Extra plug for American Idol Extra

I know I mentioned this show before when it's new co-hosts were announced (Constantine and Gina Glocksen!!!) but now I've actually, finally seen the show, and I gotta tell you....you must check it out! Just when you thought two nights a week of Idol were enough, we get THREE with this show. Airing on Thursday nights, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the show (and not in a Fordmercial kind of way, the real behind stage) and the very first interview with the ousted contestant (this week = Chikezie). JD Roberts is also a host, and does a great job, but my hometown gal Gina is awesome, holding that microphone and dishing with current and former Idols and other celebs! You go, girl! I'm proud of this major gig you landed....I hope you're having fun in LA and catching some rays, since there aren't many back home in Chicago this time of year!

And Constantine....love him (or not) (I do), I'm very happy to catch his handsome mug and winsome eyes also getting the Idol scoop from whomever....not a bad gig for him, either, considering his 15 minutes have now lasted about 86! And I'm glad about that!

At first I was certain my unnamed satellite provider would require me to be a Premium Subscriber to get the channel but in fact, I get it! Yahoo! So be sure to check your local listings for American Idol Extra, on the Fox Reality Network, Thursdays at 7pm and 10pm ET/PT!

Bye Chikezie!

Dear Chikezie,

I had a feeling this night would come, and sooner rather than later. You looked a little nervous standing next to Syesha, and I felt your pain! That must be a difficult moment to experience. But, you made it through and sang your song with class and heart.

I loved how you reached out to the audience (boo, Simon) and to your colleagues safe on the couch. I loved watching your Mom freak out with pride just listening to you. I enjoyed watching the film clips of your Idol journey, especially when Ryan rubbed your sweaty head. That was a moment, wasn't it?

I'm sure you are wondering (just like the rest of us) how Kristy Lee escaped yet ANOTHER trip to the Bottom Three, and you're probably wishing you'd have pulled something patriotic out of a hat, too.....but I'm glad you didn't. I love Luther and love the way you brought his music to the Idol stage and to an audience who probably didn't know who he was (yes, I'm dating myself here). You're also probably wondering how Ramiele managed to survive performing first (the spot of vote-off death) and being sick doing it....we're wondering that, too. You might also be asking yourself, why didn't I ever get an awesome light show? That seems to help people get votes. I'm asking myself those questions for you.

At least you leave tonight (unlike Amanda did last week) knowing that you've earned a couple of months off, of sleeping in and lazy lunches...and that when you are good and rested, the Idol Tour awaits you, with it's cross country excitement and big fat paycheck!

Best to you in all you do! You done good. We'll see you on tour!

Love, Idolmama

Top 10 Mostly Rock the 80's

In the spirit of the evening, I will offer my take on tonight's show in 80's lingo, since the vast majority had birth years in this decade....see if you recognize the television shows from which these phrases come (key at bottom), followed by the top 10 contestant which most embodies this spirit.

"Big bucks, big bucks, no whammies!" (Syesha). Girl can sing, but the connection still isn't there. My BIL said that she is "getting better every week", and I agree, but I think Simon might be right that she might be bumping up against the limits of her voice. Emotionally, she still presents as aloof and untouchable.

"Cut, it, out". Chikezie is a solid R & B singer, there is no question. The piece tonight was endearing, his parents are fabulous. While I love Chikezie's voice, I don't see a future for him in this competition.

"It's a dog-eat-dog world, and I'm wearing Milkbone underwear!" (Ramiele). Why, oh why did you choose the song that Carrie Underwood had her breakout performance with in Season 4....tough, tough act to follow. Not to mention the fact that the vocally superior Carly Smithson already did it, too, this very season. Too big of a song for you, my dear, and you are in danger this week of a B3 spot! Woof!

"The plane, the plane!" (Kristy Lee Cook). Like Simon said, points to KLC for song choice. Given how many Idols have come from the South, kudos to KLC for choosing a song certain to garner lots of Southern dial-ins....the Patriotic vote is strong. B3x4? Me thinks not.

"Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars!" (Jason). I love Jason. I will forever be a fan, and tonight's version of one of my favorite Sting songs didn't change that at all. I love, love, love the song, thought his delivery was tender and heartfelt and thought the judges were waaaaayy too critical. Jason, you are a star! Don't pay attention to them.

"Shaazzz Bot!" David A. told us he was missing his Prom (was that his to-be date in the audience? Getting to attend the Idol show isn't a bad consolation prize!) and maybe that was too big a distraction tonight...Attn. Fox: David A. needs a light show! I agree with Simon about the theme park performance....pretty boring if you ask me, and again, too serious and worldly of a song.

