The Final Judgement - Down to 24

First of all, did you notice that one of the vocal coaches is Peisha McPhee, mother of Katherine McPhee, AI finalist and now star of Smash? I know, my trivia mind is blowing yours, but it just hit me today.

Let me start by saying I am not a fan of group week -- there was a whole episode spent on the drama of making / being in a group that really brought out the worst in everybody. But then, Vegas groups were spectacular and I loved that we got to watch the whole performances.

Going into this final cut of 42 to 24, let me tell you my front runners as of now:

Colton Dixon -- Back for a second try, did Daughtry's What About Now in Hollywood but I am so sad that his sister Schuyler was kicked out. She was good.

Phil Phillips -- That weird guitar playing, Dave Matthews sounding, funky machine makes me smile

Jen Hirsh -- she seems like a front runner and has a great set of lungs with Georgia on My Mind especially, but something is missing or off? The X factor (ha, ha)

Shannon Magrame -- 16 yr old daughter of the baseball player. I always think she won't be that good and then she blows me away. Her What a Wonderful World was insane.

Heejun -- I love Heejun - he is so funny and love his voice. Him and the vocal coach was a riot. Love him love him love him

Ariel Sprague -- she was great in Rockin' Robin, could be amazing

David Leathers Jr - little kid from Rockin' Robin. Ummm love

Erika Van Pelt -- they aren't overdoing attention on her and she was an early favorite at auditions so I'm glad she won't be overdone

Hallie Day -- another front runner

Lauren Gray -- raspy one that the vocal coach made cry - loved her voice

Some that I am on the fence about:

Reed -- the cries de foi in Hollywood when he had to call his Mommy and the weird dancing in Vegas is too weirdo for me

Creighton Fraker -- feels like a broadway baby to me, sang What a Wonderful World in Hollywood, but he is interesting

Skyler -- the little girl, she will annoy me

Adam Brock -- the Growler from Great balls of fire in Vegas -- too much growl?

Elise Testone -- Kesha look a like has a great voice but she looks SOO cheap!

Haley Johnson, blonde who sang with Reed's group in Vegas and gave that amazing end to "Thousand eyes" and Baylie Brown -- I loved them in Vegas but haven't seen enough of them

Eben -- no to little kid Eben who will steal votes

Jessica Sanchez -- Asian powerhouse but haven't seen enough of her

Oh and Milli Vanilli's little brother, Deandre Brackensick. Seriously?

Okay, so now to the final judgement.

1. Jen Hirsh wailed it out but not a good melody. SHE IS IN. Is there something Katherine McPhee is her?

2. Creighton Fraker sang NY State of Mind like someone at Rose's Turn. But HE IS IN

Lauren Gray, loved seeing her audition again - I forgot this was the same girl who cried in Vegas. She killed it at final judgement. She reminds me of Kelly Clarkson. WOW they let her go. Not happy about this.

3. Joshua Ledet is gospelly and talented, but not my style. Feels too old for this? But HE IS IN

4. Haley Johnsen has a gorgeous voice and is a gorgeous girl. Love her bangs and her style. SHE IS IN.

Niko Starr has a Bruno Mars look and had serious Jeri curl in his hair. He first stood out in Vegas to me. But he did not make it.

5. Elise Testone who has a Kesha look and sang Alicia Keyes for the final judgement. They have always supported her but I have some doubts but SHE IS IN.

6. Reed has that Casey thing as a musician but he is not as endearing to me. In fact, he scares me a little. but HE IS IN and he did some more weirdo moves.

7. Erika Van Pelt has the Kelly Clarkson thing that Lauren Grey had too. Aha, maybe this is why Lauren didn't make it. She did the Pink song in Hollywood Week (can't remember the name, but it was "You Called me Sugar" in the lyrics). She did a bad Adele for final judgement. and SHE IS IN.

8. Chelsea Sorrell is not one I really remember. She wants to be country. Steven really tricked her by making her think she didn't make it, but SHE IS IN (ehhh?)

9. Baylie Brown - now I remember her, she auditioned 5 years ago and now sang Bon Jovi's Bed of Roses for her audition. She is so much better then Chelsea, but her final judgement Rascal Flatts song was so bad. She is gorgeous and made it through. Good for her. SHE IS IN.

Richie the low voice cowboy and his Johnny Cash Ring of Fire makes me cringe. We cannot have a Scotty McCreery redo. This guy needs to go. And he goes.

10. Heejun sings NY State of Mind and blows me away again. He is cool and interesting and I like Asian people :) Love that he says hugging and kissing JLo is every Asian man's dream. HE IS IN!!!!! I am SO SO happy. I love him.

11. Jessica Sanchez has a toddlers and tiaras childhood to look back on. A bit melodramatic with a Josh Groban song, but her voice is fantastic. Oh man, so good. SHE IS IN.

