American Idol - Top 3

Alright, here we go... at work today we were discussing that most of us have an inkling that Phillip may not make it past tonight. Just a feeling. I mean, the producers obviously want a Jessica - Joshua finale.

Three rounds: round one is judges' choice, round two is contestant choice, round three is Jimmy's choice.

Randy picked "I'd Rather Go Blind" for Joshua. It was a Joshua performance. That's that.

Jennifer chose "My All" for Jessica and she rambled SO LONG about it. It was irritating. Pretty choice. I enjoyed her more than Joshua.

Steven picked "Beggin'" for Phillip. I'm so happy that Steven got to choose for him. Oh Phillip... I really have no words when you're up there.

Time for contestant choice...

Joshua chose "Imagine" and my whole living room groaned (brother's girlfriend is joining us tonight). Well, hubby laughed because this song is untouchable for me. Husband said he's bored by it. I've heard a lot of versions of this and this one isn't my favorite.

Jessica got ballsy and picked "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing." Another one that's dangerous for me. I love this one. Actually I like it. I approve. Well, I didn't enjoy the last bit.

I actually watched Phillip's hometown visit. ADORABLE. Seriously. I almost cried.

Phillip picked "Disease." Brother's girlfriend gasped. We may have a fan. *swoon*

Jimmy's picks are up...

For Joshua he picked "No More Drama." Meh.

For Jessica he chose "I'll Be There." Good. Better than Joshua to me. But I'm so over Joshua. Obviously.

For my Phillip he went with "We've Got Tonight." Yeah, I said "MY" Phillip. Woo... okay... breathe. Holy wow. I have nothing PG to say about that performance. Oh my... it's warm in here.

So even though I have the same inkling as my girls at work, I'm holding out hope that our finale will be Phillip and Jessica. Then it'll be worth watching.

American Idol - Top 4

We're already in the top 4. So glad too, because by this point I usually don't want to put in the effort of watching the whole episode. haha

So Skylar's gone. There's that. I'm happy, obviously. I also can't wait to see Phillip tonight because my friend was already texting me mid-swoon. Sweet.

Idols get more than one song again. Apparently the first theme is "California Dreamin'." Whatever THAT means... oh songs about California. Or artist from here. Then they're doing the song they wish they wrote.

Phillip is first. Thank you for not making me wait. :) He picked CCR... good choice. No guitar? Oh well, at this point he still makes me sqeal. And like I said, smart song choice for him. I love him. I care not what the judges say so let's move on...

So Randy had his wardrobe department make a jacket from a picnic blanket... that's special.

Hollie is up. And singing Journey... yeeeee! She chose "Faithfully." The wind machine that they constantly give her makes me laugh. I liked it, but not as much as I wanted to. She still did a damn good job. I think I just wanted her to blow it up.

Now is Joshua. He picked Josh Groban... slightly predictable. But oh well. Husband commented that he always looks like singing hurts. I love having people to watch with me. He sounds good of course, but again I'm distracted and slightly put off by the fact that he has an entire production for his performance. The producers aren't even hiding that they want him to win at this point. Over it.

Jessica is finishing the first round. She picked Etta James. Without even hearing I'm gonna throw this out there... she needs to be younger. Younger choices could be good for her. She sounded good of course. But everyone expected that.

Duet time... "This Love" by Phillip and Joshua. Can I have a version with just Phillip? And maybe we'll recreate the video? *wink wink* I don't enjoy them together. Wish I could. But I don't. I love Phillip and all the screams that start when he sings.

Hollie and Jessica are singing "Eternal Flame." Funny to me because do they even know who The Bangles are??? I grew up on this. They sound good together though so I'm liking them more. I also have to say I think Hollie sounds better on this one.

Group performance singing Foreigner. Meh. Phillip was my highlight of course. :)

Round two... start!

Phillip... *swoooon* Singing "Volcano" by Damien Rice. No clue. But he has his guitar again. :) Oh wow. I can't breathe or function right now. Wow. Just wow. Holy... oh... I think I have a new favorite song. Period.

Hollie picked Bonnie Raitt. One of my favorite songs. I'm excited. Aaaaand yes. I love it. If I weren't voting for Phillip I'd vote for her.

Joshua's turn. He's singing "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." Good choice. It fits his voice. this is actually the first time I've enjoyed him in awhile.

Jessica finishes it up for the night. She picked "And I Am Telling You." Good choice. Feels predictable. And still leaves me wanting her to be young.

So my bottom two (because that's what I'm picking)...
1. Joshua
2. Hollie

I don't want Hollie to go so I'm definitely hoping that Joshua goes home. We shall see.

American Idol - Top 5

Sorry, you don't get a legit, snarky blog tonight. My household is sick (by that I mean husband and brother) and I'm trying to avoid it because I have a weekend of amazingness planned.

So I relinquish the couch and am going to bed.

I did watch snippets of performances online. Here's my quickie take:

Phillip... oh honey. While you can't possibly top DMB last week (at least for me), you are still sexy. *kisses* Can I just say I melted a bit when he and Joshua sang "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." I've had that badly sang to me more than once, but I can appreciate why it's a must at karaoke when you're crushing on a girl. Phillip, feel free to sing that to me ANYTIME.

Skylar... go away. Now.

Hollie... look at you girl!!! I'm lovin' you.

Jessica... I want to like you more. You are talented, but I'm not your target audience and I'm starting to feel it.

Joshua... well done of course. I've heard that I'm not the only one who believes the producers are pushing you for a win.

Obviously I only watched snippets of everyone BUT Phillip. He could be on continuous play in my life and I'd be ecstatic. Seriously, he makes me feel like a ridiculous high school girl. *fanning self*

I'll give you a bottom two because I just will. Holding out hope here...

1. Skylar
2. Jessica (just a feeling, not really based on anything)

Typhoid out.

American Idol - Top 6

Oh Idol... you just won't be the same without Colton tonight. I'll confess, I cried a little watching the results last week. I totally knew the results too. But when Phillip looked super sad over him leaving, and then Colton picked the song he did... tears. He'll get a contract. And I'll buy everything he does.

Oh yeah... QUEEN THEME TONIGHT!!! I love this night, it's always amazing or awful.

Um, so Jennifer decided to channel C3PO tonight... wow. Just no honey. I'm your BFF and I feel the need to let you know that you look terrible.

We are currently debating whether Joshua is being pushed as the winner by the producers. I just get that feeling. And that makes me like him a little less.

Also, I let slip a simple, "Oh hi" to Phillip and got a stare from the husband. hee hee

Overall take on the medley. Like. Eric keeps telling me to write what he is saying. It's kinda funny. I think he likes being featured every week.

Jessica is singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" which she will probably nail. Oh gag, the effect with her on the screen behind her is no bueno. Too much producers. I like this a hell of a lot better than her ballads. She's much more fun. P.S. I'm skipping the judges again. No me gusta.

Skylar (*snore*) is up. Oh honey don't try to be cute, it doesn't work. She picked "The Show Must Go On." Good song. So I tried something new and didn't look at her while she sang. I liked the beginning, but then it went downhill. Eric tried my method but said he looked up and it ruined everything. lol

Joshua is doing "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Definitely one of my faves. Good choice for him. I'm laughing because husband is hearing the Dwight Yoakam version and it makes me laugh. Mostly that I know that's what's going through his head. I'm enjoying this though. I approve.

Elise has picked "I Want It All." I gasped and said, "I love this one!" But I think I've said that to every song. Oh the hazards of loving a band... Good choice for her. I liked it. A LOT.

Phillip is doing "Fat Bottomed Girls." YES. I squealed and fanned myself. I'm utterly ridiculous over here. *sigh* Wow. Phillip, call me. CALL ME.

Hollie's turn. Singing "Save Me." Good choice for her. I liked her. I always do though. Eric likes that she doesn't "slut it up" with her outfits.

So for round two I guess we get contestant song choice?

Jessica is singing "Dance With My Father." Husband just made a good point, girl can sing, but she's not exciting. He actually said she bores the something out of him. But I do try to keep it PG around here so I won't type the word he used. I also can't help but laugh at the wind machine.

Skylar's turn again. She's singing something by Jason Aldean. I don't know it. She's TOO twangy. I like country, but she's nasal and twangy and I don't like it.

