I love Randy Travis. I LOVE country music. I think it is a wildly misunderstood genre. Country music isnt a stupid people genre. Simple ideas about love and relationships, life and living are not simpleton. They are the foundation of the deep layered emotions we feel. And I think Country music soothes those emotions in a way no other music can.
Take American Idol last night. Randy Travis kept talking about telling a story and how you dont rush telling a story. That’s country music. It’s got something important to say about long lost love, or long lasting love. Pain and heartache, or joy and excitement. And Randy is the perfect example of that beautiful sound. Sigh. I just love that man.
So when you want to make fun of my country music consider for a moment whether anything else is telling a heartfelt honest story.

I wrote up a nice long review for this week’s contestants.  But last minute I scrapped the whole thing.  I’m just so meh about it.  Suffice to say I enjoyed the performances, but I dunno… MJ was a bad song choice. Bad bad bad producers.  All that said Id like to let you know that of the top 12 (the 13th was a surprise so it doesnt count) I got 11 guesses right.  Not that I’m tooting my own horn or anything.  But I am really struggling to guess who is going home tonight.  Here’s my best guess.

First… I dont know for sure that 2 are going home.  Idol is playing mind games with us.  Heck.  Maybe no one is going home tonight.  that wouldnt surprise me at all.

If its two then here are the two that are going home.

Anoop and Megan.

This was a tough one but there are my guesses.

Here it is… American Idol sitting my DVR.  Time to watch and predict who’s going to make it.

I never know what to title this post.  But here we are again with the Idol madness.  My comments will probably be shorter tonight cause I’m not terribly interested today.

Von Smith – Ick.  Never liked him.  He just cant find his place I think.  The song just felt WEIRD.  I dont care if the judges liked him.  He is double ick.

Taylor Vaifanua – Wow…. what key is this supposed to be in?  Ahh the happy chorus.  That’s better.  I like this song, but I feel like she’s just short of what it could be.   On another couple notes.  Cara is ick.  Someone make her go away.  I thought Paula was bad, but this girl is worse.

Alex Wagner -Trugman – First off… why does he have two last names.  And I think it’s weird how he keeps grabbing his chin in the interview.  And now he’s singing.  And not poorly I guess… but is it me or is he completly uncomfortable in his own skin.  He’s weird to listen to… weirder to watch and I’d like him to go away please.

Arianna Afsar – Another 17 year old singing a song that my Mom would like.  I’m wondering if this song picks up.  Apparently not.  Her voice is very pretty.  I keep waiting though for the song to start at the right pace.  Sorry, but not for me I think.

Ju’Not Joynor – Oh a favorite song of mine.  Starting slow.  But he feels like John Legend a little.  But the song is going TOO SLOW.  WAY too SLOW.  His voice is so pretty too.  I want him to do well.  He’s a gorgeous voice.  But I think that wasnt enough.  But hey the judges liked him.  Gosh again I wish Cara would stop talking.  Paula could stop too.  But they all liked him.  Maybe I’m wrong.

Kristen McNamara – Ooooo I love Tracy Chapman.  Good song.  Unlike the rest of the WORLD  I do not like this girl with the blind abandon the rest of the world does.  But I’ll give her this…. she picked a good song.  She’s even singing it well.  I just dont like her.  But who knows?  She might grow on me. Gosh Cara just talks for each one of these things doesnt she.

Nathaniel Marshall – This guy could sing in the coming of Christ and I wouldnt care.  I want him to GO AWAY.  So lets see how he does.  Sigh I hate that he can sing.  But it’s just not enough.  If I close my eyes and pretend he’s someone else then it’s GREAT!  I really love what he did with the song.  But then I remember all the drama and the selfishess and the mean mess of it all.  sigh.  He’s adorable too.  It’s just TOO MUCH DRAMA.  Thank you Simon.

Felicia Barton – This is so so sad that I’ve never heard of this girl.  I hope she takes this one chance and does something with it.  She’s adorable.  She’s doing well.  I just dont think it’s enough.  She can sing it though.  I just feel like the judges know that she wont be coming back.  I like the show so much better when I FF through Cara.

Scott MacIntyre – Oh I love him.  He’s adorable.  I know that he’s better with his instrument.  But look.  He’s awesome.  His voice is pretty and pure.

