American Idol Top 10

It's R&B week for the American Idols and I was really dreading this week. I was sure it was going to be filled with poor song choices. Full of Al Green and Earth, Wind, and Fire re-makes...a whole bunch of karaoke. But it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Sure, they still need me as their song selection coach, but I wasn't totally disappointed. Usher was the mentor this week and how very appropriate. This seems like a guy who would never be on this show unless he had an album coming out. Wait, he does have an album coming out. Isn't that convenient!? (Just like last week when Miley had a movie and an album coming out.) I never even thought I liked Usher that much, but I have to say... not only did I like him after watching this show, but I now have a crush on him. When I made that announcement during the show ("It's official, I have a crush on him"), my friend told me, "Ya KINDA have a crush on everyone...". Well that's semi-true, but if I am out on someone, you will know. When I'm in... Oh man, am I IN!?! Going on Idol is one of the best PR moves an artist can make these days. It made Usher less of a superstar and more of a true artist, one who is humbled and vulnerable. Of course the sunglasses inside don't help bring him down to normalcy, but then again I'm not going to tell Bono to take his glasses off, right!? Ushe is a bit of a diva and that's fine. So my new crush Usher takes the stage tonight on the results show and here's what I thought of his mentees....

Siohban Magnus (Song Choice: Through the Fire)

I absolutley love this song by Chaka Khan. I don't think I like any of her other songs. I'm not so sure I loved it for Siobhan though. Thought it was more of a Katie Stevens tune really. It was a tall order for her and she was a tad pitchy, but it was the first off-night since she's had on the show. I'd like her to stay away from this high-pitched "Siobhan note" she's trying to hit every performance. It's half-amazing, half-screeching.. I'm half-loving it and half-uncomfortable listening to it. I can't tell if it's good or if I'm scared. But she should be safe. Again, she has such amazing personal style and she's unique. As Usher said, this is the "true start for her to become a great artist".

Casey James (Song Choice: Hold On)

Good choice by Sammy Davis Jr. by Casey James. He sounded good, but I'm not really that interested. But Iwill say this: It beats "The Power of Love" from last week. I have to say though, It's not good when I turn it down... which I had to do. I found something more interesting to do or talk about. He is a very talented guitar player and he sings well. I just don't feel like there's ever going to be "a moment" with him, but give this guy the chance to write some orginal music and have some written for him and he could really do well, and I could see him as a frontman. I agree with the ladies though about him playing it safe. I say word to the "safe zone". And Ryan is starting to make me uncomfortable with his Kara-Casey comments. When he said to "Show it all" to Kara?? What was that about? Give it a rest Ry.

Michael Lynche (Song Choice: Ready for Love)

Love the placement on the stage, the lights, the guitar....and he sounded good. I don't really know the original by India Arie, but I like this song done by a man. Really smart song choice. I think this was far was Michael's moment so far in the competition. The song was a little gloom and doom, but at the same time it was honest and beautiful. I was kind of hanging on every lyric. Still not sure if he's my Idol though. No one that jacked should be an Idol. It's weird. America loves him, he'll stay around.

Didi Benami (Song Choice: What Becomes of the Broken Hearted)

Didi... our little drama queen this year. I liked her, but I wanted more. I just don't really love this song. It was a weird choice for me. It kind of just flat-lined and I wanted the big note to come faster than it did. It was a tad pitchy, and a little too old-fashioned for her. I do still love her voice and I know she will make the kind of music I will buy. The judges thought she lost her way.. .I don't really agree with that, I think she had just one week. Hopefully she's not in trouble. She'll make up for it next week...

Now... Ryan Seacrest... you deserve a slap on the wrist! I've loved him for 9 years and I was seriously mad at him. He asks Didi why she sang that song. She answered that it meant a lot to her. Then he said "but it was for a certain someone. Do you want to tell America show it was?" She answered that it just meant a lot to her. THEN he had to push again. You know those producers in his ear were going "ask her again, ask her again". Stop making her uncomfortable. Come on Ry! Enough!

Tim Urban (Song Choice: Sweet Love)

Ah Tim Urban. From the very start, I could already tell you this song was going to bore me. BUT... I laughed. I laughed through most of it. Not that he was that bad, but with the deer in headlights look and that he is not old enough to even relate to what he was singing about. This was a really really boring song choice. Just because it's R&B week, it doesn't mean everyone has to go back to the 1970's.. I mean, we do have R&B in THIS decade. Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Boys II Men, Alicia Keys... what is wrong with the people? Do not sing Anita Baker or Patti LaBelle songs on this show. I repeat, don't do it.

Tim actually sounded fine, but the problem was I either blogged or talked during his whole performance. Man, this kid can take a punch and still laugh about it. He has the best attitude. And he is super cute. But be cute at home. You're time on Idol is done.

SIdenote: my new crush Usher was pretty darn funny when he asked Tim to picture him as the woman he was singing to. Who knew... Usher is funny

Andrew Garcia (Song Choice: Forever)

Andrew is baaaaack. Back in his element. The cellos, the violins, and the drums. I really liked it and finally someone who is picking a current song!! Now, I have heard a version of this song and it's been done acousticly by Boyce Avenue, but I don't think Andrew knew that and I know he made it original on his own. "Forever" is a great song. I just have a hard time getting past the "double your pleasure, double your fun" line and always think about the Wrigley spearamint gum commerical. I agreed with the judges, Andrew really needs to show his charisma and he needs to kick that into high gear. We know he's cute and funny, but just needs to show it more.

Katie Stevens (Song Choice: Chain of Fools)

Good song for her voice. We FINALLY see the power in her voice. Although, this song has been done on Idol by one Fantasia Barrino (note: I did NOT vote for her) and she was well known for it. I think Kat McPhee did it too. It's an Idol staple. Didn't love the big band thing, but she's back in her comfort zone and she made it look so easy to sing. I still want her to raise the bar though as this song was kind of an obvious choice for her. She needs to stay current and she was right... R&B pop is where it's at for her. Could be in the bottom 3. She does need to work on her personal style... I don't love all the heart necklaces and earrings.. too much. It's a little Forever 21 at the prom for me.

Lee Dewyze (Song Choice: Treat Her Like a Lady)

I didn't know this song before and I loved it. AND you can be damn sure I'm going to trot right on over to iTunes to buy it. Because that is what I do. It made me want to download it and that's when you know you have a good performance on this show. I'd say Lee had his moment. The guy has an incredible voice and just needs to make a record. I'm a HUGE fan. Still wish my friend would stop calling him "sad eyes" though.

Crystal Bowersox (Song Choice: Midnight Train to Georgia)

SO proud of this girl. The heels, the piano, the performance. Perfect song for her. I mean seriously... SIGN HER. I already see her on Divas Live with Kelly Clarkson, Sherly Crow, Etheridge and company. I got a little nervous when she was at the piano though. I just wanted her to get it right, so I held my breath a little. When she got up though is when she really nailed it. And then my friend and I started the group clap. HELLO, we gave her the group clap!! You don't get so involved in a performance that you clap from your couch and cheer it on. Sign her! And she's also getting prettier and prettier. I think she's just a true original beauty. Love the Bowersox.

Aaron Kelly (Song Choice: Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone)

Not Aaron's best by any means, but I do love the kid. This song was Kris Allen's coming out party last year, so he had some mighty big shoes to fill. And it was a little early to sing this song. If it was a couple seasons ago, maybe. But Kris JUST sang it with the piano too and it was his big moment on the show. Aaron still seemed under the weather. Also, the jacket and the hair were making me laugh. I think they were trying so hard to make him look R&B, and we know that he isn't. It just didn't work for me. Not my favorite performance from Aaron, but America loves him.

In Trouble: Tim Urban, Katie Stevens, Casey James

Could this be Tim's last performance or will the teeny boppes vote and save him!?

A Little Girl Crush

We all remember that sad day when we lost the King of Pop. And many of us raced to the theaters to see the Michael Jackson documentery, "This Is It", so we could have one last look at his talent and what could have been his comeback. NOW.... some of us raced a little quicker than others.

True story....I was so anxious for this film to come out, I didn't want to take the chance that I would miss it. I mean, This was IT, right?! 2 weekly ONLY. I awaited the day that tickets went on sale and ordered them not one week, but 2 WEEKS prior... and of course bought tickets for opening night. I mean, come on....I had to be ahead of the game. I felt it was my duty to tell everyone that they had to see this film. I had a plan. I made arrangements. I was going to leave work early. I had to make sure I had a good meal and of course, get there early enough to have a prime seat... right in the middle. I stressed out about my schedule all day. No late meetings, no calls. I'm out at 6. So, the end of the day arrives and my friend and I grabbed a sandwich at Subway (yeah yeah, that was the "GOOD meal" I was talking about.. hey, it was $5 footlong day and I needed something quick). We then raced to the theater, of course with the assumption that we would have to stand in line for an hour and we'd wind up in the very first row straining our necks. Hello... it's opening night. Well...it turned out a little differently than expected....

We got there early. SO early that we walked into an empty theater and the credits were rolling... from the LAST screening. And let me tell ya, we had our choice of seats. Of course, then we sat there through all the trivia, all the movie title word scrambles, all the advertisements. ALL of it. But I didn't care... I was ready to see MJ and the moonwalk.

And it was well worth it. Because I loved this film.

It made you appreciate even more what an amazing talent MJ was. How he was still healthy, still the performer we remembered him as. He still knew his music and his dance moves from his early days. He was a true artist, a perfectionist. You couldn't stop shaking your head at such a loss. You marveled at his talent.

