Okay, I may be in the minority here, but I <3 Dolly! 3000 songs? Who knew? And what a character! (***disclaimer, i have spent the past 4 years living in her home state, so I may be drinking the kool-aid a bit too much...)

I thought the week and the music was great... in fact, dare I say that as a whole, this week had the best performances? Now, admittedly, Ramiele was horrible, and KLC ("Coat of Many Colors," Nittany) was only slightly better than fair, but I felt the rest really had great weeks.

And a sure sign that the apocolypse is near... if I closed my eyes, I actually tolerated Jason Castro's performances. It wasn't his worst, but I still will be doing Elimination Dance in hopes that his time on the show is limited.

Loving Rocker David's new haircut. About danged time.

Syesha (sp?)- when will contestants learn to stop taking on Whitney, Mariah and Christina? Sigh. Although, I did love the staging on the piano.

Brooke- I think her niche post-Idol will be in Nashville... and not necessarily on the pure country charts. I can see her in the Contemporary Christian realm, with some cross-over effect. Sort of a poor-man's Amy Grant.

Cupcake- not quite "Imagine" but a huge improvement over the past 3 weeks. A step in the right direction.

Loopy Paula's Line of the Night: "You. Are. Brooke. White." Translation, please???? What is that supposed to mean? "I. Am. Blondie." Does that mean that I can sing too?

Bottom 3 prediction: Ramiele, KLC, and Brooke, though I hope that Jason is there. I think VFTW comes through for KLC, giving Ramiele the boot. At least I hope.

LOL @ "poor man's Amy Grant".

Did everyone hear about David Cook going to the hospital with heart palpitations after the show? He was treated for high blood pressure and is apparently fine, but agh, not my David! I'll try to find the article again and post the link...


ETA: I found a different article than the first one I read, this actually has more information. And David's brother is battling cancer. :( http://tv.yahoo.com/show/34934/news/...MvuxQMaNeAo9EF

I actually liked Castro's performance.

*ducks for cover*

LOL, no need to duck, sister, I know some people like him. I just hope more don't. :p

Bye Ramiele..it was time

I'm really beginning to like Kristy Lee Cook.. not for her singing but her personality

Last Night
 

Alright. Either AI needs to hire a new wardrobe consultant, or I have not only fallen off the fashion train, but rolled down the hill and landed in the gutter.

Seriously. What was with the outfits that Rocker David, Michael, and Cupcake were wearing? Rocker David and Michael looked ridiculous and Cupcake just looked... well... frumpy. If the looks of Rocker Dave and Michael are truly in style then I will live blissfully retro in my more tasteful outfits.

And Paula. Good Lord. Are her boobs sore today? What in the heck was going on there? It was liked she was squishing the holy heck out of them.

As for the performances. Sigh, yes. David Cook did not "bring it" at all. (I attribute this to he was as mortified of his outfit as I was for him.) Definitely the worst performance of the evening, but... I am confident that he has the fan base to let this one slide.

Carly- you scared me. As we watched, my husband and I commented that she was screaming waaay too much and just seemed, well, angry. Funny that Simon had the same take. Bottom Three.

Syesha- "I Believe?" Are you kidding? Let's ignore for a moment that Fantasia sang that song *when she won*... instead let's focus on what a miserably horrible song it is to start with. I feel like I should be watching credits roll after a Disney movie when I hear it. You will find yourself in the bottom three.

Kristy Lee- she definitely had some awful performances early on, but I will say that when she keeps it country, the girl can sing. I can't believe I am saying this, but it was maybe the best performance of the night (!!).

Brooke- yes, I would pay to go listen to you sing (in a small, intimate setting) if you keep it jazzy/bluesy. I like the raspy quality of your voice, and do think there is a (small) niche for you. But, I must give my props to nittanyalum... she called it long before I did. Here goes: Brooke- I am just starting to find you annoying. Please stop talking.

It seems like last year they did not kick anyone off the week of Idol Gives Back. I don't feel like counting weeks left in the season to see if the same will be true this week. However, if there are any anal-retentive folks out there who are up for figuring that out, please pass it on!

But, if this is an elimination week, then here are my thoughts...

