Watching Sitcoms

I just watched a video clip. It was from the pilot episode of a potential new sitcom called Teachers. The pilot seems to revolve around the life of a young, fresh-faced teacher named Tim Donnely, who is heading off for the first day of his new career.

I couldn’t tell you who all the actors were, because I didn’t really recognize them, but I did see one face I knew. Apparently, Constantine Maroulis, who finished in sixth place on American Idol Season 4, is a bad tempered music teacher, who considers himself a musical genius. But also, he appears to be playing himself, which is a little scary. Watch the clip and you’ll see what I mean. Here’s the clip:

I did a little research to see if I could find anything else out about this show, but so far it doesn’t even appear as a blip on anyone’s radar. It turns out there was another sitcom in 2006, also named “Teachers,” also with a fairly unknown cast (although I did recognize Kali Rocha from Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and that one only lasted 7 episodes. I don’t know if it was exactly the same premise cause there wasn’t too much info on that one either. I did see that that show was a copy of a show from the UK, so maybe it was different.

As for the Constantine version, I’d like to see it get picked up, just to see what he can really do. But honestly, after watching that clip, I doubt it. It didn’t seem too funny to me, but then Cavemen got picked up last year, so I guess anything is possible.

The first thing I did this morning when I woke up was check dialidol. Really. It’s an illness, I can admit that now, when its almost over and I don’t have to think about it again until I go to the concert in July. Anyway, I wanted to see what dialidol had to say about who was gonna win American Idol. It says David Cook. And dialidol has never been wrong. At least it has never been wrong for this week, for the final winner. My mother won’t even discuss it. She has already decided that David Archuleta is the winner and she won’t hear anything else. If he does win, she’s gonna be unbelievably obnoxious. My mother is a bad loser and a bad winner.

So as I get ready to watch AI tonight, I’m ready for anything.

Ryan says we had 97 1/2 million votes. That’s 23 million votes more than the most before. Does he mean ever or just this year? So the votes weren’t even that close, 56% to 44%.

Mikayla Gordon is in Kansas City for David Cook. Matt Rogers is in Salt Lake City, Utah for David Archuleta. I love Matt Rogers. I was so sad when he didn’t make the concert in his year.

I think this was the least awkward group performance all season. Which isn’t saying much, but still. It was almost exciting to see all those people I had mostly forgotten about, like David Hernandez. Did anyone else notice someone in the back start to walk off and then go back and get in position? Was that Jason??

I never care much about the audience, but this is a big night. I heard Danny Noriega is upset because he wasn’t invited. Anyway, so far I’ve noticed Marilu Henner and Janice Dickinson. That doesn’t mean anything, it’s just who I noticed.

When they come back from the commercial it seemed like they weren’t actually ready for that. So the start of the David/David song was a little weak. But they did a good job, they sounded good together. I’m almost starting to look forward to the concert now.

The Love Guru skit was actually funny. Who knew? I love the way Fox fills up time by promoting their movies and shows, “Mariska Hargitay.” That’s fun. I’m gonna start staying that.

Next Syesha sings “Wait For You” with Seal. Seal was great, but the song didn’t sound like it was in the right key for Syesha. But obviously, when you’re singing with a real celebrity you have to sing it in his key. And anyway, the judging is over.

Now we have Jason singing “Hallelujah.” How come he doesn’t get to sing with a celebrity? I saw Melinda Doolittle in the crowd. I was crying, too, Melinda.

The Ford commercial this week was just outtakes from old commercials. Question: Why don’t we ever see those commercials as commercials? You know, other than just on AI.

Now the chicks get to sing some Donna Summer, “She Works Hard for the Money” and “Hot Stuff” and then Donna Summer comes out and sings her new song. This is hardly ever a good idea. When old people come back with their new stuff, its usually scary. This was just OK. I missed the ending cause the dogs had to go out.

Next up we have Carly and Michael singing “The Letter.” If I recall, Constantine’s group sang this during Hollywood week. I know that doesn’t matter, but I have to talk about something right now and I’d rather not say anything rude about Carly. Or anything about Carly at all. I wish I wasn’t seeing and hearing her now. Her voice totally grates on my ears and her ugly tat is annoying me. Sorry.

Ryan hands the show over to Jimmy Kimmel. Yeah, Sanjaya is in the audience. I love him! And they showed a pic of Chris Sligh. I love him, too!

Now we have the top 6 guys singing some Bryan Adams, “Summer of ‘69″ and “Heaven.” This is turning out to be a great night for me, cause I’m a big Bryan Adams fan. Forget everything I said about old people singing new stuff and how it’s not good. Bryan was amazing. I actually did a little fangirly squeal when he came out on the stage.

Bo Bice sighting. It makes me wonder where Constantine is. I doubt they could have this finale without him, can they?

Now up we have David Cook with ZZ Top singing “Sharp Dressed Man.” Whenever I hear this song I always hear “his shy best man” for some reason. I know the words, I just always think that. And I can’t believe ZZ is on American Idol.

More Mikayla. Then Brooke singing with Graham Nash, “Teach Your Children Well.” Wow, he’s old. And she’s not wearing shoes. What is that all about?

Is that my imagination or was that David Cook in that Guitar Hero commercial? I wish I was taping this on a video, cause I think I’m gonna want to keep this year’s finale for a while.

Ryan says this next group needs no introduction, and maybe that’s true if you’re a teenage girl, but no one in this living room has any idea who they are. I hazard a guess that it’s the Jonas Brothers. I’m right.

Now, Ryan, with his arm around some strange woman from the audience, introduces a tape of the best of the worst. Just when I had finally repressed it all. Then they bring out Renaldo singing his own song, “I Am Your Brother.” Complete with a marching band. They clearly have too much time to waste on this show.

One Republic is up next with “Apologize” and David Archuleta. Laura just shared that Ryan Tedder looks like a guy named Robbie that was stalking her once. But not as cute. Yes, little by little, the living room has been filling up with people to catch the AI finale. I’m sure we’ll have some phone-ins soon, too.

More with Matt Rogers. Next up with Jordin Sparks. I thought she was on voice rest or something. Apparently not any longer.

The stuff they can do with video these days is just amazing. They can even make Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey, Jr. into Pips.

Now we have Carrie Underwood singing some country song. I know everyone likes her, but I really never did. We’re busy discussing her outfit. Its like she put her jacket on but forgot a skirt or pants. So much for sweet and wholesome.

