Idol Chatter - Someone's on the Twain Home

One night after getting tips from one of Country music's top performers, we are forced to say good-bye to one of the six remaining Idols. Who will it be? Who didn't get enough of your votes last night to propel them into the final five Idols? Who's shot at instant stardom is going to end tonight? So many questions and but 60 minutes to find the answers.

Elimination night started out with a visit from one of Country's biggest groups performing for the Idol audience. Rascal Flatts took control of the stage and delivered "Unstoppable" in their normal killer way. Lead singer Gary LeVox even found time during his performance walk down to judge's row and shake hands with Simon as well as give a few luck fans a high-five.

A brief interview with the Flatts and a teaser about them singing with Shakira lead into a commercial, the Ford music video (including some behind the scenes footage), and a shameless plug for Shrek Forever After which apparently our boy, Ryan, has a small, but (in his words) pivotal part. When we were brought back to the Idol stage, Ryan was joined by Antonio Banderas (Puss n' Boots) and Cameron Diaz (Fiona).

Antonio was given the honor of starting the elimination process by asking for the lights to be dimmed. Then Ryan formed three groups of two out of the final six Idols.

Siobhan was the first Idol to start a group--at the far end of the stage. Aaron Kelly was told to take his spot on center stage. Big Mike stood next to Ryan. Lee Dewyze joined Siobhan. Casey James was asked to stand next to Mike. And Crystal made her way to the center with Aaron.

With the six Idols paired up, Ryan then grabbed Sioban and walked her over to Big Mike and Casey and announced that they made up tonight's bottom three--oops! That means Crystal, Aaron, and Lee are safe.

Before we will learned anything more about who's time on Idol is over, Ryan told us that next week's guest mentor is Harry Connick, Jr. who will school the remaining five Idols in the songs of Frank Sinatra. Should be a great show.

While that little bit of news marinates in your brains, Carrie Underwood introduced a group with whom she has been making music since leaving the Idol stage--Sons of Sylvia who played a little tune for us. Sons is a trio of brothers who won the "Next Great American Band" reality show a couple of years ago under the name "The Clark Brothers". Their sound is a mix of country, rock, and blue grass...and they're pretty darn good!

Lady Antebellum was the next established group to perform on what is quickly taking the look of the CMAs--lots of music and little talk...a good elimination show indeed. Lady A performed their Platinum earning single "Need You Now".

It just dawned on me that not only is tonight Country music night, but it is also Trio night--first there was Rascal Flatts, followed by Sons of Silvia, and now Lady A. If you include the three sets of two Idols and the B3 that makes five threes--a pretty good hand if you're playing cards in Vegas! :)

Breaking up the run of threes, Shakira joined Rascal Flatts on the stage to perform "Gypsy" as a sort of duet. The Colombian hottie started the song with a harmonica solo and was soon joined by a couple of Gypsy-like dancers. About midway through the song, Shakira and Gary Levox met on the catwalk to sing the chorus together. Ryan was so excited for the song to end so he could have Shakira stand next to him--not because she's a hottie, but because she is shorter than him...probably the ONLY person who is!

Back to the elimination process...Big Mike was the first to be sent back to the Idol couch. That left Siobhan and Casey in danger. A quick break (if you FF through the commercials) and then Ryan announced that Siobhan is going home tonight--Casey lives to sing a Frank Sinatra song next week.

After watching highlights of Siobhan's Idol journey, she reprised one of her biggest moments on Idol by performing "Think" one last time.

Tune in next Tuesday when the Idol 5 take on the Chairman of the Board.

Until then I will continue watching TV so you don't have to.

Charlie

Idol Worship - Six Idols Get Shania-ed

First a judge and now a mentor, tonight the six remaining Idols go one-on-one with Shania Twain.