My prediction is that Carly, Syesha and Brooke will be in the bottom 3, and of those I am praying that it will be Syesha that gets the boot. Also, if KLC is somehow spared a bottom-dwelling spot this week, would the producers PLEASE let her know this early on, so that she can enjoy her week on the couch? Never once has the poor girl been able to spend any relaxing time over there!!!

ok, yeah, that was a weird choice by Syesha, but that was sang perfectly. I know she is at the bottom of the barrel now collectively since KLC is a fly we can't swat, but I hope she doesn't go home. I thought Carly was horrible, and didn't really understand what an inspirational song was, and Brooke, lets not go there. Cook is usually my favorite but he did fub tonight, and gave the win to Castro. He was amazing!

I thought that was a most boring selection of songs last night.

I wrote a response to this twice today and both times my browser froze. Crappin-ass-crappin' Vista. Here's attempt #3:
I knew there was a reason I liked you! :p

I just can't even start on Brooke, so I won't. But I too was concerned with the fashion choices and I would toss Carly on that pile. I thought she looked horrid and I almost fell over when Simon actually complimented her. My husband and I both commented that she just looked angry and MEAN when she sang (and butchered the song - she can't come close to Freddy Mercury). My husband also commented on Paula's boobs. More than once. And not in a flattering way. And I agree that David C. chose a bad song, although I think he still did pretty well. What I wish he had thought about twice was that writing "Give back" on his hand. Height of cheesiness. The only ones who could maybe, MAYBE pull that off are Michael Stipe and Bono. But even though he's my fave, that made me cringe.
My earlier response was that this is what I recall too and I thought they just added this week's votes to next week's votes and then kicked off based on the total. But I've since seen the show and now we know there's a special episode tomorrow night and someone is getting sent home.
I co-sign on this, the girl deserves a break, and I thought she was great this week! And I don't understand why the teen boys aren't voting for her in droves? I think she's adorable. I agree with Brooke and Carly in the bottom 3 (of course ;)), but I would put Michael Johns in (*gasp* blasphemy! I know!) instead of Syesha. I like Syesha and I thought she sang the bejebus out of that song, even though I don't care for that song (all the "winner" songs have always been so painful). Michael has got to get over this singing 70s rock songs, it is not his thing and I thought he sounded terrible last night. I would like to see Brooke get the bootage. Or Carly. Or Brooke.
I can't even begin to tell you how much it pains me to say this, but ugh, co-sign, Castro did well last night. Dang it.

I missed the very beginning of tonight's show, but I cried buckets watching the rest of it (must be the Social Justice Crusader in me). Annie Lennox's film piece and then her song just about did me in and Carrie Underwood was amazing singing that George Michaels song (which I've always loved).

I LOVE the Fantasia song. No one can sing it like her though, so Syesha should go to the bottom three. She shouldn't be kicked out though, it'd suck. Ramiel lives in my city and Syesha goes to my alma mater. That would be two local girls gone in two weeks (I don't think they'd take it well :o).

I can't STAND that Castro guy. What was he wearing? A woman's cardigan and pants! He reminds me of someone I don't like anymore and frankly he's just not that cute or entertaining. Dreads don't look good on him (or most white people).

I liked the guy who did "Angels" because even though it was cliche I just can't hate a well-performed Robbie Williams song! (Jessica Simpson should be tortured for her version).

The girl who sang angrily and off key should get the boot too. She's getting annoying for me.

I think the judges are being way to hard on Syesha for some reason... for the last 3 weeks she has been the best "singer" every night but the judges always find some way to bring her down. Granted in my head I compared her to Fantasia and I think Syesha sang it better but the song was real and emotional for Fantasia(who cried and screeched her way through it). All of these kids are doing COVER songs so you ALWAYS hear the orginal artist so that why i get so upset they pulled that card on contestants they dont like and clearly Syesha fits that bill

Jason Castro- I didnt get him the first time I saw him and I dont get him now.. I need him to go ASAP. That song stripped and sung like that took all the inspiration out of it and his vocal was WEAK(as it has been since weak one). I was depressed afterwards

Carly- SIGH.. that is a beast of a song and I think she lost. At first I thought she should nail this but I was wrong once she hit the chorus. Not good

David C- blah..

