OK……so we had the FINAL 2 perform last night, and tonight….we get our IDOL SEASON 8 WINNER chosen by America on a 2-Hour PLUS Idol Finale, so set those DVR’s for EXTRA time, at least 10 minutes!!! Both Adam and Kris sang 3 songs: One personal choice that they did during the season; One picked by the show’s creator, Simon Fuller, and finally, the so-called Winners Song ‘No Boundaries’ which was co-written by KARA DIOGUARDI.

Here’s my FINAL IDOL thoughts on what went down last night on Fox!

Kris Allen—Thought after Round 1 and his version of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ that he was actually ahead of Adam song for song. He did a great job with the song! As Kara said, you feel the song when Kris sings it! The 2nd song, chosen by the Simon Fuller, ‘What’s Going On’ by Marvin Gaye, was NOT a good song choice at all for Kris and his performance was weak at best. There just wasn’t much energy to it and he under-performed it. The last song was NOT made for Kris at all, and again, it showed as he struggled to hit the high notes in it and stretch his voice to that level. One could argue that Kris was set up to fail, but the songs are the songs, and the ONLY one they have control over is their personal choice. I thought Kris was solid and competed hard! He was a MUCH better match-up for Adam than Dokey Gokey could ever be on his BEST day! OK….now you know I couldn’t write this without slamming ‘Ol Danny Boy, wouldn’t be right! ;-/

Adam Lambert –Though his personal choice and rendition of ’Mad World’ was very dark and rather haunting, but he did it with such emotion and brilliance, it was better than the first time he performed it during the season! Loved the outfit too, very ‘Twilight’ like and smart of him to wear it and reach out to that audience. Now….I’ll want some additional feedback here from BEST FRIEND PETE in Washington, PA on Sam Cooke’s R+B song, chosen by Simon Fuller, ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’, but I thought this performance, aside from when Adam did ‘Tracks of My Tears’ by Smokey Robinson, may have been his best all season!! This is the song that many will remember, another WOW moment from Adam!!! Incredible rendition!! His last effort on the winners song ‘No Boundaries’ wasn’t stellar, a bit pitchy in spots, but certainly much better than what Kris performed, as Adam was much better suited vocally for the song than Kris was, without a doubt.

NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!

AND THE WINNER IS…….………..ADAM LAMBERT!!!!!

Bottom Line: Kris was very worthy competition, and he’s going to be quite relevant and successful in the music industry, but I (and many millions of other Idol viewers!!) will be absolutely SHOCKED tonight if ADAM isn’t announced as the WINNER!!!! Could Kris pull the upset? Anything is possible with it being in America’s hands, but Adam is clearly the better and more deserving contestant to take home the title! He’s just got SUPER STAR QUALITY written all over him!! It will be interesting to watch him evolve in the industry and see if he follows Randy’s advice and stay true as a Rocker! I certainly hope he does!

Fun Eddie Fact: OK…..I voted 10X for Adam last night! I want him to win!! :-0
So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? Who do you think should be the IDOL WINNER? Who’s your pick tonight?

OK….we’ll know the IDOL SEASON 8 WINNER after tonight..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon’ Idol…OUT!!

PS--I’ll be back with some bonus ‘After The Finale’ Eddie Idol thoughts tomorrow!

Kim's Two Cents: IDK Eddie, if Adam doesn't win, I'm out like Secrest for next season!!! And I thought Kara's song was crap!! I have nothing against Kris. I like him, in fact, but none of this season's rivals could compare to Adam. He's is a class by himself. He alone, kept me watching .... and I usually don't even start watching until they are down to the final five or six.

Kim: OK, I couldn't resist posting this. It's a little feedback for our dear, unopinionated Eddie Idol.

Let's hear it for Rockin' Ray, Eddie's AI point-counterpoint cohort!!

Ed,

Admit it. You wrote this whole article on Sunday night, and just left blanks for the song titles. Gokey could jump off the stage perform life saving CPR on a nun, deliver two premature babies in the crowd, discover a cure for AIDS on the way back to the stage, then turn in a performance that would outshine any effort by Elvis, Freddie Mercury and the Beatles combined, and you would still say he sucked (and you’d comment on how lamely his technique was on the CPR).

Meanwhile, Kris Allen could walk on the stage with an Uzi, blow away the same nun and pregnant women, give AIDS to fifteen cheering teeny bobbers on his way back to the stage, flip off the crowd and walk away without singing a note, and you still said it would be better then Gokey.

Now, in my unbiased opinion, none of the six songs last night blew me away. There isn’t a song this year that Kris Allen has sung that made me take notice; not one. He’s not bad… just nothing of interest. Gokey has done a couple of numbers this year that were of interest, some really bad ones, but for the most part, I’m indifferent to him. I guarantee you that neither Allen or Gokey even make the final 3 last year with the two Davids and Syesha.

Adam’s the clear frontrunner, though nothing he did last night was outstanding. He his the owner of the only ‘wow’ moments this year, with 3 or 4 of them, and he’s darn well entertaining each week, and he had better win… but last night was just okay for me from him.

Thanks for sharing Ray -- way to keep our Eddie in line!! Now, let us know what you're thinking .... Adam (squeeeeee!!), Kris or Danny??

As for me, I'm just hoping for a repeat of that delicious white suit Adam sported two weeks ago!!

OK……so we had the TOP 3 perform last night, and tonight….we get our FINAL 2 chosen by America to see who will compete next week for the Season 8 Idol title! All contestants sang 2 songs, one picked by the judges and one personal choice. Here’s the skinny on what went down last night on Fox!

Danny Gokey –OK…..the first song, a choice by Paula called ‘Dance Little Sister’, was performed OK, not great….although not the song choice I would have done for him. As Simon and Kara said, the dancing was a bit awkward. His personal choice, Joe Cocker’s ‘You are So Beautiful’, was just awful in my opinion, from the first note right thru to the ending!!! So, I totally disagree with the judges! Just what am I missing with this kid?? I don’t know, but I know one thing, Kris and Adam are way ahead of him in talent, and I don’t feel there’s any way he should be in the FINAL! HE MUST GO HOME TONIGHT!!!

Kris Allen—Thought Randy and Kara’s choice for him with ‘Apologize’ was a good one, but he certainly didn’t need ripped by Biatch Kara after he sang it, and I really thought he did it quite well! His personal choice, ‘Heartless’ was absolutely what Idol should be all about: Originality, Creativity and pure, raw talent! This kid is relevant and could cut an album tomorrow and be very successful! He blew away Gokey with this song, and I believe it put him in THE FINAL! He’ll be BOTTOM 2 and America may screw it all up and send him home tonight….but I’m saying he’s in the THE FINAL with Adam… and it’ll be GOKEY going home!

Adam Lambert –Great song pick from Simon with U2’s ‘One’ ….and Adam absolutely covered it incredibly well!! Best performance of the night, with Kris’s ‘Heartless’ a close second! Although I will say, that his personal choice with Aerosmith’s ‘Cryin’, which I thought was a perfect choice for him, was NOT his best performance, a bit indulgent (love that word!) and was all over the place at times, with just too much of the screaming lyrics in it. But…..this kid deserves to be ‘off’ a bit with a song now and then….and for ADAM, it’s THE FINALS….anything less would be absolutely shocking!!!

One final thought…. I do think what Simon said in critiquing was critical, that we all cannot just assume that Adam will be in the FINAL unless America voted early and often! It may be the case that if people think that Kris or Dokey Gokey needed the votes more, that all the voting was heavier for them, and Adam is on the OUTSIDE looking in tonight! Could it happen? Certainly……but will it happen? I doubt it!! But again, KUDOS to Simon for stating the case as he did to end the night!

NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!

Bottom Line: FINAL 2: ADAM vs. KRIS….& GOKEY MUST GO HOME!!!!!! Having a hernia that I need surgery for soon, I can’t scream too wildly and loudly tonight if Gokey stays and makes it to the final, but I’ll be quite nauseous and will increase my intake of alcohol to compensate!

So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? Who do you think should be booted off tonight? Who’s your pick to win it all?

OK….we’ll know the FINAL 2 after tonight..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-NO FINAL FOR DOKEY GOKEY’ Idol…OUT!!

Kim's note: If Adam goes home tonight, I'm not watching next week!!! I luv me my guyliner!! GO GLAMBERT!!!!

On a night when the contestant’s had to sing songs from ‘The Rat Pack’, here’s Eddie’s ‘quick’ recap of Tuesday Night’s TOP 5, and predictions for who will be booted OFF tonight, who are your BOTTOM 2, not Bottom 3….and who I think will be the FINAL 2!

Kris Allen—Incredible rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight’! WOW!!! Again, ORIGINALITY wins here! I still think this kid could sneak into the FINALS!! VERY SAFE!

Allison Iraheta –Performed ‘Someone To watch Over Me’, and it was OK, not as great as Randy and Kara said. After Simon crushed her ego, she may need someone to watch over her tonight! BOTTOM 2 tonight…..but she’s the ONLY girl left, and she is one hell of a talent at 17, so I think she cracks the FINAL 4 and moves on!

Matt Giraud—Performed ‘My Funny Valentine’ , and I have to agree with Randy on this one, it wasn’t that great, but it was definitely his own style, and Simon, unlike the slam on Allison, absolutely loved him, so…who knows!? But…I say he’s BOTTOM 2 tonight and going home!! End of the road Matt, sorry….thought you’d make the FINAL 4! L

Danny Gokey –Notice I didn’t us any ‘karaoke’ or other words here for his name? Is everyone sitting down? I thought he was very good last night and BY FAR his MOST IMPRESSIVE performance to date! It wasn’t the most original, but he was really into it and definitely hit a home run with the ending! Is he better than Kris? NO…..Adam? NO….but he could very well be in the FINAL vs. Adam in a few weeks! VERY SAFE!

Adam Lambert –ANOTHER WOW!!!!! Mind blowing last note of the song, which he carried for almost 10+ seconds!!!! Theatrical? YES…..Cocky?
YES….Brilliant….Absolutely!! SAFE TO THE FINALS!!!! Incredible talent!

NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!

Bottom Line: Think the talent that’s left after tonight will prove to make the next few shows VERY interesting!! FINAL 2? ADAM vs. KRIS…..write it down! But I won’t be at all surprised if it’s Adam vs. Danny or Allison, who has to be considered the Dark Horse at this stage!

So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? Who do you think should be booted off tonight? Who’s your TOP 2 Finalists and Front-Runner to win it all? Who’s your choice to win that 2nd spot and go up against Adam Lambert in the FINALS??? Let’s see some predictions here folks, let Eddie Idol know your thoughts!

OK….we’ll know the FINAL 4 after tonight..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-FINALLY OKIE FOR GOKEY’ Idol…OUT!!

PS---If you hear a loud, wailing type of scream tonight, it’s me, out on my patio and in pain from watching Taylor Hicks perform on the Idol stage!! UGH!! :-0

Note from Kim: Now, now, Eddie, no sour grapes from you my dear Tay-Tay won fair and square!! Shame I won't be able to watch tonight though, because LOST is celebrating it's 100th episode and I'm hoping for more Shirtless Sawyer!!!

BTW -- I was totally swooning over Adam in that white suit last night!!

On a night when the contestant’s had to sing Songs from the DISCO ERA, here’s Eddie’s ‘quick’ recap of Tuesday Night’s Top 7, and predictions for the TWO being booted OFF tonight!

Adam Lambert –WOW!!!!! Incredible performance…..AGAIN!!!! Has this kid had a bad week yet? Most original (along with Kris Allen’s) of the night! This is what American Idol is all about!! SAFE TO THE FINALS!!!!

Allison Iraheta –Looked great and sounded great doing ‘Hot Stuff’….still like her to ‘UPSET’ one of the guys and make it to the finals vs. Adam! SAFE!!

Lil Rounds – OK…..I’ve heard and seen enough!! UGH!! My early favorite to win AI this year just doesn’t get it! So many great Disco songs she could have done and put her own touch on….She’ll be in BOTTOM 3 tonight and going home!! Se ya’ Lil!

Matt Giraud— Did a Bee Gee’s song, ‘Stayin Alive’, and I thought it was pretty good! Judges weren’t blown away, but he was better and more original than Karaoke Gokey! But….he could very well once again be in the Bottom 3 tonight and be sent home though, but I think he’ll be the SAFE one of the BOTTOM 3 tonight!

Anoop Desai – Don’t think Anoop did himself any favors last night, and tonight when Ryan says ‘Dim The Lights’, the lights may go OUT for Anoop! Bottom 3 and 2nd one booted off tonight with Lil!

Kris Allen—Incredible rendition of Donna Summer’s ‘She Works Hard For The Money’! WOW!!! Right up there with Adam for BEST OF THE NIGHT! Again, ORIGINALITY wins here! Cross between Santana and Jon Mayer! This kid could sneak into the FINALS!! He’s certainly way better than KARAOKE GOKEY!!

Danny NO ORIGINALTY/KAROKE Gokey –VERY KAROKE!!! The only judge who really GOT IT RIGHT last night was Simon! NO STAR POWER!! NO ORIGINALITY!! CLUMSY! AWKWARD!! Just plain not very good!! And someone at Fox please shut up Paula on this kid, or just let her sleep with him, unless she already has!! This kid should be in the BOTTOM 3 tonight, but he’ll be SAFE…why oh why, I have NO IDEA!! :-/

NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!
Bottom Line: My two cents to the judges….If you’re going to slam contestants for originality and karaoke type arrangements and performances, be CONSISTENT and FAIR across the board to ALL who perform that way!!! Enough said!

So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? What two contestants do you think should be booted off tonight? HOW ABOUT SOME FEEDBACK PEOPLE!! Who’s your TOP 2 Finalists and Front-Runner to win it all? Who’s your choice to win that 2nd spot and go up against Adam Lambert in the FINALS??? Let’s see some predictions here folks, let Eddie Idol know your thoughts!

OK….we’ll know the FAB 5 after tonight..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-BOTTOM 3 FOR KARAOKE GOKEY ’ Idol……OUT!!

On a night when the contestant’s had to sing Songs from Cinema, with Quentin Tarantino as the mentor, here’s Eddie’s recap of Tuesday Night’s Top 7…..drum roll please…..
Danny NO ORIGINALITY Gokey –Absolutely a horrible, horrible rendition of Lionel Ritchie’s Endless Love…..thought I was listening to some Joe Smoe at a wedding or at karaoke night at a local bar. Simon was nice by saying it was boring and VERY traditional, no originality at all….weak! Bottom 3 tonight and really, let’s be honest and serious here…..it just was NOT a good performance!!

Allison Iraheta – Great Aerosmith song in ‘I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing’, thought she did it pretty well, not great, but good enough, and The judges FINALLY agreed with me….as they can see this girl in the final with Adam Lambert like I can!
SAFE!!

Adam Lambert –Simon said 50% off all who listened to his version of ‘Born To Be Wild’ wouldn’t like it. I disagree….I grew up playing this Steppenwolf song over and over on an 8-track tape player, so if anyone was going to hate it, I would…..and I LOVED IT!!!! Incredible performance…..AGAIN!!!! This kid is head over heels over anyone else in this competition!!

Lil Rounds – What is with Lil??!! She continues to make BAD song choices and picked another with Bette Midler’s ‘The Rose’. Bottom 3 tonight, and as I said last week….I will NOT be shocked if she goes home, and I truly don’t think the judges would save her at this point, esp Simon!!

Matt Giraud— Mr. Inconsistent wasn’t on top of his game last night singing Bryan Adams’ ‘Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman’, but I also don’t think the song was performed as bad as Kara and randy led us to believe! Thought they were way too negative on him. Yes, it was pitchy and he probably tried to do too much with it, but it was good enough to stay in the competition. He could very well be in the Bottom 3 tonight and be sent home though, so don’t be surprised.

Anoop Desai – OK…..at one time I hated this kid, but the kid CAN sing, and last night he was really good with another Bryan Adam song choice, ‘’Everything I Do, I Do It For You’…..great job by Anoop!! (I can’t believe I just said that!!) …….SAFE!!

Kris Allen—I’ll be honest, I don’t even know the damn song he did, very obscure,,….I thought it was weak and I totally agreed with Randy, it was pitchy from the start and maybe one of his poorest performances to date. Bottom 3 tonight!

NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!

Bottom Line: I really enjoyed Quentin Tarantino mentoring these kids, but I just cannot believe someone didn’t pick a song from Pulp Fiction!! I’m sure best friend Pete would agree, one of his favorite movies!So what does everyone else think of last night’s show?
Who do you think should be booted off tonight?

HOW ABOUT SOME FEEDBACK PEOPLE!!

Who’s your TOP 2 Finalists and Front-Runner to win it all? Anyone think that any contestant seriously has a chance of beating Adam at this point??? Let’s see some predictions here folks, let Eddie Idol know your thoughts!

OK….we’ll know the TOP 6 after tonight..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-BOTTOM 3 FOR GOKEY ’ Idol……OUT!!

On a night when the contestant’s had to sing a song from the year they were born, it was 80’s night, as they all were born in the 80’s! Here’s Eddie’s recap of Tuesday Night’s Top 8…..drum roll please…..