• Lee led off the night with his version of "You're Still the One" off of Shania's 1999 album Come on Over . Lee started out a little subdued on the song, but when he hit the chorus, the song really took off for him. His ending was nice as well--the band stopped and he did a little acapella thing. Randy professed his love for the song and Shania and credited Lee with doing a nice job with it. Ellen said Lee "couldn't look cuter" and invited everyone "all aboard the Shania Twain"--complete with fist pump. Kara questioned whether Lee connected with the love song. Simon said it was "absolutely the best song (for Lee) in the Shania Twain songbook", but added that he thought Lee "pulled some funny faces"--Kara was quick to point out that that "funny face was a smile". Oh well, he sang good, got good reviews, and will likely be around for another week.
• When Big Mike got together with Shania, they worked on "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing". Shania said Mike could sing the phone book, but "don't let that go to your head". With those words of encouragement, Mike hit the Idol steps with just his microphone and some red lighting. As Mike sang this emotional song, the cameras found Shania swaying back and forth in her seat in the front row with what looked like watery eyes. As Big Mike finished, Randy noted his ability to deliver an R&B style song. Ellen compared the performance to the late great Luther Vandross. Kara said she could see Big Mike was obviously connected to the song. Simon agreed with Ellen's comments about Luther, but thought the performance was "wet" which drew odd looks and questions from the other Idol judges. Apparently "wet" means "girly" in Simon-ese.
• When Casey's turn to work with Shania came up, he chose to sing "Don't"--he called it a "singing song". Well, afer a couple of weeks of under delivering, let's see how he sings this "singing song". Casey performed his song on the catwalk behind the judge's table--better to get all of the ladies in the audience all reved up...and reved up they were. It was definitely Casey's best performance in quite a few weeks. When he fininished the crowd (including Shania) went wild. Randy thought it was one of the "best Casey James performances EVER!" and felt Casey may have stumbled upon his true calling as a recording artist. Kara said it was a raw performance and could vault him into the lead. Simon agreed with Randy (that it was his best performance) and "ordered" Casey to "come on down and give this one (Shania) a kiss!" Oh, TORTURE!!!! :)
• So with everyone in good voice tonight, let's see how front-runner, Crystal Bowersox does with Shania's "No One Needs to Know". Shania encouraged Crystal to "be happier in your tone" when she sings the song because of how it applies to her own life (Crystal is trying to get her boyfriend to go to the next relationship level). When we caught up with her on stage, Crystal was flanked by a snare drum player, a gal playing the mandolin, Ricky Minor on the stand up bass, and a steel guitar player as she delivered a somewhat slower version of this wonderful song. As usual, Crystal was solid in her performance, but I'm not sure it stood up to Casey's or the other boys that came before her. Randy agreed (with me) that it wasn't his favorite Crystal performance. Ellen didn't think it was her favorite, but still thought she was brilliant. Kara said it was believable, but still not her best. Simon started out by saying "surprise, this week we didn't like Crystal" and thought it was "limp" and compared the performance to "a coffee shop that hired someone to sing when you didn't want them to". Oh well, even Babe Ruth struck out once in a while.
• So what would 17-year-old Aaron Kelly do with Shania's "You Got a Way"? Shania thought it was the perfect song for him, but she also sensed he wasn't confident in his ability to deliver it. When he hit the stage he was joined by a grand piano and guitar player. Aaron sounded like maybe his teenage nerves were starting to show during the initial part of the song, but he seemed to be getting them under control as he made it to the end. Randy liked the performance and reminded everyone that "this is your wheel house". Ellen pointed out the "depth of emotion and maturity" he showed was beyond his years. Simon said that "if you are going to make records, this is the type of record you should make".
• Siobhan wrapped the show with her version of "Any Man of Mine". Shania encouraged Siobhan to put a little attitude into the song. Sioban had her back up singers on the stage with her along with a steel guitar player--and then she abandoned them in favor of the cat walk where she kind of lost me...and the melody. But she quickly recovered and made her way through the audience and back onto the stage where she finished the song with her patented big note and big finish. I'm not sure that note was enough to cover for all of the other issues. But that's just me. Randy loved the "punk country look and big notes". Ellen was impressed: "way to pull the Shania Twain into the station". Kara: "Guess who's back". Simon said the "screaming at the end sounded like giving birth", but he admitted to liking the song--and he doesn't normally like country.

So it is going to be a tough elimination night tomorrow--there were arguably six very good performances, but somone has to go...and you know who it is going to be? I predict it will be Big Mike...if only because he was so close to going a few short weeks ago.

Tune in tomorrow to see how the votes get tabulated...as usual, I will be here to share every moment with you because I watch TV so you don't have to!

Charlie

Idol Gives Back - Raising Money for those in Need

After taking a year off, "Idol Gives Back" was back on the schedule this year and to kick off tonight's show, we were joined by the President and First Lady. President Obama called the Idol Finalists "my Dawgs!" and Michelle pleaded with Simon to "be nice".

As is always the case on Wednesdays, it is time to say good bye to one of our final Idols, so by the end of the two-hour telethon, there will be but six Idols remaining.

Here's how the night went:

