American Idol Reveiw - Part 2 of the Finale

As you may imagine I am SO ecstatic tonight. I'm also SO tired! I stayed up so late voting and now I'm up again late because everyone is calling, texting & emailing me!! But I'm wiredand wide awake at the same time. I just knew it!!! I knew in my heart that he would win & I am more than thrilled. David Archuleta handled his being runner-up with class & dignity & gave it his all. He is a brilliant singer & I know he will have a wonderful career. I just hope his dad lays off of him because he put up one heck of a fight and should be proud of his son.

The show was great tonight...they had to learn so many songs!! When David sang with ZZ Top I was screaming! That fit him to at T. Then George Michael who I loved came out and sang my very favorite song of his. THEN, the announcement that made me scream out loud (did you all hear me??? LOL)

DAVID COOK IS OUR 2008 AMERICAN IDOL CHAMPION

Words cannot express how happy I am. I have believed in him from the beginning & to see something come to be that you felt so strongly in is just amazing. I pray that his brother's health will restore so he can enjoy this moment along with his brother. I know that David is going to have an AMAZING career ahead of him. My heart is SO happy tonight!! Thank you all for "listening" to me each week & for those of you who supported & voted for him - Thank you!!!!

American Idol Review - Top 2 - Finale Part 1

I'm not going to be posting a song by song critique tonight. I think they BOTH did a fabulous job. Obviously anyone who knows me knows I am voting for David Cook. However, I will say this, Simon was really getting me angry tonight. I don't think he should be guessing or assuming anyone won "a round". I honestly think the judges shouldn't "judge" the finale & let the viewers enjoy the performances and not get the contestants get worked up or pull the rug out from under them.

No matter which David wins, they will both have a career. I am still hoping that "my" David wins because he has been truly consistent all season long and can sing any and all genres as proven. We shall see tomorrow.

American Idol Recap - Top 3 Minus 1

And then there were 2

You can't even imagine how happy I am! Did you all hear me screaming?? I've been waiting for this for months. My heart is just so happy for David Cook. I am also very happy for David Archuleta because he really is just so sweet. This is going to be one heck of a finale.

Tonight we say goodbye to a phenomenal, talented & beautiful singer - Syesha Mercado. You could tell she already prepared herself, I think she felt it in her heart that she was going home, and just like Carly, she handled it with pride & class. I wish her the best of luck because she really is so talented.

American Idol - Review - Top 3

What an interesting evening! Last night to me felt very rushed. I also felt like the judges were at it in full force. Like, what is up with Paula? Since her faux-pas a few weeks ago she has been noticeably "sober" (for lack of a better word), but a judge that normally sugarcoats everything was quite different last night. Now you all know who read my blog, I am a die-hard David Cook fan. No question there. But as a "Word Nerd or Cookie" I will freely admit that the judges really threw Syesha under the bus last night. I thought she really did a nice job. Maybe I just hear things differently or am not professional enough. In my opinion, what they said to Syesha was just unnecessary. For example, about the producers choice of song...they said it was the wrong song choice, blah-blah. She did not choose it!

That being said, I will give you my preference in order of person, then song.

David Cook
Song # 1 - "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" - I knew about that he was singing this ahead of time because they announced it at his homecoming. It is a very beautiful song. Now another thing that regular readers know is tht my favorite singer of all time is Elvis Presley. He did a version of this too. I liked David's version better! And the fan I am of Elvis' is saying alot. LOL! It was absolutely beautiful. It brought me to tears. He did a fabulous job & showed his heart during this song. Simon picked a great song for him.

Song # 3 - "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" - I thought he did a fabulous job. This was a producers choice and they actually got one right. This was a perfect song for him to sing

Song # 2 - "Dare You To Move" - I liked it. It was an interesting song choice, but I will agree with Paula on one thing and this is not David's fault. The show forces them to cram a 3-4 minute song into 90 seconds. The best part about it was the middle and end, the latter being awesome. It is a shame that they waste so much time on other things and they should let these kids sing the full versions at this stage in the game. Make the show 90mins again.

Syesha Mercado
Song # 1 - "If I Ain't Got You" - I thought this was a good song for her. She seemed very comfortable singing it. Randy gave her a good choice.

Song # 2 - "Fever" - I actually liked it. It showed her spunk and she sang it very well. So what if it was an older song? She showed her range with it. It wasn't like the whole season wasn't older songs.

