A quick results re-cap

Okay, so media reaction to last night, was that Idol has really begun its exciting part of the competition. I agree that the moments were much stronger, Usher was relevant, and the good did well, for the most part. I felt the groove.

Tonight's results show began with a very dramatic mash up of the Idols with Clash of the Titans -- clever product promo, I thought. Then Ruben Studdard came out (the Idol producers love this guy) and I fast forwarded. Sweet guy, not relevant for me.

On to the results. Ryan, let me say something. The note from the producers to try to stir the pot? You've taken it too far. Last night trying to make Didi explain her personal grief, pushing Andrew's Mom on Simon was too much. And tonight, trying to get Simon to give Aaron advice as to how he should feel more with a song at such a young age while making commentary abut Simon's personal love life was not necessary. Let's bring the results show down to 30 minutes already.

Good news, Lee was up first and safe. And Simon got to plug him as a finalist contender. Next up Casey who Ryan tried to fool, but was safe. Then the ridiculousness with Aaron who was also safe. Now it is between Siobhan and Katie. Siobhan had an off night, but Katie has had an off season, so there is some tension here. Siobhan made a god speech about not being defeated which the cameras tried to make her look like she was. Katie's question (which Ryan has asked her OVER and OVER) is what type of music Katie should make. Haven't we heard this a zillion times! Katie goes to the bottom three again and Ryan went up in Simon's face and I really thought there would be a rumble when Simon said that Katie should be taking his advice and because she didn't, she landed in the stools. Harsh.

Oh my god, next week is Lennon McCartney -- didn't we learn our lesson from two seasons ago with two weeks of Beatles? They are just setting them up to compete with Idol's best season. For those who don't remember, this was David Cook, Carly, Michael Johns etc. Best season and they did two weeks of Beatles, so how many more options can these contestants have?

Usher is Justin Bieber's mentor? I am so out of it, I have heard about all of the Justin Bieber hype but have not heard one song. But I though he was a teeny bopper? He is a mini Usher? Usher's performance was not amazing, but at least it was live and I have a respect for him after his Victoria's Secret performance -- he is a great performer. This? Not so good.

Back to results. Didi tried to say something about not playing the guitar and went on and on and got sent to the bottom three. Not surprising, but I hope she's not gone. Poor girl, she's a mess. Big Mike (or Tiny Mike as Ellen called him) is safe and picked up Ryan for making him think he was out. Crystal is safe and still so natural and cool. So it is down to Andrew and Tim again. Kara tried to get Tim to explain why he smiles during their criticism and Tim said he is getting the opportunity of a lifetime to sing in front of millions of people so when he is done singing he is not going to let the judge's criticism bring him down. Uh but Tim, you are in the bottom three again, so maybe stop smiling and take this more seriously and know when you didn't do a good job and show some humility. You should be depressed that you got this opportunity and keep blowing it.

Bottom three is Katie, Didi and Tim and one is safe ---- Katie is safe. WOW. This is not looking good for Didi. Please I can't listen to Tim again. Please America, please tell me you did the right thing!

Diddy comes out to perform. Decent song. So weird that he is on Idol. The dance moment was hysterical. He likes to work the crowd. I don't even know what to say. Yes, I am speechless. Diddy hugged Simon.

Shoot, Didi is going home. Yikes, I think my DVR may cut her off! Smart singing Rhiannon which was her moment. Hate how the judges aren't listening to her but talking to each other. I like DidiAHHHHHHH DVR cut off!!! Thank god for Michael Slezak at EW who live blogs. Didi is not saved -- but what did the judges say? She can certainly go out with her head held high while dumbo Tim and dumberdo Katie remain safe. Retarded. She would have down so well with Lennon McCartney next week. Now we have to listen to RoboKatie and Tinny Tim. So sad! I don't want to X her out on my Idol calendar. Who is voting for Tim? Who Who Who?

I'm done for tonight. Heartbroken...

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions unless you like Tim. He sucks.

Usher says Yeah!

Okay, I know, I know, this is a lame season. The contestants aren't bringing it. The judges aren't bringing it. Well let me tell you something. I am still excited for this episode and so is Usher -- did you see his swagger going to meet the contestants? R&B Soul has always been popular, so hopefully the contestants bring it -- come on -- pump it up!

Siobhan kicks off the night. "Through the Fire" Taking on Chaka Khan. Usher told her to tone down her style, he should have warned her to tone down the screaming. I do not think this song matches her style at all. Yikes, she keeps cracking. And she brought nothing new to it - it is the same old arrangement. There is the scream - much more in key, but she kept it so boring. Kara said it was an off night and she is entitled to it - what about having to bring it every time? Simon was not easy on her either. Why is she saying this is a challenge or a risk? OK

Casey -- "Hold On I'm Coming" He gets to show off his blues edge. Usher says he's got swagger. Casey can't help but smile on the stage. This is a great sound for him. Umm he makes John Mayer face when he plays guitar sometimes. I love that while he is singing strong it doesn't sound like screaming but he doesn't pick songs with much range. Ellen was not digging the song and thought it was safe, I agree. Kara backed me up on the range issue. I should be a judge on this show. Simon loved it. Wow. That will help him stand out from the crowd. VOTE.