Danny DORKEY Gokey –Oldest and most irritating contestant on the show……did a 1980’s version of ‘Stand By Me’, which I did not like at all and thought he was off key and the song arrangement out of whack. Why are the judges always praising this kid? He’s another Taylor Hicks, and we all know what a bleepin’ bum he was! Good that Dorkey-Gokey went first though because I got to throw up my dinner early in the show and then drink heavily! He’s safe though….UGH!!! L

Allison Iraheta –Let me say this now…..I can see this girl in the final with Adam Lambert! I loved the Bonnie Raitt song she did, ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’, and she did it really well, putting her own spin on it. One thing she is, week in and week out, is consistently very good! SAFE!

Adam Lambert – This talented kid, much like David Cook did in 2008, knows the importance of putting a spin on a song people might already know, so he chose to perform ‘Tears For Fears’ 1982 Mad World song…..but….he went a step further and chose the alternate version of the song that appeared in the 2001 cult film "Donnie Darko." Doing some research on MTV, that more haunting, slowed-down and melodic version was performed by little-known
California singer/songwriter Gary Jules, who recorded the song with his childhood friend and producer Michael Andrews for the "Darko" soundtrack. The tune also appeared on Jules' 2001 indie album Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets. An unbelievably superb performance, worthy of the STANDING O Simon led the judges in doing to honor the performance!!! This kid is going to be in the FINALS and should WIN IT ALL!

Lil Rounds – Another average performance, cheap Tina Turner impersonation, disappointing for the 4 th straight week! She hasn’t shown up since the TOP 12 was announced! As I said last week, no longer anywhere near the front-runner and may not even make the FINAL 4 at this point. Bottom 3 tonight , and I will NOT be shocked if she goes home, unless the judges save her!

Scott McIntyre –I’ll give him props for stepping out of his comfort zone and getting away from the piano, but it was a horrible, horrible rendition of Survivor’s 1984 song ‘The Search Is Over’…..Simon was probably crying from being in pain while he sang this and tried playing guitar….weak! Bottom 3 tonight and really, let’s be honest and serious here…..he should go home at this point, he’s just not a good vocal performer!

Matt Giraud — Great comeback here after a bad week last week. Standing O from judges for his 1985 version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Part Time Lovers’….great arrangement, and vocally, agreed with the judges as one of the BEST of the night….after Adam’s of course! SAFE!

Anoop Desai – Sang Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’ and I didn’t like it at all, so I’ll totally disagree with the judges on this one, not nearly as good as they said it was. I say he could be Bottom 3 tonight, it’ll be him or Kris Allen in the Bottom 3 positions.

Kris Allen —Performed the 1985 Don Henley song ‘All She Wants To Do Is Dance’……agreed with Simon and Randy, horrible arrangement and using Simon’s fav word, INDULGENT !! Bottom 3 tonight possibly!
NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!

Bottom Line: Word to the wise for all contestants on future performances…….STEP AWAY FROM PERFORMING IN THE MOSH PIT!! It’s a bad move!!

So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? Who do you think should be booted off tonight? Who’s your TOP 2 Finalists and Front-Runner to win it all? Let’s see some predictions here people, let Eddie Idol know your thoughts!

OK….we’ll know the TOP 7 after tonight..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-NO GO-GOKEY’ Idol……OUT!!

Note from Kim: This is from last week's results show, sorry for posting so late ...

Sorry….another very late post today….. but here’s a QUICK recap of Tuesday Night’s Top 10 from ‘Motown Night’…..

Michael Sarver –-May be going home tonight….definitely BOTTOM 3….not a great performance, but not as bad as judges said!

Danny Gokey –I’m still SICK from watching him last night! My son Jon said it best….he’s every family’s fat boy cousin at the dinner table!! Unfortunately, he’ll get through tonight.

Kris Allen – Not the greatest performance or song choice, thought it was more James Taylor than Motown, but he’s SAFE!

Allison Iraheta –She continues to turn in solid performances! She’s SAFE!

Adam Lambert – WOW!! Another Awesome performance!!! And he looked like a young Elvis! This kid has it all going on! Flies through easily!

Lil Rounds – Not a strong performance, disappointing for the 2 nd straight week! But she’s SAFE!

Scott McIntyre –Another just OK performance…..have I said that before!? But….he’s safe, but may be BOTTOM 3 tonight!

Megan Corkrey – Not her best at all! She looked great, but she was all over the place with her song! BOTTOM 3 and may go home tonight, but I hope not!

Matt Giraud— Another fantastic performance…..he’s SAFE!

Anoop Desai – It wasn’t all that great, another tender moment song, but nothing like the previous week. May be in BOTTOM 3, but think he’s SAFE!

NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!
Bottom Line: Motown was a FUN show, but not as good as I had hoped, a little disappointing, thought it was going to be a bit better, and some contestants just didn’t pick good songs or have good arrangements!

So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? Who do you think should be booted off tonight? Did you like ‘Motown Night’? Let me know your thoughts!! OK….we’ll know more come tomorrow..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-NO DOKIE GOKEY’ Idol……OUT!!

Well, I’ll definitely miss little Alexis tonight, thought she definitely should still be in the competition and Michael Sarver sent home and not her, but….America voted stupid again and the Judges ruled, and she didn’t get the save! Bummer!! L

I’ll also try not to throw up my dinner tonight when Danny Gokey sings!! UGH!!! Hopefully I’ll be intoxicated to help ease the pain of watching him perform.



Should be a FUN night with Motown Songs and Smokey Robinson! I know friend Pete will enjoy and look forward to his comments, as he is the expert on Motown! Look for Lil Rounds to shine….and just what will Adam Lambert do next after the Johnny Cash shocker last week!? By the way….I played back last weeks show for my son Jon who’s visiting, and he said 3 most talented folks are…….with No surprise on #1!!......drum roll please…….

1. Adam Lambert
2. Meg Corkrey
3. Matt Giraud


Let’s see what happens tonight as the TOURING TOP 10 perform!! More to come tomorrow!!

Cheers,

Eddie ‘I HATE GOKEY’ Idol

Sorry….very late post today….. but here’s a QUICKIE recap of Tuesday Night’s Top 11 from ‘Country and Western Night’, which I actually really enjoyed it and knew every song!! J My predictions for THE TOP 10 TOURING IDOLS FOR 2009…..

Alexis Grace—Could be ‘on the bubble’ tonight but I loved the performance of this cute mini Dolly Parton! TOP 10!

Michael Sarver –-May be going home tonight….not a good performance on a Garth song….Bottom 3 and maybe GOING HOME!

Danny Gokey –Can I just say how much I despise watching this kid, and what’s with another chick song!!?? UGH!!! I dislike this kid MORE than Anoop!!!! TOP 10….hate saying that, as I really thought he was horrible last night!! Carrie Underwood was probably throwing up as he performed her song…..or tried to….man do I wish he would GO HOME TONIGHT!!!!

Kris Allen – Great job on a Garth Brooks classic!! Tender Dog is through to the TOP 10!

Allison Iraheta – One of the BEST of the night!! Great rendition of a Patty Loveless classic!! TOP 10!!

Adam Lambert – WOW….ODD!! Took a Johnny Cash classic ‘Ring Of Fire’ and really shocked everybody, with a very odd middle eastern flavor and arrangement. Bottom 3 tonight….may have to be saved from elimination! Think he’ll get through though….let’s see…this will be interesting!

Lil Rounds – Not a strong performance. I’d put her in the bottom 3 or 4 tonight, but she’s through to the TOP 10!

Scott McIntyre –Another OK and safe performance, blah, blah, blah….but how much longer will he last!? TOP 10!!

Megan Corkrey – Incredible performance (she had the flu all week!) of a classic C+W song….and she looked great!! TOP 10!

Matt Giraud—Maybe the BEST performance of the night!!! This kid is DOPE!! TOP 10!!!

Anoop Desai – From ZERO to HERO!! I’ll give credit where credit is due, he took a Willie Nelson classic and put his own spin it, great job by Anoop, who stays in the house!! TOP 10!!

NOTE: In RED are those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12!
Bottom Line: Don’t be surprised if the judges execute the ‘Judge’s Save’ Rule Tonight!! Just a GUT feeling!!

Inside the Numbers: TOP 10…..THESE ALL GO ON TOUR!! CONGRATS TO ALL!! Unless…..the Judges Save is instituted tonight….& we still have a TOP 11 until next week!!! Then two (2) get booted next week….would make it interesting for sure!!

Note from Kim: Eddie, I'm a huge Johnny Cash fan and I LOVE that song ... but I thought Adam made it his own ... I loved his rendition!

So……AMERICA VOTED……and once again…..got it dead WRONG, at least on one of the two booted off on Wednesday night! No way Anoop is more talented or performed better Tuesday night than Jasmine! Not that Jasmine is talented enough to win this thing, but she’s definitely got more going for her than Anoop!! Oh well…I think we’ll see Jasmine back next year or the year after….she’s young and has room to grow, esp. vocally….and let’s hope Anoop gets the boot next week!

Kim's Note: Eddie, nice of you to mention that Jorge was also sent home! I know, you were just so blinded by Anoop's talent!

Bottom Line: It didn't take long during Wednesday night's "American Idol" results show for Seacrest to reveal what the big new twist on the show was. He then called out the names and showed videos of Tamyra Gray, Michael Johns, Jennifer Hudson, and Chris Daughtry before announcing the "Judges' Save”.

So…here are the details on the new rule: Until the top 5, the judges can save ONE contestant from elimination just ONCE. It has to be unanimous among the 4 Judges, and once they use the save, they cannot use it again the entire season. The week they use the save, no one will be eliminated. But the next week, two will go. EARTH TO FOX…HELLO!

But am I the only one who remembers that Chris Daughtry was eliminated in fourth place? So…if this new rule only applies until the top 5, it wouldn't have saved Daughtry! Same would be true for Tamyra Gray, who also finished fourth. Think someone at FOX would have researched that just a bit more!?

Thanks Eddie for giving me the chance to post a schmexy Chris Daughtry photo!

Personally, I'd have rather seen the following scenario - take the bottom 2 vote getters (Seacrest not revealing who is lower) and let the judges decide each week who stays & who goes out of those 2 (up until the FINAL 4, not FAB 5). In the event of the judges having a 2-2 split decision, then the lowest vote getter would definitely leave each week!

Inside the Numbers: TOP 11 now…..who gets the boot next week??? Important week, because the TOP 10 left are the ones that go on tour!! PLEASE LET IT BE ANOOP KICKED OUT OF THE HOUSE!

So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? Who do you think should have been booted off tonight? What do you think of the ‘Judge’s Save’ new rule? Let me know your thoughts!! OK…until next Tuesday’s TOP 11…..have a great weekend and Happy St Paddy’s Day to all…..it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon- BOOT NOOP’ Idol……OUT!!

OK Eddie, I warned you, here's for talking smack about Anoop Dog Millionaire! Feast your eyes on your all-time favorite!! HAHAHA!

Yes, I know, I am a shiteous wench, aren't I?

WOW!!!! What a great start to AI’s TOP 13 last night! Some incredible and signature performances!!! This is one VERY talented group this year, maybe the strongest from Top to Bottom that I can remember! But….some of the songs chosen by contestants from Michael Jackson’s BIG collection of hits/tunes were quite obscure to say the least, half of them I’d never heard before!? Guess that proves that I’ve never been a fan of the freaky so called ‘King of Pop’! OK…..here’s my thoughts from last nights TOP 13 with the infamous ‘BOTTOM 3’ predicted for tonight as well as who should be going home….

NOTE: I’ll also keep in RED those who I originally had predicted for the TOP 12 (OK…13!) before it was announced!

Alexis Grace—She proved her worth again last night! Agreed with Kara, she was very naughty and sexy in her song, but added her infamous Memphis bluesy accent to it as well! Just hope that she doesn’t get screwed tonight by people dialing or texting the ‘13’ instead of ‘36’ and costing her votes!! Still TOP 4 for me!

Michael Sarver –-I thought his song choice (You’re Not Alone) sucked, but the judges gave him a pass! Still don’t think he’ll go too far. If he makes it a few more weeks, he’ll go on tour…..and he’ll be happy to have reached that level in the competition!

Danny Gokey --Still a Dark-Horse for TOP 4. Another OK song choice with ‘Pretty Young Thing’. Thought Paula was going to run up and jump his bones on stage! I agreed with Simon, thought his stage presence was a bit gawky!

Kris Allen – Knows the MJ songbook better than anyone on the show, and supposedly helped other contestants too. Thought the guitar gig was a bit odd, but this kid reminds me of John Mayer….so that’s a good thing! I’m staying with my Top 6 prediction.

Allison Iraheta – Rocker babe who kicked the show off with ‘Give Into Me’, another song from MJ I didn’t know! Not sure what she had ‘bleeped out’ by FOX, but don’t think it was a good thing that she said (noticed Paula motioning her to zip it??) Still a long-shot, dark-horse candidate for TOP 4….sooner or later, she’ll get exposed in a song where she can’t rock it out!

Adam Lambert -- AWESOME!!!!! His rendition of ‘Black or White’ was just freakin’ incredible!! I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again…. I think he’s extremely talented and capable of being in the Finale’ against Lil Rounds! Now….whether or not he makes it with all the negative publicity is another story, but this kid has stage presence like no one I’ve ever seen on AI!

Lil Rounds -- As I predicted, very strong start for her last night! Good song choice with ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’! Still see her in the FINALE’….and eventual AI Season 8 WINNER…..I THINK!!?? (Uh oh….is Eddie wavering already!?)

Scott McIntyre --Sticking to my guns here, he’s just not a good singer! Hid behind his piano last night and struggled doing an obscure MJ song. He’ll move on, but he’s not even in my Top 8 at this point! Bottom 3….maybe!!??

Jorge Nunez—Hey Jorge…..nice song choice in ‘Never Can say Goodbye’…..because one should NEVER say NEVER! Good-Bye….you’re in the BOTTOM 3 tonight and going back home to Puerto Rico!

Jasmine Murray---Looked great and sang ‘I’ll Be There’ quite well! I still think she’s TOP 6 or TOP 8 at best! She’s through tonight easily!

Megan Corkrey -- I said before she had no stage presence at all, and I thought she’d struggle with MJ songbook, but….I was impressed and totally disagree with some of the judges (except Kara) and I thought she did well with ‘Rockin Robin’ from The Jackson 5 Portfolio. At least she stepped away from the mic and worked the stage a bit….and she looked incredible!! :-0 If she’s in the Bottom 3…..I won’t be shocked, based on what the judges said, but she should move on!

Matt Giraud**-- As I thought, he blew away Scott MacIntyre on the piano doing ‘Human Nature’ and this kid can perform!! I think he’s capable of going up against Lil Rounds or Adam Lambert in the FINALE’! Still TOP 4!

Anoop Desai – I think he really thought he was MJ singing ‘Beat It’ and hand-slapping all the people around the stage…..PULEEEEEEZZZZ!!!!!!! Hey Anoop……go back to Chapel Hill…..and just BEAT IT!! Bottom 3 and going home tonight!

Bottom Line: As I predicted…..and confirmed happily by Simon….to keep the show’s FINALE’ during the same week as last year (May 20th) and END AI before Memorial Day Weekend, they’ll be booting two (2) of the TOP 13 contestants off tonight! Simon also said at the end of the show that a CHANGE in the "Idol" structure involving the show's judges would be revealed tonight. Ryan Seacrest said it will change "the entire theme and concept of the show.”

Hmmmm….lots of speculation here, and from what I’ve read today, the most popular theory: The bottom vote-getters must now "sing for their lives" and the show's judges will have the ability to save a contestant from being sent home. My theory….there will still be a ‘Bottom 3’ or ‘Bottom 2’ as voted on by America each week, but then the judges will simply decide who goes home and who stays, something that I’ve been saying should happen for years, as America time and time again has made very stupid choices….can anyone say Taylor Hicks here!? Either way, I’d applaud the change of the judges becoming more involved and America less involved!!

Inside the Numbers: FOX is putting Idol on at 9 tonight instead of 8PM, so set the DVR’s! Two contestants get sent home tonight….that will be Anoop and Jorge’ (As I SMILE typing that!), making the Guy vs. Girl #’s a bit closer: Guys 6…Girls 5, as the TOP 11 move on!

So what does everyone else think of last night’s show? Who do you think should be booted off tonight? And what changes do you think are in store for the show going forward? Let me know your toughts!! OK….we’ll know more come tomorrow..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-BEAT IT NOOP’ Idol……OUT!!


Note from Kim: I got news for you Eddie -- Cindy, Lona and myself used all our votes for "Anoop Dog Millionaire" last night (we really liked his movie) -- so we'll see ... Ouch, that Taylor Hicks comment hurt! I personally think it's funny that Fox is telling all the news media that tonight's the big AI vs. LOST in the ratings .... HaHa -- that explains why the wusses at ABC decided to show a repeat episode of my fave show tonight!! Any thoughts Ray??

OK….It’s time for the TOP 13 to perform!! It’ll be a 2-Hour AI show on Tuesday night, and contestants will sing songs from Michael Jackson’s collection of tunes, but thankfully, the ‘freak-show’ himself will NOT be there in person tutoring them! Hurrah for that!!

