American Idol Loses Curly Chris

I think I mentioned that Chris was at risk of elimination after seeing his last performance. He just lost his quirky self somewhere amidst the competition. Perhaps it was the stress or lack of sleep. Who knows? But it was obvious that he had changed as we watched his farewell video. All of the reasons I really liked him -- his sarcastic sense of humor, his attitude, his sense of self -- they seemed to fade as the competition went on.

Although I would have much rather had Haley or Sanjaya leave -- it was not a huge surprise that we lost Chris Sligh this week.

American Idol - Top 10 Recap!

So here are my thoughts about the American Idol Top 10.

(First a note about Gwen Stephani: her stage persona seems to have nothing to do with the real Gwen. When she was interviewed and talking to the contestants, she seemed very down to earth, sweet, reserved and just darling. On stage, she jumps around with jerky movements, dresses very strangely, and her hair is always a bit out there -- plus her music is quite unique. I really liked her down to earth personality.)

1. LaKisha, LaKisha, LaKisha. What can I say? Excellent vocals as always. (Didn't love the dress though.)

2. Chris Sligh. Not a great performance tonight. I didn't think the song fit him very well and he needs to work on his stage presence. I've liked him from the beginning, but think he's at risk for going home.

3. Gina Glocksen. She's not my favorite performer but some of my nieces like her a lot so I know she has a fan base. She did well tonight but I thought looked a little bit awkward standing there -- not knowing what to do with her hands or something. She's a cute girl and I think will stay a few more weeks.

4. Sanjay Malakar. What??? UGH! Is he TRYING to be the obvious worst? I'm at a loss for words about the hair. And completely agreed with Simon that he's in his own universe. Starting to remind me of the wierdness of Michael Jackson. A bit scary.

5. Haley Scarnato. I really hope she'll go home tonight. It's painful to listen to, painful to watch. She's a darling girl, but I just can't take it anymore. I was wondering what Will Ferrell thought about her performance (he was on the Ellen show and gave advice to contestants and she did all of the things he told the American Idol contestants not to do.) -- See my previous blog for details.

6. Phil Stacey. The hat helps his look -- but now I think his eyebrows need help. Please someone thin them out a little bit! He has a great voice and I always enjoy listening to him sing. Just needs a bit of refining on his look and his staging.

7. Melinda Doolittle. She just brightens up the stage. I predict her as the final winner! I didn't like her shirt -- not flattering on her figure. With a shorter neck, she needs to elongate it with a v-neck. I'd like to see what a stylist will do with her. But she's hands-down the best!

8. Blake Lewis. Didn't like his outfit tonight -- kind of wierd. I didn't think his song choice was great but he sang it well. If he could work on some more genuine facial expressions and connect more with the song words and the audience, rather than just performing, that would be nice.

9. Jordin Sparks. She's just delightful and spunky. I didn't love the song choice or the outfit but she did a great job.

10. Chris Richardson. I've always liked him -- but have to say when the other 9 were done, I honestly couldn't remember who was left to perform. So, I hate to say that he might be at risk still. But perhaps it was a wakeup call last week and his fans will get busy voting for him and not taking it forgranted that he's safe. I didn't love the song tonight and kept thinking he would be awesome as the lead in a boy band (perhaps a throwback to the Justin Timberlake style). I still think he's a cute guy and deserves to go farther.

If it were down to talent then Sanjaya or Haley would be going home tonight. But I'm afraid those "vote for the worst" groups are doing their jobs. So I think Chris Sligh, Phil, and Chris Richardson are all at risk. We'll see what happens!

Will Ferrell Gives American Idol Contestants Advice

Will Ferrell was on the Ellen DeGeneres TV show yesterday and they talked about American Idol. Will gave the Idol contestants three pieces of advice.

1. Don't follow the camera -- sing to the audience. (I totally agree!)
2. Don't go into the crowd when you're performing. It makes you get out of breath.
3. Only start one song of the season sitting on the steps (if any). It's corny, and then the audience is waiting for you to stand up rather than listening to you sing.

I loved the advice Will Ferrell gave to the American Idol contestants -- all of his advice was what I would have told them too. :-)

Funnily enough, Haley Scarnato's performance started on the steps, and she followed the camera -- I was laughing during her performance -- wondering what Will Ferrell was thinking.

