Idol Concert 2008

So, alas, it is time to write my synopsis of the tour concert, which I attended a little over five hours ago. While it is still fresh in my mind, I thought I would throw out my opinion.

Let me begin this blog by admitting that this was the fifth idol concert I have attended, and I guess all that does is give me a frame of reference for my next point.

I didn't like the format of tonight's show. No duets, only two group numbers, I mean this is why I go to the show......I'm left to comment on wardrobe and song selection yet again.

Here are my photos from the show....really grainy, but you get the point.

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8KcsmzZs2ZL0

10 - Chikezie - He started off with "I Believe to My Soul". He sounds much better live (and with more practice) than he did on the show. Next up was "Caught Up", and his set wrapped with "So High". As far as wardrobe commentary, I do believe he was sporting a purple velvet jacket.

9 - Ramiele - Her choreography looked very boring and forced. That being said, she sang "I Want You Back", "Love Will Lead You Back", and "If I Never See Your Face Again". The last song really drove home why I was pleased when she was voted off the show (the title that is). With her 4 inch heels, I still swear the mic stand was taller than Ramiele. Purple sparkles...that's all I have for wardrobe comments.

8 - Michael Johns - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZrC_Y3cUtQ
He rocked it! It proved that he should have been in the top three this year if "we" were truly voting for our favorites. "We Will Rock You", "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right", and "Dream On" was sadly all we got to hear from Mr. Johns. He was really great.

7 - Kristy - A wise man said a couple of weeks ago, "Kristy Lee Cook needs to just go home now." I must concur with that statement. She looked very pretty this evening, but past that I was unimpressed. She sang "Squeezin' the Love Outta You", "God Bless the USA", and "Cowgirls". She could have made wiser choices on her selections (hint tour producers). She's a nice girl, but I can't believe Nashville gave her a record deal. Then again, Miss Pickler is making her second album.

6 - Carly - Thank GOODNESS! I go back to the fact that she was awesome on the show, and she was great in tonight's show. She looked great, and she sounded great. "Bring Me to Life", "Crazy On You", and "I Drove All Night" were her selections, and while I didn't love her selections, I thought she was very entertaining and fun to watch and hear live. I really think she and Michael should go on tour together. I might even go to a bar to watch them.

5 - Brooke - Brooke started her set by rising from the elevated floor playing "Let It Be". This was a great TV performance, and an even better live performance. Brooke sported her typical Bohemian flowy shirt and jeans, and she looked comfortable on stage. Her second song was a bit cheesy I thought "1, 2, 3, 4", but she rallied with her wrap up tune, "Yellow". Brooke played guitar for her last two songs, and it was nice to finally have some performances with live instruments.

Before intermission, the bottom 6 came out to sing "In the Name of Love" with scenes from Idol Gives Back on the screens behind them. And now the crowd waits with baited breath for Mr. Castro.

4 - Jason Castro - The screams from the crowd. The mumbling at the microphone. The red shoes. All in all, Castro's song selections were spot on for him, and he showed his own personal style in all three songs. He tried to engage the audience in a little conversation, but it fell short because you couldn't hear anything he was saying. Set was "Over the Rainbow", "Crazy", and "Daydream".

3 - Syesha - Bad gear, bad hair, yet excellent song selection from the top female vote getter of the season. Her songs were "Umbrella" (ella, ella, eh, eh, eh - sorry, I had to), "If I Ain't Got You", and "Listen". Her shoes were ultra-stylish, but her dress left something to be improved upon. One of the highlights of this segment of the show was a man that was clearly a huge Syesha fanatic standing and singing her songs with her from about 4 row below us.

2 - David Archuleta - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muiKcCEORp8

Ok, now it's game time. I'm on my feet, and I am not sitting til this show wraps. (This reminds me that there was an eight foot tall man in front of me. Out of control.) This kid is amazing. The TV didn't do him justice. Awesome. "Angels", "Apologize", "Stand By Me", and "When You Say You Love Me". He killed it, knocked it out of the park, and about twenty other cheesy cliches. It was at this point that I forgot who else even sang tonight. Thank goodness for my notes. If you couldn't tell, I LOVED IT!

