American Idol - Top 9

I just realized that I don't have solitaire games on the Mac.  What's up with that?  I have chess.  I like to play games while I'm watching TV, so I just pulled up chess.  Let's all be honest, I don't have any idea how to play chess.  I'm just moving pieces all sorts of ways.  

So back to our regularly scheduled programing; the theme this week is any top download on iTunes?  I'm interested to see what they choose without a real genre holding them back.  

01 Anoop Desai - "Caught Up" by Usher.  I don't know this song.  I don't know that it's doing a lot for me.  I think he's saying "homies" too much for me.  It's not enough melody for me, but whatever.  My favorite backup singers sounded a little weak tonight, too.  I agree with Randy - the vocals were good, it just wasn't the right song for him.  I also agree with Kara - he played it safe and didn't do enough vocal riffs.  Paula just said "balladeer" - that could be the highlight of her night.  Simon thinks it was a mess because Anoop came across as a wannabe, and I sorta agree.  

02 Megan Joy - "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Bob Marley/Lauryn Hill.  Strangely, I don't know this song, either.  That's disappointing.  Maybe it's BECAUSE I don't know it, but it's not great for me.  It feels like it's too low for her, and she's having to push through the break in her voice.  It was, in the words of my great friend, "not quite good."  I agree with the judges - not fun, monotonous, and not the right choice.  

Can I please also point out that the judges keep saying "falsetto" for girls?  That's not right.  Girls don't have falsetto. 

03 Danny Gokey - "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts.  Sweet!  I know this song!  And I love it!  Has anyone seen the video for this song?  It is SO. SAD.  I don't know how he can sing this song without breaking down.  And even though I think he's singing the fire out of this song, I feel like I can tell there are places that aren't as smooth as we've heard from him in the past.  It's how I would imagine an emotional bubble affecting his voice...call me crazy.   I don't know that I agree fully with Simon that it was Danny's best performance, but it was a ton better than the first two.  

04 Allison Iraheta - "Don't Speak" by No Doubt.  I think Gwen Stefani is a great vocal choice for her.  I think she can sing for sure.  It's not blowing me away, but only because I don't think it's anything NEW.  It still sounded like No Doubt to me.  Let's pause - Randy just commented on her outfit.  I agree with Kara - it wasn't her best, but it was good.  She tried too hard.  

05 Scott MacIntyre - "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel.  I don't think that Scott really needs to "strip things down" anymore.  I'm so bored by him.  It's such a pretty melody that, sadly, I don't think he can carry.  And who in their right mind did that to his hair?!  There are some pretty good parts, and there are some parts that make me clench my muscles.  I don't want him just the way he is.  I'm sorry.  That vibrato just drives me a little nuts.  I KNEW the judges would love it, but I just don't agree.  

06 Matt Giraud - "You Found Me" by The Fray.  I don't like this song.  It is absolutely ALL OVER the radio station(s) in town, but I refer to it as the "I hate God" song.  If someone can explain to me how it is ok for it to be played on the Christian radio stations, I would greatly appreciate it.  I just can't make it work.  I don't think it started well for my friend Matt.  It was too low for him.  I like the little changes he made with his arrangement, but I don't think it was his strongest vocal at all.  It feels like he's just trying to sound like The Fray, instead of singing normally.  The judges and I are all on the same page.  I don't want him to go home, that's for sure. 

07 Lil Rounds - "I Surrender" by Celine Dion.  C'mon, girl.  I think she looks so pretty with her new hair.  And again, I think she can sing like crazy, but I would never have picked Celine for her.  I'm also going to make a conscious choice to believe that the pitch problems are just something awry with the cable feed...  Randy's right, though, she needs more swagger.  I definitely don't want her to go home, either, but I was not impressed.  

Awwwwwwwwwww, y'all, Lil's daughter is so cute!  She hugged Randy for DAYS.  Precious. 

08 Adam Lambert - "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry.  I knew he couldn't stay unplugged for long.  I'm really liking his groove.  I really like the verses.  I must say I'm growing a little weary of The Scream.  Overall, I think it was perfectly Adam.  The boy can sing the paint off the walls and I think he hit every note.  It was definitely not as boring as the rest of the show.  

09 Kris Allen - "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers.  Holy cow, he can play the piano, too?!  Dang.  No fair.  I love this song.  I love his cool, bluesy, jazzy arrangement.  And I'm sorry, but I just have to say it.  He is sexy.  I LOVED IT.  He had so much COOL going on!  I think it was beautiful and interesting, which is pretty much all I ever ask for from my musicians.  I'm so glad the judges love it as much as I did.  He gets my vote for sure.  