SADSIES I caught up and now I'm watching live. Boo.

Joshua is up. He's singing "Ready for Love." OMG another standing ovation. Husband just wiggled his fingers and said, "Dance puppets! Dance!" They are so fixing this for him to win.

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IT SUCKS TO BE LIVE AND FORCED TO WATCH COMMERCIALS?!?!

Elise has chosen Jimi Hendrix. Yes. I want to like her. But I'm just not feeling it much. Some of it is slightly too screechy. Husband likes it.

Phillip. I'm just gonna die right now. Because I already heard he's sing DAVE MATTHEWS BAND. Oh... wooo... no words. Really... no words. Can I just say that I was listening to DMB in the car today and I totally thought to myself, "When oh when will my Phillip sing some DMB?" AND THEN HE DOES AND HE NAILS IT. Apologies to my husband but I am IN LOVE.

Truly, I do not see his performance being erased from my DVR. I'm still swooning. And I want one of the shirts his parents were wearing. I would wear it ALL THE TIME.

Hollie is up and singing "The Climb" but I can't hear it because we have a severe storm warning. Not even for my city. Boooooo. Love the choice for her. And she looks adorable. AND the judges stood for her. Good. Eric was diggin' on her little celebration hop/dance that she did after her song.

Well Phillip for the win tonight. I'm about to propose marriage to the boy right now. Now to get down to who's out tomorrow. Instead of a bottom three we're going with a bottom two at my house.

Eric's choice:
1. Skylar
2. Elise

Tim's choice:
1. Elise
2. Joshua

My choice:
1. Elise
2. Hollie

I know, I didn't put a certain non-fave in there. I'm hoping since I don't predict it she'll leave. I can hope, right??

Elise is the only common thread through all three of us so I'm wondering if it'll be her.

We'll find out tomorrow.

Weekly Manicure

Ummm... so I logged in to write my blog and things look WAAAAY different around here. Here's hoping I don't screw something up...

Not the most outstanding picture. It looked better on my phone. I did grey with some coral tips. Then added an image from my new stamping plate I got this week. Kinda crooked... oopsie.

I'm not quite ready for another week. But I keep telling myself I only have seven weeks of school left before I get vacation. And I know that seven weeks will fly by...

American Idol - Top 7... Take 2

So no one went home last week. The judges used their save on Jessica. So two go home this week?

Just warning you, this will be a quick less than sunshiny post. I'm tired and just want to go to bed at the moment. I probably won't even listen to the worthless judges tonight.

Let's do this.

Hollie gets to go first. Hollie if you ever read my blog, GET IN TOUCH WITH ME. I'm telling you you'd be perfect for my brother. :) She started with "Rolling in the Deep." Love this song. And she seems like she's having a much better time tonight. She's kind of engaging the audience a little. And of course she sounds good.

Colton has a red stripe in his hair now. It made brother in law think of the beer. He's doing "Bad Romance." And changing it up a little. YES. I liked it, but I like it better when he makes me swoon.

Elise is up. She's doing "No One." Good choice for her. She sounds good, but I don't love it for some reason. I'd still keep her over a certain obnoxious "country girl."

Oh Phillip... he's doing Usher. Like, really. REALLY. I loved this song back in the day. OMG. No coherent thoughts... drool... puddle of Ashley on the couch. I just want to jump him!!!! Hm I am fanning myself and swooning all over the place. To the point that husband looked at me and said, "I'm sitting RIGHT HERE." This man... oh this man... Jennifer called him sexy and that's still an understatement.

Jessica gets her turn. She's singing Alicia Keys. Good choice, if not a little predictable. Good. As expected. I think I'm getting too used to her.

Skylar... gotta admit, I'm not gonna watch the whole thing probably. Even brother told me to fast forward. haha She countryfied Lady Gaga. And I am slightly impressed by the arrangement, but I don't like her. Hello remote. Assist me with the fast-forward button.

Joshua's turn. Time for the judges to gush and swoon like they do every week. I like him, but he's not the best there is. Sorry. I also wasn't listening to the song he chose... so I couldn't tell ya. I will tell you the producers are so trying to pimp him as the winner. He always gets backup singers, and dancers and such. They want him for some reason. And he sounds good of course. I like that he has his niche all figured out too.

Round two goes way back. Apparently we're celebrating the spirit of Soul Train. Hmmmmm...

Hollie is back. And she looks adorable in pink. Like a little Barbie. She's singing "Son of a Preacher Man." I just see a Barbie when I look at her in all that pink. I love it! Oh yeah, she sounds good too. But this song was a good choice for her.

Colton... is singing "September." WOW. Husband didn't even recognize the song. I LOVE IT. Perfect for him. Better than his first performance for sure.

Elise part two. Ooooh she's singing "Let's Get It On." Good in theory... not so much in reality. Sorry Elise.

Phillip! *squeal* Singing "In the Midnight Hour." Another thing I love about him is there is no way to mistake his voice. I'm in lurve...

Jessica is singing... I missed it. I was too busy squealing over Kris Allen (because I totally saw him at California Adventure and freaked out). Husband is distracted by the awful pants she's wearing. Honestly, meh. I'm not loving.

Skylar... "Heard it Through the Grapevine." Meh. Do y'all even want to hear how much I'm not excited by her?

Joshua gets the final spot. "A Change is Gonna Come." Fitting for him, but this whole genre kind of does him a favor. So I'm not surprised.

Okay... we're losing two tomorrow. So instead of a bottom three I'm just gonna guess who's leaving.

My call:
1. Elise (it'll finally be that week for her)
2. Hollie (same)

Husband: (he's going with who he HOPES leaves)
1. Skylar (a.k.a "Little Okie Chick")
2. Joshua

Brother:
1. Elise (prediction)
2. Skylar (want/wish)

Obviously I'm not alone in my non-fandom of a certain female contestant. :) We shall see tomorrow...

American Idol - Top 7

So I wasn't here last week and just watched it all on the DVR. Not much to say about it. Ready for tonight. Wow, the finale is just over a month away? That's fast! And I just realized the girls outnumber the guys at this point. I'm pulling for a Colton - Phillip finale.

So this week's song choices are anything from 2010 to the present. Could be really good or really bad. We've had some crappy music come out the last couple years.

Skylar is up first (meh). She wants a Kellie Pickler song. I feel like the chorus is a little shouty. But then, I'm not a fan in the first place. Randy liked her. Jennifer did. Steven did. Moving on...

Colton is next... *swooooon* My friend already texted me to tell me he's amazing tonight. OH we're at the piano again... he's singing "Love the Way You Lie." I don't know it, but it's cool because it's COLTON. And he's amazing. AMAZING. Jennifer liked it. Steven said he could've recorded that RIGHT now and sold it. Randy liked him. I'm sold.

Oh yeah, we have duets. I forgot.

Phillip and Elise are our first duet of the night. It's "Somebody That I Used to Know." Eeeeeee!!! I like the song already. And Phillip KILLED. Elise was good too. They're just amazing together. I think I like this better than the original. Phillip can come sing it to me anytime.Steven loved them. Jennifer insulted my Phillip a little and I don't know if we can be BFFs anymore. Randy liked Phillip better. Boooo...

Jessica is up. She's singing "Stuttering." Which Jimmy barely knows. And unknown song isn't always fun for me. It's a good choice for her. It fits her voice. Randy tried to sound special by saying he knows the song. Blah blah... Jennifer said it was beautiful. Steven loved her.

Joshua is singing Bruno Mars. I like it. Good choice. But we need to ditch the "dancer." She's just distracting. Standing o from the judges.

Colton and Skylar (bleh) are our next duet. Skylar wants my boy and I don't like it. Woo... fanning myself. They're singing "Don't You Wanna Stay." Which I LOVE. And Colton... well honey YES. Skylar is no Kelly Clarkson. Ouch. The whole living room cringed on one note. Colton makes me wanna stay... Skylar not so much. Eric and I are being mean now and having such fun. We just keep throwing random "nope" at Skylar.

