EMMY nomination day

Hello my dear TV lover friends.

I thought you might want my reaction to the Emmy nominations.  Finally it isn't a same old same old playing field so I am HOPING, PRAYING, CROSSING MY FINGERS, the results aren't same old, same old either.  Gave you the rundown on the top categories below with my thoughts on each.  Since I did some nice catch up work on Homeland and The Good Wife, I feel prepared.  Disclaimer -- I have not watched Downton Abbey yet but it is on my summer list, so we'll see where I land by the time the Emmy's role around.

Outstanding Comedy Series

The Big Bang Theory • CBS

Curb Your Enthusiasm • HBO

Girls • HBO

Modern Family • ABC

30 Rock • NBC

Veep • HBO

Big Bang whatever. Is Curb still on? GIRLS rules and is so smart. Modern Family classically best. 30 Rock ehh losing steam. Veep I saw one scene where Julia Louis Dreyfus took a pregnancy test and then spilled her pee on her ass't and I was rolling on the floor.  I say Modern Family or Girls get my vote.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Girls • HBO Lena Dunham as Hannah Horvath

Mike & Molly • CBS  Melissa McCarthy as Molly Flynn

New Girl • FOX  Zooey Deschanel as Jess Day

Nurse Jackie • Showtime  Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton

Parks And Recreation • NBC  Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope

30 Rock • NBC Tina Fey as Liz Lemon

Veep • HBO Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer

Lena LOVE. Melissa McCarthy ehh I don't watch this show the nomination is enough. Zooey love but this is a tough category. Nurse Jackie, if you don't already know I have an aversion to Edie Falco so that would be a complete NO. Amy, LOVE her and she seems to be the best person if you have watched her Smart Girls Rule the World webisodes. Tina, enough. Julia, I have always been a fan, but she doesn't need to win.  I give it to Amy Poehler because Lena Dunham can take the writing / directing awards which are so much cooler.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

The Big Bang Theory • CBS Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper

Curb Your Enthusiasm • HBO Larry David as Himself

House Of Lies • Showtime Don Cheadle as Marty Kaan

Louie • FX Networks Louis C.K. as Louie

30 Rock • NBC Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy

Two And A Half Men • CBS Jon Cryer as Alan Harper

Worst category ever, wow Female comedians rule.  I don't care and the big bang guy will probably win.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

The Big Bang Theory • CBS Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler

Desperate Housewives • ABC Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey

Modern Family • ABC Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy

Modern Family • ABC Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett

Nurse Jackie • Showtime Merritt Wever as Zoey Barkow

Saturday Night Live • NBC Kristen Wiig as various characters

Sofia is great.  Really someone from Desperate Housewives get a posthumous nomination? NO TO BLOSSOM.  I give this 100% to Kristen Wiig -- she made my TV laughter roll for the past 7 years.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Modern Family • ABC Ed O'Neill as Jay Pritchett

Modern Family • ABC Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett

Modern Family • ABC Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy

Modern Family • ABC Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker

New Girl • FOX Max Greenfield as Schmidt

Saturday Night Live • NBC Bill Hader as various characters

Modern Family versus Stefan and Schmidt.  SCHMIDT all the way.

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series

Glee • FOX Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Shannon Beiste

Saturday Night Live • NBC Maya Rudolph, Host

Saturday Night Live • NBC Melissa McCarthy, Host

30 Rock • NBC Elizabeth Banks as Avery Jessup

30 Rock • NBC Margaret Cho as Kim Jong-il

Two And A Half Men • CBS Kathy Bates as Charlie Harper

I thought this was an interesting category and wanted to by clear the Maya Rudolph rocks and should win this.

  

Outstanding Drama Series

Boardwalk Empire • HBO

Breaking Bad • AMC

Downton Abbey • PBS

Game Of Thrones • HBO

Homeland • Showtime

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television

Wow, what a power category.  I don't watch Boardwalk or Game of Thrones and haven't watched Downton yet.  Got stuck in season 4 of Breaking Bad and don't really feel like going back.  Love Homeland, but this year, it was all about Mad Men for me.  I love it, it worked perfectly, it should win. 

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Damages • DirecTV Glenn Close as Patty Hewes

Downton Abbey • PBS Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley

The Good Wife • CBS Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick

Harry's Law • NBC Kathy Bates as Harriet Korn

Homeland • Showtime Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison

Mad Men • AMC Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson

I should ignore this category and boycott the emmy's as a whole since Kathy Bates in Harry's Law is nominated?  WTF?  Ugggh.  Love Julianna and Elisabeth (but it was not a Peggy season).  CLAIRE DANES all the way.  She's all grown up now and a fabulous actress.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Boardwalk Empire • HBO Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson

Breaking Bad • AMC Bryan Cranston as Walter White

Dexter • ShowtimeMichael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan

Downton Abbey • PBS

Homeland • Showtime Damian Lewis as Nicholas Brody

Mad Men • AMC Jon Hamm as Don Draper

Again, don't watch Boardwalk or Dexter and see above about Breaking Bad and Downton.  Damian Lewis is amazing, but for me it is all about Jon Hamm.  Don Draper will be one of my favorite TV characters of all time -- thanks to him.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad • AMC Anna Gunn as Skyler White

Downton Abbey • PBS Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Downton Abbey • PBS Joanne Froggatt as Anna

The Good Wife • CBS Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma

The Good Wife • CBS Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart

Mad Men • AMC Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway Harris

Christina Hendricks had a superb season.  She defies all the stories about her body -- she is actually about her acting.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Breaking Bad • AMC Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman

Breaking Bad • AMC Giancarlo Esposito as Gustavo 'Gus' Fring

Downton Abbey • PBS Brendan Coyle as John Bates

Downton Abbey • PBS Jim Carter as Mr. Carson

Game Of Thrones • HBO Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

Mad Men • AMC Jared Harris as Lane Pryce 

Could care less about this category.  Giancarlo Esposito got a lot of press...Mandy Patinkin should have been nominated for Homeland.  Or Alan Cumming for The Good Wife.

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series

Mad Men • AMC • Lionsgate Television

Julia Ormond as Marie Calvet

The naughty Canadian French Mother...