• Ryan introduced Queen Latifah who was hosting the party at the Kodak Theatre.
• The Idol Top 12 were reunited and dressed in white to lip synch a song together--just like old times. There was one particular point in the performance of "Keeping the Dream Alive" when Crystal "pretended" to hit a high note, but even a great singer like Crystal isn't going to be able to lip-synch their way through something that ridiculous.
• Jennifer Garner was the first celebrity to bring a heart-wrenching story. She traveled back to West Virginia where she introduced us to a family who lives in a less than desirable conditions in a trailer home where the family uses kerosene to heat their home and when they don't have kerosene, they use the oven. So sad. The charity that Jennifer told us about was "Save the Kids" which helps children develop literacy, get food and nutrition, and help children escape poverty (www.savethechildren.org). Posh Spice was on the Idol set with Ryan and couple of children who have benefited from this wonderful organization
• Captain Sullenberger asked viewers to call 877 IDOL AID (877-436-5243) or go to www.americanidol.com to donate to the many causes that tonight's show will benefit.
• A little comedy courtesy of Jonah Hill and Russel Brand broke up the serious nature of the night.
• The Black Eye Peas did their thing on "Rock You Body" back at the Kodak Theatre. Fergie was rockin' a metalic unitard and some serious thigh-high boots. After the performance, TV's Todd Bridges was spotted in the crowd--I told you it was going to be a HUGE night!
• Ryan then took us on a tour of a location in Africa where we watched a a young, pregnant mother with malaria suffered through this terrible disease. It was heart breaking to see the husband and would-be father as his wife's pine box casket was lowered into the ground. Ryan reminded us that a $10 mosquito net could have prevented this death. How very sad.
• With the that sad image still on our minds, Ryan tried to lighten things up by telling us about a faux contest to auction off the Idol elimination process. He said that a Mr. Lopez was the highest bidder--as in comedian George Lopez. George went through the "dim the lights...bring up the lights...disco lights..." etc. and then he had the seven Idols stand up and then sit down. Next he turned his attention on the Idol judges...and did a sort of Comedy Roast of them; sending Randy, Kara, and Ellen to safety and telling Simon that if it weren't for the volcanic ash, Simon would be sent back to England.
• Ford music video time...and FF on my DVR remote!
• Finally, some results...Simon asked Crystal and Casey to walk to center stage. He went through the usual judge's comments and then told them that one is safe and the other in the bottom three...based on that lead in there was very little surprise when Ryan announced that Casey will be making his maiden trip to the B3.
• Aaron and Lee were escorted to center stage and Aaron was sent to join Casey.
• We'll have to wait to learn who from the last three Idols, Big Mike, Teflon Tim, and Siobhan is in the B3.
• First, we were treated to a performance of "I Put a Spell on You" by Joss Stone, accompanied by Jeff Beck on guitar.
• Kara took us on a journey back to Africa where we learned that a staggering quarter of a million mothers die during child birth.
• Ban Ki-Moon from the United Nations thanked everyone from their generous support of Haiti and the other tragedies this year.
• Morgan Freeman talked about how fortunate he was to receive a good education growing up in Mississippi and, along with Randy Jackson, shared the story about very poor area within Morgan's home state called Mound Bayou, MS. Save the Children was again highlighted as the charity that helped so many in this long-suffering and struggling town--with literacy, physcial fitness, and other worthy causes.
• Last night's Idol mentor, Alicia Keys, was welcomed to the stage to sing a song. Dressed in a flowing black jumper and with her trademark grand piano close by, Alicia messmerized the audience with the ease with which she delivers such a moving performance of "I'm Ready" followed by "New York".
• After another attempted comedy routine with Jonah and Russell, we were whisked back to the Kodak Theatre for a performance by former American Idol and current two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood who charmed us with "Change"--another hit by the girl who can seemingly make no wrong steps. Carrie selected that particular song because she is going to donate 36 cents from each concert ticket sold on her current tour to "Save the Children".
• We learned about "Feed America", a charity in which David Arquette has been involved for quite some time. Ellen shared the story of a LA-area Math teacher and his family who have had to turn to Feed America to help his family get food when they don't have anywhere else to turn.
• Bill and Melinda Gates, who have been very much involved in the "Save the Children" foundation, were interviewed by Ryan and talked about why they became involved in this charity--to help save children from dying. Sounds simple, but it is wonderful to know that people with this level of wealth actually use their money for good.
• Wanda Sykes came on next to rant about the madness of elimination night--about how before sending someone home they run video clips of happier times...like when they still had hopes and dreams...and then they ask the eliminated one to sing--to prove to America that they got it right by not voting for them. It was mildly entertaining.
• And speaking of eliminations, it's time to find out which of the remaining in-limbo Idols are safe and which one is in the B3--would it be Mike, Siobhan, or Tim? Well, it isn't Siobhan--she's safe. Big Mike was reminded that last year Matt Girard was saved by the judges, but only lasted two weeks before being sent home. But there will not be a repeat as Big Mike is safe and Tim was sent to the B3 stools.
• As Tim made the long walk across the stage, Ryan introduced David Cook who shared his story about Ethiopia where young girls are subject to sex trades, very young marriage (as young as 5 years old), and other awful circumstances. But there is hope and that hope is in the form of Idol Gives Back and the money that is raised by the wonderful charity.
• Annie Lennox brought us the story of a seven-year-old African girl who was born HIV-positive which has developed into full-blown aids. The little girl weighs the same as a one-year-old baby. Her mother died and now the little girl is sick with pneumonia. It is so heart breaking to see these children who were never given a chance. But with the aid of drugs we learned that the litle girl is doing better now--she has gained weight and looks like a normal little seven-year-old. Annie, who couldn't be in LA due to the Icelandic Volcano, sang a song ("Universal Child") from London during which a video of the many children with whom she has worked rolled.
• With time running out on my recording and still no word on who is going home on this emotional night, Mary J. Blige took to the stage along with Idol's Randy Jackson on Bass to perform her awesome version of "Stairway to Heaven". As the cameras made their way around Mary's backing band it was revealed that she was being supported by a veritable who's-who of the Rock world--Travis Barker from Blink 182 was on drums, Orianthi (the guitar virtuoso) was on lead guitar...and then my DVR stopped...

