American Idol Finale Recap

Adam - First song of the night, "Mad World." Watching him reprise this performance (one of the strongest of the season) makes me wonder if it's even a contest at this point.

(What is Anthony Hopkins doing in the audience and why is he so old??? Is it me or does Paula look pretty tonight?!)

Kris - I was really hoping that Kris would do "Falling Slowly," but showcasing his piano playing with "Aint No Sunshine" is a smart move. And I correct my statment from above: GAME ON. Kris did an awesome job!

Adam - Hm. The judges loved it but I didn't LOVE it. I liked it.

Kris - I really don't love "What's Going On," but Kris did an ok job with it.

Adam - Ugh, I really do always hate the song that will be the winner's first single. (Well, except Kelly Clarkson's) Adam's vocals are great. The song blows. Unless Kris does something totally unexpected, I think it's safe to assume that Adam will rightly be this year's Idol.

Kris - I'm "feeling" Kris' rendition of this song but I just don't know if he can win. The judges have all but crowned Adam at this point and I love Adam, too.

My vote for the winner of this year's American Idol is ADAM LAMBERT!

AI Finale Tonight + Adam's Cute Boyfriend

Helloooo Adam Lambert's boyfriend! How cute is he?!

I'm really excited for the AI Finale tonight. Apparently it will break down like this:

1. Adam and Kris will each reprise a song from this season. Adam is expected to do "Mad Love" and Kris will perform "Falling Slowly" again. Both great choices.

2. Next will be Simon Fuller's choice (he's a producer)

3. Finally, leaving the worst for last, it will be each contestant singing their "first single." They'll each be singing a different song and they'll be allowed to rearrange the song but can't play instruments.

I'll post my comments from the show first thing in the morning. I'd LOVE to hear yours, as well!

American Idol Final 3 Recap

Danny - I don't mind Paula's song choice for Danny, but he's really butchering it. It also showcases his embarrassing dance moves. Randy thinks it's dope, Kara is right on about the dancing and the forgetability factor, who cares what Paula thinks and drumroll to Simon - he's kind of wishy washy on it.

Kris - Love that he's playing the piano. I worry that the song is too recently popular for him be original with it. But it's ok.

Adam - the first few notes were better than either of the songs we just heard. I think the arragement is just so-so, but he's so good it doesn't really matter.

Danny - Ugh. I'm just so ready for him to go. Is he going to sing this, get teary-eyed and get the sympathy votes? I think this is a boring song choice for a guy I've become really bored with. That said, it was much better than the first song and probably one of his best performances.

Kris - Wow! What a great song choice!! Love this song and I'm so excited to see how he does. Wow - he's doing a really good job, I think. He could have a hit record with this!

Adam - I absolutely hate it! I'm getting a little sick of the screaming. Love Adam but could have done with a little less screetch.

I am PRAYING Danny goes home this week and we have a Kris vs. Adam final!

American Idol Top 5 Recap

Kris - I love that Jamie Foxx loves him so much! Great song choice AGAIN for Kris. I really hope he makes it to the finals. I don't know if he can beat Adam...or if he should beat him, but I think he deserves to be in the finals.


Allison - Wow. What a great job. Regardless of whether or not Allison wins American Idol, she's got a singing career ahead of her. What a beautiful voice.

Matt - Ummmmm.....not loving it. I'm thinking Matt is going home this week. The end was better than the beginning, but not good enough.

Danny - Am I the only one who is bored with Danny? I think he sang really well, but I'm just not that into him. I found myself thinking, "ooh - Adam is next!" the whole time he was singing.

Adam - I don't love the arrangement but does it even matter? WOW! He's a star.

1. Adam
2. Kris
3. Allison
4. Danny
5. Matt

Hot Links

Some of my favorite stories today:

Gwyneth dishes on a frenemy (Winona Ryder) - Lainey Gossip

Heidi Klum is pregnant again - The Famousphere

The Brange: breaking up or pregnant? - popbytes

Patrick Swayze fighting the good fight - Just Jared

American Idol results show recap - Girls Talkin Smack

Michelle Rodriguez is an advocate of sniffing underpants - Hissip

Kris Allen "Falling Slowly"

Just in case you missed it I wanted to post Kris Allen's American Idol performance from last night. I LOVED it. Once is one of my all-time favorite movies and I love the soundtrack, so I'm biased, but still. I thought it was lovely.