And then SHE stepped on screen. Orianthi. The Australian guitarist Michael Jackson hand-picked to be a part of his comeback tour. ...And my new girl crush. I really don't think I've seen anyone this cool in a long time. The blonde hair, the sparkly shirt, the leather jacket, the cool shades...the solo to "Beat It". Amazing. I wanted to BE her. All I kept thinking was, "WHYYYY didn't I learn to play the guitaaaaaaar?!". I just kept saying to myself, "She is so cool. SO cool. Where did she get those cool sparkly clothes? Who makes those shades? How is this 25-year old girl the lead guitarist for freaking Michael Jackson?". And then I remembered that in one of the 50 ads that I saw waiting for the film to begin, there was a promo for her debut solo album titled "Believe". I had to get this album. I need to be a fan. Hopped on iTunes when I got home... and $7.99 later.. this album was mine (You may know her from her radio hit, "According to You"). I can't just TALK about how I think she's cool, I need to support it. I was looking forward to telling my friends about my new girl crush.

The funny thing is, my friends were already clued in and they had the same reaction to our girl. First of all, many of them bought their tickets two weeks prior to the film too (MJ superfans? Maybe). Every one of them was in awe of her. Each one questioned the same thing I did... why didn't they learn to play the guitar when they were younger? The funnier reaction was that my best friend couldn't believe she never learned to play the guitar from her mother - who PLAYS the GUITAR. Yeah, didn't have any advice on that one. At least we had better excuses... there was no one to teach us.

So now we have a little female rockstar on our hands. Thank you MJ. He saw something in Orianthi that was special. And he encouraged her, he told her it was her time to shine. So lucky us... Us ladies have someone new to rock to. She has backed American Idol Carrie Underwood, performed with guitar legend Steve Vai, and even traded solos with the great Carlos Santana. She's the decade's answer to Joan Jett, who I think may be one of the coolest women in rock. If you are in the same conversation as Joan Jett, I'm a FAN.

Girl Crush... BREWED.

A Little Friendly Competition

I was listening to the Kings of Leon yesterday and I started to laugh about the conversation I had with my best friend a few months ago. We were skyping and she asked me an annoying question.... "Do you like Kings of Leon"? She asked. REALLY? I mean... Really?!. Seems like such a simple question. Such a simple question yet a super f'ing annoying one that EVERYONE asks me. STOP asking me this!! A little note to people out there: EVERYBODY listens to Kings of Leon, and everyone wants to be the one that discovered this band. Every celebrity, every person in the music industry, every Joe Shmoe out there. I'm serious, every person I know wants to take credit for the success of these guys. It's hilarious. I mean, why can't we all just like them and decide not to talk about it? Why can't we all just BE? Be fans that is. Can't we all just sign a pact that we are all going to like this band and not question someone about it? The question at this point shouldn't be "Do you LIKE the Kings of Leon?". It should be "Do you HATE Kings of Leon?". Because those people would be in the minority out there. There's this weird competition out there about this. I get it from everyone... "Well, I really told you about them...". "I seriously had all of their songs before anyone started listening to them....".

"I was a fan before 'Use Somebody' hit the radio....". I've heard them all. I mean they have a Grammy for Pete's sake. Once that band gets nominated for a Grammy, the discussion of who discovered them goes out the window. I mean, sure sometimes I take full credit for discovering Maroon 5 when they opened up for Matchbox Twenty years ago. Okay fine, maybe Rob THOMAS discovered him and it wasn't exactly me... but whatever, I helped spread the word. And I was that obnoxious girl that when the radio would play the "new" hit single "She Will Be Loved", I would bitch about how it wasn't new and that I had been listening to it for a full year. But that's me....I'm annoying. My sister takes full credit for discovering John Mayer when he played at this small school, Eastern Connecticut in 2001. She said years ago, "This local guy John Mayer (He is from Fairfield) came to my school and was so good. You would really like him. I bought his CD and you should burn it". So, you are welcome John Mayer. My sis is the reason you've been banging Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson. I discovered Kate Voegele. No, I didn't see her on "One Tree Hill", like her music and go to iTunes and download her album, then tell everyone I found this great new artist. Why are we so competitive? Why do we all feel the need to take credit for things? I tell ya what though... I am the biggest hypocrite, because I am guiltier than anyone I know. I like to take full credit for everything I see and listen too. And I'll be honest... I'm never going to change. Just don't ask me if I listen to the damn Kings of Leon.

American Idol Top 11

This week on Idol, the Top 11 were asked to sing Billboard #1 hits and I'm really not sure what they were thinking with their song choices. I mean, only one contestant sang a song that was even remotely current (a little Fergie for ya). Seriously, 116 years worth of #1 hits and they choose crap from Linda Rondstadt and Huey f'ing Lewis? Miley was a good coach for these young contestants... all the Miley haters should start appreciating her talent for a 17-year girl. She performs flawlessy every night in front of thousands of people. She's doing pretty darn well for herself. But these contestants need more than Miley Cyrus. They need some serious song selection coaches. If the show cares about their ratings, can't they have these judges get to them before they bomb out on stage? "I wouldn't have picked that song for you, I would've chosen something different...". Well, get in there Kara, Simon... Enough already. The contestants need you. Funny how I was leaving my soccer game tonight, dying to get home to watch Idol on a cold, rainy night when I heard these two douchy boys start talking crap about Idol. I had to run out pretty quickly, because they have one TV where I play indoor and Casey James was getting a critique. I didn't want to hear any of it... I raced for the door. Then the douches looked at the TV, and said the douchiest thing.... "Idol's just not that good. It sucks every year and they keep bringing it back". I didn't know what to do. "Ignore them", I said to myself. "Just walk to your car and get home". But I couldn't help it... so I had to say something in what I thought was a pretty adorable way (okay, maybe not.. I did have some sweaty bangs pulled back in a bobbypin). "Actually, about 30 MILLION people watch it every week. I think they're doing okay, guys. It should come back every year". Yep, I'm such a geek. So I peaced out of there pretty freaking quickly. I'm the Idol nerd at soccer. And that's just fine. Little douches... So here's what I thought of the Billboard week..... Lee Dewyze (Song Choice: The Letter) I'm so glad he dropped the guitar, even though that is really where he is most comfortable. I love the way he sounded and he did a lot with the song. It made me appreciate his voice even more...it was sexy, sultry, bluesy. Loved the jacket and the look. This was a tall order as season 7 alums Carly Smithson and Michael Johns did a duet with this song even . I love that he stepped out of the box and I totally agreed with Kara about him raising his own bar. He is one to beat and it was a great way to open the show. He's been SO current so far on the show, that he was okay was giving us a little throwback. Paige Miles (Song Choice: Against All Odds) So f'ing obvious she was singing "Against All Odds". I love Phil Collins, but no one should sing his songs on this show. (Okay, with the exception of "Another Day in Paradise" by David Archuleta)And it happens every year. I don't want to hear this song performed on Idol. It's not a moment song. Miley was right... she was pitchy. She's better at the strong songs, like when she did KC's "Walk Away". It suited her more. But seriously, I just wanted this to be over. The beginning was so rough and uncomfortable... but it was like two different perfomances. She kicked it into gear, but it was way too late. The first 30 seconds sucked so bad, she couldn't dig herself out. Yes, it's a Phil Collins original, but Paige broke the rule of Idol... don't sing a song that had even one note sung by Mariah. You will not sound better than Mariah Carey. And you will get kicked off the show. The second rule she broke was saying that she "had fun". What did I say about saying this?! This is not fun, Paige. What it IS, is a 15 week audition process. If I went on a job interview and bombed, would I turn around and say "But I had fun?!". It's just a bad excuse for crapping out. I can "have fun" in my living room busting out my Cyndi Lauper on iTunes. Everyone can "have fun". Stop "having fun" and start "trying to win this competition". But I have to say, this girl handled the critiques with grace. I seriously would've started crying. God bless her. Tim Urban (Song Choice: Crazy Little Thing Called Love) I haven't even heard him sing yet, and I could tell you this is a bad f'ing song choice. It's so season 3 John Stevens (The red head that stayed their way too long). Or even a little Jon Peter Lewis. They should freaking know better. Side story: I used to think that Elvis sang this song (sounds like him, right? Certainly doesn't sound like Freddie Mercury of Queen). I put this song on my ipod and labeled the artist as Elvis, because I didn't know. I was then told he doesn't even sing it. But did I change it? Hell no. I'm leaving it as is. Just makes me laugh every time I see it. I'm convinced everyone else is wrong. How could it NOT be Elvis? Anyway, back to Tim.... Miley was loving him. She was probably ready to sign him up for the next Disney movie. I think he is adorable, but this was a high school talent show or Rock of Ages on Broadway. Girls will love him... but he is not your next American Idol. Tim, you broke the rules... Stop saying you are "having fun"! Winners have the MOST fun on this show. It's such a stupid thing to say. Aaron Kelly (Song choice: I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing) He is just the sweetest little thing. This is a tall order on this show... Hello, David Cook on season 7. One he sang in the final stages of the competition (Producer's choice) and sealed his way into the finale. I have to say he picks songs that are great for his voice, his adorable twangy country sound... he doesn't push, he knows his voice what he can do, how to control it. Not my favorite of Aaron's performance as the song has been done by so many great people on this show over the years, but Aaron is good. He'll be back. Crystal Bowersox (Song Choice: Me and Bobby McGee) We all knew Bowersox has this Janis Joplin thing, and I'm glad for the most part she stayed away from being too obvious and picking her songs. But I LOVE Bobby McGee. Piece of my Heart was too obvious and Alison Iraheta sang Cry Baby last year... If you're going Joplin, Bobby McGee was the song she had to sing. My Joplin fave! She was fantastic and it felt like the show finally started with her performance. However, I'm ready for her to put the guitar down and sing, and this seemed like the week to do this. I wanted her to move around the stage, not in a cheesy way. I just want to see her be more vulnerable. But this girl is a star and she'll be back next week and we'll see the "big things" she was talking about. Can't wait. Michael Lynche (Song Choice: When A Man Loves A Woman) Michael Lynche is smart. He picks songs that are perfect for his voice. He picks songs that I normally would think are kind of boring for this competition, but they are for him. He relates to them, he "connects" with them, as Kara would say. The string quartet, the entrance. I was into it. He knows how to create a performance. And he made this song current...BUT a little safe and obvious for me. I'm shocked he didn't sing "Let's Get It On". He's one week away from singing that. I'm not sure if he's my American Idol (I don't love the R&B), but he'll be around for quite a few more weeks. Andrew Garcia (Song Choice: I Heard It Through the Grapevine) Andrew Garcia might be the worst song chooser of this competition. And it's really too bad. Marvin Gaye was such an obvious choice. I agree with Miley that he should've put the guitar down, but only because it didn't make sense to even have a guitar for this song. This song choice was the ultimate cruise ship performance and I was waiting for Simon to say he hated it and it was karaoke. 116 years worth of Billboard hits and this was the song he chose. He is better than this. Or is he? He just makes me mad. We just built him to be something he might not be. I'm sorry, but he kind of mailed it in this week. He's in trouble. Then he goes ahead and breaks my having fun on Idol rule. Oh Andrew. Come on, that's a desperate response. Katie Stevens (Song Choice: Big Girls Don't Cry) This song is a tall order... Fergie is freaking good. I was a little midle of the road here. This song is actually pretty perfect for her voice. I thought she was a little pitchy, but I like that it was youthful and fresh and fun. I still think she's better than this. She didn't do anything really different with the song. Her best moment by far was singing Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life" in Hollywood week. Her voice was strong, and I just haven't heard anything as good since. But I think she's safe this week. My CT girl needs to push more. But I did love the cute little friendship between she and Miley. Move over Selena Gomez and Demi, enter Katie Stevens. Now she can go ahead and date a Jonas brother and cause lots of drama. Casey James (Song Choice: Power of Love) Huey Lewis songs should not be sung on American Idol. This was so Marty McFly for me. I felt like I jumped into a time machine and wound up in 1985. This could not have been a more 80's performance. I don't even want to say anymore. This was a step backwards and so freaking karaoke. It doesn't deserve that many more words.... Next. It's not good that I wrote this in the first 30 seconds of his performance. Didi Benami (Song Choice: You're No Good) Linda Ronstadt songs should not be sung on Idol. All the youngs kids out there were probably thinking "what the hell is this song? and who the hell is Linda Ronstadt?". I'm not gonna lie, I did like a little Blue Bayou on my tape recorder when I was a kid, but that's where the Ronstadt love ends for this competition. I do love Didi's voice, but this song was old-fashioned... she should've been way more current than this. I really want her to sing "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne... or something by Avril. She sounded good and worked it out, but ultimately it wasn't an Idol performance. I really don't know why they are picking these songs? Idol.. hire me. I will be your song selection coach. A bit of a step backwards for Didi. It was not good. Siobhan Magnus (Song Choice: Superstition) You pick Stevie and sing it front of Randy Jackson....you better nail it. And for the most part, she did. Not her best, but Siobhan has such an ease to singing. She makes it look so effortless. The screech factor was a little off the charts this week and should've been more controlled, she even had a look like she was scared after she finished. She doesn't need to do this every week. She just needs to stay herself. She knows what to do and she's so different, she is going to kick some ass in the music industry. I can only imagine what she'd do with her own original songs. This girl is "wicked cool"... my New England girl. My votes are in: Crystal and Lee. Didn't have time to get Siobhan in there In Trouble: Tim Urban, Paige, Andrew Garcia, Casey James... basically everyone but Crystal and Lee. Heard next week Usher will be the mentor, they better step it up and leave the Marvin Gaye selections off the list!!

