I was surprised by how early some Idols were given the boot. Alaina and Jason were no surprise, but Robbie and Alexandrea? They were both going to go eventually, but I think Luke and Kady or Kristi, and always on the top of my list, regardless of his performance, Danny, should have gone first.

C’est la vie or in this case, that’s show business.

On a good note, while I think we are all agreed that Amanda’s disastrous performance should have seen her hitting the road tonight, I’m glad she’s going to be around for another week. There is something about that chick I like. I really like Remiele, and I’m hoping Brooke steps it up. Every time she smiles I think of my oldest daughter.

So what do you think so far? They keep touting this as the most talented group ever. Do you agree? And how much you wanna bet Brad Pitt will not make an actual personal appearance on the show but it will be him taped somewhere in Africa? Either way, I’m donating again. I just hope my money goes directly to the people who need it and not the quagmire of red tape.

Ciao for now, oh and I’ll be chatting over at Murder She Writes tomorrow as usual.

K*

And Karin is tired. Life interrupted me up until just about ten minutes ago. I wrote zero today. A very bad thing. Tomorrow I’m going under for a writing marathon.

Watching Idol tonight was almost an exercise in futility. My kids were constantly interrupting me. Then there was my daughter’s dog, Chopper, who is part Rhodesian Ridgeback and staying with his gran for a while. He is a happy 70 pound camper who wants nothing more than to make friends with the girls (Coco and Zoe my two little shih-tzus) and who were having none of it. So he processed to annihilate there squeaky toys. He pulled the stuffing out, and the squeakers all while Zoe barked her freakin’ head off at him. Needless to say, AI did not have my undivided attention this evening. But, I did manage a few notes.

So here goes.

Carly: I love Heart. I have a bunch of Heart on my iPod. I liked her performance. I liked it a lot. Disagreed with Randy and as usual agreed with Simon.

Syesha: I was on the phone with my aunt. How did she do?

Brooke: Love Carly Simon. I thought it was a good solid performance. I’m glad Simon liked it.

Raniele: Adorable. I thought she did fantastic. I can see her as the next American Idol. Totally disagree with Randy, that chick, and Simon.

Kristy: Looked great. But her performance came across as kind of overdone. I thought she did a solid job.

Amanda: Wow, that hair and those pants. Boston? I was so anticipating her nailing it. Yowch! I was cringing when she started. Paula actually got it right, and when Simon spoke I felt really bad for Amanda. I’m pretty sure she’s gone. But, I kind of hope she doesn’t go.

Alaina: Hopelessly Devoted to You, was hopelessly booooring. I’d really like to see her belt one out. Simon nailed it. He is so good.

Alexandrea: Hated the get up. Okay here’s my take on this girl: She is above average in vocals. Has lots of personality, but, she doesn’t enunciate the ending of her words properly. It’s annoying. I didn’t care for her performance.

Kady: More Heart! I love Magic Man. But alas, Kady doesn’t have the vocals to carry off this classic rock and roll hit of the 70’s. Too bad. That said, I thought she did one sexy good job at the attempt. She’s the Haley of this year.

Asia’h: All By Myself, Eric Carmon. I knew she wouldn’t be able to hit those up front high notes. To me it began as a disaster, until she nailed that big high note and held it. Good job.

My picks for going home: Amanda and maybe Kady. Whatcha think?

K*

But, I thought those who had weak performances last week stepped it up. I found myself at odds with the judges most of the evening. Especially the Dawg. My oldest son and his friend Nick were by this evening to eat me out of house and home, and to get a lesson in tie tying. The full Windsor or half Windsor? That was the question of the evening. Amongst the lessons by the hubster, Nick couldn’t stop commenting on how hot Paula looked tonight. When he let is slip he’d like to get all up on her, I gave him the evil eye. He immediately apologized for being so crude, then followed that by saying under his breath, “But I really do.”

So, last week, Michael rocked down the house. This week I wasn’t feeling the wavy voice thing. I love Fleetwood Mac too, but Mikey sounded kind of amateurish to me tonight. Rough, pitchy, and the shouting did the performance in for me. The audience gave him a polite response. I thought Randy was too nice, Paula; bleck, and Simon? I agreed with him.

Jason: He’s so darn cute! And kind of goofy too. Still hate the hair. I bet it smells funny. So for me tonight the Bee Gees never sounded so good. I loved it. I totally disagreed with Randy and Simon. I really, really enjoyed the performance.