Hollie is adorable. We like her in my house. Ooooh she's singing Pink. Love Pink. Have for years. WHO is the boy on the guitar with her??? Hmmmm... I like this acoustic version she has going. I love her. I stick by my statement a few weeks ago that she should hook up with my little brother. They would be the cutest couple in history. And then my kids would have an aunt with an accent. :) Jennifer was not nearly nice enough. Steven disappointed me. Randy liked her better than last week. Stupid judges. I'm going to get to the point where I just fast forward their worthlessness.

Phillip!!!! Squeals, unicorns, rainbows and love!!! He's doing Maroon 5. Oh that boy and his guitar... here comes the gibberish. The boys have learned to leave me alone so I can have my moment. Because this boy... oh this boy. Wow... that's all I have to say. Steven loves the way he's changed since we started. Jennifer called him underwhelming and I just screeched a not-flattering name at her. Randy said it wasn't his greatest but I DON'T CARE. HE IS PHILLIP AND HE IS FANTASTIC!

The last duet is actually a trio. Hollie, Jessica and Joshua are together. They're singing Kelly Clarkson. They actually sound good together. Fun song. The judges liked them. And I'm done listening to them because they don't like my Phillip.

Elise gets the last spot. She picked Lady Gaga. But a semi-normal song, "You and I." I like her. I still feel like she might be in trouble tomorrow because it seems to be a common thing right now. But she did good.

Alright... so my bottom three for tomorrow... not sure. I would love for Skylar to be in the bottom, but I doubt that'll happen. Here goes...

1. Hollie
2. Elise
3. Skylar (because I'm hoping)

American Idol - Top 9

Hello Idol. And hello Phillip. *sigh* I love him. LOVE him. Sexy beast.

Oh, sorry about that. Having an inappropriate moment. But that boy... *whew* he just does things for me!

Oh whatev Ryan. Quoting Hunger Games? Not cute... so tonight's theme is the idols of our contestants. Anyone else tired of Tommy Hilfiger styling them? I feel like he's boring. BUT Stevie Nicks is our mentor!! She's amazing.

Colton is first... OMGOMGOMG COLTON IS SINGING LIFEHOUSE. I shrieked when he said that. My mom texted me just to ask if I saw him. Melting. Into a puddle. I have an ex who used to sing this. Plus I saw Lifehouse live. So I have standards. And seriously... I'm rambling and sounding ridiculous but this boy... oh my. I turned my phone off so I wouldn't be interrupted because I had two people texting me and it was just too distracting. Steven called him a dream come true. Yes. Yes. YES.

Awwww Colton... seriously. Killing me. KILLING me.

Skylar had to take my moment away. No surprise that she likes Miranda Lambert... I find both of them obnoxious so it makes sense. I'm tempted to fast forward... but I guess I won't.

*tangent to distract me during a song I don't enjoy... I posted a video of Phillip on my FB and my buddy who is NOT into Idol at all watched it... and was impressed. The power of Phillip...

Oh yeah... so Skylar. She sounded like I expected? She didn't mess up? Husband called it karaoke. The judges like her... I don't get it. I just don't.

First trio of the night is Colton, Elise and Phillip AND THEY ARE SINGING FLEETWOOD MAC. Thank you for the cleanse after Skylar. Perfection. My husband and brother in law may or may not be thinking I'm losing my mind. I'm screeching, swooning, and squealing.

Heejun is up next. Singing Donny Hathaway. His voice still surprises me. Like really. He sounded REALLY GOOD tonight. Steven told him he doesn't even know how good he is.

*aside... Stevie Nicks is AMAZING! I love her!

Hollie is doing Carrie Underwood. I can see her doing that. She has the pipes. Is it just me or does she get the smoky stage effect every week? Brother said it's because she has "that angel thing going." Yup, she rocks it. I love how tiny she is with her giant voice. It's cute. She'd be perfect for my brother. Because I picture my brother with a little petite girl. And she can sing. And he likes to play music. Maybe I should work on that...

*tangent... in case you haven't noticed, I don't care what the judges say tonight. It may be my new thing.

DeAndre (a.k.a. Hairography) is next. He's singing Eric Benet, which I can totally see fitting. Yup. It works for him. Like. Standing o from the judges. Brother said it was boring. But he's a boy and I'm pretty sure he's not the target audience.

Jessica is taking on Beyonce. Brother is a fan of her... which if you know him is no surprise. He's trying to predict her as the winner, but I'm trying to let him know that girls just don't win recently. Especially when we have options like Phillip and Colton... drroooool. But wow... if you don't look up she almost sounds like Beyonce. Good call on her part. Even husband commented... and he hasn't done much except roll his eyes at all my girlishness.

Oh... medley of Michael Jackson for DeAndre, Heejun, and Joshua. Heejun is adorable in his fedora. Haha, he's fedorable. I think DeAndre and Heejun are strongest here. I just don't think it fits Joshua.

PHILLIP!!!!! Stevie Nicks said she thinks he's going to be famous and she said if he had been around back in the days of Fleetwood Mac he would have been asked to join. And she called him gorgeous. I agree. Good call woman. Anyway he's singing Johnny Lange. And being Phillip. He's so adorable it kills me! I could listen to him forever. But again... I have a ridiculous weakness for guitar players. Brother is a fan too. I knew I let him live with us for a reason.

Joshua picked Mariah Carey. Interesting, but I can see him doing it. Brother just asked what was with the dead trees on stage. Without missing a beat husband responded, "Cuz they can't live." Do you see what I live with??? I should charge admission to their ridiculousness. Anyway, back to Joshua... I was right. Good choice. He totally pulls it off. Even the boys here liked him... even if they try to say otherwise.

Last trio is doing Madonna. Hollie, Skylar, and Jessica. Jessica nails it right away. And Hollie. Again... not a Skylar fan. No one here is. But we're all loving Hollie and Jessica. Plus, Skylar's outfit is not doing her any favors. Jeez I sound catty... but I'm just throwin' it out there.

Elise is doing Led Zeppelin!!!! LEGIT. Stevie Nicks even said that Robert Plant would be proud. They even sang together for funsies! So cute. Whoa. Whoa. Such a good choice. She's just meant for this style. Love her. Daaaaamn. That is all. No other words without gushing.

Damn. Like really. I can't get over that. She was awesome!!!

Okay, so... bottom three? They were too good. I dunno. But here goes...

1. Skylar (wishful thinking)
2. DeAndre (people may have been bored)
3. Hollie (I just get a feeling)

I just don't know. I do know that I wish Phillip would walk into my living room and sing to me. *sigh* Maybe if I swoon enough husband will be motivated to pick up his guitar...

American Idol - Top 12...

So unless you don't follow anything at all on the internet, you were aware coming into tonight that something happened with Jermaine.

ANDOHMYGOD the contestants are singing songs from their birth year... the years range from 1983 to 1995. WHAT??????? I had to take a moment and pause I felt so old. Yuck.

Phillip is up first... let's just get the swooning out of the way. And he was the sweetest looking little baby. He sang "Hard to Handle" and I felt old when I found myself thinking that the song isn't too old. He nailed it. I'm still in love. Madly in love. The judges are too.

Jessica next, born in 1995. Jeez. I was in junior high already! She chose "Turn the Beat Around." Word of the night comes from will.i.am... "swaggernaut." haha I dare y'all to use it tomorrow. I don't love her performance. The verses are a little manic. She sounds better on the chorus. But it didn't wow me. It's gotta suck being so awesome last week and having to meet those expectations again. No pressure!! Steven said the rhythm was "a little shady." Then he and Jennifer complimented her sparkly pants... as soon as you get an outfit compliment you know you weren't amazing.

Heejun is the bestest. His parents are goofy too and it's adorable. He picked "Right Here Waiting." I want to love the song because I love him so much, but it felt to breathy at the beginning. I was a little sad that I didn't love him as much as I normally do. Jennifer liked it by the end. Randy and Steven backed me up with the breathy sound. I knew I was smart...

Elise was saved by the judges last week when it came down to her and Jeremy. She's singing "Let's Stay Together." Of course they had to compare her with a certain president who sang it recently. I like her take. Mucho. I think it worked for her and she proved she should still be there. Steven gushed a bit. Jennifer said it was right on every single level. Randy was annoying. (Gosh, it didn't take me long to start tuning out Randy and calling him annoying, did it?)