So I put my HANDS up....

... they're playing my song, the butterflies fly away....

Nodding my head like yeah... Moving my hips like yeah.....

Confession: I love Miley Cyrus. I'm sorry, but "Party in the USA" is a really good song. And sweet Miley is this week's mentor to the top 11 contestants on American Idol. I know, I was kind of thinking it too... How can a 17-year old girl be a "mentor" on AI? How about the fact that she is one the youngest talents ever to top the Billboard charts. I believe four #1 albums and already several #1 singles. Why can't she mentor? It's just some advice on how to perform, how to deliver something that America will remember. I think Miley can handle it. I gotta say, I love me some Barry Manilow, but we really need to switch it up here with some youth. The Stones last week, Miley this week...

I don't care if she deleted her twitter account, if she has a new tattoo, who she is dating (however Liam is a little hottie), or that she bared a shoulder in Vanity Fair, the girl is a role model for other young tweens... and she can sing. You may not like pop/rock music, but she is GOOD. Did you not hear Top 18 Idol contestant Haeley Vaughn attempt "The Climb"? It's not easy to sing, right? It might take some time for others, but I appreciate Miley more and more every day. Why are people saying she's not a good singer? Have these people ever really listened to her sing? I don't think they have... Let me tell you, ask any parent who has been to the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus concert (there are a lot of them) and they will tell you that the girl is legit. Why are there so many haters out there? Sure, "Party in the USA" is the ultimate cheese-fest, but that's what so brilliant about it. She's admitted that's not the kind of music she wants to make in the long-run, but the girl is cheesing it up all the way to the bank with this single. And how about "Fly on the Wall", "See you Again", "Breakout"? Those are good songs. And have you not HEARD "The Climb"?! Hello, it's a really freaking good song. People just need to start liking Miley and stop trying to turn her into someone we should turn against. Damn Miley Haters....

Okay, now that I have that rant out of the way, I'm totally looking forward to the Top 11 contestants sing #1 Billboard hits tonight. What's it gonna be? Who's singing what!? As long as everyone stays away from Whitney's "I Will Always Love You", I should be happy. I'm thinking a little Daughtry for Lee DeWyze... maybe a little Kelly Clarkson for Crystal Bowersox? I'd like to see her put down the guitar for one song, sing the hell out of a ballad and showcase her voice. We know she can play the guitar and the harmonica. Ya know what would be a bad ass song for her to sing? "Live to Tell" by Madonna. The lights, the stool, just Bowersox and a microphone.. I'm totally digging it. That's a good song that people will love to hear a new rendition of. It may not be the most challenging vocally, but could be an amazing performance. Does Aaron Kelly sing another Rascal Flatts song? Who sings Umbrella? Who sings I Wanna Dance With Somebody? (Please God... No!) How about a little True Colors or Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper? Maybe by Siohban Magnus? Maybe Didi tackles "Strong Enough" by Sheryl Crow? Katie Stevens needs to go old school, don't bother copy-catting some Taylor Swift song. Who knows... the category is too big. Do you go old school? Take something fantastic from the 80's and make it even more fantastic and current? (When Doves Cry by Prince? Nothing Compares To You by Sinead O'Connor?) Or do you go to the current radio songs and change it up a bit? I'm all for going back to the 80's, reminding the audience why those songs were good in the first place. Well, we'll see what they come up with....

Dear Idol,

Please make me your song selection coach.

Sincerely,

Armchair Diva

The Girl's Guide to March

As you know, I love college basketball. My Super Bowl of sports. A month-long ride of hoops. Making the NCAA tournament (a field of 65 teams) is an honor. Something each of these college athlete works hard for. You work the whole season to make this field of 65, your one and only chance to make a run for the National Title. Making the NCAA tournament puts a school you've never heard of on the map. Never heard of Valpairaso? Well, you did in 1998 when this underdog team's Bryce Drew hit a buzzer-beater to upset No. 3 Ole Miss. Don't know much about Hampton University? In 2001, everyone knew their name when they upset #2 Iowa State, one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament. Making the tournament showcases what the little guy can do. Everyone wants the upset, everyone cheers for the underdog. It's about David Vs. Goliath, knocking off #1, knocking off #2. Above all, what I love about college basketball is that when you watch, you understand what a special time it is in the lives of these young men and women. They don't play for money, for fame, but simply: For the love of the game. And it's a beautiful thing. There's a strategy to the game. There’s an art to it. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski knows it. Former Indiana and Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight is the General of the sport. Jim Calhoun is a man who took a losing school (UConn) that no athlete wanted to go to in the mid-eighties and turned it into a basketball powerhouse in the 90’s and that has continued. It's a very special sport. This is something I've always wanted to share with my girlfriends, but haven't quite succeeded in getting them hooked. So I'm going to try and explain what they can be a part of....

Don't Understand the Field?

There is a field of 64 teams (really 65 teams, there is a play-in game for a 16 seed). There are 4 brackets of 16 teams: The East, the West, the Mid-West, and The South. Each team in that bracket gets seeded #1 through #16 and they are matched up accordingly. #1 (the best) Vs. #16 (the worst), #2 Vs. #15 and so on. It feels like throughout this month that hoops is on all the time, but it doesn't make much sense to a non-basketball fan who's been watching it for years. So here's a breakdown to understand the hoops schedule (all on CBS)....what you are watching and when:

Third weekend of March - The First & Second Rounds:

Thursday and Friday are the first rounds... There are 16 games played within these 2 days. The field quickly goes from 64 teams to 32. Saturday and Sunday are the second round games. 8 games are played within these 2 days. The field goes from 32 to the "sweet sixteen".