Kendall Beard – This one’s for the girls?  Really?  Too slow.  I dunno… this girl doesnt inspire anything in me.  I confess I Fast Forwarded through most of this.  She can sing.  But it’s important honey to sing with the band… not 5 beats behind the band.  Gosh why is Cara talking again.  And Paula too?  Snap.

Jorge Nunez – Wow picking some Elton.  I love me some Elton.  I think though this guy should take a latin route.  I think he could really shine at that rather than Elton.  But he’s got some pipes.  Side note.  The video on this song is terrible.  The wipes make me feel weird.  But listen the guy can sing.  I mean really sing.  I like him.  And he’s gorgeous and that doesnt hurt.  I like that Simon is lovin on him.  I need to FF through Cara soon… sigh… all that work.  See she even made Jorge cry.  Love him.

Lil Rounds – I remember that Entertainment Weekly said after all the positive air time Lil Rounds has had she could kill a puppy on stage and still make it through.  I agree with their assesment.  But listen.  I mean it.  LISTEN to that girl!  She’s so far above the rest.  Seriously.  That’s pipes. And I love when the girls talk last so I can just FF through the 2nd half rather than having to stop midway.

SOMEONE PLEASE FIND ANOTHER FEMALE JUDGE WHO DOESNT MAKE ME WANT TO TEAR MY HAIR OUT PLEASE.  show America that woman in the music business can form an articulate sentence.

So who is going through?

Well Duh Lil Rounds

Scott MacIntyre

Jorge Nunez

If I were permitted to pick a 4th I would choose Ju’Not Joyner.

Well well well… 2 outta 3 aint bad. I’d put money though on Giraud coming back in the wild card round.

American Idol time ya’ll.  I’m pumped about this episode.  I think mostly because I had to wait so stinking long to get to it.  Silly Obama.  Pick another night for your speeching.  So here we go!

Jasmine Murray – Wrong song.  Really the wrong song.  Sing something that shows off those pipes girl.  She’s a sweetheart girl who really really can sing.  But this song doesnt showcase that at all.  I had her on my list as a shoe in for the top three from this group.  She had WAY too much stage presence also.  The kicking and the angry parts to the performance just had me floored (and not in a good way).  At the end you could really tell she was resigned to the fact that she’s not coming back this week.

Matt Giraud – Viva la Vida!  Oh I’m so hopeful!  This song oh… too many runs.  But I like him so much I cannot be objective.  I think I  might have to admit he fell flat.  I think he was being really smart in trying to pick Viva la Vida, but his soul doesnt plug into it.

Jeannie Vailes - I have no idea who this girl is.  This is the unfair thing about American Idol. They only feature a few people.  But I’ll tell ya Jeannie… I’m feeling confident that this is the last time we’ll be seeing you.  Her right hand is distracting me.  I’m worried shes going to grab someone from the audience and scratch them or something… Thanks Jeannie for your time have a nice life.

Nick Mitchell – I’m so happy to see Norman.  I really love this guy.  He can barely sing.  I hope America sends him through.  He’s a true entertainer.  And that last note!  Dude can sing!  Simon can hardly hold it together.  I love him.  I’m putting him in my top three just to spite.

Allison Iraheta - Oooo a Heart song.  Oh wow.  This girl has a voice.  I have to say I cant remember her from Hollywood week.  But I’m fairly certain I’ll remember her now.  Wow.  I just love everything about this performance and her.  She reminds me of Kelly Clarkson.  OH girl!  Sing on!  Oh and her mama crying.  Oh I just wanna cry with her.

Kris Allen – Man in the Mirror.  Gosh I hate when they do Micheal’s songs.  But we’ll see.  First off… starting a bit low.  Feels a little awkward.  But chorustime feels a little better.  I like him.  He’s got some chops.  But the song is starting to feel repetetive.  I was ready for it to be over about a minute before it was.

Megan Joy Corkrey - I remember her from auditions.  I like her.  Put your Records on is a song I’m getting tired of hearing.  Lets see how she does with it. I like her voice.  She always reminds me a little of Fiona Apple (a personal fav).  She needs a serious dose of stage presence.  I’m a little apathetic about this one.  If she went through I’d be ok listening to her again, but if she didnt I’d completely forget about her I think after that performance. Apparently Paula “hearts” her.   Wow apparently the judges felt more for her than I did.  I think idol wants to put a vocal through that has that Amy Winehouse feel.  The heavy big vocals are getting tiring I think for Idol.

