Drum Roll Please.....

While this might be later than most had hoped, it's never to late to blog about a concert. American Idols Live 2007....here I go.

In the past (or last year), the concert format has been mostly individual performances and duets with a few group numbers in the latter half. This year the format was mixed up, and I must say I liked it much better. What is also impressive is the amount of costume changes that occurred during this musical extravaganza. You never saw someone in the same outfit twice!

To the best of my recollection, here was our set list for the evening at the fair with occasional commentary:

* Let’s Get It Started - Entire Group - The first voice you heard was Jordin's. That was cool!

* Baby Love, Stop In The Name Of Love – Melinda and LaKisha

* Heard It Through The Grapevine - Chris Richardson & Ladies

* Proud Mary - Sanjaya Malakar & Melinda Doolittle

* Blaze of Glory - Phil Stacey - This was by far one of his best performances during the season, and it was awesome live!

* Thnks Fr Th Mmrs - Chris Sligh & Gina Glocksen

* When God Fearing Women Get the Blues - Haley Scarnato - Still, I am not a fan.

* The Way You Make Me Feel - Sanjaya Malakar - This kid is the skinniest person on the stage. See photo below.

* Typical - Chris Sligh

* Lady Marmalade - Haley Scarnato, Gina Glocksen, & LaKisha Jones

* What Hurts The Most - Chris Richardson & Jordin Sparks - This was my favorite duet of the night. They both played guitar and sang. It was really cool.

* Time Of The Season/With Or Without You - Blake Lewis - Finally, after more than one panic attack from my Aunt Cathy, we saw Blake. Since he is a one man show, the band took a break. He recorded the beat boxing and replayed it as his percussion during his performance. It was rather nifty.

* She Will Be Loved - Blake Lewis

* You Give Love A Bad Name - Blake Lewis
* INTERMISSION
* America the Beautiful – Phil Stacey, Haley , Gina , LaKisha , & Melinda - This was AWESOME. Since the concert was outside, it had just really begun to get dark, and the girls came out first singing something else (sorry). Then Phil in uniform came out and sang most of the song as solo with the girls as background. Everyone was on their feet when he was done (even Grandma).

* Who Knew - Gina Glocksen - Loved the song selection from her. In fact, that song has been stuck in my head for weeks now.
* Crazy, Hey Jude - Guys (with instruments) - The 5 guys sang with Chris R on drums, Phil on keyboard, and the other three with guitars. It was fun.

* Virtual Insanity, Ain’t No Sunshine, Geek In The Pink – Chris Richardson and Blake Lewis

* I Will Always Love You - LaKisha Jones - She put Whitney to shame during this performance. AMAZING!

* This Love - Chris Richardson - I know it looks like Chris has been on the stage a lot (Aunt Nancy is starting to complain), but I am ok with it. ;)

* It’s Your Love - Phil Stacey & Gina Glocksen - This duet was top notch too.

* Life Is A Highway - Chris Richardson, Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato - See if Chris wasn't back, look who we would have been left with!

* You Make Me Feel Like a Natural woman - Melinda Doolittle - Again she proved why she was my favorite. She was OUTSTANDING!

* Ain’t No Other Man - Haley Scarnato, Gina Glocksen, LaKisha Jones, & Melinda Doolittle

* I Who Have Nothing - Jordin Sparks - Yay! It was time for Jordin. She sounded awesome as well. I am ok with her winning. (Ok, I admitted it.)

* Heartbreaker - Jordin Sparks

* You Were Meant For Me - Jordin Sparks

* Broken Wing - Jordin Sparks - Her strongest performance from the season, in my opinion.

* Living On A Prayer - Jordin Sparks
* ENCORE - This Is My Now - Jordin Sparks - Silly people who thought they should leave, I knew they would be back. Who gets fooled by the band leaving the stage these days? Rookies!

All in all, my favorites vocally were Jordin, Melinda, LaKisha, and Phil. All amazing.

Blake is a good performer, and he added a different element to his songs. He's one of a kind for sure.

I love Chris R, so it was fun to see him on stage so much.

I liked the progress that Gina and Chris Sligh have made. Live, they really sounded great.

Because my grandma wanted to go, I sat through Haley and Sanjaya. ;)

All in all, my group of 7 had a fun time. We were in the front row of the grandstand, so you couldn't pass up the seats. What I have liked about this concert from the get-go (aka Kelly Clarkson's year) was that for the money, you see a lot of different performers and at least 30 songs. It's fun! This year's group looked like they were having a lot of fun together, and I think the format of the show demonstrated that too.