1 - David Cook - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTVpC4yBZtM

Seriously, he was outstanding live. I really wish this would have been two hours of David and David. That would have been (wait for it) like listening to them sing the phone book. David came up from the floor singing "Hello". Stellar! Then after thanking the audience and sending a shout out to his relatives in the "house", he sang "Time Of My Life". He's mixed it up and made it more "his own" since the finale, and it rocked. After stopping to address a potential wardrobe situation (or a face plant on the stage), he sang "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing". While this wasn't a top choice for me from the season, I love Mr. Cook, so I loved the performance. He brought the house down with "My Hero" which he dedicated to his ailing brother. While we thought the show is over, it never is unless we've had a group number. David emerged again and performed "Billie Jean", which many people feel is when he started to lock in the votes this year. For me, he had me at "Hello". HA - it's 1:24 a.m. and I still got it! :)

Last but not least, we get to the sole group number of the night (I just won't even vent. Just understand my frustration, please.) which was "Don't Stop the Music". All parties were well represented, and then the music did, in fact, stop.

All in all, I liked the indoor venue this year as opposed to the fair, and the top two performers were AWESOME. The format needs to switch back to where we were last year.

Have a great week everyone. I'll try to post more video next week. Until then.

For American Idol I Am,

Jennifer M Schnieders

Random commentary

I rode public transportation to work today. It took longer than I would have liked, but I didn't have to drive.

I watched the NBA Finals last night.....until the national anthem was over. Pro basketball is painful.

I toyed with the idea of a "The Bachelorette" blog. I made some notes in the first two episodes, but they never made it to print....so now, what's the point?

That's all for today.....

I was 15 minutes late for work today because of iTunes

Begin the concert countdown!

Season 7, The Finals!

Warning: It's 7:51 and I am already beyond fired up. The blogging this evening might possibly be filled with ridiculously sappy comments.

I am SO excited.

This is hilarious.

I love this show.

Did Luke Perry just yawn? RUDE!

I love this freaking show.

Round One - Clive's Choice

D Cook - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

WOW! I loved it so much I couldn't write.

D Archuleta - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Amazing! Holy crap! Game ON!

Round Two - New Songs Written by Unknowns

D Cook - Dream Big

In a realm of cheesy songs, he made it happen.

(I don't think I am going to be able to pick.)

D Archuleta - In This Moment

Again, this kid is ridiculous. He's bringing his A game. (ha ha I made a funny)

(BTW, Cowell picked Cook on multiple talk shows and interviews.)

Round Three - Contestant Choice

D Cook - The World I Know

Love it! Love him! Absolutely loved it. (Simon can stick it.)

D Archuleta - Imagine

Smart choice. Amazing vocal.

So I didn't love this category. I don't know if I liked it better with a new song or with a season favorite.

I literally can't decide. I have been always the opinionated one, but I really can't pick a winner of the season. They are both the BOMB! (sorry, had to)

Here are the votes so far:

Jenny - So undecided she may lose sleep (thank goodness the tour is here in 63 days)

Mom - Archuleta

Grandma - Archuleta

Emily - Cook

Cathy - Undecided (see you know where I get it from)

Marc - Archuleta

Missy - Cook

Who gets your vote?

Thank you, America!

versus

Be there or be square!
Tuesday, May 20th

Top Three - Vote for a David

First round - judges
Second round - contestants
Third round - producers

Archuleta
1 - And So It Goes -Paula was smart with this selection. It was simple and solid. He brought his A game to start.
2 - With You - (lyrics yikes) I give him props for stepping out of his comfort zone and appealing to the 18 and under voting crowd.
3 - Longer - This song was too old for him, but he belongs in the finals with those vocals.
This kid consistently brought it throughout the full 13 weeks.