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series

The Good Wife • CBS Michael J. Fox as Louis Canning

Have been watching him in season 2 and he is outstanding.

Outstanding Miniseries or Movie

American Horror Story • FX Networks • Twentieth Century Fox Television

Did I miss the memo that this was a miniseries?  But it rocked! 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or A Movie

American Horror Story • FX Networks • Twentieth Century Fox Television

Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon

Absolutely she should win every award for this role.

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race • CBS • World Race Productions Inc.

Dancing With The Stars • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions

Project Runway • Lifetime • The Weinstein Company, Bunim-Murray

So You Think You Can Dance • FOX •

Top Chef • Bravo • Magical Elves

The Voice • NBC

No Survivor or Idol.  This category sucks.  I give it to Top Chef.

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race • CBS Phil Keoghan, Host

American Idol • FOX Ryan Seacrest, Host

Betty White’s Off Their Rockers Betty White, Host

Dancing With The Stars • ABC Tom Bergeron, Host

So You Think You Can Dance • FOX Cat Deeley, Host

Let me tell you who is off their rockers -- the EMMY VOTERS.  Ryan, Ryan Ryan - you are American Idol!

Would love to hear your thoughts -- email me!!!

This is IT!

Watching the show with Ed of course and another Idol fan (who has a "crush" on Phillip).  So before it begins, to re-cap.  I love Phillip, I agree that Jessica is talented, but she is there for me yet with the vocal choices and knowing what she can bring to the table that is her own.


So the show opens with Joshua leading Runaway Baby with the top 12.  Loved seeing Heejun again!  Wow the tall girl Shannon is overdoing it.


Phillip and Jessica come out in all white -- yes to the white henley.  Thank you American Idol stylist.


Phillip is joined by John Fogerty of CCR onstage.  That is super cool.  He is so dreamy.  I think he is really enjoying this.  And then they go into Bad Moon rising - a double!  Carrie on her feet singing along with her husband.  Authentic and strong.


And let me give a shout out to JLo and her hot dress and gorgeous au natural messy hair.  Loved it.


Clips back to the auditions, realizing what comic relief those auditions can be.


Joshua Ledet comes out to perform Take Me to the Pilot by Elton John.  Out comes Fantasia in a black sequin "Flo Jo" style unitard and Lily Munster hair.  Side by side screaming and jumping.  Oh it is open down the sides of the legs. Crazytown!   In the audience jam session I think the audience was super scared of her.  Yikes what would you do if she came up to you!  Oh Fantasia, what has happened since your debut when we introduced you to Michael Kors - everyone loved you and would have helped you.  How can he sing with her in that contraption?


Then the girls come out with a Chaka Khan medley and surprise out comes Chaka Khan IN ANOTHER UNITARD.  Why is this happening?  Why doesn't someone say no to this?  Boy Erika really got screwed with that haircut a la Tommy.  Elise, your voice is so good.  So good.


Rihanna, Ri Ri, is up next.  This does nothing for me.  And I like her, but I'm not feeling this song.  She looks good, at least.


Skylar sings Reba and Reba comes out, not in a unitard.  Yes Reba can wear leather and fringe.  Seriosusly Skylar must be pretty psyched.  Reba's husband is a major manager - he manages Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton to start.  So if Skylar plays her cards right, I'll see her in Nashville next year.  How come JLo is never sitting in her seat?  


I am so disgusted by Steven's pet SLOTH?  I have never been so disgusted.  And then his sister making out with someone?  He is in a league of his own.  That was disgusting.


Jessica sings "I Will Always Love You."   Well we know Whitney won't be joining her.  The blue dress is nice and her voice is gorgeous.  Her little brother is cute and even Steven is singing along.    Good makeup tonight.


The boys start with some Neil Diamond.  Oh god Milli Vanilli is back.  Please make it end.  And then the other guy, I don't remember his name.  Hi Colton!  Hi Heejun!  Hi Joshua!  Joshua gives it his screaming spin.  Wow Neil looks old.  Looks good, but looks old.  Umm if anyone knew Elliott Taubenslag, he is on stage right now.  His mic is practically off and he is speaking instead of singing.  Oh Neil.


JLo comes out in sparkling diaper pants, a hat and lip synchs her performance.  I mean if I liked this kind of music, I would like this.  Transition into a second song into a bra top to show off her abs.  And two spanish singers join her.  I like this song better.  And the abs, wow, the abs.  She must work so hard (as I take a sip of my Rose).


I can't take the Choice -- who wants a date with Taylor Hicks?  I would ask for him and the jonas brother to spin their chairs back around.


Oh my god - this is insanity.  I am so uncomfortable.  Ace Young who used to be so gorgeous from the Daughtry season is now a pimp and Diana De Garmo, runner up to Fantasia, is his girlfriend, and they went on stage and he proposed and it was worse than the sloth.  That was horrific.  I am so grossed out.  And he called out the jeweler!  Come on - that is out of control.


Hollie comes out and duets with Jordin.  Jordin looks great and sounds great.  She is major tonight!  See maybe this is what Jessica can become - if she works hard, she can become a mature star.  I do hope that for her.


The guys do a Bee Gees medley.  It was annoying except for Joshua's To Love Somebody.  Thank god they went to Lisa Rinna in the audience, wearing her Depends?


And now, Jessica Sanchez comes out with Jennifer Holiday.  Jennifer Holiday who was the original Dreamgirl on Broadway and made "I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going" a legendary song.  Wow, the wig was working it.  This woman really makes major faces.  I would not be able to keep a straight face.  But she can sing.  I mean SANG!  Come on, Jessica really held her own but then Jennifer went crazy and Jessica kept up.  I MEAN, stop everything.  This is a MOMENT.  That was so outrageous.  First of all major praise to Jennifer Holiday, but Jessica?  OMG.  That was amazing.  She just jumped up tons of notches for me.  Wow, wow, wow.  I was on my feet, praising the lord for that.  And she is 16.  That is insane.  She has no fear.  If she wins right now, I would not feel bad.  She proved herself to me -- she delivered a major performance.


Aerosmith comes out and performs.  Randy is having fun tonight.  It is hard to watch that after Jennifer and Jessica.  Steven is such a performer, but tough to beat what came before.