"Sit, Ubu, sit! Good dog." Brooke had "star quality"tonight, there is no question. Not one of my favorite performances, but a solid one for her.

"I pity the fool!" (Micheal Johns). Simon finally discovered Michael's star potential, and Randy said that Micheal finally believed in himself, and it showed. I thought it was terrific, and showed me a little more of what he might be capable of. I still wouldn't buy a concert ticket of his, but I might think about it.

"Here's the first item up for bids." Carly may very well be the hardest working lady on Idol this season. A Virgo (love that! :), and named after Carly Simon (wow, cool story), Carly went and chose a song I really don't like all that much, and one that has been done before, most notably by Jessica Sierra in season 4. Is she really a rocker? To quote Danny Noriega: "ish". The judges didn't like it at all, but we did get to see the husband's Full Monty (tattooed self in the audience, that is).

"Come on Down!" David Cook hit a home run tonight. If there was any question as to whether he could win AI7, those questions were put to rest tonight. That was an amazing performance of the most perfect song from 1982 (were there others?) I only hope the other Micheal was watching.

Answers:
Press Your Luck ("Big bucks, big bucks, no whammies!")
Full House ("Cut, it, out)
Cheers ("It's a dog-eat-dog world, and I'm wearing Milkbone underwear")
Fantasy Island ("Da Plane, da plane!")
American Top 40 with Casey Kasem ("Keep your feet on the ground and keep reacing for the stars")
Mork and Mindy ("Shazzzzz Bot!")
Family Ties ("Sit, Ubu, sit! Good dog.")
Mr. T. ("I pity the fool!")
The Price is Right ("Here's the first item up for bids")
The Price is Right ( "Come on down!)

Who's on top of the polls?

Just one poll, actually...and for a researcher, I know that does not a real study make. But, I think it's a good start, and let's face it....Idolblog is gettin 'er dun!

When asked the question, "Who is your favorite Top 10 Contestant?", the results on Idolblog's website are as follows, with a respectable 2,406 votes tallied:

David Archuleta 37%
Ramiele 16%
David Cook 11%
Brooke 8%
Jason 8%
Carly 7%
Michael 6%
Kristy Lee 3%
Syesha 2%
Chikezie 2%

No surprise that even with his massive Beatles buster, David is still on top, and David Cook in the Top 3 with the momentum he has been gaining with stellar performances. However, what in Sam Hill is Ramiele doing at #2? I know, I know....she was once a fav of mine. But ever since Hollywood week, chick has not delivered....yes, she's cute and sweet and that crying thing she does doesn't bother me too much....but she makes horrid wardrobe choices and she is wedding singer/karaoke for me now and I thought for everyone else, too.

I'm also surprised that Carly doesn't have more fans, and that Micheal isn't higher in this poll. I'm not surprised, tho, at the bottom three!

What this poll says to me is that the two Davids and probably Jason have the top 6 guy spots (but Michael could upset?) and that the ladies are looking like Ramiele, Brooke and Carly.... I don't see Syesha or Kristy Lee breaking that up. So why bother even watching the next 4 weeks?

Just kidding! :)

Top Ten Results

Guess we won't be rocking with Amanda on tour this summer. Can't say I'm THAT surprised, but what did surprise me was Kristy's journey to the edge of Idol Elimination only to be pulled back AGAIN! I tell ya, she's got more lives that an alley cat....a longer shelf life than Spam....I can only hope she knocks our socks off next week.

To Amanda: You done good! Best of luck to you.

I heard a collective GASP across the country when Carly Smithson was named to be in this week's Bottom Three....even though I've not been a big fan (last night was my fav) I found myself finally sticking up for her -- you can't TELL ME that she's not the best female vocalist up there. But as we all know, Idol is not just a singing contest.....personality, looks, stage presence, song choice all factor in, and Carly is a work in progress in some of those areas.

Perplexing questions: why did Michael have his best vocal yet during the cheesy group number? Why haven't Elliot and Fantasia done a duet yet? And why would Fox subject us to the memory of the Kiss Scene from Season 2?! Yuck! I started burping up strawberries just thinking of it.