As promised, here’s your TOP 13 with some notes and my bold predictions for the Final 4 and Finale at the end of May!

Alexis Grace** --TOP 4! She’s HOT and America will love her! Should do OK with MJ songs and other genre of music.

Michael Sarver –-TOP 8 at best….nice, polite guy, hope he makes it farther, but doubtful. He’s lucky to even be here!

Danny Gokey** --Dark-Horse for TOP 4….though I don’t think he’s nearly as good as the other guys, but the judges love him!

Kris Allen – TOP 6 possibly…..not much farther! Should do well with MJ songs!

Allison Iraheta – Dark-horse candidate for TOP 4….not sure how she’ll do with MJ song-book though?

Adam Lambert** --Will all the nasty rumors and ugly postings hurt him? I think so……although I do think he’s capable of being in the Finale’ against Lil Rounds, but doubt he makes it anywhere close to that with all the negative publicity!

Lil Rounds** --FINALE’….and eventual AI Season 8 WINNER!! She’ll start strong tomorrow night!

Scott McIntyre** --He’ll hide behind the piano for a few weeks, then at some point America will realize he is simply NOT a good singer! No better than TOP 6! Can’t see him doing many MJ songs, will have to be a slow one….’BEN’ maybe?

Jorge Nunez—Out early….won’t make the TOP 10! Struggles with MJ tonight!
Jasmine Murray**---TOP 6 at best….that’s it….has the looks, but just does not have the pipes others do!

Megan Corkrey** -- She has no stage presence at all, and if she continues to act oddly on stage, out EARLY! She’ll struggle with MJ….I think!

Matt Giraud**--TOP 4….should do well, and I think he’s capable of going up against Lil Rounds in the FINALE’! If there was a dueling piano segment, he’d blow away Scott MacIntyre!

Anoop Desai –Should last at least a few weeks, long enough to be annoying and go on tour…..so TOP 10 at least, probably farther…..UGH!!! :-0

Bottom Line: To keep the show’s FINALE’ during the same week as last year (May 20th) and END before Memorial Day Weekend, they’ll have to kick two contestants off to start, and maybe they will since they are starting with 13 vs. 12, then one contestant kicked off each week after. Otherwise, it’ll get extended to after Memorial Day and we’ll crown the new AI Winner on Wed, May 27th, must end in May for May sweeps!

Inside the Numbers: Of the TOP 13, Eddie Idol picked 8 to be there, all shown in RED and noted with **!

OK….I’m still waiting here folks….let’s see some predictions from EVERYBODY on this list before tonight’s show! Come on, who’s your favorite to win it? Who’s the TOP GUY and TOP GAL? The Final 4? And who do you think will be in the FINALE’? More to come tomorrow..…until then…it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon-NO NOOP’ Idol……OUT!!

OK….so last night, I went as far as to predict the FINAL 3 spots from the WILD CARD ROUND: Matt Giraud, Jasmine Murray and Megan Corkrey, to move into the TOP 12….EDDIE RULES!! J PERFECT!!…… Until Anoop was let in to ruin it all and make it 13!! But, truth be told, I didn’t think Megan (per my earlier post after Anoop was done singing) was as worthy as Jessica was tonight, but she’s going home and Megan luckily moves on! Some more reactions from the Wild Card Round of contestants in the order they performed on Thursday night:


1. JESSICA LANGSETH—She FINALLY showed me why she was still competing and I thought she really sang her song very sultry and sexy, and sassy and jazzy, but certainly NOT indulgent, and good enough to move on. I think she was just ever-so-barely edged out by Megan or Jasmine, confirmed by Simon telling her as much!


2. MATT GIRAUD- Predicted he’d be back strong, he picked the right song, and he’ll be a force to contend with! Just wait until he gets behind the piano again!!


3. MEGAN CORKREY- Same awkward and quirky moves again at the mic tonight, didn’t think she sang all that well either…but….she’s in the TOP 13!

4. VON SMITH—Horrible song choice for him, it was very dark and boring! He should have known better!


5. JASMINE MURRAY—Didn’t think she did as well as the judges thought she did, but well enough to go through. She’s the youngest of all the TOP 13, so she’ll carry the young vote for quite a few weeks!

6. RICKY BRADDY—Another not-so-great song choice for him doing Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’. Why is it that people have such a hard time with picking the right song for them to excel at!?


7. TATIANA DEL TORO-She didn’t sing all that badly, but she’s just soooooo over the top with drama, and really….how many times can you sing the same damn song!!?? Three times was NOT a charm for her!!

8. ANNOP DESAI- I’ll use Simon’s favorite word here----INDULGENT!! Who let this Noop Dog IN!!?? What a joke! He should be on a plane back to NC or wherever he’s from! UGH!!!


BOTTOM LINE: Of the TOP 13, I predicted 8 of them, not too shabby: Jasmine Murray, Megan Corkrey, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre and of course….Lil Rounds!


Inside the Numbers: Of the TOP 13, 8 are guys and 5 are gals, so you would think the odds are stacked in the guys favor? We shall see!


So now that we now have the TOP 13, I hate typing 13 and not 12….let’s see some predictions from EVERYBODY on this list before next Tuesday’s show! Come on, who’s your favorite to win it? Who’s the TOP GUY and TOP GAL? I’ll have my predictions out on Monday on who will make The Final 4, and who I think will be in the FINALE’ …..but for now, have a great weekend, enjoy the Spring-time temps, and don’t forget to turn the clocks ahead Saturday night! Until next week…it’s Eddie ‘NO NOOP’ Idol……OUT!!

I thought last night’s 3rd group of 12 was the STRONGEST yet and tonight could be a ‘pick-em’ for the TOP 3……after Lil Rounds of course, who in my eyes is the one to beat in this competition!! I’ll keep it short and sweet here and drop the contestants into 3 categories based on their performances from last night, YES…. NO....and MAYBE…..here we go!

The YES’s ....

Lil Rounds— I’ve said it for weeks….she’s the one to beat in this competition! DEFINITELY in the TOP 3 vote getters and into the TOP 12 tonight! Plus….I think she’ll hurt Ju’not Joyner’s chances of getting in the TOP 3, reasons are obvious!

Von Smith- I like this kid, and had him listed as a dark horse for the TOP 12 when the TOP 36 was announced…..think he sang well enough to get into the TOP 3 tonight, if not….expect him back tomorrow night on the WILD CARD Round!

Scott MacIntyre— I do NOT think this kid is a very good singer at all, but with his disability and overall courage, he’ll get the sympathy vote tonight and make it into the TOP 3….if not…expect him to pushed through to the WILD CARD Round and the judges will then put him through…..so…..either way….LOCK FOR THE TOP 12!!

Felicia Barton--- I picked this girl from the auditions with her 15 seconds of face time, and she’s the one who got the call for a 2nd chance after Joanna Pacetti got booted off the show….and I think she’s a dark horse for tonight’s TOP 3….so, if she’s not voted in, expect her to be back tomorrow night singing in the WILD CARD Round!

Jorge’ Nunez— I never thought this kid would make it this far, but he has, and sang pretty well last night, well enough that I won’t be SHOCKED if he’s in the TOP 3 tonight! If not….expect him back in the WILD CARD Round!

The MAYBE’s…..

Ju’not Joyner—Little face time for this guy up to this point and aside from the fact that he did a song I absolute hate (The ‘Hey There Delilah’ overused and overplayed song! UGH!!), he slowed it down and did it very well!! Outside shot at tonight’s TOP 3!

Kristen McNamara—Not that it should matter, but she should really learn how to style a bit and dress better! Geez!! Liked her more before than I did last night, she’s a bit of a fake…but she was better than most last night and could sneak in to the TOP 3, but she’s a long-shot at this point!

Kendall Beard- Because she’s as great looking as she is, and the only ‘Country’ artist in the competition, she’s going to get a lot of votes! But….will it be enough?? I doubt it…..but with America, one never knows, so she may be the 3rd overall vote-getter tonight!

The NO’s….

Taylor Vaifanua—I’ve never really liked this girl very much at all, and her performance was just OK and pretty forgettable! No loss here…..bye-bye Taylor, you’re going home!

Alexander Wagner-Trugman— A calmer version of Norman Gentle….but certainly not worthy of being in this competition. See ‘ya Alexander….back to being just a plain dork!!

Ariana Afsar—Thought her rendition of Abba’s ‘The Winner Takes It All’ sounded like Meryl Streep on steroids from the Mamma Mia movie! Take the ‘cute as a button’ compliment Ariana and exit gracefully!

Nathanial Marshall- Sorry….this kid got way too much face time than necessary last night, and I agree with Simon, he’s a cross between Richard Simmons and Olivia Newton John with the ‘look’ he has going on. Time for him to back home and singin’ grandma to sleep in the rockin’ chair!

BOTTOM LINE: I thought this group was considerably better overall talent-wise than either of the last two from top-to-bottom, and as I said earlier….when tonight’s results are announced, it could be a real surprise for several contestants! I do expect several from this group to be back Thursday night in the first ever WILD CARD ROUND, where the contestants chosen will get to compete one last time for the FINAL 3 spots in the TOP 12!

The contestants performing will be decided on by the Idol producers and judges, and America will have no say in the outcome as to who will be the FINAL 3 that move on in the competition! Let Kimmy and I know, based on last night’s performances, who you think should make it through to the TOP 12, and/or if you agree with all that get voted through after the results are announced tonight on Fox!

More from Eddie ‘Little Simon’ Idol tomorrow……after the 1-hour results show tonight!! Until then…..Eddie’s OUT and on a break!

After yet another week of poor song choices by many contestants, or as I said yesterday some good song choices just performed poorly, from the 2nd Group of 12, America voted and once again gave us a ‘SURPRISE’ TOP 12 contestant! I knew Allison Irahuta would be the top girl vote getter, and I also knew Adam Lambert would make it in, would have been a real shocker if either one of them wasn’t sitting in the TOP 3 last night! I certainly thought Megan Corkrey’s performance would have made her the 3rd top vote getter and a spot in the TOP 12….BUT…..once again America, or should I say mainly young female Americans who texted millions of votes Wednesday night, voted through Kris Allen, who I had picked out early in the auditions after only 10-15 seconds of face time as having some serious talent, but never listed him as a serious dark-horse candidate.

BOTTOM LINE: I lost THREE more (OUCH!!!!!) last night from my predicted TOP 12: Jasmine Murray, Matt Giraud and Miss Megan, who I think was more SHOCKED than Kris Allen was when Ryan Seacrest announced that it was Kris and not her moving on! She looked just crushed! Thank the good Lord again (and all of Simon’s hours of praying!!) that Nick &/or Norman are finally going home! I was bummed and very disappointed that young and talented Jasmine Murray and my dueling-piano guy Matt Giraud sang so poorly this week, but as Simon reiterated at the end of the show that we’d see some of this week’s folks again, I truly do expect both of them and Megan to still have a shot at the Top 12 in the Wild Card Night sing-off on Thursday, March 5th….so let’s see if they make it to the ‘Wild Card Round’, pick better songs and move into the TOP 12 after that night!

OK…..we have one final group of 12, Group #3, an interesting and eclectic bunch, this coming week, let’s hope they serve up some great performances for us all to watch on Tuesday night….until then…..a great weekend to all, and hope you celebrate ‘Open That Bottle Night’ http://www.openthatbottlenight.com/ on Saturday! For now, it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon’ Idol……OUT!!

Sorry this is up late -- not Eddie's fault, it's mine -- not finding a lot of time to blog this week!

My Top 12 predictions may take yet another beating tonight depending on how America votes! After last night’s show….I believe I lost at least one (or more!) who I thought were a lock for the TOP 12, and think I’m safe on at least two more, but may get a sweep if one of my originally chosen 1/2 dozen dark-horse candidates again makes it IN to climb into the TOP 12. Hoping for a clean sweep, but knowing America, there’s always a surprise! So…..here are my thoughts on last night’s performers….

Jasmine Murray- Here’s the one I take the hit on! L Had here pegged for TOP 12. Started out badly with ‘Love Song’, got better, but it was very pitchy and I don’t think it’s going to be good enough to get her through. I do think she’ll be back for the Wild Card Round though next week on March 5th, so she still may be in the TOP 12 when it’s all said and done!!

Matt Giraud—I had this kid pegged for stardom too, and the TOP 12….but picking Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’ was a kiss of death! Very risky, give him credit for that, but too tough to perform. He tried putting his own spin on it, but I don’t think he performed it well enough. Look for him to be back in the ‘Wild Card’ round next week, as the judges do like this kid!

Jeanine Vailes— GREAT LEGS!!!! :-0 But another tough song to do with ‘This Love’ by Marroon 5. She just didn’t do it well at all, but look for her as a Model in a legs commercial somewhere down the road!

Nick Mitchell---Just a ghastly performance that isn’t worthy of any comments other than he got his few weeks of fame, and now it’s time to go home!

Allison Iraheta—This girl wasn’t even on my radar through Hollywood, and I don’t care for the red hair or her look, but she’s got a great voice! She nailed a great Heart song ‘Alone’ and deserves to be the Top Girl Vote Getter tonight! TOP 12!!

Kris Allen—Little face time for this kid all the way thru Hollywood, so he needed to make an impact. Kiss of death picking a Michael Jackson song ‘Man in the Mirror’, but actually he did it pretty well. I just don’t think it was good enough for the TOP 3 on this night, so think he’s going home. Possible that he’ll return to the Wild Card round next Thursday night!?

Megan Corkrey—Liked this girl from the start and had her pegged for TOP 12! Like her new look with the curly blonde hair, great eyes too, very photogenic! HATED her song, ‘Put Your Records On’….UGH!! She did do it well though, but I wasn’t crazy about her little, quirky twists and turns while singing. She’ll be the 3rd one through tonight! TOP 12!!

Matt Breitzke- OK….here I will agree with Simon, what else is new, and the other judges in saying BAD SONG CHOICE with Tonic’s ‘If You Could Only See’….not his style at all! Back to welding some more pipes Matt….and get some damn hair too!

Jessica Langseth—I’ve never really liked this chick very much at all, and even though I loved the song she picked with Kim Canes’ ‘Bette Davis Eyes’, it was just OK and pretty forgettable! No loss here…..bye-bye Jessica, you’re going home!

Kai Kalama—I like this kid, had him pegged as a dark-horse for the TOP 12, and think he still has a shot at it. YES….he picked an OLD song n ‘”What Becomes of the Broken Hearted’ by Jimmy Ruffin, but I though he sang it really well! I hope he makes it through tonight, and if not, hope he’s back for the Wild Card night next Thursday!

Mishovanna Henson— Love the name, and absolutely loved her song choice with ‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train, which I don’t think she did all that badly, since it’s a guy/group song. But probably, for the 2nd season in a row, she doesn’t make it through to the TOP 12, but think we may see her back in the Wild Card round next week!

Adam Lambert- He’s the ‘double’ for my son Jonathan, so yeah….I liked this kid from the start and think he did what he needed to do to move on to the TOP 12 last night. Pretty awesome rendition of the Stones ‘Satisfaction’ song, this kid has talent and incredible range, and the ‘David Cook’ persona going on! Yes, he’s theatrical and that could catch up with him, but he’s a LOCK for the TOP GUY VOTE GETTER tonight and IN for the TOP 3 from last night! TOP 12!

BOTTOM LINE: It was yet another night of several poor song choices by many of the contestants, which is getting a bit old with the judges based on their comments. It’s as if someone does an ‘older genre’ song than their supposed to do because of their younger age, it’s a poor song choice! I don’t always agree, and thought many picked great songs, but….they just didn’t rise to the occasion and perform them as well as they should have! Contrary to what others feel (friend Pete mostly) I thought this group was considerably better overall talent-wise than last week’s group from top-to-bottom, and tonight’s votes could be a surprise for several contestants!

Let Kimmy and I know, based on tonight’s voting results, who you think should have made it through from last night’s show, or if you agree with all that get voted through!

More from Eddie Idol tomorrow……after the results show tonight and 3 more lucky contestants are added to the TOP 12!

As I said in the AI blog earlier this week, after a night of very poor song choices and forgettable performances from the first Group of 12, I’d have been shocked if the 3 people I chose (Alexis Grace, Ricky Braddy and Danny Gokey) didn’t get voted through.

BUT…..true to form, America voted…..and pulled a BIG surprise! I thought Ricky Braddy’s performance was worthy of a TOP 12 spot, but America said….as Lee Corso so often does….Not so fast my friend!!!....and voted through Michael ‘Oil Rig’ Sarver, who I had in my ‘GOOD’ performance category from Tuesday night, and listed as a serious dark-horse candidate.

If it would have been anyone else besides him, I’d have been really ticked off! But….Michael Sarver’s incredible likeability, politeness and just overall super personality got him through!

Thank the good Lord that Tatiana has gone home!

I was bummed and very disappointed that Anne Marie Boskovich and Stevie Wright sang so poorly, and I truly do expect Ricky Braddy, and come to think of it, possibly Anne Marie to still have a shot at the Top 12 in the Wild Card Night sing-off on Thursday, March 5th….so let’s see if they resurrect themselves that night!

Bottom Line: Think this next Group of 12 is a stronger group than the first, and now that they’ve seen one group already sing, it’s definitely an advantage to them, especially on SONG CHOICES!