Jessica and Phillip do a duet to "Up Where We Belong."  Another final two sang this before.  Yup, Carrie and Bo.  I knew it.  Good choice Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes for these two. Very pretty.  I feel differently about her after that last performance.


I'm kind of psyched about X Factor.  But first Duets starts tomorrow night!


This is it.  I feel like this every season.  I am so nervous.  I still want Phillip.  He is such a good Southern boy.  What a great speech thanking the band, the fans.  Poor girl, she tried to steal his thank you's.


AND PHILLIP PHILLIPS wins it.  That mic trophy is new.  They cut the celebration so he could clearly make sure he performs his new single, Home  And then, he sang with his guitar just as it all began.  I rewatched his full audition last night and there was just no doubt what a star this guy was from the start.  Such power and originality.  And I love the charisma of this humble American boy.  Verse 2 and it hits him.  The tears begin, he plays his guitar, the confetti falls, the marching band comes out.  He stops playing, removes his guitar, goes to the stairs and hugs his family.  


"Just know you're not alone, cause I'm gonna make this place your home."


Thank you for joining me for another season.  Don't worry, I'm not going away.  


I'm not ashamed with my obsessions, I still have a lot to say.

And here we are, final 2

I must admit, I get a little teary-eyed when this time of year comes around -- another year has passed and time passing can be overwhelming but then I remember that I am just writing about American Idol and I need to take it down a notch. 


But now onto the Idol final 2 showdown.  In case you haven't read anything I've written, but are reading this anyway, let me clarify my position.  At the beginning of the season, I wanted a woman to win.  The guys of the past seasons have not nearly become as important to pop culture as the women, so let's get more success under the belt of Idol.  But as the season progressed, the female talent just felt more vapid, less mature or real, or maybe I have just become so much older than 11 years ago when this all started.  And so I loved Elise, but Colton, Joshua and Phillip became who I was most excited to see.


So now we have Jessica and Phillip which in my mind is very interesting.  The powerhouse voice who is sixteen and still immature in her character and not very original versus the cool kid who is a true musician but maybe is too cool to make a powerhouse impact on the music industry landscape.  Does Phillip need to win?  I don't think so.  But I hope the judges and the votes reflect who really can be the next American Idol.  Wow, I am taking this super seriously today.


So finale show opens with an always touching montage of the journey and drive of Jessica and Phillip.  They have moved into the Nokia (memories of my past treks there and my former 5th row seat for the Cook / Archuleta showdown).  3 rounds, Simon Fuller choice, contestant's favorite song of the season and then the new song.  


Jessica begins with Simon Fuller's unoriginal choice of Whitney's "I Have Nothing."  Good styling again.  Natural wavy hair, a black mesh over nude gown.  She is in good voice, but I wish she had taken this in another direction.  As always, no twist.  Nothing wrong with it, but nothing excited me and the song was super short.  Judges will react after the round is over.  B+


Phillip takes the stage with Simon's other unoriginal "Stand By Me."  Aha, but this GENIUS turns it into a whole new song.  Like I have never heard it.  It is moving, emotional, intimate and completely new.  Oh and can I say cool?  Can't wait to hear the complete version.  DOWNLOAD!!!  A-


Judges comments:  JLo in a gorgeous jet bead black one shoulder gown, says the two are very different, the powerhouse versus the modern day crooner.  Randy says Round 1 to Jessica but basically the judges say almost nothing.  This is dumb.  Why have judges if now their opinion doesn't count?  Simon would never have let that happen.  Oh after the break, JLo agrees with Randy.  Whatevs, I think her bun is slicked back too tight.


Jason DeRulo comes out to sing a Coke song that the fans wrote.  Or something like that.  He stands on a fold out chair.  He can't get a better prop that that for the Coke sponsored song?  Oh but then the backup dancers come out full force.  Apparently Jason DeRulo is a mad dancer and he can also sing into the mic without putting the mic to his lips.  Oh I'm sorry, that is called lip synching.  Wow, by the end he got to stand on a platform that rises out of the stage!


They love showing Shannon, daughter of the baseball player, unusually tall former contestant in the audience.  Wait, now the song is in an actual Coke commercial right when they go to break?  Uh oh, I think I like it now.  Gosh they know how to get me.


Jessica chooses "The Prayer" which landed her in the Top 24.  That was the round where we saw the judges meet with them individually to tell each they were in or that this was the end of the road, dawg.  Fabulous voice quality, especially the ending.  It was absolutely wonderful.  I have never seen Celine sing it better.  Oh I'm sorry, was that not Celine singing? What? It was the exact arrangement, though.  I was totally fooled.  A- (look the voice was awesome, just not original).


I don't need everyone to reinterpret everything, but I just wish she had one more moment of originality for her to be a contender.  Like when she did that Beyonce song, that was original - she showed capability.


Wow, Phillip is doing Movin' Out?  Shocked.  I do not think that the first time he did this was his best performance, not his worst, but not his best.  He should had gone up tempo.  Midnight Hour, that would have been it for me.  Or Thriller from the very beginning!  But you know what, this worked.  Oh boy, there is the sax playing girl again.  He loves her.  He definitely put his jam all in.  Very slick.  And look if his fans love him, they love this.  It is Phillip Phillips.  B+


Round 2 judges:  Steven says, Jessica took it again.  Audience booed that big time.  Randy says even round 2.  JLo gives round 2 to Phillip, that it was more authentic and Jessica has done hers before.  I'm happy they are into Phillip, but I don't understand their comments.  I want to hear Jimmy's opinion!!!