Until next year, I am signing off.

P.S. Ryan's tie for the Emmy's last night was HORRID.

Photo Link: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8KcsmzZs2Y0U

American Idols 07 Live (at the fair) - Part 1

The Hills, Season 3 ...shall I begin again?

So, where did we leave off....oh wait, LC is going to tell me. Sniff, sniff, Heidi moved out. Trust me, you'll get over it, especially since you are still splitting the rent. It's a new season.....a time for all of us to ask our questions about this cast of characters and just TV production in general.

Now that we have caught up with Miss Conrad (including the "updates" on TMZ and Us), let us begin with Episode 301 - "You Know What You Did!"

The first section will be a play-by-play of my reactions to the show:

• What is on Spencer's face?
• Holy awkward at the reception desk!
• The biggest sunglasses I have EVER seen
• "Jackpot!" - I loved it!
• Heidi's friend - wow!
• Spencer got a fish tank, and Heidi got....um....yeah, we know.
• I like the little tune that takes us to commercial, it cracks me up.
• WOW - "you come in handy so often these days"
• Hi, my name is Heidi. I write letters to my friends and deliver them at clubs in LA. (LAME)
• LOVE the fight! "sad pathetic person" This show is so drama!
• Buh-bye, happy couple! Drive off in that hideous jacket with that looo-ser.
• If I am weighing in now, Spencer is 100% behind the tape.
• Elodie is back...SNORE! The most exciting thing about her is what hair color she will have this season.
• "I'm not a catty girl." - lmao
• "WTF" - lmao (again) that people say that out loud....seriously, Whitney.
• I'm saving commentary about the Vogue closet for a later time.

Now to the TV related questions:

• Who edited the opening "song"?
• Do you write thank you notes to Lauren when she is hilarious?
• I have solved the mystery of why Heidi's teeth improved between seasons 1 and 2.
• I need the track list for these episodes....I feel an iPod playlist beginning......
• Why are the credits blurry with all the people who do the tough work on these shows?

Episode 302 - "Big Girls Don't Cry"

• The cat is wearing a sweater.
• HOLY S**T! (I can't remember why, but I am sure it was warranted - oh wait, it was the Hollywood painting)
• Ew! (Justin)
• I always liked Lo. I am glad she is back this season. She seems like an actual friend to Lauren.
• Bobby?!?!?
• Justin-Bobby and Audrina are an interesting couple to watch.....(I'll be nice.)
• Spencer and Brody ... Homey and Player
• Brody, you have your shades on in the store. Oh wait, you are with Spencer, leave them on.
• He didn't ask her on that beach. (just pointing that out)

The TV questions:

• Do you have to get people in the clubs to sign releases? No one is ever "pixilated" in the face, so I wondered how that works.
• Does Lauren have to tape her "scene commentary" in some studio, or are you able to pull that from her when she is talking?
• How many hours of footage do you have to watch to get these episodes together? (I'll need that in .1 hour increments, please.)

Until next week, or Thursday after 2007 American Idols Live!

An anniversary blog.....

On the day of my twelve year anniversary with E&Y, I have decided to celebrate through a blog entry.

These disjointed thoughts will not reflect at all on my 12 year accounting career, so please bear with me.

• In my car when I sing, I sound like a cross between Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Nettles.
• Football season has officially begun for me, as I have listened to one press conference each from my coach and our captains.
• Charlie Weis is a rock star.
• Cartoon Scott Baio is ten times cooler and more entertaining that real life Scott Baio.
• There is less than one week until Season 3 of The Hills launches. (stay tuned for more blogging on that note)
• Where are the DVDs for The Office - Season 3 and Friday Night Lights - Season 1?
• Why didn't the Colts keep Cato June around?
• Can I pull off having my red couch in my family room instead of against the wall?
• Diddy, PICK A BAND!

Until later! Have a super day!

The Finals - Blogging Under Protest

(still not over Melinda going home)

Blake
Song 1 - One of the fan favorites; his most original performance; totally un-phased by the larger stage.
Song 2 - Love the selection; controlled vocal; dug it!
Song 3 - Oh, yay, time for the cheesy idol tune. Why is it always a chick song when they both sing the same song? It's going to become a bad decision that he chose to sing first.