Luke: Better then last week. I didn’t care for the high notes though, and although a better performance, I wasn’t feeling it. And I agree with Simon, it was whiny. I predict Luke will go home this week.

Robbie: I love Foreigner, especially Hot Blooded, one of my all time favorite songs. I thought the performance was okay. If he doesn’t step it up for the judges to ‘get’ him he may go in a week or two.

Danny: Okay, I hate when this kid talks. That was the ewwiest, creepiest interview ever on AI. Quadruple bleck! That said, I thought the kid did a great job tonight. I really enjoyed his performance. I mean I was all ready to write nasty stuff, but damn, it was good. I totally disagreed with Randy, and if Paula said anything I wasn’t paying attention.

David H: He has a good strong voice. Up to that point it was the best performance of the night. I love the Temptations and he did a great job with the song. He’ll make it to final three men.

Jason Y: He started out good. MUCH improved over last week. I enjoyed it, and totally disagreed with Randy, What’s-her-name, and Simon! By the judge’s comments alone he may go.

Chikezie: Didn’t feel this one, even though it was better then last week. It was boring to me. Randy and I are really at odds tonight. Chik may go this week.

David C: Love Paul Rogers!! I enjoyed David’s rendition of All Night Long. I agreed with Randy. Paula shut up, and Simon said, it was solid. But OMG! When he made the no charisma comment, I cringed. But damn if Simon isn’t right. I think dumbass David C must have his head up his ass to think Simon’s opinion means nada. Doesn’t David know whose show it is? Sheesh.

David A: Okay, so I didn’t really care all that much for the beginning of his performance. But, it got better for me. And let me clarify one thing, it wasn’t David’s voice, he is good, awesome, soul stirring, and may win the thing, but the performance was slow to me. Obviously the judges strenuously disagreed with me on this one. Oh, well. I mean that chick who sits between the Dawg and Simonizer was crying! So I obviously missed some thing.

So what did you think? I think we are in for a good competition. If the weakest links keep improving it will be really interesting. There is however some more dead wood to dump. Who do you pick to go this week?

K*

Well, not really. Only annoying gristle was trimmed tonight. No meat. So, for me there were no surprises. There is more gristle to go next week too.

For the ladies tonight, Amy and Joanne bit the big one. I actually thought Amanda was going to get the boot, and Joanne sounded far better with her farewell song then she did last night. Amy? Gawd, Bad. Bad. Bad. Hubby asked if Haley was going to be back this year. I smacked him and said, no.

So on the guy side, Garrett and Colton hit the road. Neither one belonged on that stage, and their farewell performances proved it. What pisses me off is, had the judges pushed Kyle through (instead of Colton), Kyle would have wowed us Tuesday night and still been up there, and maybe, Danny would be gone instead. I think Danny didn’t get voted off because Vote For the Worst is messing with us again. Whatever. As last year, the cream will rise to the top.

I’m feeling a little cranky about the lackluster performances by some of these Idols. Ripped off even. They had better step it up next week.

Now a word about Paula. I will admit this: I liked her video. Mostly because she sang, and danced, and didn’t talk.

So, thoughts?

And who do you think has potential they haven’t shown yet? I’m thinking Jacuzzi ‘er Chickezie will step it up next week, and the singeing server won’t. I think Amanda will change up her act, because if she doesn’t, as Cele said, a one tune wonder, won’t have staying power.

K*

So, dog, the girls really didn’t do it for me tonight. And Paula still annoys the hell out of me.

So, let us begin with Miss Kristi Lee Cook: She sang Rescue Me. Hmm, I thought she had a more powerful voice then what she showed tonight. It felt to me like she sang too fast. I get that she had the flu, and I give her props for pushing through. Hubby said she played it too safe, I say she played it too boring. But I think she’ll be back next week. Maybe.

Joanne Borgetta: I like this girl, and I like her voice, but she seemed pitchy and spotty to me. I know she was nervous—but—well, you gotta shine, nerves and all.

Alaina Whitaker: I thought her performance was better then the first two. I liked it. I like her.

Amanda Overmeyer: The rock and roll nurse. She seems older than 23 to me. An old soul I guess. So to start off with, I really wish she’d ditch the Mrs. Frankenstein look. It really detracts from her. But hey, I’m all about staying true to yourself, I just don’t care for her hair. I have to give Amanda huge props for going out on that stage and doing her thang! She lets it all hang out, she is who she is. That said, I didn’t care for her performance at all. But like Simon, I like her.