Jessica's original song "Change Nothing."  What a weird melody.  God, can we bring back Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This?"  What does this song have to do with winning?  Randy says he does not love the song but that she made more out of it, is good.  But she should have added more urban influence, that she should not have picked a pop ballad.  Did she have a choice?  JLo suggested she develop a backbone to say no or give it a twist.  So the judges finally speak with them face to face and only give critique to this last song?  Okay so in explanation Jessica admits she picked the song and I am completely justified in all of my critique.  She is not yet an artist.  Just a voice.  C


Phillip's original song "Home."  Starts off sweet and intimate, the voices layer in, the rhythm picks up, the drummers enter and Phillip creates a melodic enchantment.  A magical journey.  This is the winning song.  And just like that each element is removed and we are left with Phillip and his voice and his artistry.  This is the America Idol.  Standing O from the judges.  Only one of the night.  Steven doesn't want to sit.  Randy loves the song, Phillip, the production, the band, a true artist's performance.  JLo loved how different is was and said there is nothing on the radio that sounds like him (umm yes he sounded like Mumford and Sons but I will get to that).  Steven says "By virtue of your vulnerability and style, you have made the world our home, my friend...I think you are the man."  Me too Steven.  Me too Steven.  A+


Loved how they complimented each other at the end.  Very sweet.  And here comes Scotty McCreery.  Yikes his voice is not in top form.  


So I'm excited about tomorrow night.  I obviously have a strong opinion about who should win, but I also am happy to see talents like Elise, Phillip, Joshua and others get a chance.  If they can make success happen, really happen, all the better.  I hope I helped.  

Jessica -- B+, A-, C

Phillip -- A-, B+, A+

One more thought.  I do not believe there is one completely original artist out there.  Artists by definition are inspired -- by others, by things, by sounds, by whatever.  Originality can exist even in homage or inspiration.  So for me, if these amateur contestants can be compared to great artists, that does not lessen their value.  Jessica can sing like Celine or Whitney or Mariah, she has an amazing range and incredible talent.  What she lacks is artistry, the ability to convince me that she is inspired by these artists but 
knows how to have her own voice.  Phillip of course reminds me of Dave Matthews or Mumford and Sons tonight, but not in mimicry or for lack of originality, simply in inspiration.  And so he has defined his own voice.


Look how riled up I am!


Final moment of the night, Phillip on stage with Ryan, just taking it in, looking at each and every audience member.  That is why I love this show.  It is about a dream and watching it come true.


Don't be ashamed of your obsessions or that you are going to seriously recommend Phillip's new song as your best friend's wedding song.  Seriously.

I've Got Something to Say about Tonight

Here we go people -- 3 rounds to determine the final 2.

So round 1, judges choice, 2nd round Jimmy's choice and 3rd contestant's choice.  Or at least I hope that is the order because it is best to end with what each feels strongest about.

Joshua is up first -- "I'd Rather Be Blind" by Etta James suggested by the judges.  Starts smooth and calm with the cool microphone and then goes all out as always, but it is always unique.  Steven said he sang like the one Americn Idol tonight.  JLo said they did struggle with whether to give him something modern or classic -- I'm hoping the old school doesn't hurt but considering how much I loved this and every classic he has done.  He is the new R&B.  B+

Jessica -- "My All" by Mariah Carey.  JLo says she wanted to hear the tenderness.  This is a tough song.  Really tough.  And from note one, it was a no from me and my blogging guest tonight.  This is terrible.  And I think it was so mean for the judges to make her to this.  Randy said it was absolutely beautiful and perfect for her.  What?  Were we watching the same thing?  JLo acknowledged it was hard and she could tell it was hard.  So doesn't that mean it was bad?  Maybe it sounded better in person?  What Steven called her the winner?  I think they don't want to critique her since they made her do it.  C+

Phillip -- "Beggin'"  by Madcon.  It was chosen for the melody.  I have never heard this song but Alana has.  The energy was amazing, he played the **it out of that guitar.  Love when he smiles when he plays. Steven and JLo loved it.  "When you're facing the sun, the shadows fall behind you, my friend." CALLS HIM THE NEW SPRINGSTEEN.  Wow, amazing.  Randy says "You are who you are and we love it." A-

Why is Randy wearing that crazy tangerine jacket?

Round one re-cap -- Joshua, standing ovation but no clear cut winner per Randy.  Vocally probably Joshua.  JLo gave it to Phillip.  Steven gave it to Phillip but kind of took it back.

Wrong order on my part -- contestant's choice is next.

"They are really acting like I am Barack Obama."  This is Joshua Ledet on his hometown trip.  I love his Dad and Mom and his personality.  He invites his niece to ride with him in the car for the parade.  Westlake New Orleans is excited!  Back to the high school.  Then a concert at night at the Coliseum.  Wow.  Fireworks at night?  Awesome.  The trip home always kills me.  To see their personal story, meet their families.

Joshua's choice -- "Imagine" I am skeptical that this has been done by many before.  I'm not totally feeling it.  Does this feels old?  Technically nothing wrong with it, but not as exciting for me.  Judges went overboard.  They missed something  Agree he is a great storyteller but this was not my favorite story.  Randy asked a good question, why?  He didn't know what he wanted to do and he heard it on the radio on the way to rehearsal and picked it for the message.  Good to know it was a last minute decision.  He definitely connects to everything, agree with that Randy.  B

Jessica goes home via helicopter to San Diego.  His brother's are cute and his parent's are my age.  Ugggh.  Umm is it weird that there were a lot of Asians in the crowd of the parade?  Good to know her (and my) peeps are supporting her.  Well done heading to the Midway base - her Dad is overseas in the Navy -- just kidding, her Dad is right there and maybe 40.  Yikes.

"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith is her choice.  No way - she cannot do this.  Absolutely love her look, the hair is FINALLY modern, the jumpsuit is gorgeous and jewelry is perfect.  Why didn't she dress like this from the beginning?  This song is too low for her.  Too melodramatic for me.  Steven said she took a good song and made it better.  The note at the end was not good for me.  Randy was waiting on the big moment and thinks she hit it.  What?  I mean, I can't believe it.  Apparently Steven doesn't like to comment when contestant's do his songs, but this time he did.  B-

Can we talk about JLo's hair tonight?  BAD.

Phillip -- So cute talking about his hometown.  Leesburg, Georgia.  And the little girls are pressed against the fence.  So weird that the girl's love him like this - his music is so not for them?  Back to Pop in the Porn Shop.  I love Phillip Phillips Sr., even with the gun in his pants.  His parents are older, he must be the baby.  He is shell shocked at that parade.  I loved seeing him get choked up.  Reminded me of the David Cook moment.