Deandre's turn... born in 1994. He looks like daddy. He wanted a song from The Lion King. Jimmy and will.i.am talked him out of it. And talked him into "Endless Love." Sorry, but that's a little snooze-worthy. Just sayin'. And he sounded good, but I was bored. Sorry. I miss the hairography right now. The judges agreed it wasn't a great choice. And Randy had a non-annoying moment when he agreed with me and called it boring.

Shannon is up. And I about hemorrhaged because SHE DIDN'T KNOW "DON'T SPEAK" BY NO DOUBT! Wow. Like... you're a baby. She ended up going with "One Sweet Day." I remember that one. I'm bored again. Maybe because I'm sleepy and ready for bed after doing NINE parent conferences and then going straight to church tonight... but I'm not feeling it. Jennifer said it was beautiful. Steven agreed. Randy name-dropped and I stopped listening to him.

**ASIDE: if this show wasn't on a school night I would already have my own official drinking game. Including Randy's name-dropping. SO predictable.

Oh hey Colton... what's up baby? I died a bit... because there's a picture of him WITH CHRIS DAUGHTRY!!! *double swoon* He picked "Broken Heart." And he was told to make it hard rock. Yes please. Aaaaand... I love it. It's like a little concert. I want to be at that concert. When he leaves the show and opens for Daughtry I'll be there screaming like a pubescent girl. Jennifer said the beginning made her think, "Colton's a lover." I sighed. She's crushing a little too. She pointed out that he looks pretty when he sings. Steven didn't like it... WHAT?!?! I can't believe it!!! I actually listened to Randy and I'm happy that he liked him.

Erika is picking "Heaven" by Bryan Adams. Just from practice I think it's a perfect choice. I enjoy her. She has a big voice and it seems kind of effortless. Steven was... undecided? But said he still loves her voice. Jennifer was unsure of the arrangement. THANK YOU Randy. At least he said he liked it. But then he kinda criticized and I'm so confused.

So here's our big "reveal." We all knew it was Jermaine going home. He had FOUR active warrants out. And apparently that wasn't the point as much as him being dishonest about it. So of course they show him at Tuesday's rehearsal nailing his song. I just shrieked! It's the song from "American Tale!" I'm giggling.

Skylar was apparently a psychotic child... and she's singing "Love Sneakin' Up On You." I feel like she's predictable. It doesn't help that I already don't enjoy her. She gets on my nerves. The judges like her. Meh.

It's time for Joshua! He's singing "When a Man Loves a Woman." I'm liking. I like him a lot. I also like that Ryan brought a ginormous tub crawdads (or crawfish as Joshua calls them) and my whole living room was a wee bit jealous. Judges are standing, Jennifer is jumping up and down... well done.

Hollie is going to sing Celine... "Power of Love." For half a second I was doing the math to see if she was possibly young enough to do the song from Titanic. She nailed it. Eric wowed. Judges loved her.

Soooooo... tomorrow we'll have a normal bottom three? I'm assuming. Here's my bottom three prediction:

1. Heejun
2. Shannon
3. Deandre

Just a guess. Now I'm off to bed. I'm faaaaar too tired for this. Except I'm not too tired to squeal when Ryan said Chris Daughtry will be on the results show tomorrow!!!!!!

American Idol - Top 13

Gotta start with... Jennifer shouldn't wear an unflattering white onesie-pantsuit-thing. Not her best look.

So hello there! The girls are singing Whitney Houston tonight, the guys are singing Stevie Wonder. I have a feeling Jessica will pull off Whitney best. When everyone was introduced I totally gave a little squeak for Phillip. He just makes me sigh. In such a happy way.

So tonight is a bit different. They're going to reveal the lowest guy and the lowest girl tomorrow night... then the judges will pick who goes home. Ooooh... aaaah. The suspense!

So let's start...

Joshua is singing "I Wish." I liked him. His hopping was a little distracting at times, but he was on. Randy loved him. Jennifer wanted to punch him again... not really, she giggled about it. Steven said he keeps getting better and better.

Elise came next with "Greatest Love of All." Well, she wanted to anyway. Jimmy convinced her to change to "I'm Your Baby Tonight." I like it. Not sure I love it. She's been better, that's for sure. She definitely nailed the end though. That kinda sold me right there. Eric popped up with a comment about her being good. Jennifer said it wasn't her best. Steven didn't think the song was right for her particular voice. Randy pretty much echoed the other two.

ASIDE: What in the name of God is on Randy's jacket?? Honestly. Oh! And the fur collar! Oh Randy... can I call Stacy and Clinton on you?

Jermaine chose "Knocks Me Off My Feet." He's good. And I get that his deep voice is unusual and intriguing. But he's boring to me. I need to you get my attention. Steven said the song "fit him like an Armani suit." Love the analogy. Jennifer liked him, but wants him to "connect" more. Randy didn't love all of it, but he still likes him.

Erika is singing "I Believe in You and Me." I enjoy her. Very much. And I have to say she's lookin' good tonight. We only had good things to say in my house. I liked her a lot. Randy loved her. Jennifer got her "goosies." Steven loved her.

Colton is doing "Lately." Oh Colton... with your skinny legs and crazy hair. You're adorable. I am thoroughly enjoying him. Hubby said he sounds mumbly. OH final note killed me. Let me pick myself up off the floor... Steven told him he was outstanding. Jennifer thought he was great. Randy got booed for a minute because he didn't swoon over him. Then he said he was flawless by the end.

Shannon, or as I may start calling her, Ginormica (I mean that in the nicest way possible), picked "I Have Nothing." I like this song. I really want to find her perfect, but she's not. Eric and I are discussing the few rough patches we've heard. OUCH. There was particularly bad one. A for effort, but poor baby didn't kill it. Jennifer told her she needed to relax more because she knows she can do it. Steven blamed her nerves. Randy reiterated what the others said.

ASIDE: I just noticed Steven's mic has a scarf tied around it. Winning. Love that man. Also, I'm dying laughing at how short Ryan is next to Shannon. The jokes are flying over here.

Deandre is still adorable and he's singing "Master Blaster." I don't know this at all. But Deandre is rockin' out and enjoying himself on stage. Which I love. Eric said he reminds him of a mix between Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley. I liked him A LOT. Good performance. Steven loved him. Jennifer gushed. Randy loved that he showed another side of himself tonight.

Skylar picked "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?" Eric just watched her practice session and said she can't be an American Idol because she's not hot enough. These are the realtime conversations in my house. This song got decidedly country with her voice. There's even some steel guitar in there. She sounds good and all. But hubby just said she's no Carrie Underwood. I agree. Jennifer said it wasn't all perfect, but she liked it. Steven liked it. Randy agreed with the others that she was stronger by the end.

Heejun is HILARIOUS. I lurve him. He's singing "All In Love is Fair." I enjoy him. He's so surprising! I want him to be my best friend. Jennifer told him she loves him. Steven gushed a little. Randy said it wasn't perfect but it was "reeeeally good."

Hollie is singing "All the Man I Need." She made Eric wow. She's so bitty but she's so good! I liked her. Possibly best of the girls so far. Randy said she nailed it. Jennifer gushed. Steven loved it.

Jeremy chose "Ribbon in the Sky." I'm sitting here talkin' him up to Eric. I liked him. He's good. Steven enjoyed him. Jennifer said it was beautiful. Randy thought it wasn't his best. I kinda agree, but I still liked him.

Jessica could have won me a bet if I had put money on her. She's going with "I Will Always Love You." I so knew she was going to. Sorry for the language but HOLY SHIT. Jennifer was crying. Our house was silent which DOES NOT HAPPEN. I got goosebumps. The judges do not even matter right now. They loved her, blah, blah...

ASIDE: I love how Eric is SO into this now that he lives here. I'm loving this. I have him watching so many shows.

Phillip Phillips!!!! AAAUGHHHH!!!! Die and come back to life and die again from love. He's singing "Superstitious" which is probably my favorite Stevie Wonder song. I feel like he sounds like Dave Matthews would sound if he covered this song. I just love this boy to pieces. Jennifer was making some serious bedroom eyes at him. The judges loved him, as they should. Give this boy a contract now and let me have concert tickets. My friend Kristie and I are starting a fan club. I am in lurrrrve!

