Elimination Drama in the Idoldome

C'mon, just about every single website/person/blogger such as myself predicted Matt's demise tonight, so the bottom line is that his elimination was not a surprise. What was a surprise to many, however, was that the Almightly Adam joined Matt in tonight's bottom three. And that Kris was alongside these two, when it was widely felt that either Danny or Allison would be there.....hhhmmm.....this means Danny remains as the only Season 8 contestant to escape the Bottom 3 so far in the competition.

Can I just say, Danny and Allison both seemed genuinely shocked to learn they were safe (well, Allison did). I liked how the judges were asked to comment on the B3 and Simon remembered to say, let's give props to the two who are through. Nice. I love these two and am looking forward to hearing them next week! I also hate that cruel, choose-the-group-to-join trick they do at this point in the competition, and used on Adam tonight, only made worse by the fact that he chose the wrong group. OUCH.

Now, Kris's appearance in the B3 was a bit of a surprise, only because Allison has been there before and Kris had not, and because Kris has been gaining momentum and recognition in the recent weeks while Allison hasn't entirely earned the love from the judges. So, why did Kris appear to slip? I was talking with folks at work, and there are many who find him too safe, too plain....and too goody-two-shoes, apparently (myself? I go for that! :) To many American Idol voters, it's like going to Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors and ordering vanilla. I think Kris is very, very talented and I enjoy his performances, and don't think tonight means he's out of the running for the S8 crown, but he's been served notice for sure.

Of course, the big surprise was Glambert's appearance in the bottom, even over Hokey Gokey and Allison. Wow. Even he seemed shocked although he contained it well. For those who have no idea how this could happen, I refer you to a recent column by Brian Mansfield, who now writes the "Idol Chatter" column for USA Today. He asked his viewers this week, "What puts you off about the American Idols?"

More than one hundred comments poured in about each of the five remaining contestants and of course, there was bad Karma for everyone, but I give you here some of what was said about Adam Lambert … "has a habit of loudly screaming a series of notes in every performance” … “he is best suited for a stage-style performance” … "He also PLAYS to the audience in a manner that kinda' makes my skin crawl" ... "fakey, fakey emotion" ... "definitely a manipulator" ... "over the top" ... "can't sing a song through without screeching/screaming" ... "like fingernails on a chalkboard” … “Adam's lower register. Oh wait. He doesn't have one” … “I hate the way he thrusts his tongue when he hits a high note. I just do.” Read all the critique here.

This is just to demonstrate that his appearance at the bottom tonight was not a shock for Idolmama because I agree with all of the above comments, and was gratified to learn that others share them. I also assert that Adam's B3 status was exploited to it's full dramatic potential by American Idol. Remember, they did identify the Bottom Three, but when they sent Kris to safety, they did not say he had the third-lowest number of votes...meaning that they were likely just manipulating viewers and increasing the drama factor to put Adam against Matt. Result? Predicable (still) elimination for Matt and likely speed-dialing for Adam's fans once they recover from shock. In other words, they took a predictable outcome and used whatever they had to create drama. Shameless.

Other thoughts: performances from Natalie Cole and Jamie Foxx. Filler. Wish Natalie the best on her Korean tour. I fast-forwarded through Foxx's performance, although I did enjoy his very supportive and thoroughly neutral comments about the Idols afterward. I think he is trying to redeem himself over his Miley tirade and moderate a bit. I appreciate it.

On to Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. He looked great, but my family was asking ourselves, how did he win? And my daughter asked, trying to remember, who was he up against that year? (Elliot, ouch). But Simon summed it up perfectly when he offered advice to the remaining four when he told them "not to forget the fans who picked up the phone." THIS is precisely why Taylor Hicks was singing in front of you tonight. He had a huge fan base while on the show, so huge it propelled him to victory over other worthy contestants, and is carrying a somewhat successful post-Idol career. You saw it tonight, he very graciously thanked the fans and gave them props, which is endearing. This is the secret to his success. (Plus, he has more charisma than Elliot had on the show, even though Elliot is way more talented than him....debate and discuss if you feel the need....)