So who got cut tonight? Well, thanks to the wonderful world in which we live, I used other sources to discover how the night ended...and here's what I found: Tim's Teflon coating was no longer able to deflect the lack of votes which means we are down to a six-pack of Idols.

It was another successful "Idol Gives Back"--a lot of money was raised, Idol is getting down to the short strokes, and you are all caught up on your weekly Idol fix.

Tune in next Tuesday when the Idols tackle another (to be learned by me) theme and vie for your votes.

Until them, I will continue to watch TV so you don't have to.

Charlie

www.americanidol.com (please donate!)

Idol Worship - The Idols try to Inspire Your Votes

It's "Idol Gives Back" week and while the Top 7 Idols were singing songs of inspiration under the tutelage of Alicia Keys, I was in Sin City hanging with my entourage at the number one night club in Las Vegas, PURE! So my review comes a night late, but don't worry, I will give it the same treatment as though I watched it live--because that's just how I roll!



So now that I am back in the saddle, let's see how the Idols did.

• Casey was the first of Idols to hit the stage and he selected "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac. The one bit of advice Alicia gave him was to "connect with the song". As he often does, Casey strapped on his electric guitar, was joined by his back up singers on stage, and sang and played his song like a seasoned pro--even taking time out to show off some excellent guitar skills...something I'm sure Simon will note isn't appropriate for a singing competition. Randy was quick to point out that Casey pretty much gave the same performance he always does--agreed, but he's still good. Ellen was a bit harsher and said "no one is going to be talking about that performance"--another good point. Kara expressed frustration and Simon said he showed "zero emotion...and sang it like the original" and topped it all off calling it a "lazy song choice". But the ladies (and I'm sure the men) love Casey, so he's probably safe.


• Following next on stage is former paint salesman, Lee Dewyze, who chose the Simon and Garfunkle classic, "The Boxer". Lee said it was the song that inspired him to learn to play the guitar. Alicia told Lee that he needs to make people believe he is the boxer about which he is singing. With words of encouragement ringing in his ears Lee too his spot on stage with his guitar, the string section on his right, and a piano player on his left. The audience's arms were waving to and fro as Lee poured his emotion into the song. When he finished, Randy had to wait for the cheers to die down before telling Lee that he is an artist with a great career ahead of him. Ellen complemented his song selection and said it was the best performance of the season. Kara said he was connected to the song and had a moment. Simon said the difference between Lee and Casey's performances was "staggering...you made it sound like that song was written last week". High praise and well-deserved.


• Teflon Tim took on the Goo-Goo Dolls "Better Days". Alicia felt it was a good song choice and that he had a good opportunity to make the song his own. Tim pretty much duplicated Lee's stage set up--sans the piano player. Tim is definitely getting better as the weeks go by...and the votes somehow continue to save him, but I was very bored with his performance. I didn't recognize the song and felt it was just a bit....blah. Randy was equally perplexed by the song choice (as me, not Alicia) and thought it was just karaoke. Ellen compared the performance to the "soup of the day...and I didn't like the soup today". Simon thought Tim may have tried to go a step too high this week although he agreed with me about Tim's improvement. He's probably going to be in trouble after the votes are tabulated, but he'll likely be back next week.


• Aaron went with R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly", a song that has been covered about a million times on Idol (including auditions). Alicia cautioned that it is a song that can be over done...and that's just what I anticipate he is going to do. As Aaron took to the stage it was odd to see an Idol without an instrument performing--the first three Idols played guitar, but Aaron just let it fly with a microphone in hand. Randy thought the arrangement was odd, but said he "did a good job with a giant song". Kara felt he struggled in the beginning, but made it work by the end. Simon said if he "heard the song in the real world, I would have turned it off". A. Kelly should join Tim in the worry department--there are just too many better performers left in the contest.


• Our fifth performance was courtesy of Siobhan. The Cape Cod native went with Mariah Carey's "When You Believe". Alicia said she was impressed with Siobhan's voice, but would she do enough to impress the voters? Decorated with colorful butterflies and standing on high, strappy heels, Siobhan gave what appeared to be a very honest performance of a very difficult song. Randy called it "just OK", but Ellen thought it proved why Siobhan is still here. Kara felt it went too "musical" and didn't really work, but said she'd hang out with Siobhan, but struggles to understand the type of artist she is. Simon said he was distracted "by the leaves on the close ups"...and then learned that they were actually butterflies, but that didn't change his opinion--he didn't like the performance.


• With two performances left, Big Mike met with Alicia to work on "Hero" by Nickelback and a song which Mike admitted was out of his comfort zone. Alicia wanted Mike to take the people on a ride during his performance and I think he did as he started slow and built a little drama. The judges didn't feel it was great--Simon going so far as to say "the song was supposed to be about inspiration and it was really about Spiderman". Big Mike said, "no, it's about being a hero". In the end Simon all but assured Mike that he will be back next week...but it's up to the voters, so we'll see what they thought out resident strongman.