Alright, my tops are obviously Phillip and Jessica. Hubby likes Phillip and Jessica. Eric likes Hollie and Jessica. My bottom two are Shannon and Elise (I like them, but they were weak). Hubby isn't playing. Eric said Deandre and Shannon.

Soooo tomorrow. We'll get a bottom two. I'm voting. And I'll report back tomorrow to see who goes home.

American Idol - Official Top 13

Why is Jennifer wearing a sparkly paper sack tonight? Um...

So I'll be honest and confess that I just went ahead and read the spoilers to find out who's staying before I even watched. Results always feel like they take too long. And I was in a mood so I just decided, "Go for it!"

I'm so happy I have friends at work who watch this. It makes it so fun!

So let's do this. America voted in ten finalists. From those the judges will pick three more "wild cards."

Guys are up first. I have to throw out the best comment in a write up I read this week. Chase looks like Robert Pattinson and Brenden Fraser had a baby. I just paused so hubby could look. Go find a pic. For reals. You won't be able to unsee it.

Hey, um... why did we have to bring in Jimmy already? I can't stand that guy! Although he did say he would sign Phillip RIGHT NOW. And I love that.

I'm not even nervous because I know who's going through. I am gloating though. And squealing in anticipation. I do still feel bad for Jeremy. He's so good. Aaaand IT'S PHILLIIIIIPPPPP!!!! Pink sparkly hearts everywhere!!!!

Girls up... no sympathy for Brielle here. Not a fan. And poor Hallie looks so giant next to tiny Jessica and Hollie. Happy that the two of them made it.

Commercial. Candy break. Texting with my friend Kristie (hey girrrl!!! Shout out! haha)

Boys again. I loathe Jimmy more for disliking Heejun. You leave my boy alone! AHAHAHA!!! Heejun busted him by answering Ryan's question about Jimmy with... "Who's that?" I died. And applauded. So going through... Joshua and Heejun! Yay-yuh!!! I really wasn't sure Heejun would make it, but I'm glad he did. He is so far from boring. Also, pretty sure he and my Phil have a bromance going on.

Girls' turn. Shannon is such a giant. A pretty giant, but a giant. Baylie's dress is fab. I want it. But I guess I should get to the important stuff. Shannon and Skylar are through. Let's be honest here, I want Skylar to leave. She bugs. Just sayin'.

Boys again. Jimmy being obnoxious again. I think people hate Jimmy so anyone he hates they'll love. I think this particular group was pretty messed up. Why call up three guys that aren't even in the top 10? Ouch.

Ladies... and Elise is through. I liked her, but I'm a little irritated she's been sitting through this whole episode looking depressed. At least fake positivity.

Lots of screams for Colton... I approve. ;) Deandre's hair also stole the show right now. And Colton is through. More hearts and unicorns. lol And then the last spot goes to Jermaine. Which honestly surprised me because I thought Eben would have the Bieber factor going for him.

So now six contestants get a chance for wild card. Basically, sing for your life. The judges chose...

• Jen Hirsh - She chose "Oh Darlin'" which I LOVE. Great song. She started a little tame and had me worried, but then she went for it and I enjoyed myself. 
• Jeremy Rosado - I couldn't hear what he said he was singing. LOOK AT JENNIFER LOOK AT HIM. She wants to squeeze him. So do I. The kid has a voice and I love him. And he cried!!! Werk it Jeremy! America loves you right now. Myself and my BFF Jennifer included.
• Brielle Von Hugel - Attacking Ryan with your overzealous hug is probably not the way to go. She sounds pretty good, but then the camera went to Phil and I pretty much blocked out everything else and saw hearts and rainbows and puppies. I also wish they would quit showing momager. I might like Brielle more without her in the camera every other minute. Ouch... the judges are pretty brutal.
• Deandre Brackensick - My friend and I were discussing how he is just a swoon-worthy young man. And I confessed that I feel too old and inappropriate and cougar-ish for loving these young boys. BUT HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE HIM? Boy has some serious hairography! Plus that voice... he's a yes. Please.
• Erika Van Pelt - She picked Lady Gaga which is usually enough to turn me off... but she's good. I totally forgive her. She's totally real and passionate and I truly enjoy her.
• Reed Grimm - He's so weird. In a fun way. Hey Reed, can you come sing at my next party??? He wears me out just watching him all over that stage.

So moment of truth... the three wild cards are... Erika, Jeremy (who promptly dropped to his knees and made me and my girl Jennifer tear up), and Deandre.

So our top 13 is:

1. Phillip Phillips
2. Jessica Sanchez
3. Hollie Cavanaugh
4. Joshua Ledet
5. Heejun Han
6. Shannon Magrane
7. Skylar Laine
8. Elise Testone
9. Colton Dixon
10. Jermaine Jones
11. Erika Van Pelt
12. Jeremy Rosado
13. Deandre Brackensick

A'ight. Off to gush about Phil. Thank goodness I have a husband who lets me gush and be a nerd. :) Next week they're doing a tribute to Whitney. Shall we place bets on who's singing the song from The Bodyguard?

American Idol - Top Girls

So after the guys tore it up last night, I almost don't even want to watch the girls. Especially when I'm getting texts from my friend at work that the girls are stinkin' it up. Guess we'll have to see. A chick hasn't won in five seasons. I don't see this being their season...

Chelsea Sorrell - "Cowboy Casanova" - I don't remember her. Hubby doesn't either. Meh. Some notes are working but I definitely hear a couple falling flat. I could pull a Jennifer and say, "At least she looks cute!" haha I dig anything with sequins. Randy is already questioning her song choice. Jennifer said she was a little nasally. THAT'S what I couldn't put my finger on. I stand by my "meh."

Erika Van Pelt - "What About Love" - I DO remember her. I liked her audition and I liked her in Hollywood. She sang a song by Pink. Good stuff. Couple notes that made me scrunch my face. And her jacket with the awful shoulder pads is causing me physical pain... but overall I like her. She has power behind her voice. The judges love her.

Again... Ryan is so tiny! Like he's part fairy or something... I feel like I forget this every year and by halfway through the season I'm over it again.

Jen Hirsh - "One and Only" - I feel like Adele might be the latest artist to sing something that amateurs shouldn't take a shot at. I don't think I've heard anyone nail anything by her. Still, she does a pretty good job. I like her. Better than the first girl. The judges like her.

Ugh. So tired of the word "swag." First of all, what the heck is it supposed to mean? Second, do we have to say it SO MUCH? Thanks Randy, for reminding me how I don't enjoy that word.

Brielle Von Hugel - "Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay" - I have to get this out of the way... I can't stand her momager. Yeah, I called her that. She's nuts. I'm hearing good things and bad things in this song. I like her more than I dislike her I guess. Although wardrobe obviously isn't a fan since they put her in a dress that makes her look a little sausage-y. Highlight of her turn? Steven Tyler singing a couple notes afterward. Love him.

Hallie Day - "Feeling Good" - One of my favoritest songs ever. Someone does it every year. I usually prefer when it's a hottie, but oh well. I loved her beginning, but once she started wandering the stage she lost me a little. I wanted to love her. The judges liked her well enough. And I hope she stays because I think she could be good.

Side note: I swear it's like people are getting cash just for saying Adele's name lately. I feel like she's been mentioned SO MUCH already this season. I could probably turn it into a drinking game. Hmmmm...

Skylar Laine - "Stay With Me" - Sorry but my first reaction was, "What on earth is she wearing?" It's like something from the set of Dancing With the Stars. Hmmm... when I look past the outfit she sounds pretty good. A little too bouncy. Hubby think she sounds too "generic country." And now she's spazzing. Wow... this is more interesting than I thought it would be. The judges loved her.

Oh yeah, Randy is an attention whore. "Look at me! I'm relevant! I recorded that song!"

Baylie Brown - "Amazed" - Totally saw this song done live. Just had to say that. :) And... sads. It's no bueno. Hubby and I looked at each other and shook our heads. Poor thing. At least she looks pretty! haha I'll be surprised if she stays tomorrow night. Poor thing. I should also mention that Steven AND Jennifer told her how pretty she was. Death sentence...