Elliott Yamin Performs on Ellen TV

Elliott Yamin performed on the Ellen DeGeneres TV show yesterday. His new CD entitled "Elliott Yamin" has recently been released and he talked about his new look -- namely his long curly hair and his new teeth. His teeth look good, but they are almost too perfect for his scruffy look. I didn't mind his old teeth, they kind of made his look all fit together. Maybe they are too white or something. Anyway, I love his voice -- and I hope his CD does very well.

Ellen Predicts American Idol

On Thursday Ellen DeGeneres reported viewer votes on her show for American Idol. Melinda won with 38% of the votes. LaKisha had 18%. Blake had 16% and Jordin had 11%. This goes along perfectly with my predictions -- but I think Chris Richardson should be in the top 5 as well. It will be interesting to see if the votes on the Ellen show will follow what actually happens.

American Idol - Shocker!

Okay -- can I just say WHAT???!!? Chris Richardson in the bottom 2 on American Idol tonight? And Stephanie going home? What is going on? Both can sing circles around Sanjaya and Haley -- I'm still shaking my head.

Now, I do understand the fact that Stephanie has not really set herself apart enough to have a big fan base. And I know we have seen people get through further than they should based on talent -- simply because they come from a large state or somehow have loyal people calling in for them.

But what in the heck? There is NO WAY Chris should have been in the bottom!

I think the vote for the worst group should get voted off the island!!!!!

American Idol - Top 11 Perform

It's hard to call it this week -- I'm not sure who will be going home from American Idol. But I think the following are at risk: Haley, Stephanie Nelson, Sanjaya, Gina and Chris Sligh.

Haley did a pretty good job, but girl -- please wear a bra next time. When Simon said "I think people are going to be talking about a lot more than your singing tonight" -- you know what he was talking about.

Chris Richardson -- I love his voice. He gave a great performance as always. I love his smile and he is so genuinely pleased when he gets any positive feedback.

Stephanie Nelson -- I didn't like her performance tonight. It was kind of pitchy -- and although she was compared to Beyonce, I think she's at risk for going home. She just hasn't stood out enough.

Blake Lewis -- I loved his performance. It was a great mix with the beatboxing. He's great.

LaKisha Jones - She's already a star -- not my favorite song tonight, but she's for sure going far.

Phil Stacey -- I really liked the song and his performance tonight. I wish he would grow out some of his hair, or have a goatee or something -- it's just a bit distracting. Some people look really good bald, but I'm not sure he's one of them. I can't quite put my finger on it -- I love his smile and his personality, but the bald thing on him doesn't work for me.

Jordin Sparks -- she's a contender and proved it tonight. She's getting better and better each week.

Sanjaya -- he actually did an okay job tonight but he's just not even close to being in the league of some of the other singers. The only way he'll be staying is if the "vote for the worst" group succeeds again.

Gina Glocksen -- I liked her hair cut. I don't really like her rocker style personally but I do think she's pretty popular.

Chris Sligh -- I like him -- but he doesn't have the stage presence of an American Idol winner. I hope he'll bring his humor back as well. Otherwise, he's at risk for going home too.

Melinda Dolittle -- I liked her hair cut. She's always classy -- and it's always a pleasure to listen to her perform.

So, Chris Richardson, Blake, LaKisyha, Jordin and Melinda are all completely safe. But the others are at risk. Sanjaya or Haley should go home -- but who knows at this point.

Eliminated American Idol - Brandon Rogers on Ellen

When Brandon Rogers was on Ellen today -- he admitted he knew he was going to go home -- he figured it was because he forgot the lyrics. He was so cute when he talked about going home. I hope he still goes on and does well -- getting a recording contract etc. I think he's well-known and liked enough that he should get a contract.

He's such a cute guy. But I didn't like the song he sang on the Ellen show -- "Time after Time" -- probably because I didn't like the original song -- too boring and repetitive. But he has great tone to his voice.

Ellen Predicts American Idol Winner

I love Ellen -- she's so funny and always makes me laugh! She talked about American Idol today and predicted a few possible winners -- Melinda, Gina (although she didn't know her name), Blake (even imitating his beatboxing), Jordin (Ellen didn't know her name either), Chris (also compared him to Justin Timberlake), and LaKisha -- Ellen imitated her as well -- so she likes the same ones I do.

The ones that stood out (at least Ellen knew their names) were Melinda and LaKisha. Anyway, I'm excited to see how things go tomorrow.