Next week’s Idol Shows are Wednesday and Thursday nights, no Tuesday night show! LOST fans, for which my brother Ron is #1….make a decision….& set your DVR’s on Wednesday to one or the other!!

OK…..let’s hope Group #2 gives some way better performances this coming week….until then…..a great weekend to all….for now, it’s Eddie ‘Little Simon’ Idol……OUT!!

Kim: No decision needed Eddie -- LOST always wins!!

Call me Nostradamus, or call it coincidence…..but in my TOP 36 recap last weekend, before truly knowing that only 3 contestants would make it through out of each 3 groups of 12, I had 9 folks listed as ‘sure-bets’ for the TOP 12 and had several (6 total) others as ‘dark-horses’ to make up the final 3 spots! After last night’s show….I believe I lost two and was dead on for one, with another one of my dark-horses set to climb into the TOP 12.
Who are they you ask? Here ‘ya go….the GOOD….the BAD….and the UGLY!!!...

The GOOD
Alexis Grace—She made a believer out of me weeks ago, and last night’s rendition of ‘I Never Loved A Man’ by Aretha Franklin validates why she’ll be a force in this competition! She’s sultry, dirty sexy and can sing! In my opinion, BEST of the first group! She’ll get voted through tonight, and be part of the TOP 12 as I predicted!

Ricky Braddy—Who?? Yes…Ricky Braddy! Little face time on the show up to this point, and I agreed with Simon on the fact that this kid lacks ‘star quality’ and could be forgettable, but how do you NOT put him through after his incredible rendition of ‘A Song For You’ by Leon Russell? At first I wasn’t sure I really liked it, but played it back later on the DVR and was blown away! He’ll get through tonight….TOP 12!

Danny Gokey—Yes….I really did just type his name! And like Simon again, I’m not all that jacked up on all the hype this kid gets week in and week out, and what’s with another chick song, as he performed ‘Hero’ by Mariah Carey?! But of the first 12 last night, he’s gotta’ be in the TOP 3! I had him as a dark-horse for my TOP 12 before last night’s show!

Michael Sarver—I disagreed with the judges and think he did pretty well with the ‘ Gavin DeGraw’ song ‘I Don’t Want To Be’. His likeability factor may be enough to get him through, but now, I’d list him as a dark-horse to move on!


The BAD:
Jackie Thon—Never liked her annoying personality and thought her rendition of Elvis’s ‘A Little Less Conversation’ was just downright bad! I never liked the song even when EP did it, and I’m sure he was rolling over in agony in the grave last night!! Before last night thought she was a dark-horse candidate at best, but no way she moves on…..but then….I’ve been wrong before!

Brent Keith—OK…I’ll give him credit for one thing, he stuck to his CMT country roots with his ‘Hicktown’ song, but it just was OK, and quite forgettable! Bye-Bye Brent, back to CMT for you!

Anoop Desai-Thought his song choice was poor, ‘Angel of Mine’ by Monica…Who? What? Ugh!!! Too girly and too old of a song for him! NOOP will no longer be in the house!

Anne Marie Boskovich—Think I’ll suffer through another ‘TOP 12’ gone bad here! Sang Aretha’s ‘Natural Woman’ and just didn’t do any justice to it at all! Horrible song choice for her, did not fit her style at all!

Tatiano Del Toro—Drama Queen who looked high on some ‘relaxing drugs’ last night sang ‘Saving All My Love For You’ by Whitney…..and even though at times it was OK, overall the whole performance was plain bad. Save some love for yourself Tatiano, you’ll be going home tonight!


THE UGLY
Stephen Fowler—OK…so he didn’t forget the words to MJ’s ‘Rock With You’, but I agree again with Simon, he should have! Very karaoke-like performance, another poor song choice here! Fowler gone fowl!

Stevie Wright-Another sweet, young girl who I thought had TOP 12 potential….NO MORE! Picked a ‘young’ Taylor Swift song, ‘You Belong With Me’, but just killed it! Very pitchy, not well done in any aspect. Very disappointing performance by her, one she’ll hopefully learn from.

Casey Carlson- Calendar Girl gave by far the WORST performance of the night!! UGH! Singing ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ by the Police, there was NO THING that was magical about this, and I was ready to call the local Police on this one for an ‘annoying disturbance’ from my TV! Go back to modeling bikini’s and selling calendars Casey!

BOTTOM LINE: After a night of very poor song choices and forgettable performances, I’d be shocked if the 3 I chose here don’t make it through, especially Dirty Alexis and the Dokey Gokey guy! And if you’re wondering whether or not I texted any votes in….YES….I text messaged votes in after the show for Alexis and Ricky Braddy, 2x for each one!

As Always, tell me who you think should make it through from last night’s show! Let me know your thoughts! And I’m still waiting to see everyone else’s ‘TOP 12’ predictions…or are you waiting until all 36 perform!? ;-0

More from Eddie ‘I’m Getting More Like Simon Every Day’ Idol……after the results show tonight! (Kim: Simon, I mean Eddie, you took the words right outta my mouth!)

AI UPDATE………AI will be doing a whole new format this year to get to the TOP 12… The Top 36 are divided into 3 groups of 12. Group 1 performs tonight. After the show, America will vote as usual. During Wednesday night’s results show, AI will announce the 3 highest vote-getters–Top guy, Top girl and next highest of either sex–to advance to the Top 12. By Wed. of Week 3, America will have filled 9 of the Top 12 slots.

On Thursday of Week 3, (March 5th) a group of contestants, hand-picked by the producers, (mostly from the Top 36 but not necessarily) will perform AGAIN for the judges. At the end of the episode, the judges will choose the last 3 contestants to round out the Top 12.

Bottom line, in this crazy and confusing new format, is that by Friday, March 6th, we’ll know the TOP 12! So….that’s when you should start the contest to pick the AI winner, with all entries recd via the WEB by March 10th, before the Top 12 perform the following week on Tuesday and Wed, March 10th and 11th. Short window of time here!

Cheers,
Eddie Idol

Kim's comments: Sorry this is so late everyone. Eddie had a pretty busy week and so did I. I hope to post my Top Chef Recap later today, as well as Survivor: Tocantins, and some news. I should have the Amazing Race recap for tomorrow!

OK American Idol fans.……TIME TO GET SERIOUS!!!! THE TOP 36 IS HERE! And YES…..the SPOILER LIST that was ‘leaked’ was pretty accurate…..aside from mystery Nick and Michael, which to many people’s surprise ended up being Nick Mitchell (aka Norman Gentle) and Jeremy Michael Sarver….and also Nate McGee, who shockingly is Nathanial Marshall, drama king for all the guys!! The other BIG SURPRISE….Joanna Pacitti, aka ‘the Ringer’, getting the boot AFTER the TOP 36 was announced, and being replaced by one of my early favorites, bar singer/mom Felicia Barton! Good for her! J

So….that being said, let’s look at the TOP 36 again, now that it’s OFFICIAL and we’ve seen many of the contestants perform more after Hollywood Hell Week……and some who I still haven’t seen…PLUS…who Eddie thinks SHOULD HAVE been here that isn’t….and WHO I THINK WILL MAKE UP THE TOP 12….in RED!!!


Adam Lambert—Picked this ‘Wickedly’ talented kid to go far….he will….TOP 12…possibly much deeper!!
Alexander Wagner-Trugman—I’m sorry….but NO WAY this kid should have been picked ahead of Cody Shelton! Cody….you got screwed!!
Alexis Grace—Did not think this girl was even good enough to get through Hollywood, but….I’ve become a believer!! TOP 12!!
*Allison Iraheta— Only 16 years old….first time I EVER saw her on the show was Wednesday night, so I’ll hold out judgment until I see more of her!
Ann Marie Boskovich—The BEST from Jacksonville’s auditions who I said would go DEEP in the competition, YES…she will!! Top 12!
Anoop Desai - Noop Dog INDEED makes it through! Won’t make it too much farther though….maybe Top 24, but that’s it!
Arianna Ayesha Afsar - 16-Year old ‘Adopt-A-Grandfriend’ from San Diego….Nice kid, very likeable, should do well, but not strong enough for Top 12.
Brent Keith- Another contestant with past experience who I said would make the Top 36! Top 24…..all bets are off after that!
Casey Carlson – I said EARLY on I really like this girl….and ‘ya gotta love her ‘Campus Girls’ Bikini Calendar!! TOP 24……dark-horse for TOP 12!
Danny Gokey – Wow…..I just CANNOT like this guy!! Paula loves him….maybe she’s sleeping with him!? :-0 Anyway….TOP 24…..another dark-horse for the TOP 12!
Jackie Tohn – Annoying personality, will get on America’s nerves!! TOP 24…..dare I say it….possibly TOP 12!!

Jasmine Murray—Very pretty 16-year old girl who I said she was a lock to make it through Hollywood! TOP 12!!
Jeanine Vailes— Who and where the hell did this girl come from?? I have nothing to say…never have even seen her perform?!
Jessica Langseth— I’m sorry….but this girl over Frankie Jordan!!?? Not on her BEST day!! No way! Frankie, ‘ya should be here babe, not Jessica!
Joanna Pacitti – Girl with all the past experience and record labels, which many expect to challenge for the AI 8 Title, and she was IN….then booted OUT of the competition for having an affair with someone at 19 Productions, a Fox affiliate associated with the show. Bye-Bye Pacetti! Read more about our Philly girl here: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/pacitti_disqualified_idol.html
Jorge Nunez – Spanish singing kid from San Juan…..still surprised that he’s on this list….but won’t be for long!
Junot Joyner— I’m not sold on this kid! Not a serious contender IMHO….
Kai Kalama—I said he was a LOCK for the TOP 24 early on….I still believe it…..TOP 12….maybe?!
Kendall Beard— Bubbly 23-year old blonde from TX who I said to WATCH OUT for early on, but....NOT TOP 12 after seeing her in Hollywood! TOP 24—YES!
Kristen McNamara— Put In by judges after the sing-off with Jenn Korbee….Hmmmmm……deep down, this girl has REAL talent, WORST-DRESSED for sure, but has talent! Personally…I would have been just as happy seeing Jenn Korbee move on. TOP 24….not too much farther!
Kris Allen—Kid from Arkansas who didn’t get a lot of face time, but had a nice voice in his audition….not sure how far he’ll go….he’s a mystery!

Lil Rounds – 23-Year old Memphis mom who I think, if you were placing bets in Vegas…..is the FRONT-RUNNER to win it all!! TOP 12….and possibly the AI SEASON 8 WINNER!!!!
Matt Breitzke- Didn’t have any confidence in this kid, too karaoke-like…..surprised he’s on the list. He was picked with Michael Sarver in the sing-off at the very end of the last show…he’s a nice guy, but will NOT last long!
Matt Giraud—Dueling Piano Player from Kalamazoo, MI who Simon said sounded like Elliott Yamin from AI Season 5. I said he was a lock to make it through Hollywood and to watch once he goy behind the piano!!! He did not let me down!! TOP 12 and possibly MUCH FARTHER!
Megan Corkrey –Young, divorced mom with the sassy, jazzy Broadway-type voice--who I said was a lock for the Top 36, maybe Top 24! Still believe it! TOP 12!!

Michael Sarver– The ‘Mystery Michael’ who makes it through like Matt Breitzke….but….he’ll go farther than Breitzke will!! Has to be the most polite contestant ever on AI….great guy who I hope goes far….TOP 24 for sure….another dark-horse for TOP 12!!
Mishavonna Henson—I’m not very impressed here, and don’t think she’s a very serious contestant.
Nathanial Marshall – The ‘Mystery Nate’ who made it through in a sing-off against Jackie Midkiff (WHO??!!)…Nate is the Drama King for guys and will not go very far……unless he learns to compose himself!
Nick Mitchell— Told you, told you, told you he’d surprise all and make it! He’s in….but unless he stays serious, for how long??
Ricky Braddy— WHO????? I know NOTHING about this kid! Jury is out on him….
Scott MacIntyre – As long as he’s behind the piano, he’ll be OK….TOP 24….and the sympathy vote comes through BIG and….YES>..gets him to the TOP 12!!
Stephen Fowler—I’m not a big fan of this kid….don’t think he’ll last long, possible TOP 24, but not sure he’ll even make it that far!
Stevie ‘Nick’s Wright – Named after Stevie Nicks. Super sweet girl with a great personality! I really like this girl! TOP 12!!!
Taylor Vaifanua—The BIG 5’11” girl who’s 16 going on 26…..I said she’d make it through Hollywood….TOP 24…all bets are off after that!
Tatiana Del Toro—Another BIG surprise here! Sooooo annoying, but wont make it past the TOP 24, if she even makes it that far!!!!
Von Smith – Odd kid, but he does have some pipes! I said he was one to watch from the auditions, and if he can ever just SING and NOT SCREAM, he could go deep! TOP 24….dark-horse for TOP 12!!

EDDIE’s ‘Who Should have Been Here’ LIST…..and ONE that WILL BE…

Felicia Barton—Bar Singer/Mom from the Louisville auditions who I had as my ‘dark horse’ candidate to crack the TOP 24! SHE WILL….SHE’s IN as a replacement for Joanna Pacitti!!!! Woo-Hoo! J
Frankie Jordan—Stay at home 23-yr old mom who sings and looks like Amy Winehouse….had here as a LOCK for my Top 24! Bummer!!!!! L
Cody Shelton—This kid really got hosed! He should be here!!
Jenn Korbee—Could very easily have made it over a half dozen others…..think it was a big mistake not putting her through!


Well…..there’s my thoughts…for now anyway! You’ll notice I have 9 listed as ‘sure-bets’ for the TOP 12 and have several others as ‘dark-horses’ to make up the final 3 spots! I’ll reserve the right to change/revise my list after we see all 36 perform, which will be done in groups of 12 over the next 3 weeks. After we’ve seen all 36 perform, from which it sounds mathematically at least, that 4 contestants will be booted OFF in each of the next three weeks….then….we’ll get down to the TOP 24!!

So tell me….who do you think should have made the TOP 36 that did NOT? And….who made the TOP 36 that you think should NOT have made it through? Let me know your thoughts! I’d also really like to see everyone else’s ‘TOP 12’ predictions, come on, go out on a limb and be a little gutsy & brave here!!

Until the 1st Group of 12 performs on Tuesday night….and after what I hope was a very HAPPY VALENTINE’S WEEKEND FOR ALL….it’s Eddie Idol….OUT!!

Note: comments in RED are from Kim.

After Day 4 in Hollywood, we’re down from 72 to 54! And it’s looking more and more like the TOP 36 Spoiler List I released a few weeks ago is pretty accurate, and after tonight’s final 18 are cut, we’ll know the list for sure! EXCITING STUFF!!!!
For the 54 contestants who made it through to tonight’s FINAL CUT…… to be done in a more plush setting for the judges and contestants…..some random thoughts on the many contestants that received face time last night, for which I was pleased to see, some for the very FIRST time…….

Lil Rounds – Still the ‘front-runner’ IMHO! This lady has a great voice!!

Anoop Desai – May be in the Top 36, but won’t last long at all!

Nathanial Marshall- DISTURBED with this kid after DISTURBIA performance! Don’t let the door hit you too hard on the way out Nate!

Jasmine Murray—TON of talent and of all the younger 16-17 year olds, she may be the BEST! Worse-case scenario she ends up singing in a Disney show at some point!

Stephen Fowler—Didn’t just forget the words once, but TWICE!!?? Hard to believe he’ll be in the Top 36 as presumed. I’m very skeptical. If he is, he won’t go far!

Jorge Nunez – Needs to be sent home to San Juan! Supposedly makes it through tonight….we’ll see!!

Nick Mitchell…aka Norman Gentle…..I said it before, and I’ll say it again….something tells me he’s going to be a surprise addition to the Top 36….but I sure as heck hope not!! He’ll take the show’s credibility way down!

Jamar Rogers—Danny Gokey’s friend….enough said….that’s the ONLY reason he’s still here. After tonight, bye-bye!!

Danny Gokey – Still think mush-mouth here sounds like Taylor Hicks (Boy Eddie, it must've hurt just to type his name ... LOL!), and a guy singing Lee Ann Womack’s ‘I Hope You Dance’ just didn’t cut it! He’ll be in the TOP 36, but not sure how much deeper he’ll go, maybe TOP 24, but not TOP 12!

Katrina Darrell- Bikini Girl…..I know she didn’t make it to last night’s show, but keep an eye on the news-stands, word is out that she’ll pose for PLAYBOY in the coming months! (Bet you can't wait!)

Jeremy Michael Sarver—I think he’s Top 36 material and after tonight, we’ll find out that he’s the ‘Mystery Michael’ in the TOP 36, at least I hope we do!

Casey Carlson—OK….so she forgot the words to Kimmy’s fav song ‘Tattoo’…..but the ORIGINAL ‘Bikini Girl’ will make it through and be a focus for at least a few weeks for ratings and to keep all the guys watching! :-0 (I hate that stupid song!)

Adam Lambert—Cher song (no, that's not gay at all)?? Weird…..was OK….but a bit too ‘wicked girlish’ for me! This kid has serious talent though, but it may also hurt him that he’s trying a bit too hard to be another David Cook!