Ashley Tinsdale sighting. I never even mentioned anywhere that the two David’s were given Ford Escape Hybrids.

Oh, look, there’s that Guitar Hero commercial with David Archuleta. Cookie was better.

Another group number with the top 12. George Michael medley. It’s OK, David H, you can say “naked” on TV. And, as is no surprise at this point, we are joined by George Michael. Why is Paula crying? Is she flashing back to some bad experience in the 80’s? We’ve all fallen silent listening to George. Its almost like a spiritual thing. Except for my husband who abruptly left the room when they started singing “Faith.”

OK, so finally, we are down to the end. Finally. It took long enough. And so, the American Idol of Season 7, the best season of American idol, ever, is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . David . . . Cook. Yeah!!!!! We can’t even believe it. I just had to call my sister and be obnoxious. I love it when things work out.

Here we are, finally, at the finale of American Idol. Well, the first night of the finale. All these months of watching this show as it beat us up and dragged us around, are finally paying off.

Oh, puhlease. What is with the announcer guy and the boxing gloves? They didn’t do anything like this for Clay and Ruben, did they?

What’s with showing Chris Daughtry when speaking about the “title” and “superstars?” Did American Idol conveniently forget that Chris didn’t actually win the title?

So David A won the coin toss and chose to go second. Surprise, surprise. If I cared more, I’d go back and check to see how many who went second on this week won.

So they are paying homage to Clive Davis. I thought he was out of it this year.

David Cook
Clive’s Choice - I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, U2. This is one of my most fave songs. There’s a live version on Rattle and Hum with Chicago Mass Choir behind it and it would have been incredible if David Cook had done that version.

He didn’t, but if he had I’d have voted for him. Even so, he did a great job. He totally got the better song, so Clive must like Cook better than Archuleta.

David’s Choice (from songwriting competition) - Dream Big. I just noticed that David’s hair is sticking up tonight. No more badcombover look. This was a good pick for him, since we don’t know the song it’s a little hard to judge, but that was a good catchy tune and he did a good, if somewhat mumbly versed, job. My husband thought it had a little bit of a Van Halen feel to it.

Is it fair to change the competition at this point? I mean all this time they’ve been singing karaoke, and we’ve judged them based on songs we know, and now suddenly, we are supposed to be giving our opinions for songs we don’t know.

David’s Choice - The World We Know, Collective Soul. I love this song, too! Cook is just pulling the better songs for me. He did a great job. He just doesn’t have the strong vocals like Archie. But I will buy his CD.

David Archuleta
Clive’s Choice - Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me, Elton John. Also a good job. As it turns out, this song was great for his voice. But I still didn’t think he was better than David Cook. He did mostly keep his eyes open and I only saw him lick his lips once. My mom just called to say how wonderful David is. I think that’s what she said, cause she was very loud and excited and then she said goodbye and hung up.

David’s Choice (from songwriting competition) - In A Moment. Another nice, slow, boring ballad for David. It’s OK, but not even as good as his first song and still not as good as David Cook. Sure, his voice is smoother, but its just missing something, if you ask me. My sister just called me to be obnoxious and say how wonderful David is. She kept screaming into the phone. She also told me that she didn’t believe anything she heard about his dad, cause if his dad was so awful, how could David be so sweet? *puke*

David’s Choice - Imagine, John Lennon. Can he do that? Sing a song he already did? Laura says they do that every year. I guess I just don’t remember. Plus, I guess, I don’t really care. Well, it was as good as last time and maybe just a tad less gaspy than usual. Good job, David.

Its clear that the judges want Archie to win. I believe he was hand picked from day one to win. Either that or his dad paid them off for him to win. Whatever. Archie has the great vocal chops and he sounds good, my 80 year old mother and my 59 year old sister love him. They love him. But they won’t buy his CD and neither will I. I will be buying David Cook’s CD, though, no matter what Laura says, cause he’s more my style. Of course, when Jason Castro’s CD comes out, I’m all over that one, too.

Maybe it’s just cause I’m sick, or maybe its cause Jason Castrois gone, or possibly its because the pimping has been so obvious this year, but I find I just don’t care what happens tonight on American Idol. I mean, I really, really don’t care. I want to watch next week, for the finale, cause everyone will be back, and I’m happy about going to the concert, for the same reason (I guess I’m getting used to the awkward group numbers), but I couldn’t care less about watching tonight. Whatever. But, for you, I’ll do my recap anyway. Try to enjoy.

Ryan says there were 56 million votes deciding the fate of the Top 3 of the “best season ever.” Does that number seem low to you, too?

Unfortunately, I’m watching this live tonight, so I’m unable to fast forward through all the stupid stuff. This is really gonna suck. As the group number starts, my husband says, “this is gay” and then “look at that choreography, huh?” I have nothing to add. I see Amanda, Chickezie and David Hernandez in the audience and I begin to weep for what might have been.

Next comes the silly commercial. Sorry, but my idea of heaven is not a Ford Focus.

Then we have the recap so we can once again relive the judges beating up on Syesha Mercado and sharing love with David Archuleta and David Cook.

Fantasia comes out and my husband says, “she looks like a freak.” I’m thinking of letting him take over and write this blog, cause he seems to care more than I do. He keeps talking, “Ugh, gross.” I’m just gonna take a quick bathroom break. And maybe put the dogs out, too.

OK, I’m back. Is this show over yet? Do we have the two Davids all chosen and ready for their big showdown at the finale next week? No. Darn it, I came back too soon.

So Ryan starts “the drama” by calling David A out front. We get to live through David’s hometown visit with literally thousands of screaming teenies. He cries. Then we are forced get to see what would be David’s goodbye reel if he was leaving. Except Ruben’s not celebrating him home. Apparently, they have to fill this entire hour somehow.

We continue the drama with Syesha. The crowd doesn’t look quite as large for Syesha’s home visit. But then I’m reminded of Katharine McPhee and her home town visit, which was about 10 people in her parents’ driveway. Anyway, back to Syesha. At least she doesn’t cry. Oh, no, wait. She’s does. Now we sit through her goodbye reel, with Fantasia providing the background music. Did anyone else notice, right at the end, when they showed a young girl holding a sign that read, Live Your Dream, it was an Archuleta sign behind them, not a Mercado one. Just me then?

