24 and AI - 8 hours of television so far this week...

First of all, thank god for DVR. With every single show coming back this week and next, I need to get rid of the commercials or I will have no time at all to blog. Okay, going to keep this short and to the point as we have many months of TV lovin' to go.

First off, 24 is back after a year hiatus and it is really back in a good way. Yes the action is there, and the intrigue and the suspense, but most importantly, the heart. The reintroduction of Tony Almeida gives Jack a personal reason to involve himself in this case after the world has practically shunned him for his past actions. And then even better then that? He is back with his family from CTU -- Bill and Chloe. The perfect starting off point for this day's wild ride. Go Jack Bauer!

And now some thoughts on American Idol -- so if you haven't all heard, there is some news this season -- a new judge who has a songwriting background, less annoying auditions will be shown, more time will be spent on Hollywood Week, there will be a top 36 semifinals, the top 12 will be determined by highest votes per round for a male, female and then just top vote getter which means there won't be an equal male - female ratio in the top 12 and the final 3 spots will be chosen by the judges (this is how they used to do it in the beginning).

Did you notice the changes in the first two episodes? I felt there was less unnecessary cruelty from the judges and much more time spent on those who actually got through to Hollywood. It is a different mix of voices this season -- not clearly R&B or country or Rock, just more individual voices.

Some thoughts on the episodes before I call out my faves from Phoenix and New Mexico --

First of all, I like Kara DioGuardi. She has genuine talent and I can tell she is going to mix up the energy -- maybe we can spend less time listening to Randy say the same things over and over and over. And I loved the fact that Simon (and Randy) is mispronouncing her name because he doesn't use the sound "ah" like mat. And how in Kansas City (which is in Missouri), they kept showing Simon say that he really likes Kansas. It is funnier.

So my faves from Phoenix:
Emily Hughes who sang Barracuda - of course I love the tats, but her voice is good too without trying too hard
Stevie Wright - the girl named after Stevie Nicks who sang At Last, her voice is different and subtle
Deanna Brown - She sang Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay and had no family with her. WOW
Alex Wagner - the nerd who sang in her closet and got sick from mold but brought out a great Baby Come to Me - not expected
Scott McIntyre - He sang And So It Goes and I liked it, not because he is blind, but because he can sing and I want to hear what he does next.
Oh, and there was no reason for bikini girl to get through. I will never vote for her if she makes it further.

And from Kansas City: I thought a lot of those who got through were more typical but there were some stand-outs
Danny Gokey - He sang I heard It Through the Grapevine and his wife just passed away. He reminded me of Robert Downey Jr but his voice - I dug his soul.
ANOOP DESAI - Seriously? If only I was 12 years younger. I am really proud that my peeps are stepping it up. He sang Boyz II Men and yes he needs a wardrobe update (call me Anoop!) but I think he will do well.
Asa Barnes - The Dad who sang The Way You Make Me Feel - great voice and great energy
Lil Rounds - She sang Stevie Wonder and reminded me of Mary J -- was definitely a great singer but I didn't feel the originality yet...
And I have no explanation why Dennis Brigham who sang Chris Brown and said he would do very, very, very, very, very good if they let him through got to beg his way to Hollywood.

And for the record for those that say that Sanjaya was one of my peeps. I say, do not ever bring his name up around me. For me there has only been one Indian Idol contestant in all history-- Anoopy!!!

Just remember folks,

don't be ashamed of your obsessions...