Jordin
Song 1 - Don't like this selection; she's not a rocker; why is she yelling at me?
Song 2 - Excellent decision. This was her best song of the season. The background music was too loud and it made me angry. Wow!
Song 3 - This song is clearly more suited for her. The beginning was a little rough for me.

So, I am indifferent about the winner.

Comments on the judges performance last night:
Paula was clearly on pain medicine. My favorite line was when she referred to Jordin's "vocal voice".
Randy (not even going to address his wardrobe selection) was off his rocker when he tried to say that Jordin's performance of "A Broken Wing" was better than Martina's original. Seriously?

Shout outs:
Constantine (to quote Aunt Cathy, "why is here there? just to look creepy?)
Dawson Leery in the house
Did they move Denise Richards during a commercial break?
DAUGHTRY! - ok, so Paula appeared to be talking to ghosts on stage until they panned back for their performance.

Alas, another season ends.

Whatever will I blog about now?

The Final Three :)

Alas, we are nearing the end of the season....the time when I frantically stalk the ticketmaster web site to find out the sale date for the American Idols Live tour (Saturday). Grandma and I have further expanded our state fair entourage this year...check this out! My grandma, all four of her daughters, and her oldest (me) and youngest granddaughters are going to the fair! It will be, in a word, a HOOT!

Ok, back to business.....

Jordin
Song 1 - Like the selection, like the performance, don't like the dress. I concur with Simon's assessment.
Song 2 - This is much better, but she is boring to watch. Better outfit, better vocal. (How many times will Paula say fantastic?)
Song 3 - She is a smart girl. This was one of her best vocal performances. It was awesome.

Blake
Song 1 - Paula picked well. LOVED it.
Song 2 - Fun song. Beat boxing (I know I have never typed that before) was appropriate. It was good, and he looked to be having fun on stage. Rock ON!
Song 3 - Ew. Don't like it. Not my favorite.

Melinda
Song 1 - Amazing selection! I got goosebumps when she sang. SOLID vocal.
Song 2 - Weird selection, but she's just awesome.
Song 3 - She is so awesome! (oh dear, Paula) She is the most consistent, spot on. VOTE America!

Round 1 - Melinda
Round 2 - tie (but if I had to pick, Melinda)
Round 3 - Melinda

I personally want a Blake-Melinda finale!

Schnieders out!

Barry Gibb? The Bee Gees? Seriously?

I will go on the record now as the show begins that I am not so sure about this theme.....

Melinda
Song 1 - I didn't like the song. Her outfit was cute. Her voice is great.
Song 2 - MUCH better selection. It was good.

Blake
Song 1 - I don't like this song either...at all. Eh.
Song 2 - Weird. Better than his first song. He's in the bottom 2.

(Barry Gibb does not appreciate any changes to his songs.....he's a little stubborn to be a mentor.)

LaKisha
Song 1 - Let's just say this was the best so far. (I so do not like this week.) Is anyone starting to wonder why they don't use any artist feedback?
Song 2 - First outfit was better than this one. I am indifferent about this song. It was just ok.

LAST WEEK WAS SO MUCH BETTER!!!!

Jordin
Song 1 - Well, it finally got interesting! Song choice - good. Vocals - good.
Song 2 - She picked the best selections of the night.

I hated this week's category, and I thought the performances were blah.

(This reaction really has nothing to do with the elimination of Phil and Chris. I mean seriously, we had Elvis for the top 4 last year. And I don't remember the category the year before, but I know it wasn't this bad. My vote would have been for another Bon Jovi week. Ok, I am done. Schnieders OUT!)

BON JOVI!

An Antonella Barba cameo (ew)....Gina in the house (yay)....BON JOVI!!! Who's singing a Bon Jovi tune right now?

01/07 - Phil - Blaze of Glory - Excellent selection! He's in this game. Wow! Three great weeks in a row for Mr. Stacey. Amazing!

02/08 - Jordin - Livin' On A Prayer - She's got the look down. I like her, but I think she could have selected better. I felt like I was watching a Disney movie and listening to a soundtrack.

03/09 - LaKisha - This Ain't A Love Song - Not sure about her top.....she cracks me up! She picked very well this week. She brought it! I have been waiting weeks for this comeback.

04/10 - Blake - You Give Love A Bad Name - Whoa! Dark hair! I think I like it better. He has WAY more personality this week. He is who he is...can't fault him for it. It was pretty freaking cool.