Like the post-performance reactions - new touch.

Mike -- "Ready For Love" by India Arie. Usher tells him to play to the camera. So funny. I like that he picks contemporary songs. Weird placement on the runway behind the judges. Nice quiet delivery. He is clear on the kind of artist he is. Oh god the sway bots ruined the moment. Mike understands range and building an emotional moment. Well done. Kara gushed. Simon is now taking him seriously because he had a moment and was believable instead of a showman. I agree. VOTE.

Didi -- "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" She started crying with Usher. She is worried she will cry on stage. I love her voice. It modernizes the song. Feels a little rushed though and strange. She got angry with it. A little weird, let's see what the judges think. Flat for Randy. Ellen boos it. Kara thinks it was overdone. Surprise, Kara is comparing her to her audition -- where is the singer songwriter? Simon thinks she has lost her way. This girl is broken, broken. Ryan tried to have her spill why the song makes her cry (assuming it is for her dead friend). She doesn't want to do it. Good for her. VOTE to save her.

Tim - singing Anita Baker? Uh oh. Terrible terrible terrible. That was so bad. Alex Lambert got voted out for this loser? Yuck. He is such a dork. Randy sang better than him, Ellen hated it. Kara said he took the soul out of it. Tim laughed at Kara and Simon thinks it makes no difference what the judges think. I don't like this guy. BUH BYE

Please let this get better!

Andrew -- "Forever" At least it is current! A Chris Brown song. Usher told him to stop analyzing. Andrew is turning it into an acoustic version -- pull it off, Andrew, please! It got me bopping and made the song fresh. He has a sweet voice. The orchestra is in the audience. The arrangement is a little spotty, but it is fresh. Will the judges like it? Randy thought it was dope. Ellen likes his smile but made a dumb dentist joke. Kara thought it was a giant leap. Simon thought it was miles better but Andrew is boring and needs to work on his personality. Ryan brought up Straight Up again. His Mama went nutso on Simon and yelled into Ryan's vest. VOTE

Katie -- "Chain of Fools" Usher is all about connecting -- he has given every contestant the same advice. How about telling them how to sing! This girl has guts to take this on. She couldn't give it that spark because her voice is so flat, it doesn't' have dynamics. Okay performance, not nearly as bad as Tim, so she may scrape by. Randy liked her vocals. Ellen liked her Snooki poof but thought she sounded old. Kara thought she found where she belonged. Simon was mad that Randy compared her to Christina Aguilera. They like to recycle commentary. Simon thinks she is country and is still fighting Kara on this. OK but fine if she goes BUH BYE.

Lee -- I've been waiting all night for you. I love how he listens to the judges. "Treat Her Like a Lady" I love his eagerness. Loved it from the first note. The running guitar with her rock vocals. First energetic performance of the night. He looks relaxed. Made me smile. Randy said UNBELIEVABLE. Ellen said best performance of he night. Kara said it was amazing. Simon said, "I want you tonight to go home, watch the show back and understand that this was the night your life may have changed forever." Ahh Simon - such a great line!!!! So excited for Lee. This made up for everything before. VOTE VOTE VOTE this is the most genuine guy this show has ever seen.

I'm excited for the Tom Cruise / Cameron Diaz movie.

Crystal -- switched it up to the piano. That was the big surprise. "Midnight Train to Georgia"
So funny because if anyone else did this, I would immediately think it would be a boring redo, but with Crystal, I am looking forward to it. Glad she got up from the piano because it made her look down and lose herself in her fingers. She stood up and brought the big notes and her big voice. I wish she had not spent the beginning behind that piano, it didn't give us enough of her. But she is so strong that she can take that risk. Simon told her to not worry about changing it up so much which I think is good advice. VOTE

Aaron with R&B Soul. I'm scared. "Ain't No Sunshine" Yikes, Kris Allen blew this away last season. Scared for Aaron. Put on a suit or something. I just don't believe him at this. He sounds like the Jonas Brothers. No this didn't cut it for me. But he can sing so I'll give him an OK.

My order best to worst.

LEE LEE LEE LEE (can I say it again?)
Crystal
Casey
Andrew
Mike
Siobhan
Didi (I am really rooting for her!)
Aaron
Katie
Tim

TIm MUST GO HOME IMMEDIATELY. Nervous for Didi though.

Must make a few other notes -- loving LOST this season as well as Parenthood and Life Unexpected two new shows. Both are so great, really really great. Are you watching them?