Hollie Cavanagh - "Reflection" - She had me unsure at the beginning, but then she busted out the chorus and I kinda like her. Had to laugh at hubby right now who suddenly blurted, "That's from Mulan!" He was a little proud of himself for figuring that out. I'll give her one of the three best of the night. So far. The judges loved her.

Haley Johnsen - "Sweet Dreams" - First, I want her hair. Second, I don't want her dress. Third, odd song choice. For reals yo. Sorry. My inner Randy was coming out. I would love to love her for being brave and choosing an unusual song. But I don't. She had some good notes, but it was... weird. Jennifer was sunshiney and tried to figure out nice things to say.

Shannon Magrane - "Light Your World" - Did I get that title right? Whatevs. She sounded good. Definitely one of the best so far. It's crazy how good she is at sixteen. The judges gushed.

Jessica Sanchez - "Love You, I Do" - I don't know if I like the song itself. But she sounds good. Like, probably best of the night. Must be, judges stood up for her and Randy couldn't stop saying "yo." Which apparently means a good thing. We need a dictionary for Randy-speak. Anyway, she was good. End of story.

P.S. Jennifer said swag and made me cringe. I've got a new game in the works for this season. Mentions of Adele, mentions of swag...

Elise Testone - "One and Only" - Hubby got a confused look and I had to go double check my notes when Ryan gave the name of the song. Yup. Two girls singing the same song. And sorry Jen, but Elise KILLED IT. I like her a ton better. The judges seemed to like her better too. She has to make it through. Because if she doesn't get voted in,she'll get picked by a judge.

Alright... who's sticking around? Last night it was hard for me to pick the guys. Tonight feels a little easier. I'm not going to call these actual predictions. I'll just say that I'm hoping for them to stick around. I'm not voting tonight. But I did vote for Phil last night. A lot. I won't reveal the actual number.

1. Elise
2. Erika
3. Hallie
4. Hollie
5. Shannon
6. Jessica

We'll have to see tomorrow. I'm not cheering for any of the girls like I am the boys. I will definitely be crushed without my Phil.

American Idol - Top Guys

I like how they pretended it was a shocker that we got another guy. I also like that I see Jennifer Lopez and think to myself, "Oh I totally saw her in person at Disneyland." And yes, she is that pretty in person. And according to my husband, yes, her booty is that big.

I'm just glad we're finally to the real competition. I won't vote yet. I always save that for at least the third or fourth week. But I am pulling for Phil and Colton. No secret there. Sooooo... this week the finalists chose any song they wanted. Could be interesting.

Reed Grimm - "Moves Like Jagger" - I kinda enjoy him. He's kind of weird. In a good way. All you have to do is look at my family to know I'm used to weirdness. I wasn't thrilled with the song choice, it was good though. Tangent: WOW Randy's shirt is obnoxious! Judges agreed his jazzy take was a good start to the night.

Adam Brock - "Think" - I had to laugh at him being told there's a large black woman trapped inside him. He definitely has some diva actions when he's singing. He's good. Good song choice for him. Hubby and I are both thinking that he may not get far though. I don't know if he's marketable to the audience that's left, even if he is good. The judges liked him though. A lot.

Deandre Brackensick - "Reasons" - This song is a bit older than him isn't it? I don't think I like it. Greenlee is putting her head further into the blanket she's sharing with me so I don't think she's impressed. :) I wanted to like him a lot more than I did. I wish he would have picked a different song. He's adorable though and I think he'll stay. The judges are enamored.

Colton Dixon - "Decode" - Let me get this out of the way... *sigh* I do lurve him. It didn't look like Jennifer was feeling it right now... oh well. He'll make it through strictly on cuteness for a bit if nothing else. The judges liked him plenty. So apparently I can't read faces...

Jeremy Rosado - "Gravity" - Love him. Love this song. Love love love it. Such a good choice for him. Goosebumps. Jennifer looks like she wants to cry and I am right there with her. YES. YES. YES. Favorite so far. Steven even called it "as beautiful as beautiful gets." Jennifer gushed. Randy decided to sound stupid even though he could have kept it simple and told the kid how great he was.

Aaron Marcellus - "Never Can Say Good-bye" - Me gusta. I don't love him. But I definitely like. Judges are in love. Standing o.

Chase Likens - "Storm Warning" - Don't know this song. He's totally comfortable with it. It fits him, that's for sure. It's good, but I don't know if it's outstanding. The judges liked him anyway. Tangent: he makes Ryan look so TINY! haha

Creighton Fraker - "True Colors" - Good choice for him. He's good. Especially when he really gets going. The judges enjoyed him, but I have a feeling he may be too "unique" for the majority of the voters.

Phil Phillips - "In The Air Tonight" - HE HAS ME WANTING TO VOTE STARTING NOW. I would easily compare him to Dave Matthews. Agh. No words. Only gushing over here. I would buy his album right now. Call me a fangirl. Jennifer gushed while he got that "aw shucks" look. Randy already got booed for not gushing. And he just compared him to Dave. LOVELOVELOVE. I really might have to vote on the first night for the first time ever.

Eben Franckewitz - "Set Fire to the Rain" - No. Brother-in-law just said it sounds like karaoke (he has now joined us). It's flat. Not exciting. I almost feel bad for the kid, because wasn't he better than this before we go to this point? The judges were too nice. He'll stick around because he has that flippy little Justin Beaver look.

Heejun Han  - "Angels" - Meh. He sounds good. I was more amused with his pre-song video. He makes me laugh with his awkwardness. I wanted to like him more. Jennifer nailed it when she said that the song didn't show off all his vocal skills.

Joshua Ledet - "You Pulled Me Through" - I hate when I don't really know the songs. In this case I don't need to know the song to know that he's killin' it. He just GOOD. I've enjoyed him and I continue to. If he doesn't stick around that'll just be wrong. Standing o from the judges. And they gushed. Because he was so good Jennifer wanted to punch him. She really said that. We all laughed.

*Mystery Surprise Comeback of Mystery*
Jermaine Jones. Not surprised. Kind of amusing watching him next to Ryan. So teeny tiny. I'd probably look like a cow next to Ryan.

So Jermaine sings... "Dance With My Father" - Good. Not exciting. It doesn't make me want to jump up and vote. Randy is praising how different and unique he is... but it might not grab the typical voters.

Okay... so we're losing SIX guys this week. And I cannot even begin to predict. So instead, let's just post the seven that I want to stay the most.

1. Phillip - DUH
2. Jeremy - kid gave me goosebumps
3. Colton
4. Reed
5. Deandre
6. Joshua
7. Aaron

It was tough to pick. Seriously. As long as Phillip and Jeremy make it I can survive. Tomorrow night is girls. If I can convince the laptop to keep working I'll keep up the blogging.

Vote for Phillip! 5709 Gotta get on that...

American Idol... Special Sunday Fun!

Well... my computer decided to shart. So no blog. Unless something amazing happens. Which I doubt. I mean, we started off with a heftier version of Bikini Girl.

Boo old laptops.

American Idol Continues...

Really hoping the computer holds out for this whole episode. The power cord is being a beast. UGH. So the show was the topic of conversation at work today. We're all going for Phillip Phillips already.

Heejun Han is weird. He was really hard to take seriously until he started singing. Was he faking the awkwardness? I'm not a fan of that if he is. Because now I'm impressed, but not liking his weirdness. Eric thinks his "story" will be that he started out as a nerd and make it far. I love having another person to analyze this with. Especially since hubs is taking his Jeopardy test right now. Oh, and Heejun is through.

Ugh, just realized we're watching live and can't fast forward tonight. *sigh* Let's hope for good commercials.

Reed Grimm is seriously singing the song from Family Matters? haha I don't even know how to respond except to laugh. What's funny is that he sounded really good. Jennifer said he was exciting to watch and they let him through.

Aaron Marcellus, Chase Likens and a bunch of random people that are good. Jumping in hallways and such. And Steven Tyler drumming on the table. :)

Umm... a girl brought her sister who just planks. Yup. Just planks. Samantha Novacek is the singing sister. She's alright, I'm not amazed though. The judges are putting her through. And just so we're straight - planking

Interjecting during the commercial break to say that I win at life with my homemade guacamole. It makes an excellent snack for Idol.

