American Idol, the results

I chose this YouTube clip because it's all audio. Sweet kid, unique voice, not same ol'. So sorry Alex did not make it into the Top 12 (for the record, my teen daughter has promised never to watch AI again! :)

Hope he gets a record deal soon. We got this one wrong, America. Also sad to see Katelyn and Lilly go (what?!).

Happy Friday, my friends. Have a beachy weekend ~ wherever you are!

American Idol, the Guys

I've gotta say, the guys sang better last night than I'd predicted. My faves: Aaron, Tim, Casey and (this one's for you, Ang) Alex. I know Big Mike got the kudos of the night ~ Kara sobbed ~ but it didn't move me that much. Fickle, fickle, I know, but I'm on the receiving end of such fickleness sometimes myself. One reviewer will say that a book I wrote touched them deeply, while another will say they didn't get the story at all. Go figure.

Honestly, I've no idea who'll be out tonight. I'd have to guess maybe Andrew and Todrick. Andrew got slammed by the judges and Todrick is seen more as a musical theater performer/dancer. Tough night for anyone to leave considering the remaining contestants will be in the Top 12.

I'll probably watch from Twitterland. Maybe I'll see you there? :-)

American Idol, the Girls

Favorites from American Idol last night: Didi, Crystal, and Siobhan. Liked Katelyn and Lacey too. Btw, does anyone else think Ryan has a crush on Katelyn? Seems obvious to me, but I'm writing a romance right now so maybe I'm over thinking the way he looks at her just a beat longer than the others... Lol

Who do you think'll go? Hmm ... if I had to guess I'd say Katie and Paige.

Okay, I couldn't help putting up this pic of Danny Gokey doing the white man's overbite. Such a cutey patooty he is. Last year I wrote an article about Danny comin' to Ventura. If you missed it, you can find it at this link.

Off to work (and more coffee!). Have a beachy day, my friends, and don't forget: the guys sing tonight!

AI says goodbye and a beach break!

Sad to see Joe an Janelle go, since both have nice chops, but wasn't surprised about the other two. Although I have to say, Tyler in a bathrobe and short boots make good television...Fox'll probably lose a few Nielson points for letting the 70s throwback go. Btw, Kris Allen's getting better and better, don't you think?

On to other things...

Yesterday I got super STUCK on the novel I'm writing. Unusual since I'm nearing the end and this is the spot when, normally, I'd race to the finish. But there's been a lot going on in our family lately, plus a cold last week, and I think my brain had all it could take. So yesterday afternoon, I threw on sweats and running shoes and hit the beach. Only for a little while, but woo-hoo, it opened things up for me. I realized that sitting alone in this tiny office every day doesn't exactly dredge up incredible creativity. Other than text messages with my kids all the livelong day ;), I was beginning to feel closed in and unimaginative.

But all that ocean spray awoke my senses. I watched waves crest like jade walls and fat plover skitter at my feet and the tide wash over glittery, smooth rocks. Ahhhh! It was good to get out of this office and go somewhere other than the grocery store and my kids' schools.

Here's hoping YOU can find a way to take a break at one of your favorite spots. Have a beachy weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are :-)

Idol Season begins

Watched American Idol in its entirety last night. Those of you who've been around awhile here on this blog know the obsession that Idol season usually brings. This year, though, I've been rather 'meh' about the whole thing. And I realized why: I miss Paula.

I know, I know, she was sometimes hard to figure. She could be wishy washy, and vague, and speak in purple prose (haha...like me). Nothing against Ellen. She's also someone who takes a more pollyannish view of the contestants, something they need after being pummeled by Simon and the others. But Paula's work in the music biz gave her an edge in the credibility department.

So on to the show... Last night, the Top 12 women sang and it was ... just okay. If I had to wager ~ haha, don't be accusing me of promoting gambling now ~ I'd say that Lacey and Michelle will go home. Third guess is Ashley. I liked them all, but two have to leave, so those are my guesses.

Mi favorita of the night was Katelyn Epperly in her 80s hair singing Oh Darlin.

What did you think?

Farewell Danny

(Photo by Monique Erskine)

If you didn't get a chance to read my short but sweet article about a local Danny Gokey sighting (when this photo was taken), you can read it at this link.

Was American Idol hard to watch last night or what? First off, I love Kris. He's an amazing musician and has a beautiful voice. That said, I choked up when Danny got voted off and downright teary eyed when he sang You Are So Beautiful, especially in light of the recent passing of his wife, Sophie.