I have more to say (of course), but tonight I must wind down.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

Who's on the Tour?

Let me start with this. The judges went nuts last night about the old song choices of the contestants -- Out of all of the Billboard #1s Casey picked Huey Lewis? Didi picked Linda Ronstadt? Andrew picked I Heard it Through the Grapevine? Umm then why did the producer's make the Top 11 sing Wham's Wake Me Up Before You Go Go? Such modern song choice - bravo -- especially in 11 part wacky harmony. The season is schizophrenic. I know a lot of you feel this group is boring and terrible. I can understand why you would say that because there are a good 5 or 6 in the group that could leave and it would not be heart breaking. But I, the eternal optimist, am so thrilled with the 4 or 5 who have such amazing talent, that that is all I'm focusing on. Crystal, Didi, Lee, Siobhan (who will turn me off if she screams anymore) and Casey, even Mike could be in that group. I'm rooting for you.

After the terrible Wham redo, Ryan begins to pull out the bottom three. Siobhan thinks she needed the scream to get through. Umm someone call her and explain that she does not need the scream. She is safe. Casey and Lee stand up and Ryan makes Tim and Paige stand up as well. I love when he switches up the vote reveal. Tim and Paige should both be in the bottom. What will Ryan do -- make the judges pick between the 4? If Paige is not in the bottom America is retarded. Yes, Ryan went to the judges. Randy says Paige is in the bottom 3 and he is right and then quick reveal that Tim is in the bottom 3 as well! I am so right on -- I believe in America! But why did Ryan leave Casey and Lee standing? Ugggh I'm nervous.

Next week's theme is R&B Soul and Usher is the mentor. Cool, cool. Miley sits at the piano and sings the song from her new movie. I did think she was good as a mentor so I am going to TRY to not rip her apart. I'm trying, I'm trying, I'm trying. AHHHHH the nasal, screaming and pushing and melodrama and the head thrashing and the backbends and the dress she is holding up and reach for the sky and the yelling. I CAN'T TAKE IT - SHE IS TERRIBLE. Sorry Miley, but that did not work, why the standing ovation from the audience? She wouldn't be able to face judgement face to face. Let me at her because I have got a lot to say and I could totally give her my judgement. GET OFF THE STAGE.

Ryan confirms that Lee and Casey are safe. He moves to the front row. Aaron is safe. Didi who was tortured last night stands up. Please don't torture her tonight. Let the girl sit down. Ellen tries to help her, Simon tries to tell her to pick a good song and sing it well (really, I'm sure she never thought of that! Simon, you are a genius!). Didi couldn't hear him but she got to sit down. Mike is safe. So now it is Crystal, no brainer here. Ryan asked her -- Simon said love the guitar, Kara said no guitar -- who do you listen to if you make it through? Crystal said, "ME." Love this girl. She is safe.

So it is down to Katie and Andrew. Either can go to the bottom as far as I am concerned. Katie said she would try country for Simon and Simon didn't really care. That would be because he doesn't think she will be here long enough for country week. Katie goes to the bottom 3 and Andrew is safe.

The bottom 3 is spot on. Paige, Katie and Tim. No one needs to be saved by the judges. Katie is safe and goes back to the sofas and on tour. So Tim and Paige. I mean just send Paige home now.

Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas come out and duet. Throw a pebble in the water and make a wave? How about throw a pebble in their faces so they stop singing. PAINFUL.

Paige gets voted out and Simon doesn't allow her to sing to save herself - it is a unanimous sayonara. Ryan cues Paige's video and then lets Paige sing on the way out. I can shut off the TV, oh but Paige does okay, why did she not sound like this before? Well then she can hold her head a little higher. I mean it isn't great, but if she had done this, she might have at least been able to sing to try to get saved.

I'm all good with tonight's exit. Looking forward to next week when the good can outweigh the bad.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions (unless they include Miley Joe or Demi -- shame on you!)

Teen Idol!!

Randy did start the night off with the most important point -- only the Top 10 go on the tour which does allow for future possibilities. So tonight is important because whoever goes, will not make the tour.

So I thought it was Teen Idol week, but it is Top 100 Billboard chart. I'm confused. Miley is their coach. I really can't explain this. She could be the worst pop star ever or the smartest. She is fearless and does what she wants annoying or not. She dissed Randy by saying that saying someone is pitchy is what you say when you have nothing else to say. Classic.