I think Megan will be on her way this week.  I also think Scott and maybe Anoop or Matt will join her in the bottom three.  Only time will tell...

Such and such

Contrary to what may be popular belief, I do actually have a life.  For instance, as I type I'm watching some cheesy Lifetime movie and waiting for 24 to start.  See?  (:  

For starters, I would like to show you this:

That, my friends, is Mary Grace, who is possibly the coolest kid ever.  And she's wearing a tutu.  She is the daughter of one of my very best friends, and it was her first birthday party.  It was so much fun watching her eat cake for the first time.  She had never tasted anything that sweet before but her life has never been the same since.  I can't wait to be friends with that kid.  

I've been house and dog sitting for her parents all this past week while they were away.  It was nice to come home and hang out with my own dog.  I had missed her.  Is that weird?  We got some bad news last week that my friend's dog, George's mentor, had to be put down.  Reesey was lit'rally the best dog EV.ER.  She was a Christian so I know she's in heaven.  She led George to Christ.  (:  

I will be praying for my friend; this has hit her very hard in an already difficult time in her life.  If you are reading this, I'm sure she would appreciate your prayers, too.  

Last night, I finally got to meet one of my new neighbors.  She's apparently 12 years old and named Raven, which I think is cool.  You know what else is cool?  -She came and knocked on my door at 10PM to tell me that a huge limb had fallen in my front yard.  

Upon further inspection, it was determined that it was blocking half of the street in front of my house.  Since the city road people were closed on a Sunday night, I had the distinct pleasure of calling the police for the first time in my life.  Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am terrified of calling people that I do not know on the phone.  I felt very brave.  And the nice officer even hiccuped loudly into his phone while I was talking to him, just to break the ice.  They responded very promptly and the guys with chainsaws came out around 11PM to clear the street.  It was quite the eventful evening.    

Yay for fun times!  

Oh, and also within the last week, I have succumbed to the Twitter craze (just for you, RD).  Follow me at your own risk.  (:  

@1edub, OUT!

American Idol - Top 10

I promise I will try and blog about something besides TV as soon as I can think of something interesting that I'd like to share with the whole world. For now, though, you have my permission to go on thinking that I have no life! But I do.

I'm house sitting for friends who have a sweet HD TV, but [gasp!] no DVR! This makes it hard to fast forward through Paula. That smarts. Plus, I stayed at church too long (if there can be such a thing) and missed the beginning...stink.

I love Motown music, and I'm excited for our theme this week. Also, I heart Smokey Robinson. He's so sweet. Let's Get It On! (:

01 Matt Giraud - Man, I missed him! But I heard Simon say he's one of the frontrunners now, and that song suited his voice, so here's hoping it was good!

02 Kris Allen - "How Sweet It Is" Sounds good in rehearsal; pretty cool! Smokey was so nice to him! What in the world is he WEARING? I love the hook at the beginning. I love the vibe. I love the way he's singing it. He is quickly becoming one of my favorites. He is just PRE-SHUS. ROCKIN. Kara's right; he made that his own and did everything right for that song. I disagree with Simon when he said that, "to be a star, you have to be conceited." I love that Kris is not. I love Kris. He gets my vote tonight.

03 Scott MacIntyre - Is he wearing PINK SKINNY JEANS? What is up with the wardrobing tonight? I would like to go on record now and say that I am against man-skinny jeans. "You Can't Hurry Love" I like how he started, and I love his three backup singers; like his Pips! I still can't get over his piano skillz. It still feels karaoke to me, but mostly just because I don't love his voice.

04 Megan Joy [Corkrey] - "For Once In My Life" I would like to say right now that I LOVE Stevie Wonder. I'm not sure that I love her this week. I loathe it when they walk out into the audience. And may I say that she shouldn't be above the crowd in that dress? I don't know that she's really hitting it vocally for me on this song. I agree with Randy (and Kara, and Paula, and Simon) - "I didn't feel that one." It was a little too forced for her.

05 Anoop Desai - "Ooh Baby Baby" I like it when Anoop sings. I think he's got a great voice, and I think he's doing well on this song. It's not a "blow me away" kind of song, but I think it was really pretty and done well.

06 Michael Sarver - "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" Go on ahead and CHURCH IT UP, Michael! I love that gospel feel, but you gotta hit it! It's falling a little short of the mark for me. I don't think he's hitting all the notes he would like. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: I agree with Paula, that it felt Vegas-loungey. And -oof- I also agree with Simon, that Michael is "taking part in this competition," without a chance of winning.