American Idol Top 7 Recap

I LOVE music from movies, so I've been looking forward to tonight all week! One of my favorite sites for all-things Idol is GirlsTalkinSmack.com. LOVED their song suggestions for this week and hope some of the contestants choose the songs they mention.

Allison - Love this song. Did you know I'm a HUGE Aerosmith fan? Good song choice for her for sure. Great job!

Anoop - And this week, another ballad from Anoop. One trick pony? I hope he takes Quentin's advice and roughs it up a little otherwise it'll be bor-ing. It's not bad - but it just 'is' for me.

Adam - Hmm....this is probably my least favorite of Adam's performances. And the pants...to tight for my liking, but that might be my *ahem* age showing. I still love him, just didn't love the song. OMG - the crowd is going wild! I think I'm bordering on "the other side" that Simon is referring to, altho "despise" is too strong of a word for how I feel.

Matt - This song has always creeped me out. I don't know why. Vocally I thought it was good. But just ok. Matt might be in trouble this week? I don't think he was confident going into it.

Danny - I LOVE this song. Again, my age is showing tonight! Oh, how I love to sing this in karaoke. I absolutely butcher it, but I love it. Not loving Danny's version. I think this is such an emotional song - and it's hard to recreate what Lionel Richie and Diana Ross put into it. He didn't make it his own in my opinion.

Kris - OMG!!!! PLEASE let him do well, I LOVE this song from "Once." And more and more I'm really loving Kris. LOVE it. LOVE. And...he's hot. For me this is his best performance. My favorite performance of the night.

Lil - I think Lil LOOKS great - definitely the best she's looked for a performance. And that's my Paula Abdul way of saying that I didn't really like it. All done, Lil?

1. Kris
2. Allison
3. Adam
4. Danny
5. Matt
6. Anoop
7. Lil

I think Lil is going home this week.

American Idol Top 8 Recap

Danny Gokey - I could see where people would really like this performance, but I'm just not one of them. I thought it was kind of schlocky....I don't think that's an actual word - but you get the idea. It's just not my thing - but I could see where it might be yours.

Kris Allen - I like it! Well, I like HIM and I think the song's ok, too.

Lil Rounds - I just keep wondering when the judges "Gimme" award will end? Week after week Lil gets the "Gimme" because she's supposedly this amazingly talented singer. Once again she's given us a karaoke-like performance of Tina Turner. I'm glad the judges have finally decided to revoke the award!

Anoop Desai - I'm questioning the song choice. I thought it was totally cheesy. I'm not buying him. He loved it, tho!! Apparently the judges did, too. Hmmm....what did you guys think? I'm obviously way off this week!

Scott MacIntyre - Oh no. No. Please make it stop. Oh no.

Allison Iraheta - While the song is vocally suited for her - it's just way too old. It makes me uncomfortable hearing a 16 or 17 year old girl sing the words to this song. But she sounded great!

Matt Giraud - I like it. I think he's pretty hot. Really good.

Adam Lambert - Wow. It's just on such a different level than anyone else. Love him!! And speaking of Adam....check out this before and after. What a difference hair dye and eyeliner makes!


Here's Adam's performance from last night in case you missed it:


1. Adam
2. Matt
3. Allison
4. Danny
5. Kris
6. Anoop
7. Lil
8. Scott

I'm SO ready for Scott to go home. Who do you think it'll be?

American Idol Top 9 Recap

Anoop - I don't LOVE it, but I'm also not embarrassed for him - which has been a problem I've had with Anoop in his "higher energy" performances. I don't think it was the best song choice, but it was ok. Ooooh - Simon trashed it, I didn't think it was that bad.

Megan - I'll admit it, I've been under Megan's spell. She's a BEAUTIFUL girl. This is not good. And what's up with her outfit? It makes her look like even she has a muffin top. Oh Megan, this could be your swan song. Maybe she can model??