We are back to share the drama with David Cook. As Ryan starts to speak, David Cook’s stalkers scream out “We love you, David” from the audience. Then Ryan brings David’s younger brother Andrew up on stage so he can stand there looking uncomfortable for a few moments. David’s home visit is filled with lots of scary looking older women. The little teenies were cuter and less stalkery. My husband asks, “Do you think he’ll cry?” And yes, he does. And so does his brother. (Or is he just thinking, it could have been me?) David’s goodbye reel is accompanied by Daughtry, of course, cause they want to push that there’s a connection or similarity there. There isn’t.

OK, here it is. We get to hear the results. We are closing in on the finale of this, the best season ever, of American Idol.

Dim the lights. America has decided that the finale will be (drum roll please) . . . David Archuleta and David Cook. OK, so is anyone surprised by that?

I don’t feel so good tonight. Plus, I’m in a hotel room in Cleveland, watching American Idol all alone. And I’m stuck here, cause I’m sick and I have no vehicle. Of course, I have no where to go anyway, but still. My husband is at a Cleveland Indians game. He doesn’t even like baseball. But whatever.

I’ve already checked out the spoiler lists for the song titles and I’m not impressed. David Archuleta is singing, wait for it, three slow boring ballads. Surprise. Syesha Mercado is only singing one song I know and it’s a sassy 50’s song, very Broadway. Huh. I originally saw that David Cook was going to sing some Collective Soul, which would have been interesting, but no, interesting cannot ever happen on this show. Its forbidden.

I’m gonna give my impressions of all three songs for each contestant at one time, rather than breaking it down the way the show plays out. Does that make sense? As I mentioned, I don’t feel too good, I think I may even have a fever, so I might not make too much sense right now.

Ryan almost sounds like he believes all that crap he spouts about the final three being at our mercy. I beg to differ. But then no one cares what I think anyway. And yet I insist on writing this blog.

David Archuleta

Paula’s Choice: And So It Goes, Billy Joel. Typical boring David A crap song. Billy Joel has some amazing music, mostly upbeat, why pick this song Paula? He’s changed the melody only slightly (or maybe he just doesn’t know the song), but since it’s a lesser known song, probably no one will notice. I can’t get past his sucky breaths at the end of each line. They love this kid no matter what, and nothing I can say will mean anything at this point. I didn’t notice anything different about his performance without his dad helping him. He’s still boring and predictable.

David’s Choice: With You, Chris Brown. I don’t know this song, cause I’m not a pop music fan. So I found the original and listened to it. So boring. This type of song may lose David some of the grandma vote, cause they won’t care for this drivel either. But maybe David will do something to make it sound different. However, trying to sing a love song when you aren’t even old enough to understand it and feel it may also be a mistake, we’ll see. (Some people at 17 are old enough. David A. is not one of them.) I don’t know. I thought it was sorta sloppy and I didn’t understand a lot of the words. Maybe that was better. (My boo? What does that even mean??)

Producer’s Choice: Longer, Dan Fogelberg. I used to like this song when I was a little girl. I’m not sure why anymore. *snore* *sputter* Wha? I’m awake. I just dozed off for a sec. Really. Of course, the judges love him. They would.

Syesha Mercado

Randy’s Choice: If I Ain’t Got You, Alicia Keys. It was OK. I’m just not feeling it. Sorry. Why are these people so dull and boring and bland?? Aren’t they supposed to be the three best contestants left on the “best season ever” of American Idol?

Syesha’s Choice: Fever, Peggy Lee. She wants to work the chair. Well, let’s see how this works for her. Nope. I didn’t like it. Just not “on” enough. It always seemed like she was trying to catch up with the music. It should have been a bit more . . . I don’t know the right word . . . staccato comes to mind, but that’s not really what I mean. When I was younger, I was in an ensemble. Our director would have said she didn’t have the chops. I guess that’s what I mean. But it doesn’t matter, cause they are clearly done with Syesha and ready to move on to the David/David finale. This week is just a placeholder.

Producer’s Choice: Hit Me Up, Gia Farrell. Oh, yes, they want her gone. What was that mess? I can almost feel sorry for her having to sing, if I dare call that singing, this song. That is not a singer’s song, its a dance tune, possibly originally sung by someone chosen for their ability to dance. She is so, so, so gone. But then I’m not at all surprised.

David Cook

Simon’s Choice: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Roberta Flack. I feel sorry for David having to sing after all the Ryan/Simon gay banter. I’m just saying. Well, he does get the “this guy is a winner” fire-y background to help him out. It was very predictable; he didn’t really change it up at all. So far, it was the best, but that’s not saying much. Is this show over yet?

David’s Choice: Dare You To Move, Switchfoot. I think I’m just getting used to the robotic arm wavers, cause I barely notice them now. No wait, I still hate them. Never mind. It was OK. The song sounded too short, like it was all wind up and nothing else. The beginning seemed too low for him, too. He’ll still be around next week.

Producer’s Choice: I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing, Aerosmith. I think this might actually be a good choice for David. Hopefully, he does it some justice. Not bad at all. After all the other crap we’ve been served tonight, this one almost sounded amazing. I’m sure when I listen to it later, it won’t be as good, but right now, I’m so excited this show is over, that I think it was great. He was definitely the best of the night.

Its obvious that this thing is set up for the David/David finale we’ve all been promised. I don’t think there’s anything more to say.

The results are coming up. This is American Idol. I’m watching the results show a little later, since I’m usually not home to watch it live on Wednesdays. I know I could switch over to live right now and can just watch the last 15 minutes. But I’m not gonna do that. I’m gonna watch this thing from the beginning, all the way through. Except for the stupid parts that I always fast forward through.

So, Ryan tells Randy he was hard on Syesha. No mention of how they were so nasty to Jason.

Another awkward, uncomfortable group song. It’s making me think. What will the concert be like?

Ooh, Judge Judy is in the audience. I love her.

Now I fast forward through some commercials and the recap.

Here come the results:

David Archuleta is first up. Yes, David, you do want to be the next American Idol. That’s why you are here, remember? David is safe. Was there ever any doubt?

I feel that I want to fast forward through the Idol’s trip to Vegas, but I just can’t. I such a fan-girly, I want to see them. So someone grabbed Jason and kissed him. I don’t see that anyone did that to any of the others. I guess they’re right; Jason must suck worse than the others. (That’s sarcasm, in case it doesn’t come over well in print.)

