One of Six Voted Off

Ryan opens the show with the announcement that 33 million votes were received -- pretty impressive seeing how approximately 137 million people voted in the last presidential election.

He also announced that Shakira, Rascal Flatts, Sons of Sylvia and Lady Antebellum would be performing in the show, and the entertainment started immediately.

Rascal Flatts opened, singing "Unstoppable". I really enjoyed this performance --- they actually had me "chair-dancing". Okay, so no one else was up watching the show with me. . . that might have had a little to do with it!

They Ryan dropped the bomb that Rascal Flatts would be back later in the show, doing a number with Shakira!?!

This week's Ford video was vampire themed and filmed to "Believe". It was somehow enjoyable seeing everyone with fangs and animal contacts!

Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas made a short appearance, plugging the "last ever" Shrek movie. Antonio was asked to say "dim the lights and here we go". . . as Puss, of course.

Ryan began the results by telling us that three groups would be formed.

Siobhan was asked to stand; her hair looked good for the first time since Hollywood --- no Texas hairdo, just simply straightened and down. She was asked to go to the far side of the stage.

Aaron was sent to center stage; Michael to the stage closest to Ryan.

Lee was sent over to stand with Siobhan. Casey was asked to join Michael. I was beginning to see my prediction come true.

Crytal was asked to join Aaron.

So, the three I chose as the Bottom 3 were split up. Hmmmm. . .

Siobhan was asked to follow Ryan; then he asked her to stand with Michael and Casey and announced that THEY were the Bottom 3. So, I got two of the three correct, anyway.

Aaron, Lee and Crystal were declared safe and sent back to the couches.

Ryan announced that Harry Connick, Jr. will be next week's mentor and they will be singing the songs of Sinatra. Can't wait to see what they do!!

Carrie Underwood made a brief appearance to introduce Sons of Sylvia, who apparently open for her on her current tour. They sang "Love Left to Lose"; more "chair-dancing" from me. I'm hoping they're brothers, because they looked eerily alike.

Lady Antebellum followed, singing "Need You Now". Lovely song, but no chemistry between the singers. I hope they're not a real-life couple!

Rascal Flatts joined Shakira in singing "I'm a Gypsy". Weird, but mildly entertaining.

Back to the results: Michael is safe. At this point I think it must be Siobhan, because I can't imagine that America's teeny-boppers would let Casey get sent home.

The controversial Lane Bryant bra commercial airs. Oooh, cleavage and a woman putting on a trenchcoat over her lingerie to meet "Dan" for lunch! Can't help thinking they objected to this commercial being shown earlier in the show because the girls weren't "Victoria's Secret" thin.

Back to the results: Siobhan is going home and Casey is safe.

I'm really looking forward to what the Final 5 are going to do next week, with the exception of Casey. I think he's going to be in trouble.

Six Finalists Compete

So, here we are. . . down to the Final 6: Aaron, Siobhan, Michael, Lee, Crystal and Casey. Last night's show was the music of Shania Twain. I like Shania --- I thought she was good as a guest judge. I guess I never sat and thought about all the music she's made.

Lee is first, singing "You're Still the One". It's a great song choice for him. Shania says his "fantastic style needs to come out and not be buried by his guitar". He made some interesting changes to the songs (improvements, as I heard it), but it's not one of my favorite Shania songs. Shania looked just a little miffed that Lee hadn't heeded her instructions to start the song a capella.

Michael chose "It Only Hurts When I Breathe". Shania was "very moved to hear his voice to my lyrics and to my melody". His performance brought Shania to tears but I was crying because I'm so tired of hearing the same performance week after week. We all know Michael has a great voice, but I'm waiting for him to exceed our expectations.

Casey's choice was "Don't". Shania said he's "missing a little bit of inner confidence". I wanted to miss his weird vibrato, which ended up getting in the way of me enjoying his performance.

Crystal was out next, singing "No One Needs to Know". Apparently this was a very public plea to her boyfriend to "man up", which didn't seem to work very well. This performance didn't work for me, either. I thought there was way too much heard from the band, backup singers and everything else she loaded the stage up with last night.

Aaron sang "You've Got a Way", changing up the words to make this song appropriate for singing to his mom. I thought it was a great performance, and I'm not usually a huge Aaron fan. So far for me, best of the night.

Siobhan was next with "Any Man of Mine". Shania said she's "gotta get into character". I thought the beginning of the song was nasally and really pitchy, but she ended it "Siobhan-style".