• Closing the show for what seems like the millionth time was Crystal Bowersox who took on "People Get Ready" by The Impressions...and just about every great singer of the past 40 years including Rod Stewart. Alicia just knew everyone was going to love it...and why wouldn't they? Crystal is the real deal and delivered an awesome performance--even though it was the first time she did so without an instrument. She struggled to finish the song as her emotions got the best of her. Randy gave her a standing O, Ellen said she never looked more beautiful...and then the DVR recording stopped. I think it is safe to say the rest of the judges no doubt loved the performance.

With all seven inspirational performances in the can, it's time to identify those Idols who are in danger of going home. There were some really great performances (Lee and Crystal) and a bunch of mediocre ones (Casey, Tim, Aaron, Siobhan, and Mike), but the two who I think have a real chance of having their Idols dreams dashed are Tim and Aaron--and I'll predict that Aaron will draw the short straw.

Tune in later tonight to find out which Idols make up the final 6.

Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to.

Charlie

Idol Chatter - Two Idols Have Left the Building

By the time you are finished reading this posting, two of our Idols will be sent home. After the judges used their one and only save of the season keeping Big Mike in the competition, you have to wonder what will happen if one of the favorites finds their way into the bottom two--can the show survive without Crystal? It's just too much to wonder about...let's start the eliminations and see how things go down when Ryan reveals the results of your votes.

Before we can get down business, we must first endure tonight's Idol medley which comes courtesy of the King--first they lip synched their way through "Burning Love" and then tortued us with a "Teddy Bear" followed by "Return to Sender" and then capped the madness with "Viva Las Vegas". Thankfully the medley ended and I used the commercial break to wash the syrup off of the TV.

Ford commercial video over and it is time to start the elimination process.

With the Idols assembled on the couch, Ryan requested Casey, Aaron, and Andrew to stand up and follow him to center stage. Once lined up, Ryan did his thing (recapping the previous nights judge's comments) and then he told Andrew it is the end of the road. His Idol dreams ended, leaving Casey and Aaron safe. Andrew took his last turn on the Idol stage, sang a song, and then thanked everyone for his time on Idol--a graceful exit for a grateful guy.

Before we continued the eliminations, we were treated to a wonderful video updating us on the great things that have come from the Idol Gives Back telethons--after taking last year off, Idol Gives Back will happen next Wednesday so tune in and donate (www.americanidol/idolgivesback.com)

To help get back into the Idol spirit, Ryan welcomed Season 7's Brooke White and Justin somebody to the stage to sing a duet of Elvis' "If I Can Dream". It wasn't a perfect vocal, but it is a great song--nobody could sing it like Elvis, but I'm pretty sure there is no getting Elvis on Idol even if it is the number one rated show on TV!

Back to the eliminations...and the entire back row was invited to the stage. Ryan went down the line: Lee, Siobhan, Katie, Big Mike, Crystal, and Teflon Tim. After going through the judge's comments, Ryan sent Crystal to safety, followed by Siobhan, and then Lee (whom Ryan actually walked back to the couch). That left Katie, Big Mike, and Teflon Tim still wondering whether they received enough of your votes to stay one more week--but they will have to sit tight and wait for Adam Lambert to finish his performace of "Whataya Want From Me" from his album of the same name.

After a long accapella intro bathed in neon green lasers and surrounded by club smoke, Adam and his guy-liner busted out the rest of his rocking song for his still adoring Idol fans. There weren't any controversial kisses or touches, but Adam still delivered his unique flavored performance on the Idol stage.

A few minutes of chit-chat between Adam and Ryan, a quick commerical, and then Ryan sent Teflon Tim back to the couch--the fans had the chance to get rid of him long ago and chose not to, so now we are stuck with him for at least one more week. As Tim settled himself on the couch, Ryan told Katie the bad news--that her ride on Idol has come to an end. Big Mike lives to sing another week.

And so went another Idol elimination night--we said goodbye to a couple of Idol wannabes who got some great exposure and will have the opportunity to tour the nation on the Idol tour this summer.

The lucky 7 remaining Idols will perform inspirational songs next week leading up to the big Idol Gives Back show on Wednesday.

Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to.

Charlie

Idol Worship - The Idols get Glammed

Before the first Idol took direction from last season's Idol runner-up, Adam Lambert, or sang a note of their song, Ryan reminded everyone that after tomorrow night's elimination show, what started out as nine Idol wannabes will become seven! That's right, tonight the Idols are singing for chance to avoid the double-elimination that is going to happen after your votes are tabulated tomorrow because Big Mike was the recipient of one and only Judge's safe.

To get your votes, the Idols will select from the seemingly endless catalogue of the King of Rock 'n Roll--that's right, tonight it is Elvis night!

Here is how things went down...