David A- its the same thing every week..blah

Kristy- I'm starting to like her more and more.. I thought she sung well

Michael J- Just OK.. not good not bad

Brooke- Ultimately I think she has a weak voice too and she's more likeable when she doesnt talk back. Her song was OK not a pimp slot performance

IDOL GIVES BACK- random thoughts
Annie Lennox- GREAT FANTASTIC AMAZING
Carrie Underwood- REALLY GOOD.. sang with some emotion that was NEVER seen on Idol
Fergie- proved she could sing and thought she was great with Heart
Mariah- she just cant do wrong in my book that was an AMAZING performance and she looked GREAT.. like the outfit too.. a lil throwback to the Someday video...lol..even love her manic hands when she sings

Wow.

Yeah. I did NOT see that coming.

Ok. Since my DVR didn't pick up tonight's show... What happened?

So are you referring to Michael getting kicked off or Paula being stone cold sober?

Just kidding. There were some definite gasps in the Blondie household.
In fact, I would have wagered that all 4 females would have been voted off before any of the guys.

But onto the upside: clearly a new wardrobe consultant. Everyone looked great tonight. Yay!

And, is anyone as shocked as I am that someone chose "Shout to the Lord" as the group song? You could have knocked me over with a feather last night. Am I crazy to say it has been one of the best group sings, even though clearly not a mainstream genre? One thing going for it was *no choreography* which scores big points in my book. (I am still recovering from having to watch David C and Ramiele bump butts a few weeks back. Disturbing.) Heck, I will shout to the Lord for not having to witness that again! But seriously, it is song that works well for that many voices, and hearing David C on his solo was just fantastic.

When the concept of Idol Gives Back was first proposed last year, I feared it would be a cheesefest. But, I was wrong. They really have done an amazing job with it, and just seeing all the star power getting on board is exciting too. Good job by the prez candidates... liked how Hilary and Obama played the "social crusader" role (good for them), but must say that McCain won tonight hands down... that was really funny.

Finally, as for last night: Carrie Underwood- I just love her. I really do.

Ok, I think I am finally done cuss out my DVR and TV...... Michael is amazing! I loved the song choice, and did anyone else think that in the end he was totally auditioning for a record label?

On a similar note, my mom was sitting in the other room and has like "Why did they kick off the hot guy?" Mine you my mother does not really watch Idol, but I still thought the comment was funny!

As for the singing of "Shout for the Lord", I actually didn't like it! Now, I love the song, in fact I have sung in churches for many years. Maybe that is the fact I didn't like their rendition. It just seem half hearted to me!

Also, Being a Floridan I LOVED John McCain's comments tonight. He gave a serious yet witty message while Clinton and Obama bored me to tears!

Also, favorite performance last night was Fergie with Heart!

Actual Fan Of Jason Castro
 

Jason Castro seems to be one of those people you either "get" or you don't. Part of what makes me continue to prefer him on AI has been listening to his studio recordings on iTunes. They are really good.

Actually, that's not even my main purpose for posting. The thing I'm really surprised to not find is that supposedly Jason's gf is a KKG at Oklahoma. He has a family friend who sends out Jason updates on one of his fansites. She wouldn't confirm other than to say that the OK Kappa chapter is supporting him in a huge way.

Well, I was really, really hoping to hear Carly sing Vision of Love this week. But, alas, Michael Johns had already planned to sing it before being kicked off... So, I guess no Vision of Love.

This week is really gonna suck. Mariah Carey? Yeesh.

Yet another week where I'll let the DVR do the work for me. I can't stand her. At least it's not Celine Dion.

I like Mariah but her songs are very, very difficult to sing. It's not just her high notes. It's her vocal projection, the vocal range in the song, etc. that make her songs so difficult to mimic. I'd be interested to see how the contestants do.

I really hope someone sings "Honey" or "Touch My Body" - just so that I can laugh and laugh and laugh.

David Cook made the whole rest of the show worthwhile for me. I haven't much of anything kind to say about the rest of it. :)

I love Mariah, but it was another week of slow, depressing song choices...seriously, can someone sing something, ANYTHING, up-tempo?!?

what song did syesha sing that they said was obscure? mariah carey doesn't have obscure songs!