05/11 - Chris - Wanted Dead Or Alive - Daughtry - yes. Richardson - um no. His looks aren't going to keep him this week (sigh). He's not getting better....and last week didn't save him from elimination in this week with two going home.

06/12 - Melinda - Have A Nice Day - Check out her shoes! She's an awesome performer. Not her genre this week, but it so didn't matter. SHE ROCKED! She's gotta win.

Here is how it went for me this week:
Melinda
Phil
Blake
LaKisha
Chris
Jordin

"it's my life....it's now or never.......IT'S MY LIFE"

Idol Gives Back

A few links this week for fun: http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/ and http://www.one.org/

Ten cents per call....four hours to vote....two numbers for each contestant....this is a dream for me. Please place your bets now on how many times I voted.

Also this week's special guest will be my mom. She watched with loyal fans (Grandma and Aunt Nancy) live from St Francis ER Room 14. Not to worry, everyone is fine. I'll save her wrap-up for the end of this analysis.

Chris Richardson - Change The World - Excellent selection for him. Not sure about his outfit. One of his best performances to date. He brought it.

Melinda Doolittle - There Will Come A Day - Wow! I got chills when she sang this song. Amazing song selection. Her dress is great. She was outstanding....again.

Blake Lewis - Imagine - Kick a%% vocal! Blake's got his own sense of style, and I guess I get it. Super song selection. He looks very nervous after last week's ridiculous bottom 3 nightmare.

LaKisha Jones - I Believe - Fantasia song? Really? Is she really picking an old Idol anthem? (Can you tell I am disappointed?) Her dress is very flattering. It was a big vocal tonight. She's in the bottom three though, I believe.

Phil Stacey - The Change - Powerful song. He picked well. Phil knows what he is doing in this competition. He was on this evening.

Jordin Sparks - You'll Never Walk Alone - I don't love the song selection. Jordin, however, is phenomenal. I got chills when she was singing too. She looked great this week again.

So check it, here is my ranking from best to not the best (can't say worst because Sanjaya and Haley are gone....oops out loud):
Jordin
Melinda
Blake
Chris
Phil
LaKisha

My mom's ranking is:
Jordin
Melinda
LaKisha
Phil
Blake
Chris

And so now that the votes are in.....I called and placed 100 votes (yes, that is 10 dollars) from 10:18 pm EDT to 10:43 pm EDT. They were all for Melinda Doolittle (1-866-436-5708).

Let the comments begin......

Country Music Night

And we're back! It's "game on" this week. I am ready. I am pumped. Wardrobe, song selection, performance, vocals...watch out!

LOVE Martina McBride! She's just super! Love her!

01 - Phil Stacey - Sparkly shirt? no, no, no Selection was solid. One of his best vocals. Top notch for him! WAY TO GO, PHIL!

02 - Jordin Sparks - She looks so great!!! Love the dress. Awesome song selection. Vocals were tight! Wow, Idol fans, she is running full force at the finale.

03 - Sanjaya Malakar - Oh. my. gosh! Bad hair, "scarf", shirt... If he was in this for entertainment value, he could have picked a WAY better song. Not super vocals. Blah, blah, blah, talk about, blah, talk about. Did he not want to learn many lyrics this week? I didn't like it....at....all. (especially compared to the others) Paula is reTARded.

04 - LaKisha Jones - Bold selection, but I think it was a good one. She looks great this week. It was difficult for me to not listen for Carrie's voice. She did sound good though. I might have preferred her to sing something else. I agreed with Simon's comments wholeheartedly. Props to Randy for using "wheelhouse" again...Yay!

05 - Chris Richardson - LOVE this song. See Jim's comments from last week to recall my opinion of his appearance. (love him!) It was way copycat for me. The second half of the song was better than the first. He could and should have done better. I think if he goes home, I would like for him to stay and just sit on the stage over by Ryan. He can be the next Brian Dunkleman. :)

06 - Melinda Doolittle - Look at her cute outfit! You go, girl! FUN selection. This girl can sing ANYTHING she wants! Does anyone besides me see a Jordin-Melinda finale? MELINDA ROCKS!

07 - Blake Lewis - Didn't like the outfit based on the genre. EXCELLENT selection for him. Great performance. Does anyone else think his facial expressions sometimes are boring? Anyway, he rocked it.

So here is how I see it:
Melinda
Jordin
Blake
Phil
LaKisha
Chris
Sanjaya

Sanjaya has GOT to go home....I can't take it anymore......

Jenny from the Block and 8 Idols

It's Latin Night!!!!

