be with Randy on the boring side....she tried to liven it up with some hula dancing, give her a break. See? They just did their own luau comparison...

Jacob. Idol: R Kelly (really? your church voice is gonna sing a child molesters song? weird). I Believe I Can Fly. Okay....I can see that song by you. Did you borrow the earrings from R. Kelly too? Here comes another choir....kinda need one for this song....or maybe Jordan shootin' hoops. Okay...ending is too screamy.

Thia: Idol: Michael Jackson. Smile. She just called Charlie Chaplin...Chapman. She has no idea who he is....awesome. She has a pretty voice....I just don't know if I care all that much for her. Like the switch up to the faster beat. Fits her age better. Funny that the judges liked the beginning better.

Stefano. Idol: Stevie Wonder. Lately. I like this kid too. Do Washington proud kid...do us proud. I wish he was wearing his Seattle Sonics "robbed" shirt again. I'd never seen it till he wore it last Wednesday, then I saw it on a guy in Seattle this last weekend. I want one:) He's doing much better then he did last week....not nasally...good job kid. You got J-lo rockin' out.

Karen (really can't stand this girl...really). Idol: Selena. The only song I know from Selena. Rough start for her too. Boring. Judges not really lovin' it....good.

Scotty. Idol: Garth. The River. Here comes the country. Lean to the right Scotty...lean to the right. I swear, this kid sings 3 maybe 4 notes in every song...no range at all.

Naima. Idol: Rhiana. Umbrella. I love this song....should be interesting. Oh and dance moves. I like Holly Holiday and Will Schuster's version better. Oh wait....now the Jamaica twist....kinda fun. Seriously...she just did a little dance...did Paula choreograph that?

Hmmmm. I don't know. Am I losing my love for AI or is there just not that one person I want to hear sing that makes me look forward to this show. I'm not really screaming for one person. Tonight, my top pick is actually Casey then Pia. Other then that, they did good, I'm just not all geeked up about it all.

So who will be in the bottom and who is going home? I'll throw out: Ashton, Thia and Haley (maybe Jacob and Karen should be in there too).

Going home: Ashthon (please)

Alright...I'm not doing a "game" per se this year....just isn't going to work out for me...but I will do a finale party....so plan on that sometime in May (I'll figure out the date soon). Of course, you are welcome to leave me your thoughts and who you think should be going home.

top 24...the girls

On to the girls...

Ta-tynisa...I don't really know who she is...but her start to this song is B-A-D. She is not on the note at all...serious crap. She will not be in my top 5. Steven you be crazy on that review. Jennifer is crazy too...bring us back to reality Randy...thank you. "Being a performer is about moving the crowd and she moved the crowd"...so says the lip syncer j-lo (don't get me wrong, I love me some j-lo....just sayin').

Naima (these girls names are gonna kill me)...no one should sing this song after Fantasia did. She sounds like she belongs in a jazz club.

Kendra....don't know her either. Oh...she sang "Blackbird" with my boy and I didn't think she did that great. I didn't mind it....some of the higher notes were too screechy for me....but she had lots of control, so I'll give her that.

Rachel....cannot stand this girl...CANNOT stand. Is she on cabaret? This isn't helping me like her anymore. She's trying to be all that and sexy....but really she's nervous and awkward and it ain't good. Thank you Steven....too broadway...amen....and she's speechless. J-Lo has a lot of rings on....I'd like just one of them:)

Karen...I don't like her either. No she isn't....have we learned nothing over 10 years....no mariah, no celine....c'mon girls....oh....well, I guess if she sings it in spanish then it's ok:) If she goes back and forth between english and spanish will she only get have the hispanic votes (is that racist?...sorry if I offended....just pick one language, I don't care which, and stick with it).

Lauren....who? I didn't know her until she got put in to the top 24. How cute, a treble clef on her wrist...she must really be into music. I didn't mind her. Her voice is good....but whatever.

Ashthon....oh....her....she bugs. Do I like any of the girls? Don't like her outfit...yuck! What song is this? Nope...not for me.

Julie....I really like this girl...her dresses are awesome and she does great behind the piano. See? cute dress!:) Don't really like when they sing Kelly....and she isn't doing all that great....seems flat and dull. Too bad....she just doesn't have the range to sing this song....it's staying in the same 5 note range....not good. Well said Randy...well said (that's kinda weird to say).

Haley...I remember seeing her face a lot....but I don't remember her voice. Why do these little girls try to act sexy....it doesn't work. The beginning was an exact duplicate of Alicia's voice, the rest is just ok. Maybe if she wasn't trying so hard to be all sexy or whatever, I could have enjoyed her more.