Jennifer Hudson vs. LaKisha

So I was talking to my friends and they said they were really mad when LaKisha sang the song the made Jennifer Hudson famous. I haven't seen Dreamgirls, so I didn't realize how much impact the song makes in the movie -- nor had I associated it completely to Jennifer Hudson.

I thought LaKisha did a great job on it.

So, it surprised me a bit when I found out that it may have bothered some people -- probably those huge Jennifer Hudson fans. Just wondering if anyone else out there felt the same way.

And we've lost Brandon!

Okay, so I read this article yesterday about a group called "vote for the worst" that targets the worst American Idol contestants and keeps them safe by having all of their members vote.

Why oh why would they do that??? The idea reared it's ugly head last night by keeping Sanjaya safe, and losing a great singer -- Brandon. I understand the concept -- trying to ruin it for the producers -- but it affects the contestant's lives -- their hopes and dreams and future successes.

Whoever came up with this idea to save the worst American Idol contestants -- please, rethink what you're doing and spend your time doing something productive!

Now, about last night's results show -- was it just me or did anyone else notice that LaKisha looked GREAT! Her outfit was very flattering on her -- so are the stylists involved now or did she get some tips on what would look good on her? Whatever the case, it really worked for her last night!

I did think Brandon was at risk because he didn't stand out enough, but PLEEEEASE -- keeping Sanjaya over him was ridiculous.

Diana Ross' performance was interesting. She was a bit wobbly coming out on those huge platform shoes, and I worried that we might have a wardrobe malfunction -- but she's greatly loved. I personally wished she would have done a different song that was not so repetitive and more well-known -- but I'm sure it was great for the contestants to see her perform live. Also, what a great way to showcase artists who are icons but may not be known by the younger generations.

Did it escape anyone that Chris Doughtry's song "I'm Going Home" was played during the montage of Brandon's time on Idol? Hmm. A convenient way to market former Idol music. Great choice by the way.

Well, I did feel bad for Brandon, and you could tell that Sanjaya felt bad that he was staying and Brandon was going home. I hope this doesn't happen again and we lose another great singer over someone who isn't the best.

American Idol - Top 12 Perform

American Idol is such a great show. I love the fact that they are bringing in musical icons to interact and mentor the contestants. I think that even those who don't win are getting amazing opportunities that others only dream about. I hope they don't take it forgranted.

Here are my notes from the performances --

What's going on tonight? Maybe it's the pressure of the big stage, but I thought everyone (except Melinda and LaKisha) struggled.

Brandon: I didn't really like it tonight. I felt bad for him when he forgot the words, but his smile is so cute, you can't help but like him. I just want him to shine and he didn't do that tonight. I think he may be at risk to going home soon.

Melinda Doolittle: She already seems like a polished professional -- like a star when she's on stage. I have compared her to Gladys Knight already, so when Simon mentioned that I wondered if he's been reading my blog. haha. She's got it made!

Chris Sligh: What happened to your glasses? He definitely needs to keep them on. I think it's hard on anyone who has to follow Melinda because the contrast is huge. Chris needs to show his personality again -- his humor -- because he won't stay very long if it's only about the singing.

Gina Glocksen: She's growing on me. I didn't really like her performance tonight, it was kind of boring. But I think she has a pretty good fan base and will stick around.

Sanjaya Malakar: He's young and likeable -- if he could break out of his shell and let it all blast then I think he'd do well. But his performances are always soft and hesitant and the dancing definitely needs work. I didn't like the earrings tonight -- and it's so obvious that he's not ready for this type of competition. I hope he'll go home and then come back in a few years when he's a bit more seasoned and confident.

Haley Scarnato: I felt bad for her tonight -- the horrible beginning -- the performance was a mess, and she knew it. Poor girl. She's certainly at risk for going home -- just out of her league here.

Phil Stacey: He can sing but I didn't love his song choice very much. I'm not sure what it is about him -- he's likeable. But not my favorite.

LaKisha: Great song. Nice outfit. Classy performance. She's got it made too. I wish her personality would shine through a bit more each week.

Blake Lewis: He's one of my favorites but I didn't really like the arrangement much. It felt all over the place for me.