All in all I was disappointed with the show --- I've said this before, but these kids and a lot of the other kids who auditioned blew us away when we first saw them. They should be peaking NOW, not sliding down the slippery slope to "everyday". Although there have been a couple of brighter spots in this season's performances, I've yet to be truly blown away.

As much as I hate to say it, I think Michael, Casey and Crystal will be in the Bottom 3 based on their performances last night.

And, I'm really afraid Michael might be sent home, which would be a shame. He has so much potential.

One of Seven Voted Off

I've already thought ahead to past years' disappointments and have set my DVR to record 15 minutes over the posted end time for each AI show. However, my inner voice is trying to tell me I should be worried, but I shake it off.

Tonight's show starts out with Obama and Michelle, urging everyone to donate and letting us know that last year's Idol Gives Back raised over 14 million dollars.

Ryan is holding court in the American Idol studio and Queen Latifah is onstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where she will welcome: The Black Eyed Peas, Carrie Underwood, Jeff Buckley (hmmm, so it's not Jeff Beck), Joss Stone, Annie Lennox and Sir Elton John.

Ryan counters by pointing out that he will have Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and an all-star band AND the results.

The Top 12 come onstage, all dressed in white lip syncing I don't know what.

Jennifer Garner takes us along on her trip to Virginia to see what Save the Children is doing there. Her segment brings me to tears.

Victoria Beckham sits onstage with two kids from Kentucky, whose family she and her son visited on their trip.

Captain Sully Sullenberger makes a plea for donations. Jonah Hill and Russell Brand are featured in the first of several funny bits about a celebrity phone bank they've formed.

Queen Latifah introduces The Black Eyed Peas, who will sing "Rock That Body". I love The Black Eyed Peas but they suck singing live. Absolutely suck. I fast-forward, chuckling when I see Todd Bridges in the audience.

Ryan tells us about a campaign called "Malaria No More". Bottom line: every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria. A $10 donation buys a malaria net and prevents a death. Every 30 seconds.

Ryan announces that the highest bidder for hosting the results is George, from Toluca Lake who, as it turns out, is George Lopez. George decides that it's time to judge the judges and does a very good job.

The always forgettable Ford music video is to "We've Got a Big Mess on Our Hands".

Crystal and Casey are called to center stage. Ryan announces that one of them is safe, and one is in the Bottom 3. Casey is in the Bottom 3 and Crystal is safe.

Aaron and Lee are called to center stage. Ryan announces that one of them is in the Bottom 3 and one is safe. Lee is safe, and Aaron is the second member of tonight's Bottom 3.

Queen Latifah introduces Jeff Buckley and Joss Stone, accompanied by the Jubilation Choir, performing "I Put a Spell on You". Joss Stone tries to sound blacker than the Jubilation Choir. I'm, not sure how I feel about a white woman singing "cain't".

The next segment begins with a variety of celebrities telling us what the last thing they got from their mom was. This segues into a video about orphaned babies whose mom's died in childbirth or shortly thereafter. Your donations can help prevent this.

The Secretary of the United Nations. General Ban Ki-moon of the Republic of Korea, thanks everyone in advance for their generous donations.

One of may all time favorite actors, Morgan Freeman, visit Mississippi with Randy Jackson to witness what Save the Children is doing there.

Alicia Keys performs "Unthinkable" and "New York State of Mind". Besides having on an absolutely dreadful outfit, she sounds unbelievably bad performing live.

Josh Groban asks for donations, and Russell Brand and Jonah Hill introduce their celebrity look-alikes in addition to Slash and Jim Carrey.

Queen Latifah introduces Carrie Underwood, who is singing "Change". She is the first performer of the evening to sing on key. And, the song is inspirational. She announces that 36 cents from each ticket sold for her concert tour will be donated to Save the Children.

Ellen visits Pasadena with David Arquette who volunteers at a food bank. Ellen agrees with me that it's crazy that people in the U.S. are going hungry.

Ryan speaks with Bill and Melinda Gates about the work their foundation is doing and what they hope people will do after watching tonight's show.

Wanda Sykes does a bit about the booted contestants and agrees with me that it stinks to make them perform right after their hearts have been broken in front of millions of people.

Ryan calls Siobhan, Mike and Tim to center stage. Siobhan is safe and Ryan reminds Mike that last year's save, Matt Giraud, only lasted two weeks. Michael is safe and Tim is the final member of tonight's Bottom 3.

David Cook shows the video of his trip to Ethiopia where he visited a girl's school that's giving education to girls who wouldn't normally get one.