Song # 3 - "Hit Me Up" - I thought it was OK. I really didn't know the song so maybe if I did, I would have liked it more. But she did good with what she had

David Archuleta
Song # 1 - "And So It Goes" - Well Paula gave him an interesting song choice. I would have given him something other than a slow song which he is always singing. It was OK, not terrific. I actually liked the acapella part he did, when the music came in, it threw me off.

Song # 3 - "Longer" - The producers, what were they thinking? Great song, but not for a 17yr old Idol hopeful to sing.

Song # 2 - "With You" - It was OK. It was an upbeat song for him. But a weird choice in my opinion. It wasn't "him".

Who I think will be going home tonight - Syesha. She is an extremely talented girl. I actually think she has a better voice than David Archuleta, but his teen fan base will keep him in the running. I would have loved to have seen a Cook/Mercado finale but I think it will the the two Davids which I've been saying all along.

American Idol Recap - Top 4 Minus 1

America Has Voted

Last night we said goodbye to Jason Castro. Some feel it has been long overdue. Others are very upset about their favorite leaving. No matter what, at this stage of the game, we have grown attached to each of the Idol hopefuls because we have been watching them on our screen for so many months now.

There were rumors circulating that when Ryan was reading out Jason's numbers he mouthed the words "Don't vote". Alot of people thought he said "Vote vote" because he knew how bad he did. I rewatched that part myself and it does look like he said "Vote Vote". Nonetheless, it looked like Jason was kinda relieved to be going home. In my honest opinion, he didn't look like he was giving his all. These past few weeks to me, was a different Jason. Not the same Jason that sang "Hallelujah". I wish him the best though. I really do.

Next week the Idols get to go back home. I'm very happy for my David Cook because at least he can visit with his brother who is sick. It will also be nice to see friends, family, and the environment where they were pre-Idol.

American Idol Review - Top 4 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

I was VERY excited before last night's show about it being a Rock & Roll genre because that is a genre that David Cook is very familiar with. It was a rough night for the Idols though. Of course I have "unconditional love"..(LOL) because I really loved both of David C's performances. Anyway, the judges were disappointed all around because we are now down to the Top 4 and these performances should be amazing.

Here is my take, in my order of preference:

David Cook

*** "Baba O'Reilly" - AMAZING! Loved it! He rocked it and owned it.

*** "Hunrgy Like The Wolf" - I really liked it.

David Archuleta

*** "Stand By Me" - It was OK.

*** "Love Me Tender" - I'm a devout Elvis fan so I will not comment because I am too biased. LOL

Syesha Mercado

*** "Proud Mary" - It was OK. She has a very strong voice.

*** "A Change Is Gonna Come" - Very strong vocals, it was a tad boring to me though.

Jason Castro

*** "I Shot The Sheriff" - Awful

*** "Mr Tambourine Man" - Worse

Bottom 2 prediction - Syesha and Jason

Going home prediction - If people are judging on performance, it will be Jason. It is a shame because he really does have talent. In my opinion, he is not taking the competition seriously enough and hasn't for a few weeks now. It is like he gave up.

American Idol Review - Top 5 - Neil Diamond songs

Tonight the idols sang the songs of Neil Diamond. How great does Neil Diamond look? What an amazing songbook he has! He was so sweet with each of the Idol contestants.

Boy, oh boy, I really need to address one issue before I give my review. I really am starting to feel bad for Paula. She was totally out of it tonight. How could she think that Jason did two songs? Ryan clearly said each one did one, it was Round one, what did the judges think? I feel bad for her because she struggles for her words & then she has Simon (the peanut gallery) commenting right next to her & probably confusing her even more.

That being said...onto the review.

In order of my preference:

1) David Cook ( surprise, surprise..LOL)
*** "I'm Alive" - Loved it. It was fresh, he sang it very well, he had alot of energy during it. It was a fun song.
*** "All I Really Need Is You" - ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! This was my favorite of the two. He did a phenomenal job. One of the intelligent things Ms Abdul said tonight was "I feel like I'm already looking at the American Idol"...(yay!!!!!!!!!!)

2) Syesha Mercado
*** "Hello Again" - great vocals, solid performance. What's up with her not wearing shoes though?
*** "Thank The Lord For The Night Time" - Another great performance. She really has found her genre & is very confident. I love this side of her. Again, she was Shoeless Mercado. LOL!