Matt Giraud—Dueling Piano Player who I said early on to watch once he got behind the piano!!! AWESOME!!! TOP 12 for me….we’ll see!?

Scotty MacIntyre – The blind contestant who is a great piano player….but not a very good singer! Risky song choice with the David Cook song, but he’s in and will be a force in the competition for weeks to come.Kendall Beard— She’s pretty and has the outgoing personality, likeable…but not sure she’ll be there a few weeks from now!? (I hope Ryan didn't try to Hi-5 him again ..)

Stevie ‘Nicks’ Wright – Nailed the Colbie Colleit ‘Bubbly’ song, which suits her ‘bubbly’ personality! I REALLY like this girl!

Kristen McNamara— Based on what this girl’s put up with (remember last week’s drama with Red-Haired witch Nancy?!), she deserves to go through! You can tell this girl has some real talent!

Mishavonna Henson— First time I’ve ever seen this contestant perform! Seems to have a good voice and worthy of TOP 36!

Tatiana Del Toro— Drama Queen Central!!! I hope the ‘leaked list’ was wrong and she does NOT make it through tonight….but she probably will, just to annoy us all each and every week she moves on! (Oh yeah, you know the producers are all over getting her into the AI Fight Club, I mean, house!)

Alexis Grace—Originally, I did not think this girl was even good enough to get through Hollywood, but she’s grown on me! I really like her…a lot!

Kenny Hoofpauer—Local 16-year old kid from Havertown, PA who I think has enough talent to sneak into the TOP 36, but likely will not! (Ok, um, seriously, is that his REAL name?)

Joanna Pacitti – She may have a ton of experience, but she better get the nerves under control! Her final performance last night was bad! Thought she might need oxygen just to make it through the song! UGH!!!

Ann Marie Boskovich—Did the Lee Ann Womack ‘Hope You Dance’ song too…..NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN ABOUT!! She nailed it! This girl will go far! Very talented….TOP 12??!!

Junot Joyner—Another contestant I’ve seen for the very first time, and he tried to do one of my most hated songs, ‘Delilah’……..it was just OK, not great! TOP 36 presumably, but not in Eddie’s eyes!

Kai Kalama—The kid’s voice has taken a beating and he sounded rough! But, like Syesha did last year, I think he’ll make it through tonight and do well in the coming weeks.

FAST-FACTS:
We weren’t told last night, but they had the 4 rooms split to 18 contestants each, so….do the math…one room was eliminated, hence the 54 left from the final 3 rooms for tonight! Never knew my math skills would come into play here!

So…..what does everyone else think??? Who do you think deserves to be in the TOP 36? Let Kimmy and I know, and be sure to tune in after tonight’s show to see my predictions of how far those that make it thru tonight will go, and who I think will make up the TOP 12…..and I may even go out on a limb and pick who I think will be in the FINAL 4 and TOP 2......dare Eddie to even pick the overall AI Season 8 Winner!!!???? We’ll see after tonight….until then…..Eddie Idol….OUT!!

For those awaiting my report from last Wednesday’s AI show….. otherwise known as the GROUP NIGHT, I haven’t written because I have very little to say on it. As I stated before…when contestants are paired with their peers in groups to perform, or forced to search for a group on their own, I think it eliminates some talented individuals, but…. it also exposes some real personality conflicts. That was obvious this year more than ever as it was DRAMA CENTRAL with many of the groups, and some very UGLY personalities emerged that night, along with some very forgettable and pitiful overall group performances! It was not one of AI’s better shows to watch IMHO!

BOTTOM LINE: From the ‘groups’ of 104 singers in last Wednesday night's performance, 75 contestants advanced to the next round this Tuesday night, where we will watch the FINAL individual performances in Hollywood! Contestants will now be able to use their instruments, and also have the AI backup band for support, or choose not to have them, which some contestants have done in the past, albeit a risky choice in doing so.

You should be watching this show very carefully, as I will be doing, for those who you think should make it through Hollywood’s Hell Week this season! Then, on Wednesday night, Feb 11th, we’ll FINALLY find out which of the 75 contestants DO make it through Hollywood and make up for the first time ever, AI’s TOP 36! Let’s see if it matches the ‘Spoiler List’ that was leaked out last week.

As always….let Kimmy and I know your thoughts! More to come from Eddie on Wednesday after Hollywood Hell Week’s FINAL performances tomorrow night!! Until then…Eddie Idol….OUT!!

For those awaiting my report from last Wednesday’s AI show….. otherwise known as the GROUP NIGHT, I haven’t written because I have very little to say on it. As I stated before…when contestants are paired with their peers in groups to perform, or forced to search for a group on their own, I think it eliminates some talented individuals, but…. it also exposes some real personality conflicts. That was obvious this year more than ever as it was DRAMA CENTRAL with many of the groups, and some very UGLY personalities emerged that night, along with some very forgettable and pitiful overall group performances! It was not one of AI’s better shows to watch IMHO!

BOTTOM LINE: From the ‘groups’ of 104 singers in last Wednesday night's performance, 75 contestants advanced to the next round this Tuesday night, where we will watch the FINAL individual performances in Hollywood! Contestants will now be able to use their instruments, and also have the AI backup band for support, or choose not to have them, which some contestants have done in the past, albeit a risky choice in doing so.

You should be watching this show very carefully, as I will be doing, for those who you think should make it through Hollywood’s Hell Week this season! Then, on Wednesday night, Feb 11th, we’ll FINALLY find out which of the 75 contestants DO make it through Hollywood and make up for the first time ever, AI’s TOP 36! Let’s see if it matches the ‘Spoiler List’ that was leaked out last week.

As always….let Kimmy and I know your thoughts! More to come from Eddie on Wednesday after Hollywood Hell Week’s FINAL performances tomorrow night!! Until then…Eddie Idol….OUT!!

So….despite the ‘Spoiler Leak’ I released yesterday on the ‘presumed’ TOP 36, I was still really looking forward to Hollywood Hell Week, Day #1 and Day #2, for the 147 contestants who made the trek out to the Kodak Theatre. Personally though, I thought last night’s show was pretty weak, and should have been a two-hour show, just as tonight’s show should be!
Anyway….for the 104 contestants who made it through Round #1…….of whom we saw less than one-fourth of, here’s some thoughts…….

Lil Rounds – OK…..so tell me she’s NOT being featured as the front-runner so far??!! And rightfully so, she’s got an awesome voice, and nailed the Whitney Houston song!Anoop Desai – Sang last night and sounded great! Maybe he will surprise me and go much farther than I originally thought!

Dennis Brigham –If I was Simon, I’d have taken this kid out back and slapped him around a little to shut him up! JERK!

Nathanial Marshall- If the kid could just control his emotions! Sings great, but he’s gotta get himself under control.

Jasmine Murray— The pretty 16-year old has a TON of talent and is sooooo composed! She’s going to be a force in this competition!

Rose Flack—Maybe the TOP 36 list was wrong and just missed her?? I know her confidence was way down in Hollywood, but I thought she sounded GREAT putting her own spin on Otis Redding’s ‘Dock of The Bay’. You go girl!

*Stephen Fowler—Never seen him in auditions, so this was my first take on him. Agreed with the judges, he sounded pretty good doing the Stevie Wonder song!

Jorge Nunez – Spanish singing kid who certainly sounded better than he did in auditions in San Juan!

Von Smith – This kid should be kissing the judges butts for putting him through to the next round! But….can he just sing without sounding like he’s screaming and shouting at someone!?

Nick Mitchell…aka Norman Gentle…..Something tells me he’s going to be a surprise addition to the Top 36! If he ever gets serious….as Paula commented, he CAN actually sing pretty well!

Jackie Tohn – Where was the guitar??? And sorry….but she’s still annoying….and reminds me of the motorcycle/nurse chick from last year, Amanda Overmyer, who I never really cared for. Think she’ll get on America’s nerves real quick!

Jamar Rogers—Danny Gokey’s friend…..who doesn’t really deserve to go through, but he does…..and hopefully will be gone after the next round tonight!

Danny Gokey – The guy has some talent, but after last night’s show, I now know his ‘dark side’ I referred to earlier….he sounds like Taylor Hicks, AI winner from Season 5 (Kim: and the bane of Eddie's existence!!) …..enough said!!

Katrina Darrell- Bikini Girl gets through to the next round, thanks to Simon and Randy! Sang ok…..and yes…everyone would OBVIOUSLY sound better with music around them!

WTFWTA Simon!!?? But….she looks much better in the bikini…but still not as good as Carly! :-0

Jeremy Michael Sarver—Who I believe is the ‘Mystery Michael’ who makes it through Hollywood! He’s the roughneck, family guy who works on an oil rig — and is the perfect Idol success story. Sang well! I think he’s Top 36 material! We’ll see…..

Emily Wynn-Hughes--There’s my pink-haired rocker babe! But…what was she thinking doing a ‘No Doubt’ song that she didn’t even rehearse!? She’s LUCKY to be going to the next round!! No wonder she’s NOT in the Top 36…..she’s not real smart!! Geez….listen to the coaches Emily!!

GUY NOTE: Casey Carlson—OK….so she didn’t sing last night, but did I mention she makes ‘Bikini Girl’ Katrina look bad!? See for yourself, just check out her photo shoot for Campus Girls USA Calendar…..here’s the link…. http://campusgirlsusa.com/thumbs09.php?gid=25

FAST-FACTS: My favorite word that only Simon uses to describe contestants performances……INDULGENT!!

Tonight, it’ll be Night #2, Days #3 and #4 from Hollywood Hell Week, and we will all once again get rushed through another one hour AI show that should be longer! Wonder how many of the 104 contestants we’ll see tonight?? Probably many more, since it’s Group Round, where contestants are paired with their peers in Groups to perform, something that I think eliminates some potentially great talent, because your fate is not your own, but lies in the hands of others performing around you.
Again….while you’re watching all the performances in Hollywood tonight, watch for those who you think should have made it (assuming the leaked Top 36 list is accurate) that don’t? And….who supposedly made the Top 36 that you think should NOT have?
Let me know your thoughts……more to come tomorrow after Hollywood Hell Week continues tonight!! Until then…Eddie Idol….OUT!!

(Kim: Eddie, I get the feeling these hour-long shows are bothering you!)

OK American Idol fans.……it’s SPOILER TIME!!!!!
Don’t read too far down if you want to be surprised next week, when the Top 36 for Season 8 is officially revealed on AI”s Wednesday, Feb. 11 th broadcast!

But FIRST……I must issue a disclaimer: This is by no means an OFFICIAL TOP 36 LIST , and should be taken with some caution. However….it comes from a list of TOP 36 contestants that was posted last Friday on “Idol” fan site http://www.votefortheworst.com/ and corroborated by JoesPlace, a blogger and message board contributor who has leaked similar, and very accurate, information in past seasons. So….take it for what it’s worth, although if NOT accurate, don’t blame Eddie!
I’ll add my ‘Obviously Missing’ contestants, who I thought would surely make it through Hollywood Hell Week and be in the TOP 36, at the end!!

WARNING!!! TURN AWAY NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THE ‘PRESUMED’ AMERCAN IDOL SEASON 8 TOP 36 REVEALED!!!



NOTE: Comments are Eddie Idol’s here!
* N/S--- Not Seen in the Auditions, so I will reserve judgment until after I see all performances in Hollywood !

Adam Lambert— Picked this kid to go far! He did Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and put his own spin on it. One of the few GOOD ones from San Fran auditions!

* Alexander Wagner-Trugman—N/S

Alexis Grace— Did not think this girl was even good enough to get through the Louisville …let alone Hollywood !!??

*Allison Iraheta—N/S

Ann Marie Boskovich— The BEST from Jacksonville ’s auditions who I said would go DEEP in the competition, possibly Top 12!

Anoop Desai - Noop Dog makes it through! Won’t make it too much farther though. (Aaawww .. Kim's pulling for Noop Dog!)

Arianna Ayesha Afsar - 16-Year old ‘Adopt-A-Grandfriend’ from Dan Diego….Nice kid, very likeable, should do well!

Brent Keith- Another contestant with past experience who I said would make the Top 36! Nashville Star 2 former contestant and on CMT’s website.

Casey Carlson – I said EARLY on I really like this girl….and forget the 1st Bikini Girl... Check this out ! http://campusgirlsusa.com/thumbs09.php?gid=25

Danny Gokey – This is the guy whose wife died just before he auditioned in K City. Good voice….but still think he has a dark side!

Jackie Tohn – Annoying personality, but I bet she’s way better on stage now that she’ll have her guitar with her! Looking forward to seeing her!

Jasmine Murray— Very pretty 16-year old girl from the Jacksonville auditions with tons of support from mom and all her sisters! I said she was a lock to make it through Hollywood!

*Jeanine Vailes—N/S

* Jessica Langseth—N/S

Joanna Pacitti – Girl with all the past experience and record labels, which could help or hurt her! I gave her the most glowing write-up of anyone when she sang in Louisville, KY ….so I certainly expect her to challenge for the AI 8 Title! Plus….she’s a Philly girl!

J Jorge Nunez – Spanish singing kid from San Juan …..quite surprised that he’s on this list!

* Junot Joyner—N/S

Kai Kalama— The kid who takes care of the sick mom at home. I said he was a LOCK for the Top 24 early on….watch this kid go deep in the competition!

Kendall Beard— Pretty 23-year old blonde from Austin, TX . I said to WATCH OUT for this girl, and that she’d go deep in the competition, Top 12!?

* Kristen McNamara—N/S

Kris Allen— Kid from Arkansas who didn’t get a lot of face time, but had a nice voice in his audition doing ‘A Song For You’.

Lil Rounds – 23-Year old Memphis mom whose house was destroyed by the tornado. Was the BEST of the first two days of auditions!

Matt Breitzke- Didn’t have any confidence in this kid, too karaoke-like…..surprised he’s on the list. Kathy will be smiling when she sees his name!

Matt Giraud— Dueling Piano Player from Kalamazoo, MI, who Simon said sounded like Elliott Yamin from AI Season 5. I said he was a lock to make it through Hollywood! Watch this kid once he gets behind the piano!!!

Megan Corkrey – Young, divorced mom with lots of support! Sassy, jazzy Broadway voice who I said was a lock for the Top 36, maybe Top 24!

Michael – no last name was given. Could be Michael Castro (Jason's brother), Michael Sarver, Michael Tristan, or Michael Bartul??? Suspense here!

* Mishavonna Henson—N/S

* Nate McGee –N/S*

Nick Western—N/S (Tell me that this couldn’t POSSIBLY be NICK MITCHELL…..Mr. Amazing Grace from NY City audition??!! UGH !!)

* Ricky Braddy—N/S

Scott MacIntyre – Blind guy who plays the piano…..watch him!!! Once he gets behind the piano, look out!!!! Watch him win it all!!

*Stephen Fowler—N/S

Stevie Wright – Named after Stevie Nicks. Super sweet girl with a great personality!

Taylor Vaifanua— The BIG 5’11” girl who’s 16 going on 26…..I said she’d make it through Hollywood….all bets are off after that!

Tatiana Del Toro— Another surprise here! She’ll get through on her looks for a bit, but wont make it past the Top 24!

Von Smith – Odd duck but the kid has some pipes! I said he was one to watch from the K City auditions!

EDDIE’s ‘OBVIOUSLY MISSING’ LIST:

Emily Wynn-Hughes --Where’s my pink-haired rocker babe with all the piercings and tattoos? I really liked her and thought she’d do really well!

Asa Barnes – Middle school Band Director who nailed the MJ song on Day #2 in K City!

Leneshe Young— 18 year old girl who grew up homeless, supposedly wrote the song ‘Natty’ that she sang. Thought she was a lock to move on!

Felicia Barton —Bar Singer/Mom from the Louisville auditions who I had as my ‘dark horse’ candidate to crack the Top 24!

TK Hash —Repeat contestant from prior year….wasn’t totally sold on him or crazy about him….but….thought he’d sneak into the Top 36!

David Osmond —An OSMOND doesn’t make it through Hollywood ?? Shocker for sure….thought Fox would push him through just for the ratings!

Frankie Jordan —Stay at home 23-yr old mom who sings and looks like Amy Winehouse….had here as a LOCK for my Top 24! Bummer!!!!!

Rose Flack— Say what???!!! I thought she was the BEST from Salt Lake City auditions, along with Frankie Jordan. I can only assume either her young age (17) or her hippie look must have caught up with her in Hollywood . I had her going DEEP in the competition!! SHOCKED!!!!! :-O

Kenny Hoofpauer— Local 16-yaer old kid from Havertown , PA who I was really hoping would make it through Hollywood . Oh well!

Welcome To Hollywood!! Night # 1 in Hollywood is upon us! While you’re watching all the performances in Hollywood , watch for those who you think should have made it (assuming this list is accurate) that don’t? And….who made the Top 36 that you think should NOT have? Let me know your thoughts……..After The Breakl!! Eddie Idol….OUT!!


Wow Eddie, that was quite a thorough list! Thanks for all your input. Now kiddies, hit the comments and late Eddie know what you think -- who were your faves and who do you disagree with! -- Kim

As I expected….AI’s last night of auditions switching between NYC and San Juan was just too rushed! We didn’t get to see even one-third of all those ticketed to Hollywood! Unlike the last few auditions, looks like NYC had a ton of talent, handing out 26 passes to Hollywood….San Juan only had 9 contestants getting their tickets punched, so they replace San Francisco with the lowest # moving on….thank goodness, how embarrassing would that have been to the city by the bay!?