Props tonight go to Kellie "Pick Me" Pickler. Those of you who know me know I'm not a fan. I buy almost all of the Idol CD offerings, and despite the critical acclaim and Billboard success of her debut CD (along with my affection for country music), I still couldn't buy it. Memories of her Idol run were still all too fresh. I thought the Naughty Minx was overrated and just too....too.....too.....well, her recent stint on Fifth Grader? suggests what I'm getting at. I need more from my Idols than just good looks, Nebraska State Fair vocals and witty comebacks to Simon.

She is certainly more than that after what she brought us last night. I eat my words. Kellie has grown in more ways than one, sure, but she showed the Idols how to do an interview, how to dress for success, and how to perform. She worked the stage, the audience, the judges, and the contestants with a flair that impressed. I really enjoyed it, and might add Pickler to my CD collection after all.

Did anyone else see Chicken Little (AKA Kevin Covais) in the audience last night? Who else is THRILLED to hear confirmation that Dolly will be a celebrity mentor this season? and who else is kinda sad that Amanda won't get to do a Mariah Carey number.....her version of "Vision of Love", for example, would have been interesting!

Beatles Revisited with the Top 11

The Beatles Part II left me trying to get by with a little help from my top 11 friends, but not feeling much love. I'm not sure we should have reprised the Lennon - McCartney et al song book tonight (clearly neither did a very Sourpuss Simon). I thought several contestants used the Beatles Reprise week to improve on performances from last week, several did better the first time around, while others are going to have to fight for that last spot on the tour this summer.

Those who improved on last week's performances are Kristy, David A., Michael Johns and Syesha. Kristy (AKA Miss Musical Wallpaper) may have saved herself from elimination with her performance of "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away". Randy thought it was okay, Paula said she takes her "someplace" (the home decorating store perhaps?), but Simon told her she is "not a good performer"...OUCH...I think she might have done better enough than last week to have gained some new fans. I can't believe she actually admitted that "this Beatles thing is kinda new to me"...whoops. Anyone have a spray bottle of vinegar handy?

David A.'s rendition of "The Long and Winding Road" was competent, safe and predictable. Even though Simon said he was "amazing", I'm still bothered by the way he licks his lips every two seconds, you too?!

Michael and Syesha are both good performers, but I'm not sold on either. Michael still hasn't delivered the vocal goods we've waited for. Randy even talked tonight about the "big old voice [we heard when we first saw you]" and mentioned that we're still waiting to hear it again. I agree that the song was just too big to be stripped down to 90 seconds, and I continue to think he's overrated. Syesha was hardly recognizable with her straight hair... she was definitely working the cleavage angle. Randy thought it was a good performance, Paula thought it was "great to see how you change" and Simon thought it was her best so far ....but I still don't think she is connecting. Did this performance save her from the Bottom Three on Wednesday? Not sure.

Those who didn't benefit from Beatles Part Deux include Brooke and Jason. Brooke was all sunny in her yellow dress but the judges didn't really feel it...I was distracted by her flower girl twirl. I also think someone should pull her aside and tell her that the best thing to do when the judges give you negative feedback is to stand there and smile, a small nod will do....but she talked over the judges during the comments and that was poor taste.

I predict that Jason won't break any iTunes download records with his "Michelle", even though I thought his French accent was pretty good. He's so charming that I was pulled into the song even though it didn't soar to last week's heights.

Amanda, Chikezie and Ramiele are still in familiar territory with nothing new to bring, which may hurt them, and soon. Amanda did her screachy rock and roll thing with "Back in the USSR" (a good choice for her, I thought) but I just don't know how much staying power she really has.....are we seeing all she can do? We may never get the chance to find out. Chikezie's breakout performance last week was not matched by this week's country take on Paul McCartney's "I've Just Seen A Face", and Ramiele should have known better than to wear that hat, it was so awful. Why, oh why would they give her the pimp spot! As I'm writing this, I can't even recall which song she sang....which isn't good.

So who gets All My Lovin' this week? Carly and David Cook. First off, I'm not saying I've gone completely over to the Carly Side, but this was the first performance from her that I actually really, really enjoyed....it was fantastic! I am only slightly bothered by her latest tattoo, a number seven, last night's number to call for her (Ryan asked what she would have done if they'd changed the performance order at the last minute?) to which she explained it was also for Season 7. HHMmm.........

And so does David's "Day Tripper"...even though it was already done this way by The White Stripes, I loved it and the Peter Frampton-esque voice box thing was kinda cool, if only for it's originality (that got Blake Lewis pretty far in this competition). I think he's really growing on me!

So who do you think will go home? I'm in a five-way tie for Kristy Lee, Chikezie, Amanda, Ramiele and Michael Johns....which isn't very helpful, I know!