Matt Breitzke - Interesting… rockersound.  I dont mean to be mean… but watching I feel like he’s moving in slow motion.  But his voice sounds pretty solid. Wow… white guy dance.  But his voice is still good.  I cant look at the tv anymore or I’ll loose all focus.  I keep waiting for this song to build to something.  It hasnt yet.  It’s like it only reached a certain level of intensity and then just stopped.  I kept waiting for it to go somewhere.

Jesse Langseth - I’ve never heard of this song.  I think vocalists need to start picking songs that will make them win, not songs they love.  Sing songs you love in your car driving down the road.  That said I think she isnt crashing and burning.  She’s on key, and she’s not blowing it.  But I’m having to force myself not to Fast Forward through the rest of the song.  And one other thing… weird shirt.

Kai Kalama – I really like this guy.  He takes care of his mom and he’s a good guy and he’s freakin adorable.  Lets hope he’s got the chops to go with it.  We need to seriously work with these guys on their white man dancing stuff.  But that said… he’s yummy.  Can I use that word?  Does it make you uncomfortable?  I’m sorry.  In addition to that… he can sing pretty well.

Mishavonna Henson – First off… her background is one of my favorites to work with in my job!  How pathetic is it that I notice that and not her voice.  Scott loves this girl.  But I think she’s boring.  I cant help it.  Her voice is very nice.  She’s growing on me as the song goes on.  I think she picked a good song.  Or at least not a terrible one.

Adam Lambert - I have a feeling i’m going to love him no matter what he sings.  I just want him to be in the top 12.  I love love love him.  Satisfaction.  I like it.  A rock song.  Dont blow it Adam.  Oh dear.  Maybe he is.  It is seriously drama.  But I dont care.  I like him.  He can SING.  He’s just over the top.

So who is going through.  I dunno.  I’m blah about the whole thing.

for sure – Allison Iraheta

Adam Lambert

Matt Giraud

I’m unsure on Matt.  If I’m going to fail it’ll be there.  I really just didnt get a lot out of this episode.  The performances all around (with the exception of Allison) were bleh.

So yeah… just finished watching idol.  3 out of 3.  What can I say?  I’m just good.

IDOL ladies and gents is in the air.  It’s a great time to be American (otherwise it would be UK or Iceland or whatever else IDOL).  I felt like blogging while watching the contestants.  I hope I dont bore you over the next few paragraphs.

Jackie Tone – Wow.  Weird.  Her pants are weird.  I feel like we’re stuck in another decade to start this thing off.  I’ve never been a Jackie Tone fan and “little less conversation” is not enough to win me over.  I think she’s fun, and she’s obviously enjoying herself entertaining us, but I find I’m not too terribly entertained.

Ricky Braddy – I like this guy a lot, not much else to say though.  He’s forgettable.  I didnt even know who he was and then he sang a song that i enjoyed, but he didnt make enough of a first impression to win me over.  I might have dozed off a little too. This is why the early process is so unfair.  Unless you make tons of drama you’re not going to be featured.

Alexis Grace – Gosh I like her.  I like her voice.  She’s really got some spirit and I’ll always love on the mama makin a better way for her baby girl.  Ms. Aretha would be proud.  She should go through.

Brent Keith – I’m so disappointed in this adorable guy.  He’s sweet, and when he sang soul he SANG IT.  But on state doin “Hick Town” he fell so flat.  I’m certain it’s the last we’ll be seeing of him.

Stevie Wright – What the HECK!  Either the band played the wrong track or Stevie started in the middle of the song and worked her way around.  Sigh, I really liked her too, but unfortunatly she fell VERY flat for me.  As I was sitting there I found myself just wishing she’d get off stage.  I ended up helping her along with the assistance of my friendly little FF button on my DVR.

Anoop Desai – Gosh I love him, he’s fun and smart.  But I think he’s just sung his last song.  Something upbeat and fun will win the day Anoop, ballads are best saved for later.

Casey Carlson – Do ya’ll remember the VP debate when Sarah Palin winked?  This felt like that but worse.  The theatrics of her performance were so off putting I could barely focus on her singing.  Which might have been a clever ruse since there wasn’t much to the vocals anyway.  Later Casey (thats my bet anyway).

Michael Sarver – oh i love him.  NO idea why, I just do.  This song wasnt great for him.  He’s better when he’s massaging my heart with soulful music.  But he’s sweet and wonderful.  Simon had it right when he said he hopes people just vote for him.  They need to.  He’s got a FAMILY to feed FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!  VOTE!  (As you can see he’s my favorite.)