07 Lil Rounds - I will admit, I have been looking forward to her singing some Motown since I heard that was the theme this week (and not just because she's black - but still). I'm thrilled. "Heat Wave" Work it! Smokey's right - she can sing the phone book and it will be good. It was nothing new and not super-exciting for me, but I still want to be her BFF. Y'all, Kara KNOWS WHAT SHE'S TALKING ABOUT. She's speaks the music language. She and Simon are both right - Lil gave an authentic tribute to Motown, but it wasn't enough for her to bust out her killer vocals.

08 Adam Lambert - "Tracks Of My Tears" I think it's really great that he got to ask Smokey what inspired him to write this song. His Zac-Efron-in-Hairspray hairdo is cracking me up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the unplugged set. I love it. I think that arrangement was amazing; so fresh and unexpected, but in a really good way. Oh, Guyliner...

09 Danny Gokey - "Get Ready" For reals y'all, this might not be a surprising arrangement, but he can sing anything. I am amazed by the subtle ways that he changes the melodies and/or rhythms in ways that WORK. He is an incredible singer, I don't care what anyone says.

10 Allison Iraheta - "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" I'm not as familiar with this song as with the others, but I do like the funk she's bringing. Man, that girl can SANG! I think she hit it. The judges do, too.

I cannot BELIEVE that Simon drew a mustache on Paula's face. But it's pretty funny. (:

Kris and Adam are my favorites from tonight. With the way they've done this "Top 13" it's really hard to pick the best-of-the-best. I really like it, because there's really no one that stinks! I think Michael and Scott and Megan Joy may be in trouble...

American Idol - Top 11

I would like to start off this evening by saying that I made pasta salad tonight.  That's right, I said it.  I had all the ingredients and it just hit me.  I apologize for sticking my foot in my mouth earlier.  I take it back.  This pasta salad has bacon.

I just found out that this is country night.  YEE-HAW.  I am not afraid to say that I am a fan of the [good] country music.  And I just watched Randy Travis invite Carrie Underwood to join the Grand Ole Opry after she sang his song, "I Told You So."  (This is in her live video for the song, which she ROCKS, in case you haven't heard it.)  I'm excited to see what these kids do with the genre.  

01 Michael Sarver - "Ain't Goin Down Til The Sun Comes Up" I love this song.  I wouldn't have sung something so lyric-heavy on this show, as I favor more melody-heavy songs.  But I think this song rocks, and he sounds good on it.  Um, I don't like that he added a cheesy !key change!  I also think he didn't quite have the lungs to sing all of that, but it was pretty good.  The judges miss the big singer notes, as did I.  

I will now go on record so far this season and tell everyone - DON'T TALK BACK TO THE JUDGES WHEN IT'S NOT YOUR MOMENT ANYMORE.  That irks me, people.  

02 Allison Iraheta - "Blame It On Your Heart" I love this song, too.  I think Patty Loveless is so fun!  I liked Allison singing it better in her rehearsal with Randy, when she wasn't pushing the rocker voice so hard.  But overall I think it's a good song (a little mad) for her gritty voice.  I like her and I think she can sing for real, even though there were a couple of parts where it felt like she was out of breath or it was too low.  I don't know if I'll call in my vote for her, but I liked it.

03 Kris Allen - "To Make You Feel My Love" Ohmygosh I love this song, too!  I just heard it on the radio randomly the other day.  It'd been a long time (since "Frequency" - anyone?) and I was reminded of how pretty it is.  Ooh.  He's so cute, and he's got a little of that hotness going on singing this song.  Delish.  I honestly thought he used his guitar as a little bit of a crutch because he wasn't that great of a singer, but I think he sounds so good on this song.  I love it.  Paula called it pitchy?  I'm not sure about that.  Simon and the rest of the judges loved it.  Thank you. 

04 Lil Rounds - "Independence Day"  This is a huge song.  Bless her heart, learning it in a week!  I think it's sweet of her to admit that she doesn't rock the country, but she wants to try and do it justice.  Just sing it out, girl; tell me about the day of reckoning, bff...  Country is definitely not her genre, but she can definitely sing.  It was just okay for me, because it just seemed awkward.  I love her for trying it, though.  Y'all, HAHAHAHA, Simon just called her LITTLE.  Also, I wish the judges would stop suggesting other songs for her - too little, too late, fools!

Is anyone else nervous about Paula maybe losing control of her upper half in that dress?  