Adam's got one superb set of pipes, but his style is just not my thing. (Kind of like my sometimes quirky, always beachy books may not suit everyone. Ahem.) Nothing against him, just was hoping for a Kris/Danny sing off. Hey, a girl can dream!

Needless to say, but I'll say it anyway, I'm putting my extra votes (I had split them between Gokey and Allen) on Kris. How about YOU?

What was America Thinking?

As my teens might say, letting Alexis go was redonk. Anyone else notice that now there'll be too many average guys in the final 10 tour? Nice guys, yes, but maybe a little dull for a successful show. Just sayin'...

American Idol, Top 13

As much as I've NOT enjoyed the revamped system of whittling down the contestants, I believe that was the best Top 12 (er, '13') show I've seen. Everybody can actually sing and perform, so props to the people--and the judges--for putting the contestants there.

It's hard to say who'll go since the judges are planning to mix things up a bit tonight. Not sure what they're planning but I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the phone line controversy. Anyone voting for Alexis Grace, #13 last night, had to dial a special number--otherwise they'd get a message from a not-so-nice dating service.

If the results come down to a straight vote, then I'd guess that Anoop and Jorge would go. When Teen Daughter saw Anoop's jacket she was sure he was going to sing Thriller, but performing Beat It was almost as bad. And Jorge's a sweetie, but the song was kind of boring, I thought.

Predictions? Thoughts?

American Idol, Top 12...almost

Ohhhh...key. So we've got our top 9 with last night going as I predicted. Like it was that difficult to guess, lol... Tonight there's a sing off, right? Isn't that what I heard? What did y'all think of the 8 who are getting another chance? I was super surprised they didn't put Felicia and Ju'not through after all the props the judges gave them, but not shaken at all about their choice to bring Tatiana back. First, the girl can sing, and second, her dramatics--the crying and near fainting--mean RATINGS (remember The Bachelor???) Not that I'd like to see this week after week...

Speaking of The Bachelor, Patty posted the following comment on my last post about the 'historic' finale: Just for the sake of discussion.....how is the fact that this played out on the finale different than if it had played out on an earlier episode? The proposal??

I responded that breakups leading up to the finale were par for the course and expected. What showed a lack of maturity was breaking off the actual engagement on camera. This is my opinion, so chime in with your thoughts, okay Ladies and Gents?

And I'll leave you with this post to check out by Bill Giovanetti, giving his take on why Jason was doomed to mess up.

Have a beachy day...wherever you are!

The Confessional: Obsession, Part II

So yesterday I confessed my infatuation with The Bachelor. By the number of hits on this blog, it seems there are many more like me. Kudos to the brave souls who commented ;)

Whether the conspiracy theory turns out to be true doesn't really matter, because I've (finally) realized that I'm not having fun anymore. I'm over it. Meh.

So what about the the whole 'life imitating art' thing I mentioned yesterday? It occurred to me that in my next book, Sweet Waters, heroine Tara is a rational, organized, first-born. She's protective of her sisters and has helped her somewhat flighty mother care for them ever since the death of their father six years prior.

And... she's obsessed with Eliza Carlton, the lead character on her favorite Soap, Quartz Point. So much so that she reads the soap's daily digest online every night and often mentally consults with Eliza for advice as if she's real.

I confess. When I wrote Tara, I thought, poor girl. I mean, seriously, how could she possibly get so wrapped up in the life of someone on TV? Isn't that a little over the top? Maybe. But then again, so is believing that what I've been witnessing on The Bachelor week after week has been playing out as naturally as the cresting of a wave. Sigh. Right.

***

AMERICAN IDOL
Didn't want to sign off without mentioning last night's show. Based on performances, I'd guess that Allison, Megan and Adam will get the votes. Sad for Kai--he treats his mama well so I was hoping he'd do better :). Alas, not so much. So. What say you?

The Top 2 Perform

Although David A's been the favorite since he wowed the world (and my fam) during audition week, David C has stepped it enough that online bookies are predicting he'll win the title of American Idol this Wednesday. Don't look at me that way--I don't gamble! Just happened to read that in the headlines...:)

Personally, I'm rooting for David Cook. He didn't draw me early on, but oh how he's navigated the challenging waters over time, demonstrating his song choice savvy, arrangement skill, and spot on vocals.

Can't wait to see what the Dueling Davids have in store tonight. No pressure, eh?

...but he did not shoot the deputy

I'm so proud of Jason. As predicted, he went home tonight, but he did it with fun and style (Bob Marley anyone?). Did y'all hear him say under his breath that if he had stayed another week then he'd have to sing 3 songs and "I don't know what I'd do!" He's so honest. And talented. And cute (in a little cousin sort of way).