Syesha
1 - If I Ain't Got You - It was safe, and Syesha does not equal Alicia.
2 - Fever - Sparkles again? Did they run out of eye shadow and move them to wardrobe? What is up with the accent? Bother. How many times has this song been performed on this show. (Where are Carly and Mr. Johns when you need them?)
3 - Hit Me Up - Surprise - the sequins have returned. Are they trying to make her fun with these selections? That was a poor choice for the evening.

D Cook
1 - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Interesting selection, quality vocal.
2 - Dare You To Move - Challenging selection, average vocal.
LET'S BRING THIS HOME!
3 - I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing - It's clear who the producers want in the finale. He rocked it.

And now the voting begins......

Rock and Roll with the Top 4

(Disclaimer – I apologize for the tardiness of this posting. Preparing for training precluded me from logging onto the internet last evening. I won’t make a habit of this.)

So it’s rock and roll hall of fame week….I have high expectations.

D Cook
Song 1 – Stepped up the wardrobe this week – I dug it. I didn’t love his song selection, but his vocals were rockstar solid.
Song 2 – (I like the wardrobe changes this week.) I must admit I have never heard this song (and I was appropriately castigated by Mr. Watson). He’s cool, and I liked it.

(Side note – Daughtry went home this week. Let’s make sure something like that doesn’t happen again.)

S Mercado
Song 1 – Ok, she gets wardrobe props. I’m over her. I have no other comments.
Song 2 – I don’t like this dress. I didn’t pay attention. Put her on Broadway and let’s be done.

J Castro
Song 1 – Ew, no. He’s rocking out too much. No no no no no. The only positive is that he appears to be making an effort with his performance this week.
Song 2 – SO much better….um, did he just miss lyrics? Still it was a better selection and better vocal even with his screw up.

D Archuleta
Song 1 – Excellent selection for him. He’s bringing it. I loved it.
(P.S. His dad is too overwhelming for me.)
Song 2 – Awesome (that’s all I got) He looked great this week too with wardrobe.

So David A won both rounds in my book, with Cook coming in second. Can we kick the other two off now?

All in favor of eliminating Syesha and Jason and bringing back Michael Johns for the Top 3, say aye.

Vera Bradley Outlet Sale - 2008

A picture is worth $1,382.......

Top 5 with Neil Diamond

Ok, I must send a shout out to Mr. Stephens who is celebrating his birthday today with his favorite artist.....I can only hope that the show lived up to his high standards.

Now for the show....Please let "tight show" mean two songs a piece and fewer commercials.....THANK YOU!!!!

With all the stars that have crossed into the world of idol, I must admit that Neil Diamond looked pretty good for his age. Must I remind everyone of Barry Manilow week, Kenny Rogers....I could go on. I actually called my mom at a commercial and said "Did Neil have work done because if so, you can't really tell?"

Ok, let's get down to business:

Jason Castro
Forever In Blue Jeans - selection was excellent for his voice, performance was solid but nothing special
September Morn - It was safe, yet in spots pretty rough. I don't get from Mr. Castro that he is in it to win it. (You knew it was only a matter of time before I busted that out.)

David Cook
I'm Alive - Rock version, it's cool. I dig it. That performance went by too quickly (sigh).
All I Really Need Is You - Excellent selection and he's smart to have this be his second song. Loved it. Bring it! In it, my friends, he's in it!

Brooke White
I'm A Believer - She is awkward playing the guitar for this son. She looked great (minus the sparkles). Safe song, safe performance. (Fun fact - her husband is an accountant.)
I Am, I Said - Ryan called her out now didn't he? This selection was SO much better and smarter for her. She's a ballad girl. SO MUCH better. This is the Brooke that I liked early on.