Annie Lennox makes a plea for donations for HIV/AIDS drugs. Annie is stranded in London due to the volcanic ash. Her return visit to the ghastly sick Avililey shows a plump, healthy kid where last year's film footage showed a virtual skeleton. Annie performs from London.

Ryan introduces Mary J. Blige and the all-star band (Orianthe, Travis Barker, and Randy Jackson as well as a couple of others). They perform "Stairway to Heaven". It doesn't work for me at all.

Simon talks about the Children's Health Fund and the work of the mobile pediatric clinic in Douglas, Arizona. He also announces that 15 million dollars has been donated so far tonight. That's more than last year already.

Ben Affleck makes a plea for donations.

Queen Latifah introduces Sir John Elton, who talks about his foundation. He sits at the piano to sing "Your Song". I'm listening to him, thinking how very long ago it was that I first heard him sing this, which is making me forgive him just a little for not sounding so great when. . . my DVR stops.

I've recorded 15 minutes over the posted end time for the show and it still isn't enough. After uttering an unmentionable string of curse words, I relocate to my sewing/craft/work room to try to find the results online.

Evidently the show went over 24 minutes. I didn't have a prayer of getting the whole show!!

In any case, Aaron is safe, Casey is safe and FINALLY Tim is sent home.

Next week's mentor is Shania Twain.

Fifty (50) children have died from malaria in the time it has taken me to type this entry. Please make a small $10 donation to save at least one life.

Seven Finalists Compete

Alicia Keys is tonight's mentor, which is appropriate for the Idol Gives Back show. Alicia Keys' charity foundation is "Keep a Child Alive".

Casey is up first singing "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac. Alicia thinks it's one of the biggest songs in the universe. I don't think I can agree with her on that. She says he needs to make people think "I love him" instead of "I love that song". I don't think he manages to do either. The first two phrases of the song are completely off-key. Ellen is right; he's consistently good, but that's not enough -- he has to be great.

Lee sings "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. The judges are appropriately impressed.

Tim is next, singing "Better Days" by the GooGoo Dolls. He's uncharacteristically pitchy. Could he be nervous?

Aaron's choice is "I Can Believe" by Mariah Carey. I've never been inspired by anything Mariah Carey sings and tonight Aaron's off; really pitchy but manages to improve by the end of the song.

Siobhan's choice is "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, from "The Prince of Egypt". It's just so, so for me and she seems just old. I mean, you can like and appreciate old music without making yourself seem old, but she just comes off old. . . too old.

Michael sings Nickelback's "Hero". I thought it was outstanding. That song was SO played out in our area, that I thought I didn't ever want to hear it again. But I enjoyed Michael's version.

Crystal closed out the show with "People Get Ready" by The Impressions. Her rendition brought me to tears, and, lo and behold the wall came tumbling down and Crystal ended up in tears, too. I'm really hoping she ends up at least in the final three. This girl deserves it.

I'm predicting Tim, Aaron and Siobhan are the Bottom 3 and STILL hoping Tim will be sent home.

Two of Nine Voted Off

I know, I know. . . here it is the night of the next show and I'm just getting around to posting my review of the last result's show! Mea culpa. Sitting at home doing nothing takes up more time than you can imagine!

On to last week's result's show: Brooke White, Justin Gaston and Adam Lambert are scheduled to appear on this show that starts with. . . another awful lip-synced (sunk?) performance of a medley of Elvis songs. Mark my words he IS spinning in his grave!

However, this is the first outfit Siobhan's had on that doesn't look like a collection of weird items or, as my family calls it, the day after Christmas. (You know, when you venture out and see the little kids wearing every item of new clothing they got, whether they match or not.)

And, you know I hate the lip-syncing "group sings" but this one is strictly High School Musical. Dreadful!

The weekly Ford music video, to the tune of "Light & Day/Reach for the Sun" is also an oft-fastforwarded-through item.

Casey, Aaron and Andrew are all directed to center stage.

Oh snap, here's where the "crap, I've been off work for close to a week, through general anesthesia, my mind is mush" starts showing up!! I completely forgot that TWO people are being sent home, and I've only given you my prediction/choice for one. So, I'm quickly adding Tim as my number two pick.

Ryan announces abruptly that Andrew is going home, and Aaron and Casey are safe. I'm sad, because I thought Andrew had SO much potential, but not surprised, because he's simply been disappointing week after week.

Next we're treated to a video of Elliot and Kara's trip to Africa; Elliot's second trip and Kara's first. Kara tries holding a baby at each stop, but she looks SO uncomfortable that she makes you doubt her concern is legitimate.