Next up is David Cook. He’s the most original ever?? Randy, do you have any idea what you are talking about? He just finds covers done by other people who are original. David Cook is also safe. Well, color me surprised.

Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro now come out to center stage. But since we’re barely a third of the way through, I’d say we’re not gonna find out for a while.

We come from the commercials for the Ford commercial. Is Little David actually wearing purple? Poor kid. I fast forward through the audience questions. I cannot take them. At all.

I realize that its 9:58 pm and if I switch to live TV right now, I can see who has been kicked off. But I don’t.

I used to like Maroon 5. I think it was cause they had a kinda 80’s sound and I’m an 80’s music fan. Well, it was when I was young, so you always end up liking that music best, I think. Anyway, I don’t believe I like them anymore after that. I started fast forwarding about 45 seconds in.

I’m prepared for whatever happens. But I wish I wasn’t so anxious about it. I guess I just want it over with.

Now we have Bo Bice singing something or other. I actually like Bo. I felt really bad about his terrible first CD, cause he was good on the show. I remember that he broke his foot or became ill somehow or other during the tour and missed several shows. The show we went to was his first time back. He didn’t perform throughout the entire show, but just came on at the end as a surprise and did a few songs. Everyone was so excited. I remember what I liked about him. I may just buy this CD. I did not fast forward through his song, although I am, as previously mentioned, very anxious.

Well, this is it. *gulp* Jason and Syesha at center stage. *drum roll please* Jason is . . . . going home tonight. Well, that was not a surprise. As Ruben celebrates him home, I notice that they don’t show any of the nasty criticism, only the nice things everyone said. Well, this is American Idol.

So now we are down to it on American Idol. I have to live with the very real possibility that Jason Castro is going home tonight. I’ve been getting really involved when I honestly thought I didn’t care that much. I think I’ll be OK when he leaves, but it still makes me very angry. I think the real issue for me is how they have been treating everyone. The people they want to win they pimp, and the people they want to go home they don’t. It’s that simple. That’s always been the way they do it, but for some reason this year, it really makes me crazy. Maybe it’s just cause they are treating David Archuleta and David Cook like the second coming and treating other people, namely Jason, like they are crap. Honestly, I think if Little David pulled his pants down and peed on the judges they would still say he was amazing, (you, da bomb, dawg) and if angels suddenly appeared on the stage, surrounded Jason, and sang backup for him, they’d still hate him (I wasn’t feeling it).

What’s more, Jason just takes it. He has never really answered back to the judges, even though he has almost always received negative critique. As opposed to someone like Carly or Brooke, who more often received praise, and when they did get any negativity, they answered back. Part of that is that I think the judges don’t understand anyone who isn’t really a “pop” singer. That’s what they want and if someone isn’t really out there, like say, Blake Lewis, they just don’t get it. Jason is just who he is and that’s not what they want.

I have also been feeling a bit sorry for Little David. While his style isn’t for me, too slow and boring, I can admit that he isn’t terrible. He’s probably even good, if you like that, but he’s not for me. If they just wouldn’t pimp him so much. But I’m actually referring to his dad here. I’ve read all the conflicting reports about this guy, although none of them mention his scary resemblance to Danny Bonaduce, and I’m feeling pretty comfortable that he is one of those crazy stage dads. He probably does berate the poor kid if he doesn’t do well. I mean, Little David does still seem pretty amazed every time he gets positive feedback. That shouldn’t be surprising at this point, since its all he ever gets, so it makes me wonder if he’s used to only being beaten around (I’m talking verbally here) by daddy dearest. At first, I thought the modesty was just an act, and it still may be, since the kid has been singing as an amateur-professional since he was like 2 years old, but now I’m not sure anymore. Mostly, cause he just doesn’t seen smart enough to keep it up.

This morning, I read all the reviews I normally read, and I kinda feel a little bit better knowing that most of them agree with my point of view. Which is that Jason, whether good or bad, is getting thrown under the bus, and the two Davids are getting pimped. Syesha doesn’t seem to have any fan base that I can find, and yet she has made top four, so who knows. Its almost like no one even remembers she’s still on the show.

It was a foregone conclusion for me, from way back, that the two Davids would be the final two standing. It was time for another two man finale, we’ve had boy/girl finales for too long now. (Season 1 was boy/girl, Season 2 was boy/boy, Season 3 was girl/girl, Season 4 was boy/girl, Season 5 was boy/girl, Season 6 was boy/girl). Last Season, the number 4 person was Lakisha Jones. Another person out at number four was Chris Daughtry, who I was pretty sure was the pimped for that season and yet he didn’t win. In Season 4, dialidol predicted that the only person not safe was Vonzell Solomon, and yet Anthony Federov went home. So I guess anything can happen. There has never been a top three all the same sex, so it would be interesting. But I don’t think it’s gonna happen.

At this point, I’d like to think that David Cook would like to leave either this week or next. I doubt he wants to win, cause then he would be stuck in the 19 Entertainment contract and have to sing whatever stupid song they write for him (I’m Proud That This Is My Now) and record whatever they pick for him to record. Look at Bo Bice. His first album sucked, so you clearly don’t want to be second either at this point. I think third or fourth place is a good place to go out, but I also think that no matter what, no major label is gonna pick up someone like Jason, who although he has a rabid fan base, does not have the skill or the sales appeal of someone with a more pop sound.

A friend of mine had posted a list of firsts that Jason has pulled off on AI. I’m just gonna end this little rant with her list.

First person to ever play an instrument in competition on AI.
First person to ever make it to top 4 with absolutely no one even knowing his name before the thing started.
First person to play a ukulele on stage and be taken seriously.
First person on AI to break the Itunes top 100 list.
First person to have two of the songs he sang make number 1 on Itunes by the original artist in the days following his performance. Interestingly enough, both of those performers are deceased. He raised the dead for cripes sake!! What more do they want from him!!

Well, its time for American Idol yet again. Seems like I just watched it. Right, I did. In any case, I’m ready for the Top Four to blow me away with “Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.” But I’ve seen spoilers of what they are going to sing and I don’t have much hope of that. At least there’s only three weeks left of this torture, I guess I can handle that.

So here we go:

David Cook - Hungry Like the Wolf, Duran, Duran. I’ll be honest. The thought of anyone singing this song on AI scares me a little. More than a little. And I was right to be scared. It wasn’t too good. But it was great how he messed up the words, “mumble mumble wine, mumble, mumble wine.” My husband just asked me why with all the songs to choose from would he pick Duran, Duran.

