So, American Idol ended the suspense and gave us the rest of the Top 24 last night, but I could barely pay attention because the Americans were too busy winning gold medals all over the dang place last night on the Olympics. Wow, what a day/night, huh?

First, Idol. I think there’s a pretty solid line up this year, with probably fewer “what? who is that kid?” moments during the final announcements. I think the only one that made me feel bad was them letting Angela go. That was brutal. And there are some who I simply can’t gauge for not knowing them, or seem generic from the highlights shown. But, amongst all of that you have some pretty unique singers. One of the things I like about this group is they seem to, overall, have a better sense of who they are as singers and stick with it. Not as many “stand up there and belt it to the cheap seats” singers this year. A lot more nuance. As for my faves, Andrew Garcia, hands down, in the singing department, with Crystal “MamaSox” Bowersox right alongside. Not the most marketable, I’m sure, but wow, I could listen to them sing for a long, long time. Next week, we get the girls…and we go live! About time!

Now, over to Vancouver. Amazing last night, huh? Lindsay nailing that downhill and Mancuso taking silver? Take that, European skiiers! And though I’ve been following the story with Lindsay and her husband Thomas, which is such a great story, such a great team, I was a little miffed that they kept the mike open during their very emotional reunion after she won gold. Some things need to be personal, NBC! Then we got to watch Shoni take the speed skating gold, and how cute is he? But the night wasn’t over yet…it was FINALLY half pipe time and that is so much fun. I wish they would keep the music amping so you could hear it - it’s certainly cranking there in person - as that is such a big part of the vibe, but they muted it so the announcers could talk all over each performance. I thought they were all fun. It was great seeing my little Dancing with the Stars Oompa Loompa Louis Vito do his thing, too. So close, Louis, so close!

But the star of the night for me was watching Shaun White just go out there and kill it. He didn’t throw in his huge new trick on his first run…and didn’t even need it? The air that kid gets is unreal. Both of my sons spent a lot of time in snow parks and I’ve had my heart in my throat more than once watching them, so I don’t know how his mom does it, but wow, what a payoff last night, mom!! Icing in the cake and showing the true competitor he is, even after winning the gold on his first run, he went out there and did a second run, threw in the McTwist, and upped his score to a near perfect 48.4. Crazy town! Loved every second.

Tonight, we’re back in the land of tassels and lace. Yes, of course I’m talking Men’s Figureskating!! We also continue on with our Heroes and Villains on Survivor, and more fashion on Project Runway. (I loved Anthony winning last week. Most adorable runway win ever.) So a lot to watch…but I’ll probably be riveted to the Olympics as I have been all week. The rest can wake. Thank goodness for TiFaux!

What did you all think? Any early faves on Idol? Are you losing sleep staying up past your bedtime on a school night to watch the Olympics? What’s caught your attention most? DISH!!

Tags: Writing //