But, I'm still encouraging each of you to donate at least $10 towards nets to prevent the spread of malaria. So little could achieve so much.

Ryan announces that the "Idol Gives Back" show will feature The Black-Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige and an all-star band, Sir Elton John plus many, many more.

Now comes the part where I start thinking I'm getting too old to write this blog --- who in the hell is Justin Gaston?? He's cute, but he sings like an Idol audition. Apparently he's on some reality show (If I Can Dream) and used to date Miley Cyrus. Guess I should stop skipping over the Miley Cyrus-type "news" in People every week and start paying attention.

Brooke always seemed/looked/acted way older than she is, and tonight, standing next to the studly Justin accentuated that even more. She sounds pretty good, though, singing a country tune. To her credit, she was busy guiding/willing Justin to stay on key (apparently he gets really confused when someone sings harmony but there was NO chemistry, something that's really helpful when singing a duet.

Ryan then calls the whole bottom row out on stage: Lee, Siobhan, Katy, Michael, Crystal and Tim.

He announces that, after 34 million votes Crystal is safe, Siobhan is safe and Lee is safe.

Tim, Michael and Katy are left on stage. Ryan keeps the "suspense" alive by stopping to announce that next week's show will feature inspirational songs and Alicia Keys will be the mentor.

Adam sings his single "What Do You Want From Me?" --- it's pure Adam, a little overdone, but what can I say?

Back to Tim, Michael and Katy. Once again, I'm shocked to hear that Tim is safe. One of the two remaining is going home, the other wasn't even in the Bottom 3.

Katy is going home. Thank God Michael is safe and is NOT in the Bottom 3.

And. . . they make her sing. I hate that!

Still waiting for a really big, really truly "aha" moment.

Nine Finalists Compete. . . Again

This week's songs are from the Elvis songbook and Adam Lambert is the "mentor". I've said it before: I'm not an Elvis fan. At least Adam has the good sense to say publicly that he can't really be a mentor, since he doesn't have enough experience, but he will be honest and try to be helpful.

Crystal chooses "Saved". Not many people can make me like an Elvis song, but Crystal can and she does with this one. Pure Crystal!

Andrew sings "Hound Dog". I'm nervous watching the footage. Like Adam, I don't think he's done enough to the song to make it sound non-karaoke. He took Adam's advice and I mostly liked it, but I certainly wasn't blown away. And by this time, they should ALL be blowing us away.

Tim chose (surprise) "Can't Help Falling in Love". I was pleasantly surprised. I really like it, and I haven't liked very much of what Tim's done since the auditions.

Lee sang "A Little Less Conversation". This is one Elvis song I like. Okay, so it didn't hurt that it makes me think of "Ocean's 11" and Brad and George and the guys. But I loved Lee's rendition. He was looser and more engaging than he's ever been. He just may be starting to believe in himself.

Aaron chose "Blue Suede Shoes". He's a strong singer, but this sounded (and looked) a little too much like part of a stage production number.

Siobhan, evidently a serious Elvis fan, was next with "Suspicious Minds". Admittedly, this is one of my least favorite Elvis songs, but she made me like it less. I'm losing my faith in this girl.

However, Siobhan thankfully directed Michael to "In the Ghetto". I really, really, really enjoyed his interpretation, from the changes he made to the arrangement. This was as strong, if not stronger, than last week's "save me" performance.

Katy, evidently a little pissed off at the judges, chose "Baby What You Want Me to Do?" I don't like most of what Katy does --- she just sings too old for her age. Does that make sense to anyone else except me? Anyway, I actually like her singing this. Maybe because I'm pissed off at the judges, too, for their back-and-forth "advice".

Casey wrapped up the show singing "Lawdy Miss Clawdy". I will admit that I've never heard this song before (not an Elvis fan, remember). But in any case, it was a solid performance, but not stellar.

If it were up to me Andrew, Aaron and Siobhan would be in the Bottom Three tomorrow night, and, sadly, Andrew would go home. He just hasn't lived up to the potential he showed during Hollywood Week.

But it's NOT up to me, it's up to the voting public, so anything could happen!

One of Nine Voted Off

Okay, okay, I know I'm almost a week overdue with posting this. I've said this before: I really hate when my job gets in the way of my life, but this time it was my life getting in the way of my life --- a surgery planned months ago that suddenly was on the horizon, just after Easter (when I have my extended family for brunch). . . well, that's really fodder for my crazy, zany life, so I'll just get back to it.