Ann Marie Boskovich – This was boring.  Natural Woman has been done and she did it poorly.  Not much else to say.

Stephen Fowler – Wow.  Micheal Jackson?  Is this Idol 80’s?  I would be lying if I didnt say that I wasnt wishing Jamar was there instead.  But listen this guy just fell flat, the MJ moves, the pitchiness.  It was just totally weird.

Tatiana Del Toro – Gosh I detest this girl.  I honestly dont care if she can sing.  (she can) But her personality is so horrifying that I cant see anything else.  Through her audition all I can think is she keeps making lover eyes at the camera.  And this song has been done, and over done, and done again.  She hasnt brough anything new to it.  And the “demure thing” she had going while the judges were talking was just creepy.  I get he feeling she knows where they live and will be “visiting” them if she doesnt go through.

Danny Gokey – I’m surprised that he’s a church music director.  Didnt see that coming.  Also didn’t see Hero coming.  Again I’m stuck in the 80’s.  But this guy has been a solid favorite for me from the beginning.  And lastly, HE CAN SING.

So in the end who do I think will make it through?  Wow.  Tough choices.  I dont like this one guy one girl thing, but whatever it’s IDOL they do what they want.  But here are my picks.

Danny Gokey

Michael Sarver

Alexis Grace

These picks reflect more my personal choice than who I think America will vote for.  But you cant fault a girl for trying.

Wow guys if you missed Idol last night you REALLY missed out  They performed Andrew Lloyd Weber songs and it was just amazing.  I’ve been a fan well since before I could remember but it was awesome to see him coach them.  Above all for me was David Cook.  His performance was just chilling and awesome.  So check it out!

Ok… I’m watching Idol and they are singing “Shout to the Lord.” And I feel like I’m in a parallel world or something. Its a weird thing. I’m wondering why they did that… but I guess it sounded ok….

And now Dr. Phil is singing “I’m a believer” And Ryan is dancing and there’s Ricky Lake? Oh my… what a strange strange show.

I think I’m going to give a play by play of my thoughts on tonight. Read on at your own risk.

Brooke is so adorable – she never can find the seats right And David cook is adorable. Not sexy but adorable.

Gosh I am so sick of people flipping out over little archuletta. he makes me nauseous. Hmm and it sounds like there is a mic open or something…. weird.

yeah Ricky Lake is brainless.

Angola – Africa just keeps breaking my heart. The 6 year old living an adult life. I just want to take all those babies home with me.

Um… who is Chris Brown? Wow Jordin Sparks has some major effects on her voice….. watching her reminds me of how untalented last season’s contestants were. I mean Jordin is great, but this season is SO MUCH better than last year. Argh I hate it when they have those major runs… they just arent necessary. Ok maybe Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown should just go get a room or something…. not that I’m condoning premarital sex but they are sending some pretty clear messages on stage.

I love Jason – he’s just so adorable. He’s like a Teddy Bear that you just wanna snuggle with (in a completely platonic way)

Gosh Christy is safe. I hope and pray that Carly or Michael arent going home. I detest Syesha.

OOOO did it just get cold in here? Oh no… that’s just Hilary on my TV.

OH my did J Mcain just say that about Michigan and Florida? Oh my… he was cheesy but still hilarious….

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Oh that was just Barry putting me to sleep… but I’m awake now. OO new one for Barry – he said just hope and change all in the same sentence… never seen that before.

Oh my oh my oh my I’m so nervous about who is going home…. why does this matter so much? OH my gosh Micheal is going home?! How is that possible! He’s never been in the bottom 3 before!!!!! HOW IS THIS HAPPENING! Sigh… I really liked him. Jason stand up you dummy…. you’re the only one sitting. Sigh.

I cant believe they are sending him home. He was so so good. I would definitely buy his records.

I’ve been watching Idol Gives Back and its messing me up. They just finished a segment on malaria in Africa, and there was a woman in a hospital watching her daughter lying in a coma from malaria. The girl was 8mos old. A month and a few thousand miles separates that baby girl from Connor.

A different time or place and I could have been the mother sitting at the bedside wondering if this child would die. Mothers should not watch their babies die. Our hearts were not meant to take it. 13 million orphans in Africa from AIDS. And I’m upset that I’m stuffing all of my son’s stuff into my little car. Gosh I’m so disgusting.

Its not the end of the world but you can see it from here – Robin Williams