David Archuleta
Sweet Caroline - Fun song for him amidst all his serious ballads. Loved it. Love him!
America - He brought it. Loved it again. He nailed it. His vocals are solid. He mixed it up and it worked.

Syesha Mercado
Hello Again - She needs shoes with that dress. I liked the performance. She's still a little too Whitney for me.
Thank the Lord for the Night Life - Since when is she trying to win tihs? Solid vocal again. She may just be safe.

Ok, so how many people laughed out loud at Paula.....the middle comments were awkward enough until dear sweet Paula. Someone please help her.

Here's how I saw it (feel free to disagree)

Two Davids - own league
Syesha
Brooke
Jason

I think it's time to bid Mr. Castro goodbye and watch his cheesy exit video. (I say cheesy because I won't be disappointed to watch it.)

Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog which will report on my outing to the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana......watch out!

Top 6 and Their Webber Show Tunes

Syesha - One Rock and Roll Too Many
Yes, because this is the first week that you should show animation or personality...bother. It started wrong. Not happy with her selection. This could be her downfall. The stepping off the piano was awkward. She looks great this week. It was good, not great. At this point, everyone is talented. I totally disagree with the judges except that Broadway is the place for her, not Idol.

Jason - Memories
He dressed up this week. Lower register was ok. His timing was off in the middle. This is so not his genre. This was just ok for me. The best part of it for me was his wardrobe selection.

Brooke - You Must Love Me
Lord Andrew cracked me up. She's going to cry...I'm calling it now. Wow, I didn't call that. She's probably going this week. She seems like she is forcing it a little. Didn't Madonna sing this song? Props to her stylist this week. I don't think she got it done either. 0 for 3 in my book. It seems like her performance was in slow motion. (Um, Paula just put her in the bottom 3.)

David A - Think Of Me
I am going to say it...I am getting tired of the jackets every week. I love this song selection. He jazzed it up, and I liked it. He's the bomb. Love this kid! Woo Woo!

(Who was the scary guy they showed in the audience?)

Carly - Jesus Christ Superstar
This rocked! She looks great! Awesome! This was her best performance in my opinion. (Her husband scares me a little.)

David C - The Music of the Night
When I am a big fan, I have a tendency not to write anything in my pre-blogging notebook.....so I was mesmerized by David's performance. I loved his selection as well, and I actually wanted him to sing it. I loved it (of course).

Here are my rankings:
David C
Carly
David A
Syesha
Brooke
Jason

Next week, Neil Diamond. I'm fired up, Grandma is excited, Mom is a big fan (yeah, she is watching pretty intently this season), and well, Mr. Stephens will be participating in the blog for obvious Neil Diamond admiration reasons.

Until then!

Top 7 - Mariah Mentors

Ok, so I think it is safe to say we all wondered how this week would go down. I must say after last week's voting debacle, I am very focused on getting the blog out so I can begin to vote. Yes, I said it, I am voting. :)

So here I go....I don't like Ryan's tie. I feel like he wears the same tie every week and it has started to bother me. Paula's dress was much more appropriate this week.

This set of songs will be interesting. And the whole group looks a little star struck with Miss Carey?

01 - David Archuleta - When You Believe
LOVE this song. This song is a duet, so I think it makes it much more challenging to sing. I liked it a lot but I am not sure about what the stylist decided to do with him this evening.....was he wearing Ross Geller's leather pants? He showed his range, and he's a star. ROCK ON, dude!

02 - Carly Smithson - Without You
She looks good this week. They are dressing her in a lot of deep blues and violets, and I think it works. The song selection was right for her. There were a few points where I wasn't sure, but overall, she worked it out. I agree with the judges.

(Side note - It is me or does it appear that Mariah has special lighting in these clips with her?)

03 - Syesha Mercado - Vanishing
What a surprise, Syesha's dressing like Mariah. Darn it, she sang well. We gotta start getting rid of these girls. The song was a boring selection I thought. Why does she look like she is going to start crying when Randy is talking to her? Spit it out, Paula.