• Crystal hit the stage first with her electric guitar and three back up singers for a spirited performance of "Saved", one of Elvis' gospel hits. Quick trivia for you--did you know Elvis won three Grammys...and all of them were for Gospel songs! The judges loved her performance--Randy called it "dope"; Ellen wished the audience "Happy Birthday"; and Simon complimented her with "not falling into the Karaoke trap". Crystal is safe and will be around for quite awhile--the only mistake she made was coughing when Ryan was giving out her numbers...oops!
• Up next was Andrew who went with "Hound Dog". Adam Lambert said he was "bored" during their mentoring session and encouraged Andrew to change things up...so what did he do the classic? First off he used one of those old-time microphones and gave the song a bit of a bouncey feel. Then he took said microphone complete with stand on a little trip to the catwalk behind the judge's table to get closer to his fans (and away from the unapproving eyes of the judges?). When judging time came Randy hit him with the "Karaoke" line and said he didn't like it. Ellen was on the other end of the spectrum--she loved it. Kara didn't like it when Andrew dragged the microphone around. Simon compared the performance to "that one scene in a musical that no one wanted to hear"--cue the boos. Andrew is definitely in trouble, but that was to be expected especially with the double-bye-bye tomorrow.
• Teflon Tim Urban sang "Can't Help Falling in Love with You". Tim opted to sit on a stool on the catwalk and accompany himself on the acoustic guitar. Randy liked the performance; Ellen told a story about her first shot of tequilia--not sure she would like it, so she kept on drinking; for Kara it was her favorite Tim performance; Simon said Tim went from "zero to hero in two weeks".
• Adam's advice to Lee Dewyze was to put a little performance into his performance--smile and try to connect with the audience. Appropriately, Lee selected "A Little Less Conversation" to get his point across to the voters. In an effort to get a little closer to the fans, Lee strapped on his acoustic guitar and sang his song on the little platform directly in front of the judges. The crowd seemed to really enjoy the peformance and Lee seemed a little more comfortable, but what did the judges think? Randy called it "another great performance...you're in the zone"; Ellen thought it sounded "current"; Kara credited him with "really going for it", but wanted him to be a little more playful and not so serious; Simon took exception to Kara's "playful" comment and then said Lee "nailed the song, full stop!".
• When Aaron got together with Adam to work on "Blue Suede Shoes", Adam encouraged the teenager to get more aggressive with the song. Aaron started his performance walking down the spiral staircase on the side of the stage, walked to the judges table, and ended up on the catwalk where he touched members of the audience before making his way back to center stage. Randy liked the second half of the song (when he sang half-time/bluesy); Kara liked that Aaron left his comfort zone and sounded younger; Simon disagreed with Kara and said "it was what it was...someone singing at a high school and sounding old-fashioned and Karaoke". Truly a mixed bag...could Young Aaron be in trouble come tomorrow night?
• Channeling her inner Lambert, Siobhan was next on the Idol stage and chose one of the greatest Elvis songs of ALL TIME!--"Suspicous Minds". With her back to the judges (and audience) and her hair in a nice Elvis-like pompadour, Siobhan started on the Idol stairs before making her way to the front of the stage. The song started a bit sleepy, but when she hit the half-way mark she gave it her trade mark big-voice touch. Randy agreed with me that once she broke the song down a bit, it really took off. Kara copped to being confused with the two styles. Simon said she "sounded erratic and screechy".
• Big Mike, or New Life Mike as he is known after getting the Judge's save last week, went with "In the Ghetto". Sitting on the Idol stage and strumming his acoustic guitar, Mike went about telling the story of a young boy born in a bad part of Chicago. It was quite a moving performance and one certainly worthy of the Judge's save. Randy thought it was "sleepy, but hot vocals"; Ellen said she was happy they saved him; Simon said it was one of his favorite Big Mike performances. So with positive judges feedback, it's up to the voters to keep him in the singing contest.
• Katie set off to show the judges how frustrated she has become by asking the musical question: "Baby, What Do You Want Me to Do?" With tons of attitude and the entire brass section joining her on stage, Katie gave the song everything she had. Randy liked the vocals and said he was entertained; Ellen called it a "very horny song...there were a lot of horns in it"; Kara said "you showed us judges"; Simon thought it "was all very loud".
• Casey closed the show with a bluesy version of "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy". With his trademark hair pulled back into a loose pony tail and standing on a small platform to the judges right, Casey seemed right at home singing among his adoring fans. Where some of the other contestants struggle with the type of artist they are or want to be, Casey knows who he is and delivered a good performance. Randy and Ellen would have preferred something a little more; Kara said he "fell short"; and Simon said that while he nailed the vocal, "it was a wasted opportunity".

So who will find themselves in trouble once the votes are tabulated? Andrew is definitely going to have to sweat it out until the results are known. Other who could have their Idol dreams dashed during the double elimination show are Aaron, Siobhan, and Katie. The two Idols who will have plenty of time to visit Graceland after tomorrow night will be Andrew and Katie.

Tune in tomorrow to see Adam Lambert perform for your enjoyment and to say good-bye to two Idols.

Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to.

Charlie

Idol Chatter - Nine Becomes Eight (or does it?!)