3) David Archuleta
*** "Sweet Caroline" - He did a good job. I am an Elvis fan so I've only heard Neil & Elvis do this song...so it is hard for me to love anyone else doing this. (Ok, maybe if David C did it..LOL)
*** "Coming to America" - It was good. This kind of reminded me of Kristy Lee Cook singing "God Bless the USA"...it was the safest Neil song one could sing on American Idol. LOL

4) Brooke White
*** "I'm A Believer" - Simon was right...it sounded like a girls night out, having a few drinks & daring one of your friends to go do a song. I wouldn't call it a nightmare, just a bad dream.
*** "I Am, I Said" - Much better than the other song. She is very talented, has a very good personality, but I do not think she will be in the Top 2.

5) Jason Castro
*** "Forever in Blue Jeans" - I really didn't like this at all. Sorry. (insert Simon tone here)
*** "September Morn" - I liked this better than the first song. The thing is about him is that he sounds the same with everything he does & he doesn't project his voice well. Again, just my opinion.

The bottom 2 prediction:
Jason should be in the bottom 2, but he has alot of young teenage girls voting for him...so I will say - Bottom 2 - Brooke & Syesha. Unfortunately we are at the point in the competition where this has become a popularity contest. So I will predict that Syesha will be next to go even though I think she is more talented than Brooke. Who really should go next though is Jason.

We shall see...until tomorrow

Why David Cook Wears The Orange Bracelet

If I didn't adore him before, I adore him more now. If anyone has noticed during David's performances, for those of you who watch American Idol, he wears an orange support bracelet on his left arm. This is the reason why & whom he wears it for:

Taken from myFoxTampaBay.com:
FOX 13's Charley Belcher is used to covering American Idol, but one contestant has really touched him this season: David Cook. You may have heard Charley speak on the air about how Cook is sporting an orange wristband on the show in support of his 7-year-old daughter, Lindsey Rose, who is fighting leukemia.

Here, Charley explains how the wristbands came to be, and why the one on Cook's arm inspires his daughter when she needs it most.

"I cover American Idol, and my 7-year-old daughter loves to watch American Idol. This year, her favorite is David Cook, and has been from the very start.

When I was in Hollywood interviewing the top 12, I had a great conversation with David Cook. We were hanging out by the coffee machine, just chatting. He seemed so down to earth, so real— such a genuine person. You don't always get that when you are talking to these kids who are getting their first taste of fame.

During that conversation, I mentioned to David that he was my daughter's favorite contestant this year. She asks me about him every week.

As soon as I told David about Lindsey Rose-- and about the fact she's fighting cancer right now, and how he was her favorite-- he immediately said, "Can I call her? I'd love to say hello."

What a nice gesture.

So, I got Lindsey Rose on the phone and said, "Would you like to say hi to David Cook?" She literally squealed with excitement.

David got on the phone and was so nice. He thanked her for her support and told her to get better soon so they could meet one day. I could hear the squeals coming from the phone.

The moment brought tears to my eyes. Lindsey Rose has to deal with so much, this was a great distraction. She promised she would vote for him, he told her to hang in there, and he hung up. I gave him a hug.

I went on to tell him about Lindsey's great attitude, and shared with him her motto of "Do Whatcha Gotta Do". Lindsey was just diagnosed with leukemia on Christmas Eve. While still in the hospital, I had to leave one night and asked her if that was okay, she replied, "Do whatcha gotta do, Daddy."

Her entire family has taken that on as our motto to get through this. I had wristbands made up with that motto on it for her family and friends to wear as a sign of support. She wanted the wristbands to be orange, since that's her favorite color. We found out later that was actually the official color of childhood leukemia awareness.

I showed the orange wristband to David Cook and he immediately said, "Can I please have one?"

I gave him one...he put it on, and said, "I'm going to wear this for Lindsey Rose. You tell her to watch American Idol and look for her wristband."

This is a photo of Lindsey Rose proudly standing next to the TV the first night that David wore the bracelet...when he sang "Eleanor Rigby". He's worn it every week since. During his performance of "Innocent" when he was wearing the long sleeve jacket, if you all remember, that is when he showed the words "Give Back" on his left hand. If you look closely at his right hand, when he is holding the microphone, he has it wrapped around his hand so he can show Lindsey he has it on. What a sweet, sweet young man he is.