05 Adam Lambert - Okay, Adam and Randy...AWKWARD!  "Ring Of Fire" My first thought is CREEPTASTIC.  But I actually think that, aside from the weird factor, it's awesome.  It was NOT country at all, and hardcore Cash fans are probably going nuts.  I, however, am not a hardcore Johnny Cash fan, so I think it was perfectly Adam.  I feel the exact same as Kara: "It was strange, but I liked it!  It left me confused and sort of happy!"  

06 Scott MacIntyre - "Wild Angels"  I think Scott is a terrific piano player.  I still do not love his voice.  I'm not as familiar with this song, but it feels like old karaoke to me.  I'm just saying.  I'm uncomfortable with the judges' bickering.  I want Paula and Simon to stop having fights in front of the kids.  I agree with them overall, though, that he needs to step it up.  

07 Alexis Grace - "Jolene"  I think it's a good song choice for her, and I think the interaction between Alexis and Randy was sweet.  I think she sang it well, but it didn't blow me away.  It felt a little forced to me.  I think the judges are feeling the same, but it's just so awkward between us right now I can't even tell.  

08 Danny Gokey - "Jesus Take The Wheel" I'm going to start to sound like a broken record, but I just love listening to this boy sing.  I love the way he put his licks in there.  That boy has got some serious musical chops, y'all.  Also, I would be remiss if I didn't give him a shout out for giving Jesus the shout out.  He gets my vote!

09 Anoop Desai - "Always On My Mind"  Oh, Anoop, sing to me!  I really like it.  This song has such a sweet melody that, forgive me, I lose a little when Willie Nelson is singing it.  I love that Anoop just sang his heart out instead of trying for the cool factor.  He'll get my vote, too.  I'm with Randy - "That arrangement was dope, dude!" 

10 Megan Joy Corkrey - "Walking After Midnight" I think this is a GREAT choice for her unique voice.  There were a couple of notes that she didn't quite hit (her voice sounds scratchy), but I really liked the arrangement.  I still cannot stand to watch her perform with the spazzy thing.  She has the flu?  She's been in the HOSPITAL?  Dang.  She gets my vote just for that. 

11 Matt Giraud - "So Small"  This is a great song.  I had a God-moment with this song once, and it always takes me back to that moment...I have a soft spot.  I like Matt's arrangement.  He, too, is an exceptional pianist.  There were a few notes that didn't sound like they made it vocally, but I really like the feel.  (I think he connects with the songs and the audience so much better than his mini-me, Scott.)  I disagree with Simon with regards to the fact that Matt out-sang Danny, because I seriously doubt that.  But I did like it a lot.  So there.

I think there was some that were just okay, and some that were great.  Overall, I think Randy Travis did a GREAT job as a mentor.  He wasn't fluffy, but he was nice while he gave some really good advice.  Also, if Kara and Randy weren't there tonight I might have gone crazy over Paula and Simon.  Kara knows her stuff, y'all.  

So that's all I'm going to say.  I think that Michael, Alexis, and Scott may be in danger.  I'm hoping it's the latter two, but there's no telling.  

If you're reading this and you have thoughts, I'd love nothing more than to hear them.  (: 

Love and stuff,

The Madness strikes again

Y'all, I'm totally into basketball now.  I have never been a basketball fan, since I stink at playing it and I didn't (don't) understand it.  Then, one of my favorite kids played on his high school basketball team this year, and I went to a couple games.  His dad was able to aptly answer my questions, and I was hooked.  It's great timing since my beloved Seminoles actually have put together a decent basketball team this year.  Today, I watched them beat No.1 UNC in order to play in the ACC Championship game Sunday.  It was AWESOME, and that is all.  Oh, except for this: BOO-YOW!

American Idol - Top 13

So a Michael Jackson week, you say?  I don't know about that.  Who can rock those songs?  Let's see, kids.  

01 Lil Rounds - "The Way You Make Me Feel"  I love this song.  I think she's singing it pretty well (and of anyone, she can probably pull it off the best), but I'm just not feeling it the way I normally do.  Ooh.  I changed my mind.  Wait for it...she's kickin' it now.  Randy liked it.  Kara said it right - she is crazy good.  Paula of course thinks she looks nice and soft - what?  Simon said that the second half was better than the first and he hates what she's wearing - DITTO.  She's still my BFF.