So, what did you think of tonight's elimination? (not necessarily the result, but the means, but I welcome all comments!) Do you think the saturated post-Idol field of also-rans can support a career for Matt Giraud, or will he head back to the piano bar at K-Zoo? And why was Kara dressed so matronly while Paula let the girls out?

Idols Bring Swagger to Rat Pack Classics

I loved tonight's show. Not only was there just great music, but the kids were cool, horns were blazing, everyone looked dapper borrowing from Ryan's closet, and the muck from the judge's pit was kept to a dull roar.

It's true, they are all very, very good. No dull knife in this drawer. I hope they all have continued music careers after Idol! Best of luck to each of them. At this point, it isn't about the performance tonight, it's about previous fan bases...no?

I was, however, looking forward to hearing two songs each from the remaining 5 contestants, as they typically do at this point in the competition. However, it seems that because the shows have been running over time, even with 7 and 8 performances in one hour, the powers that be knew they couldn't do 10 performances in a one-hour show with comments from all 4 judges for each song....so....they each performed one, and we had lots of comments, and footage of each contestant with tonight's "surprise" (read: last-minute) mentor, Jamie Foxx.

Huh?

Okay, I thought this was a family show, but my kids were like, isn't that the guy who dissed Miley? Wasn't sure about what he would bring to the show at ALL, but in the end, really liked the guy and found him to be an endearing mentor.

I am tired and it's late, so I'm going to do a stream-of-conscience thought-dump post of tonight's show, in the order of performance, with some concluding thoughts. Kay?

Kris is beautiful. No, really. He's a beautiful person and a GREAT singer, and I think he might make the finale. (I'm struggling over whether or not I actually want him to, because only two can get there and I have other favorites.) Jamie said Kris was his "number one" and I wasn't sure that was because he actually went first, or because he was actually Jamie's fav. He did say he wants to hook up with him if the Idol thing doesn't work out, which I think he was serious about. Kris sings "The Way You Look Tonight" in a soft and sultry way, and the Crush Train just rolled into town....yowza! I was on it. I get with Randy, Kara and Paula that it was fantastic, but what in all things Idol did Simon mean that it was "wet"? I'm with Ryan, Simon should 'slpain....and then Ryan telling Kris to "go dry off" was classic. I heart Kris and think he's a star.

Allison came out dressed like Brittany Murphy but sounding like Pink (according to Randy) but according to me she was just great. Like Paula, I was really hoping for something softer from her, something that would showcase her vocals and let America see what a gem she is...tonight was something like that, a beautiful song but not as much tenderness as I would have preferred. While great, I still think she pushed it vocally a little more than I wanted. Kara thinks she is headed for the finals (does Danny know?) but Simon thinks her lack of confidence is apparent (does anyone sporting pink hair lack confidence?). I'm hoping Simon said that so that people speed dial her tonight! I want her to stay!

It's Matt's favorite week (jazz) and he's glad he's here for it, even though he got a "B" in jazz in college, LOL. He does "My Funny Valentine", which I must say is a personal favorite of mine, owing to the fact that I still listen to Constantine's version from Season 4 (and not Mindy Doo's show-stopping version from S6, what can I say?!). I hear something from Jamie about changing keys and holding notes, and I'm not sure Matt did that until Paula comments that she liked that Matt took Jamie's advice. I honestly don't find his vocals to be as good as Kris's or Allison's tonight, I don't like the hat, and agree with Kara that I'm just not connecting with him. I don't know if you saw this, but in the opening sequence of the show tonight with Ryan, Matt looked terrified. At the end of the day, though, Simon pronounced it "brilliant" which is akin to getting an A+ on your jazz final.