Here is a photo of him singing "Always Be My Baby", it shows him wearing the bracelet.

American Idol Recap - Top 6 Minus 1

America Has Voted

(and got it wrong again!)

I really am at a loss for words right now. I cannot in my life understand after the brilliant performances of both Syesha & Carly that both were in the bottom 2??? It is clear to me that this has now become a popularity contest instead of a talent competition. Again, this is just my opinion. Tonight we say goodbye to Carly Smithson who last night sang her heart out to "Jesus Christ Superstar". I also can say this, Carly handled it so well and was so appreciative of the chance that she was given. I'm sure she will have a wonderful career after the tour is over.

Next week, the celebrity guest mentor is Neil Diamond. I think since it is the Top 5 that they will be doing 2 songs a piece? I could be wrong though. Obviously after tonight, I can be wrong about alot of things. LOL!

American Idol Review - Top 6 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tonight the Top 6 competed singing the songs of legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber. Now I will admit, I am not much of a Broadway connoisseur, but I was always a fan of Phantom of the Opera. I think Michael Crawford is wonderful. So I cheated & checked out TMZ.com before the performances and found out my man David was going to sing one of my favorite songs in the world & David A was singing another from Phantom. It was definetely an interesting evening. I think that ALW was a very interesting guest mentor and I think he brought alot to the Top 6.

With that being said, I will give you my weekly opinion.

My top 3 performances:

1) David Cook (no surprise there) - "Music Of The Night" - One of my favorite songs in the world. I was SO EXCITED when I found out he was doing it, I can't even tell you. I never thought in my life I would love someone other than Michael Crawford singing this. I used to go around in high school singing this song with friends in the hallway. So this is really a special song to me. I watched ice skaters skate in competition in the Olympics & World Figure Skating Nationals to this song. This song is very deep & has such special meaning. Recently, Paul Potts did a remake of it, so I am definetely open to hearing other people sing it. Including tonight. I L-O-V-E-D the way David did it. I know I'm completely biased because it is David, but if you knew how truly I loved this song, you would know how honest I am in saying - I just loved it.

2) Carly Smithson - "Jesus Christ Superstar" - Now there is the fun Carly, the happy Carly that was hiding being the "angry" performances. She did a wonderful job. I thought it was fantastic. How cute was Andrew with her? That was funny with the t-shirt at the end.

3) Syesha Mercado - "One Rock & Roll Too Many" - She did a fantastic job with this. This is her genre. You could just tell that she absolutely loved performing that song. She was very natural. Great performance.

My Just alright performances:

David Archuleta - "Think of Me" - Not bad, not terrific. As us Italians say - "mensa-mense". He'll definetely go to the next round.

Brooke White - "You Must Love Me" - The start/stop/start threw me in the beginning, but it was OK. I think she was trying to sound too much like how Madonna did it. The only thing that drives me nuts is how she always looks like she is at the point of bursting out in tears. All the time. I know people are emotional, but it is before, during & after.

My least favorite performance:

Jason Castro - "Memory" - This is only because it was a very poor song choice.

Who I think might go will be the bottom 3 - This is a tough call because I know they have to pick the three with the least votes and I think the three will be Jason, Brooke & Carly. I'm only saying Carly because I think that David A's fan base is so large that he will pass for another round and I really don't think he will make the bottom 3. He is too popular. I may be wrong. Plus I think that Syesha's performance being so good that it will keep her safe as well. It is a tough call.

Who I think will go home - I am torn between Brooke & Jason

American Idol Recap - Top 7 Minus 1

America Has Voted

Tonight we say goodbye to Kristy Lee Cook. I'm actually alittle saddened by her departure as she was growing on me. She lost me during the Beatles week where she destroyed one of my all time favorite songs of theirs, "Eight Days A Week". Alot of people have been "waiting" for her to be voted off for a few weeks. I personally could think of 2 people I would have liked to have seen gone before her, but that again, is just my opinion. I do think that she has a future in Country music & hope that she is successful...and I hope she gets her horse back.

Next week the Idols guest mentor is Andrew Lloyd Webber. I'm hoping that someone does a cool version of "Music Of The Night".

I will leave you all with my favorite performance during Kristy Lee's run on American Idol.