"Disease" by Matchbox 20.  Love this song.  He loves that saxophone player.  Smooth jam.  The smile makes it even better.  He's dancing while he's sitting.  Fun jam.  Not most energetic but so good.  So good.  JLo was ready to critique it, not the wow performance.  Steven agrees with her.  Randy Jackson built up that it seemed like he was going to disagree and then said it was subdued and not strong.  B

Round 3 -- Jimmy Iovine's choice.

Joshua does "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige -- I gasped out loud.  Wow.  I don't know if it was original, but this kid brought it like I have never seen.  The bounce was a little too much at first.  But he was amping himself up.  He took off the jacket.  He brought it.  He brought it.  Randy says he brings it every time and delivers.  Totally true.  JLo loves the drama and excitement.  Steven watched him and felt the last 40 years of the music business (please let me know what that means).  Joshua was nervous doing the song.  Jimmy gives it a fist pump  A

I do not want to watch Lisa Marie Presley tomorrow.  FFWD.

Jessica sings "I'll Be There" by Jackson 5.  Jimmy picked it so it brings her to the older audience but keeps a youthful vibe.  What is she wearing?  I guess there is only one chance to wear something good.  No originality -- another Mariah cover basically. She eve sang like the guy Trey Lorenz during his parts.  Cannot deny her voice is amazing but I was not into this.  Boring.  Steven loved it.  JLo said it was a good choice.  Praise be to Randy -- he said it was just okay, not a moment.  THANK YOU RANDY.  No finale for her.  B

Phillip gets his machine and phone.  "We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger -- Love this song.  Wow.  Jimmy picks it to appeal to women and men (women for the romance and men for the one night stand?)  He's nervously rubbing his leg.  A rocker's voice killing a melody.  Surprised by his choice to sing the melody but I think it was the smartest thing he could have done.  I love it.  Standing O all through the house.  Randy - The perfect song at the perfect time and his best performance on the show ever.  Finally he created the giant moment.  JLo called it a lullaby?  For a one night stand?  Steven said he used to act like he didn't give a **it, but this showed his passion.  Love this so much, so much.  A

Joshua B+, B, A
Jessica C+, B-, B
Phillip A-,  B, A

I have rewatched Joshua's No More Drama (2x) and Phillip's We've Got Tonight (4x) and there is not doubt in my mind that they should be the final two.  No doubt.

The Top 4 Duke It Out

Love the Carrie Underwood song that opened up the night.  Ugggh gotta get the album stat!!!

Let me start by talking about the Voice finale for those of you who watch it.  Juliet Simms should have won.  She was incredible, just incredible.  Jermaine was really good, but it's not a comparison.  But I was happy Blake won because I love Blake.  I look at the Voice, however, and already in Season 2 I think, who won last year?  Did anyone even have a hit?  Which is why I stand behind Idol.  The exposure of the show and what they put into the talent creates a better shot.  Look at Katharine McPhee, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Jordin Sparks, and of course Carrie and Kelly.  Even if you never watched the show, you would know those voices.  And so many more that are still known and trying.  Any Project Runway winners that are legitimately making it?  Only Top Chef creates legitimate success stories (although these were working chefs before anyway).  So my final comparison -- The Voice?  So entertaining and I love the judges.  American Idol?  I feel the dreams come true.  I'm happy The OVice exists, just if you want to again hear my comparison, there it is.

Phillip Phillips  -- CCR's "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?"  He admits that last week was weak and so he goes back to his ditty roots.  Sing a fun ditty and smile and dance.  Well done.  A friend (ALY) who is a huge Dave Matthews fan expressed her feelings on his being a rip off and I totally understand that feeling, but my point is look, the kid is 24 or something?  Dave's hey day was 1995 - 2000 - this kid couldn't rip him off from age 10 or 12.  All singers are inspired by something, that's okay, how many Mariah wanna be's have there been for the past 15 years?  But what do they do with it, that is what is important.  Judges loved this too because his energy was good.  As Randy said (and I think this was his best comment of the season,  "So remember something, if you have a good time, we have a good time and they have a good time."  B+

Hollie -- "Faithfully" by Journey.  Man, I used to sing this with this guy in high school who played the piano.  Love this song.  Her version starts off like a muzak version with her voice sounding again too old. She Celine'd it.  And the wind machine doesn't help it.  My god, modernize it, strip the music and the lights and give me a moment.  I appreciated her journey to get here, she almost made it last time and then made it through this time, blah, blah, blah.  Randy, who played for Journey, as he reminded us of AGAIN, thinks she is in the zone.  Jlo felt it, Steven thinks she made it bloom.  Hollie then told us she didn't really understand the true meaning of the song.  But she is living it now -- what?  Is she a music man on the road affirming his love for the woman who stands by his "circus" life?  Come on, stop speaking and singing.  I would fail her for that comment.  But based on performance she gets a B-.

Joshua -- didn't realize he was here last year too.  I love his modesty.  "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Grobin.  Pausing to go get a tissue.  A contestant, Chris Mann, sang this on The Voice this week and a woman signed the words.  WHAT DEAF PERSON IS WATCHING THE VOICE?  Of course, Josh changed this up.  His voice took it out of Josh Grobin territory.  I have never heard an original version of this song until now.  And he dedicated this to his father?  Crying.  Not the ultimate moment, but phenomenal.  Steven said, "Courage is fear that said it's prayers."  How does he think of these things?  Randy and his coral plaid suit and JLo with her space hair style liked it too. A-

Jessica -- "Steal Away" by Etta James.  She has a Beyonce fierceness sometimes.  She definitely channels that.  She is talented, but not my style.  Judges love her soul despite her age, but the fact that you are shocked that someone her age has that much soul means to me that you are still noticing her age and something feels off to you.  B

Phillip and Joshua duet on "This Love" by Maroon 5, that's funny.  They are getting more and more into singing together.  They were having fun.  The black and white pianos?  Too much.  And the Soul Train ending was funny.  I loved it, pure fun with talent.  Steven loved it.  Shout out to exec producer Nigel Lythgoe for picking it.  Jlo compared it to Usher and Adam Levine singing it.  I mean the black white theme is too much.  But a fun performance.

