American Idol 2011: Top 24

There are only 2 guys I really care about making it through tomorrow night: Jordan and Casey. Not because I dont like anyone else, just because I feel more vested in them. I like James Durbin's story but not his music style. (Yes, I was and still am an Adam Lambert hater.) The girls, though, I care about. It's a really tough choice between them all. But before I get into my picks, ley me talk about the season in general.

I loved the new dynamic Jennifer and Steven brought to the table. I think that a lot of purple made it through this year who wouldn't have in years past simply because they were good singers and deserved another shot. (I think that some people have been overlooked in the past because they lacked "the look.") They seemed to be having fun, and they brought good advice to the contestants. However, I feel like they are being too nice now. They liked a majority of the performances over the last two nights, and then Randy got booed for starting what we were all thinking.

I think the way they're eliminating this year kind of sucks. I know they started way late and if they were to do it the way they have most often would have pushed the show into June, but we haven't gotten a chance to get to know any of the singers and their style. To ask us to choose 5 really stinks. I think were going to lose some really good contestants too early in the game.

That said, here are my picks for the girls.

Karen Rodriguez. Oh. My. Goodness. Can you say amazing? She really pulled me in with Hero, and even though I can't speak Spanish, I thought the language change was beautifully done. I worry, though, that she may alienate took many viewers if she does Spanish songs all the time. Then again, maybe there are more Latinos who watch than I think... She's beautiful, too; that dress was STUNNING.

Lauren Turner. Every season has to have a rock chick, but I haven't always been a fan. A few seasons ago there was Amanda something-or-other and I wasn't a big fan. LOVE Lauren, though. I'm worried she won't make it through, though, because we didn't see any of her throughout the auditions or Hollywood week.

Lauren Alaina. Wow, this girl is only 16? I'm not a fan of country, so I don't really foresee myself buying her album ('cause you know she'll get a deal whether she gets far or not) but I love her spirit and the power behind her voice. She really looked like she was having a blast up there tonight!

Pia Toscano. Are you freaking kidding me? What a way to end the show. She's beautiful, the song was beautiful. The end. Put her through.

Those are the girls I think SHOULD make it to the next round and for whom I seriously might cry if they don't. Here is who else I thought was good/deserve another chance:

Kendra Chantelle.

Rachel Zavida (I kind of liked her rendition of Fiona Apple's "Criminal"

I have a feeling Ashton or Ta-Tynisa will make it through, though, because they have the R&B diva-esque vibe going for them.

What do you think? Who will make it through?

All photos of contestants were taken from the American Idol website.

Hello, My Name is Jessica

...And American Idol makes me cry.

Not all the time. Just tonight.

And not just once. THREE times.

Once when I was telling J about Didi Benami and how she auditioned because her friend died.

Again when Angela Martin didn't make it through. I loved her the first year she auditioned and I really hope a record label scoops her up. I think it's probably for the best because now she can sign wherever she wants.

And a third time when Andy Garcia made it through.

Yes, I'm an Idol nerd. Oh, and I cannot WAIT for Glee to come back. Tuesdays = total awesomeness in April.

So here's my thoughts on AI9:

1. I think that this year a girl will win it. I think Andy Garcia or Mike Lynch will give the girls a run for their money, but ultimately a girl will take the title.

2. Top Girls:

a. Katie Stevens is a forerunner for the girls. I cannot believe she's 17. Holy mackeral she has amazing control of her voice.

b. Crystal Bowersox and awesome. She is real and I love that she's real. As I said to J tonight, "I luv her. Like, all capitals, lots of U's LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUV her."

c. I wanted Lacey in last year over Megan Joy.

d. Don't remember Paige Miles

e. Not sure how I feel about Siobhan. I think I wish her spot had been given to Angela Martin.

f. While I'm not a fan of country, I like Haeley's uniqueness, and Simon was right when he said she adapts well -- that's important in this competition.

3. Top Guys:

a. I read an article that said Michael Lynche was DQ'ed 'cause his dad talked to a newspaper about him making the Top 24. but they said he'd be performing next week, so it probably wasn't true. His little girl is precious, and I'm so glad that he made it to the Top 24 and that missing his daughter's birth didn't occur in vain.

b. Andrew Garcia = <3.>

c. I wish Thaddeus had made it though. He was a sweet kid.

d. There were a few guys that I didn't remember, and a few that I figure will be gone very soon (i.e. Tyler Grady and Alex Lambert). The former because we don't know who he is and the latter because even though he has a good voice, he has little to no stage presence. But he's cute, so he may have the teenage girl vote.

e. Even though he is going to be a major diva, I like Todrick Hall.

It's Been a Long Time

Since I last posted, but I will tomorrow hen I have more time to sit and contemplate what you all might be interested in knowing.

For now, enjoy this clip of Kris Allen, the new American Idol, singing one of my FAVORITE songs "God of This City" written by Bluetree and made immensely popular by Chris Tomlin.

So, What's New?

I promised you a substantial entry, so here it is!