Danny - From the first note you can tell that this is a song that means something to him. Knowing the back story, I have tears in my eyes listening to it. I have NOT been a big Danny fan, but he did an amazing job. Wonderful!!

Allison - GREAT song choice. This girl is a pro. Again, I haven't been a huge fan of hers but week after week she hits it out of of the park! Good job! Randy really wants to rag on the OUTFIT?! Come on. Even Simon is going to trash her based on the outfit?! I dunno, I think it was better than that.

Scott - He NEEDS a big night. Let's see....(his hair looks better)....no, sorry. The vocals just aren't there for me. He seems like a very nice boy, but no. It's just not as good as it should be. Eh, guess the judges feel differently. Did you guys think it was that good?

Matt - Oh no, I love him but I'm not loving this! I don't know, I hated it - but I didn't love Scott. Maybe I'm off this week. Paula didn't like it - that doesn't say anything. Simon? Simon? Ok, I'm not off. Just not very good this week.

Lil - Again, I'm distracted by an ill-fitting dress. Terrible song choice. WTF?! How can she be so far off from the kind of song she SHOULD be singing? And I'm sorry....SPANX?! Has no one on staff mentioned SPANX to the girl?? And this isn't about being "fat." She's certainly not fat. But that dress CRIES for Spanx. Smooth it out, girl!

Adam- I don't know what to think. But I do know this - his stage presence. Amazing. But come on...too much screaming. Stop screaming at me! Still - he HOT. (Uh, Kara - what the hell is "Studio 57?" Is that like the not quite as cool Studio 54?)

Kris - I LOVE this song. He's such an underdog in this competition. I think he's really talented. SOLID. Great performance, best of the night!

1. Kris
2. Danny
3. Adam
4. Allison
5. Scott
6. Anoop
7. Matt
8. Lil
9. Megan

I think Megan will go home tonight.

American Idol Top 10 Recap

I'd like to start by saying I want Kara's dress. Must Twitter Ryan Seacrest to see if he can find out who she's wearing!

Matt I just like Matt. I think he's so solid. I see him into this for the long haul.

Kris Kris is another one I really like. I thought it was good. I wasn't blown away but I liked it. As my husband says, "A good B+."

ScottEeeeek. It just doesn't work for me. His voice is all over the place. Not a good song for Scott.

Megan Eh, not so good. Not a good song choice. Depending on how others do, she might be in jeopardy of going home this week.

Anoop I think he's doing a nice job with it. Simon hit the nail on the head - great vocal but his showmanship was lacking.

Michael I was ready for Michael to go home last week and this performance makes me wish he had.

Lil She looks better than in previous weeks! I didn't love her performance but didn't hate it, either. I agree with the judges that she didn't choose the right song.

Adam Love. Love the look, love his voice. He did a GREAT job! Standing O from Smokey - that's gotta feel good.

Danny I like his energy and he certainly sang the song well. I think it was a good choice for him. My only critique is that it sounded like good karaoke to me.

Allison I like it! The control this girl has onstage is incredible. One of the best of the night.

I'm going to rank them as:

1. Adam
2. Allison
3. Matt
4. Anoop
5. Kris
6. Danny
7. Lil
8. Megan
9. Scott
10. Michael

I think Michael will go home.

Cook Seems A Bit Ungrateful

Last season's American Idol winner, David Cook, has taken to his MySpace blog to issue the following open letter:

I have to address some behavior that has become disturbing. We pride ourselves on being accessible to you as fans, but in contrast, we do enjoy what little privacy we can muster. To that end, the efforts by some fans to find our hotel rooms, call our hotel rooms, attach things to our bus, etc., is something I have to condemn. This relationship only works when it remains healthy for both parties, and should this behavior continue, the only thing we can do is take more preventative measures to maintain our privacy, which in turn makes us less accessible to you.

I hope this doesn't come off as harsh. I merely want to nip this in the bud so we can continue to have a great experience with all of you at the shows we have coming up. Take care and see you at the next show.

Hmmmmmm....I dunno. I think it comes off as a little high and mighty. What do YOU think?