So….of the 35 moving on last night…….why oh why it wasn’t at least a 90-minute or two hour show is just incredible….here’s Eddie’s thoughts….

· Jorge Nunez….He's got a very good voice, but it's a definite ‘Spanishy’ sound that comes out …he moves on, but I wasn’t impressed! Will NOT make it through Hollywood!

· Melinda Camille…..The girl with a shaved head, who loves to dance naked. This girl's kind of a weirdo.….but I bet my cousin Greg liked her!! ;-0 Surprisingly she does well, and Kara says she’s like a ‘vitamin boost’…..OK….but she’ll not make it through Hollywood!

· Jackie Tohn…..She’s been entertaining for 10 years, says she started in the music business as a little kid with her dad. She sings some Jason Mraz, another over-done artist in AI auditions! Raspy, unique voice that will stand out in Hollywood! Potential dark horse for the Top 36, but will NOT go too deep in the competition!

· Nick Mitchell….AKA Norman Gentle, an effeminate funny guy, who is pretty good at singing ‘Amazing Grace’, but….please….this was a joke putting him through!. Wasting money sending this duck to Hollywood!

OK……FAST FORWARD time for what seems to be some pretty good contestants who received tickets to Hollywood…..

· Ashley Hollister….21 year old from NJ, sounded good….but who knows!!?? Not enough for me to say how good or bad! L

· Kenny Hoofpauer….Gotta love this local kid, a 16 year-old from Havertown, PA who sings Jason Mraz (AGAIN!!) and does sound pretty good. Hope he makes it through Hollywood so the local Fox 29 Station in Philly has someone to follow!

· Kendell Beard…..Very pretty 23 year-old girl from Austin, TX…..sounds really good and looks great….She’s gets 4 yes’s from the judges and is a lock to get through Hollywood and into the Top 36 for sure, and could go much deeper in the competition! Keep an eye on this pretty blonde!

· Monique Garcia Torres….Back to San Juan for the chubby babe with the cute little brother who she drags in front of the judges for support and sympathy! It works…..but she BARELY makes it through, thanks big time to Simon’s deciding vote! But….NOT Top 36 potential….sorry!

· Patricia Lewis Roman….Last audition of the night from San Juan. She gets the benefit, like some others, of doing two songs, one Spanish…and makes it through to Hollywood….NO THANKS to Paula, who emphatically and quickly said NO!? Doubt she has the voice and stage presence though to make it through Hollywood though!

The bottom line….It’s really too bad, that with 35 tickets punched to Hollywood, this wasn’t a longer broadcast! We were all deprived the opportunity to see more talent, and instead, had to put up with all the buffoons that get paraded in front of the cameras!

FAST FACTS: With auditions now officially OVER…..it’s FINALLY time for Hollywood Hell Week…..time to get a bit more serious! There should be at least two or possibly three nights of AI next week in Hollywood before we are all introduced to what, for the FIRST time, will be the TOP 36 contestants!

So…..what next? Well….I’m going to look through my recaps of all the auditions and come up with my BEST candidates for the Top 36 before Hollwood’s first night….and then, after I see all the others that made it to Hollywood, I’ll develop and break it all down further and round out who I feel will move on to challenge for the AI top spot this year! Until then, a great Super Bowl weekend to all….enjoy the great commercials, THE BOSS at half-time….and oh….yeah….the game too……GO STEELERS!!

See ‘ya all next week in Hollywood….’Eddie Idol’…….OUT!!

Okay gang -- let's all give Cheers to Eddie Idol's amazing coverage of the AI Auditions!! Thanks a bunch Eddie!

Another night of AI auditions last night as Idol visited Salt Lake City, home of last years runner-up David Archuleta (and yes Kimmy…I do LOVE saying and typing that!), the Mormon religion, 3% beer, High School Musical, and……The Osmond Family. As with the last few auditions, not a ton of talent at all….only 13 contestants got tickets punched to Hollywood, so San Francisco is still safe with the lowest # at 12.
(Kim's note: Eddie, I'm a little scared for ya, even I didn't know SLC was the home of High School Musical!)
Of the 13 moving on….and as every other show we only got to see a few….here’s my thoughts from the land of shiny, happy people…..
· David Osmond…Another Osmond breaks into the musical spotlight! He’s the son of Allen Osmond, an original Osmond, and one of MANY in the family. He’s also battling MS, as the dad has for the past 21 years! Having NEVER been an Osmond fan, have to feel good about the kid battling MS and trying all this. Thought he was pretty talented, looks good and sounded good, so with the Osmond name behind him, he’s in my Top 24….after all….it’ll equate to RATINGS points for FOX-TV and AI in February thru May! (Boy, Eddie knows his Osmonds!)
· Frankie Jordan…. Stay at home, 23-year old mom, very confident in her singing ability, who sings an Amy Winehouse song, and sounds just like her! This girl is HOT, and even looks like Amy Winehouse, just way more attractive….but let’s hope not as odd as we get to know her better in the coming weeks! I think she could go very deep in the competition….a lock for my Top 24! (Eddie, for the record, saying a girl looks like Amy Winehouse is NEVER considered a compliment!)
· Megan Cokrey…..Another young mom who just went through a divorce, cute girl with lots of support. She’s got a ‘sassy jazzy broadway voice’ that’s quite unique, memorable in a good way I guess. She’ll make it through Hollywood into the Top 36…maybe even Top 24….I’m just not totally sold on her nearly as much as Simon seemed to be.
· Austin Sisneros….A 17-year-old with a minor lisp, who is the senior class president at his school. Sings a very good ‘Train’ song, which I thought he did very well, unlike the judges, though all put him through, even Simon, who I really believe was quite annoyed by this kid. Certainly a nice, motivated HS kid, but think he’ll struggle mightily making it through Hollywood next week!
· Jarrett Burns….Thanks to Fox’s stupid producers, we only see about 5 seconds of this kid! Seems like he has a BIG voice, but sings Eddie’s ‘Least favorite -most hated-way overused’ song ‘Girl Put Your Records On’…..not even sure this kid got a ticket to Hollywood or not!? I’m hoping that after the song choice…..NO!!!
· Taylor Vaifanua….A BIG girl (tall, she’s a 5’11” giant from Samoa) who’s family moved back to Utah so she could get noticed for her singing. Don’t worry, at 5’11”, you can’t miss this chick!! She’s 16, but looks 26, probably because she’s so TALL! She sings a very spiritual/religious song about God, which is odd for auditions, but has a decent voice and all the judges, esp Kara, liked her. Doubt she’ll go far, but she’ll certainly be noticeable in Hollywood next week. Did I mention that she was TALL??!! :-0
· And THE BEST OF THE NIGHT IS…….drum roll please……ROSE FLACK! Final contestant of the night, a hippie-looking, 17-year old chick. Tough life too…..her dad, a hippie, died when she was only 13. Two years after her dad died, her mom died in a car crash. Ouch!! Only immediate family is her brother, who's still around and seems supportive. She currently lives with her best friend and her best friend's family. She's really cute, and quite likable. Simon thinks she looks terrific. She sings "I Feel the Earth Move," by Carole King. Not your typical voice, but memorable, with great tone, and she knows how to sing. If she can get by with the hippie look not being too much of a distraction, think she has the whole package, and she's only 17. She gets four YES’s, and she's going to Hollywood. Top 12 for sure IMHO! Keep an eye on this girl!
The bottom line….Though only 13 were ticketed for Hollywood, I think this audition will be remembered for all the ‘unique and memorable’ voices, and I think several of the chosen few in Utah will go deep in this competition!

FAST FACTS: President Obama provided some solid competition for "American Idol" in the prime-time ratings for the week of Jan. 19-25, but still was trumped by AI. ABC's "Neighborhood Ball," was seen by 12.6 million people, according to Nielsen Media Research. It competed directly against AI. "Idol" won easily, but its Tuesday night audience of 22.8 million was clearly affected by interest in the new president. Television's most popular show rebounded to draw nearly 26 million people the next night!
So…..as if the one hour audition episodes aren’t RUSHED enough, tonight we get to see two city’s auditions get squeezed into 60 minutes. NY City and San Juan, PR, take center-stage tonight Should have been at least a 90-minute show…..but I’ll wait and see what the talent is like and how many get thru to Hollywood before I complain any longer! More of ‘Eddie Idol’ chatter to come tomorrow……..after the last two auditions before Hollywood Hell Week next week……so until tomorrow….’Eddie Idol’…….OUT!

Sorry this is so late everyone -- it's my fault not Eddie's! BTW Eddie, loved your description of Taylor ... but is she tall?

span>

Well….this will be short and sweet….as last night’s AI One-Hour Show with auditions from sunny and warm Jacksonville, FL was filled with many rough auditions, and much like what we heard and witnessed from San Francisco, was a rather forgettable evening. Only 16 contestants got tickets punched to Hollywood, but still better than the LOW of 12 that san Francisco posted.
Of the 16 moving on, and let me say that I don’t think the producers at Fox do the show justice by hurrying through a handful of ticketed contestants….but here’s my thoughts from sunny FL…..
· Joshua Ulloa…who Likes it when people compare him to Justin Guarini ….sang a Marvin Gaye song which I thought wasn’t very good, but was complete with many sound effects (reminded me of Blake Lewis). This kid won’t make it through Hollywood!
(note from Kim: Guarini, by the way, happens to be on CMT's Gone Country 3 this season -- which screams success *sarcasm* -- and Eddie, be nice to Blake!)
· Julissa Veloz…. ‘Miss Latino FL’ …….who sings OK but is very irritating otherwise, esp with her annoying laughter! UGH!! Another one who will not make it past Hollywood Hell Week!
· Sharon Wilbur…..Cute girl who I’m sure many will love because of her adorable little shitzu, Sasha, who sat on Simon’s lap while she sang Karen Carpenter’s “Superstar.” Not crazy about the song pick, but this girl has potential! I can see her making it through Hollywood…..but leave the pooch at home! (Sorry Kimmy! L) (Kim: AI is no place for a pooch!)
· Jasmine Murray….One of the better contestants who is on her way to Hollywood. Hated the Fergie song she did, but she’s 16, very pretty, has plenty of family support from her sister’s and mom, and has the ‘package’ to make it through this competition….keep an eye on this kid, she’s Top 24 potential for sure!
· TK Hash….A repeat AI contestant who auditioned last year, this time supposedly better!? He was truly all over the place (and botched the lyrics too!) on John Lennon’s “Imagine,” but it was good enough to have the judges put him through. I’m not as big a believer, and think he may have the talent to be Top 36 or possibly sneak into the Top 24, but don’t see him as a serious contender for the long haul at all!
· Ann Marie Boskovitch …..BEST OF THE NIGHT! Only thing I wasn’t crazy about were the judges telling her to come back as a ‘different person’….say what??? WEIRD!! But…back to Ann Marie…Very pretty girl with a really nice voice, sang Colbie Caillet’s ‘Bubbly’ , and did it very well….a nice package that will go DEEP in the competition, Top 12 for sure! Keep an eye on this girl!
The bottom line….not nearly the talent we saw in Louisville, but a few diamonds out of all the rough auditions. Other than the contestants singing, or attempting to, the real ‘highlights’ of the night were shots of Randy Jackson slapping his guitar with Journey while “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” plays in the background, and of course….Paula’s fake attempt at kissing Kara…..causing Kara to show a little more cleavage afterwards than she may have wanted to! But….I’m sure all the guys watching the show loved it!! :-0

FAST FACTS: David Cook has his announced his nationwide ‘Declaration Tour’ starting on Feb. 14th and locally will be playing in Carlisle, PA on March 3rd, The Borgata in Atlantic City on March 20th and 21st, and York, PA on March 24th!

OK…..tonight we head west to Salt Lake City, UT……home of last year’s runner-up David Archuleta! More ‘Eddie Idol’ chatter to come tomorrow……..after the break!


Kim: Boy Eddie, you just loved writing "last year's runner-up David Archuleta", didn't you! Sorry, couldn't resist!

Ok, so after being a blogging fool last Friday, I thought I deserved yesterday off. Sorry, I just wasn't inspired ... except for 24. Hope y'all remembered to watch another action-packed episode last night. But WTH, if you didn't, thanks to the miracle of the internet, you can watch it here or just take a few minutes to read Fox's awesome episode recap http://www.fox.com/24/


On to Tuesday night: Fox kicks off American Idol Final Auditions Week tonight at 8 pm. Yes, it's another hour devoid of trainwrecks! Have I mentioned how disappointed I am in Fox's decision to show less bad auditions and more good ones? It's totally ruined one of my fave guilty pleasures! And I told them so ...
I'm on an email list for Fox's survey panel and got a survey last week about AI and my viewing habits. So I let them have it, complaining about the lack of lame auditions! Anyway, if you, like Eddie Idol, are in it for the serious contenders, there will be more "final" auditions on Wednesday and Thursday nights, both at 8 pm.
For more on AI visit http://www.americanidol.com/

Following AI is another new episode of Fringe at 9. Yeah, I forgot to watch this last week and I'm not too hopeful for tonight either. But if you are, a serial killer is turning victims' brains into liquid across the country, and the case has a special urgency for Olivia.
For more on Fringe, visit http://www.fox.com/fringe/

Those raunchy Real Housewives of Orange County hit the road on Bravo tonight at 10. Jeana and Vicki are visiting Chicago. That should be interesting, since Jeana and Vicki haven't been getting along all season. For more on the OC Wives visit http://www.bravotv.com/Real_Housewives/season/3/

Nip/Tuck returns on F/X tonight after being MIA last week. I have to say, not excited so far this season ... anyway, Julia is back and Sean's trying to reconcile his feelings for her ... WHERE, OH WHERE, is the CARVER??? Come back, this show desparately needs you! For more on Nip/Tuck visit http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/niptuck/


Ted Allen and The Food Network's newest reality competition Chopped has an all new episode at 10. Sorry, haven't been able to remember to watch this one yet ... even though I blogged about it and was interested. I guess I'm still yawning over Ted's last show Food Detectives. Don't get me wrong, I really like Ted, but I don't think he's capativating enough to anchor his own show ...
For more on Chopped visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/chopped/index.html


My pick for the 10 p.m. time slot tonight is over on TLC. Toddlers & Tiaras debuts tonight and, boy do I love watching over-the-top conceited Moms dress up their toddlers like Miss America hopefuls for these extravagant pageants!
Who are these people, who sometimes forego feeding the rest of the family just to buy that one-of-a-kind child-sized sequin evening gown (to be worn only once, mind you), for that coveted crown?
I don't know which I like better, the screaming kids getting spray-tanned, their overzealous mothers or the ambiguously gay pageant coaches who help them achieve their dreams! All I know is I'll be there watching with a big bowl of popcorn!
For more info visit http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/toddlers-tiaras/about-toddlers-and-tiaras.html

And the really big news, according to Entertainment Weekly, is that Dr. Doug Ross is back!!! Oh yeah, baby, George Clooney's long-rumored return to ER is apparently happening, and he's taping his part this week, and here's the photos to prove it.

ER ends its run during sweeps in May and apparently is lining up many former players for the finale. Along with Clooney, expect to see Noah Wylie, Eric LaSalle and Julianna Marguilies. Now I just might have to tune in for that!

OK….so I’m a day late with my recap on Wednesday night’s AI auditions from Louisville, but not for lack of the talent level that city came up with! Churchill Downs, already known for big horses, big bets and even bigger hats, will also be known for a few big voices after Wednesday night’s show!! 19 Contestants got tickets punched to Hollywood…..and I believe there may have been more potential possibilities for the TOP 24 (heck….Top 12 and maybe the Final 4!!!!) from this audition than any other so far!

Of the 19 moving on, and again not all were given much face time, here’s Eddie’s thoughts…..
****Joanna Pacitti….BEST YET! This beautiful brunette could win it all, if she doesn’t suffer from lack of votes from folks who will hold it against her that she’s had past albums on several record labels, and quite a resume of industry past-experience! In doing some checking, here’s the skinny on her… Not only was she with A&M Records, as Kara pointed out, but Geffen records also released an album by her.
The soundtracks of “Legally Blonde,” “Bratz,” “First Daughter” and “Nancy Drew” all sported singles by her, and she was featured in an MTV show called “First Year.” What Pacitti is best known for though, drum roll please…….is her famous rise and fall from fame at age 11 when she won the lead role in the 20th anniversary production of “Annie,” only to be replaced by her understudy two weeks before the show’s Broadway debut! How ‘bout them apples! All in all….this girl is very talented and can sing!!!

(Note from Kim: Damn Eddie -- you really know your sh-t! Now watch CMT's Gone Country 3 and give us the scoop!)