Last weekend in March - The Sweet Sixteen & The Elite Eight:

Thursday and Friday are the sweet sixteen rounds.... There are 4 games played over the course of the 2 days, dwindling the field to what is known as the "Elite 8". Saturday and Sunday are the Elite 8 games.... 2 games each day and by Sunday evening, you have your coveted "Final Four".

The Final Four

The Final Four is held the first Saturday of April and this when all the hoopla begins. It is an honor and is always a VERY tough road to get to the Final Four. This either doesn't happen for a lot of teams and if it does happen, it's rare. Each trip to it is special, because when you are there, you never know when you'll be back. It brings a school together. It's very very special to be a part of a Final Four team...as a player, as a fan, for the school itself. It's an event in a college basketball fan's life that you always remember. If you are attending a school that this happens to, the memory of this weekend lasts a lifetime. I once got in an argument with a friend because she didn't understand why her boyfriend was so obsessed with wanting to watch the Final Four when his alma mater, Indiana University, was playing in it. I had to set her straight. First, Indiana University is synonymous with college basketball, the Final Four. Basketball is everything to a kid growing up in Indiana. So let your boyfriend watch this game. Trust me. It's once in a lifetime. So it's Saturday, April 4 where 4 teams compete to take part in the the National Championship game just 2 days later.

The National Championship Game

The championship game is played the Monday night immediately following the Final Four on Saturday Night. This year it's Monday, April 6.

Oh, I'm sorry... am I boring you? Well you get in on the action and you can have fun with this too! Here's what you need to do.

Fill out a bracket. Find someone in your office or your neighbor and you can be sure they are in an NCAA pool. Put in 5 bucks and do a little gambling. Yep, I'm encouraging a little gambling. Do you want those new shoes? A contribution to your new 7 jeans? Just gamble on a few teams. You don't have to know jack. People study and study every year, and every year they lose. They listen to analysts, read blogs, check box scores. Don't do any of this. Go take 5-10 minutes and write down the team that gives you a good feeling. Go with your instincts. You might pick the big upset. You might be out in the first round. Or you could win it all. Above all, go with your instincts. The only rule of thumb in this tourney is that a #1 seed has never lost to a #16 seed since the field of 64 was created. It never happens. It COULD happen, but I'd stay away from that pick. Pick some upsets... 5 over 12 seeds (just for a round or 2), a 1 seed going out in the 3rd round, maybe even a 15 over a 2. Just go with your gut and be different. That's how you make some cash. Some teams to know about... Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Syracuse, Kansas State, Villanova, West Virginia, Baylor, Ohio State. They all have a good chance of winning it all, but it's much a crapshoot.

I'll tell you a little story: My friends from college all got together for a reunion weekend in March. Naturally, coming from a college basketball school, we planned to drink and watch hoops that weekend. One of my girlfriends complained... why would she want to watch basketball all day long? What did she care? She liked the sport, but didn't know much about it past the University of Connecticut. I gave her a bracket and a pen and told her to go in the other room, make her picks and come back with it filled out. I gave her a few tips, a few suggestions, but that was it. She comes out after about 5 minutes and says she picked St. John's to win it all (it was 2000). This was a good pick. They were a 2 seed. I was proud of her. We were already in the second round of the tourney by that Saturday, and it turned out St. John's was playing that day against Gonzaga and heavily favored. They were loaded with good players like Ron Artest, Bootsy Thornton, and Eric Barkley and led by a great coach, Mike Jarvis. The game was pretty tight. Now, what happened next is kind of hard to explain if you weren't there.... I had created a march madness monster. I've never quite seen anything like it. My friend went from a girl who could have cared less about the sport to a girl who was sitting about 3 feet away from the television screaming the words "Score mother f*ckers score!!". It was the funniest thing I've ever seen. This same girl? Not only did she participate in a pool the very next year, but she won the whole thing... and she's been gambling every March. I'm quite proud of that. So my point is, you could be a March madness monster, you just may not know it yet. Still not hooked? Play a fun drinking game out of it. This same day, we decided to designate a player to each girl. One drank every time Bootsy Thornton got the ball, the next one drank when Artest got the ball, my poor drunk friend drank when the camera just showed the coach. It did not get pretty. But it was one hell of a time.

And if you don't care about the money... there's another kind of pool you can join. The Wine-O's... everyone contributes a bottle of wine and the winner can win about 15 bottles or more... depending on how many people you gather together for the pool. Think about that could a month or 2 of never hitting the liquor store... not a bad plan, right? You could have your choice of Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay... YUM. I think I may have gotten you hooked.

Are you single? Well, if you are - now's the time to pay attention. Fill out a bracket. Get a highlighter (for your wins). Go to the bar. Go meet some guys, that's where they are for the 1st and 2nd rounds. Use terms like "bracket", "seed", say something that makes you sound like you know your stuff - for example...casually say "there could be some history here if a 16 beats a 1. That's never happened". Break out your bracket, highlight who won, cross off who lost. Talk to your cute neighbor about who's in your Final Four. This works. I guarantee you will have a marriage proposal by the end of the night.

Well, I'm hoping I've sold this one. So get out your 5 bones, your bottle of Pinot, and you bracket and join the FUN!!!

American Idol Top 12

The TOP 12 ladies and gentlemen... The premiere of Idol season 9 had the contestants tackling the Rolling Stones songbook. Now, I have to admit, I don't know that much by the Rolling Stones beyond the obvious... Satisfaction, Paint It Black, Start Me Up, and um... since I grew up in the 80's, The Harlem Shuffle (not their best). However, overall I was pretty entertained overall by the song choices. There were no catastrophes and I was actually pleasantly surprised. Once we cut through all the crap so-so singers and put together this Top 12, I can now see some fantastic talent. Not the strongest top 12 there has been in (I mean, it's no season 7), but I like the variety of singers (still missing Katelyn Epperlythough). So here are my thoughts on the premiere:

Michael Lynche (Song Choice: Miss You) Michael did pretty well. He turned a song I didn't really know that well into an R&B song. He's got a cute wife, a nice backstory. He's a good guy.. the Mr. Congeniality of the group. I just don't know if he's going to be a star. He went first and for the premiere, that's never a good thing. It's sort of a curse. You think that person does well, but then you watch the re-cap at the end, and you've already forgotten about that performance. And that's what happened here. It was pretty forgettable. But America likes Michael. He'll stick around based on that.

Didi Benami (Song Choice: Playing With Fire) This was a perfect song for her. She was dope and she looked good too. Since her performance of Rhiannon, she's been on fire. Last night she continued to show what kind of artist she is... the kind of artist I like to listen to. I would download that performance. I loved that she made it sound like a really cool young (and current) song. I love the darkness of it. I love the slow entry down the stairs, around the corner. Compare her to Michael's performance, and it was way better. Way more artistic. Didi should absolutley stay. Sidenote: I can't get passed that she looks like Avril Lavigne's older sister.

Casey James (Song Choice: Alright For Now) It's not a good sign when I'm checking facebook throughout the whole performance and didn't look up once. Not once. It wasgood, not great, not bad. Here nor there. This guy needs to sing a dark ballad. It's the music he would make, but maybe just my cup of tea. I just felt pretty lukewarm about it. And not a fan of the Dep-like gel in his hair. Too styled for me. Could be in trouble.

Lacey Brown (Song Choice: Ruby Tuesday) This girl is a bit of a loose cannon. I don't like how nervous she makes me. Will she be amazing? ("The Story" which by the way I suggested from my couch that she - or someone else sing) Will she totally bomb? ("Kiss Me") Will she remember her words? She might need to leave early based on this. She's not very good for my blood pressure. But I have to say, she was pretty good. It wasn't perfect and pretty pitchy, but it was totally the right song for her. Great arrangement (I'm all about the string quartet), and she showed what kind of artist she is. I closed my eyes and felt her performance. She was performing the way she wanted, the way she would if she got her shot. And that's what I like about her. But I don't think America will love it - could be in trouble.

Andrew Garcia (Song Choice: Gimme Shelter) So far he's become the worst song picker. He pretty much just peaked too early and hasn't been able to get back to the success he had with "Straight Up". He's become a bit of a one-trick pony. The acoustic guitar, taking a girl's song or a popular Fall Out Boy song and putting the acoustic spin on it. So here he goes singing "Gimme Shelter" - Nice, he put down the guitar. Nice, he's showing range. He's holding the mic stand (good move, sometimes awkward if not done right). Vocally, he's showed more range than he has in the last few weeks. I thought he was pretty good. Randy said he was pitchy all over - I really think they are hearing something that we are hearing.

Sidenote: Kara needs to cool it with it the connection to the song crap.... she needs to stop it with that shit. I mean, I get it, but I totally agree with Simon, she's being just a little too literal. Here they have a limited songbook to choose from and you are stuck between picking a song that's great for your vocals and one that has this personal connection to you. Well, you can't always have both. So you have to choose. Go for the vocals. Andrew's song was about war, maybe he didn't have a completely personal connection to - so F'ing what.

Katie Stevens (Song Choice: Wild Horses) My little Connecticut girl, putting our state onthe map. (Hon, we're not in that bad of shape... thanks to college basketball, our casinos and I don't know, being the Constitution state and all) I think this performance was Katie's best so far. A little pitchy, I think it was absolutley her best package performance. The lights, the dress, the stool, the slow-build (love a slow build on Idol), with the power ending. However, I think her voice is stronger than she showed. Overall, Katie's back.