Thia. She's young. starting all alone. brave. 15 years old. great voice. she was on America's got talent, so singing on a big stage in front of tons of people is nothing new for her.

Lauren. I LOVE this girl. 16. she better not fail me tonight like my boys did last night. She has the kind of voice I love....strong, powerful, in tune. Don't have a clue what that song is....but she did a great job!

Pia. I always got her and Julie confused. She is doing much better then Julie....much better. Wow...standing o by the judges. good job girl.

Okay....I'm fairly disappointed with the girls tonight and I think it's gonna be another boy's year...hmmmm.

the only 2 girls I care to get into the top 12 is Lauren and Pia...whatever to the rest of them.

Alright....that's all. Tomorrow we get to find out who are top 12 are. I will be on a plane during the show, so you will have to wait till friday to hear my thoughts, if you care :)

The top 24 perform....The boys

I am loving this year.....LOVING. I am completely satisfied with the new judges....J-Lo has not bugged even once...and Steven Tyler....well, let's just say that my previous love for him and all things aerosmith has only grown stronger...dude is crazy and hilarious all in a good and not annoying way (and I always want to sing "Steven Tyler pjs, steven tyler pjs). Ryan has even grown on me a bit....I don't care what anyone says about him (even Joel Mchale, whom I LOVE) he is VERY good at his job!

The contestants...I have been pleasantly surprised at the talent this year. I am disappointed at some of the people that were put through to the top 24....but I'm hoping America will weed out the crap and cocky attitudes and give us a great top 12. I have a few favorites, but I'm keeping those to myself for the time being.

And lastly...I really enjoyed Hollywood week....I liked the fact that they went to Vegas and sang Beatles song....I thought it was cool. I wished (just like every other year) that we could see more singing and less talking and repeating of the same things....but whatever...they show us what they want us to see so we will vote for who they want us to vote for....it's all rigged, but I don't care, 'cause I love it! OH....And I am loving that we are only taking 1 week to get to our top 12 instead of this business of knocking off 2 each week....I don't care however for the wild card picks by the judges...'cause they will put through the people America doesn't want and the producers do for good tv....blah!

On with the show! (they are on the big stage....not the little studio for the top 24)

Remember how it took 3 hours to get our top 24....LAME....let's move this a bit faster.

Clint...the karaoke funny glasses guy: Singing a very karaoke song. With the colors going and people all around him, it looks like American Bandstand.

Jovany...aka rico suave...don't like this guy. Pretty boring. Thank you Randy...Steven and Jennifer are gonna be super nice (which is fine)....as long as Randy keeps it real.

Jordan: Cockiest kid EVER on AI....I cannot stand him. I was SO made when they put him through. I can't believe he is singing this song....horrible...horrible....I am SO embarrassed for him. Talk about karaoke....I can hardly even stand to listen. Wow...that was B-A-D. Thank you for being honest Steven...and Jennifer...and Randy...please be the end of him. If it's not you why did you pick it?....lame excuses for a bad performance.

Tim: This guy is great! I really like when he plays the piano and I loved his Beatles performance. This wasn't my favorite performance of his, but ok....he just does best sittin' at the piano. Still really like him though.

Brett: This kid is interesting....I have liked some of his performances...but he is a bit strange. I am bit jealous of his hair tonight...somebody put some good mousse in it and it looks good. He has a good voice...but it's really soft and not that impressive. Okay....I like the hair too...but quit shaking it so much!

James: Of all the boys, this is the boy I cannot stand the most....he truly bugs me...he wants to be Adam Lambert and you all know how I feel about him. And ending with the screech....of course. Ok....it wasn't AS BAD as his previous performances....but I still don't like him. I know America will put him through...but I'm not putting him on my list.

Robbie: I like this kid....and his big nose :). He has a very nice voice...very nice...pleasant, if I may. I liked it....David didn't....I did. I think he's a super nice kid and it sounded great.

Scotty: I'm not really sure about him. He's just too country for me. His face bugs David...he tries too hard to be super country singer....he can only sing if he's tilted to the side and his mouth does the crooked thing. David says this song sounds like a Ruby River song....that made me giggle. He does have a nice voice...just not my cup of tea. He'll get the country vote.

Stefano....LOVE mr. Kent, Washington....please do me proud. He is so cute. He is sounding kinda nasally...don't do that. I still love him....little tweens....get to callin' for this boy! That almost last part was not good...dang it....why did you try so hard? Let's get him in the top 12 so he can do better. thanks judges for pushing him...."It's for all the ladies out there". So who's he dating????

Paul: I really, really like this guy...his voice is amazing!!!!! His "Blackbird" rendition last week was awesome! I love him!!! Really, I do....LOVE!!!!! So far....me and David's favorite!