Syesha Mercado - Proud Mary, Tina Turner. I was so busy looking up which came first, the Tina version or the CCR version, as my husband insisted, that I forgot to listen. I’d say Simon was probably right. She is usually screechy. My husband’s comment, “She’s hot. It wasn’t that good of a song, though.”

Then he said if it’s top three guys and the last girl is gone, they are gonna lose a lot of their audience. I told him that teenage girls don’t really care about Syesha and that women predominately make up AI’s audience.

Jason Castro - I Shot the Sheriff, Bob Marley. What was the guitar for? It didn’t look like he played it at all. I disagree with the judges, I thought he seemed very comfortable and happy singing. He knew the song and he just sang it the way he sings. I liked it. I was thinking Bob Marley, too. Also, I dislike how they always slam him every week and he just takes it.

David Archuleta - Stand By Me, Ben E. King. My mom keeps referencing Frank Sinatra as a young singer when she hears him for some reason. I don’t get it and I don’t get him. He looks like Eddie Munster and he’s kinda creepy overall. In any case, I was too busy being angry about the judges trashing Jason that I didn’t pay any attention, but I’m sure it wasn’t as good as the judges say. They want him to win and they want Jason to go home. It’s soooooo obvious and it makes me crazy. I wish they would be fair and honest in their critique instead of basing it on what is supposed to happen.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want Jason to win and get stuck in the stupid 19 Entertainment contract. But I want him to lose fairly not get pushed out for the pimped favorites.

David C. - Baba O’Reilly, The Who. Better than his first song, but still it wasn’t a good chop up of that song. I wanted it to do more than it did. Once again, the judges pimp who they want to win.

Syesha - Change is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke. She looks really good tonight. She ended it with the prerequisite glory notes, so the judges will probably like it. I thought it was a little dull and she sounds kinda screamy to me no matter what she sings. Laura was saying to me last week that Syesha is probably the least talented black female in all seven seasons. Think about it. She’s up against people like Latoya London, Lakisha Jones, Trenyce, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, and Kimberly Locke. I believe she should leave this week. The crying, however, is gonna get her some votes.

Jason - Mr. Tambourine Man, Bob Dylan (the Byrds probably did the more popularly known version). Poor Jason, he’s so nervous, he forgot the words. I thought it was good, but sorta sing-songy, which wasn’t what he needed. I still love him more than the others. His style is my style. I think that when you mess up it sometimes acts in your favor and might get him more votes.

David A. - Love Me Tender, Elvis. My husband thinks he’s excellent. My mother was being so obnoxious about Jason that we had a fight and she got up and left the room mad, slamming her door. I’m still so angry, I don’t care how he sounded. It’s fixed and David A. is gonna win, so there.

I don’t mind if Jason goes home this week. Really, I don’t. But I don’t want them to be mean to him and push him out whether or not he’s good. In all honesty, he didn’t have a great night, but it wasn’t as bad as they made it sound.

Since it seems obvious that they want Jason gone, I’m not even gonna try to guess what will happen tomorrow night.

Sorry there was no American Idol blog last week, or, you know, any other blog. I went out of town unexpectedly and had no computer access. Actually, I didn’t have much TV access either, so I didn’t get a chance to watch Idol. I knew I was DVRing it at home, though, so I wasn’t too worried. I did call Laura at exactly 10 pm on Wednesday just to find out who got the boot.

As a result of my lack of TV and computer, I missed out on all the controversy surrounding Paula’s comments and poor little Jason. I’m sure, by now, its apparent that Jason is my favorite and I’ll be so sad when he leaves. I’ve done some reading up on everything that happened, and it appears to me that Paula was just confused. I believe I’ve actually read somewhere that the judges do sit through the rehearsal and take their notes then. Since they weren’t supposed to comment on anyone until all the songs had been sung, Paula just forgot. Look, I’m not defending stupidity or anything like that, I’m just saying.

So, since it’s all over and there isn’t much more to say, I plan on saying stuff anyway. Here’s my, more or less concise, run down of what I thought.

Jason Castro - Forever in Blue Jeans and September Morn. I thought he did a good job on the first song, but that the second one was a little weak. I can make some allowances, obviously, as everyone seems to be doing, because of Paula’s craziness. It would be hard for anyone to go up there and do your best when you’ve just been told you suck. But overall, he should have done better. I also read about the remarks that Jason made, saying he’s “ready to go home.” I’d give that a re-read. Meaning, he probably means he’s “prepared” to go home, since it could happen at any time now. Jason is just a pretty laid back guy. At least that’s what I think.

At this point, since I’m not actually watching the show as I write this and didn’t take any notes while I watched, I realize that I don’t care enough about any of the rest of it to look up who sang what. So I may not have that information here.

Brooke White - I’m a Believer and I am I Said - Brooke just never hit her stride, if you ask me. Although maybe I was watching it knowing she was going home, but overall, I thought she was giving off that Carly-desperation vibe. As much as I liked her in the beginning, little by little, she’s been getting on my nerves, so I was happy to see the last of her.

David Cook - He sang two songs I really didn’t know. I think that’s really wise of him at this stage in the competition. Especially, since they are telling them to remake the songs in their own image. By picking lesser known songs, David can play around with the song without upsetting anyone who thinks that Neil Diamond songs shouldn’t be messed with. Plus, it sounds more original, since no one knows the song. Good job.

David Archuleta - Sweet Caroline and America, probably some of Neil’s more easily recognizable songs. It figures that the kid would get them. In any case, he did OK but I didn’t think he was that exciting.

Syesha Mercado - Hello Again and some other song. My husband really likes her, I can barely remember she’s in this competition.

And, as for chop night, can I just say that I’ve never heard group songs that are still, after this many weeks, so awkward and uncomfortable sounding and looking. My husband was not watching, he was in the other room, but just as the group song was ending, he walked into the room and said, “That was really bad.” I couldn’t agree more. I’m also noticing how they group them during the Ford commercial. David A is alone, David C and Syesha are together, and Brooke and Jason are together. Is it subliminal? Putting the people they want to go together and leaving the winner alone? Whatever.

As for Brooke’s meltdown, I could see that coming for weeks now. She’s been getting less and less easygoing and more overwhelmed and stressed as the weeks have passed. It’s probably much better for her to not have to deal with any of this anymore.