Stephanie Edwards: She's a beautiful girl and can sing, but it was a bit boring for me. I also thought the dress was too busy to be on that stage -- you weren't sure what to look at and it kind of distracted me. I'm afraid she's at risk, simply because her personality isn't as big as some of the others and I think people will forget to vote for her while trying to "save" some of the others.

Chris Richardson: He's totally my favorite guy -- I felt so bad for him after Simon criticized him. He looked crushed. I didn't get into the song much, but he's just so likeable.

Jordin Sparks: What a cutie. She's young, sweet and marketable. She'll get a recording contract, but won't win the competition -- but she'll have a good fan base when she comes out with her first album.

So, I didn't think tonight was a good night overall. No one really stood out (again - except Melinda and LaKisha) -- so it's hard to call who will be going home.

I predict Sanjaya will go home (he really should), but Haley, Brandon and Stephanie are at risk as well. "I just calls it likes I sees it."

Let me know what you think -- I'd like to know who you think will be going home!

Josh Groban to perform with American Idol

I'm really excited for the April 24th and 25th charity special with American Idol and guest performers. I guess that on the 24th the finalists will perform and for every vote cast, money will be donated by Idol sponsors to help young people in Africa (as well as in the U.S.)

The results show (on April 25th) will have guest artists such as Josh Groban (who I just absolutely love!), Michael Buble, Il Divo, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Annie Lennox and Borat.

Very cool.

American Idol - Top 12!

Well, I'm very happy that Antonella is gone from the American Idol competition. It's not that she doesn't seem sweet, it's just the image she presents and the fact that she is way out of her league in the competition. Now the fact that Sabrina is gone was a little surprising because she has a much better voice than many of the others. But I knew she would be at risk simply because she didn't really stand out.

Jared is another one who can sing, but perhaps his "smooth" ways came across as less sincere as some others. And I'm a bit sad that Sundance is gone, but he has really only had one good performance (last week). I just thought that Sanjaya would be the one to go first.

Anyway, I like most of the top 12. And certainly have my top 5 favorites -- and I WILL be sad if any of them don't make it to the top.

American Idol Blog - 8 Girls Perform

I really liked the girls night better than the guys on American Idol. I'm not sure if it's the energy, or the quality of voices, or what, but they seem to do better than the guys.

1. Jordin Sparks -- she's darling and I like her personality so much. I think she'll get a recording contract from being on American Idol, and think she'll probably be in the top 5 girls. I didn't love the song choice though. Pat Benatar would fit Gina more than Jordin. But I think she'll have a large fan base and do well.

2. Sabrina Sloan. The problem with Sabrina is that I don't remember her from one week to the next. She has a nice voice, although when she gets into the upper register it feels a bit shrill to me, so I wouldn't buy a CD of her singing. Plus, she doesn't come across as warm or friendly as some of the other girls. She may end up going home tonight.

3. Antonella Barba. Oh please, please, please let her go home tonight! She is just out of her league here and it's almost painful to watch / listen.

4. Haley Scarnato -- She a cute girl too but out of her league here too. I don't remember any of her previous performances, and writing this today after watching the show last night and even taking notes, I don't remember her performance from last night either. I think she'll go home.

5. Stephanie Edwards -- she has a great voice. I didn't really like her song choice and didn't enjoy her low register. She doesn't stand out as much as Melanie or LaKisha and I'm not sure she'll have a huge following because of that. I also wish she would dress a bit more modestly. It seems hard for Ryan to know where to look when he's talking to her.

6. LaKisha Jones. Final 2 girls for sure. She even has a great star name. She'll get a recording contract whether she wins or not and I think she'll have a great career. She can sing! I thought it was really funny when she talked about her mom and auntie "I told them not to act up!" Great way to show a fun side of her.

7. Gina Glocksen. I didn't like the outfit, too immodest, and the netting glove on one arm was a bit too much for my taste, but it fits her personality and the song she chose worked for her as well. Just not my taste. I do like her hair though. I think she'll have a good fan base even though she's not the best singer.

8. Melinda Doolittle. I think she'll win the competition -- or else Chris Richardson -- but she's amazing!!! She'll get a contract for sure, have a great career and totally knows how to pick the right songs. She's classy and reminds me a bit of the great classic singers -- timeless. She's in a totally different class than the rest of the competitors. I'm so glad she had the courage to overcome her own fears and try out! She just brings a smile to my face!