American Idol Review - Top 7 - Mariah Carey songs

Tonight Mariah Carey was the Top 7 Idol contestants guest mentor. The show was overall very good. I enjoyed it much better than the inspirational songs week, which doesn't sound right, but true.

My favorite performance of the night was David Cook. I know, big surprise. LOL! But seriously, he did a phenomenal job on "Always Be My Baby", he made it his own & had so much emotion behind it. There was a story behind it too. For those of you who didn't read about it, David's older brother Adam Cook was in the audience. His brother has brain cancer which has now spread to his spine. He is apparently very ill, but wanted to go & see his brother perform on the Idol stage. His friends chipped in & arranged for a charter medical flight to take him & his wife to California. His brother was not permitted to fly on a commercial aircraft because of the germs I suppose, plus in case he needed anything medically. So, tonight with David doing so well with his song, plus the audience approval, the judges approval & being able to perform live in front of his brother proved to be very overwhelming & emotional for David, hence the tears. It was just a beautiful moment...especially for a David fan. Ok...I'll stop now. LOL!

Ok, full list of favorites in order:
1) David Cook - phenomenal, amazing, loved it!
2) Kristy Lee Cook - she is really growing on me!
3) David Archuleta - very nice

So-So performances in order:
1) Syesha Mercado - it was Ok
2) Carly Smithson - She has such a strong & beautiful voice, she needs to let go.
3) Brooke White - She is very talented, but it just comes across boring & the same thing, a slowed up acoustic/unplugged version.

Least favorite performance:
1) Jason Castro - Randy was right!! I wanted to put suntan lotion on & go to the beach.

Line of the evening:
Simon: "It is like ordering a hamburger and only getting the bun"

Bottom 3 prediction:
Brooke, Syesha, & Carly

American Idol Recap - Top 8 Minus 1

America Voted

(wrongly I must say!)

I am just so upset right now. You cannot even imagine. (If David C is voted off, I can't even imagine how I will be). As you all know Michael is/was my number 2 guy. Sigh. I really believe this is now becoming a popularity contest. If they were voting by "song choice"...I don't think Michael's was bad & vocally I don't think he did the worst. It is OK though, he took it in stride & I truly believe he will have a career. He is a very talented man. I will follow his career & buy his first cd for sure. Oh yes, before I forget...American Idol redeemed themselves by having the Idols sing "Shout to The Lord" again and start it with "My Jesus...." Now that's how is should be!

Hmm? Did they mention what next week's theme is? Will they do a mentor? I think we have left Neil Diamond, Andrew Lloyd Webber & Mariah Carey right?

I have to say, I am beat tired. After work I ran around like a maniac. I have a 1.5hr commute home & I asked to leave a half hour early. Tonight my hubby & I went to a book signing to meet ex-Governor Jesse Ventura (from Minnesota & former WWE wrestler/announcer). What a nice man! The signing started at 6:30pm, We got there at 6:15pm...we got out of there at 7:30pm and I darted home to make it for American Idol. Again, everyone has their priorities. LOL!

Here is a picture of him tonight. He shaved his moustache off & had his hair grow in, in the back. He normally has his head shaved with a moustache.

I would have posted the one of me & him but it turned out like crap. It was SO hot in the place that I was sweltering and um, you could tell. My hair was soaked in the picture. I'll bring it out if he ever runs for president. LOL!

I will leave you with my favorite song performed by Michael Johns during his Idol run.

American Idol Review - Top 8 - Inspirational Songs

Top 8 Sing Songs That Inspire Them

Ok, where do I begin. I was always taught honesty is the best policy. I will be totally honest. I was not crazy with this week's show at all. I just think the song choices were a little off. So I will just give you my review. I think most of you who know me will be very surprised at what I have to say tonight. Remember, I'm being honest. LOL!

My Favorite Performance

Kristy Lee Cook - Yes, I cannot believe it myself!!!

My Least Favorite Performance

Jason Castro - I guess I don't have the same type of ears the judges have.

Ok, now what I thought of each, in order they appeared in.