02 Scott MacIntyre - Oh, the Von Trapp family singers...  "Keep The Faith"  Sometimes he's good.  But most of the time, I just feel like he just doesn't have the chops.  I like that he can play.  He can sing, but he doesn't always hit the note for which he's aiming.  That's sort-of a deal breaker for me, I'm sorry America.  And I'm sorry to my high school voice teacher, who loves him and his voice.  But he just learned that piano this week.  That's pretty good.   And y'all, if Paula says "magical" one more time, I think I might cry.  

03 Danny Gokey - "P.Y.T." I like the vibe at the beginning.  I like the whole vibe.  I wasn't sure he could pull off MJ, but I just got a little bit of the goosebumps.  I love his gravelly voice on this song.  And I would like to point out to the world that his pitch is SPOT ON.  I want to love you, Danny Gokey.  Is Paula crying?  Stop it.  I agree with Simon - the vocals are BRILLIANT, but the dancing is hideous.  Aw, I love Kara - she thinks he's just got JOY when he sings.  So true.

04 Michael Sarver - "You Are Not Alone"  This is such a pretty melody.  I think it's the best MJ song for him.  It's not doing a whole lot for me, but I'm glad he picked a song that he can just sing.  He had a couple weird notes, but overall I think he's precious.  I'm glad the judges like him.  I do, too. 

Is anyone offended if I say that I fast-forward through everything Paula says?

05 Jasmine Murray - "I'll Be There"  I forgot about this song.  I think of it as a Mariah song.  I might forget about it again in a few minutes...I think she's precious and she can sing pretty well, but she's got a habit of just pushing some of it out too hard and it goes flat.  Yikes.  The judges are just a little underwhelmed, I think, as am I.  Awkward.

06 Kris Allen - "Remember The Time"  I love that he's playing the guitar.  It adds a whole new level of cool that I didn't know he had.  I was pretty sure that "Man In the Mirror" was the only Michael song he could sing.  I think I may have been wrong.  He's not as good a singer as, say, Danny, but I think he worked the vibe.  He lost it vocally at the end, which is sad.  The squeaky scream is not sexy.  Aw, Kara said he spent a lot of time helping out the other contestants with the guitar.  That's sweet. 

07 Allison Iraheta - "Give In To Me"  I'm not super-familiar with this song, but I really like her rocker voice.  That girl is so young, but she can really work it.  The judges are right - she's just GOT IT.  

08 Anoop Desai - I just love this kid.  He is PRE-SHUS.  "Beat It"  This song is actually a little harder vocally than I thought at first.  Those intervals are killer, and I think he's too tired to quite hit them all.  I think he tried his best to rock it but it didn't quite make it.  But I really want him to stick around!  I'd also like to add that he said "Yes ma'am" to Kara.  Y'all.  

09 Jorge Nunez - "Never Can Say Goodbye"  I don't know this song.  The start was rough, but he gets better when he sings he higher.  Overall, it made me a little sleepy.  I like Jorge, and he can sing for sure, but I didn't feel the song.  Neither did the judges.  Sad. 

10 Megan Joy Cockrey - I love that she's a FONT editor!  That is so much fun.  "Rockin' Robin"  Interesting choice, for a solo.  Hello, 70's.  I think I like it.  She is like a pinup.  Is that weird for me to say about another chick?  I'm saaawry, but it's true.  Anyway, I'm a fan of her and the song.  The judges weren't such huge fans, but who cares about them?  (:   

11 Adam Lambert - "Black & White"  This is such a fun song.  It's not my favorite song for his voice, because he's such a screamer that I think he needs a rockin song.  But wait! - Now he turned on the strobe lights and had a Queen moment.  That was better.  But still, this is such an EASY (as in, easy to jam to) song, and it felt too forced for him.  Paula's going crazy over it - me, notsomuch.  Simon called an "entirely different league than anything else we've seen tonight," which is true, performance-wise.  It was different.  I didn't love it as much as the judges, but he did do it well. 

12  Matt Giraud - "Human Nature"  I love him playing the piano.  I think he had a cool vocal on this song.  Light and soulful.  It lost it with the pitch a little at the end for me, but I do love him.  He is talented.  I agree with the judges - just a solid performance.

I just paused because my sister challenged me to try and do a push-up in a handstand.  I can only halfway do it.  That is some tough stuff, and I'll probably be sore tomorrow.  

36 Alexis Grace - "Dirty Diana" I think this is a great song choice for this bluesy chick.  I. LOVE IT.  I think she totally rocked it.  The judges didn't feel it as much as I did, but I don't care.  