Amy Davis: Before we discuss her performance let me just say, it was Connie Francis who sang Where the Boys Are, NOT Patsy Cline! Okay, so, I really wanted this girl to belt out that song, but she didn’t. Her voice was too pitchy to carry it. Too bad, because Amy has presence. That said, hubby loved the performance. It was, meh for me. I actually agreed with Paula I’m-a-Ding-Dong Abdul.

Brooke White: I like this girl, mostly because she reminds me so much of my eldest daughter. So Happy Together. I liked her performance, but I think she could have dug deeper and really done something with it. Maybe she doesn’t have the rage. Hubby didn’t care for it at all.

BTW, I hate when Paula opens her mouth. Can she not just say a complete sentence that makes sense?

Alexandrea Lushington: Whew that’s a mouthful to say and write. So, she was cute and she can sing, but she was a wee bit annoying with her gushy gush. BUT! The girl came out to win, and her performance jolted me out of my nap. BTW, I agreed with the Simonizer regarding her vocals. Always room for improvement!

Kady Malloy: I like her voice. It’s strong and vibrant. But, I’d like to see her get all wild on that stage. I didn’t think her performance was as bad as the judges did. Safe, yes, Bad? Nah.

Asia’h Epperson: What a cutie. I loved the way she sang the Janis Joplin song. She made me forget it was Janis’. Methinks she will be around for a while to come.

Remiele Malubay: Love this girl! Her hair, and her voice!

Syesha Mercado: My daughter called right when she opened her mouth! But I think I loved it. Did you?

Carly Smithson: She has a great voice. Lot’s of control. But I was bored. And it bugs the crap out of me that when Simon makes a negative comment the other two plus Seacrest, who is also beginning get on my nerves, pounce on the poor guy. Maybe they should all listen to him for a change?

So, whatcha think? An overall yawner? Who do you think will get the boot tomorrow night? I’m guessing the first two: Kristi and Joanne. The sad thing is, I don’t care who goes at this stage.

K*

That said, I was kind of disappointed with several performances tonight. I really expected to be wowed across the board, what, with so much professional and or seasoned talent in the hunt this year, but, whatever. Before I get to my thoughts on each of the performances tonight I have a couple of things to get off my chest.

First of all, Paula needs to go. Period.

Secondly: Josiah? The kid who lives out of his car? He annoys me. His fake British singing accent annoys me.

Thirdly, Paula annoys me.

Fourth: I love Simon.

Okay so numero uno David Hernandez: What’s his story? Pro? He sounded like one, and performed like one. Midnight Hour was a great song choice for him. He looked good, confident, and seems likable, and until the very end his voice was solid. I agree with Simon though, the guy needs to loosen up. But, hey, I totally get his being nervous tonight.

Chikezie or as Simon is fond of calling him, Jacuzzi. So, to begin with I wasn’t feelin’ the song. It was too slow for me. Secondly, his voice in general didn’t resonate with me. But. I like him. I think the dude screwed himself by arguing so vehemently with Simon so early in the game. I won’t be heartbroken to see him go.

David Cook: Did not like the hair-do. I liked the song choice, Happy Together, and he looked really comfy up on stage. He’s done this before. A lot.

Jason Yeager: Moon River? Wow! Who’da thunk? The singing server might be back to serving tables before too long if he keeps picking songs he turns into Tylenol PM. I was really hoping to get wowed by this guy. But I wasn’t. Oh, and I didn’t like the little blond thing he had going on in his hair.

Robbie Carrico: So this guy toured with the crotch flasher Brittney Spears. Loved his song choice: Three Dog Night’s, One. I thought he sounded great. He’ll be around for a while. AI needs a rocker like him. He’ll be fun to watch.

David Archuleta: Another one who’s been around. He won teen Star Search a few years back. Here’s the deal with Davey; he reminds me of that chick last year, Melinda?, who was so good, and the judges fawned all over her, and she was grinning like she didn’t have a clue how good she was. Davey does the same thing. Get over it. You’re good. You know it. Now work it.

Danny Noriega: I almost spewed my coffee when this train wreck opened his mouth. I haven’t liked him from the beginning. Can someone say, Ewww? I hope he goes Thursday night.

Have I mentioned Paula annoys me? A lot?