Tim Urban (Song Choice: Under My Thumb) Very Jason Castro season 7. This guy.... keeps surprising me. I kind of liked this version of this song. I don't love the song anyway, but I liked the very Jason Mraz feel to it. I thought it was a pretty brave choice. I liked that he said he wasn't going to come out and think he was Mick Jagger, try to be the Rolling Stones, but just give his own trendy interpretation of the song. And here goes Kara again with talking about the Stones and that people might hate it. Guess what!? The Rolling Stones are old. Their fans are mostly old. The only people that would hate that is very o ld people who don't even pick up the phone to vote. So who cares. Do the young girls who want to see this Zac Efron do well like it? That's what matters. It wasn't a bomb, but it wasn't the greatest. I didn't have a problem with this peformance, HOWEVER... Can we talk about his long fingernails? Sorry... that's nasty. Yeah, yeah.. he needs long fingernails to play the guitar. Is that his excuse? Sorry, cut them. So gross. I miss Alex Lambert.

Unfortunately, Tim said what I hate the most on this show... That he was "having fun". UGH. I hate it when they say they are "having fun". Especially when they bomb. It's not a question of having fun. It's if you performed well. Everyone has fun out there. Tim, you know who is having the "most fun"? Carrie Underwood. Carrie is "having fun". Kelly Clarkson is "having fun". Sparks. Daughtry. They are all having the most fun. You can have fun, but please be good.

Siobhan Magnus (Song Choice: Paint It Black) I feel high when I listen to this girl. My little stoned Demi Lovato. I just love her originality. She's a star. She sang her first note...I love it. I love it already. Again, the slow build into the rock song. The dress, the boots, the tat, the glasses.. it all works. She owns her quirkiness. And Man, she can hit those high notes. Move over Adam Lambert. I am Team Siobhan!! She should be the winner just based on that she could shake up the music industry. It needs someone like Siobhan.

Lee Dewyse (Song Choice: Beasts of Burden) Think Lee was mad he didn't get to sing "Paint It Black"? He was probably thinking "Um, I worked in a paint store. I could connect to that song. Kara would love me". But then he started singing "Beasts of Burden"....I love this song. Two lyrics and I already wanted to download it. He's so recordable, marketable. This song could be on the radio. He could be an iTunes success. I want to own it....99 cents? Fine. You got it. I am a huge Lee fan. I have a little crush on him... I just wish my friend would stop saying he has sad eyes. That he looks depressed. She's ruining it for me. I think he just wants to puke when he gets critiques from the judges. Not when he's performing. He'll be safe.

Paige Miles (Song Choice: Honky Tonk Woman) My first impression? Man, this girl is pretty. Stuning eyes. Absolutely gorgeous girl. She looked really good and sang a song that completely embodied what kind of artist she could be... pop/country. This is how it's done Haeley Vaughn. I think this was actually a pretty choice for her. It's a little bit of an obvious choice, but at least she's finally showing her range. Problem is, she's just a little boring. I want her to smile more. Smiling gets you votes, honey.

Aaron Kelly (Song Choice: Angie) Ah, Aaron Kelly singing the Stones. I could just see him saying, "Now how would the Rascal Flatts sing this song?" Started off a little pitchy and nerve-wracking. I always think this kid is going to forget his words. But I think he worked it out. He embraced that he is a country singer. He's got the leather jacket, the boots....Perfect song choice for him. He knows who he is. And I think I'm digging the new do on him. What a little cutie patootie. He may not win the whole thing, but I like when good things happen to good people. He's no Archuleta, but love Aaron.

Crystal Bowersox (Song Choice: You Can't Always Get What You Want) From the first note, she was amazing. Perfect song for her. This girl is a true artist and she makes it look easy. For sure, the one to beat. And I love how humble she is. I didn't love Simon making her seem cocky. She's poised and likeable. Get her in the studio already. This is one album I'd like to buy. Sort of a Etheridge/Indigo Girls sound the music industry is missing this days. She just never sounds copycat. She doesn't totally sound like, but she reminds me of last year's Alison Iraheta. No matter what song she sings, even if I hate that song, she puts this folksy rock spin on it and it always sounds better than the original. She looked good too, make-up looked good... she has this cool not so obvious beauty about her.

The Verdict

The Best: Bowersox, Siohban, Lee, Didi

In Trouble: Casey James, Lacey Brown, Tim Urban, Andrew Garcia

A Sad Goodbye to an 80's Teen Idol

"An Innocent Girl. A harmless drive. What Could POSSIBLY Go Wrong?" - Les Anderson

License to Drive. Lost Boys. Lucas. Today, another little piece of the 1980's is gone as it was announced that teen crush, Corey Haim, died of an accidental drug overdose. Corey Haim was a Teen, Super Teen, Tiger Beat, Bop Magazine staple and I had his pictures all over my room and scrapbooks. Could he have been cuter?! I mean, he was one of the two Corey's, along with his film buddy cutie-patootie Corey Feldman, that I loved. If you were a cute boy in the 80's and your name was Corey, I pretty much had a crush on you (ie Giovanni Ribisi's character Corey on "My Two Dads"). It first started when I saw him in "Lucas", where he played the title role, a loveable dork who was trying to win the love of a new classmate, played by Kerri Green (Andi in the "The Goonies"). However, she was smitten with a very hot (and always shirtless) Charlie Sheen. This movie had a great group of 80's actors in it (Haim, Green, Sheen, a young nerdy Winona Ryder, Jeremy Piven, and Courtney Thorne-Smith), and was a bit a bit of an 80's sleeper. Definitely add it to your netflix queue if you haven't seen it. Besides its young stars and sweet story, it had THE perfect 80's "clap" scene ending. You know, where one person starts the clap, it catches on, until the whole school is cheering for the underdog. This is the film that could have launched Haim into a legitimate actor. Then came the super cool vampire movie, "The Lost Boys". Twilight? Please. Try "The Lost Boys", maybe one of the coolest movies of the 1980's with the Corey's, Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, Jamie Gertz and a kick-ass soundtrack with a hell of a lot of music by The Doors. Everyone owned the movie AND the soundtrack. Then "License to Drive" came along where he teamed up with Feldman again (they had 7 films total together) to play a teen who despite flunking his driving test goes out for a night out on the town with his friends in order to win over the hottest girl in school, Mercedes Lane (played by a young 18-year old Heather Graham). The Corey's had it all - fame, money, women, and a nightlife of drugs and alcohol. Too much, too young.

After this trio of hits, the Corey's teamed up with Meredith Salinger in the mediocre flick, "Dream A Little Dream of Me" (Now.. OF COURSE, I saw it on the theater). This film was not good, but the soundtrack rocked (Hello? "Rock On" by Michael Damian? Good tune). And after this, it was pretty much downhill for Corey. He sort of lost his cute appeal and his drug problems were at its peak. He was left with roles in semi-soft porn flicks like the 1992 film "Blown Away", with surprise, surprise Corey Feldman and "Baywatch" and "Charles in Charge" hottie, Nicole Eggert. And for Corey Haim, that was it... in and out of rehab for years for drug abue - addicted to uppers, downers, crack and cocaine. Sadly, he became a bit of a joke. Even his long-time friend Corey Feldman (who obviously faced these problems himself) couldn't help him, and refused to work on their A&E reality show "The Two Corey's" until he faced his drug addictions. They went from these adorable teen idols to just straight-up creepy guys that couldn't be helped. If only Dr. Drew could've helped...

Sadly, this didn't come as a total surprise to many. It wasn't a headline that came as a shock. You always hoped Corey could face his demons and turn his life around, but somehow knew he would meet his demise too early. It's a tragic story of how a young kid could get caught up in a world of fame. I will remember him in his early days as that cute boy who made me smile, who made me want to go to the movies with my girlfriends, who made me run to the nearest store for the latest issue of 16 Magazine. I'm sure most young girls in the 80's can relate. He's a boy that just got caught up in it all and couldn't get better. RIP Corey Haim. Hope you are in a better place. Thanks for making the 80's that much better.

Falling in Love in March

March is my absolute favorite time of the year... Sure, there's not a lot of sunshine, but what this month DOES have is all of my favorite things...the Oscars, Irish festivites, spring fever, and above all else... the madness. MARCH MADNESS. That is college basketball's 65 team tournament which takes up 3 weekends of my life in March. It's a time that I make it about what I want to do. I'm totally selfish in March. And I don't care. It's a time when I kind of blow off friendships. If you want to hang out with me, I'll either be at the bar or at home on the couch watching the best of all sports. Seriously....girlfriends? What girlfriends? Unless it involves a bracket and some beer, I'm pretty much not available until the nets have been cut down at the Final Four the first week of April. The very first day of March, I am fired up! Hoops, hoops, hoops.