There's another change to the show that involves the judges?  And apparently we'll find out tomorrow...yet another ploy to make us watch tomorrow's show.  Which I will not do.  I can't handle the drama.  I hope Jasmine and Scott go home.  Or maybe Jorge.  That's my $0.02.

Bad sign

One might have a problem with reality if she is so desperate to pretend she's cool that she watches "Step Up" formatted for TV on a Friday night.  Y'all.  That is some of the worst acting I've ever seen.  And TNT is for REAL playing it fast and loose with their usage of the phrase "New Classic."  Anyway, if the alternative is "Bring It On," then I'll always pick the dance movies (I typed dance moves first.  Freudian slip.  Or something!)  Don't judge me.  (: 

I did actually watch FSU win in baseball tonight!  It's my new sport.  It'll work until football season, right?  (: 

That elusive WILD card

I don't know what this show is doing to me right now.  They are going crazy this season!  At first I wasn't sold on this whole Road to the Top 12.  I'm in it to win it now, though.  But this wild card round is nuts!  Another 8?  Not even another 9?  I am kinda glad that the judges are picking the final three, though.  I think that adds an element of NOT STUPID to the whole thing.  From jump, I'm rooting for ANOOP AND MATT.

01 Jesse Langseth, singing "Tell Me Somethin' Good" - Interesting choice for her.  It's starting off a little strange for me.  It's too funky of a song, in my humble opinion.  I liked it better on the bluesy "Bette Davis Eyes" - where the good melody wasn't residing with the backup singers.  Anyone?  I agree with the classic Randy: just ai'ght for me.  Kara's right, too, though: Jesse's got a cool, soul vibe.  It's nice that she gave Simon some RESPECT, because he was nice to her.  I don't think she's 1/3.  Too bad, Jess.

02 Matt Giraud, singing "Who's Loving You" - Good start, Matt.  I love his voice.  I love that he is SINGING.  Ooh.  Boy can get up and go, that's for sure.  He's like a white Ray Charles.  I'm a fan.  But I've been biased since "Georgia On My Mind."  Hello.  The judges are right - he is so benefitted by going back to the bluesy feel.  My vote is thus: IN!

03 Megan Joy Corkrey, singing "Black Horse and the Cherry Trees" - She looks like she sings.  I'm a fan of her rocking the red lipstick with the tattoo sleeve. :)  I think this is a cool song for her very unique voice.  I still do not love her "dancing."  There's just something about this chick.  Simon's right: we don't get the karaoke vibe from her.  Just cool.  

04 Von Smith, singing "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" - Something about this kid just kinda weirds me out; I can't help it.  I think he can sing, but I don't like him tonight as well as I did earlier this week.  He's not singing well tonight.  If I was a judge, he wouldn't get my vote.  Oops.

05 Jasmine Murray, singing "Reflection" - I think Jasmine is precious.  I also think she can sing.  I love that she's singing this song, but it doesn't sound like Mulan.  I also like that she powered through most of the song and then knocked it back a notch at the end.  Get it, girl.    

I can do without the bickering between Paula and Simon.  Paula just cannot let it go, and I don't understand.  Just stop it, Crazy!

06 Ricky Braddy [Bobby], singing "Superstition" - This is one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs!  It just makes me want to dance.  If only he wasn't distracting me with his leggings... I do love his voice, and I think he's got a really cool performance going on tonight.  It's much different than his last song.  I like that he's bringing the funk.  I wholeheartedly agree with Kara: You can sing your butt off!  This is maybe the first time this season that I wholeheartedly DISagree with Simon and Randy - they didn't like the song choice, but I think it was rockin!

07 Tatiana Del Toro, singing "Saving All My Love For You" - WHY THE HECK IS SHE HERE?!  I cannot take the drama.  The squinty eyes and the crying and the loving all of America...it does not resonate with me.  She's got a pretty good voice, but I think there are better singers.  Plus, she's sung this song twice? -Because she couldn't learn a new song in a day?  Like all the other contestants?  Cheater.  HOLY COW, WHY CAN'T SHE JUST BE QUIET?   

08 Anoop Desai, singing "My Prerogative" - I love Anoop.  I love him singing this song, even though he's already sung this one, too?  What is up with that?  At least we get to hear him sing all of it.  He just rocks.  WORK IT.  That boy can sing, y'all.  And look at his sweet face!  I don't know why Simon called him "not the greatest singer we're gonna hear."  Psh.  Randy and Kara are right - he killed that song.  My vote: IN.   

And the RESULTS: 

JASMINE

Sorry Ricky Bobby.  I'll miss you.