Jacob: This guy is pure straight out the church choir crazy. I will give the kid the fact that he has a strong great voice....his personality is just a bit too over the top for me. Not sure if America wants to hear this every week. No crying on AI little Jacob....no crying. I'll give him Luther Vandross....I love that guy too....hook Jacob up with Linda Ronstadt and we could have a kickin' duet for finale night:)

Casey: I like this kid and his amazing instrument playing talent. His 2 performances with the bass were crazy good. His personality is so great! I thought he did great! I want him to make it so that he can amaze us each week with a different instrument.

My top 5 picks who I think should go through:

Tim

Robbie

Stefano

Paul

Casey

I'm sure that silly James will make it through too...plus, the judges get to pick one. But these are the boys I want to hear from each week. Oh let's be honest, all the people I don't want are going to make it....such is the story of my life.

what do you think?

American Idol 2011...

Did you watch it? Did you laugh? Do you love Steven Tyler and J-Lo?

Yes, Yes and Yes!

Here are my brief thoughts...

1. Steven Tyler is totally hilarious and I will totally enjoy him through out the show. He not only had me, my husband and my sister cracking up...but all those people in the audition room that you can't see, but can hear...I have loved him forever and his stint on AI (so far) will only make me love him more!

2. J-Lo. I am a fan of her music...well, the first few albums she put out...FAN. I like her movies. I liked her as a fly girl on In Living Color (oh you bet I watched that show). I was a bit concerned about her high maintenance-ness for AI, but I was surprised. She did not bug me in the least. Paula drove me crazy and I always wanted to punch Kara in the face...J-Lo, I 'll keep her (for now).

3. Randy is Randy...he's the same...but bugged me a bit less with these 2 by his side...so time will tell.

4. They let WAY too many people through. They haven't learned to say no yet...I think by the next few cities they will.

5...Favorite thing of the night...The girl with the flower dress that had the really annoying talking voice but sang fine...her age: 16 3/4 (yes, she put 3/4)...I about died...really? If you know who I am talking about...the whole 3/4 thing is even more awesome because she is totally the type of girl that would say she is 16 and 3/4.

Hope you enjoyed....should be a fun season!

A night for Simon...I mean...the finale

Thanks to all of you who came to our finale party...we had a great time...don't worry if you missed it...SYTYCD starts tomorrow:)

There were some high points and lots of low points to tonight's finale. Here's my top 5 of both:

High points:

5-Lee looking like he was gonna throw-up before they even announced that he won.

4-All the winners returning as well as some of the American Idol rejects...oh...except David Cook...where was he?

3-Alanis...singer her angry song that takes me back to High school...and watching how awkward she and Crystal were on stage together. What would have been better...her and KD Lang both strummin' their guitars.

2-

1-Carrie Underwood...oh how I LOVE her.

Low points:

5-Janet's lame performance of her own "Nasty"...I'll tell you what was nasty...her 2nd outfit with full on netting up the sides of her body from ankles to wrists...not a good look...and I love me Janet.

4-Throw back to the 70s rocker...way too many "old school" groups. Not that I don't like me some old school groups....just enjoy me some current groupies as well.

3-Having to listen to Siobhan and Mr. Cocky sing again

2-Paula....oh Paula....you are a sad sad gal...and that whole speech was painful and embarrassing...should have just come out and stood next to Andrew while he sang Straight Up.

1-Simon leaving the show...I'm not sure I can watch the show without him.

Another year of Idol is done...but don't be sad...SYTYCD is back and better then ever...we only get 10 new dancers this year with 10 Dance rejects returning...LOVE it!

And a shout-out to Paco for winning the whole thing....he came in on the final week and swept it away from CSandy...hollah! and I am proud to say that I took 3rd...first time ever that I even placed...and didn't cheat like Jo-dan, who used her innocent son to also get in a second set of votes...guess what Jo-dan...Lil P beat ya....:)

See you all soon for Dance!

It's the final....but not the finale...

I'm starting a bit late in the blogging...so I am going to catch up real fast before I listen to Crystal sing Black Velvet.

Do you remember the big ta-do when it was David vs. David...nothing that fun before or since...just another night of singing really!

Crystal won the toss and was smart and is going second...which really means, she is going last...good job.

Lee's first song was good...can I just say...I am sick of the judges telling the contestants (when they sing more then one song a night) that they better turn things up in the next songs...hello...the songs are already picked, practiced and gonna be performed...it's not like they can say, "hey, I chose to sing 3 ballads...I better speed the next one up so it sounds like I really want to win"...whatever judges, I'm over you! I love Lee...he can do no wrong.

Crystal sings...I hate when the repeat a song...she did great.