· Brent Keith Smith….another contestant with past experience! He’s a former contestant from Nashville Star 2, had a song on the “Dale” soundtrack (a movie about Nascar legend Dale Earnhardt…glad I missed that one!! Kim: actually it was pretty good) and is a featured artist on the CMT’s website! First contestant that I’ve known who did a ‘Bad Company’ song very well! Good looking kid with a very strong voice! Lock for The Top 24…or Top 36…..at least so I’ve been told that it will be expanded to TOP 36 this year…so Ray was right…which only means more contestants will just have to be kicked off the shows each week!
· Matt Giraud….Sense a pattern developing here??!! Another one who actually has two albums of his own out there, too! Dueling piano player (if you’ve never been to a place with dueling piano players….do it!! It’s a riot!!) from Kalamazoo, MI who Simon said sounded like Elliott Yamin from AI Season 5….I know Ray’s smiling now!! Lock to move through Hollywood Hell Week!
· Alexis Grace…..Supposedly singing since she was two, she sings Aretha Franklin's "Dr. Feelgood," and Simon wasn't impressed. I wasn’t either….but the others put her through and tell her to work on her ‘stage presence’…..whatever! Welcome to Hollywood, but she won’t make it any farther! Take the Elevator of Shame baby!!

Some of the MORE talented contestants who, like in San Fran, did not get a lot of face time but looked and sounded really good for the little bit they were on screen…..these three stood out:
Kris Allen…..Kid from AR who performed ‘A Song for You’…..nice voice!
Ryan Johnson…..Railroad worker from Cincinnati, OH….like him…..so much that I forgot what the hell he even sang!? :-0
Felicia Barton….buxom brunette, bar singer/mom who did my least favorite and most overused AI track ‘Put Your Records On’, but did it probably the BEST I’ve heard from someone…..Possible Top 24 candidate here and my dark-horse (no pun intended) from the Churchill Downs auditions!
And The Sympathy Vote of The Night Goes to…… Leneshe Young, tough life for this 18-year old girl who grew up poor and homeless, in and out of shelters, but her mom is behind her 150%! Yeah for mom!! She sings a tune she says she actually wrote called "Natty," and it's pretty good. Simon loves it and eyes her like she's the next coming of Beyonce’! Kara praises her for doing her own thing….yeah…OK….Anyway, Leneshe's on her way to Hollywood, and I’m sure she’s a lock for the Top 24 (screw the Top 36…I’m trained already like Pavlov’s dog to think ‘Top 24’!) or even farther!

Idol Random Thoughts….Given that Idol is supposed to be all about giving everyday people like you and me a unique chance to be discovered, I’m not sure how I feel about them putting through someone, like Joanna , who’s already had several real shots at fame. Same could be said last year though with David Cook, Carly Smithson, Brooke and a few others who had past albums and records. But….there’s no denying that Joanna, Brent and Matt are all good enough for this competition and now that they are in it, all the Idol hopefuls should beware!

Interesting FACTS: Contestant Mark Mudd, who I’m sure we’ll see someday on the Post Office Wall’s ’10 Most Wanted" List, had his great-great-whatever-grandfather who was Samuel Mudd, the doctor who fixed (and later served in prison!) John Wilkes Booth's broken leg after he shot Lincoln and jumped off the balcony. Hence the saying…’Your name Is Mud(d)’!!

(Kim: Wow Eddie, you've really upped the ante! And bonus on the Mudd facts!)

Sooooo…..Louisville’s deep talent pool more than made up for all the loonies and losers in San Francisco….and next Tuesday it’s off to Jacksonville, FL. Until Tuesday’s auditions….. and Wednesday’s….and then Thursday’s….3 Nights of AI, can we all handle it!?.....Cheers and a great weekend to all…..Eddie Idol……OUT!

Last night’s AI One-Hour Show (thank God it was only an hour!!) with auditions from San Francisco could easily have been called the ‘Gong Show’ or ‘AI’s By the Bay Freak Show’! It truly was one of the most disappointing auditions ever, and the talent level from that city was just terrible! Only a dozen folks (Yes….ONLY 12 from the city by the bay….and most of them were folks from Southern CA!!) got tickets punched…..guess that’s why Simon was sooooo crabby and feuding with Kara all night long, I’m sure all a stage show?!
Of the 12 moving on, I don’t think AI even did the show justice by showing us who the ‘best’ of those were, but from what was shown…..here’s my thoughts…..
· Tatiana Del Toro….Good looking, model type who has a laugh as scary as a hyena! She’s NOT AI material IMHO…..but nonetheless she’s moving on. No way she gets to the Top 24….mark it down!
· Jesus’ Valenzuela….No relation to Dodgers Fernando….but please….this kid would not have been going if not for his CKWS (cute kids with signs) coming in to the audition to show support, make the judges get out the sympathy vote, and bail his butt out! Another ‘loser’ who will not make it past Hollywood Hell Week!
· Annie Murdoch….Not to be confused with Annie Lennox, but she did look as stoned as Annie often does….another loser from the Bay area, and one that didn’t deserve the face time that others who got ticketed to Hollywood should have received!
· Adam Lambert….One of the better contestants who is on his way to Hollywood. Putting his own spin on Queens ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, thought he sounded great….keep an eye on this kid, he’s Top 24 potential for sure!
· Kai Kalama….Promoted this kids story all night long….takes care of his sick mom at home, so like Danny Gokey last week, get out the sympathy vote for this kid, except in this case, I really like the kid and think he’s genuine and has tremendous love for his mom! Better yet, he’s VERY talented, one of the BEST so far through the first three audition episodes, and a lock for the Top 24!!
Two contestants who did not get a lot of screen time (SHOULD HAVE!!) but looked and sounded pretty good…..
· Raquel Houghton…..Very pretty and had a nice voice, sang ‘Son of a Preacher Man’….a nice package that could move her through Hollywood, my dark-horse from San Fran! Keep an eye on this girl!
· John Twiford….Good looking, 27-year old music teacher from CA….kid looks good and sounds good, and should have replaced one of the bozos who received more face time! Possible Top 24 candidate!
Bottom line….no Katherine McPhee’s for me to pick out from last nights contestants…but it was good to see Kara stand up to Simon and call him on his rudeness and irritability last night! Their relationship will be something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
FAST FACTS: The ratings for Tuesday's "American Idol" took a hit thanks to live coverage of the many inaugural balls going on and being shown in some TV markets, yet the singing competition still came out on top. "Idol" averaged 22.4 million total viewers, easily besting the 12.6 million during the 8 p.m. hour for ABC's "Neighborhood Inaugural Ball," according to early data from Nielsen Media Research, but I’m also sure that many people probably DVR’d it as well.

OK…..I’m leaving my heart and all the loonies in San Fran….and tonight it’s off to Churchill Downs and Louisville, KY……a great place to hopefully have more winners than losers! Until tomorrow…..Eddie Idol……OUT!

Well, I would certainly be remiss if I didn't mention all the Inauguration coverage on TV tonight! Not that I'll be watching ...

So here goes: ABC presents A Moment in History at 10; NBC's Dateline is all about the festivities, also at 10; Larry King joins in the fun at 9 on CNN; CBS presents Change & Challenge/Inauguration of Barack Obama at 9, and so on. You get the picture. If you, like me, had to work today and couldn't sit home watching, there'll be plenty on TV tonight to satisfy your curiosity!

Me, if I'm not watching either Saw V or Repo: The Genetic Opera, which I'm expecting from Netflix today, I'll be tuning in to more shallow fare ...



Like American Idol, which tones the auditions down to only an hour tonight on Fox at 8, followed at 9 by the return of Fringe. I lost interest a little in J.J. Abrahms latest thriller last year, but think I might tune in tonight to see what's going on ...
For info on Fringe visit http://www.fox.com/fringe/

At 10 p.m. the Food Network offers up the second episode of Ted Allen's new foodie competition Chopped. Sorry guys, totally forgot about this one last week, but I'm gonna try to check it out tonight.



Of course, also at 10 p.m. Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County will continue their decedant debauchery with the aftermath of last week's alleged hook-up between a drunken Gretchen and Tamra's son Ryan -- ooooohhh, you know I'll have to get to the bottom of that one!!
For info visit http://www.bravotv.com/Real_Housewives/season/3/

The Biggest Losers continue to, ah, lose over on NBC from 8-10. Might have to take a peek just to see of trainer Bob loses it again this week. Anyone catch his expletive-filled tirade last week? It was one of the higlights of E!'s The Soup last weekend. Sorry Bob, no matter how many f's you let fly, you're still not too intimidating ...
For info visit http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/



TLC offers up a Duggar Family marathon tonight, beginning at 7. If you don't know the Duggars, the best I can tell you is that Mrs. Duggar is about 40 years old and has been pregnant, literally half her life. The Duggars have 18 children ... and counting ... again. Tonight's line-up includes 16 Children and Moving In (about the big new house the family built), Raising 16 Children and 17 Kids and Counting (about the impending birth of baby 18). Mr. Duggar, please give that woman a rest...



And for those of you just looking for shallow entertainment to pass the time, FX is airing 2004's beefcake supreme Troy. Oh yeah baby, or as I like to call it -- Baywatch for Women. Not the greatest retelling of Helen of Troy, but man, oh man, it's hard to top the masculine bravado in this flick (unless you break out your DVD of 300 and you know you have one). Starring Brad Pitt as the warrior Achilles, this film also boasts the talents of Eric Bana, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom (as the whimp Prince Paris), some young Brad Pitt look-alike and, oh yeah, Diane Kruger as the famed most beautiful woman in the world, Helen.

In other News: Everyone keeping up with 24? Last night's episode was, again, action-packed, just they way we like it. I can't wait to see how they're going to get away with killing the Prez' husband. Anyone else have any thoughts?
I won't go into details, because Fox's comprehensive episode guide does a far better job. See it here http://www.fox.com/24/recaps/season7/index.htm

Good News for Mad Men fans: AMC has renewed the show for its third season (hard to believe there was ever any doubt), and has pumped up production so it can be back for summer.

Also, someone asked in the comments about TNT's Raising the Bar. It should be back for a second season sometime this summer. For info or to watch last season visit http://www.tnt.tv/series/raisingthebar/

And back to American Idol for a moment, the final 12 contestants will be living together a la Real World-style with producers hoping to catch some compromising and/or backstabbing moments. They also reveal there will be a big surprise coming when the final 12 are decided that will catch the contestants off guard (whatever that means).

Till tomorrow ...

Recapping the Kansas City Auditions…..
Overall, I felt like last night, the FOX crew tried to give us a kinder and gentler Idol , but it was also a bit on the BORING side! But the ‘high’-light (key word here is HIGH!) of the night right off the bat was seeing Jason ‘I still look stoned’ Castro there to greet Paula and the judges as they arrived! And this time…he brought his brother Michael with him to try out….great….Stoney Jr!
OK, enough of the Stoney Twins….on to those who captured my eye as having some talent, as 27 more tickets were punched for Hollywood, and of those that recd serious air-time, think these were the BEST of day #2! Drum Roll Please………………
· Ashley Anderson ….Jersey-girl who has that AI look and has great range on the voice….she just needs to make sure that she remembers the right words* to the song *(It’s Footprints, NOT Footsteps Ashley!)
· Casey Carlson ….nice job on Vanessa Carlton song, not an easy choice, and a bubbly personality that will win her votes down the road! I really like this chick!
(Note from Kim to Cindy: Hey Girl, she totally sang our Jam!!)

· Von Smith ….OK, so he’s a bit of an odd duck, and the judges made him sweat out their decision….but the kid has some pipes! ‘Over The Rainbow’ rendition was probably heard somewhere over the rainbow the way he belted it out! Will be interesting to watch this kid as the show develops.
· Michael Castro ….Not a pretty-boy like his brother was (Pink/Red spiked hair vs. dreadlocks) and Stoney Jr says he’s only been singing for 20 days….yeah, OK.…….sure…we believe you!? Maybe it was just that I liked his song choice (Gavin Degraw’s ‘In Love With A Girl’) but he wasn’t too bad….certainly a better voice than his brother!
· Jessica ‘JJ’ Paige Furney ….homely looking chick who sings a Janis Joplin (JJ) tune ‘Crybaby’ and nails it…big voice on this girl!
· Danny Gokey ….Promoted this kids story all night long….so get out the sympathy and courage vote for this kid, who’s spouse passed away about a month before the auditions….he was OK, not great….but good enough. Something about him though just didn’t sit well with me, thought his emotion was a little on the fake side….maybe it’s just me being unsympathetic Eddie?!.....but I bet there’s a story here we haven’t heard yet.
· Anoop Desai ….’Noop Dog’ as Randy coined his name did pretty well, but he’s got that ‘geek look’ and is a bit of an odd fellow, but well spoken and can certainly sing, surprisingly better than expected!
· Asa Barnes …..Middle School band director who did a difficult Michael Jackson song and did it pretty well! One of the better performances of Day #2!
· Lil Rounds ….23-year old Memphis mom (who looks MUCH older!) of 3 who had her house destroyed by a tornado….last performer but certainly not the least on my list, she was awesome and WOWED all 4 judges! Great voice, nice personality….probably the BEST of the first two days of auditions! This girl can go far….a LOCK for the Top 24!
The lowlights and contestants that I disagreed with the judges choices……
· Jamar Rogers ….. STOP!!! I didn’t like this kid’s rendition of ‘CA Dreamin’ at all…..I can scream any song just like him, probably better….the only reason he was put through is because he’s Danny Gokey’s buddy!
· Asia and India Girl Duo ….. PULLEEEEEZ!!!!!! This was a joke….they’ll not make it through Hollywood Hell…if they even find their way there!!
· Matt Breitzke …..have to agree with Randy here, he was an OK karaoke bar singer….nice kid, nice family guy….not cut out for the long haul!
BEST part of the show, other than the talent, were the David Cook highlight moments (KS City his hometown) and the new AI commercial with him in it. Talented kid who will be a force for years to come in the music industry! Otherwise, a pretty mellow and uninspiring night to say the least, but the talent pool was a bit deeper and better than Phoenix IMHO. Thought it was a bit odd that they hyped Hollywood Hell Week at the end of the show as much as they did, showing contestants from upcoming weeks shows already put through to Hollywood, esp. considering there are 6 more cities left to audition yet!? OK……….until next week…….

Eddie Idol…….OUT!!

Tonight's a sad night for me. As I've mentioned before someone is leaving one of my favorite shows.



Tonight at 9 p.m. on CBS, it's a very special CSI ... Gil Grissom (William Petersen), the leader of the pack, is leaving :(

Not for any particular reason, just the fact that the actor thinks its time to move on. At least he won't be ceremoniously killed off like Warrick was last September in a very teary-eyed episode. Or simply cast aside like Sarah last season. Grissom's exact reason for deparure is still a close-guarded mystery.

CSI debuted on CBS on Oct. 6, 2000, in the same time slot it still holds and quickly became the most-watched show on TV, stampeding past former ratings top spot holder ER. The show's title, which stands for Crime Scene Investigation and pounding theme (The Who's Who Are You?), quickly became staples in households across the country.

The show went on to inspire two very successful spin-offs: CSI: Miami and CSI: New York. Both are still on the CBS schedule, but neither has achieved the status of the original.

A typical episode centers around corpses and the various scientific techniques the CSI teams uses to determine the culprit and fashion of the slaying. But it was the characters that the audience really embraced. And at the top of the list was the bug-loving investigator Gil Grissom. I'm getting more bummed by the minute writing this, so I won't go on much more, only to say, that I think after tonight, I won't be watching anymore -- :(

Grissom's replacement, critically-acclaimed actor Laurence Fishburne will do a fine job, I'm sure, but to me, Grissom was the true heart of the show and without him (much like when David Duchovny left the X-Files) what's the point in continuing ...



Thank you William Petersen -- you made my Thursday nights intriguing!

For more info on CSI, visit http://www.cbs.com/primetime/csi/



And while we're saying good-bye to one beloved character, here comes another new one -- Patrick Swayze makes his Prime Time debut tonight over on A&E with his new cop drama The Beast. According to TV Guide, he stars as an unconventional FBI agent (is there any other kind on TV?) paired with a rookie partner -- who may have a hidden agenda (you don't say ...).

The Beast airs at 10 p.m., for more info visit http://www.aetv.com/the-beast/

Elsewhere on TV Tonight:

Those wacky, sexually uninhibited docs over at Seattle Grace are back with another new episode of Grey's Anatomy on ABC at 9. This week, Emmy-award winner Tyne Daly shows up as McDreamy's mom and has some words with gloomy Meredith. And there's a continuation of the serial killer/death row inmate storyline -- looks like he's going to donate an organ to that dying kid. And I'm totally getting the sh*ts of the whole Denny-Izzy-Karev triangle. Now, don't get me wrong, I love seeing Jeffrey Dean Morgan in any incarnation, but really -- this is just ridiculous!!
For more info visit http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/index?pn=index


Jeffrey Dean Morgan, why do we love this guy?