04 - Brooke White - Hero
She's very sparkly. Oh, Mariah, she is so deep. I love the selection. This might be one of my top 3 Brooke performances (Mr. Watson, the others would be Let It Be and Every Breath You Take). I liked her mix of the song. The sparkles were very distracting, so it was a good idea to sit behind the piano.

05 - Kristy Lee Cook - Forever
Is it bad when you say you want to connect? Shouldn't that happen naturally if you are a talented performer? Bad wardrobe. I am bored and so over her even though she is trying really hard this week. Overall, I say eh.

Were they trying to torment us with putting all 4 of these girls in a row? NOT cool.

06 - David Cook - Always Be My Baby
Holy crap! This was awesome. I am speechless. WOW! (I actually said that out loud.) His brother was able to make the trip out this week and so that made it a little bit of a tearjerker for me and then David teared up, are you trying to kill me? He was amazing and I am really torn between the two David's as far as who I think should win this. For all of you who missed the show, I'm pasting a link to You Tube so you can see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu9gD4otRrg
This guy has nailed every single week. RIDICULOUS!!!!!!

07 - Jason Castro - I Don't Wanna Cry
I give this kid props for singing this song. He was original, and I dug it. He needs to stay as well.

Here's how I break it down:
Stars - David C and David A
Keepers - Jason and Carly
Silver Seat Getters - Brooke, Kristy, and Syesha

Grandma called in her vote for getting the boot - Syesha.

Until next week, or until America irritates me......

For American Idol I am,
Jennifer M. Schnieders

Top 8 Results....Blog It Out....

Ok, let's be real here for a second....these girls have GOT to start heading home. I have talked to four family members (Grandma included) who are irritated, and in addition to that it seems that most others that I have talked with did not think that Michael Johns should have been the one to get the boot last evening.....

And why did Ryan have to point out that last year they didn't kick anyone off, that was a waste of my time.....

What do we do? VOTE! I haven't been calling but I can promise you that I will be from this point forward.

And we can also hope that Michael Johns finds a band, because he belongs as a front man.

Ok, I might feel a little better....blogging it out did help.

Inspired or not?

Ok, I fully realize that I am a crazy person when it comes to this show. Let me embarrass myself this week (I know....just this week?)....The show started (after I got Grandma squared away on the correct channel), and I said out loud, "I love this show!"

(Sidebar - I talked back to the women on The Bachelor last night....out loud to the TV....)

That being said and "out there", I will begin.

I am not even going to go there about Paula's dress....oh, wait, I guess I just did.

1 - Michael Johns - Dream On
He stayed true to his style. It wasn't my favorite performance of his.....maybe it was song selection.

2 - Syesha Mercado - I Believe
Fantasia? Really? You need to go home just because of your song selection. How many songs did you have to pick from, woman? I'm not feeling it. I do like her version better than Fantasia's....til that last high note. Um, no. (Gag me, Randy!)

3 - Jason Castro - Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Ukuleles make me laugh. (No clue why) I liked this selection for Jason. It was a nice performance.

4 - Kristy Lee Cook - Anyway
Love the song! Horrible shirt (but better than last week's dress). A little too corny for me. The end of the song was great, but she might need to be in the bottom three.

5 - David Cook - Innocent
Interesting....he rocks! Love him! Not my favorite song of his, but he belongs in the finals.

6 - Carly Smithson - Show Must Go On
I'm not sure about her song selection or wardrobe selection. She sang it well though. (Randy is fussy this week.)

7 - David Archuleta - Angels
Seriously! Amazing! (Ok, I just felt a little like gushy Paula) This kid is so talented, and the song was actually inspiring. For me, a David Cook-David Archuleta finale will be great TV.