Danny, Danny, Danny. I just know that no matter what happens the rest of the season on Idol, I will hear your sweet voice again. I know that it might not happen next week, nor in the show's finale on May 19th, but you are someone who will make music after this show is finished no matter the outcome, and I will purchase it. Danny, with fresh breath, took on the classic "Come Rain or Come Shine" and while it started slow, I was "high as a mount-tayne and deep as a reaver!" by the time he was done. The Church of Danny was in the House and he blew the rafters off as I expected. I actually had to rewind and watch this one twice. Randy decided that Danny can sing (just now?) , Kara dug his swagger, and Paula called it stellar...and then Simon hit a comment home-run with "outstanding"....just what Danny needed this week. I liked how Simon gave props to Jamie for helping to bring out whatever it was in Danny by getting up in his grill....it worked!

No surprise, the Chosen One closes the show. White Suit, Pink Stairs, Pimp Spot...need I say more? Adam sings like he's already won, and Simon would call that confidence. I want Simon to call it indulgent, but he doesn't. I agree with Randy that it's too Broadway, too theatrical, too drama....enough said. I also don't like it when singers sing with their tongue hanging out, but apparently Adam has a lot of fans doing this, so who am I? Kara calls it sleazy, and I finally feel understood.

I am resigned to Adam being in the finale, but up against who? This is the million-dollar question. It could be any one of the remaining. Well, except Matt. I think Allison is the long shot to the finale, and Kris and Danny are even-steven. Both are terrific. I can't speculate!

I hope Matt is the one to go tomorrow, and I hope its not Allison, although I fully expect that it could be.

Holy Mother of All Things Disco!

Okay, I'm still shaking from tonight's show. And not in a disco way. I really, really don't know what to make of all that.

It didn't start out good for me when I was still waiting to start my DVR when a good friend text (texted?) me to notify me that, in his opinion, the results shows had hit a new low tonight. I started my tape with much trepidation, and admittedly, low expectations.

Imagine my surprise when, I actually LIKED the group number! Didn't like the lip syncing, but considering all the hawt Paula Abdul dance moves they had to complete, I guess I'll let that slide. (I can understand since I'm one of those either-walk-or-chew-gum-but-not-both types.) I thought the dance was cute, everyone looked like they were having fun, and I enjoyed it more than I expected. I especially liked the part near the end when they each took off down the "runway" to strut their personal stuff. Memories of every frat party, high school reunion and wedding I've ever attended came flooding back....but in a good and thoroughly cheesy way.

Unfortunately, from there, it all kinda ran downhill. And I'm not talking about the "shocking" (NOT) eliminations of Lil' Rounds and Anoop. I'm talking about those Diva Disco Dinosaurs they dragged out of the crypt to perform. Part of me was like, hey! These ladies did their thang in the day, let's honor and show respect....they did sing live, after all, something our own Idol contestants didn't do, and I gotta hand it to them for coming out and giving it their all.

Problem One was that, they just about gave it their ALL and then some! First off all, the outfits....man. A few sizes too small. I found myself discussing the laws of physics with my 9 year old son while watching this family-friendly (?) show. And then I found myself wondering out loud about the entire disco genre in general....where it came from, why it was popular, until the man formerly known as Harry Wayne Casey came out and sang "Get Down Tonight" with a slew of women from IDon'tKnowWhere, then I just scratched my head in disbelief. How on Earth did it come to this on the Idol stage? Further, how did this man ever become as popular as he was?! He has no musicality, and that is not just because he shops in the Men's Plus Department now....I just couldn't see it. Wow. Maybe Paula should have taught him some dance moves!

Cute and smiley David Archuleta was out of breath and winded for his performance of admittedly my least favorite track on his debut CD, "Touch My Hand" but it was still nice to see him, and I thought the feedback/advice he gave Allison and Anoop as they awaited their fate was honest and heartfelt...I wish him the best on his upcoming UK tour and summer whirlwind with Disney cutie Demi Lovato.

Anoop and Lil were both gracious exits, thank goodness. I do think they are both very talented, and even though times are tough out there (ask anyone,we're all working hard for the money, particularly Idol also-rans) I do think there is a place for Lil on stage somewhere!