1 - Melinda - She looks phenomenal! Why can't I start voting now? AMAZING!

(Randy's glasses are huge!)

2 - LaKisha - Holy halter dress! Fun selection with a lot of personality.

3 - Chris - I love him. I like the song too. :)

4 - Haley - Oh I so wanted her to fall. Gloria Estefan, she is NOT. Not too many vocals in this song. Great background vocals. Have I mentioned that I don't like her?

5 - Phil - Guys are picking great songs tonight. It was one of his better selections for me.

6 - Jordin - Way cute outfit. She's walking around a little too much for me. I like her a lot. Fun choice, solid vocal.

7 - Blake - WOW. He is awesome. ROCK ON! Perfect for his voice.

8 - Sanjaya - I can't even speak about his appearance this week. Actually, this was his best week vocally.

Here is how I see it:
Blake
Melinda
Chris
Jordin
LaKisha
Sanjaya
Phil
Haley

Next week...Martina McBride and country music. :) I am giddy with glee already.

"I'm still, I'm still, Jenny from the block..."
(you are all singing now, aren't you?)

Season 6, Tony Bennett

This week's show was broadcast live and in full effect from St. Paul's Hermitage, where Grandma Betty was eager to see how well these "kids" could sing some of the greatest songs ever. We had our annual discussion about how they don't make beautiful songs like this anymore, how many more weeks are left this season, how that is a lot of weeks left, and how disappointed she will be when the season is over.

Alas, I begin our collective commentary for this week. I promise that none of Grandma's commentary was provoked.

01 - Blake Lewis - He's pretty good. I dug it. Super wardrobe.

02 - Phil Stacey - I love this song. (while singing along) I like him as well as I did the other one. Great vocal. Excellent selection.

03 - Melinda Doolittle - She's good. Oh my gosh! I bet she gets #1. Don't like the dress or the hairstyle this week, but who really even cares about that. Wow, America, we have to vote!

04 - Chris Richardson - I like him. I wish he would have dressed a little better. His best performance and a perfect song selection.

Ryan's cute.

05 - Jordin Sparks - She's got a good voice. Let's take a moment to reflect on the under 18 crowd of all seasons......She's top of the class. She looks super cute this week.

06 - Gina Glocksen - Like her performance; don't like her wardrobe. Pretty song. She didn't have to put a lot into that. She's good, but not one of the best.

07 - Sanjaya Malakar - His best, I think. However, I felt like I was watching the Love Boat. Oh this song is just beautiful. (note: she said song)

08 - Haley Scarnato - I want her gone. LOVED Simon's look before she sang. LOVED Tony's comments. And we're sitting again. What's she wearing? Well, that's short and tight, isn't it? That's a loud green, even I can see it.

Randy's comment got me thinking ---- What is MY wheelhouse of songs?

09 - LaKisha Jones - Her best until the END. She moved from the top performer to third with that silly ending, darn it. Why didn't she listen to Tony!!!??? She's good, there's no doubt about that.

Here are my rankings:
Top 3 - Melinda, Chris, LaKisha
Middle - Blake, Jordin, Phil, Gina
Bottom 2 - Haley and Sanjaya

I will close this week with a final thought from Grandma. Oh, I hate for it to be over; the songs are so pretty.

10 Idols and Gwen Stefani

It has been suggested that I update this to be a podcast, so everyone can be entertained by my antics during the show. I am considering it, since I need to start mixing it up a little. :)

It's the tour gang....and here we go:

01 - Lakisha - She looks great. Amazing selection. Kickin' it off with a great performance. I was dancing along.

02 - Sligh - He sounded good, quality-wise. Did anyone hear an annoying echo? It was weird. The beat was off though.

03 - Gina - Best selection for her in weeks. I really liked it.

(Do we even need to watch the next segment? Sanjaya and Haley...blech.)

04 - Sanjaya - Really??!!? EW! I walked away. I couldn't take it. He is a gimmick. That poor fasting girl isn't going to get to eat this week.

05 - Haley - Short skirts and sitting on the steps...that's all you've got? Don't like the melody; she ruined the song a bit for me. Didn't Gwen tell her NOT to do that? She's pretty; that's the only nice thing I have to say.

06 - Phil - LOVE the song. He had a solid performance, but I didn't like the end at all. Just keepin' it real, Dawg.

07 - Melinda - SUPER cute outfit (what does Simon know?) I wonder if other people are embarrassed about their performances when they hear her each week. Off the HOOK!