Too Many Davids.....

spoil American Idol. Naw....I'm just being silly! Apparently it was time to part with one. Honestly, I was surprised....Kristy was by all accounts across the Blogger/News media the one to go tonight, and she appeared resolved to this fact. To be fair, I think David H. was resolved to this fact as well and was a little surprised at his ouster. I can't imagine how that must feel, but at least tonight, the bottom three sang before knowing the outcome. As David aptly pointed out at the announcement of his bottom threeage: Hey! I can sing because this doesn't mean I'm going home, I'm just in the bottom three! Whoops......but it worked.

I wasn't surprised at all with Kristy Lee in the Bottom Three (hey, that rhymes) but with Syesha, in a way....Ameriker likes 'em good lookin' and she certainly is.

There isn't much else to say about tonight (I'm tired!) other than, early frontrunners Ramiele and Michael Johns: Notice is served! Either pump up your game or you'll be outtahere....

Note to Fox: WAAAAYYY too much Jim Carrey for me. Do the interview, pimp the movie, give him a coupla spots....but cutting to his reaction to the performances 28 times was a little much for me.

Next up: MORE Lennon and McCartney? Rumor has it they only had 25 songs to pick from last week....I'm nervous...

Also, don't like the call-in stuff this year. Boooorrr ---- iiiinnngggg

Top Twelve Take the Stage

I LOVED this night....loved the new stage, new graphics, new opening, new set, new/old Beatles...good for Fox. Still not sure why we'll be in a new theater for the Finale...was the old one too small? too old? Imissed that....a dear friend just visited the Kodak Theater last month and not being from around there, and not being very well-traveled in those parts, I was surprised when he told me that it was actually in a seedy part of town....maybe that has something to do with it?

Remember that as familiar as we are with these 12 people right now, the 11th and 12th spots typically fade into obscurity, I'm sorry to say....do you recall last year's 11 and 12, let alone season's past?

There were three performances that stood out for me tonight, and given that it was Beatles night, that says a lot. Hard to mess with the classics for sure, and I was really waiting to see how they did this. Jason, David Cook and Brooke showed me how. Jason: "Howdy y'all"! He thinks this whole American Idol thing is "pretty cool" and I think he's pretty great... his rendition of "If I Fell" (my favorite Beatles of all time!!!) was amazing.....even though the judges didn't really think it was all that ...Randy said he liked, but didn't love it; Paula said that she feels that America will get his emotional connection to the song, and Simon said it was boring and not as special as last week. I thought it was way special and showed an artistry that Idol should be looking for!

David Cook's rendition of "Eleanor Rigby" once again was right on tonight. Even though he is often compared with Chris Daughtry musically, he must be distinguished by his personality. That is to say, David has one! His whole bartending piece showed him as Everyman, which is important in this competition. I thought his vocals were GREAT tonight. I was worried when the song started that I would be bored, but I wasn't. Indeed, this is more than a one-horse race! He got the "Brilliant!" comment from Simon, which is pretty much the Brit's highest praise.

And Brooke White once again surprised me.....I can't say I even thought she should be in the Top 24, but week after week she proves me wrong. I cringed when I heard her announce her song choice ("Let it Be") but she worked it out and it was amazingly folksy-fresh. She's growing on me, and I think she will have a spot in the top 6 for sure and maybe beyond. Simon called it a brilliant choice of song and one of the best of the night.

That being said, at the other end of tonight's spectrum are Kristy Lee Cook and David Hernandez. They both can sing, and have the good looks and stage presence , but they fall short up against a very, very deep top 12. Kristy Lee's country take on "Eight Days a Week" was in Simon's word horrendous, I could hardly sit through it. I wanted to like it, really I did! Even Paula was forced to say she didn't enjoy it, and she NEVER says that. I'm sorry for Kristy because making the Top 10 and going on tour would have been fabulous fun.

David H., too, fell short of tonight's mark....great song ("I Saw Her Standing There") but too much wedding singer with really no artistry...and what's that about his former job being a pizza server? Isn't he forgetting something? Paula said he "kinda overdid it"and Simon thought it was corny verging on desperate. Those aren't Top 10 words, David, in case you are still wondering.

I would add to the Maybe in Jeopardy group for tonight Amanda and Chikezie. Even though Amanda's take on "You Can't Do That" was rockin' and I loved it, and she actually looked like she might finally be enjoying herself, I still think she is a polarizing contestant, and she may not have the votes to stick around. Likewise, I really like Chikezie and thought his performance of "She's a Woman"tore it up, and the judges liked it (Ryan clearly did), I was sitting in a room watching with my SIL who just doesn't like him, "hasn't from the start", and there may be way more of her than me out there!