So, we're down to FIVE! I'm putting Matt and Danny on notice this week, even though Allison was the one in the B3 this week. I think she is more talented than both of them. Also, interestingly, since Lil was eliminated, there is no one of color in the top five for the first time in the show’s history. And if Allison had been eliminated intead of Anoop, it would have been the first season without a woman in the final five, too.

What do you think? Did you enjoy the disco divas and KC? Did you shield the eyes of any minors in your house while watching tonight? And do you think Anoop's parents are relieved to go home to NC? I do! Hollywood ain't NC....

Dim All the Lights: It's Disco Week!

Three observations to open this blog: first off, I agree with Randy that this is the most talented Top 7 ever. I mean, they are all good...there are no Sanjaya's, no Jasmine Trias's....in other words, no obvious misfits who rode into the finals on something other than true talent. I also think everyone looked great tonight! Hair, clothes, make- up.....everyone pulled it together. I also have to say, this was the most un-disco week ever for a disco week! Allison rocked it, while Adam, Kris and Anoop slowed it down. We got to hear from all 4 judges! And suffered very little filler.

That said, the Top 3 and Bottom 3 were fairly obvious. Kris and Adam are leagues ahead of everyone else in musicality, vocals and performance, and Allison remains a fave.

I really, really, really liked Kris's performance of "She Works Hard For The Money" and it was the best of the night for me. The bongos and the groovy vibe, right down to his crooked little smile and the song choice from the "women's department" really worked for Kris and endeared him to me just a little bit more. This was one of season 6 winner Jordin Spark's worst songs, and thank goodness Kris made me forget that dismal performance. I agree, Kris is ready for the big time!

My second fave was Allison. While Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff" has never been done on American Idol before, Allison laid down the performance to which all others going forward will be compared to, should they even attempt it. Agree that watching a 16-year-old strut in the highest of heels and talk about her stuff was a little weird, but her powerhouse vocals more than made up for it. She instantly gave this disco classic her signature rock edge that totally worked for her, and since Simon called it "brilliant", she is assured her place in the competition next week.

And already headed to the finals according to Paula (and the rest of the world, according to the press) is Adam, who looked fantastic tonight for sure (despite his ring purchased, certainly, from Paula's jewelry line on HSN). I love anything from the iconic Saturday Night Fever, and while I know everyone else loves Adam, once again I didn't connect with his whiny, falsetto, screechy performance of "If I Can't Have You." So sue me!

Poor Lil and Anoop will most certainly be in the bottom tomorrow night. Lil's Idol run is likely over, but she should be proud of it. Not to sound like Paula, but despite her wild vocals, she truly did look fabulous tonight, her best ever, but her vocals as Randy pointed out were all over the place, and let's face it: karaoke, despite her arguing the contrary. This song ("I'm Every Woman") has been done three other times on Idol by three very talented and powerful women (Trenyce in Season 2, Vonzell in season 4, and most recently Mandisa hit a home run with this song in Season 5) but sadly, Lil's version doesn't match up to any of those.

And Anoop got the pimp spot, but I'm not sure why because his vocals just weren't there. And it wasn't just those repetitive lyrics in "Dim All the Lights" that didn't showcase what he can do, or the fact that he messed the lyrics up....and I actually loved the outfit and the new facial hair....but I had to agree with Simon that it was mediocre and nothing to write home about. I'm afraid he just doesn't have the fans to pull him through yet another trip to the bottom 3.

Matt was awarded the next-best performance slot at number 6 of 7, but it didn't seem to do him any favors. Again, he picked the totally wrong song, "Stayin' Alive" and gave it nothing original. Next to Kris and Adam it sounded horribly wedding and karaoke, and I agree with Simon that it felt desperate, although it's totally understandable why that might be the case! The judges threw him what love they could, as they have all season, but again, I don't think America will.