Lee's second song..."Everybody hurts"...great song for him. He seems very emotional tonight...Simon calls it nerves....I think he is overwhelmed and emotional...not nervous. I really do LOVE him and he can do no wrong.

Just saw a commercial for SYTYCD and I saw Mia Michaels....hollah!

Crystal with "Black Velvet" and no guitar. Ok...now this girl looks nervous...and want to know why she is nervous...look at those hills and the stairs she is about to walk down. See how she keeps looking at them...she's psyching herself up to get down them without falling on her face. And when she is down the stairs...then the big voice comes....OH AND THE WORDS ON THE TELEPROMPTER....nice kids! This girl really can sing....I think it is gonna be super close my friends...super close!

Lee's final song..."Beautiful Day". What? Like...THE Beautiful Day...they can't write a song for him so they go for a U2 song...interesting...I'm not complaining...I LOVE LOVE LOVE me some U2...but strange. And the beginning was B-A-D. Is Lee cracking under the pressure tonight...you all know my LOVE for him...but it's Bono people...you just shouldn't really touch it. Ok...the ending WAY WAY WAY better...there's Lee...I hope people remember this part of his performance. GREAT second half of the song...ok...I LOVE him again!

Crystal's final song..."Up to the mountain"...(had to wiki it...click on the song and you can read all about it. Written by Patty Griffen...based on Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "I've been to the mountaintop"...made current by a live version by Kelly Clarkson. Girl's got some serious talent...

Ok...so based solely on tonight...I say that Crystal has this one in the bag....she did great all night and that final song was perfect. BUT...Lee has been super fantastic the previous weeks...tonight was just not his night...HOWEVER....this night is decided long before the songs are sung....people have decided long before who they will vote for....just a matter of who will get Casey's votes....who do you think?

***props to Crystal on the nice words she had to say to Simon***

Alrighty....leave me who you think will win it all! 20 points for picking the right winner!

The final 2 are picked....

Do you remember the first week when I had you pick the final 3 so you could get bonus points if you had "your pulse on America"....and boy did we ever. Here are you points from that (in parenthesis)....10 for one right 15 for 2 and 30 for all 3. Shout out to Jayhawk for picking all 3...nice work lady:

(15) TT: Lee, Crystal, Andrew Winner: Crystal

(10) Claymate: Aaron, Casey, Shioban Winner: Aaron

(10) CSandy: Crystal, Siobhan, Andrew Winner: Crystal

(30) Jayhawk: Casey, Lee, Crystal Winner: Crystal

(10) Bluerose: Crystal, Siobhan, Andrew Winner: Crystal

(10) Jo-Dan's Crystal, Siobahn, Andrew
 Winner: Crystal


(15) Lil P: 
Final 3: MIchael, Lee, Crystal
 Winner: Michael


(15) Carly:
Final 3: Lee, Crystal, Michael
 Winner: Lee


(10) Jenna:
Final 3: Aaron, Michael, Crystal 
Winner: Aaron


(10) Chubba:
Final 3: Michael, Crystal, Didi
 Winner: Michael




(15) Paco:
Final 3: Andrew, Crystal, Lee
 Winner: Lee




(0) May:
Final 3: Katie, Didi, Siobahn
 Winner: Katie


(15) NanaT: Crystal, Lee, Michael Winner: Crystal

I also listed who you had for the winner pick...25 bonus points for that, which will be awarded next week.

As for tonight (I haven't watched the show yet) but "shockingly" Casey was sent packing...wow! what a surprise:)

Those who voted for him (me, Jo-Dan and son, Paco, CSandy and NanaT were all awarded 10 points).

Good job....can't wait for the finale!

The final 3...

I got all frustrated last year when they didn't show all the home town stuff on performance night...so I am going to remind myself (prior to the frustration) that they show all the crap tomorrow.

Casey....is wearing a terrible shirt...Casey is the 2010 version of the chick that was in the 3rd place slot against Clay and Rueben. Not a bad performance...but we also know that he is going home this week...I'm pretty sure he knows it too.

Crystal...singing Melissa Etheridge...should be a good choice. For the brief harmonica part at the beginning and end...the thing looked annoying to sing over...other then that. GREAT! Surprise...she changed it...but didn't like the "making it her own part"...course if she sang it just like Melissa that would have told her she needed to make it her own....what.ever.

Lee...and the girls scream. Ya'll know I love him...didn't care for the song...but doesn't change how much I will totally buy his album. See? The producers want him to win...he didn't do any better or worse the Crystal and yet they only half praised her. Wonder if it will backfire like it did last year with Adam and Chris. Oh...and Kara stole Simon's "round 1" thing. I'm not saying I hate that they are praising him....I just find it interesting that the judges comments were so different when he and Crystal (to me) sounded exactly the same.