MEGAN 

Goodbye Tatiana.  I will not miss you.  I'm sorry.

- Uh, there is not enough room for Anoop and Matt.  I'm nervous. - 

Wait, MATT AND ANOOP!  Yay!

Okay now it's gonna be hard from here on out!  Wow me, people.  I am waiting to be wowed.  

American Idol bandwagon - 36 Group 3

Here's something about me: I like having a schedule.  I like having a plan.  I dislike it when my schedule or plan gets whacked.  But something ELSE about me is that I LOVE my DVR.  So my American Idol notes will proceed as if we planned it a day late.  (:  

I have stayed away from all other synopses of this episode so that I am pure and unbiased.  Please tell all your friends.  (:  Anyway, I hope these people are good tonight.  My little nerdy crush (Alex) is in this bunch, and my BFF Lil'...  here's hoping they pick some good stinkin' songs!  

I would love a "Simon Cowell Week," by the way.  PLEASE pick our songs for us, Simon.  

01 Von Smith, singing "You're All I Need To Get By" - Hm.  Not a fan of the start.  Too low and shaky.  I don't really think he can pull off Marvin Gaye, to be honest.  But he does sound pretty when he hits those high notes, I will for sure give him that.  Overall, it wasn't too shabby but I don't think I liked it as much as the judges.  Haha, he reminds Simon of Clay Aiken... 

02 Taylor Vaifanua, singing "If I Ain't Got You" - She is an Amazon, y'all; she's so tall!  I think she's sweet.  I think she's doing well with this song!  She's got a little bit of The Spazz when she sings, but I think she sings well.  I appreciate that she didn't try and scream it, and she sang on pitch.  I love that Kara just said, "What's it like to go shopping with Taylor?"  By the way, I totally think that I would love shopping with Kara.  Simon doesn't get it because, well, he's a man.  She sang this during Hollywood week?  That's cheating.  I do think that Simon's right; it was a little lackluster.  

03 Alex Wagner-Trugman, singing "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" - I love this kid.  He's soooo cute.  And he can sing!  I love that he can sing but he DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT.  I also love that he is hilarious.  I don't understand why he was "dancing."  Or growling.  Hahahahaha...he just dropped the mic stand.  That is unfortunate.  I wish he had JUST SUNG.  I think that's such a pretty melody, and he kinda jacked it up.  They're gonna eat him up, I think.  Aw...poor thing.  I agree with the judges.  But I love Kara - "At least you do you."  Amen.

04 Arianna Afsar, singing "The Winner Takes It All" - ABBA, woooo!  I think this is a pretty song.  Is she in rhythm?  It's hard to tell... I wish she didn't add so much vocal fluff, but man the girl can sing when she chooses to.  She loses it when she tries to push too hard.  It's better when she shows off her control.  Aw, judges...I think they're a TAD too hard on her, saying that it was the worst ever, but I kinda agree that it was a little boring.  And hello?  Paula?  We agree!  "Sometimes it's just better to stick to the melody."

05 Ju'Not Joyner, singing "Hey There Delilah" - I want his kid.  I think Danny's friend sang this song better.  Cooler.  I'm yawning a little right now.  He can sing, but why-oh-why did he make this song a ballad?  Psh.  Randy loved it.  Psh.  Kara liked his spin.  Psh.  It was boring!  Oh, Paula, no one cares what you say anymore, it's so sad.  Simon, my last hope for agreement, let me down again.  He liked it, too.  *Sigh*  I am overruled.   I do like that he said he just wanted to pay respect to the artist/song and sing the melody.  That is commendable, my friend.  

Coming up, the drama twins...I miss Kristen's cute red hair; she might be lying when she said "Oh I love Nathanial."  I don't, and I'm not lying. 

06 Kristen McNamara, singing "Give Me One Reason" - I think she's got a cool voice, but holy DOUBLE TIME!  I like her gritty voice, but I'm not a huge fan of her arrangement.  Ooh, but KEY CHANGE!  Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's the first of Season 8.  Hello, cheese.  I don't understand why the judges are harping on her outfit, but I agree with their assessment of her rock genre...wrong song, but good voice.  

07 Nathanial Marshall, singing "I Would Do Anything For Love" - Meatloaf.  Remember when he sang with Katherine McPhee?  Awkward.  Oh, the drama...I am not a big fan of this guy.  Not my favorite voice, and coupled with the theatrics, I can just do without.    Oh my gosh, Simon: [I won't do that...] "Nathanial, I think you probably would!" Hilarious.  