Next week we'll get to watch the hometown visits for Syesha (way to go!), David A and David C (my guess as the final two). This, I believe, is how it should be.

What do you think? Is this thing winding down as it should? Speak your mind...:)

Hello Again

Haha...it's Wednesday morning and I'm still cracking up that David A sang Sweet Caroline last night. I was just kidding in my post yesterday, but did I call it or what? LOL...

Actually, the contestants sounded pretty good singing Neil's stuff, I have to say. While voting last night, I got a busy signal for everyone but Jason (yeah, we give everyone at least one vote, just to be nice ;) I'm becoming more and more of a David Cook fan each day, although this year, I really do like them all--much different than in past years when our family of five would shout at the TV and each other over our preferences (family bonding and all).

As for the vote-off? It really should be Jason--I even think he wants to go, don't you? Beautiful face, that one, but oh, those expressions! David C rocked it, David A was just average for me (as Randy would say, "I'm not mad at you."), Brooke's last half of the Monkeys' song was much better than the first--I think it took her time to get comfortable and just rock out, and Syesha looked and sounded terrific, in my opinion. I wonder why Simon gave her the death knell? Think he was trying to stir up votes for her?

Opinions, please? Oh, and what did you think of the show's frenetic pace? Even poor Paula didn't know what was going on...

So-long, Carly

I wasn't completely surprised by Carly's departure, however, weren't y'all shocked by Syesha's placement in the bottom two? Really, she gave an outstanding performance the night before, so I thought she'd escape the low ranking this time. But, eh. What do I know?

When I really think about it, Jason and Brooke, the two being bandied about as probable losers of the night, weren't terrible. Brooke just messed up the intro, and poor Jason chose a song originally sung by a big-voiced female cat (which begs the question: aren't the contestants guided in their song choice?) Anyway, they've both been pretty much consistently good in their performances, and it has obviously paid off for them.

That said, can't wait to see them singing Neil Diamond songs next week (yawn). LOL...

If you're stressed over tonight's results then you must check out the link I found over at author and editor, Karen Ball's site. Make sure to choose manic mode! Go here for way too much fun :)

Live...On Stage!

It was Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber night on American Idol, and may I just wax poetic for a moment? See, my dad brought me up to love musicals. Together we saw live, LA productions of Les Miserables, Chorus Line, Cats, and then with Mom and my hubby, Phantom of the Opera. When I was single and went to England with my pal, Aimee, I insisted that she and I attend a matinee performance (all we could afford) of Lloyd Webber's then-newest creation, Aspects of Love. So it bombed? I saw it live...on a London stage! Hubby even took me to see Beauty and the Beast in LA for my birthday one year. (I couldn't believe all the kiddos in the audience until I remembered, oh yeah, it's from a cartoon. Duh.)

I Must Get to the Thea-ter!

Ahem. Okay, about the top 6 contestants:

Syesha--She sang and danced like she meant it--and loved it too! Extra votes for her tonight.
Jason--I love you, but I saw Cats live, and I think this might be your undoing. Oh, but I'll buy your records, I will, I will (especially that version of Somewhere over the Rainbow of a few weeks back.)
David A--Sounded great, as always. But nothing new to add.
Carly--Powered out a song from Jesus Christ Superstar. (On a side note, hubby says this musical was much better than Godspell, which I wrote about a couple of days ago.) Anyway, she's got these fun Cher-like riffs, and like Syesha, played the stage well.
Brooke--Really messed up by forgetting the lyrics, but oh, she started well with a song from Evita. Kind of worried for her.
David C--Hey, if he can sing Music of the Night (from Phantom) that well, he just may win this thing (although a little more emotion would have been nice.)

So what did you think of the show?

Somewhere over that rainbow

My thumbs are tired from all this AI voting!

LOVED Jason tonight! When he said he'd be singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I shouted at the plasma--shouted!--Nooooo! But then he sang that fun little arrangement and I got goosebumps. He's so quirky. And unique. My hub didn't get it, but he's a huge fan of Judy G's version, and anyway my enthusisasm trounced his criticism. So I win-ha.

Michael J always looks and sounds good, but his version of some Aerosmith song was awkward for me (especially those high notes). Kristy Lee C. gave a gutsy "do it anyway" performance. She's got spunk. David C--sang well, but the white "straight" jacket he wore threw me. Syesha always kicks it, although why does she keep picking ones from powerhouses? I'm nervous for her. Brooke! Who did your hair, my friend? (No worries, we've all been there.) Thankfully, her voice was better than the 'do! Carly has such a beautiful voice, I just wish her songs weren't always so angry. And David A.--talent, talent, talent--and a bazillion, teen-aged, screaming fans too!