Squarely in the middle, neutral ground, the Switzerland of Idol, is Danny. Across the web, Danny gets more love than hate (although I am shocked at the Danny Hate that is out there.) Which is where the blogsphere finds him: Idol Chatter at USA Today ranked him 3rd after tonight's performance, he's ranked #4 by Entertainment Weekly going into tonight, and MJ's readers poll has him at #4, too, just to name a few examples. So, what does that mean for him? I always love me some Danny and tonight didn't disappoint me, but didn't thrill, either. I love Earth, Wind and Fire and really enjoyed his energy and vocals, but "September"? His smile is contagious, and loved that his sisters were in the audience! But I worry about Simon declaring that he has no star power. He could be a surprise B3 member tomorrow night, but hopefully not for a couple more weeks.

The Final 4 seem to be shaking out as Danny, Adam, Kris and Allison, with any one of those three going head to head with Adam in the finale. Course, THIS is American Idol and we know nothing is set in stone! From the Top 5 down to the Top 2 we've seen much drama (see Gray, Tamyra; Daughtry, Chris; Yamin, Elliot; and Doolittle, Melinda for examples).

Did you agree that Paula actually looked beautiful and was coherent for the show? Do you think Danny is vulnerable this week? And what do you make of the dramatic Wall of Fire that Ryan opened the show in front of?! "NO one will be SAFE." LOL! Leave your thoughts here!

Judges Play the Save Card

I was honestly thinking they meant Lil was worth saving when Simon said "one of them" was "worth it"....but in the end, they played the much-hyped save card to keep Matt in the competition another week. I honestly think this just gives him one more week to sing and nothing more, but whatevs. First off, he was a wildcard pick....meaning, he wasn't a first draft pick of the judges to begin with, and has struggled ever since. Secondly, this is his second trip to the bottom three. Voters haven't embraced him en masse, and why should we suddenly begin to now? Third, his vocals weren't great this week. And they were even worse tonight. What this means is that another, more deserving contestant will go home with Matt next week, which is a shame. Clearly an emotional moment for him tonight and I feel for the guy, but I'm afraid DISCO will do him no favors. And how does Lil feel tonight knowing they would not have saved her? HHmm....not good, I would guess, especially after all the love and pimping, but disco will be easier for her.

Other random thoughts: Loved J-Hud. Beautiful and triumphant return to the Idol stage, like no other former contestant, on so many levels. I must admit I wasn't a lover while she was on the show....felt she was too over-the-top and while she certainly had a fantastic voice, it wasn't meant for Idol. She has shown us where it most certainly is meant for, with her Grammy and Oscar....you go, girl!

To the contrary, I found myself scratching my head at Miss Cyrus. Since I have kids and a 'tweener in the house, I have seen Miss Cyrus's TV show and it is cleverly written and smart. But I found her performance trying to be too grown-up, and didn't think she can really sing all that great. Her head-banging and hair flopping came across as an attempt to be taken seriously or something....but the vocals weren't there to back it up.

Zac Efron in the house -- much cuter on the red carpet, all cleaned up. I know grunge is in, but e-GADS....did he leave the house without showering, or was all that greasy hair tucked into that awful hat done on purpose?! Hubby thinks he spent hours perfecting that look...that scares me.

What do you think? What were Paula and Simon whispering about all evening? Do you think the save should have been saved for Danny or Anoop? and are you dreading or looking forward to disco week?

At the Movies with the Top 7

Lots riding on tonight. This was a make-or-break week for Lil, Matt and Anoop for sure, and since they all can't go home, someone had to tank. Who was it?

Meanwhile, can you believe that they adjusted the format of the show to include comments from only 2 of the 4 judges after each performance, in an effort to save time and avoid going over as they have in weeks past, only to have to cut them all off at the end to once again avoid going over time at the end??!! ARGH!!