• Michael Johns - "Dream On" - I thought it was OK. Song may have been a tad high for him. But I love the song & I think he did a pretty good job with it
• Syesha Mercado - "I Believe" - It was just OK. I wasn't trying to compare her to Fantasia like the judges. I try to not do that because it isn't fair to do.
• Jason Castro - "Over The Rainbow" - The whole time I was listening to this I was thinking about what my friend/client from work Linda must be thinking and I was thinking how much Gavin must be rolling his eyes and wishing him off the show. LOL! I'm sorry to all Jason fans. But I really really did not like it one bit. I don't know what the judges were listening to. I'm not a professional so maybe I don't hear what they are hearing.
• Kristy Lee Cook - "Anyway" - I still can't believe I am saying this. I think she did phenomenal. This was my favorite performance of hers. I truly believe she will not be in the bottom 3. She looked beautiful & sang the song very well.
• David Cook - "Innocent" - Ok, here is where you all will be very surprised as to how honest I'm going to be. You know he is my favorite. You know I already voted 20 times for him & will do some more when I'm done with the blog because he is my favorite. But, I did not care for the song at all. It wasn't the normal stellar performance he normally gives. I've bought every song & video so far off of iTunes that he has up there and I will not be purchasing this song or video. How is that for honesty? LOL! I did like what he did with the writing on his hand at the end of the song. That was cool. What I also noted was this...something in his eyes tonight. He just didn't seem there, if you know what I mean. It is probably because of his older brother's health crisis. He has alot on his mind, the poor guy.
• Carly Smithson - "The Show Must Go On" - I'm a Queen fan & this was one of Freddie's last songs. I liked how she did it, I wasn't crazy about it, but I didn't hate it. I don't think however that she looked like she was angry. I think she sang it with conviction & sang it like she believed it and was serious about it. By no means did she look angry.
• David Archuleta - "Angels" - I think he did this nice. I'm not on the "Arch Angel" bandwagon. He is very sweet, very humble, very innocent. But to me, he just isn't #1. But what scares me is that the way the teenage girls are voting for him and screaming for him, that he can be in the final 2. His dad really needs to lay off of him though. He seems like he is very nervous. I think he doesn't want to disappoint his father.
• Brooke White - "You've Got A Friend" - Just 'eh for me. It was OK, nothing spectacular. I'm not really a Brooke fan. She is just a tad boring for my taste. I'm SO glad she finally shut her mouth tonight during the critique from the judges. Thank you Brooke.

Now this is not by my choice...this is just who because of the song choices & what the judges had to say who will be in the bottom 3.

1) Syesha Mercado
2) Carly Smithson
3) Michael Johns

Who I think will be voted off:

Syesha Mercado or Carly Smithson (I hope it isn't Carly because I really like her!)

We shall see the results on Thursday. At least I'll have something to watch since LOST is on hiatus. I hope everyone enjoys Idol Gives Back tomorrow night. Remember it starts early 7:30pm EST.

Favorite Idol Moment

David Cook's version of "Billie Jean"

One of my favorite moments so far of American Idol Season 7

American Idol Recap - Top 9 Minus 1

America has voted

Well we bid adieu to Ramiele this evening. Some say it is long overdue. I think out of who is left, it is the right decision. My poor baby David, he had a bad night after last night's show with needing to go to the hospital. I'm SO glad he is OK. Dolly was so cute. Gotta love that laugh! I So wanted her to address the comment Simon had made about Kristy Lee sounding "like Dolly Parton on helium"...I really would have revoked his "free pass" to Dollywood.



I must point out one more time how ADORABLE my David looks with his new haircut. (Humor me Ruthie & Linda..hehehe). I will even include a picture for those who have not seen it yet. The funny thing is that my hubby puts up with me & just rolls his eyes at my "cradle robbing"..ROTFL!

You all have a great night...until next time....

American Idol Review - Top 9 - Dolly Parton Week

First thing first....forgive my boldness, but who peed in Simon's corn flakes this morning?

Was it me or was Simon is such a harsh mood this evening. Ok, he is normally very 'truthful', outspoken, etc. But tonight he was just so negative with everything. (ok, 95% of everything). I felt SO bad for Carly when he criticized her wardrobe stating that she should consult the person dressing her. I mean alot of us have criticized some of her outfits, but to do that in front of millions of people. She just showed her vulnerability last week when she said she wore spanx because people thought she had a baby bump even though she wasn't pregnant. He really knows how to help someone's self-esteem doesn't he. Ok, enough energy wasted on Mr. Cowell...onto the review.