American Idol Top 11

Michael - I really like the harmonica guy! Can I vote for him? If there's ever a week for ol' Michael, this'll be it. He seems like a nice guy. He did ok. I just don't love him.

Allison - I thought her voice really suited the song. I can't believe she's only 16 years old - her confidence on stage is amazing.

Kris - I like this kid. He's not the "SHOWMAN" that say, Adam is - but he's SO solid. I really liked him tonight. His vocals were strong while still sounding vulnerable. Oooh - hate that I just used the same word ("vulnerable") that Paula used. Oh...and....how cute is his wife?!?!

Lil - Again, not a good outfit. Her regular clothes are so much better than her stage outfits, don't you think? Anyway, onto the singing..wait...no, the fit of that dress is awful. Now I'm distracted. Ok, focus on the singing...no. Not very good. She should have R&B'd that song because she is NOT country. Oh and her bra is showing. Nice legs, tho! (If she gets kicked off this week will they save her?!)

Adam - Oh my.....not sure with the beginning....ah, I dunno. I like Adam, but I don't know about this. Well, at least he's doing something more liken to his "style." But...no, there seemed to be no actual singing. I can't like it. "Kashmir Led Zepplin," did Paula come up with that herself?! That's AWESOME. Ok, NOW the question is....will the judges save ADAM?!?!

Scott - Hair seems more under control this week, like that. BORING. That's all I have to say about that.

Can we take a moment to say that Paula looks pretty good this week?! Kara not so much. Shiny......necklace.....wrong.

Alexis - OMG, how much do I love "Jolene?!" But...no, not lovin' it. Doesn't seem on pitch, just not right. Sure, she can hit big notes, but the song as a whole was really weak. And I like Alexis!! I'm not a hater! (Will they save HER?)

Danny - What is he wearing?! Seriously, WTF, Sigfried and Roy??? He's a good singer, but as my husband says - I find myself wanting to fast forward.

Anoop - This was my father/daughter dance at my wedding, I LOVE THIS SONG. Anoop, you better bring it!! It's not bad. Miss Barb, he'll make it to the Top 10!!!

Megan - Craig and I are fighting. He says "Oh no, oh no... she's butchering it. She looks FANTASTIC, but she's butchering it." Me? I'm obviously under Megan's spell. I like it! Am I wrong?! Simon? Am I?! Yay! Simon sides with Nikki!

Matt - He sounds great. I love him on the piano. Is it unfair? He seems like such a good musician... I really like it. To me, when they're playing an instrument - they seem BETTER. YAY!! I'm so glad the judges like him because I LOVE him!!

1. Matt
2. Anoop
3. Kris
4. Allison
5. Megan
6. Danny
7. Michael
8. Alexis
9. Adam
10. Scott
11. Lil

Is American Idol Rigged?

I've been getting emails from supposed insiders at American Idol for the past year or so claiming that there's a tell-all book in the works. They say the book will blow the lid on AI - that the show is rigged, winners are chosen early on and bad songs given to certain contestants that will get them the boot.

The New York Daily News today is reporting that an AI staffer has leaked that the final four has already been chosen by producers and they are - Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds, Danny Gokey and Alexis Grace.

Asked if this was opinion or actual fact, the staffer vehemently retorted, “Those ARE the people,” saying it wasn’t mere speculation.

But the lass took it a step further, claiming that higher-ups at the hit Fox show were taking an issue with two of the top contenders.

“Adam Lambert and Lil Rounds are better singers and musicians than Gokey and Grace, but they’re too much like past winners and ‘A’ successes,” the woman said. “Adam’s too close in style and sound to Chris Daughtry, while Lil Rounds is a dead ringer for Fantasia. Even their background stories are similar!

“The producers really want it to be Danny or Alexis. They think they’re very commercially viable, have a good image and a great story.”

What do you guys think? Do you think the show is rigged? Do you think producers try to influence who the winner will be? Do you think this will be The Final Four?

Be sure to tune in for tonight's 2-hour show. It's Grand Ol' Opry Night so it should be....painful with lots of bitching from Simon.

Tension Among AI Judges?