8 - Brooke White - You've Got A Friend
Oh dear! What is she wearing and who put her in the rain? Yikes! Excellent song selection for the theme. I didn't love her performance....I kept wanting someone else to sing the song. The glitter has GOT to go. She's now starting to annoy me with the over-emotion every week.

So here is how I see it.....the only two that are safe based on this week are David A and Jason.
I think Syesha and Carly have the biggest chances on being on the bubble on Thursday night. It's time to start shipping off some of these girls.

It's now the actual day of Idol Gives Back, so I need to get to sleep so that I can get settled in for some good TV in a little over nineteen hours. (Oh, that was embarrassing too....you all know me, I am just like that.)

P.S. Overall, I was not inspired!

Dolly and the Top 9

(Note from the author: Tonight's issue of the blog almost didn't happen....after a 6 day stay in the Windy City, or shall I say just the Sears Tower, my DVR was full and I made it home with three minutes to spare...phew)

I would like to start off this week by welcoming Mr. Brian Fallon to the blog......based on his current workload, my measly attempt to comment on the episode is all he will have time for this week. :)

So here we go.....

Nice analogy, Dolly. Like you and your songs, I think of my tax returns as my children. NOT!

01 - Brooke - Jolene - Nice selection for her. She did a nice job, and it was a good fit. She looked great too.

02 - David Cook - Little Sparrow - He looks WAY better this week. What did he do? Under the spotlight I am rethinking my comment. This cat had it going on! LOVED IT.

03 - Ramiele - Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - This was a solid vocal, but it didn't do much for me. I agree with Simon (minus the cruise ship comment).

04 - Jason - Traveling Through - Awesome. This whole performance was solid. A little different than the last few weeks, and I thought it rocked.

05 - Carly - Here You Come Again - She picked a great ballad. Her wardrobe was way better . I liked it a lot. I disagree obviously with Simon's style comment.

06 - David Archuleta - Smokey Mountain Memories - Busting out the argyle this week. WOW! That is all I ever say, but it was awesome.

07 - Kristy - Coat of Many Colors - Oh gosh, who let her wear that dress? It was an average performance. Hee Hee....Randy busted out "wheelhouse" and of COURSE Paula would like that dress.

08 - Syesha - I Will Always Love You - This song is overdone. What is up with all the girl's eye make-up tonight? Did they have some glitter that was getting ready to go bad? Ok, after all that, I really liked her performance. She didn't try to overdo it. The overhead lighting is very odd on this new stage.

09 - Michael - It's All Wrong But It's All Right - He did a super job. These guys this season are superior to the girls.

Top 3 - David, David, Michael
Mid 3 - Carly, Jason, Brooke
Bottom 3 - Ramiele, Syesha, Kristy

And with that, I leave you this week.

Top Ten, The Year They Were Born

01 - Ramiele - Alone
This song has been a little over-done on this show. She's back this week vocally. A few times, she seemed to shout, but I thought it was a solid vocal. (Ok, so the judges and I don't agree)

02 - Jason - Fragile
Wow! Excellent selection. While his facial expressions are a bit odd at times, I think I'm sold on this kid. (Hello, this kid is laid back. Do you want him skipping around the stage?)

03 - Syesha - If I Were Your Woman
She has stepped up her game these last two weeks. I liked it. (Paula, let's not go overboard.)

04 - Chikezie - If Only For One Night
This is so much better than last week. He does show some versatility. I liked it, but who knows what the judges will say.

05 - Brooke - Every Breath You Take
She mixed it up, and I give her props for that. I loved it.

06 - Michael - We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions
He belongs at the front of a band. I like what he selects each week to sing. He's cool.

07 - Carly - Total Eclipse Of The Heart
She takes the prizes for the best kid pictures. I thought the selection and the vocal were awesome. The girl has some serious shoes on this evening too. (Randy is fussy!)

08 - David A - You're The Voice
I am not familiar with the song, but he is awesome. Why are we having a competition? RIDICULOUS this kid!

off to another commercial.....thank goodness next week is down to 60 minutes

(Internal Dialogue - "Wait a minute....Kristy Lee Cook....David Cook....did I just pick up on this? Hmm....)