Tonight the Top 9 are mentored by Dolly Parton. She was very sweet. It was tough because I only knew about 2 or 3 of the songs that were chosen. I actually think it is a good thing because I really was rating them for their talent versus how I think they sing the normal popular song.

My 3 Top Favorite Performances in order:
1) David Cook
2) Michael Johns
3) Carly Smithson

My Top 2 Least Favorite Performances in order:
1) Ramiele Mulabay
2) Syesha Mercado

Here is a review in my opinion of each performance

• Brooke White - "Jolene" - I am surprised at myself for saying this but I really liked it. That was a good song choice for her.
• David Cook - "Little Sparrow" - LOVED IT. I know you all will think I'm biased because he is my favorite, but I really enjoyed it. It was different and showed what type of range he could do & how he can work with any genre.
• Ramiele Mulabay - "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?" - Nope, not really. (sorry, I couldn't resist). She is sweet, but she just doesn't "have it".
• Jason Castro - "Travelin Thru"- Again, I am surprised that I am saying this...I really enjoyed this song as well. It is one of the better ones that he has done.
• Carly Smithson - "Here You Come Again" - Really REALLY liked it! She sang it so beautiful. She was more heartfelt this week, probably because she took the spanx off & could breathe. Really great performance. Still "Come Together" has been my favorite.
• David Archuleta - "Smoky Mountain Memories" - He did this song very nice. I hope his Dad lets up him real soon.
• Kristy Lee Cook - "Coat Of Many Colors" - Another one I thought I would never say this about...I really liked it. The last two weeks she has stepped to the plate for me. Country is her thing...but twangy ("Eight Days A Week") is not.
• Syesha Mercado - "I Will Always Love You" - Dolly had it right, a simple version of the song. She kind of mixed both versions together. Really didn't do it for me. Last week she was alot better.
• Michael Johns - "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right" - Phenomenal!! He sang it beautifully. He kicked butt & is proving to the judges why he is one of my Top 2 singers this season. I am so proud of him!!!

I have to say even though I didn't care for some performances this evening, I thought that this week everyone did relatively well. It was a safe week I should say. Now the tough part of who is going home....

My prediction is either Ramiele or Syesha.

One funny sidenote - I was waiting for Dolly to make a reference to Kristy Lee that she didn't sound like her on helium...remember Simon's comment to her when she sang "Eight Days A Week" ROTFL...she totally missed the opportunity. Since her portion was pre-taped, when she appears live tomorrow...she better say it to him. LOL!

American Idol Recap - Top 10 Minus 1

Tonight's Bottom 3

1. Chikezie
2. Syesha
3. Jason

Another surprising results show for me. I thought for sure Ramiele would be in the bottom 3. I feel Kristy totally saved herself by doing the patriotic song. They are my least favorite contestants follow very closely by Jason.

Tonight we say goodbye to Chikezie. I was very surprised that he went home before 2 or 3 other contestants. He has a wonderful personality, a beautiful voice & a beautiful smile. I am sad to see him go, but only good things will follow him. Plus another positive is that he will be part of the Idol Tour. So this isn't the end of the road for him. His Mom was too cute in the audience rooting him on when he was singing his parting song. I give them so much credit for going up there and doing it.

We also found out tonight that the rumors of Carly being pregnant are false. At least it came straight from her and not an American Idol rep. It is so sad that she feels the need to go and put girdles or whatever her slang for it was on. She put on a few pounds and everyone assumes that she is pregnant. Well society thinks thin all the time & I feel bad for her that she has to concern herself with this on top of being in the competition. I think she looks great. Speaking of looking great, did I mention how great David Cook & Michael Johns looked tonight. (Sorry, had to throw that in..LOL) I am SO glad they advanced. Woo-Hoo!

Well we shall see next week what is in store for the Top 9 with Dolly Parton being their guest mentor. I'm hoping that they could sing songs by her and her favorites or inspired by her. It will be tough for the guys to sing her songs. I can't even imagine how hard it will be for Mariah's songs if they are forced to sing only hers. But, with the talent that they have this year, I am sure they will pull it off.

I will leave you with my favorite performance of Chikezie during his run on Idol.

American Idol Review - Top 10 - Year They Were Born

Tonight was so-so. There were some really wonderful performances (note photos..wink wink). Then there were not so wonderful performances. Here are my picks for this evening's best & worst performances followed by my personal review of each. Please feel free to comment & let me know what you think. I know I may sound biased yet again, but my boys did EXCELLENT! I am SO excited for them. I really am.