First, I want to talk about American Idol. Tuesday night was probably the best perfomance show I have EVER seen. (I mean, I still FFWDed over Adam, but...) All of them were so awesome that I didn't even try to pick a bottom two, only that Matt would be the one to go. And you know what? This was when he SHOULD have gone home and I'm glad the judges used their save on him. Although I wonder how everything would have fallen had Alexis not gone home in 11th place? I love how surprised Allison and Danny were to find out they were the top 2. Like, what?! I hope that Adam goes home next week or the next, but he probably won't. My ideal order would be Adam, Danny, then a Kris and Allison finale. But that's me. What do you think?

Second, my cat is so weird. I wanna share a story with ya real quick: Last night there was a beetle that kept flying at our living room window (which is low enough for him to jump onto from the floor) and he kept trying to catch it. Through the glass. And then his butt fell off of the ledge and he's like hanging there for dear life with his front paws. Too cute!! I was ROLLING.

Third, I finally convinced J to switch to U-Verse. We're paying a tiny bit more, but we're getting a LOT more channels than we have now, plus better DVR options. They're coming on May 13 and I can't wait!! I can watch my DVRed shows upstairs or he can watch TV upstairs while I watch my DVRed shows downstairs. That's his biggest gripe; I always want to watch my shows the NIGHT they're on because I catch up on all the blogging and gossip the next day.

J and I might be going to see Casting Crowns in Poplar Bluff in June and I'm excited. It's all dependent on if he can get off of work the next day (Sat.) 'cause if we go, we'll get a hotel since it's 3 hours away. I didn't get to see them the last time they were in town because J's friend only had one extra ticket. I was bummed because I LOVE CC. They always put on a great show.

Oh, and an update on something that I posted a few days ago, I was able to order my cap and gown. Turns out ordering doesn't end when they say it does for slackers like me who miss the deadline. ;-)

Drooling over this Bathroom Set...

We have a space underneath our bathroom counter that would be perfect for a set of storage drawers but the usual Sterilite drawers are too wide. I know that they sell skinny drawers but I haven't been able to find them. Well, my dad's girlfriend found these at World Market and I am in love with them:

Problem: they're $69.99 (on sale currently for $59.99). And while I love them, I'm not sure I love them $60 worth. But they have a whole matching set. Gorgeous:




That's a hamper for $99.99 (!!) and a basket that would look gorgeous on the over-the-toilet storage thing we have for $22.99. All waaaaay more than I want to pay. Anyone know where I can find anything similar for a whole lot cheaper?

And since I'm on a picture posting spree, I'll share a picture of our cat Paulie. Many of you have seen these pictures because I posted them on the board and on Facebook, but I wanted to share anyways...





He's a big cat, as you can see by the third picture. We've had our windows open the last day or two becuase of the nice weather and he only fits on the window sill when it's all the way open; otherwise, he falls off. Silly boy!!

What are your thoughts on the Wildcards in AI?? I'm suprised they decided to make it 13 and not 12, and I kind of feel they did it to let Megan or Jasmine in in addition to Matt and Anoop... My DVR didn't catch the very end of the episode, so if you missed it, catch it here.

My bachelorette party is tonight and I am hella excited!! I can't believe I get married next weekend!

American Idol and Wedding

those seem to be the top two things I'm thinking about recently, LOL.

First, American Idol: WTF?? Tatiana in the wildcard???!!! I mean, I saw it coming, but to choose her (or Jessie for that matter) over Felicia is idiocy; Felicia was AMAZING last night that sucks. Mostly, I agree wth the rest of the wildcards. Well, except for Von. For real... they should get rid of Tatiana and Von and add Felicia and Mishavonna.

Anyway, on to the most important thing of this post: I'm getting married. In TEN days. Like, in less than an hour from when I publish this post, I will be in the SINGLE DIGITS. Holy smokes! I can't believe how quickly this went by. A friend asked me how I liked being engaged for so long -- would I recommend it. I say absolutely, especially if you're the kind of person who has to control everything. Having a year to just gather ideas helped take a tremendous amount of stress off of me. It also allowed me and jerome to get to know each other even better than we knew each other 2 years ago. Now, when I say "I do" next week I KNOW that I mean it, that it is truly what I want. (Not that I didn't KNOW know in March 2007, but you know what I mean...) We've had an opportunity to plan for our marriage as well as our wedding, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I'm stalking the 10 day forecasts on weather.com and accuweather.com. Right now it's not too great... upper 40's with a chance of rain or SNOW. Yuck. But it's Missouri, so we'll see.

Oh, and I can't talk about J and I without talking about the new addition to our family. No, I'm not pregnant. We adopted a cat last weekend. A friend of a friend had a kitty that she needed to find a new home for and we just happened to be in the market for a cat (esp. a free one!) Thus, Paulie. I have no pics yet, at least no decent ones, but he's a light orange (almost tan) and a big kitty. He's hilarious; he played with this wind up mouse we bought him for HOURS. And the best part is that I haven't had a reaction to him. (I'm allergic to some cats and we were worried that any cat would flare 'em up real bad.) He's precious and he warmed up to us real quick. I will post pictures as soon as I can.