Casey...Kara and Randy pick: daughters by John Mayer (one of my favorite songs...So great). Nope...only half way through...and not doing this song justice. He is leaving the whole song mellow and there should be passion in it...guess I have strong feelings about a song where dad's should be good to their daughters....hmmmm...wonder why:)?! I guess it's hard to connect to a song that has no meaning to you....listen to me...should be sitting on the judges panel. I'm glad Simon is laughing at Kara...she is ridiculous....and now she is defending herself...ohhhh freak....let the judges fight and contradict themselves EVERYWHERE....

Crystal...Ellen's pick. Do all the announcements have to be in front of an AT&T store? Baby I'm amazed. No guitar? No this is a song choice...chills...my friends...chills. Ellen is proud....so proud. Much better song choice then Randy and Kara. Hello judges...we are looking for BIG VOICES...not "vulnerability"....our votes go to those who can belt it...let's look at past winners: Kelly, Carrie, Fantasia...BIG VOICES...not vulnerable singers...just sayin.

Lee....Hallelujah...great song. I would rather see the bagpipe player back then the choir:) And Simon is proud too...Man that kids voice is fantastic...love it!

I think it's gonna be a close one next week...I really do....I think that Crystal and Lee are gonna be singing their little hearts out...oh...did I say Crystal and Lee...guess you all know who I think is going home...sorry Casey. Should just give everyone 10 points across the board 'cause I would be real surprised if you vote for any one else. But hey...don't let me stop you:)

Just leave who you think is going home...10 points if you vote Casey...I mean..the correct person.

Good luck!

And we have our final 3!

I watched while cleaning up so here's my abbreviated and late comments...

Why are we making such a big deal of the final 4...we all know that it's gonna be Lee vs Crystal...let's just get there!

Soooo...no bottom 2...just one by one making into the final 3...

Would have been better (totally just saw Chuck Lidell...if you don't know who he is then you don't know ultimate fighting...right Steve?) if they sent Lee and Crystal safe first since everyone knows it's really down to Mr. Cocky and Casey as to who goes home. Leave Crystal and Mr. Cocky to the end and it is NO surprise...

Oh...so our top 3: Crystal-Lee-Casey...Hollah...Mr. Cocky is FINALLY gone...yeah for me...and for sticking with my convictions and getting my 10 points.

Not gonna do a bottom 2, since Ryan made it clear he was moving them on in "no particular order"

---and if you care...Fantasia sang...Daughtry sang...Bon Jovi sang...I didn't really listen.

Here are your points:

TT: 10

CSandy: 0

J0-Dan: 10

Lil P: 0 (sure...have your kid send Casey home and get no points...where's the selfless mom act)

Paco: 0

Nana T: 10

---missing lots of votes...don't give up...there are so many points still available...and our top 2 just earned 0 points tonight...

Don't forget...finale party Wednesday, May 26th....invitations to come:)

5 guitar playing "artists"

....was Jaime Foxx on last season...or the beginning of this one?....

Quick recap 'cause I'm goin' to bed

Lee: was fine...not my favorite of his performances...but nobody should redo this song.

Mr. Cocky: I tried to have an objective opinion on him tonight and I couldn't do it...Lame song to choose...hated the choir...nope...still can't stand him.

Lee and Crystal duet: AWESOME....seriously AWESOME...got goose bumps and all...rewound and watched a second time....one of my favorite songs anyway and they blew it up! ohhhh...I think I'll watch it again tomorrow!

Casey: Lame...boring...but I feel bad for the overly spray-tanned and curled hair dude...he looks defeated...I think he's givin' up...'course I would too if the judges bashed me every week...I hope he is safe one more week...not because I like him all that much...mostly because I want Mr. Cocky to Go HOME. Oh...and one more thing...LAY OFF THE "Mrs. Robinson" jokes...do you not see how uncomfortable you are making him....good freakin' night!

Crystal: didn't love the song...but still love her voice.

Casey and Mr. Cocky duet: I sang along...did Casey's part...drowned out Mr. Cocky...sounded great:) Have I mentioned I want Mr. Cocky gone?

That's all I got...David just started an episode of The Office...guess I'll be going to bed in 24 minutes:)

Leave your votes...just a bottom 2 and who's going home:)

Best of luck....ohhhhh....SYTYCD starts the day after the AI finale....hollah:)

And....we are down to 4.

Not really watching very intently...interesting to see the whole dress rehearsal thing with the audience all there and fake judges....

Nice white tank top Kara...sometimes she is OVER the top in dress and tonight we get barely an outfit?