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that there's tension among the American Idol judges and it might not be between who you think. Seems that despite an initially warm reception, Simon Cowell can't stand new judge, Kara Dio Guardi. And here everyone thought it would be Kara and PAULA who wouldn't click.

''Actually, Paula thinks it's funny how things have turned out,'' said the source. ''She and Kara have clicked fine, but Simon has issues. ... Of course, he also knows that kind of tension adds to the show's viewer appeal, but deep down he really thinks her musical sensibilities are pretty inferior. ... Plus, you can tell he simply doesn't like her that much personally. ... It's all in the body language.''

I like Kara. What about you?

AI Results In: Down To 11

Jasmine and Jorge were sent packing last night, as predicted.

Wednesday’s results show produced two eliminations on Idol, and neither was a shocker: Ryan called Jasmine Murray, 16, and Megan Joy Corkrey, 22, down to the stage, told them that one was doomed — then booted Jasmine. Her cover of “I’ll Be There” on Tuesday’s show had been nice, but pitchy.

Then it was time for Anoop Desai, 21, and Jorge Nuñez, 20, to be summoned to the spot of shame. Anoop may have sung an awful version of “Beat It,” but his likable persona proved enough to keep him in the competition. Jorge, who’d gotten no love from the judges for his performance of “Never Can Say Goodbye,” was the one to go.

The real upset came when Ryan explained the new mysterious new rule he’d hinted at the night before.

Called the “judges’ save,” it allows Simon-Kara-Randy-Paula to unanimously reverse the ejection of a singer who has lost in the week’s call-in vote. The judges can do this only once a season, and only in the weeks before the Top Five. (Also, the week following the save, there’ll be a double elimination.)
(Source: People.com)

American Idol Top 13

Well, what did you think of last night's show? I thought it was great. Most of the performances fell into the "eh" category for me, but still - the race is on! I'd love to hear what your thoughts are. Please leave them in the comments section. I wonder if we can find some way to fight over this?! ;-)

LOVED
1. Adam - I thought he was in a league of his own last night. Did you see the "scandalous" pictures of him and his boyfriend kissing? Personally, I thought they were hottt.

2. Matt - I've liked Matt from the beginning and I liked him last night.

3. Danny - I like him, I like his crazy dancing but I'm not over the moon about him.

LIKED
4. Kris - I really like this kid and think he's a cutie pie. I really don't use that term alot, but I think it fits him.

5. Alexis - I thought the judges were hard on her but I also got the vibe that SHE thought she was BRILLIANT. Maybe they were just trying to deflate an overblown ego?

6. Megan - Personally, I thought "Rockin' Robin" was the perfect song choice for her. I definitely don't see her winning, but I hope she stays around for awhile.

NEUTRAL
7. Lil - Didn't love the song, HATED the outfit with a passion.

8. Michael - I just have a hard time caring about this guy.

9. Scott - Ok, I understand that Scott is blind but it seems like his family loves him. Why in the hell do the allow him to sport THAT HAIR?!?! Honestly, it's distracting to me.

10. Jasmine - Boring.

Really Didn't Like
11. Allison - I don't know why I don't like her?! The judges love her. I didn't care for her at all last night.

12. Anoop - Week after week I find myself embarrassed FOR him when he performs.

13. Jorge - I laughed so hard when he said, "I didn't want to sing Micheal Jackson, "Bad," and Simon said, "But in a way you did." LMAO!!!

So my predictions on who will go home tonight are: Anoop and Jorge, but I could see Anoop getting enough votes from the girlies to stay and then I think Jasmine will go home.

Paula In The News

Have you noticed all the Paula Abdul mentions out there lately? Oh sure, a deranged fan killed herself outside of Paula's house and that's awful. But there are also rumblings that Paula has a super secret mega awesome (yeah, right) project in the works that might force her to pull out of American Idol. haha Do you buy that? I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with the fact that AI has hired a 4th judge, Kara DioGuardi - because don't forget - she & Paula are BFF's! And on top of that, I'm SURE all of this chatter is in no way premeditated to get people buzzing about AI. Right? Well, I mean - not the fan suicide, of course. But it doesn't mean the machine behind AI won't use it.