I imagine I'll post at least a few more times before I become a wife; stay tuned!

American Idol Thoughts

I just finished AI tonight and I'm off to bed...

My call for the top three this week:

Lil Rounds
Jorge Nunez
Felicia Barton

Although Scott McIntyre was awesome and Kendall Beard might pull it out with the country love.

Who woudl I like to see in the Wildcard on Thursday? Any of the above (except Kendall) who doesn't make it through tonight, plus Anoop, Mishavonna, Jasmine, and (though I hate to say it 'cause I HATE he personality) Tatiana.

Thoughts?

Four and a Half Weeks!!

SO the wedding is in four weeks and I'm crazy excited. I can't eblieve it's soooo close! It's like the way I've felt every summer before camp all combined. It's going to be a-mazing. There are only some nit-picky things left (figuring out my hair, ordering a few more things, etc.). It'll be here before Iknow it.

I was over at my maid of honor's house tonight and we dicussed my bachelorette party and I'm excited. It'll be like a big slumber party kind of thing 'cause, honestly, I'm not into the whole, let's go get smashed thing. And it made my week 'cause I got to see Makenzie who is soooo cute. She's so much smarter than your average 31 month old. And sooooo funny!!

OK, before I close this post (it's late and I'm working in the morning), I need to comment on American Idol. They announced the top 36 tonight and some of them I agree with and some of them I'm "meh" about, and some I'm like, "WHAT THE HELL?!" The people I absolutely agree with are Danny Gokey, Jasmine Murray, Alexis Grace, Lil Rounds, and Anoop Desai. The ones I HATE are Nathaniel "I feel singing through my pores" Marshall and Tatiana "I'm too freaking annoying for anyone to like me even though my voice is amazing" del Toro. Everyone else I'm kind of like, whatever. What do you think?

Bummed

Michael Johns was AMAZING this week. Tasha loved his Steven Tyler scream. Syesha and Kristy should have been gone before he was. Grr... America got it wrong. Simon said it wasn't the right song, which I completely disagree with; I thought it was amazing. I didn't think he was going to win, but I thought he would last longer than this.

Not to mention that I got NO points this week in my AI pool.

Thoughts on American Idol this Week...

...I was surprised that Alaina was voted off. I thought she had a very strong voice for such a young girl. She chose an awful song; that's what did her in. I honestly doon't think many of the girls chose very good songs. Although Brooke did great with Carly Simon's "Your So Vain." But I really wish we would vote off Amanda. I don't like herr voice and I hate her hair. I think she is really nice; what they've shown of her personality seems genuinely nice and authentic, but I don't like her as a singer. But she'll probably stick around for a while because she's the resident rocker. **EDIT** I just watched the clip of Alaina's elimination and Kady was as shocked as everyone else that SHE wasn't going home. And poor Alaina. She's so young and has so far to go; I hope that she doesn't give up. **END EDIT**
As for the boys, Chikezie, who I thought was awful last week and was sure to go home, did really well this week; he surprised me. I big puffy heart David Cook; I think he's more of a rocker than Robbie is (was). And David Archuleta blew my mind with his take on "Imagine." That was a performance that has stirred up a lot of opposing opinions; Lennon truists think he ruined it. But I LOVED it. I loved it so much i thought I would share the video:



I knew Jason Y. was off, though. He was boring and too showy. Simon hit the nail on the head last week (when he sang "Moon River") when he said it was like a cruise ship performance. Glad he's gone...

I'm excited for next week, though... Anyone know the theme?

Sorry if you don't like American Idol, but...

...It's my blog and I can write about it if I want to. Ha ha.

OK, some people know exactly how to get on TV. Ben Haar wasn't serious about auditioning. He just knew that his get up would get him TV time. I mean, what the HECK???!!! The producaers must have known his motive, that he wassn't serious. Why waste our time?? I guess to get people talking about him. Like I am now. Duh...

I always feel bad for the people who are good, but not right for the competition (which is probably what I'll hear when I audition, but that's another blog foor a much later time...). They get so fired up and think that they said they suck, but in reality what was said was that they aren't right for the competition. Like "Glitter Girl." I believe Simon's exact words were, "You'd be great in a cover band, but this isn't the place for you." And then AI wasted 5 minutes of our lives with her flipping the bird and cussing out the judges. Fun... Ooh, or they try and show off their ranges like the girl who sang the national anthem; that girl was good, she just shot herself in the foot...

And this guy just creeped me out. I hope Paula kept track of his address and information so that when weird things start happening, she can tell the cops who it it. Psycho!!


But I really like Brooke White. I can relate to her; she's a nanny, I professionally babysit. She likes to sing, I like to sing. She's married, I'm engaged. I just really like her. I hope she makes it far. I also really like Kristy Lee Cook. I don't think that I've seen anyone sing Amazing Grace for their audition and that is the song I want to sing for mine, so it was nice to see it sung. But she seems really sweet. I hope she goes far, too.

I haven't watched the Dallas auditions yet. I might not even post on them. It just depends on whether something strikes my interest. I will write a real post later.