Many of my girlfriends don't quite understand this passion of mine. And sometimes it's hard for me to explain, but I can try... I first started playing hoops in the 5th grade. And I cried. I cried because I didn't really want to do it, but my mom and dad pushed me to try it to see if I liked it (they had to do this a lot with me). I quickly became a fan of it. And I was actually pretty good at it. Fine, I'll keep playing. But it was March of 1990 when I truly fell in love. His name was Christian Laettner and he played for Duke. He was beautiful. (Insert a roll of the eyes by every male reading this...Laettner was a pretty boy). I was down in the basement at our house in West Point, NY, turned on the TV and saw a basketball game was on. I thought, "Okay, I should really check this out. Maybe I'll learn something". What I didn't know was that I was watching my very first National Championship game between the Duke Blue Devils and the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. First I spotted Christian (sigh), then I noticed this short and sort of ratty looking point guard named Bobby Hurley. I was drawn to the team immediately. Laettner and Hurley just seemed the perfect little duo on the court. Hurley was throwing these alley-oop passes to Laettner and he'd slam it down. It just seemed like a team I wanted to cheer for. But they weren't doing so well against this team... in fact, they were losing by 30. The Runnin' Rebels were GOOD. I mean it was boys playing against BIG men. Nothing was going right for Duke. Bobby Hurley was playing awful (turns out the poor kid had the runs) and had to make several "runs" to the bathroom during the game, Coach Mike Krzyzewski was frustrated. This game made NCAA history as the biggest blowout ever in a National Championship game. And that night, I became a Duke fan. They were the good guys and I wanted cheer for them.

I became obsessed with the sport, the NCAA Tournament and I wanted this team to do well. So I decided to fully support them. If a Duke game was on, I revolved shopping trips with my mom around them. I watched every game that was on television. I learned the game, the strategy, and it was so much fun. My family would watch these games together. The year following the UNLV-Duke blowout, these 2 teams matched up again in the semi-final game of the Final Four... and Duke won.. by just 2 points, making it one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament. The Devils finally got their revenge against the Rebels. And it was the first time I saw 2 grown boys (and hardcore UNLV fans) cry. Duke went on to win the championship that year (their first), beating Kansas in the final.

In 1992, Duke made an attempt to win a second straight championship. They faced Kentucky in the Elite 8 round, a game that is now known as THE greatest college basketball game of all time. It had all the drama an NCAA tournament game should have. Overtime. Laettner had a perfect game (10 for 10 from the field, 10 for 10 from the free throw line... 30 points.) He was literally perfect. That perfection included a buzzer beater at the end of overtime to win the game (You might know the clip... "And there's the pass to Laettner. He shoots, Scoooores.") Now, I wouldn't know exactly how it went because I had to attend a winter formal dance that night.... I had a date and a dress and I had to go. I did manage to watch some of it though. We were having dinner at my friend Matt's house and there were a bunch of his family members in the basement watching the game. Already "fashionably late" (2 hours!) for the dance, some girls went to primp before we left. Screw that. I went downstairs with the guys to watch the end of this game. I was loving this game and hating this game. I knew I was watching something special. It was almost over. Just 5 more minutes. They'll wait 5 more minutes, right? Wrong. My friends made me leave with 19 seconds left. 19 seconds of the best college basketball game ever played!! I heard it on the f*cking radio on the way to the dance. Bitches. (I'm not bitter or anything) Now, I have to say... once Duke won, I did become quite a great date after that! I danced all night long.

Sidenote: my sister who didn't know jack about basketball went to this game and brought me home confetti as a souvenir. What a BITCH. Couldn't name a starter on the team, but yeah... thanks for the confetti.

This game took Duke to the Final Four, and after matching up with the Fab 5 of Michigan in the National Championship game, they won their second straight title. It was the best season of college basketball and I've been hooked ever since. Some people LOVE Duke, some people HATE them... for me, they taught me about the game I love. I jumped on their bandwagon when they were the underdogs. I met Coach K (their coach) the summer after their blowout with UNLV, and he was all class. I have continued my respect for the Dukies, and have since become a loyal fan of the University of Connecticut Huskies, my alma mater. They have taken me on quite a journey too, winning 2 national championships. But you always remember you're first love, even if you don't have a relationship with them or talk to them anymore. That's what Laettner and the Dukies did for me...they made me fall in love with this game. So this month marks another year of amazing moments. So tune-in to the tourney... Maybe you'll fall in love too.

My Favorite Night of the Year....

It's here... My favorite night of the year. The Oscars. MY Superbowl. All day my phone has been blowing up....texts, emails, calls... asking me how excited I was about the night. They knew, I LIVE for this night. And I haven't missed an Oscar night since the early 80's. I've been there for every big win, speech, every uncomfortable moment on the Red Carpet (Billy Bush), every uncomfortable moment on stage, every political push, the hosts (Billy Crystal, Whoopi, Jon Stewart, Ellen Degeneres). So let's see....Vino....CHECK. Food spread...CHECK. Let's go to the Movies....

I really don't think I've ever received more texts in a 3-hour span. Best dressed, worst dressed, who looks good, who has bad hair, who was awkward, who's bow was too big on their dress, who's speech was too long, who's speech got cut off, how great the performances were, how awful the performances were. Everyone truly has a different opinion. I almost got in fights with friends. Ah the Oscars, bringing us all closer. Well, here's where I was coming from...

Starting off the show with a Zac Efron appearance?? PERFECT. What a beautiful kid (I have a creepy little crush on him). Yes, his hair was a little crazy, but he could have a mohawk and I wouldn't care. Such a nice charming unaffected kid and Hollywood needs to embrace that. Too many douchebags out there in young Hollywood, so Team Zac all the way. I'm sure people were wondering why he was even there, obviously the Oscar's attemp to get young viewers to watch by inviting young Hollywood to the show (Twilight's Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Amanda Seyfried, Miley Cyrus). They looked like semi-impostors at the show. Did they even know who Lauren Bacall was?!?

This is Miley's second year at the Oscars, and didn't look thrilled to be there. And instead of looking 17, she looked about 37. Too old and way too freaking tan. Someone forgot to pay attention to the timer in the tanning booth. And the posture? Stand up straight girlfriend, you are on the red carpet at the biggest night in Hollywood. Don't slump over. Not a huge fan of the corset dress either. I'm sorry, who decided this was a good look? It's never a look that looks classy, looks pretty damn whorish to me. I'm not sure who decided adding a long shimmery train to a lingerie top is classy. But most of all, Miley need to lose her tatted up mother. This lady... looks like she's having a mid-life crisis. So okay, you're 17 and you need a guardian with you at this event.. Bring your cool dad. Leave Montana momma with the gigantic wing tattoos on her back at home. This could be a top 10 moment when your mother embarrasses you. I'm all about Team Miley, but this was not her best showing.

Also not happy to be there was Ms. Kristen Stewart. This girl... Could she be less interested in being famous? My god, why is she so freaking thankless? "Poor me, I'm in the movies, people recognize me, people want my picture, people want my autograph, I make millions of dollars, I make out with Robert Pattinson". Honestly, she's horrible. Looked edgy pretty, but holy teen angst. Smile Kristen, it's not all that bad. She's kind of the devil. I swear, one movie with Jodie Foster ("Panic Room" where she looks like she's a boy) and she's too cool for everyone.

The Red Carpet Crew

I will never ever say a bad thing about Ryan Seacrest. He is the man, he is one of my favorite people in Hollywood. Idol will go downhill after Simon leaves? Hell no. That is only happening if Searcrest walks. People love him and he always asks the right questions, he prepares (take a note Billy Bush), I love a Seacrest Red Carpet. And then there are Seacrest's E! cohorts, Giuliana Rancic & Jay Manuel. Who's worse?! Jay and I are never on the same page (Really Jay? J. Lo is best dressed?!), meanwhile what is he wearing!? And Giuliana is cute on her reality show with hubby Bill, but she is a little awkward at these events and I think I have the same earrings from Kohls. Someone decided to put them up in the rafters too with no real access to the carpet. Interesting...

Usually every year I have one or two moments when I have to bury my head in a pillow or turn the television on mute because I'm so mortified at some of the questions asked of the nominees. It was smooth sailing for an hour or 2... and then it happened: I moved over to ABC at 7.

Someone gave Kathy Ireland a cheap 80's dress and jewelry and handed her a mic. I'm sorry... what? who? There is a REASON she modeled and never did any acting or had a broadcasting career (Sorry people, the flick "Unnecessary Roughness" with the Quantum Leap guy does not count). She was god-awful. This is hands down the most uncomfortable I've ever been on a red carpet. I can't believe it, she one-upped Billy Bush (Remember when he climbed over Alec Baldwin to ask another actor a question? Excruciating). Why is she talking so loud and awkward? Who made this decision? Is she drunk? High? Yes, she is still hot for 46 years old, no doubt. But since when is she relevant? Zac Efron wasn't even born when she was on the cover of SI and was probably thinking "who the hell is this woman interviewing me and why is she yelling in my ear?". Miley looked creeped out too. I am not exagerrating when I say every time she spoke I had to put my fingers in my ears like a little kid does to her mother, "I'm not listening, I'm not listening"... Worst red carpet interviewer ever.

Best Dressed Male

Sam Worthington, Jeremy Renner, Ryan Reynolds, Matt Damon, Zac Efron, Clooney (who always makes the list) rocking a semi-Taylor Hicks-esque mop. Many beautiful men on the carpet.. it's hard to pick who was best. Can't even think of a worst-dressed man. I can't changed my mind - Quentin Tarantino.

Best Dressed Female

Sandra Bullock looked statuesque in cold and her fiery red lips. Love love loved it. She looked like she already won. She might be the coolest girl in Hollywood, or as Seacrest calls her "A chick who is kind of like a dude".

Penelope Cruz looked stunning, despite the fact that she already won last year (nominated again this year for "Nine"). Now, most winners from the previous year return in just all black with messy hair. Like they don't need to try anymore. It happens every year (Remember Gwyneth Paltrow's f*cked up braid and see through black Alexander McQueen dress she wore the year after she won for "Shakespeare in Love"?) Julia Roberts did the same thing after her win for "Erin Brockovich". But not Penelope, she looked amazing.