The ladies come out with Eternal Flame by the Bangles -- a personal living room favorite from my youth (in case you don't remember, I used to sing in the living room out loud when I was home alone.)  STOP, I cannot watch this.  WHAT ARE THESE SWINGS?  This was terrible.  They don't know what this song is.  The finale was sealed.  Joshua and Phillip came out and sat on the swings while the girls were getting judged and thank god lightened the mood because that was terrible.  Randy let them have it and Steven kept it simple by saying, basically you were not as good as the boys.  Face it.

Adam Shankman, producer of Rock of Ages, shows up with Julianne Hough, girlfriend of Ryan Seacrest.     He shows the contestants a preview.  The movie is definitely being pitched on Tom Cruise's Stacie Jaxx and I am buying it.  I'm in.  I'm in.  Sweet little interaction with Ryan and Julianne.  They are cute.

So the group does a tribute to 80's power ballads.  The group comes out with Foreigner's When You Love Someone.  Phillip is the only one who makes it sound modern.  Not into this.

Round 2 is songs you wish you had written.

Phillip names "Volcano" by Damien Rice -- Jimmy thinks this is perfect for him.  The butterfly is coming out.  Jimmy says he was sounding like someone else before this and now he is an individual.  ALY, you're not the only one who felt the DMB overkill.  Love the staging of this.  I loved this.  Loved it.  That was an artist.  Steven says it sounded beautiful.  Jlo says it was one of the most beautiful poignant moments she has seen on this show.  Randy said it was one of his best performances.  I just rewound to watch again.  Can we say Download?  A

Hollie -- "I Can't Make You Love Me"  by Bonnie Raitt.  I love this song.  Please do not ruin this song.  She talks about it like she gets it.  Jimmy tells her not to oversing.  I can't deny her vocal ability, but it is cabaret.  Hit the notes straight for this.  Uggh the arrangement is cheezalicious.  NO. NO. NO.  Steven says she didn't feel it.  JLo gave her a great tip -- this should have been sung for the audience - -I Can't Make You Love Me if you don't.  Yes, this would have been the way to do it.  Randy said this was not the song for her big note belting voice.  Agree.  She legitimately has sealed her fate.   C

Joshua -- "This Is A Man's World" by James Brown.  Juliet Simms on The Voice sang this last week and it was incredible.  Jimmy loves it and tells Joshua to call him if he has any thoughts and Joshua starts laughing because he does not have his phone number.  Okay but to the performance.  Jesus.  This guy is so talented.  Juliet's was obviously more original being that she is a woman, but the power of Joshua, the growl, the commanding of all attention and of the stage is incredible.  He is so powerful.  He always keeps it so cool in the beginning and then just goes nuts.  JLo had to shake it off, it was so hot.  Steven said noone has ever sang that good on this stage ever.  He has never heard anything like that in his life -- that is major.  JLo said the audience and she thought he couldn't interpret a song any better than he has, but he killed it.  Randy said it was the best performance ever on any show.  I am giving this guy an A+

The one A+ of the season so far!!!!!

Jessica -- "I'm Not Going" from Dream Girls.  My first thought was please style her properly.  Not like a slut.  She looks like a hooker.  And the arrangement is cheesy.  Neither she nor Hollie have ever done a new interpretation of anything.  Look, I would kill to sing like this girl so I could blow them all away at karaoke.  But after the genuine performance of Phillip and the ability for Joshua to actually make me feel that I am relearning classic songs through his voice, this is copycat.  It is amazing, but it is copycat.  Of course the judges stood, but I did not buy that.  Sure Jessica should stay over Hollie, but I can't see her win.  Overpraise by the judges.  Wow Julian Lennon is old.  A-

Phillip B+ and A
Hollie B- and C
Joshua A and A+
Jessica B and A-

Bye bye Hollie, my god this episode wore me out.  Awesome. Awesome.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions or admitting what you did home alone...

60s and British Invasion songs on Idol

Seriously, something is wrong with my DVR -- I came home, was putting my stuff away and then went to start watching Idol on a slight delay to avoid commercials.  And again it recorded for a second and stopped -- ugggh.  So I missed like 20 minutes.  This does not happen with ANY other show I DVR - crazy karma.


So I start with Skylar singing "Fortunate Son" and I see that Stevie Van Zandt is the guest mentor.  60s and Brit Pop Week.  Skylar belts it out as I thought she would, but it wasn't that interesting to me.  Agree with JLo that her energy is quite amazing.  Steven Tyler loves her boot scoot.  Look she will sell lots of albums because country will love her, so maybe they are pushing her for a success story?  Well after seeing some real country superstars this weekend, I'm not convinced yet that she should carry the crown.  B


Wait can I talk about JLo's hair and make-up?  She is gorgeous tonight.  


So duets begin with Phillip and Joshua doing Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Loving Feeling."  They made a joke that they do not know the song, it was just given to them, and I think that might actually be true.  Very lackluster opening.  But at the end, the mellow performance became quite fun.  With the back and forth "Baby -- Baby -- Baby -- Baby!"  Joshua kicked up high while Phillip kept it mellow but that worked out better than I ever thought.  Judges agree that it came alive after they let go.  Ryan referred to Goose and Maverick and I wonder if these two even know Top Gun.


Jessica -- "Proud Mary" Little Stevie hates this song but then is blown away by Jessica.  Jessica did not look good in her rehearsal.  On stage, I think her dress is too short and tight.  And she could barely side step in the dress although she attempted choreography.  I forget how good her voice is sometimes.  I'm not sure what her album style would be, but she is a good cover artist.  Wow I did forget she is 16, it is weird.  JLo and Steven liked it.  Randy felt is was just okay.  Agree that the singing was ok but the performance didn't work.  JLo appreciated the risk of stretching herself with a performance.  B


Joshua -- "Ain't Too Proud to Beg"  Jimmy and Little Stevie were dancing.  For a kid with such a big voice, when he speaks I can literally not understand him.  He is such a soft talker!  I am really into this.  It is fun, nostalgic yet doesn't sound old.  Love the dancers with him.  A real performance.  He is such a natural.  Steven says he is one of the top 2 best Idol singers of all time.  Wow.  This guy has to be in the final.  Randy says he can bring R&B back to pop.  A-


Watching what I missed online -- Holly on River Deep, Mountain High - nope, didn't given e a connection.  Phillip with The Letter, a have song of mine from Carly / Michael Johns in season 7.  He switched it up and made it cool.  Not sure what the judges said.