(Paula & Kara)
PAULA Abdul is so freaked out by the suicide of her stalker in front of her Beverly Hills home last week, a friend of the "American Idol" judge says she won't go back to the "haunted house" even after hiring "healers" to cleanse the house of ghosts. "[Paula Goodspeed] was a deranged stalker who sent her death threats. Paula instructed guards to keep Goodspeed away from her at all costs," said a source. "She refuses to stay at home because she fears that the spirit of Goodspeed is haunting her house. She feels like this is the absolute worst omen, a really bad curse . . . Paula is suffering. It is well known that she is emotionally fragile." A rep for Abdul said, "There's no validity to this. She's been home since the incident happened. There's no issue with spirits. Paula is shocked and saddened by what transpired. Her heart and prayers go out to the Goodspeed family."
(Source: Page Six)

American Idol Bullies Homeless Kid

Remember the homeless kid, Josiah Leming, who made it into American Idol's Top 24 last season? I thought it was a shame he didn't make it into the Top 12, but he was sent home before the live show started. Anyway, he was one of FOUR contestants from last season's show to actually get a recording contract and now AI is threatening him with legal action. You see, ALL AI contestants sign a contract saying that if they record it has to be with Sony/BMG. Leming's contract is with Warner Records. Sony/BMG didn't offer him a contract! Now he's set to release his album in late January and AI is sending him threatening letters trying to block the release. Shame on them!

JOSIAH Leming, a homeless singer whose mother is dying of cancer, might be blocked from releasing the album he recorded because he was a contestant last season on "American Idol."

Leming, 19, who didn't make the show's top 24, received an official letter from "Idol" threatening legal action if he puts out his record in January as planned.

"Idol" contestants must sign strict contracts with the show's producer, Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, promising to record only with the label chosen by "Idol" - Sony/BMG. The 19 Entertainment shop also retains exclusive right of refusal for management and merchandising.

When the smash-hit show began in 2002, only finalists had to sign the contract - but now it's mandatory for all contestants.

A rep for Leming, who grew up in Tennessee as one of eight siblings, said, "Josiah was the only 'Idol' contestant ever to get a record deal who didn't make the top 24, and one of only four contestants to get a deal this year. He has personal reasons for getting his music out, threat or not."

Leming was the young man who was living in his car, performing on the road, when he auditioned earlier this year and was told by Simon Cowell during Hollywood Week, "Of all the auditions this year, this is the one I am going to remember most."

Leming is now "is racing the clock," his rep told us. "His mother has terminal cancer, and nothing is going to stop him from getting his music out while she is alive to share it. His album on Warner Records will be released in late January '09."

Leming's lawyer has shot a letter back to "Idol" producers but hasn't heard back. "We're waiting," the rep said. An "Idol" rep didn't return our calls or e-mails.
(Source: Page Six)

David Cook Dating Another AI Alum?

Wow! David Cook asked former AI contestant Kimberly Caldwell out on a date! On tv! I never thought she was much of a singer, but I kind of like her on The TV Guide Channel.



David Cook, is dating second season alum Kimberly Caldwell.

"She's great," Cook tells Extra. "So far, I've had a really good time with her."

Cook hasn't been shy about his interest in Caldwell. He even asked her out on the TV Guide Network.

"I'm just excited because I finally get to talk to you," he told her during an interview Wednesday night on the Idol Tonight show. "I've been hearing you say all these nice things about me all season, So I'm actually going to ask you to dinner right now."

Caldwell accepted, with a hug, telling the camera after Cook left, "I just got asked out on a date."

And while he's interested in her romantically, Cook admits he's not entirely familiar with Caldwell's music. "I knew who she was, but I can't remember a song that she sang," he told Extra. "I'm probably in the dog house now."
(Source: People.com)

David Cook Wins AI

I had a feeling David Cook was going to win!

I thought the judges were totally over the top in their blind praise for David Archuleta on Tuesday night. I think they did it intentionally(or at least Simon)to get people worked up that they would "have" to vote for Cook to save him from losing. That's just what I think happened.

Regardless, I must say - I'm so relieved!! I just never took to David Archuleta. Congrats, David Cook! I don't know if he's going to "make it," but it was a good season.