Maggie Gyllenhall....Finally someone who mixes it up with color and style. And could she and her husband, Peter Saarsgard, be more adorable together? Mags is a tough person though, takes herself so seriously. Here's my problem though with this one though. I seriously think she grew up in a naked house. I'm pretty sure she doesn't say yes to a script unless she sees a nude scene. Let's count them.. Secretary, Strip Search, Sherrybaby, Crazy heart.

Cameron Diaz...Could be my number one overall. Usually, Cam takes chances on the carpet, but I thought she rocked the old Hollywood glamour. She was so incredibly pretty and sparkly.

Kate Winslet rocking a semi-bridesmaid look, but Kate Winslet is in my Jenny Aniston category. I will never say a bad word about her. She looked stunning.

Faith Hill....There to support hubby Tim McGraw for "The Blind Side", Faith always looks fantastic. Simple black with lace. Stunning.

Rachel McAdams...Could she more adorable? This one is really starting to become America's girl crush (I think I got several texts from friends saying how much they loved her). She looks pretty any way.. she looked pretty as a blonde, I like her as a brunette, my friend likes her as a red head. The hair, the earrings, the dress... she looked amazing.

Meryl Streep.. a classic beauty with the best sense of humor. I hope I look like a hottie like her at age 60. And for the Project Runway fans out there, her dress was designed by finalist Chris March.

Worst Dressed Female

Charlize Theron... a woman who always gets it right, who I think is the most beautiful woman in the WORLD CHOSE to leave her house with rosettes on her boobies. This was a conscious decision. She therefore she has to be on the top of this list. How could she look in the mirror and say to herself "wow, I look fantastic, I'll be on the best dressed list for sure". God awful. Another example of a former Oscar best actress winner who thinks she can wear whatever she wants. Just terrible.

Zoe Saldana... This dress was a-f*cking-trocious. My reaction to this dress? I saw the sparkly top through the crowd, "Oh she looks kind of pretty. (Then the camera panned down...) Oh. Oh god. Oh good lord. Oh what the hell is that? Pink? Ew. Purple too? Ew. Are you kidding me? Ew." I did not like it.

Diane Kruger... This woman....The hair, the dress, not her best. She's hot, she's cold.. She's like the freaking Oprah Winfrey of red carpet fashion ("She's fat, she's thin, she's fat, she's thin"). Pick a style and go with it. Best dressed, worst dressed, best dressed, worst dressed... she's so confusing. I love that she's a fashion risk taker, but this was not her best look after she stunned at SAG.. and after that horrible cotton candy pink crap she wore to the Golden Globes.

Vera Farmiga... Marchesa is always a hit on the carpet, but not this time. Too many red/rose ruffles, the lipstick, the hair.. the whole outfit made her look 10 years older. Not her best. But I would like to grab a beer with this chick. We'll talk about Clooney, Leo (her lover in the Departed). This is one lucky bitch.

Sarah Jessica Parker... Horrible dress, horrible bird's nest bun (how much hair was in that thing?), but she is fantastic. She could wear a paper bag and own it. This was not her best SJP look. Leave the craziness to Carrie Bradshaw. Btw, how OLD does Ferris Beuller look? My god...

Middle of the Road: Some looks, I wasn't crazy about, but didn't hate...

Anna Kendrick looked nice in a pretty blush dress that made her look a good 15 years older. Be 24.

Elizabeth Banks... gorgeous dress, amazing make-up... wrong girl wearing it all. Banks is way too fair-skinned and blonde for this. Olivia Wilde needed to swoop this up when she had the chance. This was her dress. Love Banks though.

Double Take: Notice that Jennifer Lopez & Amanda Seyfried had very similar Armani Prive' dresses... same material, same color, slightly different style. Seyfried seemed way too pale for this dress, have to say it looked better on J. Lo.

Cutest Couple of the Night and maybe ever in Hollywood.... Jeff Bridges and his wife, who I thought was a classic beauty. A marriage of 34 years in Hollywood? Cute. Super f'ing cute.

Sidenotes:

James Cameron looked like such a douche with that nasty floppy hair. He and his wife just look like a nasty, dirty couple. Like they do dirty things. She needs some hair-dye and a box of cookies. I know it took him over 4 years to make "Avatar", but it would've been nice for them to shower within that time, get a haircut. It's hard for me to say one negative thing related to "Titanic", but his affair with this woman (remember she played the grand-daughter of the old Rose Dewitt Bukater) always creeped me out. Then married to Linda Hamilton, I always wished she kicked her ass with her post T2 bod. These guys are gross. We'll see them in another 5 years when A2 comes out.

I love you Kathryn Bigelow, but I'm sorry that dress was a little Macy's/David's Bridal for me. It's your time to show your ex-husband (James Cameron) how amazing you are, step it up a tad. Call Versace, Call Marchesa. I'm sure designers were dying to dress you. She is one tall, tall lady.

I want to see "The Bounty Hunter" with Jenny and Gerry. Sadly, it's probably not very good, and it's not a good sign when I almost published this post calling the movie "The Back-Up Plan". Oops, wrong flick. Also, they should just BE a couple just because it's so fun to say "Jenny & Gerry". "Gerry and Jen are coming over for dinner and drinks tonight... ". See? It works.

I have a crush on Tyler Perry. I hang on every word he says.

I'm a little excited for the 10 minute Lady Gaga & Beyonce "Telephone" video on E!. Why wouldn't I be?

I love Sigourney Weaver. I just want to call her "my friend Sigourney". I'm obsessed with her name. I love her voice. It intrigues me, yet scares me. I just want to say things like, "Hey Sigourney, how's it going?" or "My friend Sigourney is going to mee us out. Is that cool?" And as I continued to watch her throughout the night, I gave her the nickname "Sig". Sig is the best. Think I need to rent me some Alien flicks... there could be a serious girl crush brewing on Ellen Ripley.

Gabourey Sidibe is adorable and I hope this isn't the last we've seen of her. Just a joy to watch on the red carpet modeling her dress telling Seacrest "if this dress was porn, this is the money shot". Hope she stays around.

Mariah Carey... Ah Mariah. She is the worst. And the best. Everything she does is like this big "moment". How does Nick Cannon do it?

Is it me or are we all sick of hearing about "Elisabetta", Clooney's girl? Am I jealous? Maybe.

I love that as soon as Anna Kendrick walks away, Ryan Seacrest Monique that she's a lock to win the best supporting actress. I love Monique... Although her appearance on Barbara Walters was a tad disturbing, admitting to having an open marriage and not having the time to shave her legs. Sorry, I don't get it. Keep your man by your side and wax, it makes for a happier life.

Every time I see Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfriend (who both starred in "Mean Girls"), I always think of how they basically took over Lindsay Lohan's career. That's what Lindsay was supposed to be doing, walking the red carpet. Not spending it in rehab. Kind of throws me back to Clueless and how Brittany Murphy started to have the career Alicia Silverstone was supposed to have. Sad.

The show Begins....

Wait. Is this the Emmy's? Is that Neil Patrick Harris again? Yes, yes it is... And Barney Stinson is Legend... wait for it.. dary. What up. I'm always up for a good NPH appearance, it was a bit random though.

The Hosts:

Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin might be the best hosts this show has had in many many years. Sorry Billy. Sorry Whoopi. Sorry.. gulp... Ellen. I loved them in "It's Complicated" and more and more scripts need to come their way. It was one-liner after one-liner. They picked on everyone. No one was safe. Streep, Bullock, Damon, Helen Mirren, Even Clooney played along. My favorite line in the opening sequence was Steve Martin giving Meryl Streep a hard time, "she holds the record for most nominations by an actress, or as I like think of it...most losses". I loved the skit when they shared the bed, and when they hanging out in their snugggies. It was zinger after zinger. I think there were mixed reactions to these 2, but for me... It was no question, I was entertained. They made it easy to watch, simple comedy. Bring these guys back next year.

Round 2 on embarrasing moments in the show: Alec & Steve mentioning out loud that Kathryn Bigelow & James Cameron, who were both nominated for Best Director, were married and now competing for the Oscar hardware. And they are sitting right next to each other. We know they were married. Don't say it out loud.... a little awkward, no?

Best Supporting Actor:

Nominees: Matt Damon (Invictus), Woody Harrelson (The Messenger), Christopher Plummer (The Last Station), Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Bastards)

Winner: Christoph Waltz

This was a lock, no surprise here. Think I need to see "The Messenger" though with Woody.

Best Supporting Actress:

Nominees: Penelope Cruz (Nine), Monique (Precious), Verga Farmiga (Up in the Air), Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart)

Winner: Monique Another sure thing. You know she was loving that walk up to the stage, and after her interview with Babs, you know she was kissing her husband and saying "Baby, you can sleep with whoever you want to tonight. I'm sleeping with Oscar". Great win for Monique.

Best Actor

Nominees: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), Morgan Freeman (Invictus), George Clooney (Up in the Air), Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker), Colin Firth (A Single Man)

Winner: Jeff Bridges

I'm not a huge Jeff Bridges fan, but I know he's talented and this was a well deserved win (Crazy Heart seems like "The Wrestler" with a guitar to me). I think he just scares me in some of his performances. Ever see "The Vanishing" with him, Kiefer, and Sandra Bullock? I was out after that movie, so creepy. I loved his speech and his tribute to his parents. And after six nominations over the last 30 years, it was nice to see him finally honored by the academy for his work. I mean, he is the dude....