So its cut and chop night after Andrew Lloyd Webber night on American Idol. See, if they had only done some other musicals, like I asked for yesterday, say Grease, the group song could be something fun like “We Go Together” (rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong). But they won’t. It will be some sad, boring ballad from Cats. Or Phantom. *sigh* I’ve been reading rumors and babblings all day long about what’s gonna happen, but I still have no idea. All I can say for certain is that someone is going home tonight.

Ahh, they are singing All I Ask Of You. I sang this at a wedding once. The chick’s part is wicked high. But still, what did I say? Sad and boring ballad. Unfortunately, I’m watching the show live this week, so I can’t fast-forward through all the commercials and boring parts. At least I can still hit the “mute” button.

Tickets for the tour have gone on sale. They’ve only come to Buffalo once in all these years, so I always have to drive somewhere. I think, this year, it will be Toronto.

I’m busy ignoring the recap. I don’t need to relive them bashing Jason, telling Syesha she’s only good for Broadway, and ignoring David A. and Carly messing up the words. Or watch Brooke start and stop, for the third time since the competition started. I hate to think what would have happened if that had been Jason, the only non-planted contestant left in this competition. Sorry, do I sound bitter? Well, I am a bit. And the show is just starting.

Since ALW doesn’t sing, we have to sit and listen to him have a little Q and A with Ryan and the judges. Um, Ryan, Brooke stopped and started before, or doesn’t anyone but me remember that? And why are they still picking on Jason? Leave the kid alone. Yes, ALW, how can we miss you if you won’t go away? Please, go now and go quickly.

The Ford commercial was pretty good tonight. Plus, I like that song.

They are still talking about Idol Gives Back and we get to hear from President and Mrs. Bush. I remember last year they tried to be funny and didn’t quite make it. Thankfully, this year, they played it straight.

So we start with the eliminations. First up are the two Davids. Clearly, they are both safe. It’s doubtful if anything is gonna shift the two of them out of here until the finale. *sigh*

Lucky us, we get to hear Leona Lewis after the break. I’m just gonna run and get myself some water or something. Honestly, I have no idea who she is. None.

We also get to see some former Idols tell about their runs on Broadway. I notice they don’t mention Constantine.

Well, I know why I’ve never heard of LL. Not my kind of music at all. Ever. Talk about the longest two minutes, I thought that song would never end.

Back to the reason I’m here tonight. Eliminations.

Next on stage, Syesha and Brooke. Oh, this is good. Maybe they are the bottom two. I can live with that. Oh please, oh please, oh please . . . *sigh* Brooke is safe and Syesha is not. Who will join her? It’s Jason, isn’t it? I just don’t think they are gonna want to lose Syesha until the Top 5. Just what I think. I hope I’m wrong.

Now up, Carly and Jason. Jason looks worried. Carly looks smug and a little desperate.

YES!!!! YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!! I’m so excited right now, I’m jumping all around the room. Well, really, I’m sitting here and typing, but I’m jumping in spirit. Jason is safe and Carly is in the bottom 2.

So after we get to hear both chicks sing . . . Carly is leaving. YES!!!!! It’s just like Christmas. And I’m getting everything I want.

Andrew Lloyd Webber night on American Idol. *sigh* I’m not a big fan. Look, I like musicals as much as the next guy, but I like them to be happy. ALW is usually kinda dark and depressing. If it was gonna be Grease, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Singing in the Rain, or something like that, with shiny, happy songs, I’d be more excited. I’ve seen a spoiler list and I’m not thrilled. Maybe it will be better than I think.

I’ve been reading a lot of sites today, to get a feel for what people think. Somewhere, on some site, I saw someone wanting to know if Simon calls their performance “cabaret” tonight, will that be a compliment. *sigh* Well, here we go anyway. Why is the band down on the stage? Is that more conducive to Broadway music or something?

I do think it was fun to see ALW mentor the Idols. He seemed like he really took an interest and gave them actual advice. That’s a change.

Here’s the rundown with my thoughts:

Syesha Mercado - One Rock & Roll Too Many, Starlight Express. At least ALW is making her show some personality. It was pretty good, but I have to say that I didn’t think her voice showed to its best advantage. She kept getting lost in the music on the low parts. But it was very cabaret. My husband isn’t here to comment, but I bet he’d have liked it. The judges also really liked it, but that just fits in with my take that they want Syesha in the Top 5. So even though she’s in the first, forgettable spot, she’s probably gonna be safe.

Jason Castro - Memory, Cats. I admit, I’m a little worried about this choice, cause it’s such a well known song and it’s such a specific genre. But hopefully he’ll be really good. So he’s nervous, too. That doesn’t make me feel better. Wow, it doesn’t sound Broadway at all. I feel so much better. He has such a smooth, smoky sound and it really went with that song. The judges are throwing him under the bus, but at least they acknowledge that he is beautiful. But what are they saying, are they telling people not to vote for Jason????? What’s wrong with these people.

Brooke White - You Must Love Me, Evita (film adaptation). Oh my! Forgot the words. How many times do you get to start over and not get slapped by the judges? I guess VFTW did pick the right person to back. Admittedly, she does have a better connection to the song this week than she has in a while, but it just sounds like a Broadway show tune. I thought they wanted contemporary. I’d like to think this is her last week, but probably not.

Can I just say that I hate this show? Brooke did something wrong and didn’t sing well. But they make it all OK. Poor thing, what else could she have done, etc., etc. But for Jason it wasn’t good, so don’t vote for him. Could they be any more obvious in the pimping and trying to get people to vote the way they want? Grrrrrrr arghhhhh. It makes me so mad. My mother, sitting beside me on the couch, says “I felt more when Jason was singing than in what she just sang.”

David Archuleta - Think of Me, Phantom of the Opera. Well, he must be pretty embarrassed after all the hugs. That was just uncomfortable for everyone. Well, it definitely didn’t sound Broadway. It wasn’t bad, but not a complete stand out. I just wish he wasn’t so pimped, cause I want to like this kid. But who am I kidding, he doesn’t need me, he has millions of screaming tweenies voting for him.

Carly Smithson - Superstar, Jesus Christ Superstar. I wish ALW had let Carly sing All I Ask of You. I think Superstar can be a kind of offensive song and I already find Carly pretty offensive. The song sounds like it’s way too high for her in the chorus, too, kinda screamy. I’d like to think this will cost her votes. But let’s see what the judges say. Of course, they thought that was good. Can they not hear from where they sit? I’m so sad tonight. Clearly, they want her in the Top 3. She’s so annoying, I wish I could vote her off.

