Now that's more like it, AI! (and some BL)

Ahh, American Idol. It was nice to have a variety of music last night, and bit sad to realize I was older than every single contestant --except one. Well, I guess that just means my critique of the show is more reliable and believable! I'm more than wise --I'm old and wise. And regardless of what people think, I see oldness as wiseness. Usually.
Anywhosers, I was glad to see that the show was shorter by 1/2 an hour. For some reason that just makes it easier for me to remember the songs. Somehow. Not sure how. Forget I said anything...

My take:
Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson were obviously very ill last night. As in "sick". As in "they had a cold" or something. I think it affected both of their critiques, although Paula's was the most affected. As usual. She sounded like an idiot. Yes, she's nice, but that does not make her idiocy any less...idiotic. Okay, moving on!

Ramiele Malubay: Why did she shout? Why can't she just use the instrument God gave her in the way it should be used? Ahh, the answer is because the judges made her feel crappy when she sang quietly (the Beatles ballad in week one), so she's pushing it hard now. But why did she have to sing one of my all time favorite songs and screw it up? Seriously, I didn't like it. It was better than last week, yes, but it bothered me. A lot. Not sure how to fix this one. I think her nerves are too fried and she's having a hard time relaxing, getting herself into it...not sure...
Jason Castro: Too quiet, Jason! I agreed with the judges in that I was looking for some more dynamic interpretation. At least he was sincere and confident this week, though. Last week was crazy. I like the confidant Jason. And, ooh! His eyes! Love me some Jason eyes! (To be honest, they're the same color as my husband's, so maybe that's why. heehee!)
Sayesah Mercado: I really liked this! I was surprised at how much I liked it, but I wasn't really watching her sing very much. I was just listening. When I went back to watch her sing? I was kind of annoyed. But her voice is amazing --spot on pitch and fabulous runs. I didn't know she could sing that high, either! Really good job.
Chikizie: Eh. It was pretty good; I really like his soulful voice. He knows how to work the crowd, etc. but I guess I just wasn't too impressed. His first week (top 12) was phenomenal, his second week was, well, weak, and now? I guess he just peaked the first week. Which is sad, really, because he's a great singer and a fab performer. He just needs to pick better songs...?
Carly Smithson: She started out perfectly. It was beautiful! [And those back-up singers are awesome. I've always liked them.] But then she started shouting, which actually wouldn't have been too bad if she had sang that last note quietly; subtly. But no, she shouted it out, and although it actually kind of "worked" (as in it was in tune and she held it strong to the end instead of petering out), it was obnoxious. Very...how do I put it? Selfish. That's it. It was selfish and self-indulgent. I'm seriously hoping Carly realizes that she can do something quiet, serene, and still blow people away. Because her pitch is always spot on, and she'd do wonders singing a ballad straight-laced without feeling like she has to rock it out. I think Simon put it right when he said she was "uptight". Absolutely!
Michael Johns: He's the one who is approximately 4 months older than me. And he's hot stuff, I decided. Hoo-wee! His performance last night was my favorite, hands down (with a close David Cook second), and I found myself cheering! I was so glad he got to do Queen, and I loved the combo of the two songs. Seriously, I love this guy! I tried to close my eyes to imagine what he'd sound like on the radio (awesome, by the way. He would sounds awesome!), but I didn't want to close my eyes because he's so nice to look at! (pardon me while I blush a little...sorry, Brandon!)
Brooke White: Kudos to Brook for re-starting when she made the first mistake --like she said, you're not supposed to do that, but it was so refreshing because it's easy to forget that these guys only have a week (or less) to rehearse and pull off these amazing performances in front of millions of people. Not an easy task! I agreed with the judges about the band coming in. She should have just done her thing with the piano, which, by the way, was awesome. Again. Not sure why I haven't gotten bored of her yet. Is it her smile? Her honesty? Her raw talent? Perhaps her awesome religion that I can' t help but relate to? Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps. She did well, though. Much better than last week's dancing fiasco. Ouch!
David Archuleta: I wish he'd work on his diction a little bit more. Then I could have understood the song better; but his voice was beautiful as usual. Not my favorite David Archuleta song, but still a goodie!
Kristy Lee Cook: "God Bless the USA?" Wha? I totally get why she picked it, what with it being a Country song and all; I just thought she could have done a Reba song or something. That would have been better. The middle bridge part? Holy cow, Kristy! Couldn't you sing it on key? That one hurt. But, I'll give her props. It could have been ten times worse, and she did look comfortable on stage. Finally.
David Cook: WHOAH! He came in a very close second to my favorite of the night (yes, it was Michael Johns, need I remind you?). This guy is probably the best musician out of the contestants (Brook would be the next best). He reminds me of Chris Daughtry and Bo Bice; cool arrangements and not afraid to make things his own. Who knew a Michael Jackson song could be so alternative? First Lionel Richie, then the Beatles, now Jackson? It was awesome!! David knows exactly who he is and exactly how to get 'er done. It was awesome. Awesome, I tell you! Awesome!

Who should go home:
Ramiele Malubay or Kristy Lee Cook

Who probably will go home:
Dear reader, have I ever guessed who will? Nope. And I won't start now... So, I'll just say somebody is going home. Yes, it will be somebody!

What did you think?
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THE BIGGEST LOSER:

Whoah! I was blown away when Dan won the challenge, but then got sent home. Crazy! Crazy! The whole cake fiasco was hilarious and I'm glad Roger took it to teach Dan a lesson. That was just too funny! It was nice to laugh about it all for once.

But how angry were you about the girls getting "annihilated"? (Alli's word). That was just awful, immature and very, very rude. I was so thrilled that the girls beat out every single one of those boys. Hooray for Girl Power! I cried with them after the weigh-in. They so deserved to win. And I'm hoping they both stay in it for a while --all the way to the end!

What did you think?