08 - Blake - He has a good voice. It was safe but yet a strong vocal.

09 - Jordin - Interesting was the first word that came to my mind. She's tough. I hated her wardrobe.

10 - Chris Richardson - R&B version....I dug it. Not his best to date, but he sounded great.

My top 3 tonight were: Lakisha, Gina, and Melinda
My bottom 3 this week are: Sanjaya, Haley, Sligh (only because he wrecked the beat of the song)

I almost would rather Haley go home this week....she bores me.

Let the commenting begin........

Results Debacle

Apparently this season, America will vote off real singers to keep crazy morons on the show.

Season 6, British Invasion

Let me start off by saying, this was the best category I have seen Idol do in years. Now, on to the good stuff...

01 - Haley - Good selection for her. It was safe. She's not so natural at the performing part; it seemed forced. Was anyone else distracted by that stupid string on her shirt? It was the best we have seen her, but.........

02 - Chris R - Solid. I was mesmerized. I don't have anything else to say. I just stared at the TV.

03 - Stephanie - She can sing, there is no question. It seemed a little slow though. So far, this genre has been pretty good for everyone.

04 - Blake - There has never been anyone like him on this show. Excellent selection. LOVED it. (I like that this week, it's OK with the judges to make it your own.) His gear cracks me up.

WHO KNEW we would EVER get to hear Ryan sing?

05 - Lakisha - Her wardrobe was distracting. The performance was amazing and professional. She threw it down!

06 - Phil - This was a good selection for him, too. I think he showed why he is still around.

07 - Jordin - SUCH a cute dress! WOW, this was her best. Lakisha who?

Programming alert: Next week's show is 10 singers and 60 minutes.

08 - Sanjaya - Damn! Girls are going to vote for him now. I will leave the crying girl comments alone. He actually sounds like a guy this week. The remainder of all Sanjaya comments should come from Mr. Watson......

09 - Gina - She was talking about blogs....I wonder if they read mine? Not my favorite performance from her. She didn't pick the right song.

10 - Chris Sligh - The audience walk was dumb. Vocal performance rocked! On point selection for Sligh!

11 - Melinda - Seriously....I mean really....I mean...why.....again, I am speechless.

So let's break it down:
Top 3 - Melinda, Jordin, Blake
Middle 3 - Chris, Chris, Lakisha
Sanjaya (I can't categorize that.)
Bottom 4 - Phil, Gina, Haley, Stephanie

I think a girl will leave us this week.

Season 6, The Songs of Diana Ross

Let's just start by saying, "Plastic surgery, anyone?"

Alas, we have the boys and girls singing together, and of course, we have the order of boy, girl, boy, girl... (with about 10 commercial breaks)

Grandma is back on track this season with a minor mix-up on the time. She missed the first 10 minutes. Not to worry, I will make sure she is good to go next week.

Here are my thoughts:

01 - Brandon - His tone is great. Fun song. Yikes...he missed it. That hurt. It wasn't pretty. (This is where you all laugh at me because you know I am literally transcribing my thoughts and out-loud commentary.) I am still a Brandon fan....let's be honest, he could have stood on stage and mouthed the lyrics and it would have been better than what we will see from Sanjaya.

02 - Melinda - WOW! She is outstanding! That is all I can even think to say.

(Paula in the "ugly cry" this early in the season is a little rough for me. Grandma said, "Oh that was just ridiculous. I think she is on drugs or something. She can't control herself.")

03 - Chris Sligh - Freaking me out without the glasses. I love the mix of this song....that was pretty sweet. I liked it. I disagree with the judges.

04 - Gina - She rocked! Excellent song selection for her. She did walk around a little too much though.

05 - Sanjaya - America, WHAT did we do!?! From the straight iron to a perm this week. He TOTALLY looks like a girl. What? What? Are you singing? What? This kid makes Chicken Little (aka Kevin Covais) look like a rock star. He picked a good song and tanked it!

06 - Haley - Was she singing words? I missed a lot of them if she did. On a high note, she looks pretty. Overall, boring. She is kind of a mess.

07 - Phil - He is a little awkward. Song selection - on point. Personality showed, big vocals.

08 - Lakisha - Why do they make fabric so shiny? I am sad because I don't like this song. LOVE her though!