Oh...Lee's safe:)

Lady Gag...I will skip over...she's weird.

More Harry...he's funny...not gonna listen to him sing though 'cause I really want to go to bed. Love the Ellen dig...i'm telling you...they are siblings from another mother...

And now the top 5 will lip sync some Harry.

Crystal...gets start a group by the piano. Guessing Mr. Cocky will start another group...yup. (I hate his two-handed wave)...Aaron with Mike...could this be our bottom 2...or is Crystal in danger with Casey (ohhhh....I will be mad). Let's put Lee on the spot..."if you had to choose?"...no, he wouldn't choose lame-o. It's not gonna be good...phew! It is Mr. Cocky and Aaron...that kills my Casey going home...oh I hope it's Mr. Cocky.

Since it is just the bottom 2...you get 5 for one and 10 for both.

Going home: Aaron...dang it.

Here's your points:

Nana T: 10

TT: 10

Claymate: 10

CSandy: 20 (girl...you been voting very well)

Jo-Dan: 20

Lil P: 10

AJ: 10

Bluerose: 10

JayHawk: 10

Carly: 20

Jenna: 15

Chubba: 10

Paco: 5 (ouch...that takes the lead right out of your hands:)

5 left standing...

and I am not entirely surprised that these are the 5 left...although I could do without Mr. Cocky. Soon I hope...soon.

Tonight...Harry Connick...singing Sinatra songs. And Harry's writing the arrangements? Interesting...guess if the judges don't like it, they can just point the finger at him. Oh...AND he's playing for them...very interesting.

Sinatra's daughters? giving Simon a gift...nice.

Aaron's up first...can we call him Disney Jr. from now on...? Thanks. Disney Jr. is singing one of my fav songs...okay...my fav to get my really jazzy jazz bar voice going...and hey...he's not wearing a jacket with the sleeves rolled up...out of the 80s and back into the 60s? Wiki says originally recorded in 1954, but sung by Sinatra in 1964 (good call TT). So I guess Sinatra night is any song that Sinatra at some point sang...'cause a lot of people sang this song before he did...interesting.

Casey....ewwww with his hair pulled back...everyone's trying to look all suave and debonaire. Rough start Mr. Casey. Can't get over the 3 rings on his right hand to feel the "bluesyness". I mean c'mon...you pull your hair back...put on a vest and purple shirt, but you can't take off the rings? Wow...guess you can't forget the words when all you say is "Blue skies". Did you notice the fancy coke cups...all orange and psychedelic....Ellen's gonna make a crack on Harry every time cause their "new orleans buds". Judges aren't loving him...neither did I...no shock...this may be his last week.

****Hey...Silence of the lambs is here...why is he so far back in the crowd?****

ohhh...they're "fan cups"

Crystal...She looks very pretty tonight. I just love her voice...she is great...ok? sleepy? subdued? Impressive...that's better. So basically the judges want her to go back to guitar playing standing on her rug...holy back tattoo Crystal.

Mr. Cocky is up next...looking cockyier (sp?) then ever. Dude...ditch the hat..."my band in NY"...blah blah blah...I'm so full of myself. Black eyed peas what? Ohhhh I can't stand him. Really Randy? Really? Comfort?....COCKY....I didn't feel any drama and I didn't go on a journey. boo hiss judges...boo hiss.

Thank goodness we get to end the night LEE....His voice is just....ahhhhh...his voice! I do love him...I do...just want to listen to him ALL DAY! Ellen makes me laugh SO hard. Ohhh watch out....Ellen's callin' winners. David's brother was telling us something about the producers wanting Lee to win this year and they are really pushing him. I don't feel it as much as with Creepy Adam Lambert last year....or maybe it's because I am IN LOVE with Lee.

Time to pick your bottom. I'm pretty sure they will only do a bottom 2...but leave 3 (extra chances for points) and who is going home.

Gonna watch this super fast...don't feel so great (not pregnant:) and Dallin is having "go to bed" issues.

groups of 2 put on stage...which is dumb 'cause then he gave us a bottom 3: Siobhan, Mr Cocky and Casey...totally great with those 3...even if my points aren't so great.

Lots of performances tonight....

Mr. Cocky is safe...dang it.

Siobhan or Casey?

HURRAY....the screamer is GONE....I couldn't be happier...my points suck, but I don't even care...Siobhan is gone...and with her, her awful clothes and nasally sound! Crystal is now the lone girl standing!

Points:

TT: 5

Nana T: 15

Bluerose: 5

Jayhawk: 10

CSandy: 5

AJ: 5

Claymate: 15

J0-Dan: 5

Lil P: 5

How many are left?