David Cook - Music of the Night, Phantom of the Opera. Is his hair darker? Oh, wait, he’s singing. Wow, he was really good. He deserves to be in the Top 2, for the sure. Good job! I think he was the best tonight, actually.

It’s so completely obvious that they want Jason gone this week. I don’t know why I should be so surprised or angered, since I called this at least a couple of weeks ago. But still it’s annoying that they don’t even try to hide the pimping.

I went back and figured out that over the last 7 weeks, David A. has only sung in the first four positions twice, David C. and Carly, only once. On the other hand, Jason and Syesha have only not sung in the first four spots twice. Brooke has been first once, last once and then pretty much in the middle every other week. Syesha has actually been in the first spot twice and has never been in the last spot. OK, OK, I have too much time on my hands, but I just wanted to see.

My bottom 3: Brooke, Carly, David A. Best of the night: David Cook. However, I’d say the actual bottom three will have Jason in it instead of David A. *sigh*

My husband just came upstairs, apparently having been watching the show downstairs, and says, “Brooke is gone. Syesha was amazing.” I guess that sums up the night for him.

As I sit here tonight, getting ready to watch the cut and chop show on American Idol, it feels like no time at all has passed since we lost Michael Johns last week.

But alas, tonight, we’re gonna lose someone else. With all the polls and articles I’ve read today and my perusal of dialidol, I’m still pretty convinced that its gonna be one of the blonds.

They start out with a boring group song. Sorry, I just don’t know tihs music and I don’t like it. I did like hearing more of Jason, though.

Apparently, I’ve been fast forwarding through a lot, because Ryan just said there’s only one more week to vote for the finale song and I didn’t even realize they were doing it. Speaking of fast forward, bye bye to the recap of last night. I must say I usually re-watch all the contestants on Wednesday morning, anyway, although this week, I didn’t get a chance. So maybe I’ll watch a little.

So on to the eliminations. This is the week of the two groups. One safe, one not.

First up is Jason Castro. He is in the group on Ryan’s left.

Next is David Cook. He is on the right. This is weird, cause I would have said they were both safe.

Up next we have Carly. She is on the left with Jason. Actually, now that I think about it, Jason should be the person who choses last, like George Huff. But it will be David Archuleta, of course. What was I thinking?

Next is Kristy. She is with David Cook.

I’m fast forwarding through Elliot Yamin right now, cause I need to get to sleep soon. Maybe I’ll go back later and watch it. Maybe not. I can hear the Ruben Studdard song from somewhere else in the house, cause my husband doesn’t care about the show, he just wants to see who’s voted off.

Next up is Syesha. She is with Jason and Carly.

Then we have Brooke. Obviously, she is with David and Kristy. Is it possible that David Cook is in the bottom 3? I’m still pretty confident that we are losing a blond tonight.

I hate the audience questions. So I watch them in super fast forward. Also, I’m not gonna watch Mariah.

So now we have David Archuleta. David is safe. Now he has to pick a group, right?

Oooh, tricky, now David Cook has to switch with Syesha. It all makes sense now. I hope. Of course, David takes the easy way hout, and he sits in the middle. But, thankfully, it is David Cook, Jason and Carly. And Brooke, Kristy and Syesha are the bottom 3.

First off, Syesha is safe. I knew that.

Brooke needs to stop talking. I wish she would be the one who goes at this point. But alas, it is the end of Kristy. I called it!

As usual, Brooke and Carly try to make it all about themselves.

Hey, did I miss the Ford commercial?

I’m not looking forward to Mariah Carey night on American Idol. Maybe it’s cause I’m not a fan. Well, I do have her Christmas CD and I like it, but honestly, I don’t think I’d know one of her other songs if I heard it. I just don’t listen to pop music. Or dance music. Or Top 40 music. Well, I guess tonight I get to find out if I have heard these songs.

So here’s the rundown and my thoughts:

David Archuleta - When You Believe. I read an article about him this week and who ever wrote it was speculating that David’s humble persona may not be phony, as I’ve always proposed, but that he’s really just a geeky little showbiz kid with a domineering father. Just in case, I’ll try to be nice to him tonight. He’s already in a bad spot starting off the show, poor thing, although I doubt that will hurt him. I’m not sure what I think about his singing, cause I just didn’t know the song, but I don’t think he was bad or anything. He has a nice voice.

Carly Smithson - Without You. OK, I know this song, but only because it’s an old song - Badfinger, right? So, Mariah and Carly lie about having met each other back in 2001. I’m sorry, but she could have the best voice ever and I just wouldn’t be able to get over all the lies and cover ups they’ve gone through to keep this chick on Idol. And she doesn’t have the best voice ever. Actually, I think she was kinda boring. At least she covered her tats this week. I hate the way keep trying to make it sound like she’s never sung before in front of large crowds and how Randy keeps saying she’s great when she’s just OK. Grrrrrr arrrrrrrghhhh!!

Syesha Mercado - Vanishing. Mariah Carey night ought to be like the mother ship coming for Syesha. My husband really likes her, but to me, she just always sounds like she’s overdoing it. Once again, my husband loves it. My mom thought it was good, too. I just didn’t get it.

Brooke White - Hero. I’ve heard this one before, too. So I have to imagine it was a huge hit. Or maybe they used it for a Penney’s commercial or something. So, are the judges gonna call Brooke on hiding behind the piano every week? Well, I guess you can say that what you see here is what you’re gonna get with Brooke. I liked her a lot back in the beginning of all this, but little by little, I’ve liked her less and less. She’s OK, just kinda the same and boring. Every week. I’d also like for her to not answer back to the judges when they talk to her. Or speak at all, if possible.

Kristy Lee Cook - Forever. My mom says, she’s make a good country artist. Right, mom. My husband, “That was good. It put me to sleep.” I wasn’t even that impressed, cause I didn’t get a nap. Or chills.

David Cook - Always Be My Baby. I did a quick search to see if I could find someone who did a rock cover of this song, but I came up with nothing. Maybe I didn’t look hard enough. Laura isn’t here this week, so I’m free to like David if I want to. I liked it. Not as much as the judges, maybe, but more than my husband who said, “it stinks.” I thought he started out a little low and mumbly, but he really kicked into it in the middle. OK, now he’s crying, so I like him even more.