09 - Blake -This kid's gotta a VOICE! Wow...awesome...wow. I LOVED it. And, he's a cutie! :)

(OK, judges....make it your own - show your stuff, dawg - bring your game - let us know who you are....really? When people do, you reply, I didn't feel it, dawg - it was a mess - sing it the way it was written)

10 - Stephanie - SUPER cute dress. I can't believe she is 19 when you listen to her voice. She can sing, no question. This is her genre/style. I didn't understand the judges' comments because I didn't know the song.

11 - Chris Richardson - He looked sharp. I didn't know this song. I thought it was the best male vocal performance of the night, but not the best overall.

12 - Jordin - I thought it was a great performance for her. The selection was right on for her age and personality. Go Jordin!

Here is how I would rank them this week:
Melinda (best)
Lakisha
Jordin
Blake
Gina
Chris R
Chris S
Stephanie
Phil
Brandon
Haley
Sanjaya (worst)

Until next week...for American Idol I am,
Schnieders Out!

Rank the top 12 now before performances....

OK, American Idol Fans! Here is your chance....on the record, how do you think the votes will go? Starting with 12 (first voted out) to 1 (winner)....

My picks:
12 - Haley Scarnato
11 - Sanjaya Malakar
10 - Phil Stacey
9 - Stephanie Edwards
8 - Brandon Rogers
7 - Gina Glocksen
6 - Jordin Sparks
5 - Chris Sligh
4 - Blake Lewis
3 - Lakisha Jones
2 - Chris Richardson
1 - Melinda Doolittle

The Top 12 Revealed

QUESTION
Phil, Sundance, or Jared?

FACT
Sanjaya Malakar should NOT be on TV next week.

QUESTION
Should Antonella take the $250,000 Girls Gone Wild hosting gig she was offered?

FACT
Sabrina Sloan was robbed by America.

For all of you that read this blog in the voice of Dwight Schrute, I commend you.

Season 6, 8 Girls Left....

I'm getting right to it...

1 - Jordin - Awesome and fun selection! She looked great and sounded amazing. Top 12!

2 - Sabrina - Don't like the wardrobe really. Her voice is awesome though. Great song selection. Top 12. (Randy, you are a tool.)

3 - Antonella - "haven't had time to practice...." Really, that's a shocker! Is she really singing a Corrine Bailey Rae song? Sadly, this might have been her strongest performance, since the ending was good, but overall it was just ok. SHE IS THE WEAKEST LINK.

4 - Haley - She's not unique. She looked super cute, but her performance was just that, cute and safe.

5 - Stephanie - It's like night and day from one singer to the next. She has a strong voice and personality in her performance...knocked it out!

6 - Lakisha - I get goose bumps when this girl sings. Big song - she didn't do too much different with it, but she was great. She really looked pretty too.

7 - Gina - WOW. When she started singing, I forgot I hated her outfit. She's in it to win it.

8 - Melinda - She needs to win. She looks awesome, sounds amazing. She's SUPER....and our next Idol.

Watch for further links on an Antonella "scandal" with Indy ties.....

8 Guys Remain.....

Welcome back....THIS is my American Idol blog....(sorry, I was trying to be like Seacrest there for a minute)

1-866-436-5701 - Blake - Don't like this week's wardrobe. This song was his style and he rocked. I want to see this guy in the theme weeks.

1-866-436-5702 - Sanjaya - Did he really yous a flat iron to straighten his hair? I am so over this kind (and Antonella). He needs a haircut in my opinion. Song selection was decent, but there was no energy until the last 15 seconds or so of the song. Pretty painful.

1-866-436-5703 - Sundance - Song selection was top notch, but I didn't like what he did with it. Vocal was good, not super. He appeals to a different genre of voters, and I am not one of them.

1-866-436-5704 - Chris R - This was risky for him. I like him, and I like what he did with the song. I'll say it, I think he is a hottie. :) He's shown that he will do well with the different musical genres they will throw out in the upcoming weeks.

1-866-436-5705 - Jared - We are definitely seeing his personality. Solid selection. Strong performance....liked it.

1-866-436-5706 - Brandon - This was fun and upbeat. I think he showed his skills this week.

1-866-436-5707 - Phil - Ew, ew, ew. Rough start. I don't like it even though he is trying to make me like it. He shouted too much.

1-866-436-5708 - Chris S - He's got a big voice. Sweet performance. Welcome to the top 12.

My prediction on the judges' 4 is: Chris, Chris, Blake, and Brandon. At this point, I would add Jared and Sundance to that list.