Round 1 is over -- Randy calls out Holly, Skylar and Joshua, JLo says Holly and Joshua and Steven says Holly, Skylar and Joshua.   I would have said Joshua and Phillip always.


Round 2 is British Pop round


Holly -- goes to Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love"  She is singing from the top of the piano and I think this was super smart.  Not seeing her stand in that gown kept me focused on her voice.  Her tone is much better in this.  But I am still not sure of who she is.  Or maybe I just can't connect that voice with her for some reason.  Technically she did a great job, I just don't connect.  Steven loved it but did not know that song (ummm what?)  Jlo thought Hollie surprised herself.  Randy gave Steven a lesson on what the song is.  And told Hollie she has been the dark horse but they believe in her and she is peaking at the right time.  Accck.  B+


Phillip -- "The Time of the Season" by the Zombies.  Little Stevie loves him I can tell.  Definitely a psychedelic jam out.  Not my favorite at all.  Boy I am worried about him.  He needs to bring it.  Randy said it was nice, JLo said it was mellow, Steven liked that he sang the melody and sang it well.  Umm lame critique.  B


Jessica, Skylar and Hollie sing a trio together and their opening montage with Ryan was annoying.  They sing "Your Love is Lifting Me Higher."  They are all 4 foot tall.  Jessica was too rough for me, Skylar's twang was a distraction and Hollie was actually the best.  Steven thought it was great, JLo said something and Randy again gave a history lesson.  He is too much.


Skylar -- "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" It was sweet in the beginning and then she really told the story, sang with her heart.  That is not an easy song to sing.  Randy thinks she is peaking and flawless and wondered about the weird bench on the stage.  JLo thinks she might win with performances like that.  She is a good actor for sure.  Steven congratulated her.  B+


Jessica -- "You are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker.  Jimmy and Stevie think the arrangement is loungey.  So glad they helped her with that.  But, they didn't, because that was still loungey to me.  Sure it was technically strong, but emotionally, boring for me.  Not for the judges though, they loved it. B


Joshua -- Bring it home for me baby.  "Without Love" by Tom Jones was his first pick, they told him to do "To Love Somebody" by the Bee Gees.  Little Stevie said it was one of the most incredible performances in his life.  He has such depth to his voice and he knows exactly how to get me to connect to his music.  It never sounds old or overdone somehow even with all the runs and screams and power because he is so perfectly on the notes and knows how when to hit the emotion.  I loved this so much!  Standing ovation again.  This guy should win.  I'm proclaiming it right now.  He is the next winner of American Idol.  So good.  Randy gives a shout out to Robin Gibb, and is amazed that Joshua never heard the song and did that.  One of the best singers ever no matter what goes down.  AGREE.  JLo says so few people can sing like that, tells him he is one of the best singers in the past 50 years and asks Jimmy to give him the right records to make sure they don't mess this up.  Steven says he is a real artist.  A


No question that for me Joshua took the night, but after that, I'm torn.  I have a connection with Phillip (don't laugh) so I am voting to make sure he is staying.  In my wishes hopes and dreams Holly would go home but I could deal with Jessica leaving too.  Probably want Skylar to stay for now.


Holly B and B+
Phillip B+ and B
Skylar B and B+
Jessica B and B
Joshua A- and A


Tomorrow Carrie is on and I am now going to download her new album as we speak as well as the Robin song that was on at the end of Girls the other night and some new country tunes I heard at Stagecoach.  There was lots of twang y'all and I loved every second if it.


Don't be ashamed of your obsessions or as I saw with my very own eyes at Stagecoach, drinking alcohol out of a sunscreen tube serving as a flask.  Seriously.

Queen and my thoughts on Smash

Right off the bat, you all know I was not happy about Colton going home last week.   He hadn’t reached my favorite status to win by any means, but I enjoyed his take on songs so much more than Hollie or even Jessica or Skylar.   I cannot stop listening to Broken Heart and Time after Time and Piano Man.  By listening to some interviews and such I do have my theories as to why he was thrown off – he has a major Christian base since he has been very open about his strong faith and the Gaga Bad Romance choice may have alienated that group.   And they cut his backstage interview after he sang September to say he didn’t care what the judges said when in fact he said he didn’t care what the judges said because they are there to be critical and he really loved that song.  Big difference.  Oh well, time to move on.

I must mention JLo’s gold lame tracksuit / harem pants.  NO, NO, NO.  Apparently she can look bad in some outfits.

So this week is themed as the songs of Queen which I have normally liked.  But the twist is the contestants sing one Queen song and then a personal choice.  Not a Jimmy Iovine mentoring week.  My first instinct was that Elise was going to kill it tonight and based on the opening medley, I think I’ll be right.  Joshua and Phillip seem to totally shine in this as well.  Surprised about Joshua actually – did you hear him on Another One Bites the Dust?

Oh that song, such memories.  I had a 45 of Another One Bites the Dust and danced to it as a little girl with my little record player.  Little Rachu dancing to her little white plastic record player.  I loved this song.