12. Phil Phillips, the guy with the dumbest name in town but the coolest groove. HE IS IN.

13. Colton Dixon who has lost his sister in this competition and was kicked out last year on final judgement day. Love that this dude always sings Daughtry and David Cook. He is so amazing in the final judgement song of Fix You. HE IS IN.

14. Brielle with the stage mom reminds me of a Hayley, but there is nothing fun about watching her sing. Too affected for me. Just because you are from Jersey, you ain't no Lauryn Hill! Oh boy, SHE IS IN

Adam Brock the growler with the little baby named Whitney. His final judgement was one of my favorite performances of his, but he feels dated. He really blubbered. And a cliffhanger!!!

So far, this is a good group. Not all my faces, but hey, that's why they get cut down to the top 10. Bring on my voting machine!

Don't be ashamed that Heejun makes you feel all warm and smiley and dopey. I'm not.

Grammy's Rundown

The news of the death of Whitney Houston definitely put more of a spotlight on the show tonight - who will mention her, who will sing a tribute, what are the lessons to learn from this tragedy?

But this is a celebration of music and so the Bruce Springsteen opener was just that -- a celebration of music.

LL Cool J hosts and does an appropriate and sincere opening. A prayer and then a video from Whitney's Grammy performance of "I Will Always Love You." Carrie Underwood was tearing up -- I dare say everyone was. And then his strong intro to Adele - -this was certainly her year and she deserves to be in the spotlight. Umm I believe in the church of LL, he got me all amped up!

Bruno Mars puts on a fantastic performance. I can't believe how uncool he is making me feel. That jam was jamming!

Alicia Keyes and Bonnie Raitt give tribute to Etta James with Sunday Kind Of Love. Alicia Keyes hair looks like Bruno Mars. Pop Solo Female performance is first and Adele goes ahead and wins it. She should just stay up there all night. Love the blonde do. Standing ovation.

Chris Brown -- whatever. How come he always gets to perform at these things? I know he is a great dancer, but is this Dancing With the Stars?

Kanye and Jay Z win best rap performance and are no shows. Blue Ivy for Jay Z and best album snub for Kanye. Or maybe he's working on his fashion collection.

Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson. Great duet. I've never seen Aldean in a suit! Kelly looks good. I personally think she likes Jason, but that's just me making trouble.

I fast forwarded the Foo Fighters, don't hate me.

Rihanna with Coldplay? She sings a funky version of We Found Love and I love it. I love this song. I know I'm going to get sick of it, but right now I love it. Is that just Coldplay on the keyboard? I love the Tine Turner look. Take that Chris Brown - I can dance too! Oh and the nit was the Rihanna / Coldplay collaboration. Why isn't Gwyn singing with them? Hee hee. This song is boringhanna.

Did you catch Willie Nelson singing Coldplay in a commercial? Weird. Foo Fighter won an award and I fast forwarded.

Ryan Seacrest introduces a Beach Boys Tribute. Maroon 5 (Wow Adam Levine is so much cooler to me after The Voice.) Foster the People, and then the Beach Boys -- is John Stamos playing the drums? Oh my god, this is so painful. And no John Stamos is not playing the drums. It seems that the audience was enjoying it, didn't translate for me.

Paul (fast forward) McCartney. I know I should care, but I don't. I know, I have no respect.

Chris Brown wins R&B album and people stand up. Button up your shirt boy.

Oh God, The Civil Wars are going to kill me -- LOVE. I want her voice. And they introduce Taylor. Love her banjo strumming Mean jamboree. I've seen her do this before though, she could have come up with something new.

NPH in the house! Song of the Year should go to Rolling in the Deep. Adele Atkins. That's right.

Julie Mannion would make her spit out her gum.

Katy Perry debuts another song - sounds better than I've ever heard her.

Miranda and Dierks give best Country Album to Lady Antebellum. I think Taylor should have won. But Hilary looked better than usual (good job Jen!)

Really Gwyneth introduces Adele? God she gets to do everything good.

Adele's voice is definitely okay. I dream of having that thick hair. I wish I had been able to see her in concert. Anyone who wants to do something amazing for me would get me into some tiny concert of hers with like 100 people. I'd be forever grateful. (Hi Ed!)

How amazing must this feel for her -- to have the year she has had and to have the respect of ALL her peers. I'm fine with no surprise upsets this year. Adele all the way.

Glenn Campbell tribute. Band Perry was good. Blake was good. Oh who am I kidding. I don't care about Glenn Campbell.

Carrie looking glam! Tony Bennett joins her and they duet. Everyone has to stand up for this. My Idols are kicking it on this show. Best New Artist should be Nikki Minaj. Bon Iver wins. Whatevs, I just fell asleep to the walk up music.

Oh boy, here it comes. Jennifer Hudson sings I Will Always Love You. She has experienced loss in her life and so I think it was the perfect choice. Plus that voice. But how can she do this without losing it. Oh man, how gorgeous. Stunning.

Ummm David Guetta is such a nerd. Chris Brown gets to perform again?