I know I complain every season that I wish they'd change some things, and they have, but I really, really don't like the weird montage/recap thing they've added this year to the beginning of the results shows.

Jason DeRulo, Rhianna and David Archuleta guested --- strange combo, but THIS IS. . . American Idol!

The dreaded/dreadful "group sing" was a collection from the Lennon/McCartney songbook and was nothing more than bad lip syncing.

This week's Ford video was to "Will it Go Round in Circles".

And then the results began.

Siobhan was invited to center stage. Crystal was invited to join her. Then Katy was added to the group. After the usual long, drawn out rehash, Crystal was declared safe, then Katy and Siobhan. Slick, Ryan.

Jason DeRulo, who I will admit I've never heard of, is apparently a Kara "find". He was okay, but what's up with the ill-fitting winter gloves? MJ did the glove, Jason, find a new "thing".

David Archuleta sang "Imagine". It was amazing to see him again --- more confident, more mature looking and a more refined sound to his voice. He's growing up!

Lee was sent to the far side of the stage. Michael was directed to the close side of the stage. Casey was directed to stand with Lee, Aaron with Michael. Tim was sent to stand with Lee and Casey.

I'm watching, and trying to figure out how it's going to shake out, but I'm confused. What's happening? Lee and Casey CAN'T be in the Bottom Three, but Tim could.

Aaron could, but surely Michael couldn't be in the Bottom Three.

Andrew is asked to stand with Michael and Aaron. Even before Ryan says it, we know that one group is safe and one IS the Bottom Three.

Ryan announces what seems to be the impossible: Michael, Aaron and Andrew are the Bottom Three and Lee, Casey and Tim are sent back to the couches.

Okay, I'm thinking I can still somehow deal with this, thinking Michael and Andrew will be sent to the couches and Aaron will go home, but then Aaron is declared safe, leaving Andrew and Michael as the Bottom Two. Unbelievable!!

Rhianna comes out and sings her new single "Rock Star". I like some of Rhianna's music, but she doesn't pull this one off, at least in a live performance.

So, there stand the two fathers and I'm thinking they might send Andrew home, but he is sent back to the couches and Michael is asked to sing for his life. I can't believe that the voting public has hung Michael out to dry. Even if you didn't like his rendition of "Eleanor Rigby", he's a great singer and performer.

So, Michael sings for his life giving perhaps his best performance to date and, thankfully, the judges vote unanimously to save him.

That means TWO singers go home next week.

Nine Finalists Compete

Here's how much I love Lennon/McCartney music. I am currently listening to a CD of cover songs done "lullaby" style that my grandkids listen to when they're going to sleep.

Last night's show started with a little nod to Didi, which is something I don't think they've ever done. It was a little strange. Ryan introduced the Top 9 and announced that this week's "theme" would be video of what the other contestants thought about each other. There was also a taped video "encouragement" from Sir Paul himself.

Aaron, a.k.a. Yoda, chose one of my favorites: "Long and Winding Road". I thought he sang it well, and I enjoyed it as much as the original. I think he muffed the lyrics partway through, but I'm not sure anyone noticed. I totally disagreed with the judges and thought it was pretty good.

Katy chose "Let it Be". I actually enjoyed her rendition. But there's still something about her that I just don't like.

Andrew sang "Can't Buy Me Love" and I thought it was truly awesome! The judges disagreed.

Michael was next, singing "Eleanor Rigby". I was really excited about this one, looking forward to hearing it, and I wanted to love it, but for me it was just "aight".

Crystal sang "Come Together", a perfect choice for her. It was absolutely the best song for her, she sang it well and I totally loved it. And, screw the judges, the digeridoo was cool!

Tim chose "All My Lovin'". I was very, very afraid to hear him sing, and it was just okay. He really sings every song exactly the same and would actually make a great lounge singer.

Casey's choice was "Jealous Guy". Wow!! This was an "aha" moment for me!! He changed it up a LOT and really made it fit his style. Casey's beginning to grow on me.

Siobhan was next, singing "Across the Universe". I liked that she wasn't moving around, and that she just sat in front of the microphone, but unless this chick is belting out a note, she's just plain nasally. I did NOT enjoy this performance.

Lee closed the show with "Hey Jude". This performance was classic Lee --- that gravelly voice made this song just great! The bagpiper was a little weird, but his version made up for that.

My votes for Bottom 3: Aaron, Tim and Siobhan. It should be Tim's turn to go home.