Music of Shania Twain...does she have that much music? I'm not saying I don't like her...I do...but I didn't realize she had THAT much music...hmmmm....oh....there's 6 of them.

Lee: Likin' his version better then Shania's. I hope he wins...I know I love Crystal...but I LOVE Lee. I LOVED that...he is just so great!

Mr. Cocky: It hurts me when you sing...when i have to look at you and when I have to listen to you...it just hurts me. Blah, blah, blah...judges. Why are we letting Shania talk...what's up with them pushing him so much...hello...it's not like Reuben did anything for them...let Mr. Cocky go!

Casey: better do country right. He did good. Kara...he will NEVER be at the front of the pack.

Crystal: This song suits her very well. You all know I love her...no different tonight...feelin' a little bad for our normal back up singers...they got upstaged by red haired guitar girl.

Baby Aaron: Oh look...he has a jacket on with his sleeves rolled up...shocking! Can he go home this week? Ellen just cracks me up...

Siobhan: Kinda forgot I had to listen to her. I LOVE this song. What the crap is she wearing? This song needs to have serious attitude...she sucks. I'm pretty sure my Easter dress when I was 13 had that same floral print. There she goes killin' Shania with that screaming....B-A-D! Shania wasn't looking very pleased. Really Kara? Sorry....I thought that SUCKED!!!!!

That's it...we're done...kinda glad...leave your bottom 3 (I think they only do 2 this week...but we'll do 3...extra chance to get some points) and who is going home.

Tenatively put May 26th on your calendar for the finale party....

Idol Gives Back...

Prepare yourself for lots of "famous people" and lip synching....oh...and a DCFS nightmare across America.

Let's start with a cheesy Lip Sync...followed by caseworker Jennifer Garner on her first home visit....and a school visit. Victoria looks like she is already crying and they haven't even started her clip.

Capt'n sully...and 2 guys I don't really know put on a real lame sketch.

Let me pause a moment...BEP is here....I have an issue with this song...it's why I can't listen to it on my CD...they say "I wanna rock right now...I wanna...I wanna rock right now"...but they don't finish the sentence and it DRIVES ME CRAZY...They need Rob Base to come out and say "I wanna rock right now...I'm Rob Base and I came to get down"....ahhhhhh...but I do love me some BEP.

Alright....some Africa sadness....

the contestants with George Lopez....I'm liking his critique of the judges...awesome....cute boy comment to Kara...flash to Casey...hmmmm. He tells Ellen not to talk back...'cause she would school him...jokes to her...not so funny. All in all...kinda lame.

On to the real business...Crystal and Casey are up first. Casey is in the bottom....boooooo hisssss...no points for any one there...where ya at country voters. Next two...Lee and Aaron...Lee is safe...shocker...and hey...points for all I believe on that one.

Joss Stone...I LOVE her...Love her. I may have to fast forward so I'm not up till midnight though.

...lot's of people and give us your money....

Alicia keyes wearing another silky jump suit...would someone tell her that they are NOT flattering. David is excited about this song...he likes it. She's not sounding so great tonight...where's my girl at.....there you go...

more unfunny stuff.

The real reason why I am even watching tonight....Carrie Underwood....Show off that rock girlfriend...I just love her...bought her new CD the other day...so great!

Wanda Sykes be hittin' the nail on the head.

The last 3 hit center stage...who's it gonna be....Siobhan is safe...I hope it is Mike...just for humiltys sake....dang it...it's Disney...but then YEAH...it's Disney.

Your bottom 3: Casey, Aaron and Disney.

David Cook and Ethiopia.

Annie Lennox and her amazing voice.

Since they are going to run long and I'm watching at almost 11...I will not see the end...so I had Mr. T look it up and it is finally time to say good bye to Disney....no one is surprised or heart broken over this....

On to the points (and while I tally them, I will enjoy me some Mary J)

Paco: 15

TT: 5

CSandy: 5

Nana T: 3

AJ: 3

Jo-Dan: 3

Lil P: 5

bluerose: 15

Jayhawk: 3

Lucky #7...well...for someone it won't be so lucky.

It's a good thing I watch Glee...or else I would have missed Simon's praise of Crystal...c'mon AI...get your timing right...oh, and thanks AI for making me miss the final number of Glee...your lengthy ending made Glee run over and I DO NOT record Fox news...curses.

On with the show...I'm a little late on this because I spent my "AI watching" wiping each dirty and dusty plank of my new floor. I don't want to complain about it 'cause it's done and I LOVE it...but boy am I sore today...and boy is this post late...I'll do my best to remember who did what and how.

Alicia Keys as a "mentor"...great...love her...and she is actually a very talented "singer/songwriter" but boy was she BORING...oh well...