Record of the Year goes to Adele for Rolling in the Deep. God she looks so gorgeous. And she takes Album of the Year. Well deserved. How gorgeous is she? I want fake eyelashes. Can't someone at fashion week give me fake eyelashes? I can't believe she is only 23. Wow. Can't wait to see and hear what is to come. She is a doll.

OMG Diana Ross's dress is so big.

Why does Paul McCartney need to sing again? I'm sick of Grammy doubles. Adele should have sung again or the whole time!

Okay kiddos, time to hit the hay. Lovely musical interlude to my fashion week.

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...this Grammy's proved our collective obsession named Adele deserved to be celebrated.

St Louis quickie

So the premise is, could there be another Carrie Underwood from a St. Louis audition? Based on Johnny Keyser, I'd say yes. I thought Gavin DeGraw had just walked in to audition.

Reis Klockener -- Talks about bullying, cute boy with a Beiberesque voice. Nice, sweet voice. He made Steven Tyler cry.

First Gavin sound a like and then Ethan Jones sings Edwin McCain? This is the night for the men.

Ummm Madonna is putting out an Avril Lavigne song, cool. (I am excited about her for the Super Bowl. She might be old, but she isn't as ancient as The Who and The Stones!)

Lauren Grey -- I've got a feeling (based on an email from two very in the know friends named Ed and Mark) that she is the one to watch tonight. And based on the Carrie intro, now I'm getting goosebumps. But she was more than I could even imagine. I get it, Adele is the hottest thing and normally, I would not think someone should sing her song and sound like her, but this girl is fantastic. Fantastic. She needs to get all the way to the top 10. Straight away.

And JLo cried from the song...

People, game is on.

AI Audition round up

I mean, there are so many episodes coming at me so fast! I missed Galveston since my DVR didn't record. But I have some thoughts from San Diego and Aspen before tonight's episode.

Basically tons of maybe's, lots of possibilities, and surprises...

San Diego

Aubrey - the girl who said she wants to be on America's next top model. At first, I hated her but then she has this clean easy sweet bubble voice. Maybe?

Ally Shields - The big Ellen fan whose first kiss was usher on AMA carpet. Sang Corinne bailey Rae kind of good, but I'm sure she won't last long.

Kyle Cruz - the Frat boy who was obsessed with being in a frat also surprised me with the serenade of the Monica song, not fantastic but so surprising...

Jane Carrey - umm LOVED the moment of JLo remembering her from In Living Color with Jim Carrey when she was a fly girl. I liked that the judges actually knew who her Dad was and didn't pretend.

Jason Wolf Hamlin - His father just passed and he sang CCR. Every season has a guy

Ike this. Casey from last season, this super talented musician who is a throwback and doesn't find that new pop sound. Always worry about commercial viability of that sound. Not everyone can be Josh Grobin and become a success.

Aspen

The girl fighting with her sister has some serious problems. If I was her sister, I would seriously want eyes on the back of my head.

Haley Smith - the vegetarian nature girl who sang Tell Me Something Good. She has a great voice, but is too weird. I loved Haley Reinhert so much last season, that I kind of don't want someone like her to win now...

Shelby - the one with the major Minnesota accent who is bi polar. Sings Carrie Underwood's Temporary Home. JLo loved it, I thought it was okay but of course her story totally got to me.

There were some funny ones in this episode. The Gaga / Bette Midler / burlesque girl who actually has a decent voice but is so weird. JLo has her sing another song which proves she does not know who she is, but her voice is better. I mean, does she want to make it? If they hadn't let her do something else, she would have lost because she is a weirdo. Lucky girl.

Umm and then there was Magic. Who is this guy? From Davenport Iowa with a British accent, he gives them judges choice. He wasn't funny enough in his songs. Annoying.

And now on to tonight's episode in Portland.

Have I said I like the contestant video diaries? Well, I do.

Brittany Zuka - another Haley type, so you know what I think about that.

Jermaine Jones -- 6 foot 8 inch who sang Luther. There is always one of these every season too (see Ruben, Jacob Lusk). I don't think he did anything new.

Britnee Kellogg - the mother of two little boys whose basketball playa' husband held her back. I already love her. And then she starts singing Carly Simon's You're No Good, and I'm a believer in her dreams. Love it! And then she asks JLo for advice on juggling motherhood an your dreams, which makes me start crying. Nice.

Naomi Gilles - she sings Steven Tyler's Crying. Wow. Very very good. And I like her cute bangs look. She could be major.

And now a tearjerker to end the night. Jessica Phillips - her boyfriend of 5 years had a stroke last year. And she is now his caretaker. What a story. Nice melodic voice, a little Monica and Mary J. Good to see what happens. Yup crying.

I'm ready for Hollywood week where we can really see all the talent. But so far, some glimpses look good.

Don't be ashamed of watching bad movies on a plane...(I watched the SJP "I Don't Know How She Does It" Woah, that was terrible.

Oh and I want to hear form you on the Superbowl commercials - tell me your faves!