Kicking off tonight's elimination show, Ryan told us expect some shocking results based on last night's coast-to-coast voting...now that sounds worth watching.

But you know what isn't (worth watching)? The Idols lip-syncing their way through a medley of Lennon and McCartney hits...but that's what we were tortured with before starting the elimination process.

Thirteen minutes in the show, Ryan asked Siobhan to stand up. He did the usual recap of the judge's comments and then directed her to the center of the stage where she was joined by Crystal and Katie. Then Ryan asked Randy if any of them should be in the B3 based on last night's performance--he said "no" and then Crystal was sent back to the couches followed by the other two girls.

So with all three remaining girls safe tonight, it is going to be an all-male B3.

Before learning the fate of the boys, we learned that next week's Idol mentor is none other than Season 8's Adam Lambert. And then we were treated by a performance by Jason DeRulo, an artist signed by Idols' very own Kara DioGuardi. I couldn't tell you how he sounded because I chose to hit the fast-forward button on my remote...and stopped when Season 6's David Archuleta hit the stage to sing "Imagine" for the 100th time on the Idol stage.

Again my finger found the FF button and I didn't stop this time until Ryan was back at the Idol couch causing the six boys to have heart palpitations.

Ryan told us he was going to split the boys into two groups of 3. He started with Lee Dewyze who was asked to walk to the far side of the stage. Michael Lynch stood up and was sent to the near side of the stage. Casey James joined Lee. Aaron Kelly got a few tips from Simon before he was asked to stand next to Big Mike. That left Tim Urban and Andrew Garcia on the couch. Tim was told to join Lee and Casey--which could be the twist that Ryan suggested was coming at the top of the show. So what would Ryan do with Andrew Garcia? He joined Mike and Aaron.

With the boys evenly divided and standing on either side of him at Center Stage, Ryan asked Ellen which group of boys made up the B3. She selected the group with Mike, Aaron, and Andrew--and the boos began causing Ellen to change her mind...but before the boos could change to cheers or any other noise, Ryan stepped in and said she had it right the first time. Mike, Aaron, and Andrew were in the B3 while Lee, Casey, and Teflon Tim were safe!

Ryan sent Aaron back to the safety of the Idol couch leaving Michael and Andrew to sweat it out and do their best to be entertained by Rihanna who was welcomed to the stage in a cat woman outfit. But I wasn't fooled by the outfit, I found zipped through her performance and a number of commercials because I couldn't wait to see who was in danger of going home.

And that Idol was...Michael Lynche who was asked to sing for the judges and their "save". To help them make up their mind, Big Mike went with This Woman's Work", the same song that brought Kara to tears just a few short weeks ago. While his wife openly weeped in the audience, Big Mike delivered an emotional performance, but would it be enough?

Simon was called upon to deliver the news--would the judges use their one save tonight leading to a double-elimination next week or would they save their save for another night? Simon did a bit of bait and switch and then said "see you next week". Judge's save used and from this point forward your votes will decide who stays and who goes.

And that is how we started the night with nine Idols and we still have nine, but that won't be the case one week from tonight when we will start with nine and end with SEVEN!

Tune in next Tuesday and see how the Idols working with one of their own.

Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to.

Charlie

Idol Worship - The Top 9 take on Lennon and McCartney

Well it's Wednesday night and that normally means we are eliminating an Idol, but tonight is going to be a little different since I decided to take a mini-vacation with my lovely wife. Instead of watching (and reporting) on Idol last night, we spent the day/evening watching movies and walking around beautiful downtown San Francisco. If you get the chance, check out "Chloe" (Very Hot!) and "City Island" (Funny and Clever).

Back to tonight--I am going to quickly review last night's performance show and then step you through the elimination process which will leave us with 8 Idol wannabes by the end of the evening.

So without anymore delays, let's start the show...

The Idols had the entire Lennon and McCartney songbook from which to chose their song and, as you know, song choice is always at issue with these budding singers.