My Top 3 Favorite Performances in order:

1. David Cook
2. Michael Johns
3. Syesha Mercado

My Least Favorite Performance:

1. Ramiele Malubay

This is what they sang and what I personally thought, in order of their performance.

• Ramiele Malubay - 1987 - "Alone" - I really think she has a nice voice, but to me, she isn't in Idol material. I honestly think she should have been sent home before Amanda. The song is a very tough song to do, and they mentioned she had lost her voice. She screamed the entire song. It is like she hollered the whole way through it. I didn't care for it.
• Jason Castro - 1987 - "Fragile" - I actually think he did a good job with this song. Even though the fact that he "sings with his eyebrows", I really enjoyed this performance. Much better than last week.
• Syesha Mercado - 1987 - "If I Were Your Woman" - She did a great job on this song. I really enjoyed this performance. This is my 3rd favorite song of the evening.
• Chikezie - 1985 - "If Only For One Night" - This was an "Ok" perforamance...a safe performance. I liked it, didn't love it. Nothing to me will beat that first Beatles song he did.
• Brooke White - 1983 - "Every Breath You Take" - I'm sorry, I thought it was SO boring. I'm really not a fan of hers. She sounds the same each week & I think hides behind that piano.
• Michael Johns - 1983 - "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions" - Incredible!!! This was awesome. Michael is back. I knew if only he found the perfect song that he would prove how fantastic he is. I LOVE his voice. He has a Michael Hutchence sound. I LOVED it. Way to go Michael!
• Carly Smithson - 1983 - "Total Eclipse Of the Heart" - Good, not great. I think it was a "safe" performance. It is either that or I compare everything to her doing "Come Together".
• David Archuleta - 1990 - "Your The Voice" - I didn't care for it to tell you the honest truth. First, I never even heard of that song. Second, it reminded me of a solo Menudo performance.
• Kristy Lee Cook - 1984 - "God Bless The USA" - Truly a safe performance. Actually the judges were right. She was quite brilliant in choosing this song because she will get alot of 'patriotic' votes. It was ok to me.
• David Cook - 1982 - "Billie Jean". UNBELIEVEABLE. Seriously, when I heard that he was going to do the song thanks to the TMZ.com mole....I kinda cringed. But then my darling husband reminded me what he did to "Hello" and how I LOVED that song. This by far was my FAVORITE performance of the evening. He made this song his own. Just like he did with "Hello". Just like he did with "Eleanor Rigby". He was amazing tonight. He made the song sound sexy. I never thought that song could be "sexy". But it was. His voice is awesome, he is creative and unique. He could take this right to the end. Even if he doesn't I'm not worried because I could see him following in the footsteps of Chris Daughtry.

We shall see what America thinks tomorrow. I really hope that they do keep this a talent competition & not a popularity competition, like Simon suggested.

American Idol Recap - Top 11 Minus 1

WHAT WAS AMERICA THINKING WHEN THEY VOTED? That was America's bottom three?
1) Carly ????????????????????
2) Kristy Lee
3) Amanda ????????????????

I did not think Amanda nor Carly should have been in the bottom three. Nevermind Amanda being voted off completely. WHAT?? Now please, this is just my opinion. I just can't understand how people thought that Kristy Lee was a better singer than Amanda? Now as you know, I wasn't an Amanda fan - but - the girl had a great voice. She started to warm up to the judges and even tried to get the audience involved. I can't understand how she got voted off & how she is not going on the tour. But then I have an instant flashback to this time last year and remember that Sanjaya remained in the Top 10 and got to go on the tour. So many good people went home early for people keeping him in there. I do not mean Kristy is a bad singer. She actually has a very nice voice. But putting Amanda & Carly in the bottom 3 positions while Kristy stayed and Ramiele wasn't even in the bottom 3....I just don't understand. What worries me is what Simon said last week to my man David C...when he said about it remaining a talent competition versus a popularity contest. I think tonight was the start of more talented people going home versus the more popular people. It is OK though, something tells me Amanda is going to be just fine. She has a free spirit & a good attitude that wherever she sings whether it is in a local bar, a small or large venue, as long as she gets to sing, she is happy.