Creighton Fraker... um, he wrote his own song. And he scats. Jennifer just said it's like Jamiroquai and Justin Timberlake had a baby. I'm sure I just butchered the spelling of his name. He's fun, but he's not my favorite so far. The judges are sending him through to Hollywood.

And there's seriously another commercial already. Ugh. Fox, we're gonna have to have a talk...

Eben Frackewitz is a baby. And his mom seems the momager type. He's cute and he sounds good. The girls are going to fall all over themselves for him if he gets to the voting rounds. Jennifer can't get over his cuteness.

Travis Orlando is back!!!!!! I gushed over him last year! He seems better, but not as exciting as last year. Steven nailed it because he said he isn't showing passion. And he has a sob story that legitimately makes me sad. He dropped out of school which breaks my heart when I hear about kids doing that (maybe the teacher in me). Yeeeeee!!!! He's back again! I really hope he makes it to voting this year! I love him!

*clutching my heart* Steven Tyler was singing to the contestants. I would pass out right there. For reals.

Erika Van Pelt is a wedding singer. Which just sounds fun. Her voice is really deep and I like her. Steven loves her, he can't contain his smile and occasional pleased chuckle. She's obviously through. I'll root for her.

Shane Bruce is a coal miner. Hard core. He picked a bad song for me. The song isn't bad, but the fact that another love named Jason Castro sang it makes it hard for me to hear from others. He still sounds a'ight, but he's not amazing. The judges let him down easy.

SO TIRED of commercials. Checking Facebook for funsies and my coworker posted, "Still loving Phillip Phillips!" I have to agree. But Travis being back... *squee*

Hallie Day (yes, real name) has another "inspirational story." She's good too. Usually what happens with the last contestant we're shown. She's going through. I'm happy with that.

So we sent 38 to Hollywood tonight. I happen to love that number. It's kind of the number of my favorite closer. AND WE HAVE SUNDAY NIGHT IDOL! Oh my. Guess we'll meet again then.

American Idol!!!!

We're back. And to go really old school I fired up the old laptop. It's still alive! Last season was too hard blogging from my desktop. I had to take notes during the episode then type it all out... no.

P.S. My brother in law will probably be guest commenting. He and hubby will probably be hilarious tonight.

David Leathers Jr. is NOT seventeen. He reminds me of my nephew. Who is ten. (First Steven Tyler fabulousness just happened.) Okay so this kid is good. Jennifer asked him to sing some Michael Jackson which seems fitting. The judges of course send him through.

Gabrielle gave us a Steven Tyler medley of amazing face. (I'm so stoked for Steven Tyler to be back.) Anyway, Gabe Carrubba is good. She picked a song I'm partial to, so that kinda helps over here. :) She's through to Hollywood.

Medley of good people. And Steven Tyler's fabulous hat. If I was on my faster computer I would totes post a screencap of it. Because it is GLORIOUS.

Jessica Whitely is finally our first bad one. She's still not the worst this show has seen. SO MUCH SILENCE. Then Randy said awful. Wait, did she say she's auditioning in Texas too?? Oh. Yup. She did. And now Eric (brother) is comparing her to a seagull, complete with seagull noises. I'm in for a fun season. :)

Shaun Kraisman aspires to be Ryan Seacrest. Poor guy. But his voice is dead-on. He made Steven Tyler cackle. Singing... he's alright. But he was fun to watch.

Shannon Magrane made Steven Tyler do the pervert smile! It was hilarious, I had to rewind it so the boys could see. OHNO! Steven just used "hot, humid, and happening" to describe her... to her dad. I missed his antics so. Anyway, so this little girl can sing. She's through.

Ew. We just discovered Randy is a Dodgers fan. Hubby said a naughty word and informed me that he hates Randy more now.

Oh, more bad singers. And judge's disappointed faces.

And now a girl who lives in a tent. "Inspirational story" and all. Anyway, her name is Amy and she sounds good. Aaaand she proclaimed herself a hippie baby.

SO MANY COMMERCIALS. Thank God for DVR.

I'm very confused by Joshua Chavis. He's just... yeah. I had to let out a big laugh at him supposedly being compared to Chris Daughtry. Of course he sounds nothing like him. Jennifer just let him down like she was breaking up with him.

Stephanie Renae is one of those kids that was raised on this show. So she's all giggly and nervous. She's okay, but I don't know if she could be a winner. She's through (not unanimously).

So we have a sibling of an almost contestant last year (Colton, who I loved but didn't make it to the Top 12). The judges are going to make him sing. :) After Schyler Dixon (his sissy). I like her. It's really cute watching her brother watch her and the judges. And now it's his turn and I still like him. A lot. They want BOTH of them. So hope Colton goes far again. And sissy is piiiiissed. Kinda funny.

Sad faces. I don't like seeing people cry.

Lauren Mink made Steven smirk. She sounds good. The judges loved her. She's through to Hollywood. (Eric just did a goofy dance and said he likes the part after people go through when they play a song and "they dance around all happy.")

Mawuena is from Africa. And you can't understand him. Poor thing. I'm almost mad at the producers for finding it funny. Steven tried to be nice, but he's not going anywhere.

Ashley Altise makes me laugh. She's doing the "joy hop." And I kinda like her. So do the judges, she's through.

W.T. Thompson is not the smartest. He quit his job to audition. With a baby on the way. He's good, but he's not great. Still got through though. I hope he gets better, he's cute.

Oh Steven Tyler... all the ladies love you. Myself included. Oh and we have a crazy woman! I love the editing on this show sometimes. SHE JUST GRABBED HIS ARSE! Whoa...

Stalker's name is Erica Nowak. And she's not good. Now she's grabbing on Randy. Nutso.

Brittany Kerr is an NBA "dancer." Yeah I used quotation marks. What of it? She's good. Steven did a little mini-singing and I squealed. The men put her through. Because she adjusted her boobs gratuitously...

Phillip Phillips (yes, his real name)... oh his dad's name is Phillip too! He's a boy with a guitar and I love me a boy with a guitar. He's cute! I love his drawl and his mama hittin' on Ryan Seacrest. YES. And yes. And more yes. I love him. OHMYGODHE'SADORABLEILOVEHIM. He is doing Thriller as an acoustic song?!? I'm in lurve. And Eric is laughing at me. Because I turned into a teenage girl right now.

Okay, good first episode. Now off to do some work for tomorrow. And freak out over Phillip Phillips. WHO I LOVE.

American Idol - Top 4

This will be a quick one. I want to get to bed.

So let's get two things out of the way:

1. Lady Gaga is a freak. FREAK. She's not original, she's an attention whore.
2. Randy needs to shut up with this "in it to win it" stuff. If I have to hear him say that again, I might scream. Oh... wait... I kinda did that at the TV tonight already.

Alright, James picked "Don't Stop Believin'" and totes disappointed. The judges liked him for some reason. Hubby and I did not. His second song was "Love Potion #9." Better. But still not as good as I think he has been before. Is it me, or is his shouting more frequent than his singing?

Haley picked "The Earth Song." Ummm... what? Really, I went back on the DVR to make sure I heard her right. So hippie song it is. I didn't like it. I liked her voice just fine, but the song choice was just plain disappointing. It was pretty funny watching her get annoyed with Randy while he sat and said he didn't like it. Her second song was "I Who Have Nothing." Good choice. MUCH better than her first song.  I love her. And I loved her dress... or what there was of it.

Scotty started with "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning." It's funny to me because he sang the song like someone who can totally remember everything about that day... even though he was about 7 when 9/11 happened? I lurve him. And I lurve him more after he sang "Young Blood." Because he was just fun. And adorable. And I would be okay with him winning it all.

Lauren picked "Anyway" for her first song. She sounded good. But I didn't see anything new from her. Just consistent Lauren. Then her second song was "Trouble." She was much better on that one. Well, kinda. I thought she started off SUPER strong, but the end just wasn't as good. Overall she was enjoyable.

Who do I want to stay? All I care is that Scotty and Haley make it through. The third can be whoever and there will be no shouting at the TV over it. That said, I think the bottom two might be the girls. Just an inkling I have. We shall see.

Typhoid. Out.