First up, Lee Dewyze -- Ummm I love Miley's advice -- intrigue the judges by doing something they don't expect. I could listen to him singing anything. Total confidence. So cool. Loose. He has dealt with all of the judges criticism. Done and dusted. Simon was not a fan of the song choice. I agree about the fact that it isn't the most modern song, but I think his voice is always modern which is amazing so it doesn't matter what he sings. Go to X Factor Simon, you made me mad with that one. VOTE

Ugggh Paige -- I don't care about anything she says. Come on -- Against All Odds? Have you never watched the show? How many times can people sing this? Hated it from the first moment. Don't bother going into your upper register. I'm done with you. DONE DONE DONE DONE. She is going to that contestant who keeps getting through and bugs the sh** out of me. (Sorry Sonia). Randy said, honestly terrible. It was so bad that Ellen could not even talk about the musical critique. Kara said it was the worst vocal of the season. Simon asked what she thought and Paige said she struggled but had fun (when?) Ummm Paige, I did not have fun. BUH BYE

Tim -- No he is not doing Queen. Another redo. Miley could be one of the best mentors ever. She actually has watched the episodes prior and has good advice about what Tim should do. He needs advice from Andrew Lloyd Webber -- keep your eyes open. Don't take on a classic like this unless you bring it somewhere else!! Cheesy Cheesy Cheesy. Umm I still remember Jon Peter Lewis and I think he rocked this. Tim did not. Cindy and I hope they tear him apart. BUH BYE

Aaron -- Okay cannot believe he would redo a David Cook performance. But I adored that he loved Miley and said it on air. Started off fantastic. Not my favorite version and he definitely is pitchy, but his most mature version. He shines in those high notes and the boy loves a ballad. Could tell his voice was hurting and that was authentically there. Randy went a it overboard because the Paige and Tim sucked. Miley is sitting with her slutty Mom. He does know who he is. It wasn't great, no doubt, but okay. Ryan called him David Archuleta - hysterical. OK

Crystal -- I so wanted to hear what Miley had to say. And Miley had no fear in telling her to stretch higher and more. It always sounds like Crystal, she is always original. Fantastic sweetness and frenetic energy and vibrancy. Come on -- this girl rocks my world!! She is beautiful. I don't know what they are talking about with her personality -- she should jump up and down? She is mature and real. Her big plans are putting down the guitar. I'm afraid she is going to dance like Brooke White. Amen Simon -- "I wouldn't change anything." Compared her to Pink who I think is amazing. How can you say she doesn't have personality when she can sit down with Ryan on the carpet? VOTE

Michael -- He is milking what he is good at. Eye contact, a sweet song, he won Miley over. Such positive attitude "We can all use a little love in our lives." He is a showman. But he sings. I do wish he had done it acoustic, but he is who is is. OK Simon said the acoustic thing after I did -- I have a witness to that!!

Andrew -- To borrow from Project Runway -- he needs to make it work. Umm he is doing I Heard It Through the Grapevine. I hate this song. Miley made him put down the guitar and told him to learn his words. I'm scared of her. It sounds old. Cool, but old. It is like he is talking it. Miley wasn't into it. He is going to get ripped a new one. And he did -- thank you judges for being real tonight and not sugar coating anything. OK

Katie -- Umm this was a sorority girl with a good voice copying Fergie at a karaoke party. Not good enough. The judges liked it. Wait, Simon hasn't said anything yet. Oh Kara, now you want Randy to agree with you - you are not leaning into Simon? Simon still thinks she should be country. I agree but I don't know if she can do that either. Country is not easy. She wishes Miley would hang out with her. OK

Casey -- He is still hotter than hot. HOT. Miley must love him. Great song choice - Huey Lewis Power of Love. Miley is so smart in what she was talking about eye contact. He is making eye contact with Cindy and I right now and we are falling so far. He is enjoying it so much that he can't stop smiling. I fell hook line and sinker, Cindy was skeptical and thought he was talking it like Andrew. Judges were mixed. Simon did not think it was current - 80's cover band. I liked it, but I love that song, so I could be biased. VOTE

Didi -- Love Didi and she hasn't started. You're No Good by Linda Ronstadt (and Carly Simon?). Great choice for her. Now that Lilly and Lacey are gone, Didi can own this unique voice category. She has a great look and is getting so comfortable in her skin. Fantastic. WHAT IS WRONG WITH RANDY AND ELLEN AND KARA AND SIMON -- were they watching another show? What were they talking about? This was one of my favorite moments of the season. I have no idea what they were talking about? I watched it again and I did not find one bad note or one problem. LOVED IT. VOTE VOTE VOTE

Siobhan -- Got the pimp spot. Superstition, never heard that on this show. She may become Adam Lambert and I will not be able to stomach it. Too old and too much. She has a fabulous voice, but too many have sung this song. Did anyone pick a song after 1990? I knew she would scream and she did. I'm getting tired of her. Especially after the way that Didi was bashed. Oh really? Randy loved it, Ellen loved it, Kara loved it, umm the end note? You know what it is called? Screaming. It is too much. Simon didn't love it. OK because I can't get over what they did to Didi.

My order of preference
Crystal
Didi
Lee
Casey
Michael
Siobhan
Aaron
Andrew
Katie
Tim
Paige

Can't wait til tomorrow -- please let the bottom ones go.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

Results Night Blah Blah Blah

Who is voting for Katie? She isn't even in the bottom 3?? If any of you are voting for her or would, please tell me, don't be ashamed, defend yourself. For me, it is beyond.

Okay, so let's re-cap the results hour which should be a half hour. Simon and Ryan continued their weird faux fighting. Then David Cook performed Jumpin Jack Flash and proved that he should win again this season. That rock energy is what was missing last night. And Ryan confirmed that the judge's save is back and there will be an Idol Gives Back this year. Which also confirmed that the finale is on the night that I have tickets to Bon Jovi opening the new Giants Stadium. It is unbelievable. I was totally planning on going to the finale but have a group of 8 tickets for the Jovi for a groundbreaking show. And now I won't even be watching it. Why? Why? Why? What will you do without me? I will have to take off the next day so I can come home, watch, blog and cry that I missed the party.

I will be complaining about this until the season is over. Anyone have a connection to get my tickets switched?

Paige is sent to the bottom three, that was right. Tim was sent to the bottom three, okay, but then? Lacey. Agree with all three potentially but I would like to know if Katie was at least in the bottom four. Just to know.

Another performer in the middle of that was Orianthe who rocked out on her song. She is talented, not sure about any other songs, but this one is good.

Then Kesha came out. Blah Blah Blah is the name of the song and I say Blah Blah Blah to her. What is wrong with her? The headdress? The theatrics? She is weird and annoying. Yuck.

So who do I think should go? It rhymes with Sage and Cage and Rage.

Tim gets sent to safety. Down to Paige and Lacey and Lacey gets sent home. Or actually she gets to sing again for the judges save. Interesting change she gets to sing whatever song she wants to from a previous time so she picks The Story, her best performance so far. Is she worth saving? I say no. Maybe it wasn't her time, but she wouldn't have made it to Top 5. Nice performance, judges did that weird gathering that they do as if they are discussing. Ryan goes to Simon and the judges unanimously decided to NOT use the save. Smart.

Okay, going back to my Jovi/Idol lamenting...as Snooki would say, WAAAH!

don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

The Top 12

Here we go folks. Let me start by saying how disappointed I was with America for their send offs last week. Todrick, fine. But Alex? Really? I thought he was great! Katelynn and Lilly over Haeley and Paige? REALLY? REALLY? REALLY? WTF? (Sorry Sonia, that is rated R).

We start with Michael Lynch who blew us away last week. Theme is Rolling Stones - which I think is great and doesn't feel dated, or I hope so. Let's hope the episode is not so great that they repeat it like they did with the Beatles.

Michael -- "Miss You" This guy is full of life. I liked his energy and the R&B vibe he put to it. Not life altering, but nice start. Note that Kara still is inching super close to Simon so she can be in every frame with him. Ryan went and got up in Simon's face, well done. VOTE

Didi -- "Play With Fire" The confidence is back. I like angry Didi. Shades of Pink. Some word stumbles but she covered. I really like the strength. Could be boring, but I like the intensity. Randy liked it! Kara agreed about the intensity and darkness - wow we are really on the same page. Well done. She is in it. VOTE Oh her long explanation may be a sign of her talking too much. But okay for now.

Casey -- Is his Mom Patti Scialfa? She looks just like Bruce Springsteen's wife. "It's All Over Now" Country twang on the rock song - works for me. I don't like the hairdo. Look, I don't think he is the best vocalist but he is never off. As my friend Cindy just said, "He is not getting kicked off soon, look at his ******* face!" Ellen agrees with Cindy, but looks aren't winning her over. Simon thought it wasn't original enough and pushed enough. I agree that he needs to push it, but he is safe. VOTE

Lacey -- "Ruby Tuesday" I love this song. The arrangement is weird, right? Her nerves are getting to her. She has a delicate voice and she is pushing it or something. She is applying her style to the song instead of incorporating it. Yikes, not good for me dawg as Randy would say. Ellen, good point about her standing when it was slow and sitting when it was moving. Kara called Ellen a guy. OK

Andrew -- Okay so in my mind, he made it over Alex, so he needs to bring it. Oh his story is so sweet, with his Dad crying. "Give Me Shelter" I really like the tone of his voice. But his voice is not strong enough to do this song. Really boring. Knowing the message of the song, he could have super stripped it down. OK

Katie -- "Wild Horses" She needs to prove herself because Katelynn and Lilly left and she stayed. I like her voice, I think some country singer did this and she is copying it. The judges should stop with telling her to sing younger because she doesn't have a young voice. But it felt very one note. She didn't win her place in my book. The judges were very supportive. Susan Boyle sang this song. Uggh Simon, you created that monster. BUH BYE

Tim Urban -- He definitely took Alex's spot. Prove yourself dude. "Under My Thumb" It's fine. But over Alex? I don't know. The girls love him. Is it originally a reggae song? Randy hated that. Ellen hated it. Kara called Ellen a guy again. She likes to say I agree with the guys -- umm Ellen is a woman. It wasn't terrible, it just didn't work. OK

Siobhan -- Love her. "Paint It Black" The most schizophrenic performance ever. Started too nasal for me, then the Adam Lambert scream drama queen moment. Then the gorgeous melodic ending. Ellen called out Snooki's poof. So funny. Kara called her Adam Lambert just like I did. But I agree, original, I wasn't thrilled with the nasalness, but she had a journey she planned for. She's a playa. VOTE

Lee -- He has a huge head. I meant literally, not figuratively. "Beast of Burden" Tough one. I fell right in. That voice. He is yummy. Genuinely his style. So cool. I want to hear him sing all day long. And all night long. Love the leather jacket. Simon doesn't think he shines? No way. Not forgettable at all. So cool, so smooth, No way Simon!!!! I hate these confidence conversations - -this is him! VOTE

Paige -- "Honky Tonk Woman" She needed to redeem herself big time. Good country version of it (not original, lots of country singers have done this). But she proved she can sing - whatever for the laryngitis. Good energy. But I don't want others to go over her. Judges let her pull the sympathy card. BUH BYE

Aaron -- "Angie" He loves to turn it all into a Rascal Flatts song. But gotta give him credit for knowing who he is. He picks the song for him. I like the angst in that song and he played it soft and safe. Why does Randy love him so much? No no Justin in that voice. What Ellen said a top performance? Kara loved it too? Cindy is totally falling for it and I am not AT ALL. But I agree that he picks songs good for him. OK

Crystal -- We love her, they love her and she gets the pimp spot. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" She is so real. I am smiling so big. Love her. She is a total pro. Put out that album RIGHT NOW damn it! Such range, so many tones in her voice. LOVED IT! VOTE VOTE VOTE I don't know what they are talking about. Simon thought Siobhan is better than her. Love Crystal's saying to Simon that she didn't think she has the competition in her pocket but thank you Simon for saying that.

So hopefully Katie of Paige go, okay if Lacey goes too. Good night - I enjoyed the Stones!!

Good night folks.

I'm back....Idol down to 12

Okay, quick thoughts on last week which I am caught up on. I was perfectly fine with Haeley and Michelle and John and Jermaine going home. From the guys, Lee really blew me away and from the girls loved Crystal, Lilly, Siobhan and Katelynn (I thought the judges really missed it by not LOVING Katelynn's Coldplay rendition).

Onto this week, can we discuss the opening with Ellen sitting on Simon's lap and nuzzling him? Weird. But I will say that last week Ellen finally got her groove on - she was funny, really funny.

Going back to my judgement notes -- VOTE, OKAY, BUH BYE (pretty self explanatory)

Katie -- "Break Away" Time to say buh bye to Katie. She was so flat. Poor girl, but she will not make it to Top 12. BUH BYE

Siobhan -- "House of the Rising Sun" What a weird song but her Dad sang it to her so it has meaning. She has a beautiful voice from top to bottom and I feel like she will always keep us guessing. She is original for sure. And has a huge, huge voice. VOTE

Lacey Brown -- "The Story" I thought she should have gone over Michelle last week. I just don't think she is needed with Lilly there who is so much better. She did a good job this week, though so if someone else messes up? She might be there. OKAY

Katelynn -- "I Feel the Earth Move" She looks like Carol King. I loved her last week and the judges didn't really get it. This might be a little dated. But she needs to make it to the Top 6 females. VOTE

Didi -- "Rhiannon" Fleetwood Mac I really like her and she has not been on in the past two weeks. Now Lacey really feels redundant. I think Didi's voice is so light and fresh. I loved the acoustic turn on this. The judges made her cry last week and I liked Ellen giving her advice to learn how to handle criticism. Kara loved it which almost brought Didi to tears again. VOTE

Paige -- "Smile" With Lea Michele from Glee recently singing this, Paige's interpretation feels especially lackluster. Wow, she is having a very tough time with this. This might be the end for her and maybe she knows it because while singing a song called Smile, maybe she should smile a little? BUH BYE

Crystal Bowersox -- "Give Me One Reason" I thought this would be too similar to Tracey Chapman's rendition to work, but I forgot how much soul this dreadhead has. Done with an electric guitar, Crystal hit it out of the park. VOTE

Lilly -- "I Fall to Pieces" I wasn't overwhelmed by this. The girls is original and she can really sing, but I didn't stand up out of my seat with that. But she needs to be in the Top 12. VOTE

I think as the girls get narrowed down, the top talent is really shining. Siobhan, Didi and Crystal really blew it out tonight. Loved them. And Katelynn and Lilly are stars too. And now, over to the boys!

Lee -- "Fireflies" My favorite guy, but I absolutely hate this song. But he adds his rasp to it that makes it cooler, not much cooler, but a little. Couldn't he have picked something better? His voice is still my fave. VOTE because he needs to stay.

Alex Lambert -- "Trouble" WOW from the first word, his distinctive voice blew me away. He has such an old soul voice. And he has become so much more comfortable. He looks like a young Paul McCartney with that hair style. Ellen's banana jokes are too much. The judges need to get over his nerves, because he might be nervous but he still sings well. VOTE

Tim Urban -- "Hallelujah" He redeemed himself last week, but taking on this song that Jason Castro did so well and with the recent Justin Timberlake version is just too much. He did okay, but too many big comparisons to be made here. And to not put any falsetto in it? Didn't work for me, but the judges loved it (especially Ellen who got up to hug him). OK

Andrew Garcia -- "Genie in a Bottle" The judges wanted him to remake a song like he did with Straight Up, so he did it. He is really good when he remakes songs, very fun, but I feel like he has lost some of his heart in this competition -- the judges brought him down. Worried if he is going the Danny Gokey route -- super strong start but he can't find his groove. VOTE but ehhh

Casey James -- "You'll Think of Me" Of course love the Keith. And love the ponytail. He didn't grasp all of the emotion of it for me, but he still has a great voice quality. VOTE

Aaron -- "I'm Already There" Great song but I just don't think he is necessary or relevant. He sounds like the guy from Rascal Flatts or Lonestar but there is nothing original about what he does. Why do the judges love him? OK

Todrick -- "Somebody to Love" Nice opening, he has a beautiful upper range. Something was off then, but I can't put my finger on it. Still a big improvement for him. He showed that he has a voice. OK

Michael Lynche -- "This Woman's Work" talk abut FEELING a song. He is showing mad skills as Randy would say. Great performance - a little over the top, but that is his style. The voice is now winning over his antics. He is a genuine nice guy. VOTE he is in it to win it.

So my predictions for tomorrow? Katie and Paige are out for the girls and Tim and Todrick for the boys, but I'm worried about Andrew and I would be fine if Aaron left.

More next week!

Even Paris didn't keep me from my Oscars

Picture the scene, Paris, 1am early Monday morning. The fashion world has mostly retreated to their hotel rooms or homes. On the now quiet Boulevard St Germain, one apartment opens its doors at midnight and welcomes a small group of Americans DESPERATE to not miss their beloved Hollywood's biggest night. Here are the characters gathered at the scene eagerly wawaiting Sky Premiere's braodcasting (yes, LA to London to Paris provided much angst in the room as the weird British commentators usurped every commercial interlude).

Mr E, pop culture master (I graciously share my title with him) who with Mr L makes sure to watch every possible nominee in every category and make predictions on who will be nominated and who will win beginning January 1 the previous year. Ms M and Ms W, fashion ladies extraordinaire who adore film but also have a fashion eagle eye for the red carpet. Ms B and Ms S, journalistic powerhouses who mingle in the worlds of Hollywood and Fashion and have keen insight (and fun tidbits) of both worlds. And then Mr T, Mr C and myself, avid pop culture and fashion fans thrilled to be able to watch the live event and take in the conversation of all the intriguing members of the gathering. I will include some of their commentary throughout today's blog.

Let's start with the fashion as, of course, there is a lot to say about that.

Hits:
Zoe Saldana -- In Givenchy, a couture dress in beautiful purple with crystals on the bodice that gave this ingenue a fashion statement for the insider and the masses.
Kate Winslet -- The best pale colored dress on the carpet -- an elegant YSL column dress that complemented her figure and classically beautiful hair and make-up.
Maggie Gyllenhaal -- The best use of color and print as a statement. I am not a huge fan of her acting, but this red carpet moment in Dries was a hit that was fresh, appropriate and well chosen.
Carey Mulligan -- One of the few black numbers, this Prada crystal stunner was chic, young and appropriate
Demi Moore -- I was a personal fan of the nude Versace as a good choice of a flesh color that did not wash her out.
Cameron Diaz -- Ms M and Ms W dramatically disagreed, but I loved her overall look -- the loose flowy hair, red lips, gold dress. I learned a lot about cheek filler from Ms W in discussions about Cameron.
George Clooney -- I have to put him down because he is simply the most handsome man ever -- the charming devilish grin, the classic Armani tux, and the new longer, grayer hair style.
Gabourey Sidibe -- For her audacious attitude - "If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot." If spirit and heart a best look make, she wins best dressed by a mile.

For the worst, the group would like to collectively put a note out to the hair dressers -- BOOOO. Worst hair showing ever. Messy, messy, messy with flyaways and weird bumps. Kudos to Kate Winslet for best hair (SJP gets worst hair for sure).

Worst in fashion? SJP (gross yellow-cream colored dress with silver tin foil like appliques a la Chanel), Miley Cyrus (too tight weirdly colored gown and slouchy slouch) Charlize Theron (bust rosette pink and mauve Dior - Je n'adore pas Dior). Oh and Meryl for a white lady number that just made her look old and boring, neither of which she is.

Next up, the hosts. We all agreed that their experience, genuine comedic timing, and friendly rapport with each other and the members of the audience made them tops on the host list. I didn't think they did anything superbly original, but picking out members of the audience and spoofing Paranormal Activity and introducing presenters worked because they are so good at what they do. Kudos to Steve and Alec.

On the flip side, I almost fell on the floor when Neil Patrick Harris opened the show. As you know, I love him. But the sound quality was so bad, that I could not hear a word of what he was singing so every joke was lost and I just didn't think it was necessary. I know the director is a Broadway based talent (Adam Schenkman who created Hairspray on Broadway and coincidentally went on a date with Mr E back in the day:) but this and the insane dance number at 5am put me over the edge.

Some more technical snafus -- the best picture presenters who were in the middle of the room on a platform - the camera was so far pulled away, that we struggled to figure out who it was presenting. I mean I love a Ryan Reynolds full body view, and his voice was oozing charm, but one close up of his face would have been helpful. Waste of time explaining and introducing sound awards and short film awards. WE DON'T CARE EVER. I don't even think these awards need to be presented live, we certainly don't need to be educated on what they are for. Lots of chatter from Ms W and Mr T about the weird seating at the Kodak -- audience was in a semi circle and spaced out in a strange way. Oh and did I mention the DANCE NUMBER at 5am??????????

Let's talk best and worst presenters of the night. Best? Tina Fey and Robert Downey Jr with a great banter on the role of the actor versus the writer. Ben Stiller in Avatar make-up for the Best Make-up award for which Avatar was not nominated. And from the end actor presentations (5 people present to the 5 nominees), Michelle Pfeiffer for her tribute to Jeff Bridges delivered with class and genuine love, Tim Robbins to Morgan Freeman with humor, Colin Farrell to Jeremy Renner with best pal genuine admiration, Oprah to Gabby (what a mind blowing moment that must have been for her!) for extending Gabby's excitement that much more. Plus loved seeing all of the brat packers for what was one of the best tribute moments in Oscar history. Lastly, I should give a Best presenter nod to Barbra Streisand as her appearance on stage literally brought Mr L to tears - seriously, tears.

Worst presenters? Miley, Miley Miley and shame on you for trying to bring Amanda Seyfried down with you by saying you were both nervous after flubbing your lines. Kristen Stewart, slouchy slouch whose nerves were overwhelming, Tom Ford and SJP because of the hair mistakes -- her flyaways and his chia pet dyed black on his head.

I guess you want to know my thoughts on winners / losers. In general was fine with everything, but would have preferred Avatar to win Best Picture and Up in the Air to win Adapted Screenplay. Was thrilled with Sandra Bullock win, but will get into that below.

And now Best and Worst speeches. Let's start with Worst: Sandi Powell for Costume Design who noted she has already won 2 of these before, Christophe Waltz for his canned speech, Monique for her super angry speech after being treated pretty graciously this awards season. Most speeches were ehh because we have heard from these winners throughout the awards season.

Okay, my favorite speech of the night? Sandra Bullock. Look, I know Meryl Streep is the best actress in the universe and I loved her as Julia Child and I know she hasn't won the past 12 times, but for me, this was not the Best Actress Award winning role for her. And I also don't think she "needs" to win - she is the best actress of her generation and more. And I know that Sandra Bullock does not push the envelope so to speak, but she gave a genuine, believable performance in The Blindside and would have ruined the film if it had even been a bit melodramatic or over the top. Her reigning it in and not creating a "character" worked for me. And I think she was genuinely honored to be honored, realizes this may not be something that will come to her again because of the types of roles she plays, and is a truly classy, classy gal. I leave you with an excerpt from her that touched my heart for many reasons...

"I would like to thank what this film was about for me which is the Moms who take care of the babies and the children no matter where they came from." And in thanking her Mom for teaching her life lessons, she says her Mom taught her, "We are all deserving of love, so to that trailblazer who allowed me to have that (pointing to her husband Jesse James), and this (pointing to her Oscar), I thank you vey much." Grace, elegance, emotion, best speech of the night.

Thanks again to Mr F and Mr L for a lovely evening, hope all of the cohorts got some sleep today - looking forward to next year!

As my US friends awaken, I leave you with this...don't be ashamed of your obsessions...or for absolutely loving Sandra Bullock right now.