09 - Kristy - God Bless the USA
Who styled her hair? Simon? Rough in the middle, but the selection is a favorite of mine. She should have nailed it with no mistakes since this song is in her wheelhouse (hee hee, had to say it).

10 - David Cook - Billie Jean
His baby picture had me laughing out loud (or maybe I was giddy from all the commercials). I'll admit I had to watch this twice because I wasn't sure the first time around. His voice is amazing! This must be why we are watching this as a competition.

Who's on the bubble this week?
Ramiele, Syesha, Chikezie, Kristy

Have a great week!

The Beatles, Week 2.....yawn.....

Ok, I am going on record that while I know these songs are amazing and classics, two weeks in a row might be dry and dull.

Amanda Overmyer - Back in the USSR - Better than last week, but I'm still not feeling it. She's sorta shouty. (that was not even a real sentence) Did she actually demonstrate a little personality?

Kristy Lee Cook - You've Got To Hide Your Love Away - Interesting selection, and she looks the best this week that we have seen her. I liked it better than last week. I loved the "musical wallpaper" comment. I will SO be using that later.

David Archuleta - The Long And Winding Road - Solid, strong performance. LOVED it. The crowd cracks me up when he is on stage. I was glad he was back in real form this week.

Michael Johns - He really could record an entire album of these songs. He rocked, I thought. (not sure what the judges heard)

Brooke White - Here Comes the Sun - Was it me, or did her bangs in her face bother anyone else? I really like her but this song was just ok.

David Cook - Day Tripper - He's a freaking rock star! Awesome performance. (The judges realize that they kept this theme again this week.....)

Carly Smithson - Blackbird - It was a little "Broadway" for me but she clearly has talent.

Jason Castro - Michelle - I don't know what to think. (They are not connected to these songs because they connected with their selections last week......Thank you, Simon!)

Syesha Mercado - Yesterday - WOW, she is back and I loved it. She looked great too.

Chikezie - I've Just Seen A Face - Not sure (I am really bored.)

Ramiele Malubay - I Should Have Known Better - It was better than last week, but it was no show stopper.

So for me here is the wrap up:
Off the hook - David, David, Syesha
Only ok because I was already hooked - Brooke, Michael, Carly, Jason
Could get the hook - Amanda, Kristy, Ramiele, Chikezie

P.S. On Oprah Monday, Simon said that David Archuleta, David Cook, Brooke White and Jason Castro were the ones to watch in his opinion based on talent. Also he said on camera that Chris Daughtry was the most talented in season 5, and that it turned into a popularity contest instead. HA! (clearly, not over it)

Top 12 - McCartney and Lennon Songbook

Alright, this week we will review song selection, performance, vocal, wardrobe, and judge commentary.

First off...Song Selection
01 - Syesha Mercado - Got To Get You Into My Life - good
02 - Chikezie - She's A Woman - hmmm
03 - Ramiele Malubay - In My Life - love it, but safe
04 - Jason Castro - If I Feel - like it
05 - Carly Smithson - Come Together - excellent for her
06 - David Cook - Eleanor Rigby - eh
07 - Brooke White - Let It Be - LOVE the song....also a little safe
08 - David Hernandez - I Saw Her Standing There - fun song
09 - Amanda Overmyer - You Can't Do That - no
10 - Michael Johns - Across The Universe - I don't think I have ever heard this
11 - Kristy Lee Cook - Eight Days A Week - like the song
12 - David Archuleta - We Can Work It Out - not my favorite for him.....