Ramiele and Jesus

See you on the tour, Ramiele.

Loved Jesus week by the way :) Seriously, I'm sitting here re-watching Tuesday night's show and both David A. and Jason sang songs that referenced Jesus in a big way. Then on Wednesday night's show, guest band The Clarks (I think that's their name) Country-Rocked This Little Light of Mine (who even knew that was possible???) and then Dolly Parton knocked out Jesus and Gravity (with a full-on Gospel choir in the background). Whew and Halleulia--love this show :)

Hair and outfits and velvet voices!

First off, I had a gazillion hits yesterday, but only about 9 comments, which makes me wonder if some of you thought I was serious about the Amish-Lit thing, haha! It was April Fool's, you know, so before you go off and try to reserve your copy, well, don't! (Now watch, someone else'll propose it and make a zillion bucks!)

On to AI. I'm so glad David Cook got a haircut--he's got a nice face under there! Although at times his facial expressions reminded me of Jason's...heehee. As for Jason, I believe Simon was wrong. Started a bit slow, but he really got into the song mid-way, and even belted the ending, so go-Jason! Anybody else cringe when Syesha chose a Whitney song? I know Dolly wrote it, but the judges are usually hard on those who try to take on Whitney, as both Randy & Simon were this time around. Despite that, Syesha is immensely talented.

When Kristy Lee Cook was singing, I learned over to my hubby and said, "Paula's going to tell her she looks fabulous," and I was right. Ha! One of the first things Paula said was, "Kristy you look stunning!" And Carly sounded better than Simon said she did, but I can't exactly disagree with what he said about her clothes (only on how he said it). As for David "We Love You!!!!" A., he's still a cutie with a smokey man voice in a teenaged body. Whatever happens, he'll have a long career.

Oh, and Michael Johns! Not always my favorite, but he smashed it this time. Smashed. It. G'day! Mate!

The hub and I think Ramiele will be voted off. And you?

Adios, Chikezie

...or 'jacuzzi' to Simon ;)

p.s. We love you.

***

Ack! I've been tagged by Dionna--and I'm late in responding. Better late than never, am I right?

Here's what she told me to do: tag 5 people and you can't tag the person that tagged you. Leave them a comment on their blog letting them know you are tagging them and why. Also, direct them to your blog for instructions. Also notify the tagger when you post your list so that they can enjoy reading the responses. Basically when you get tagged, you post ten fun facts about yourself!

Here goes. Not sure how fun these are, though, lol...

1. I once chose to write an 18-page term paper on the life of the sea anemone.

(Are you sure you'd like to keep reading?)

2. I used to be a phantom-shopper for Taco Bell (You quiero...)

3. My cousin co-wrote the hit, "We Belong", which was recorded by Pat Benatar and is currently the song on the Sheraton commercials. (Go Cuz Dan!)

4. I became a swimmer in high school basically because I was too uncoordinated to be on the dive team.

5. I ran 3 miles of the LA Marathon while pregnant (which is also the reason I didn't finish the whole thing ;)

6. Elementary Girl (who's sitting next to me at the moment) says to say that I embarrass her. A lot!

7. My husband's my dream guy.

8. My favorite color is blue. Like the sea. Get it?

9. I made a cameo in my last book.

10. My kids drive me to my knees in prayer every day--LOL--I mean that in a good way! (Praying for them :)

God Bless the U.S.A.

I agree with Simon (gasp!) that Kristy Lee Cook's rendition of I'm Proud to be an American probably just saved her this week. Actually, just choosing such a patriotic song--and knocking it out--probably saved her. You go girl! And then there was David Cook singing Billy Jean. Haha...that was sa-weet. My kids don't know the Michael Jackson version, and if he'd sung it anything like the original, he'd have been sunk (think synthesizers and hiccupy vocals...is hiccupy a word? Lol...) Impressed me, all I'm sayin.

For the first time since I've watched this show, there's not a clear winner at this point (of course, I'm usually wrong, but it least there's usually a clear one to me ;) All of them can sing, and perform, and at least 1/2 dozen have a fighting chance of winning the title.

My guess is that Ramiele or Chikezie will probably go tomorrow. I so wish the Chick-ster would've belted out a motown-ish tune because he has the pipes, but sigh, he went for the Luther V style again.

What's your guess for the vote off?