Luke Menard: I had high hopes for this cover model material. Too bad his voice didn’t measure up as much as that smile of his. I couldn’t hear him over the music. And he is a dumb ass if he thinks that was a memorable performance. It wasn’t. Hell, if I hadn’t taken notes, I would have forgotten he stepped on stage. He has the tools, he needs to work it.

Colton Berry: Ellen’s twin bro. So, I’m biased when it comes to this guy. He beat out my boy, Kyle. I miss Kyle. I would have loved to have seen Kyle up there tonight. I love the song Suspicious Minds by Elvis, Colton sang, and he did okay. But like Simon said, he did not represent. Kyle would have! End of story.

Garrett Haley: My initial reaction to this kid is he’s weak. He needs to grow a set. C’mon. Neil Sedaka? Sheesh. I was’t buyin’ what he was sellin’. Either were the judges.

Jason Castro: HATE. THE. HAIR. And he mumbles! But, I. LOVE. THIS. KID!
I smiled the entire time he sang and was holding my breath in anticipation of Simon’s comments. I was relieved he liked him too. He is good looking and has that ‘it’ factor. Now he needs some confidence, and he needs to strengthen his vocals. I’m really looking forward to watching him grow over the next months.

Michael Johns: What is there to say? The guy is a pro. He presents like a pro, and sings like a pro. Kind of boring actually. But he is good. But he is going to be predictably good, so for me there isn’t much drama in that.

So, I predict two of the following dudes will be heading home Thursday night: Chikezie, Jason, Danny, Luke or Garrett. If I could vote two off the island it would be Danny and Garrett.

Thoughts? Who did you like?

K*

Melanie Scott!!!!

Coming in second, Deborah Allen
third, Diane Della Maggiora
fourth, Heather Wardell
and fifth, Helene Young

Congrats, ladies!!! Miz Teeman said she enjoyed all of the entries!!!

K*

Hop on over to Murder She Writes and read about my dilemma!

K*

I just got back from a nice luncheon with the hubster, my in-laws, and aunt and uncle. It was really nice and relaxing.

That’s going to be the long and short of V-Day for us here at the Tabke house. I have a class tonight, and writing I need to jump on.

I wanted to share a CD that I recently discovered. It’s the soundtrack from the movie Love in the Time of Cholera. Vera sexy. Shakira has a few tracks and the music is so beautiful, rich, and sensual, I can’t stop listening to it. I love iTunes. Great music is just a click away! I also downloaded some John Mayer, Alicia Keys, and John Legend. Great stuff!

So what did you do today to celebrate love with your significant other, and what new musical finds have you come across lately?

ciao

K*

I couldn’t let a season go by without all of us having our say, now could I? But, I am wrapping up the copy edits on JADED. Amazingly, I still love this story. I think I have a crush on Jase. And I love Jade to bits. My heart squeezes each time I think of her and how brave she is. I love this couple. If I had to describe this story in one word it would be: raw. There is nothing sugar coated about their story. It is what it is and I make no excuses for either of them. How they managed to fall in love is still a mystery to me. Especially with all the crap thrown at them. But they do find love, and it’s a big fat love. Sigh. I want a cigarette now.

Oh wait, I quit. Except I am so gonna smoke with my agent and editor in San Francisco. Hmm, maybe not, is there anywhere to smoke in that place?

Okay, so about AI. Last night I cried, well I felt like I wanted to cry when Angela was sent home.
I was screaming at Simon to keep her. What an angel! And her sweet little daughter, and what about her dad getting killed? How tragic. Life can be very unfair. But that girl has her faith and her goodness to see her through.

Then there was Josiah who with his last performance got on my nerves. I was glad to see Simon smack him down now. I hope the boy who lives in his car goes far.

I was sad to see the beauty queen girl go. I thought she was adorable and could sing. Paula pissed me off. She just didn’t want the competition. Beotch.

Oh, oh, oh! What about that adorable sexy foreign guy with the hunky accent who couldn’t sing? That was book cover material! Too bad he couldn’t sing. Sigh. Not that I really cared, I would have settled for just looking at him for a little while longer. Hubby if you’ve read this far, I’m just kidding.

I like the rock and roll guy, the biker nurse and the goil from Ireland. Oh, and I like the blonde who played the piano who reminds Simon of Carol King.

So, I know it’s way too early to call it, but who do you see at least in the top ten? I predict all of my above mentioned.

Ciao for now,

K*