• After being compared to Yoda from Star Wars by his Idol family, Aaron took on "The Long and Winding Road". With what is quickly becoming his signature style, Aaron gave the song a sweet Country feel and the crowd did they patented arms above the head wave in support of the 16-year-old singing a song nearly three times his age. Randy didn't like the arrangement and felt it was sleepy; Ellen thought it was a long and winding song; Kara felt it was more of the same week after week and urged him to pick up the pace; Simon quizzed Aaron on why he selected the song and then called the performance old-fashioned and boring.
• Katie, whom her Idol mates think of as fun and little sisterly, selected "Let it Be" from the thousands of songs available. As I listened to her performance, I thought back to the Simon-Kara debate about the type of artist Katie should be/become--Simon feels she would make a good Country artist while Kara thinks she is more suited for the pop/R&B lane. I tend to agree with Simon--her voice is a better fit for Country radio. Randy loved Katie's performance calling it her best; Ellen guaranteed Katie won't make a return visit to the B3 (as she has done the past couple of weeks); Kara gave her props for coming back from some pretty good thumpings from the judges; and Simon took the credit for her success tonight backing me up on my argument that she sounded more Country than R&B (in spite of Kara's doing her best Mariah Carey impression)...the debate continues!
• Our next performance was courtesy of Andrew Garcia whom his fellow Idols think has the most personality--which flies in the face of Simon saying he has no personality which constantly puts him in a jam with the voters at home. To try to win a few of your votes Andrew went with "Can't Buy Me Love" and opted to perform it on the little stage-like area behind the judge's table. It was an interesting interpretation--kind of a upbeat, jazzy style and pretty catchy. Randy thought it was a little "corny" at times; Ellen loved it calling it the "perfect song choice"; Kara wanted to like it, but didn't "see anything new this week"; Simon compared it to going to a "wedding and having the lead guitarist sing a song" and then further saying that both he and the band "got it wrong this week".
• Michael Lynche was compared to a big Teddy Bear and generally loved by the other Idols. His song choice was "Eleanor Rigby" and chose to perform it surrounded by the string section. It was quite dramatic especially when you consider the red and blue lighting. Randy had a love/hate relationship with the performance; Ellen gave him credit for changing the song so much; Kara called the vocals "on fire" and stole my "drama" description; Simon thought the song was more appropriate for a musical and didn't move Big Mike forward and admitted confusion about the type of artist he will become.
• Idol front-runner, Crystal Bowersox, or Mama Sox to her Idol cast mates, performed "Come Together". Accompanied by a man playing a Didgeridoo (a long wind instrument created by the native Australians), Crystal gave her typical solid performance. As usual the judges loved her and gave her serious props (well-deserved), the only negatives were Randy's distraction with the Didgeridoo and Ellen's struggle to find new ways to tell Crystal how great she is. Kara thought it was her best performance of the night and Simon credited her with being true to herself.
• Teflon Tim, or the Idol with Nine Lives as I like to think of him, was praised by his fellow Idols for always being upbeat and smiling. To earn your votes and to escape the judges negative feedback, Tim selected "All My Loving". I thought his performance, while likely his strongest to date, was still far below the others. The judges comments were generally positive--a first, but Randy's were the most interesting: he decided to judge Tim based on a what he called a "Tim Performance". But most of Randy's time was spent commenting on Tim's Beatles-do. Ellen said it was his "second-best performance after "Hallelujah"". Kara and Simon both felt he did much better this week; Simon disagreed with Randy's rating scale and gave Tim credit for taking all of the criticism from previous weeks "like a man"--good point, Simon, but I still don't think it was a performance worthy of Tim still being on the show.
• The resident heart-throb, Casey James, was compared to a Soap Opera star by the other Idol contestants and outed for what apparently is an overly-boisterous laugh. With the echos of his laugh still reverberating backstage, Casey hit the Idol stage with his acoustic guitar and a cello player and gave his all on "Jealous Guy". Randy called the performance "heartfelt"; Ellen thought it was his "best performance to date"; Kara said he "showed a level of vulnerability...depth" and implored him to go deeper. Simon told "Goldilocks (aka Casey)" that he just delivered the performance of the night.
• Siobhan was called "amazing" by her cast mates and credited with having a great voice--even "ridiculous" as Katie called it. Siobhan went with a subdued version of "Across the Universe". As has become her custom, Siobhan couldn't help but climb the ladder and hit a high note or two, but she did show some restraint and kept it just a couple and delivered a very controlled performance. Before offering his thoughts on her performance, Randy noted that "no one else in the competition screams artist more than you (Siobhan)" based on her outfits and style, but also said the performance was a little sleepy. Ellen found the performance beautiful. Kara gave her props for hitting the notes, but didn't groove on the control and restraint which she showed--it confused her because it was different than what she grown accustomed to seeing from Siobhan. Simon started his critique by asking Siobhan what she was connecting to while singing to which she told the story about not allowing this contest to change her.
• Lee closed the show, but not before we learned that the rest of the Idols called him the resident Worry-Wart and that he and Andrew are all tight. For his number, Lee chose "Hey Jude" because he felt he could connect with the song. As Lee was about half-way through what was a pretty solid performance, Lee was joined on stage by a lone 'Piper! While giving their critiques of his performance (generally good), the judges couldn't help but add their thoughts about Lee's "band mate": Randy found the Piper "funny" and confessed that he (Randy) almost wore a kilt (SCARY!); Ellen offered to help "that guy who got seperated from his parade" find his way back; Simon questioned what the Idols have been drinking ("first with the Didgeridoo and now with the Bagpiper"), but also complemented Lee on a strong performance (at least until the 'Piper walked down the steps).

And so another performance show is over and now it is time to pick the unlucky three who will be in the Bottom 3. My predictions are: Andrew, Tim, and Katie with Andrew going home--Tim's still got the "Vote for the Worst" vote in his hip pocket, so there's no getting rid of him until a few more weeks.

Tune in again in about 60 minutes to see who was safe and who went home after your votes were tabulated.

Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to!

Charlie