Next, performance
01 - didn't like the mix
02 - most energy we've seen from him thus far
03 - heartfelt, but a little dull....strong finish
04 - laidback
05 - she is a strong performer and very comfortable in this setting
06 - he's just cool, might have been a little too "rocky"
07 - have we discussed as a forum that instruments are a plus in my book. little dry at front but she was more involved and connected at the end
08 - not my favorite performance of his, but he's gotta stick around
09 - i am just not a fan. i don't even know what words she is singing.
10 - soulful and simple
11 - little fast, but I liked the country twist
12 - he got nervous :( he powered through but he forgot some words....(I sat and pouted at the tv because I was sad)

Vocal quality
01 - weak start (lower register)
02 - interesting
03 - strong
04 - very unique and solid vocal
05 - rock solid
06 - dude can sing
07 - her voice is interesting too
08 - loved it
09 - I will give her unique
10 - awesome
11 - good, not great
12 - seriously amazing

Wardrobe/Style
Syesha - ok, didn't like the off the shoulder look
Chikezie - stylish as always, although I wasn't crazy about his watch
Ramiele - super cute
Jason - true to his style, but powder blue, dude?
Carly - she looked great
David C - I am struggling with the hairstyle, or maybe the product they are using on him
Brooke - really pretty as usual
David H - stylishly era-appropriate
Amanda - can't handle the hair at all, and smile or go home
Michael - nothing too exciting...as expected
Kristy - cute style
David A - ok

Judge's comments
01 - I agreed.
02 - Again, agree.
03 - I completely agreed with Simon.
04 - He was amazing last week, so that is a tough comparison.
05 - Well, Paula, she has sold 378 records.
06 - Props to the judges.
07 - These songs are what are amazing.
08 - That song leads itself to be over the top.
09 - I just don't get it. Thank you, Simon.
10 - Randy, you said "tooken," and Simon, you don't know their names?
11 - I was indifferent here.
12 - You did force him out of his "vibe" but it wasn't his best to date.

Prediction - a girl goes home

Best of the night - David Cook, Brooke White, Carly Smithson
On the chopping block - Syesha (forgettable), Ramiele (boring and safe), Amanda (mumbly), and Kristy (average)

(Wow, am I glad this is down to one night a week)

Let's voice opinions.....

What were your top 4-6 performances/performers of the first three weeks?

I want to hear it, people!!! I know not all of you have your iTunes to refer to, but come on.....

For me -

• Imagine - David Archuleta
• You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Ramiele Malubay
• Go Your Own Way - Michael Johns
• Love Is A Battlefield - Brooke White
• Hello - David Cook
• Another Day In Paradise - David Archuleta

The Girls on 80's Night

So I am a whole day late.....darn e-filing and depreciation.....

1 - Asia'h Epperson - I Wanna Dance With Somebody - I like it. She's not trying to be Whitney. She's just doing her thing. You go, girl!

2 - Kady Malloy - Some Queen Song - It was just ok. Average. Not sure it's good enough. Not sure she cares.

3 - Amanda Overmyer - I Hate Myself For Loving You - Like the selection. Average performance. Hated the ending. (Her fiance is hot) I'm not sure why the judges love it so much.

4 - Carly Smithson - I Drove All Night - This is the best we've heard from her. I thought it was great.

5 - Kristy Lee Cook - Faithfully - Excellent song selection. She was a little shaky in the middle. This was her best style and vocal.

6 - Ramiele Malubay - Against All Odds - She's the most talented of this crowd. Amazing performance, strong vocal. Is she the tiniest contestant on this show in all the seasons? Did Rondie just say her name incorrectly?

7 - Brooke White - Love Is A Battlefield - Love this performance. She totally mixed it up. She might be my favorite girl. She looked like she was going to cry after she sang.....

8 - Syesha Mercado - Saving All My Love - She just sang her way into the top 12. It was solid.

Here's what I predicted (in the notebook):
In - Asia'h, Carly, Ramiele, Brooke, Syesha
Bubble - Kady, Amanda, Kristy

Game on next week - song selection, vocal, performance, wardrobe, judges commentary - I'll be all over it!