08 Felicia Barton, singing "No One" - Oh, she's the one who slid in because that record deal girl got cut!  I think it's funny that there has been no talk of that.  I think she's doing pretty well, but it's just pretty basic for me.  She looked cool, though!  I'm glad the judges liked her, but I'm not confident she'll make it through.  

09 Scott MacIntyre, singing "Mandolin Rain" - I've never heard of this song.  Oh nevermind, I do know the melody.  I hope you don't hate me, but I don't like him.  And it's not because he's blind.  I think he has a passing relationship with the center of the pitch...I'm just not a fan of his voice.  He is totally rocking that vest, though.  Man the judges love him, and I just don't really get it.  And Kara said she wants America to see him play and sing at the same time, but we did that already, and I think he kinda ruined "Home" by Daughtry!  I don't understand, even Simon will be "amazed if he doesn't sail through to the next round."  I mean, he's a great guy, but I'm not feeling it, dawg.

10 Kendall Beard, singing "This One's For The Girls" - I think it's hilarious that she's from Texas and auditioned in Puerto Rico.  I love this song.  I know it's a little cheesy, but Martina? - She rocks.  And it's kind-of "my song" with some of the chicks I love at church.  So anyway, I'm totally glad she's singing it.  But I'm not totally glad that I don't love her singing it.  I love her yellow dress.  But I think she's just a tad flat on pretty much all of it.  Sorry babe.  And the judges and I are back on track - they agree with me!  Woo-hoo.  She's 100% country, and I'll go out on a limb and say that I'm 99.9% Sure (anyone know that song?!) she won't be back.  

11 Jorge Nunez, singing "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" - Aw, his Puerto Rican self is so cute!  I have never heard him sing before right now.  He's got a pretty voice!  I think he's rocking this song!  The judges like him, too.  I'm glad.  I like him.  He is SO. PRECIOUS.  

12  Lil Rounds, singing "Be Without You" - I have really only heard her sing briefly, but I LOVE her.  She looks SMOKIN', by the way.  She's a great performer; possibly the best out of all of them.  I just think she rocks.  So do the judges.  I'm quite happy.  

ALL THAT being said, I actually called and voted for Lil a few times last night.  Just because I had it on good authority that I should do so.  I'm so glad.  If I could vote again right now, I would do it again!  I would vote for Alex, too, just because I want to see him come back and not growl.  I'm conflicted about who my third wheel would be.  Everyone else is kinda plateaued for me.  Here goes nothing, America!  Ooh.  Just kidding.  I'd vote for Jorge.  

"Retreat"

So I had such lofty intentions of doing my "usual" American Idol blogging, but alas, I have not even watched it yet.  I spent all evening frying bacon to put in a pasta salad.  Because let's be honest, if I'm going to ever make a pasta salad, it will have some bacon in it.  We have a staff retreat at work tomorrow.  This is ridiculous on so many levels.  I'd love to tell you about it.  

Number one, we're going to "retreat" to the fifth floor of the building IN WHICH WE ALREADY WORK.  

Number two, our groups have to plan an activity for the whole staff that will take about 20 minutes. 

Number three, we're eating salads.  Salad is maybe my least favorite food group.  There is only one salad in the entire world that I would order at a restaurant in order to forego, say, a steak.  And this is mostly because they don't have a steak on their lunch menu.  But I digress.  Our staff was split up into groups of four and we were given a salad category.  Our's is pasta salad.  For the love.  I don't mean to offend all you italian-dressing-peas-and-tri-colored-rotini-lovers out there, but I loathe pasta salad.  So each member of our group had to find a different recipe for pasta salad and make it for tomorrow.  Me, with my sure-no-problem attitude, claimed "anything with bacon."  

So I don't think anyone really looked up the actual definition of the word "retreat," but I'm pretty sure this doesn't apply as "a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax."  Oh, well, I will go and I will not complain any more than to, like, the entire world on the internet.  Next time I'll volunteer to put my happy little behind on the planning committee and suggest something different.  

Pardon my bite this evening.  I'm trying to find the humor in all this stuff because it has been a rather long day, and did I mention I didn't get to watch American Idol?  I don't know what I'm going to talk about tomorrow...  

In the meantime, the highlight of my day has been the unveiling of my new apron.  This evening marks the first time I have bought or worn an apron, ever.  I'd like to thank Anthropologie and Bacon Grease for this moment:

 

p.s. Sorry for my messy kitchen.  

p.p.s.  I might try and make up for my lack of AI tonight, tomorrow.  Pins and needles, friends...  (: