Rachna goes to the Oscars

To begin,
My Top 10 Red Carpet Looks
1-Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein - that dripping liquid dress, modern, perfect fit. And sexy, modern metallic makeup look.
2-Mila Kunis in Elie Saab - beautiful lavender lightweight dress perfect for a younger ingenue, gorgeous hair.
3-Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein - wow bombshell in Red.
4-Cate Blanchett in Givenchy - always a risk taker (both she and Givenchy) and she had the most beautiful hair and make-up
5-Sharon Stone - I can't believe I am saying it but she looks stunning
6-Natalie Portman in Rodarte - gorgeous purple color and sweet dress
7-Michelle Williams in Chanel - you have to be beautiful to wear that type of hair style, and she is and the simple column suited her personality
8-Nicole Kidman in Dior - I wonder if she wavered on this choice with the recent Galliano / Dior situation. But honestly I just think she is looking her best right now - natural, more relaxed and I love her hair now too (plus she has the best accessory on her arm). I liked her playing with shape - very regal.
9-Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang - classic, red Vera Wang simple beautiful
10-Reese Witherspoon in Armani Prive - simple classic dress, a little too reminiscent of Julia Roberts, and maybe too costumey in the hair? But she just seemed so energetic so I still kept her on the list.


The worst
Marisa Tomei - from top to bottom, it was wrong
Florence of Florence and the Machine - boring, dowdy
Scarlett Johansson tousled sexy hair yes, dress no - was it two toned lace?
Melissa Leo - I can't talk about it
Halle Berry in Marchesa I'm just not a fan of hers ever
Rhea Durham had the weirdest blonde hair color, such a beautiful woman with bad choices


I watched both red carpets and Ryan Seacrest was perfect and Kelly Osbourne was fun too since she does love fashion. ABC should be ashamed of their carpet - it was boring and there was nothing right about Robin Roberts, Tim Gunn, Krista Smith (what, why?) and Maria Menounos. Krista put me to sleep - was someone telling her to whisper? Terrible.

Okay, time for the show! I have a feeling there are going to be some surprises tonight and they make me nervous.

Opener (scroll all the way down for final thoughts on the hosts)
James and Anne go into Inception to enter Alec Baldwin's dreams and get advice to host. They end up entering each of the nominated pictures. The bit with The Fighter was the best but The King's Speech was funny and Black Swan was funnier. But they lost me on the Back to the Future reference. Anne looks beautiful in her dress - like her joyous tone and they are very relaxed, good chemistry.

They start with Art Direction and Tom Hanks - Has to be Inception, but it is Alice in Wonderland. Then Cinematography goes to Inception. Someone should have told the winner he left his glasses on his forehead. Okay seriously Christopher Nolan REALLY looks like Leo DiCaprio. It is scary.

Kirk Douglas comes out - what a great sense of humor. But it was a bit uncomfortable not to be able to understand him. Supporting Actress - it should be Melissa Leo, but I'm feeling an upset might be coming. Helena Bonham Carter is of course a fashion nightmare, but she does look gorgeous tonight (her face). Hailee Steinfeld looks like a little princess tonight. Kirk is funny. Melissa Leo wins, but loses for not being able to give a classy speech and stealing Kirk's cane.

JT and Mila Kunis come out. He was pretty funny with "I am Banksy" but almost lost the humor because they had to salute the amazing set design on stage. Then he saved it by referencing Kirk Douglas. They give out Animated short and then Animated feature to Toy Story.

I'm not feeling these references to past films - I get celebrating movies etc, but the writing segue ways into the pieces feels awkward. Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin come out in white dinenr jacket costumes representing the time when the Oscars began. Unnecessary. Adapted Screenplay should go to Social Network, and Aaron Sorkin takes it. Brilliant writing. That's a nice classy speech - hate the stupid music drowning him out. Original Screenplay should go to Inception's Christopher Nolan but King's Speech takes it. What I have been fearing may be happening (A King's Speech sweep).

Let me note that my "should wins" are based on my personal opinions. And since this is my blog and my opinions are the only one's written, I am using "should win" as opposed to "what I want to win". There you have it.

Anne Hathaway starts to sing a parody of On My Own from Les Miserables about Hugh Jackman cancelling on a duet with her. So funny but also she is a great singer. Boy this girl is talented. James Franco came out as Marilyn Monroe in a wig and a dress and cracked a Charlie Sheen joke.

Helen Mirren and Russell Brand come out to give Foreign Language film. Very funny bit but his outfit leaves something to be desired. In A Better World from Denmark wins.

Reese Witherspoon comes out to present Supporting Actor. Should go to Christian Bale. Seeing Jeremy Renner's performance gives me a moment to lament that The Town didn't get more nominations. Mark Rufalo's wife is beautiful, very cool. Christian Bale wins it - funny reference to having dropped the f bomb in the past and not needing to do it tonight. Sweet tearing up talking about his wife and daughter.

Anne comes out in a stunning gown but the crown of hair is a bit off. Did you catch her with Valentino on the pre-show? Strange doesn't cut it.

Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman come out and segue way into the orchestra demonstrating sound. The Orchestra then scores the award for original score. Social Network wins original score (still weird seeing cleaned up Trent Reznor who now looks like Tom Ford) and Inception wins for Sound mixing. Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johansson had a clever sound presentation. They sounded good together. Sound editing goes to Inception.

Let me be clear - Inception was the best film of the year in my book. The fact that Nolan wasn't nominated for director is ridiculous. I still think Social Network should win Best Picture because I think it is an important film capturing a historic moment in culture, but Nolan was gipped (sp).

Still don't like Marisa Tomei's dress. And I think Anne Hathaway needs to stop hooting and hollering for the presenters.

Cate Blanchett presents Best Makeup to The Wolfman. She is so gorgeous. Costume Design goes to Alice in Wonderland. She reads every word of her speech and doesn't look up. So nervous, don't make it worse with the music cutting her off.

You want to make the Oscars shorter? Cut the set changes.

Nice opening to Best Song with real people and Obama referencing favorite movie songs. Kevin Spacey comes out and starts singing. I'm excited for the live performances this year. Well except this first one. Randy Newman sings from Toy Story 3 which sounds exactly like every other Randy Newman film song. He usually always wins, but I'm crossing my fingers for something else this time. Maybe a little country (hee hee).

Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi sing the song from Tangled. Who knew he could sing? Need to mention that I thought she looked beautiful on the carpet. She didn't make my best of list because I tend to not nominate anything with illusion aka ice skaters outfit mesh. Same goes for Hailee Steinfeld although I loved her princess look.

Loved Jake Gyllenhaal's comments about short film categories ruining the Oscar ballot pool. I may have misjudged Amy Adam's dress - looks much better on stage than on carpet. The best speech so far goes to the winner in that category who said he should have gotten a haircut. Hysterical. Also partial to the NYU shout out from Franco.

Anne is now in a metallic number, much better hair. The movies turned into song segment was really funny, especially the Taylor Lautner "He doesn't wear shirt" number.

Oprah comes out in a great black dress. I'm obsessed with her right now since I have been watching all the shows of the last season and the behind the scenes show on OWN. She presents Best Documentary and we get our first political statement of the night from the winner. It was done with class though.

Billy Crystal comes out to present - he really was the best host ever of the Academy Awards. Wow he has had a lot of Botox - his forehead does not move. But he was funny as always. Then a nostalgic look back to Bob Hope who hosted several times. Wow this show has some amazing technology (note of sarcasm).

Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law come out to present visual effects and have a genuinely witty exchange about RDJ's past encounter with Wonder Woman in a hotel room (I felt witty was appropriate with Jude's accent). Inception wins Visual Effects. Social Network wins Editing. David Fincher seems very beloved.

Anne Hathaway changes to a sexy red number and James Franco makes a joke about the inappropriate titles of the nominated films. I'd like to hang out with him. He's cute, cool and funny. I love how I think if I compliment him on my blog I can make it happen.

Okay, time for Gwyneth. First Jennifer Hudson comes out. I do not love the affect of this dress on her decolletage. Florence Welch comes out to sing the song from 127 Hours written by Indian composer AR Rahman. At first I wasn't sure the song was in English, but then it was. Her voice is beautiful. Jennifer introduces Gwyneth as Country's newest superstar -- umm not really...But I do like this song. She looks nervous - she needs to do that exercise where you watch yourself in the mirror while you sing to make sure you're not making faces. I'm not being mean, but she looked like she was in pain. She was okay - for someone whose first job is not as a singer, but then you hear what Anne Hathaway did...SURPRISE! Randy Newman wins! Wow, this is only the second time he has won? Great speech, maybe I wouldn't have been so mean about him if he had won previously and I had heard his speeches.

Celine Dion comes out for In Memorium. Why did Lena Horne get special shout out from Halle Berry? To combat the bad press that this year's nominees were not of color? God I hope that's not why, that would be lame.

Anne changes to an electric blue number. Hillary Swank comes out to introduce Kathryn Bigelow who is incredibly talented but needs to get a lesson in walking gracefully in a dress (umm its getting late and I am getting crankers).

My prediction is happening. Tom Hooper just won Best Director over David Fincher. I'm about to get SOOOOOOOO angry. Besides the fact that Christopher Nolan was not nominated, this is ridiculous. Note to any aspiring film makers, actors, directors, writers, etc. -- if you want to win an Oscar, make sure your film is bought by Harvey Weinstein.

I did not hate King's Speech - I liked it a lot and agreed with all of its nominations, but not all these wins.

Annette Bening comes out, cut to shot of Warren Beatty.

Jeff Bridges comes out to present Best Actress - love his personal introductions to each nominee. Great scene choice for Annette Bening, but reminded me how great Julianne Moore was. Loved Nicole in Rabbithole. Need Jennifer Lawrence to do some more great parts to earn my respect. Seriously these intros by Jeff are making me cry. Natalie should win and she does. PLEASE give a good speech, PLEASE. She is making me cry. I totally remember watching The Professional in Paris when it came out. She was mesmerizing even then. I don't know how she remembered this all. Nicely done.

Anne flubs her introduction of Sandra Bullock. God I remember how much her speech last year made me cry. And to think how everything with Jesse James went wrong after that. Resilience. She adds her personal comedic touch to her intros. Really nice. Jesse Eisenberg was so perfect for that role. This belongs to Colin Firth and he wins. He is so funny! Wow Tom Ford must be so happy.

Last dress change for Anne - she has got a bod. Steven Spielberg introduces the 10 nominees for Best Picture. I'm chanting SOCIAL NETWORK, SOCIAL NETWORK, SOCIAL NETWORK. Oh, ummm why is The King's Speech speech playing in whole over the scenes from all 10 nominees? BLASPHEMY. They did not show scenes from the nominees throughout the night and now when they do they ONLY use King's Speech? WTF? I am livid, livid. Anything good about tonight's show is now ruined. That was RIDICULOUS.

I knew it. King's Speech won. This is RETARDED. Well done Harvey. I seriously cannot write anymore, I am so mad about the way they presented the best picture nominations.

Quick wrap up on hosts. I understand wanting to inject youth to gain viewers, but the reason young viewers don't watch is because the evening is too long and drawn out. Not because the hosts are old. Anne Hathaway is talented, but she went overboard on the hollering for people. And she is too giggly. And she obviously loves fashion but I think she dresses too old for her age. James Franco was chill and funny but was it classy enough? I enjoyed them, but they don't win for best hosts, they did good enough.

Okay, time to turn it in -- would love to hear from those who have as much to say about this show as I do. Side note, Charlie Sheen is a ticking time bomb. Need to DVR his interview on 20/20.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions unless you are obsessed with Harvey Weinstein - then you should be ashamed.

Quick wrap up on hosts

The Top 24 revealed

Last night went by super fast just like a night in Vegas, so let's start off with a regroup.

After performing Beatles songs in Vegas (wow the producers are really milking that they were given the rights to the Beatles catalogue - this is the 5th show with Beatles music?), the judges began to reveal the top 24. In were Paul, Naima, Haley, Clint and Ashton. 5 were out including Chris Medina. And JLo had a breakdown.

It is very hard to judge how the Top 24 plays out until we see them all against each other. But I'll comment along the way.

Karen Rodriguez is revealed to be a JLo stalker (maybe you should have gotten out Jennifer!) as they show she sang a JLo song in Hollywood and now sings Selena. She makes it in and JLo better change the locks. This girl is too happy and I have no connection.

Robbie Rosen has become a favorite of mine even with his Barry Manilow hair. He keeps himself set back in time with Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word. Great voice, but not modern. Steven tries to pretend he is saying no but says he made it through and it made no sense whatsoever. I am cracking up.

Tatynisa who did a terrible I Hope You Dance in Hollywood but is still here for some reason. The diva came unleashed for Unbreak my Heart in her last performance. She bugs me a little. She is through.

More goodbyes - Brittany, Jimmy, two people I do not remember. Weird we don't know all of the top 40. Super weird.

Tim Halperin really impressed me in Hollywood and Vegas and sang an original song for his last performance. I think that is gutsy. He is a contender. And he makes it.

Judge favorite Julie Zorilla from Columbia comes up. I always thought she was overrated - Jennifer called her a winner at her audition. Pretty voice, but not a star for me. She makes it.

I need to interject that JLo really has to carry the panel this season. Steven is great for a quip or some sort of moment, Randy tries, but JLo is the only one who is fully communicating to the contestants. She is great.

Now the two country boys are up. Scotty and John Wayne. I vote for John Wayne. Scotty sings Josh Turner AGAIN. Long Black Train is one of my favorites -- "There is victory in the lord, I say." Believe me - 4 trips to Nashville can turn anyone to using the word Lord naturally. Scotty is a one trick pony in my book but he makes it and John Wayne does not. I think that was a mistake.

Giovanni took his shirt off in his audition. He used JLo by singing the Marc Anthony type of song. Good looking man. He is in.

Lauren Turner a strong vocalist / screamer from New Orleans. She feels a little rough, but definitely has talent. She is in.

TyJuan and Erin don't make it - don't remember them.

Rachel Zevita is very funky. She made it to Hollywood in Season 6 and now is back. Good to see someone making it after coming back because the judges always tell them to come back. I like this girl's voice. She is in.

Kendra with a big voice who impressed in Vegas with Blackbird. Sings Alicia Keys in last performance. She will be steady. Gets in.

Jordan Dorsey -- my niece Jessica's favorite who I think is bossy. He's got star quality and is a sharp dresser. The judges called him out on his bossiness during group in Hollywood. But he is through.

Lauren Alaina wears a purple crazy dress. I still think this girl is it. She broke down in Vegas and for her final performance here does Unchained Melody. She totally reminds me of Kelly Clarkson. Such a great voice. LOVE. Even in her crazy dress and pink cowboy boots, this is a no brainer. She is in.

Stefano who has been pretty solid. Sings a weird song with only the words "come home" in all runs for the final performance. Nothing special in my book. He is in.

Jackie Wilson was great in Nashville. Haven't really seen her since. She flubs words on her final performance. She didn't make it. She asks why and asks if she can change their minds. She thinks she should have made it. Hey, you gotta believe.

Jacob Lusk with the big voice. He also has a crazy personality. His God Bless the Child was awesome, but I don't know where he would sit on the charts. Last performance, I'm sorry I can't even comment, I am shaking with laughter. This guy makes me laugh out loud. He is so over the top. Randy says his God Bless the Child was the single best performance ever on Idol. Seriously? Come on. He gets through and does this crazy scream. Steven tells him to "Shut the front door". He does a crazy dance all the way to Ryan and then spins Ryan around a million times. So funny. Okay, I'm glad he made it because he has personality.

Pia who is very pretty and has been strong but her final performance blew me away. She is good and in.

James Durbin - I loved him but then the Adam Lambertness of him made me cringe. He loves going into his upper range and screaming. He is good at it, but there is little subtlety. He is in.

Down to 3 guys with 2 spots. Casey the messy looking blues / soul singer. Final song he does with a bass again to prove he is sexy (his words, not mine). He is talented but he won't be packagable. Remember Taylor Hicks people? But I really enjoy hearing him. Randy says he is the most talented musician they have had. He is in. Another fun personality.

2 girls are Thia who is another favorite of mine with her clear easy voice that keeps it edge, and 7 time audtition veteran Jessica. Jessica is crazy hot rocker girl. A 15 year old and a 25 year old. Jessica made it to this final cut last time. She gets cut again, on her birthday. I really wish she stayed - she was major power player. Thia is through!!

3 guys, one spot. Jacee my roly poly dough boy, crazy redhead Brett and cool kid Colton Dixon. Colton won me over with his Daughtry in Hollywood. His final performance was OUTSTANDING. He is one of my favorites. It HAS to be Colton. Even though his legs are skinnier than my finger. Wow, Brett goes through. Colton will be missed the most - even more than Chris Medina in my book. I love Jacee. SO adorable.

So we have the Top 24. Here are my favorites as of now (singing wise). Boys -- Paul, Clint, Robbie, Tim, Casey. Girls -- Lauren Turner, Kendra, Ashton, Rachel, Thia, Lauren Alaina, Pia.

Oh look at that my Top 12. I have to be honest, I still can't tell what is going ot happen this season! I know I had my criticisms, but once they hit the top 10 or 12, clean slate people.

I will be in Paris next week so the blog will be delayed but you know I will watch as soon as I get off the plane and blog on the 9th!! Crossing fingers and toes that sudden death doesn't kill my favorites.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions, even if you pray every night that your DVR works properly...

Vegas and some of the Top 24 revealed!

I love this after just 5 minutes. Fun to have some Peggy the maniacal vocal coach on the show. Each week, the celeb judges are always so nice and love all of the contestants. It is nice to hear someone being hard on them besides Simon.


Wait, then Jimmy Iovine enters the scene with his entourage -- who are these punks? Immediately, Lauren's group got sent away stat to pick a new song. Oh my god he is now my favorite addition to this show. And I want to know about everyone in his entourage. But here is the thing. It isn't about him as a person, it is that we can see him interact with the contestants and see what they go through and what affects their performance -- more of a journey than talking to them on the set of a Ford car commercial.

Love Tim Halperin and again they love Julie Zorilla but I am not a fan. Watch she makes it to the end. But they were smart to duet together.

Good motown trio of Jerome, Lakisha and Tatynisa -- so much more polished than the group songs on results nights. But still the judges were super tough on them. Kendra and Paul were the countrified version of Blackbird. They should be on Can You Duet because I don't think either can win this solo. They are showing a lot of good performances, are we really losing favorites or contestants we have never seen before?

PLEASE tell me that Ashley Sullivan, aka crybaby, goes after this round. So now the attention stealer is getting married in Vegas and Idol is wasting time on her stupid story. She is going to get married where Britney Spears got married to Jason Alexander and she is happy because Britney is her hero. I am fast forwarding this nonsense.

Love young Thia. Her tone feels fresh and easy. The vocal coach hated them, but Thia impressed the judges even though it wasn't the best.

Scotty, the deep voice country trios with Lauren, my fave, and Denise, someone I have never seen. Weird combo but they showed their personalities. And they didn't get to sing...Yikes, okay good for the favorite to stumble before rising, right?

Robbie Rosen needs a new haircut (bye bye Barry Manilow) but he has nice energy. He and his buddies did a nice job in 1977. Considering Robbie was born in 1995, that is a feat.

Eliminations -- Thia, Robbie, Scotty, Jordan Dorsey, Ashton and Lauren are called up -- all names we know so no brainer that they are all through. Yup. 3 15 year olds in the group.

Funny blonde guy Carson is going home, plus White house intern who we haven't seen in a while. Denise and YEAH ASHLEY SULLIVAN are going home!!!!!! Oh my god, that's mean, but I am so glad she is out. Jacee is through!

So we are down to Top 40 back in Hollywood. I think with all the emphasis on going to Vegas and singing Beatles songs we should have seen more of these performances.

Top 40 going down to Top 24 -- 12 guys and 12 girls. A shot to sing and then a sit down with the judges. Please show us all of them. Here we go.

Naima - big voice, very unique, and good story but I don't think she can be a superstar. That's my two cents. She is in.

Hollie, the young blonde who had cried through her audition but sang Miley Cyrus, The Climb. Great last audition, a little powerhouse in this young girl. Steven tells her no, Jennifer brekas down telling her that she was outvoted and that she should come back in two years because she could win it all. Oh, she breaks my heart. Lakeisha Lewis sent home, Alex Ryan who I don't remember ever seeing going home.

Meanie Clint (okay, I'm overdoing it) is too weird to hit it big. My two cents. He makes it in.

Haley, the big voiced blonde might be a screamer but she has something waiting to be seen. Nice big voice, still need to get to know her. She makes it.

Let's talk about the smooth stylings of Deandre -- extremely good looking young guy, who hasn't been seen much. They judges really believe in him but they let him go. Jennifer is really pushing him to do more. He may have had a Jason Castro thing in him that wouldn't have been enough. I would have liked to see him more.

Paul McDonald with the little voice from Nashville, we didn't see him much. Now he sings an original song. Very original and interesting.

Ashton Jones may be my new favorite -- she did the Jennifer Hudson during the last solo. Final performance was Whitney (oh that scared me about her choices). She is adorable and a powerhouse. She is in. She is a major contender people!!!

Chris Medina -- they invested a lot in his story. And they go back there again. He nails it on the final performance with another modern rock ballad - Fix You by Coldplay. I like his choices. JLo is making it sound like it is a no AND IT IS A NO! WHAT? WHAT? This is retarded. I'm not getting this right now. I don't want his story to outshine his talent, but he was really talented. Right? Ugggh it is so hard in this stage because we don't just see all the performances lined up - we just don't know. JLo has a full on breakdown about having to say no after he leaves. Full on meltdown. Steven says that her saying no was beautiful. He cracks me up.

And now we see the rest tomorrow...I don't know what to think yet! More tomorrow everyone...

Catch up time!

First of all, my deepest apologies for leaving you all hanging on the blogging front. There is nothing I can say but I was literally working around the clock and didn't even watch TV for 2 weeks! This weekend, however, I'm not shutting off the TV at all until the DVR is emptied. And thank god I found iwatchamericanidolonline.com so I can watch the episode that my DVR did not record!



So first, San Francisco auditions. So many great voices - I just love the energy this season. I wasn't that blown away by Julie the Columbian girl who sang Summertime, but they sure gave her a build up. But the best part was Steven Tyler hating on some contestants. No hating on James Durbin however, the contestant with Tourettes / Aspergers. Crying as I write this.


Hollywood Week begins with 327 contestants. I love Hollywood Week - it is where I normally fall in love with certain contestants. And this time they are changing things up so let's see how that affects it. First round - sudden death with a lineup of 10 singing a cappella. I wish we could see all of it, unedited. I wish I could have been there. I wish I was a judge. Some standouts of what we see: Brett Lowenstein - the redhead, Rachel Zevita - NYer, Thia - the 15 yr old Asian girl, Casey - soulster from New Orleans (but what kind of album would he make?). I can't stand that Victoria Huggins the overly energetic girl so I'm glad she didn't make it. Love Paris who sang My Heart Will Go On and has the little girl. James Durbin - I love his story but he went a little Adam Lambert on me. I'm putting money on 15 year old Lauren who sang Unchained Melody. Man, that Chris Medina is so now and modern.


Got chills from 15 yr old Jacee singing Rascal Flatts, so sweet, but oh man that Hollie Cavanaugh the blonde who had cried at her audition. Chills. Love Rob and Chelsea and want them to keep going! Nick and Jacqueline - cheesy couple. He was terrible. She overdid it but she made it and he made an a** out of himself begging and singing up the aisle. Love Scotty aka Josh Turner with the deep voice. Love that Jlo said the girl from the Bronx fell for a country singer - she understands me. Hate Tiffany Rios with her too tight skirt and her attitude "I'm tired of seeing people try to do what I know I can." Seriously? Love Travis the almost homeless kid from the Bronx -- but he had a terrible audition. Terrible. So she made it and he didn't.


Down to 168


And now it is group round of Hollywood Week - one of the craziest episodes usually but also what is the purpose? It is an individual competition. Then again, the pressure of the unknown must be a good thing to test them on. Love that Day 1 and Day 2 had to mix together and chaos ensued. The picking and rejection of the groups is giving me severe anxiety. Drama from almost quitter Ashley.



I cannot believe the group kicked out Jacee. I hope none of them get through.


Time to perform - love the judges pep talk. They keep hinting that a favorite is going to go and I'm nervous who that is!! Crazy Tiffany and Jessica who was crazy enough to work with her are next -- can't stand either now. She will lie down on the floor in a mini skirt. Why is her hair sparkling? And she's outta here!


Love Lauren's group who sang to Steven on Stage Some Kind of Wonderful. Slightly weird since he is old, but fun. I can't believe Paris messed up -- geez, she was so good and had such a good story - gorgeous girl. Yikes. You know that they have to give backstory to those who will get through as well as those who won't, but it is weird to know that much and then they disappear. Heartbreaking.


In the group the Hits with the very emotional Ashley, that girl Ashton was really good - soulful and strong. Okay so the young kids come up with the stage moms and do a really good job but I gotta say the stage mom thing left a bad taste in my mouth. Obviously they still have to have talent to get through, but something felt wrong about the extra support.


Love that there is still new talent to discover like Jacob Lusk from the a cappella Get Ready Here I come group with the deep bass ending. Loved the Forget You crew with Chris Medina (or I just love the song so much that I love anyone who sings it?)


I AM OBSESSED WITH JACEE. I know he can't win this competition but I am so happy that he is getting the spotlight for some time - such a sweet talented kid. OBSESSED.


Even though the kicked out Jacee, The Guaps - Scotty Clint and the girls were great with Get Ready.

And now, time for Part 3 of Hollywood Week. 100 contestants going down to 50. Today they can sing with the band or a cappella. Ashton Jones who I noticed in the group gave us a Jennifer Hudson moment with And I'm Telling You. Thia is still hitting it at 15 with What a Wonderful World. I'm so ready for another Kelly or Carrie people! So glad they are not forcing an equal number of men and women in the final 10. Let the cards play out as they may.

Clint Jun Gamboa who kicked out Jacee is a diva in his own right. Sophia and Kendra doing Georgia on My Mind who I hadn't seen before were good. Carson and Chris do My Prerogative. Carson is super fun, but is his voice okay? We already know Chris has a great voice. Loving Colton Dixon who sang Daughtry's What About Now. That redhead Brett Lowenstein is so unique. First time Robbie Rosen the 15 year old stood out for me - playing the piano and slow jamming. Casey brought the bass. Great unique style, but I don't see a recording superstar here. Why did Jacqueline go home before singing? Chelsee sings Kelly Clarkson not perfectly but she's got something.

That Lauren Alaina has to stop milking the Steven Tyler thing, but she is amazing so I will forgive her one more time. And 15? Geez. Jacob Lusk, another new one from Hollywood round does a crazy skat filled God Bless the Child and the judges are hooting and hollering. It is going to be hard for him to top this. Standing O right there. Umm why is he crying?

Oh my John Wayne, you got me from the first twang. His occupation is Cowboy - I love him even if he is only 23. Love that black hat. Ashley is too crazy and forgot the words - she needs to go. Love that JLo told her to control her emotions.

I love Jacee. Love him.

If I was the judges listening to the word mix up on I Hope You Dance, I would have been hysterically laughing. I felt bad for them, but it was funny. I wish we could have seen more performances. But now the drama of the rooms.

Room 1 Ashley, Brett and Jacee - this could go either way. But then I saw CLint and Lauren and James Durbin. They made it. Robbie, Casey etc.

Room 2 Don't recognize them and it is over.

Room 3 Chelsea who is one I will miss and that room is out too.

Room 4 Carson, Scotty and more make it through.

And so next week marks a change -- another round as the top 50 perform songs from the Beatles in a sudden death round I believe. Better than the sit down interview that they used to do. Make them sing again to get through. Very excited to see what happens but hope the pressure and inability to prepare don't make us lose some prime talent.

And so there is my thorough catch up on Idol. Such a great way to enjoy my weekend! And now onto more DVR elimination - 2 episodes of Glee.

Remember, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...even when you almost don't have enough time for them.

Some audition highlights

So I know you've been missing my thoughtful blogs on the audition rounds but I promise I am still fully behind this season, but unfortunately my workload hasn't allowed me to get home in time to watch and then blog. Note to my boss who is reading this: It's okay that I am letting my loyal readers down, really, you shouldn't feel bad about it. :)

Now on to some audition highlights from last week and this week.

From Milwaukee -- Thia the 15 year old Asian singer who was amazing, Jerome Brown the R&B singer with the hat, the deep voiced country singer, Molly the White House intern and Hayley who is obsessed with Steven Tyler. Plus Scott Dangerfield the super nerdy but super soul filled singer that JLo declared as her favorite - needs a makeover. And of course Chris Medina who has already become a sensation with the super super sad story about his fiance. Singing Break Even? Uggh my heart just broke.

Let's not forget Steven Tyler's amazing saying: Hellfire, save matches, f*** a duck and see what hatches.

And then in Nashville, the ex-couple Rob and Chelsee who auditioned together -- she was awesome - I was blown away. But then, Jackie Wilson the blonde in the denim skirt came in a fully blew away the panel and me -- Steven Tyler later declared they had found the one, and I think he was referring to her. Amazing. Love how she dueted with Steven.

Now time for Austin. Love that they opened with an apology for Steven Tyler's behavior. He really is a riot. Hollie the sweet 17 yr old who sang in 5 keys and started crying. They gave her another shot and let her through. I don't think her nerves will stand going much further, but sweet.

John Wayne - I've fallen for this cowboy.

Courtney the Ryan Stalker who mimicked a chicken and then blasphemy! sang Sugarland! I really hope she doesn't make it through. Steven told her to "kindle" it up some. What does that mean? OMG she got through.

Nick and Jacqueline - annoying couple. She sang Mercy and was good, but it is not a hard song. Nick is a crooner and we know that never works on this show.

Janelle the blonde country singer - gorgeous, reminded me of Miranda Lambert.

Casey the Seth Rogan look alike started a dance party and got a unanimous yes to Hollywood with his blues song.

Now on to Hollywood --
But can I first say that it is quite fun to watch JLo change her look every episode - she is really a chameleon. My only critique, has anyone noticed that her face make-up looks a little too white or powdery compared to her skin tone? I know, weird thing to notice...And not a fan of the swim cap look.

TIm Halperin with the Maroon 5 song - so smooth. I loved it.

The Gutierrez brothers did not fully impress me -- have heard it before. Hollywood was pretty terrible.

Another week of auditions in San Francisco and Hollywood week begins. I love Hollywood week!!!

I am not ashamed of that at all. So don't be ashamed of your obsessions.