Which leaves the middle of the pack: Syesha, Ramiele, Carly, Michael and David A. I would call them all good but boring tonight. I know, I know....you will disagree. But I saw no artistry from any of them, unlike my Top 3 tonight. They are all great singers and had good performances, and three of them are shoe-ins for the Top 6. Syesha "I'm a working actress" (really? you hadn't mentioned that before...) looked fabulous as always but was just a'iight for me. Ramiele was downright boring and her dress was way distracting and not flattering at all. Even though Simon said she was forgettable, I think her fan based is strong enough to carry her into the Top 10. Carly gets prettier every week, which helps, and is clearly an good singer, but again, I'm just not connecting with her, she's not knocking me off my chair on the way to the phone to dial her numbers. And "Come Together" is my least-fav song of the night. I think Simon's comparison to Kelly Clarkson was waaaaayyyy off.

For the middle guys, Michael's "Across the Universe" was good...the judges are too kind to him, I think...how much longer are we going to wait on this guy? And the bigger they are, the harder they fall.....The Little David That Could had an off night. It was bound to happen. But don't expect to see him going home any time soon!

What did you think? Are Michael and Ramiele in danger? Do you like the new stage? And was Ryan in rare form, or WHAT?

Top 12 Revealed!

Tonight opened with the promise of revealing this season's Top 12 contestants, and on that, it did deliver. But did it deliver shock, awe, and entertainment? I don't think so.

First off, with all due respect to you Blake fans, did ANY of you watch tonight's performance and say to yourself, now there goes a Big Star? No.....would he have even been asked to do the Super Bowl performance? Doubtful....check out Jordin's latest music video for the hit single "No Air" with Chris Brown and get back to me....THAT is a star in the making.

On to the Top 12 (and what have to be THE most shiny but uncomfortable looking chairs Ev-Ver), we move along to the part in the show where Ryan compliments Paula on her #1 download or single (or something like that) and Simon admits that he "can't" congratulate her.....WHAH??!! I don't get that. Are you taking lessons from Amanda on how-not-to-emote??? Cruella de Simon if you ask me.

On to the eliminations.....ouch....this is the second-toughest elimination in the series (third being to Top 24, first being from Top 12 to Top 10 since you don't get to go on tour and make all kinds of $$). We knew that Luke and Kady were history, so those eliminations were no surprise (although I must add that Luke's biceps were exceptionally large tonight....for whatever reason...I must just make a note of that, and also how graciously he handled his inevitable exit). On the male side, I think Danny was surprised at his outster, and his exit kind of underscored for me how unstable he is....even though I was voting for Chikezie to go, I think Danny showed me tonight that he was the right choice to exit the show. Best of luck to you!

On the girl's side, as I said, Kady.......bye! Do you still have time this year to make your senior prom? Hope so, since no girl should miss that. I wasn't that upset about the final bottom gal match up of Asia'h and Kristy since I could see them both going, but must admit that of this pair, I really thought Kristy should go....which is why I was surprised when Asia'h left. She surely made her emo mark on this season's competition, and I do think she is talented but choosing that dreaded Whitney song was her downfall. Kristy got a free pass this week but might be next to go if she doesn't step up. Do you want to go on a nationwide tour, have a blast and make a household name and lots of money for yourself? If so, choose your song wisely, and if you're listening to the judges at ALL, make it country, girl!

On to next week!

Top Eight Gals Go 80's On Us

We heard covers tonight from Queen, Celine Dion, Pat Benatar (but not the tune I thought), Joan Jett, Journey, Phil Collins and Whitney (times two). A veritable 80's feast! My review of the guy's show was pretty dismal compared to other bloggers/recappers out there, so I'm hesitant to comment tonight....I don't think it was a write-home-about show, but even so, I did have trouble picking which two ladies deserve to go home! I think that the bottom spot is fairly obvious, but the other is really up for grabs!

Obvious low point for me tonight was Kady Malloy. It's not because I hold a grudge against her for taking tonight's rightful Top 8 spot from Alaina Whittaker (what would she have sang this week? We'll never know....) but I thought her vocals were a mess. I was astounded when she got praise from all 3 judges, including Simon, who's critique was simply that she still had no personality. I still think she has no vocals! It was all over the place for me.