Syesha sang "Vanishing", from MC's debut album (circa 1990, they probably think it's "obscure" because 90% of the audience wasn't even born then ;)).

David A. tore it up, he's the only guy who really "sang" a Mariah song, the others did male adaptations. Of the two, David C. was amazing and I totally bawled when they flashed to his brother and DC teared up. Jason was weak, IMO. Can someone please explain to me WHY Simon is so easy on him??? He said that Kristy was "whiny", while Mariah said she gave her chills, but he gives props to little stoner dude? What is up??

I'm praying the bottom 3 are Carly, Brooke & Jason, I'll consider it a belated birthday present if any one of them are booted.

Okay I lied-that is a pretty obscure Mariah song...she was probably terrified after what they told her for singing "Fantasia's song".

The judges and I were on totally different pages last night. I didn't care for Jason but Simon liked him. I thought Syesha did great and the judges ripped her. <shrug> weird week.

I didn't think KLC was that bad and I'm not even a fan of her. I was surprised that they gave her a hard time but gave a free pass to Jason who was just terrible.

"Vanishing" is one of my favorite Mariah songs but it was never a radio hit so the majority of people don't know it.

As a MC Fanatic........ Vanishing is one of her best songs ever and I thought Syesha did an AMAZING job with it.. the judges (Randy & Simon) really dont want to give her props but was salivating all over David A and I thought he was merely ok. Jason and Brooke please I was bored stiff. David C did a good job at interpretation but vocally he wasnt great. KLC did a pretty decent job.. I'm beginning to like her more and more each week..

Carly... sigh

I'm SO over David A. He's just boring to me. I know he has a good tone and whatever, but blah I'm done with that kid.

David C. on the other hand, continues to be my favorite this season. :D

I really wish Jason's fans would listen to his performances with their eyes closed. He can't sing! Most of the rest of them are getting boring.

I'm looking forward to a David vs. David (Cupcake vs. Cookie) Finale.....with Cookie winning it. :)

Le sigh... KLC is no more. Now, hopefully Castration will go next!

C. R. A. P.!!!!!!!!!!

I got so excited there for a minute when Carly & Castro were together -- I thought, oh, add Brooke to that and that's my dream bottom 3!!!! Then they moved David C. over there and the bottom fell out.

Poor Kristy Lee, I just thought she was adorable. I hope she gets her horse back.

Oh, and I need to download that Mariah song, it had me all teary (especially after Elliott's note on his hand for his Mom :().

I think we had two really boring weeks in a row.

I agree! Honestly, I didn't even bother to watch all the performances through and could really have cared less who got kicked off this week! I want the real American Idol back!

When is the Andrew Lloyd Webber week? I can't wait for that one!

I know I don't normally pop into any of these forums, but I couldn't resist with this topic!

It is SO irritating that the judges are always complaining that contestants need to pick songs that don't compare to the original performer, and then what do the producers do?

HAVE A MARIAH WEEK!

That's redemptive. I can't wait for Webber week next week! BTW, is anyone over the whole "On the Air with Ryan" Q/A session?

Next week.

Sigh. I really liked KLC.

Sorry, nittany, that your birthday wish didn't come true.:(

I loved, loved, loved David C's performance. The only version of "Music of the Night" that I have ever liked is Michael Crawford's. You don't get much better than Michael Crawford! I didn't think David would be able to pull this off. It was amazing. He has always been my favorite but now I like him even more.

Syesha was another favorite. She looked like she had a lot of fun up there.

Everyone else was good too except for Jason. Blech.

^^^Co-sign! Except I wasn't that fond of Brooke either (shocker, I know). And Carly actually had me tonight until she pulled that stupid t-shirt stunt. Then she got back on my annoying list. Castro and Brooke were definitely the weakest links tonight.

Rankings

1. Syesha- still in danger though
2. David C- had some good moments but not the best vocal
3. Carly- same critique as David C
4. David A- I was bored to tears
5. Brooke- just a wreck
6. Jason- I dont get this dude... never have.. tonight proved he has the weakest voice left and needs to go ASAP

Bottom 3 should be: David A, Brooke and Jason
Bottom 3 will be: Syesha, Brooke, Jason

Going home: Brooke