Raging chef Gordon Ramsay is back with an all new episode of his hit show Kitchen Nightmares on Fox at 9 as well. You know I'm a big fan of Ramsay, but this is just not a good time slot for me. I've been lax in keeping up with this show. Lucky for me it repeats over on BBC America.
For info visit http://www.fox.com/kitchennightmares/

Golden Globe Winner for Best Comedy Show, 30 Rock also offers up a new ep at 9:30 on NBC. I like this show a lot, but I'm finding it harder to keep up with because of the time slot.
For info visit http://www.nbc.com/30_Rock/


Sam & Dean

Although I'm still wallowing in Grissom's departure, I'm equally excited that my Winchester Boys are back tonight!! Yes, Sam and Dean continue to chase down demons for the CW's Supernatural. Again, another show airing in the 9-10 time slot, I always make time for this one! Partly for the supernatural storyline and partly because the Winchester bros are HOT!!
For more info visit http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural

And wrapping up tonight's highlights VH1 offers up Celebrity Rehab presents Sober House at 10. Recovering addicts from Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, who obviously needed more help, spent three months in a sober house to hone sobriety skills. Hmmm wonder how that went. Tune in if you're the least bit curious ...
For more info visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/sober_house/series.jhtml

So I watched AI last night and while, again, not enough craptastic singers for me, I must admit I see an early leader -- Anoop! Oh yeah, me likey this Middle Eastern-American kid and can't wait to see what he offers up!
Reminds me a little of a former fave Sanjaya (I can hear Eddie Idol groaning now!) -- yeah I liked Sanjaya, mostly because everyone else didn't. It was most fun teasing Eddie every week that Sanjaya squeaked thru! And, being the stylista I am, I looked forward to the hairdos and don'ts!!
What did you think? Please hit the comments and let me know.
Also Kudos to Eddie Idol on his first posting ... looking forward to more! And Ray, you'd better get on it ... I'm looking forward to hearing from you to!!

Anybody watch the Lost season finale last night? I couldn't hang around for the whole thing, what with Idol and Top Chef, I could only surf during commercials. But I did happen to see the preview for next week's premiere and, hey, it looks like Desmond and Penny didn't waste any time reuniting and already have a baby!! Oh my, what will Ben think of that?
Of course, watching the show reminded me how curious I am over Richard. I mean, really, what's his story?? I'm dying to know ...


What's the story Richard?

Tomorrow -- Galactica is Backtica!

Introducing our American Idol guest blogger -- Eddie Idol:


OK….so AI Season 8 is off and running, although it was Fox’s lowest rated opening show since 2004…..surprising! New this year is Judge Kara....and I like Kara. She's nice, but not sugary nice like Paula is, and when she has to, she doesn't mince words, though the standoff with the bikini babe was a bit over-the-top! But…best of all, she truly knows the craft of songwriting, so I think she’s a nice addition!

Soooo….aside from all the ‘looney tuners’ on these city-touring auditions (although I must say I loved the background music choices for all these losers!) I like to concentrate on finding the ‘real talent’ the show has….and who just might make it into the Top 24 and make a run at being this season’s American Idol! Granted…all the people ticketed for Hollywood aren’t all shown, but of the ones that were…..here we go!

I really liked pink-haired Emily from California, reminded me of my son Jon….and if everyone can somehow look past her tattooed body, face piercings, and pink hair….this girl can flat out sing!! And beneath all that crazy look that she has going on, she’s a very pretty girl! Also liked Adopt-a-Grandfriend 16-yearold cutie Arianna from San Diego, but hated her song choice! Nice kid though, she gets the ‘likeability vote’! Cody Shelton from Detroit was ticketed for Hollywood by all four judges, and this kid has talent….and his horror-film freak persona is OK by me! Also liked spunky Stevie ‘Nicks’ Wright, nice voice and super sweet personality, though agreeing with Simon…she has to be a little more aggressive if she wants to move on! Bikini’ clad Katrina gets my vote for the ‘hottest’ looking contestant on AI so far….and we all know that she’s moving on because of much more than her voice! The standoff with Paula and Kara was a bit much though, think they felt a bit threatened by her! :-0 Last but certainly no least is Scottie McIntyre, a truly courageous lad who is legally blind and sings pretty well, but plays the piano much better! He’ll get the sympathy vote for sure, if he makes it to the Top 24 and moves on, and his musical talent may carry him…..time will tell….but I almost fell off the couch when Ryan went to high five the kid as he came out of the audition! He’s such a dork, and that was the by far the dumbest thing on last night’s show for sure! All-in-all….a solid opening night for Season 8…..looking forward to see what Kansas City (home of David Cook!) has in store tonight! More news from Eddie Idol………….after the break!!

Hey, I told you he was a DIE-HARD AI FAN!!

What do you think, hit the comments and give Eddie Idol some love ...

Yes, American Idol returned with great anticipation last night on Fox. And for those of you who are hooked, there's another two hours tonight beginning at 8! Last night's show was conducted from Phoenix, Arizona, while tonight it moves to Kansas City.


I must admit I was a little disappointed because there weren't too many trainwrecks last night. Yeah, that's why I watch baby! I love to see those people making asses out of themselves -- that's great television!!


Nothing tickles my funnybone like seenig judge Randy Jackson sitting at the table with a piece of paper in front of his face because he's cracking up over some baaaad singer!


OK, highlights: Let's start with the kid with the REALLY DEEEEEEEEP Voice!! James Earl Jones called -- he wants his voice back. I felt a little bad for this kid, because he was sweet, I'm sure he takes a beating with that voice, and the judges weren't too kind.


The crying rocker had to go though -- really man, get a band .... or hop on over to VH1, because Brett Michaels says this is his absolute last season of Rock of Love!


And let's not forget bikini girl -- like you guys could! I don't think I've ever seen Simon Cowell so excited! But girlfriend got her groove on and even sassed new judge Kara DioGuardi with this exchange:


Kara, "Honestly, you don't have the chops to sing that song, sweetie."


Bikini Girl, "But your demonstration wasn't any better."


Oh Snap!!



For those of you who enjoy rehashing Idol each week, I'm hoping to put together something interesting here. Like the Elfman, I have a couple of friends who are Die-Hard Idol watchers and each season I get emails from them that seriously critique and sarcastically comment on each episode. I've invited them to join me here. Should be informative and hilarious! Keep your fingers crossed ...


For more info on American Idol visit http://www.americanidol.com/


What else is on tonight? Glad you asked ...




Over on ABC they're re-airing last season's Lost finale -- you know the one that shows exactly how the Oceanic 6 got off the island. It was an edge-of-your-seat finish and if you missed it or ever wanted to join in the Lost discussions at work, here's your chance to get your feet wet before next week's season premiere.
The broadcast boasts a few never-before-scenes as well as pop-up commentary to get you up to speed. For more info on Lost visit http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=index




On Bravo at 10 p.m. Top Chef Season 3 Champion Hung returns to judge the cheftestants. Can't wait. Hung was the most dangerous player they ever had on the show, and he never copped to any of it. Remember the Breakfast Quick-Fire Challenge in the apartment. "Hung you just broke the truffle oil on the floor."
Hung -- "No I didn't," as he flung himself across the room. Hung was always running behind everyone else, with knife in hand. He was also one of the most interesting players. Looking forward to seeing him.

Stop back tomorrow for the Top Chef Recap.

For more information on Top Chef visit http://www.bravotv.com/Top_Chef/season/5/index.php


And on MTV, The Real World serves up another episode at 10 from Brooklyn, NY. Last week, the guests arrived to meet & greet and fight with each other. Trust me, you didn't miss anything, except MTV's first ever post-op tranny! However, I'm sure we'll be in for the usual shenanigans soon. For more info on season 17 visit http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/realworld-season17/series.jhtml


Later on, if your curious, fresh from his Golden Globe for Best Actor Drama, Mickey Rourke stops by to chat with Jimmy Kimmel at 12:05 on ABC.


In Other News:


Last night's episode of Nip/Tuck barely kept me awake. Looks like the writers are happy about their Christian-Breast Cancer storyline as most of the ep centered on that. Julia showed up briefly, as did Kimber, if only to mock Christian's circumstances, calling it "karma, I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner."

Sean hooked up with the med student, but promptly blew that opportunity. Liz did sleep with Christian, but he only did it to prove he still could, which severely ticked the lesbian off! I think the best part was the androgenous couple that was staying at their practice for surgery, with the "wife" showing the 17-yr-old Indian whiz kid med student her appreciation in an x-rated way. Although "she" wasn't quite what she seemed ...




I erroneously reported Monday that Patrick Swayze would be hitting Jay Leno's Tonight Show to promote his new series on A&E, The Beast. Seems Mr. Swayze has been in the hospital since his interview with Barbara Walters aired, being treated for pneumonia. His camp says the actor is doing fine and recovering well. Best wishes to you Patrick!


And while all the glitz and glamour returned to the Golden Globe Awards Sunday night, not all the audience did. Ratings for the gala show were estimated to be 14.6 million, which was way better than the 6 million that tuned in for last year's star-deprived awards announcement, but was also down from the 15.7 million people who tuned in for the 2007 broadcast.




Fox reports that this will be the last season for Prison Break. Thanks! I loved this show's first season and was still intrigued during the second. The first season was brilliant, but ended with the prisoners escaping (thus, no more "prison break"). They spent the second season on the run and most ended up in a Panamanian prison for the third season -- forging another "break."

This season, however, they've been hired by someone (the gov't, maybe, who the hell knows), to recover a device called Scylla that has all "the company's" info on it. I lost interest after four episodes, but might tune in to see how it all ends.

The final episodes will air on Friday (Friday?) nights, beginning April 17. Well, if it wasn't already dead, putting it on Friday night was the final nail in the coffin.

For info on Prison Break or to catch up visit http://www.fox.com/prisonbreak/



ONLY 7 MORE DAYS TO LOST!!



Up tomorrow, Top Chef Recap, The Beast teaser and saying Goodbye to Gill Grissom

Yeah, it's back!! As has become the norm for January, Fox unleashes its ratings bohemuth American Idol! America's best/worst will be showcased for two hours tonight and tomorrow night in what has become a household ritual for me. I just LOVE th auditions!! There isn't anything funnier on TV. From the horrible contestants (who have to have some inkling how BAD they are), to the judges' expressions, as well as the comments, and Paula's mindless gazing, the audition process is just one huge laugh-fest for me!

Anyway, for my buddy Crazy Eddie (who hangs on every musical moment), the fun starts tonight at 8 and continues Wednesday, same time, same place!
http://www.americanidol.com/

And, as if anything else on TV tonight matters, here's the rest:

On CBS at 9 it's another new episode of their fledgling hit The Mentalist. Check in to see sexy Simon Baker work his mental magic to solve another case.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_mentalist/

NBC presents episode two of the Biggest Loser: Couples from 8-10.
http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/

90210 continues to assault mindless brains on the CW at 8 p.m.
http://www.cwtv.com/shows/90210

Over on Bravo, the Real Housewives of Ocean County will mix it up when bitchy Vicki goes to visit family.
http://www.bravotv.com/Real_Housewives/season/3/

And for me, it's back under the knife at 10 on FX for Nip/Tuck. Only seven more episodes and then we get the final season -- in 2011!! Why, oh why, such a long wait -- who do they think they are, HBO?
http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/niptuck/

ONLY 8 MORE DAYS TO LOST!!

Sorry folks, but I just can't ignore the really big TV news from last night ....

SPEIDI ELOPED!

Yes, that cute, lovable couple Heidi Montag and her always charming (gag!) boyfriend Spencer Pratt tied the knot last Thursday at a resort near Cabo San Lucas. (Please, keep your vomit to yourself.) It was officially announced during MTV's popular Hills aftershow last night, airing, ironically, right after this week's new episode of The Hills.

The couple's much on- and off-again relationship was documented during The Hills last season. So far, there has been no comment from Heidi's former BFF Lauren Conrad, who started feuding with Montag shortly after she began dating Pratt. The relationship between the threesome has been the main focus of the popular show.

The former BFFs

And apparently, it was all a secret to the couple's families, with Montag's father, Bill, telling People mag, "I would be upset if she got married and didn't invite me."

According to celeb blogger Perez Hilton, the limelight-loving duo were married on the beach and decided to exchange vows on a whim in a 15-minute ceremony. OK, anyone believing this wasn't planned?

The duo are scheduled to appear in January on CBS' popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother, and first met while filming The Hills in 2006. They got engaged and split in December of '07 and were re-engaged last May. And I'm sure they'll live happily ever after ... probably on their own MTV show.



AI SPOILERS:

American Idol has just finished taping its first "Hollywood week," and according to the NY Post, the approved candidates include an Osmond nephew, the reigning Miss New York USA and Jason Castro's little brother. The "Idol Boot Camp" roughly included 200 contestants chosen from eight audition cities and were shrunk down to half that number.

Among them was David Osmond, Donny and Marie's nephew and son of Alan Osmond, one of the original Osmond Family Singers. He is also the lead singer of the New Osmonds group. And according to mjsbigblog.com, he's also battled West Nile Virus, which left him with a form of muscular dystrophy.

Also there was Michael Castro, younger bro of last year's dreadlocked finalist Jason Castro (who could forget that guy?).

Anna Kaelin, daughter of David Archuleta's vocal coach, is also said to be a Boot Camp survivor.

Among the other noteworthy contestants are Miss New York USA 2008 Danielle Roundtree; Jackie Tohn, an actress who has been working since age 9 and has appeared in TV, i.e. The Nanny and The Sopranos; and for the first time, a husband and wife, Tom and Jennifer Korbee, have made it to the Hollywood round. Season 8 kicks off on Fox Tuesday, Jan. 13.



Tonight at 10 p.m. FX bids farewell to the show that put this station on the map - The Shield.
Never your usual cop show, The Shield made its mark on its first episode which featured star Michael Chiklis' Vic Mackey murdering an undercover federal agent (March 12, 2002). The Shield went on to redefine network cop shows, for better or worse, as to what was permissible on advertiser-supported TV.
A NY Post critic calls tonight's finale "the finest series finale since The Sopranos." I don't really know if that's a glowing review. I really detested the finale of The Sopranos ... one can only hope The Shield doesn't end with Chiklis sitting in a diner and playing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" on the jukebox!


Atlanta's wives
My evening will be occupied by real housewives on Bravo. Starting with the Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion show at 9 p.m. and followed by the return of the "original" real housewives - The Real Housewives of Orange County at 10 p.m. Yes they're tacky and mostly classless, but it's a guilty pleasure I just can't deny!
Tonight's reunion show looks like things get real heated and I'm not surprised. When we last left the ladies (last week), Kim, Sheree and NeNe refused to make-up, and according to the promos, there's going to be lots of yelling, maybe some hair-pulling too! Nothing like a bunch of seemingly refined (who am I kidding), well-dressed, perfectly manicured "ladies" going at it.
The wives of Orange County are a much more refined group, choosing to politely insult each other over expensive champagne and canapés. But they still have their crass moments, to go along with their fake tans and boobs!
Personally, I have to say that the Real Housewives of New York are my favorite, maybe because I live in the northeast. I find them almost relatable.
And Bravo already has filmed a version of The Real Housewives of New Jersey (that outta be great!). Maybe Bravo should just change their name to the Real Housewives channel.

Elsewhere on TV tonight: Just in time for the holiday, ABC will present a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving at 8 p.m., followed by, what else, the Dancing with the Stars results show. Fox offers up another new episode of its hit(?) Fringe. I have to admit, I'm so over this show. I haven't been able to watch the last 2 eps., and I really liked it at the beginning. I guess it just lacks the character interest I have in Lost (JJ Abrahms other hit show). And it doesn't have Fox Mulder (X-Files' David Duchovny) to hold my interest either. Anyone else have an opinion on this one?

Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith takes hold of Spike TV at 7 p.m., and the third flick in the popular trilogy of Jason Bourne, The Bourne Ultimatum re-airs on HBO at 8 p.m. I give both films high regards.



DVD This Week: Will Smith's summer hit Hancock hits the rental and retail shelves today. It's a dark story about a boozy superhero who despises the people he's bound to protect. Jason Bateman costars as the guy who tries to give the hero a makeover to improve his public image.



And last year's Christmas hit, Fred Claus is also available today, just in time for the big holidays. It features the hilarious Vince Vaughn as Santa's black-sheep brother, who's bailed out of his latest jam by his saintly sibling (Paul Giamitti) and forced to work off his debt at the North Pole, where he learns to re-evaluate his conniving ways as a heartless efficiency expert (Kevin Spacey) plots to put St. Nick out of a job. A story I think we can all relate too, considering the nation's economy. But, hopefully, this one will make you laugh ...

TV on DVD: Just 24 hours after it's network broadcast, 24: Redemption hits DVD. Which is how I'm going to watch the second hour, since Sunday night I committed a cardinal sin of videotaping - I taped the wrong channel! So, after turning off 24 to catch the dull season finale of HBO's True Blood (yes, Sookie and Bill got back together, and the real killer was exposed and killed by Sookie), I completely missed how Jack fought off the African terrorists and saved those poor kids!

A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All comes to DVD also days after premiering on TV. Stephen Colbert gets his own holiday show featuring him riding out a snowstorm in his cabon. Colbert celebrates the holiday with songs and silliness featuring Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, John Legend, Feist and, of course, buddy Jon Stewart.


Freaks and Geeks: Yearbook Edition. Big-screen comedy kings Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow, along with James Franco, Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini, scored an early critical success with this short-lived series about a gang of high school kids in 1980. I personally loved this show, but it never found it's niche on network TV. If you love Rogen and Apatow's later collaborations - Anchorman, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad - you're sure to enjoy this one.

That should keep you busy tonight!