Best performance tonight for me was Brooke. She has a Jason Castro-esque quality, that of a true artist who isn't just singing a song well, but transcends the lyrics and melody to put something "new" together. If that makes any sense. She's safe. I also really, really liked Amanda tonight, and thought hers was the best match tonight of singer + song. Even if she goes home tomorrow, I'm so glad she stuck around this week to delight us with that Joan Jett classic. I just don't know if she can recover from her flirtatious dance with the bottom two, and let's face it: if she's enjoying herself at all, she sure has a funny way of showing it!

I'm still not on the Carly Crusade.....although I will say that she really looked pretty tonight! Not sure if it was the hair color, the lipstick, the eye makeup, her Mom being there....but she was glowing. Never heard the song before, so again...no connection for me, but proficiently sung.

In what Simon called the "good but predictable" category tonight were Asia'h, Ramiele, and Syesha. Asia'hs (or is it Asia'h's?) cover of Whitney was kind of wedding singer to me, she is adorable but just a'iight tonight. Ramiele was good but nothing special. And I was half expecting Syesha to open her dialogue about her most embarassing moment by talking about something that happened at one of her model/actress photo shoots....and she didn't....but still, just nothing there for me. Good, but empty.

Which leaves Miss Kristy Lee. She looks SO much like Felicity, it sort of freaks me out. Gorgeous girl, I want her to be good....but.....no. The country thing sorta helped, but I wonder if it's enough to get her through next week. Danger, Will Robinson! And she the only one ponying up to the red lozenge dispenser backstage?!

Will your favorite make the Top 12? Is Paula crazy, or what!? And is there too much judge banter going on, at the expense of the show?

Top Eight Guys Perform

After a scary night that included NO INTERNET ACCESS I am happy to report that I'm back. Special Shout-Out to my new BFF in the Philippines who reconnected me at 11:30pm CST on Tuesday, so I didn't disappoint the fans! You're terrific. Just hoping you can watch AI one day soon without having to resort to YouTube ! Go Ramiele! But I have to keep this short since after all that, it's past my bedtime :)

I thought tonight was pretty disappointing overall. I luv the 80's ....but the guys didn't deliver....I will say a few words about each, starting with my favorites:

Wow! AI7 has a "live one" as Randy Jackson calls it.. .you mean to tell me that Jason Castro is undiscovered? That he has actually been singing and playing that guitar in his bedroom/basement until now? I don't believe it....the guy is a major undiscovered talent...his take on "Hallelujah" was inspiring, to say the least. Although he needs a little spit and polish, David A, watch your back!

I also LOVED David Cook. His version of "Hello" had me at hello. I mean, c'mon....who'd have thought you could rock out Lionel Richie????

My third favorite (and I won't win points for this one) was Chikezie. Loved that soulful, Luther-Vandross-esque tone to his voice and the confidence. I totally disagreed with Simon, who said it was "harsh"and "cabaret"....I liked it and thought it was his best yet.

In the middle for me tonight were David A., Michael Johns and David H. First off, David Archuleta's performance of the Phil Collins classic "Another Day in Paradise" was great....loved it....and I thought his outfit was inittowinit, but my only feedback to him is to stop referencing previous performances....quit reminding everyone that you are a professional...it won't win you votes. Stay humble and as unpolished as possible (tough for you).

Michael Johns a) looks the part, b) dresses the part, and c) has that foreign accent that automatically makes me swoon even though he could be talking complete jibberish. Unfortunately, I thought tonight's classic "(Don't You) Forget About Me" was forgettable. Course, he'll stick around next week, but I suddenly don't know if he's got the stuff to win this thing.

David H. came out and sang the classic Celine Dion/Meatloaf tune "It's All Coming Back To Me Now", and while his conviction was clear, I just couldn't concentrate. I just can't look at him the same way now after news surfaced today that he was a male stripper in Arizona before auditioning for Idol. I wish him the best, but he just lost a few Idolmama points. We'll see what America thinks.

My bottom? Danny and Luke. Liked the purple flair actually, but Danny Noriega was TMTH for me. He dressed the part but his take on Soft Cell's famous "Tainted Love" was weak. Likewise, Luke's vocal chops were a major problem (although I thought it was his best so far), but honestly, his outfit didn't help...it's the biggest job interview of your life and you wear a pair of blue jeans, a t-shirt and tennis shoes??!!? I'll be awake on Thursday when you go go....

There are just 6 spots among tonight's 8 contenders...who will American vote for? And which gal will sing the inevitable "Hit Me With Your Best Shot?!" Stay tuned...