Best Actress

Nominees: Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia), Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), Carey Mulligan (An Education), Helen Mirren (The Last Station)

Winner: Sandra Bullock

Sandy's win... the best of the night. I thought Monique could deliver the speeches, but wow...no one really does it quite like Sandra Bullock. She is the every woman. Men want to date, women want to be her friend....a rare quality to find in any kind of Hollywood talent. She's honest and real, and I adore her way of using humor even in the most emotional times. It was a truly deserving win, but the award represents more than just her performance in "The Blind Side". It's for every time she made us ladies laugh in her romantic comedies, whether it was "The Proposal", "Two Weeks Notice", "While You Were Sleeping". But she also entertained us in more thrilling and serious turns as the driver with a bomb on the bus in "Speed", as Harper Lee in "Infamous" and a racist housewife in "Crash". A truly derserved statue for an already fantastic career. Girl crush brewed.

Best Director... Could there be a bigger moment for women in Hollywood than The Hurt Locker's Kathryn Bigelow winning Best Director? And beating your ex-husband no less?! James will be fine, he has his billions of dollars, and with an Oscar trophy at home.

Best Picture... There were too many nominees to list them all, so I won't but "The Hurt Locker" deserved every award it received. Six Oscars for this film. If you haven't seen it, I'm not sure what you are waiting for. Phenomenal flick.

Show Sidenotes:

New addition to the Oscars this year.. showing montages of their performances over a straight 20 second clip. Not a fan of change.

Can't we have an awards show when some of them don't speak!? Seriously, some of these speeches...

I can't even fathom working my whole life in hopes of winning an Academy Award, you finally win and some broad steals your thunder getting to the Oscar? They turn the mic on you after 15 seconds? I would freak.

I love that right after this couple got kicked off the stage after just seconds, Geoffrey Fletcher (who won for the Best Adapted Screenplay) said "I don't know what to say...". I mean...really? I quickly said from my couch, "well you better say it FAST". These people should be practicing in their bedroom, on their drive to and from work, once they find out they are nominated. They have at least 6 weeks to come up with a 15 second speech. How about, "I'd like to thank everybody." Keep it simple. You'd like to thank your family, the cast and the crew. Done. Next...

Where was Farrah Fawcett in the In Memoriam segment.. MJ was in, what about Farrah?

Ben Stiller presenting as an Avatar was one of the funniest moments in the show. He's rumored to be a bit of a dick. I have a hard time accepting that one.

Kristen Stewart is f'ing awkward. She looked like an impostor in that sea of phenomenal talent. She can't get through 15 seconds of a intro without fidgeting like she's uncomfortable being there, too cool to be there. So thankless.

Matchmaker Alert: Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams?? These two presented together and I think they would make an adorable couple. Reese Who? Ryan Gosling.. What? These guys need to get together, do it, and make a cute baby. It's a perfect match, both are the kind of people who seem to want to settle down. They'll be on their first date and she'll have a baby bump in just months. You heard it here first. She's the perfect rebound for Jake. Now if she can just get over Ryan...

The chick who won for costume design is an a-hole. Who says "I already have 2 of these. I want to be greedy."?I think I saw some guy in the audience start to say "wow"... now, I'm not sure who he was or what he was going to say, but I think it was something like "wow.. what an A-hole".

I know most people might not be fans of the dancing sequence to the original scores of the films, but I loved this and wanted more. I'd so much rather see this than the individual song performances, but I have a little place in my heart for these dancers. Many of them are former contestants of my favorite dance show "So You Think You Can Dance" - such amazing young talented dancers and choreographers. If you watch this show, you will know these names: Travis Wall, Legacy, Kayla Radomski, Kathryn McCormick. I'm glad that the Oscars chose to showcase this talent. A new season returns in the summer... it's a MUST-WATCH. You will appreciate dance like you never did before.

Most uncomfortable moment in the show?? Um, were Lauren Bacall and the other guy supposed to come up on stage when they received their lifetime achievement awards?? I found it odd that they would just stand up and everyone turned to give them a standing ovation, yet they panned to the empty stage. That moment couldn't have been over sooner for me.

Finally, a politics free Awards show. Maybe it's due to the Tim Robbins-Susan Sarandon break-up.

Well, Awards season is officially wrapped and my first official awards blog is complete. So what now?! Hoops season is here, thank God. But as for awards, I'll see you in September for the EMMY's...

Idol Week 2

Last week's result: Last week we said our first goodbyes to four out of the Top 24 performers: Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz, and Tyler Grady. For the most part, America got it right. They just weren't very missed this week. I would've liked to see Janell make it another week, but when you take on a Heart song and don't live up to Ann Wilson, it may be your time to go. I would've guessed that Lacey Brown would've gone home after she destroyed "Landslide", but America gave her another chance. All of the contestants left gracefully, with the exception of Tyler Grady who called out the judges for not giving him feedback in the earlier rounds. The comment made me uncomfortable and made the judges uncomfortable as well. Basically, he chose the song "American Woman" and it was a bad move. Stupid song to choose. There was a change-up in Week 2 of the Top 24 performances. Crystal Bowersox was rushed to the hospital and told not to perform (it's rumored she's a diabetic and had complications), so the men were designated to sing on Tuesday night leaving the girls to perform on Wednesday night. Here's what I thought of the guys in their sophomoric effort....

Michael Lynche (Song Choice: It's a Man's World)

Pretty good week 2 performance by Michael Lynche. Not my favorite of the night, but certainly showed why the judges picked him in the top 24. He's smooth. And his wife seems like a lucky girl to have a fun-loving guy like that. I still need to be wowed by him. He's still a football player who likes theater to me.. Maybe I'll be sold in week 3.

John Park (Song Choice: Gravity)

Ugh. What to say. Don't sing Gravity. Don't sing John Mayer. That song is actually pretty boring and should never be sung live.. unless you are John Mayer. Total copycat version of it. Total snooze-fest. John Park is going home. Next...

Casey James (Song Choice: I Don't Wanna Be)

Seriously, this Gavin DeGraw song AGAIN on Idol?! This is an early round favorite for the male contestants (Bo Bice season 4, Chris Richardson season 6). And I do love this song, but I like it by Gavin DeGraw and anything else sounds copycat and karaoke. It was too self-indulgent too. It came across as a little desperate. I didn't buy it this week from Casey, but he's a top finalist and America still loves him. Plus he's practically a male model, so he gets my vote.

Aaron Kelly (Song Choice: My Girl)

This kid is adorable. He has about zero star potential and no real true chance of winning, but he's a good kid that wins you over with smile let alone his voice. My Girl was perfect for him and he really made it his own, and sung with 100% more confidence. I think he should stick to Rascal Flatts, but this kid may on his way to the Top 12.

Todrick Hall (Song Choice: What's Love Got To Do With It)

I kind of liked this. I don't know if I like him though. One minute I think he's a star, the next he's just middle of the pack. I get a little embarrassed for him. He's a total cheeseball and it comes across as desperate and not adorable. First Kelly Clarkson, then Tina Turner. Todrick - Pick a man's song please.

Jermaine Sellers (Song Choice: What's Going On) I'm ready to say goodbye to this kid AND his onesy. What the hell kind of package was that? That's all you got? That your dad didn't turn on the heat, so you rocked a onesy pajama outfit in your 20's?! This guy deserves to go home based on that. That and that he destroyed a perfectly good Marvin Gaye song.

Alex Lambert (Song Choice: Everybody Knows)

There you go Alex! That's what we are talking about. Not great, but a million times better than last week. John Legend was perfect for him and he has this amazing tone to his voice, but I still think he looks like he's going to puke on the stage at any moment. And I'm not so sure I can handle that come the Top 12. He's got 1 more week until I completely write him off. Ellen is right though, he is a banana who's just starting to ripen. Love the mullet and the eyes.

Andrew Garcia (Song Choice: You Give Me Something)

Loved the song choice (James Morrison is incredible)! But he disappointed a bit. He's not picking the right songs and unfortunately every performance he's done has been compared to the high standard he set in Hollywood week when he sang the acoustic version of "Straight Up". He was brilliant, and now he's been picking Fall Out Boy and James Morrison. He's doing well, but there's something missing. He needs to show some more charisma. But based on what we saw in the earlier rounds and his backstory about his parents who grew up in gangs, America will vote for him and he will be around for awhile.

Tim "High School Musical" Urban (Song Choice: Come On Get Higher)

This was a million times better for Tim this week. Love this Matt Nathan song (there's a great version by Sugarland too), love the guitar playing. It felt so much more authentic. The nerves have to go though. I'm really not sure what is up with all of these guys this season and the nerves. It's never been this bad. Tim is a cutie and girls will love him, giving High School Musical another week in the competition. But he doesn't have much star power beyond being a Disney movie kid. I hope he can act, because Ellen is righ, he could be the next Zac Efron. He's never going to win this competition.

Lee Dewyze (Song Choice: Lips of An Angel)

My favorite performance of the night by a mile. And I hate this song by Hinder, completely despise it. Sounds like a bad 80's song by Firehouse or something. Certainly doesn't sound like a song that came out in 2009. It's a horrible message about a guy who's thinking about a girl while his girlfriend is sleeping in his bedroom. But then Lee Dewyze sang the song, and although I still hate the message, I loved the performance. Love the tone to his voice and I've said since the day I heard one note out of him, he was the one I was rooting for - maybe the one to beat. I love that he's humble, that he got into some trouble as a kid, but then got on the right path. I love his eyes, how he looks like he's going to cry a little bit when standing before the judges. I want him to cry. America will love that he cries. Cry, Lee, cry... you'll get some votes.