Jason Castro - I Don’t Wanna Cry. Thankfully, Jason is right where he belongs, in the pimp spot. I was surprised to hear a bit of a pop sound in Jason’s voice during one of the group songs on Idol Gives Back night. (Don’t ask me which one, cause I just don’t remember and I’m not gonna bother to go look it up.) So I’m not worried about him singing this drivel. I thought it was lovely. My mom likened him to Frank Sinatra, who didn’t have a great voice, but had style. Jason does have style, but I also like his voice. It’s smooth.

Well, it’s over and I lived through it.

I think we’re gonna lose one of the blonds tonight. Here’s the way I see it. David A is already the winner, David C is his only serious competition. Carly has to stay in this, because they insist on her being in it, so she’s third. Syesha will make the top 5, because no one wants to look racist, so she could be 4 or 5. The other top 5 spot probably belongs to the other blond. So here’s my new rundown (keep in mind, this isn’t what I want, it’s just what I think):

7. Kristy
6. Jason
5. Syesha
4. Brooke
3. Carly
2. David C.
1. David A.

Oh, and this week’s bottom three: Brooke, Kristy and Carly. My husband doesn’t agree, but then he’s half asleep.

I was interested in that song the American Idols sang during the Ford commercial a couple of weeks ago. You know the basketball one. Here it is:

It didn’t sound like them at all, but maybe it’s just cause of the type of song. So I investigated. What disappoints me, is that I should have recognized it. It was “”It’s Tricky from Run DMC in 1986. So I youtubed it to watch the old music video. It was interesting after all this time, to see a young Penn and Teller taking advantage of young innocent rappers. And, of course, now I remember it.

I also remember how at the time, we all realized it was a ripoff of Toni Basil’s 1982 one hit wonder, Mickey.

Here’s “It’s Tricky” (it won’t let me embed it): video.

Chorus lyrics:

It’s Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time
It’s Tricky…it’s Tricky

Here’s “Mickey”:

Chorus lyrics:

Oh Mickey, you’re so fine,
You’re so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!

Weird Al also did a version of “Mickey” in 1983, “Ricky,” which was an I Love Lucy parody:

I tried to do a little research about any controversy at that time, cause although we all said it was a rip off, I don’t remember any lawsuits. People just weren’t as litigious then as we are now.

Although I didn’t find a lawsuit instigated by Toni Basil, I did find an article where The Knack, who feel that Run DMC lifted the guitar bit in It’s Tricky from their 1979 “My Sharona”, are just now getting around to filing their suit.

Well, I guess that was kinda interesting. And maybe worth the amount of time I put into checking it out.

I had some vague plan of writing a review of Idol Gives Back. But, honestly, I just didn’t care enough. I watched it, mostly in fast forward, but I watched it. I’m just not impressed with star studded variety shows. I’m just not that impressed with celebrities in general. So, I barely know who any of those people were. Sure, I’d heard of them, but I didn’t care.

I did watch a couple of parts, like Fergie singing with Heart. Although, I nearly didn’t recognize Heart. How the heck old are they anyway? Also, I watched Billy Crystal with Miley Cyrus (although not Miley singing, cause why would I?) and Robin Williams with Simon, Paula and Randy. I was good with just watching that much.

So tonight we are on to the results show and we will lose someone. Generally, the shocker week is anywhere between this week (8 idols) and the week with 6 idols. Someone usually goes home who most people think should have stayed longer. Examples are Jennifer Hudson, Trenyce, Constantine Maroulis, Jon Peter Lewis and Nadia Turner. All of them left between this week and the next two weeks. Some of the spoilery stuff I’ve been reading made me think a shocker elimination might be possible for this week, and I’d be OK with that. Depending on who’s getting the shock. Hopefully, it’s Carly.

I think I’ve mentioned before that we don’t seem to have anyone that people really hate this year. I mean, I hate plenty of them, but there’s no one like Sanjaya (there really isn’t!) who people keep asking why is he still on there. I’m not sure I like that, cause the controversy is what makes this show fun to watch.

First off, I note Brooke pouting at the mere idea of someone going home tonight. Get over it, Brooke, that’s what this show is all about and you are not going to win. Next, there is a recap of last night, they raised over $60 million so far, yadda, yadda, yadda. Then they again sing Shout to the Lord, which was the last song from last night. Because the show went over by several minutes, they probably decided that lots of people missed it. I know it got cut off on my DVR.

Then there are some more celebrity appeals and a random celebrity sing along to I’m a Believer. I don’t know why. And I don’t care.

There were 31 million votes Tuesday night, Ryan tells us, the highest so far this season. The best season ever. (I never paid attention before, but it would be interesting to see how many votes are there on a normal night of any season that isn’t “the best season ever.”)

On to the cuts:

First up is Brooke White. We have to find out why she was so emotional on Tuesday. Again, I don’t care. Anyway, she is safe, so I guess she’s not going to her sister’s wedding after all.

David Cook is next. They discussed him being arrogant, smug and pompous. He is also safe. Loud screams and applause.

Now we have David Archuleta. He is safe. (I don’t care enough to mention what he and Ryan chatted about.)

Right now I hate the fact that I am watching this live, cause I can’t fast forward through the commercials like I usually do on cut and chop night. Sigh.

Back from the commercials and into another celebrity appeal; Forest Whittaker in Africa.

Then I have to sit through Jordin Sparks singing with someone I don’t know. Sometimes (and this is one of those times) I wonder why I watch this show. I am so not a Top 40 crap music person. I didn’t like Jordin too much last year, and I hate whatever it was she did tonight. It’s not my style of music at all. Again, I wish I could be fast forwarding right now.

More commercials, more celebrity appeals. Fun Ford commercial to I Just Want to Celebrate.

Back to the results:

Up next is Jason Castro. Lots of screams. Discussion of the price of ukies. (Wow, the one I bought my hubby a few years ago was only $60.) Jason is safe.

Next is Kristy Lee Cook. Kristy is safe.

So the bottom three are Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns. Laura may cry. She is out of town and can’t watch tonight, so I have to text her. This is Syesha’s third trip to the Bottom Three since the Top 12. It’s Carly’s second and Michael’s first.

More commercials, more celebrity appeals, Presidential candidate appeals. At least John McCain was funny.

So who’s out . . . Michael Johns. Oh my, Laura is so gonna cry. He looked so sad, I might just cry a little myself.