I was intrigued by the addition of Quentin Tarantino as mentor, and hadn't remembered his stint as guest judge in Season 3 (had you?). I believe he is a talented movie producer, but wondered what he could possibly bring to the Idol stage other than name recognition and a few giggles. By the end of the show, I gave props: dude knows what he is talking about. The feedback he gave to the contestants was real, it worked and I was impressed (and that ain't easy to do). The idols chose slow songs for the most part, although Adam was the exception with tonight's only uptempo selection.

So, how did movie night shake out? Pretty well, considering we didn't have any Disney entries, and nobody completely fell apart and blew it. That said, the evening provided some pretty clear categories to discuss. I'll divide them using standard fare from the judge's table:

Mad Love: As in, million percent yes, unanimous fantastic, you're the one to beat, etc. Actually, I didn't think any contestant got mad love from the judges tonight.

Props: Meaning, good job, I liked it. Allison and Anoop got props tonight. First off, Allison is a star, have I said that enough? Her performance of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" was terrific. I tried not to compare it to David Cook's, but it was easier given that they are opposite genders and totally different performers. I can't understand why the judges haven't been pimping her from the beginning. Too edgy and rocker? (true, they haven't historically done well on Idol). Too young? (well, David Archuleta and Jordin Sparks were both 16 and 17 years old). Too pink-haired? (they haven't, historically, done well either....see McKibbon, Nikki; Olivarez, Vanessa; Adams, Amy; Sierra, Jessica; and Glocksen, Gina). I think her voice is fantastic and really feel like she is just the thing Idol needs for a winner... now 19 Entertainment and American voters need to be convinced of the same thing.

Anoop delivered a beautiful "Everything I Do, I Do For You" and the judges (Randy and Kara in this case) thought it was great, and Kara even pronounced it one of his best. I can't disagree, although I found myself wondering if I could really see him as the American Idol this season, and I have to admit, I couldn't.

Keeping It Real: This is where the judges say, I liked it, BUT....and then there is some kind of hesitancy in the critique. I would have to say that Matt and Danny fell into this category tonight. First off, Matt has been struggling and has been inconsistent in past weeks. He chose "To Love A Woman", a beautiful song also done by Bryan Adams (who has to feel good this week that two of the seven songs performed were his). I'll admit, I've not been a fan of Matt's (although don't deny his talent and would have loved to be a fly on the wall of his piano bar in K-Zoo Michigan before this all started!). I tried, tonight, to see and hear him with fresh eyes and ears, to try and connect with what millions of others apparently have....and tonight, I caught a glimpse of Matt and what makes him special. Beautiful song, great delivery....yes, vocals weren't spot on the entire time but I connected with him I think for the first time.

Meanwhile, Randy found it pitchy and rough, and thought he had "too much stuff going on" (meaning vocal rifts and stuff)....and Kara said he struggled between rock and soul. Hhmmph. We'll see what America thinks.

Danny, too, had his issues tonight. First off, where were the glasses? Did he get Lasik and not tell us? I also wondered, again, why he didn't heed mentor's advice: Quentin said, put your hands in your pockets, and yet Danny still did his whole wave and point thing while singing....

I find "Endless Love" to be a very boring song and I thought Danny's delivery started slow but delivered a big finish. I can totally get where Simon would be disappointed given David Cook's amazing take on Lionel Richie's "Hello" last season, but come on...that is a high bar to reach! I love, once again, how Danny stays true to himself and his beliefs with his song choices that come across honest and real without being preachy or patronizing.

Split decision: Three singers had split results tonight, and I think that says a lot. Adam, Kris and Lil got mixed reviews. I think that means nobody completely flopped...which is true....but the new judge's format and shortened comments made it tough for the judges to really let loose.

Adam's choice of "Born to be Wild" was kind of a surprise for me. There were SO many songs being tossed around the Internet for him this week (not that he would see them) but this was not one of them. Personally, I get his vocal chops but I am not a fan. Too theater, too performance, too high-pitched and falsetto for me. I know this is not a popular opinion! Deal with it! He got the fancy light show and some of Paula's choicest commentary this season about daring to "be in the path of greatness and bravery" and such, but Simon was right on with his Rocky Horror connection.