American Idol - Top 6

Hulloooo. Top six. Wasn't thrilled when I read the theme of the night earlier today. Songs of Carole King. Okay, I know one song by her and that's "Alligators All Around." Because we sang it in Kindergarten. So I wasn't too pumped for tonight. But it was decent after all.

Jacob was first. For the first time this season (not the last if he sticks around next week) I skipped his performance entirely. Dun-zo with that boy.

Lauren was the first performance I watched. She chose "When You Lead." The Gilmore Girls song! haha At least, that's how it's known in this house. I liked her. She sounded good tonight. The judges liked her and were proud that she actually tried out some high notes they've been bugging her about.

Next was the first duet of the night. Yes, they paired up the remaining six for some duets. Because why bother cutting the show down to an hour and giving us some of our lives back? First duet was Casey and Haley. Which made me giddy for a moment. I lurve them together. And they are totes gettin' it on. *bow-chicka-wow-wow* (Is that how that would be spelled?) They sang "I Feel the Earth Move." PERFECT. They are adorable together. Steven commented on the performance by asking Weird Beard (a.k.a. Casey) how much in love he is with Haley. I laughed. But then he went into real comments and told them they were great. Agreed.

Scotty was the next solo with "You Got a Friend." No not the song from Toy Story. And he. Was. Amazing. He went into his higher register instead of starting way down low. And I loved it. The judges loved him too.

James was up next. He chose "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" Love that song. And overall I enjoyed his performance. LOVED the beginning. LOVELOVELOVE. Not as big a fan by the time it got to the end. But the beginning sold it for me. The judges gushed and Jennifer called him the star of the night.

Duet time! Now we're listening to Scotty and Lauren (who are totes NOT gettin' it on). They sang "Up on the Roof." Good. Not outstanding. But they're pretty cute together.

Casey's turn. He picked "Hi-De-Ho." SO PERFECT FOR HIM. Totally jazzy, he owned it, he played off all the musicians... it was all his. The judges loved him and I did too.

Haley was the last solo performance. She sang "Beautiful." I liked when she slowed it down and got quiet, but the rest of the performance was only good for me. But slowing down... win in my book.

Aaaand the last duet. If you haven't figured it out yet, James and Jacob were put together. ODD. Dare I say even a little awkward? They just don't mesh well (quick, name the movie). They sang "I'm Into Something Good." It was decent, and they obviously had fun. But it wasn't great. Or worth hearing again. Ever. Poor James, he needed a partner more like him. :/ Steven Tyler pretty much felt the same about the quality of the performance.

Alrighty... so now we need a bottom three. Gotta throw Jacob under the bus, he should have been gone a long time ago. I'm also going to go with Haley. Because she tends to be popular in the danger spotlight. Aaaaand... eesh, this one's hard. I'm gonna have to say Casey. Because I have a feeling James, Scotty and Lauren have the biggest following. So there's my bottom three. I'm crossing fingers and toes that it's finally Jacob.

*Please be Jacob, please be Jacob, please be Jacob*

American Idol - Top 7

I totes forgot to blog last night! I was all stoked that it was over at 9:30 because that would give me time to veg before writing... then I fell asleep on the couch by 10:30. Oops.

No worries, I have my notes and plenty of time before heading to church to fill you in on my thoughts.

It was music of the 21st century tonight which was nice in the sense that at least I knew the songs. It's no fun judging a song you aren't familiar with. They opened the night with the castoffs singing a Pink song that I love. And the girls sounded pretty good (gotta say I don't miss most of them). Then they made Paul sing it, which was just mean. The producers had to know that there was no way he would sound good on that song left the way it was. Jerks. In my notes I actually wrote, "No bueno."

Anyways... let's get to the actual competition.

Scotty was up first and chose "Swingin'." I was a little disappointed given all the choices out there. But he sounded good (of course). The judges liked him, but Jennifer wants him to start pushing past his comfort zone. I'm with her.

James was next with "Uprising" by Muse. LOVE that song. It's mandatory that the volume on my car stereo goes up when it's on. And he totes had me. The drummers, he wasn't overdoing it... then he started the chorus a second time. And he did his wailing/shrieking thing. He has control of it, but I just don't enjoy it. Other than that, loved him. The judges agreed.

Haley picked "Rolling in the Deep." Which I don't know (by choice). Let's just start with the fact that the backup singers were totes unnecessary. Distracting even. The show has been pretty awful about using the singers this season where it doesn't seem like they're needed. Hmmm... anyway I can see Haley putting that song on an album. The judges enjoyed her.

Jacob was next and I fought a light snooze on the couch while he sang "Dance With My Father." I'm bored by him. End of story. The judges liked him, but Randy said it didn't make him jump up and down. Ummm... he NEVER makes this household jump up and down.

Casey chose "Harder to Breathe" by Maroon 5. GREAT song. I love Maroon 5. And Casey made it a little bit more rock. Love Casey, love the song. LOVED the ending. And when he got up to the judges' table and pecked Jennifer on the cheek and she giggled??? I died. So adorable. Everyone loved him.

Stefano was up next with "Closer," one of the few hip-hop (is that what it would be considered?) songs that I like. And he killed. But he really is a one-trick pony right now. He needs to show some rock or something if he's back after tonight. Be edgy instead of making eyes at the camera (OH but those eyes at the camera... *swoon*). The judges enjoyed him and Jennifer told him it felt like a real performance.

Lauren got final spot of the night. She chose "Born to Fly." I don't love that song, but Lauren did a good job with it. It fit her voice. She was cute, everyone loved her. The end.

So it's harder to pick a bottom three now... eesh. I'm going to saaaaay... Stefano, Haley and Jacob. And cross my fingers that it's Jacob's week to go buh-bye. Because he's just boring me and wasting minutes of my life at this point.

Typhoid. Out.

American Idol - Top 8

We're shorter than two hours now!!!

Okay, so tonight was songs from the movies. And I was really hoping for great things. I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. Oh well.

Paul got the first spot. He picked "Old Time Rock and Roll." And I was disappointed. I drew a sad face in my notes. I also noted that he looked like a mariachi. Not in a cute way. But the judges loved it! Hubby wondered if they were watching the same performance.

Lauren followed with "The Climb." During the entirely too long segment with Jimmy Iovine and will.i.am I laughed at Mr. i.am and in my notes actually wrote, "WTF? lol" Dude is weird. So Lauren... so sounded fine. Nothing new or outstanding. Better than Miley, but who isn't? The judges of course loved her.

Stefano was up next and chose "End of the Road." Yea-yuh! I have a heart in my notes. If I had sparkles handy it would totes be sparkly. He made me sigh tonight. The judges loved him. Rightly so.

Scotty came up next and ended up doing "I Cross My Heart." Risky choice in my house. Hubby and I are ginormous fans of King George (George Strait for you non-country folk). But Scotty was pretty good! I liked him. Hubby gave him an "okay." Judges proceeded to gush.

After that was Casey. With some suspiciously short (almost non-existent) facial hair. He was about to do "In the Air Tonight" which made me squee (I saw Chris Daughtry cover it. Live. Amazing.). But then he went with "Nature Boy." Which was pretty decent. But not overly exciting or anything. I just love him with that standing bass. The judges gave him a standing ovation..

Haley followed up with "Call Me." Love me some Blondie. And I want her tall purple boots. They're very purpley (name the movie!). I liked it. I can see buying her album if she puts out a rock album. But the judges didn't have much love. Sads.

Up next was Jacob. And I don't seem to be the only person BORED OUT OF MY WITS BY HIM. It's the general consensus on my Facebook. Several age ranges agree. He needs to go. I was happy Jimmy scolded him for the preachy mirror comment last week. Jacob let Jimmy convince him to do "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Like the song. Boring. Don't enjoy. Snooooooze. Go home. The judges gushed. Are they drunk?

And James got the favorite spot. He did "Heavy Metal." I LAUGHED. Love that we have metal on the show this year. He did a pretty good job. And he had ZAKK WYLDE (used to play for Ozzy Osbourne) as his guitarist! He was fun tonight. I give him props.

Alright, sooooo my bottom three. I'm going Jacob (praying really), Paul, and Stefano. I didn't vote because honestly I wasn't feelin' it much tonight. But I'm seriously hoping Jacob just leaves already. I don't know who's keeping him.

Typhoid. Out.