Favorites: Melinda for sure. LaKisha, Jordin

Who should go home: Antonella, and Haley. Who may go home: Sabrina and Stephanie.

That's all for now. I'm gone for tonight's show so won't get to hear Carrie Underwood sing, or see who goes home, but I'm sure I'll hear about it. Please let me know your favorites too!

American Idol Blog - 8 Guys Perform

Here are my notes from the American Idol competition this week -- with the final 8 guys.

1. Blake Lewis. He's for sure a contender and will make it to the top 4 at least. I loved his "secret" -- his acting and dopey character were really fun. He's going to get a recording contract and probably end up doing some acting as well. Even if he doesn't win, I predict a nice career for him.

2. Sanjaya Malakar. He's just out of his depth here. His performances are kind of one level -- and I keep waiting for him to break out. He's likeable but I thought it was pitchy and not good, and I'm not sure where he's getting his song choice advice, but I just feel like he should be eliminated this week. He is a good sport though and when they were making fun of his hair, he handled it well.

3. Sundance Head. I have to agree with Simon on this one, I didn't really like the song choice this week and thought he was better last week. I like his personality a lot, but I don't think he'll stay around very long.

4. Chris Richardson -- Top 4 for sure and he'll get a record deal no matter what. I think he's a top contender and if Melinda doesn't win, then Chris will. I loved the fact that he said he was "chunky" -- and I think many girls will love the fact that he has experienced life as not perfect and not totally into his looks. He's so likeable, darling smile, and charming. I didn't love the ballad but he performed it well.

5. Jared Cotter -- The problem with Jared, is that when he's performing he does a good job, but then I forget about him. I loved the Stevie Wonder song and he has a great voice but I just didn't even remember him from last week. (And I wish someone would let me loose with some tweezers for his eyebrows -- just thinning them a little bit would be great -- so they aren't the focus of his face.) He's smooth and I think will have a following but I wonder if he may be too smooth.

6. Brandon Rogers -- I really like him and liked the energy from him song, but it was quite repetitive and I didn't love the song choice. The fact that he's a classical piano player also proves the point that he's a true musician. I think he'll have a following, but I'm not sure it's enough. He needs to break out and really show us what he can do.

7. Phil Stacey -- I really like his personality, but did not like his song this week. It was off-key, and I thought he yelled a lot of it. The beginning was the worst, and he got a little bit better as it went along, but it wasn't good for me this week. He may go home this week. But with his big personality the fans may keep him around. It's a toss-up.

8. Chris Sligh -- my favorite performance from the night. Loved the song choice, loved his voice -- very likeable. I think he'll be one of the top 3 guys.

So, my favorites: Chris Richardson (Top choice), Blake Lewis (2nd), Chris Sligh (3rd).

Who should go home this week: Sanjaya, for sure (he's cute, but just not as good as the others in this competition). Then I predict either Sundance or Phil should go simply with singing ability. But they are both liked. And Jared and Brandon are at risk if they haven't got the fan base they need -- although they both have better voices.

It will be interesting to see this week.

Mac Laptop Died

So, I haven't blogged before now because my Mac iBook laptop died on me. I've spent the past 2 days trying to figure out and fix the problem, but it seems that the logic board has gone bad. So, I'll have to take it in and see if it can be repaired or replaced. I always thought that MACs were without the problems of PCs -- but both of my MACs have had problems and my PC is working along just fine. Hmm. Go figure.

Anyway, thus the delay in my blogging. But I did take some good notes while I was watching American Idol and will get to that next.

American Idol - Down to 16

Well, I didn't get to watch the results show tonight but I understand that Alaina went home - not surprising. Leslie also went home. I thought she's stay another week because she was SO much better than either Haley or Antonella -- but people vote for their favorite rather than the best singers.

I think I predicted both Nick and AJ going home early -- but AJ did a pretty good job this week and I thought that Sanjaya would go home simply because it's so obvious he's out of his depth in the competition. But he is very likeable - so may stay around longer.

Anyway, my niece asked me tonight who my top favorite girls and top favorite guys are in the American Idol competition this season.

I have to say that the top 2 girls are easy -- LaKisha and Melinda. The top 2 guys -- Blake and Chris Richardson for sure -- but I really like the personalities of Curly Chris (Chris Sligh) and Sundance. I don't think either of them will win, but I like them both a lot.

I'd love to hear who you like and why... please feel free to comment.