Meanwhile, Kris couldn't have been further from Rocky Horror....he chose a song from the lesser-known but beautiful movie "Once" and performed the song "Falling Slowly" which received a 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song. As Kara said, it was an obscure song, but it also turned out to be one of his best, and I agree. Randy thought it was pitchy and didn't catch the groove. I thought it was spectacular and love Kris tonight more than yesterday.

Lil had the pimp spot tonight, and I think that is because the Powers That Be sense her vulnerability and know that she is struggling, but still want her in the finals...so what better way to support her, but pimp her! She looked beautiful, although I can tell you as a mere mortal viewer that Lil looks completely different. How can I connect with a contestant who looks so different than she did just a few weeks ago when I fell in love with her? All of a sudden, I don't see that Memphis mom who has 3 kids and lost her home, I see a glamour -girl with all kinds of eye make up and hair extensions that totally change her look.....just saying. I don't fault her at all, if I were in her shoes, I would probably do the same, but I think we've lost Lil in all that.

"The Rose" is a beautiful song, and her vocals were adequate, but I did not see a star.

What did you think of tonight's movie performances? Did you see Katie Couric in the house? Did you like the band being back on stage (I did). And most importantly, who do you think will end up in the finals with Adam?

Idols Do Wheelhouse of 80's Tunes

I've never understood the "year they were born" song theme....you don't know music while you are in diapers!

Once again, my fav performances from tonight don't necessarily match the judge's critique. Allison and Anoop were the highlights for me, while the judges loved Adam and Matt more than I did. Danny went first and while it wasn't my favorite (I think I'm burned out on that song, even changed up), it was solid. Meanwhile, Kris faltered, and Lil and Scott may stumble into the bottom three.

Danny kicked off the evening with "Stand By Me", a song done on American Idol most recently last season (brilliantly, I might add) by David Archuleta, but also even better by Bo Bice in the final 5 show of Season 4. Danny's won't match up to these two stellar performances, but it was good enough to keep him around. As this season's oldest contestant (LOL), Kara said he "killed" it, and Paula predicted the others would be trying to catch up to him.

Then again, Allison also chose a song with some pretty strong Idol history ("I Can't Make You Love Me"), with memorable performances from Constantine Maroulis in S4 and Kimberly Locke in S2, but her performance made me forget I'd ever even heard the others sing it. I echoed Kara's amazement that a 16-year-old could deliver that kind of heartfelt lyric at such a young age, and Paula's suggestion that we just go and make the record already. I love, love, Love Allison and agree she is a Kelly Clarkson in the making! But would the judges use the save on her if needed? Simon wants more "personality" from her.....the collective agreement in the room I watched was that we love Allison, but we just don't know what kind of artist she would be, what kind of genre she fits into, and this could hurt her.

Probably most at risk this evening of losing fans before the performance was Anoop, but happily he pulled us all back on board in just the first few opening notes, slaying Cyndy Lauper's "True Colors" from 1986. Excellent song choice!! I think these kinds of theme nights go best when contestants choose songs performed by the opposite gender, have you thought that? Judges ll thought he was good, but I thought it was great. Beautiful. Million percent YES.

On the other hand, I didn't agree with the judge's assessment of Adam and Matt. (And my Tivo didn't cut off Adam's performance, although they did say they were running so short that only Simon got to offer feedback, but I guess that had something to do with my viewing the show this evening from the Eastern Time Zone.) I knew Adam would probably bring something special to the evening, given that he was last on the docket, but I didn't think what he did was great, and I know I'm in the minority here. I like that he chose a lessor-known song ("It's a Mad World") from the awesome Tears for Fears but I just didn't think it warranted the showy standing ovation from Simon. I know lots of you think Adam has this thing wrapped up, but I have a conspiracy theory I'll put out there one day soon...

I also though Matt's performance of "Part Time Lover" from the mosh pit was pretty cheesy and awful, and that fedora didn't help (although it did hide the mole). The judges must have heard it differently, with "unbelievable" coming from Kara's lips, and Paula standing up. Hhhmmph. Again, still not loving Matt for some reason.