Casey was up first...you all know I am ho hum about him...no different tonight...just glad the judges finally saw it. He ain't going anywhere though...he has the country vote and "girls that like long hair on boys" vote.

Lee...oh I love him...I could listen to his voice all day...

Disney...So, from my viewpoint on the floor...not watching the tv...just listening...his voice wasn't horrible...it was fine...not great...just fine...then he ended and I watched him during the judge's critique...man he bugs me. How much longer is America gonna keep him around? Oh...and his hair is getting worse and worse...never liked the look, but man it looked bad last night.

Aaron...does anyone else think he looks like he is dressed straight out of teeny bopper 80s movie...pushed up sleeves...trying to look cool...I just don't buy it. and really...can they ban "I believe I can fly"...R Kelly should not be allowed on a show aimed towards young girls. The funny thing about this kid...the first few weeks, he was the top "young kid" on the show and Disney was struggling...I think their roles may have reversed in the voting category and Aaron may be in serious trouble.

Siobhan...let's start with the outfit...really? WHAT are you wearing? Next...if you are going to pick a Mariah/Whitney song...try one that isn't related to a cartoon movie...all I could see were the characters from "The Prince of Egypt" trying to escape...why didn't Simon make reference to that like he did with Mr. Cocky...although I am glad that he still didn't like it. That being said...I actually didn't mind the first half of this song...since she just sang it and did sound all nasally and screamy (the nasal came out the second half)...the judges like that she is different and weird and does crazy things...she set that bar for herself, so now when she doesn't ...they don't like her...kinda funny.

Mr. Cocky...I'll be honest...I started talking to David during this song and didn't really listen at all. It doesn't matter what he does or how he sounds, I won't like him and am still angry he is on the show...he should be GONE.

Crystal...WOW....WOW....I'll leave it at that.

***Funny side note: the recaps at the end are completely NOT from the live show...maybe we already knew this...but c'mon producers...Crystal was crying and didn't finish the song...your clip was obviously from dress rehearsal***

Leave a comment with your bottom 3 and who is going home.

and 2 go home...

Fast forward through terrible lip sync...fast forward through commercial...read your votes during Ford Commercial...on with the show (glad to have you on board AJ)...

First three to head to the middle....Casey...Aaron....David's man crush. Andrew is going home...no one is surprised...David turned on the tv just as he was eliminated, so he already new...guess he had to get over the pain while I was rocking Lil D. I will now proclaim and make a promise...if this kid puts out an album...I WILL BUY IT...I just LOVE his voice..LOVE it...don't care if you don't like him...his personality...his song choice...LOVE that voice. I'm gonna miss his voice next week.

**Now they will do a bottom 2 and send the next home from that**

***I wonder if they will make next week a non elimination week with it being Idol Gives back and all. Kara looks like "hell" over there in Africa...pony tail girl...pony tail. I hate when they show us those clips...makin' me choke back tears...big jerks. You ain't gettin' my money this way...my money goes to a place where I KNOW it will get to where it needs to be....

...BEP is gonna be on next week...with Joss (Love her) and my girl Carrie...

Duet? with Brooke and some guy named Justin. Who is this guy? Oh Brooke should never stand up...she looks a little older.

Everyone else to center stage...Lee...boy you be safe...but let's move on to Siobhan...and Katie...Mr. Cocky (why does he have to still be here?)...Crystal...you're safe too...Disney...Crystal is safe (and playing her harmonica)...Siobhan...safe (CRAP)...Lee...walking and walking and sit (oh please...why does he torment this kid each week)...Is this a bottom 3? Guess we'll see how that works out in the points.

An Adam Lambert special...we'll see how far I make it. I want less screeching...less craziness and less light effects. Ok...I'm done.

Back to our bottom 3 (I'm real glad to see those 3 standing there...even if it makes sucky points for me)...safe? Disney? What the? could we get this lucky...does America really dislike him as much (so not a bottom 3)...nope...it's Katie...bummer...I was hopeful for a minute.

Ok...so our bottom 3 was actually: Andrew, Disney and Katie with Andrew and Katie leaving us...we're down to 2 girls...crazy!

On with the points:

TT: 25 (2 of bottom...both go homes correct...guess I did better then I thought)

Paco: 25 (2 of bottom...both go homes)

Chelsea: 30 (girl...that's 2 weeks of perfect guesses)

Bluerose: 13 (1 of bottom...1 go home)

AJ: 25 (2 of bottom...both go homes)

Jo-Dan: 13 (1 of bottom...1 go home)

Lil P: 25 (2 of bottom...both go homes)

Claymate: 13 (1 of bottom...1 go home)

Nana T: 5 (2 of bottom)