Jessica opens with "Bohemian Rhapsody".  And three Jessica heads appeared behind her which was weird and frightening.  As always she did a good job, but it did not give me any goosies or wow me.  B

Skylar -- she has written a song about a pistol.  She's got some Miranda Lambert in her for sure.  "The Show Must Go On" I don't know if I want to hear this song with twang.  But when she hit the high notes, it was incredible.  The judges went crazy over this and I will agree with Jennifer that Skylar knows how to tell a story.  But I wasn't jumping out of my seat.  Ok watched it again and I still feel the same way but really was in awe of that him note.  I do wish she had made it last season and she could have beaten the you know what out of Scotty McCreery.  B+

Joshua -- "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"  Love his cool microphone.  What is that?  I think he is incredible when he does a fast song.  It really shows off his personality.  I loved this.  After seeing his Bruno Mars and this I can see where he will fit into the landscape in pop music today.  Standing ovation.  He has it all the vocals, the personality, the charm.  Totally agree.  JLo says Joshua's part of the show is her favorite part of the show.  Steven loves his unique style.  It is funny because when he isn't singing he is so dry or shy, but he comes alive when he performs.  A-

Elise -- "I Want It All"  This could be her song, so natural.  Love how she kept it so melodic. not a scream fest.  JLo was rocking out and that final note was awesome.  Oh it breaks my heart how scared she is of the judges.  Luckily they loved it -- it was her style.  Randy also told her the 1-4-5 bluesy style suits her.  I have absolutely no idea what he is talking about.  But I really like this girl. B+ 

Phillip -- "Fat Bottomed Girls"  Ha ha, Steven said this was about JLo.  Look, the guy has great style -- in singing that is.  The outfit was way to casual for me this time.  As Randy said, it was good, but this did not make me jump out of my seat.  JLo said he is varying his style and not always sounding like Dave Matthews, agree.  I think putting aside the guitar for a little bit is a good idea.  Makes me want to see him play again.  B

Wow and Hollie gets the last spot?  "Save Me" My god the outfit is about 45 years older than her.  A skinny red silk pantsuit with pumps.  She did well with the chorus, but I don't know or like this song.  Steven thought she did a really good job, JLo felt her emotion but not her enjoyment.  JLo must not have felt my enjoyment either because I had none.  It is time for her to go. C

Judges talk about first round.  JLo says Skylar won, Randy says Hollie needs to step it up and Joshua and Elise were great.  Steven loved Skylar too.  Hmmm, did I miss the Skylar love?

I hate the Emmy Rossum cotton commercial and I miss Kiefer Sutherland but do not want to watch that show.

So part 2 gives us little personality insight into each with fun contestant interviews.  What did I learn?  I'm still not into Jessica.

But then she sings "Dance With My Father" by Luther.  I just got the chills, not kidding.  It was like her first Whitney moment.  Magical, amazing, beautiful, emotional.  I loved it.  JLo thought it was the best rendition of that song she has heard.  I have tears in my eyes from this.  Steven is honored to watch her.  Randy said there was nothing wrong with it.  I loved that.  A

Skylar -- Wow Jason Aldean's "Tattoos on This Town"  I am probably the only one (besides Jay ) who knows this song.  And every country fan watching right now.  Smart girl.  She definitely has a career in country and even though the Queen song probably showed more skill, the authenticity of this made it better for me.  Just FYI, Jason Aldean is the one who had that duet with Kelly Clarkson recently.  I still wish she had done Miranda, but this was solid.  Not a wow, but solid.  B+

Joshua -- Loved the piece on him.  Okay, so he is just nervous on stage when he is not singing.  Umm I don't know what this song is -- Ryan, aren't you a DJ?  Announce the song! Okay googled it -- India Arie's "Ready For Love."  Standing Ovation again.  Gorgeous, spine tingling, Steven asks the crowd to cheer louder.  It was a master class.  Randy is exactly right that this kid's ear is out of control.  Steven says he is off to the moon.  This kid is a star.  No doubt. A I'm watching it again.  I would die if someone sang this to me.  Insanely good.  

Elise -- And I have to look this up as well.  And now I feel dumb.  It is "Bold As Love" by Jimi Hendrix.  Steven Tyler is right on that it isn't familiar enough.  JLo said she slayed it so it didn't matter.  Randy said it wasn't the right song.  I agree.  I think she is too intellectual for this competition.  She is like a Joss Stone or other people that I don't necessarily listen to but I know are good.  And we met her husband Wallace!  He is so dorky, love him.  B

Phillip -- Does the Dave Matthews Band finally and brings back the guitar.  I had to look up the song "The Stone"  Eh.  I agree it was too obscure.  JLo said he can sing these songs he loves later but right now "I need you to do songs that are gonna get you on that last show so you can win."  Randy said he is an artist and authentic.  Randy just likes to say things we don't understand.  I really hope this didn't hurt him tonight.  Because I can respect it, but I am worried.  B

Can we talk about Julianne Hough, Ryan's girlfriend, saying Yummy about Phillip bkstg while carrying her WHITE MULBERRY BAYSWATER bag?  Love a product placement for my client.  Ryan's hair is really long.

Hollie -- Love the making fun of her accent.  Oh boy, The Save followed by The Climb?  Lauren Alaina just did this last season.  Sometimes you are going to have to lose, and I hope it is this week or it will be a travesty.  Look she is actually EXCELLENT voice wise, it is her style and lack of personality that don't work for me.  It is really too bad.  But with who is left, she needs to go now.  Oh geez, standing o from the judges.  Ugggh.  B

Jessica B and A (hello inconsistent?)

Skylar B+ and B+

Joshua A- and A

Elise B+ and B

Phillip B and B

Hollie C and B

To wrap this up, Joshua stole the show and Jessica followed closely behind because of her second one.  Skylar was consistent in a great way.  My scores for Hollie were low, but she probably resonated with the crowd.  So is Elise going to suffer because of her poor second song choice?  Please don't let Phillip go home!  This season I don't trust what is going to happen.  JLo is right that he might have taken too big of a risk but Steven says he and all of them have earned their right to do what they want to by making it this far.  Steven says he is most impressed with Skylar -- he loves a country girl - remember how he loved Lauren Alaina?  

So quickly - I finally caught up on Smash and I got back into it.  Do not need the Uma guest star, the Debra Messing plot is so good and now I like Megan Hilty's blonde character.  I get her.  Bernadette Peters as her Mom was incredible.  They are all becoming much more real.  And who knew the Indian guy could dance like a Bollywood star?  By the way, hated that song and dance number, but Debra Messing looked insanely beautiful in the green Indian outfit.  Happy to see it has been renewed but they are pushing out the original creator for a new show runner so we'll see what happens.  But I definitely LOVED the new song that was written for Karen to sing but then Ivy sang it -- incredible.

Okay, this was the longest post ever!  Good night and remember, don't be ashamed of your obsessions or for remembering the dances from your childhood.