I think we agree on who will probably be in the bottom this week, starting with who-I-hope-isn't: Kris. coming off last week's brilliance makes it more difficult to write that his performance this week was a mess. I still think he belongs in music and not behind the wheel of a cab, but seriously, "All She Wants to Do Is Dance"? I love me some Don Henley like the rest of 'em, but this isn't a singer's song, and the mosh pit made it extra cheesy. Agree with judges that the band/horns overpowered the song and that Kris was lost in it, but thought Simon was extra harsh....I hate the word stupid used in any context! And he said it twice! Along with his mot du jour this season, indulgent.

And I think we've seen the best of Lil. She has a beautiful big box voice that can sing anything, but you have to be able to do more than just sing on this show to take the prize...and Lil just doesn't have any star power, any artistry. Choosing a Tina Turner song just really underscored this point. I will say that I have searched my Idol database (in my head, since I don't know of another) to try and recall any previous contestants who were also mothers of three, and I can't think of any....so props to Lil for that alone, and she is still a winner and a lovely lady.

Cutest baby photo goes to Scott (above) but "The Search Is Over" for who should go home tonight. We've seen all that he can do in this competition, and that ghastly Survivor song did him no favors. And that playing with trains comment? Chicks dig that! No wonder he's still single :) I also wondered if Scott knew that just strapping the guitar on wasn't enough, that he actually had to play the thing. Harsh, I know but I'm so over Scotty!

What did you think? Do you agree that Anoop is back in the game, and that Scott should go home? Did your TiVo cut off before Adam performed? And how sick are you that they can't get the timing right for this show and have to rush (or even skip!) essential elements, like hearing from all 4 judges?? ARGH.

And Then There Were Eight...

It wasn't a surprise that Megan "Kristy Lee" Joy finally flew the coop tonight but they sure drug out the suspense, no? That old "three groups of three" trick....making us think that one of the groups of 3 was the bottom three....ha. Those stinkers at Idol, always one step ahead. LOL

Admission: skipped the Ford "video". Was it good? Also FF through the group number. No offense to Journey, but I have to draw the line.

I must take serious offense at Allison in the B3. There is no way this should have happened, and I can only reason that Allison's appearance on the Silver Stool is an attempt to bolster her votes to keep her on the show. Allison is one of the top 3 talents this year, for sure.

Admission: I love David Cook. I know he looked really tired, and his eyes were so droopy it looked like he was going to fall asleep at any minute while singing, but then I spotted his Mom in the audience singing along, and it was all worthwhile. And by the time the song was finished, I was in full Cook Mode. Yeah, baby.

(Jason Castro in the house! Sitting next to and chatting with Alexis Grace! Cool....Idol seasonal cross-pollination!)

I also should add that I have concluded that Kris Allen is the most talented contestant on Idol this season. He may not have the "currency" of Adam, or the stage presence and charisma of Danny, but he is more talented musically than either of them. Can he overcome the extreme pimping of other contestants....and use his talents to make us forget the fact that he is married -- GASP-- and make it all the way to the finale? I shudder at a Kris vs. Adam finale, since it would be a head-to-head like no other....but I can see how the producers would love this match-up and would start planning for it now.

Okay, back to tonight's show. Anoop seemed to sense that it was his night and graciously accepted it...but he gets another week at the mansion and a chance to sing a song for us from the Year He Was Born (which is sometime around 1988, I'm guessing, meaning I'm WAY older than him and could probably make a few song suggestions!). Meanwhile, lovely Megan had a GREAT time dancing all over that Idol stage on her way out, watching her video montage (which was really, really well done, kudos to the video peeps!) and will soon be holding her precious boy and at the same time planning child care for the boy during the long summer tour. Okay, I'm a mom! Worry about these things.....

Job well done, Megan!

On to next week....any suggestions for songs? Would love to hear them!