So, on Idol it was solo night and The Tale of the Four Rooms of Doom. We go from 100 to 50…and next week? Las Vegas, baby. And…The Beatles. Yeah, I’ll be honest, I was more excited about that first part until I saw the second part. Beatles Week…I’m a little over it. Yes, sue me, but I have Fab Four Fatigue.

Just me? Alrighty then.

However, after watching some of those solos last night, we definitely have the potential for a powerhouse line up this season. I’m a little concerned after the cuts that some of the characters we’ve come to know are still there. Didn’t mind getting to know them, but didn’t think they’d make it quite this far. And equally concerned by the number of kids we have never even seen, not even for a blink of time, or the ones that got no follow up last night. Did anyone see any of “The Minors” (aka Kids w Stage Moms) who did so well in the group sing in the Four Doom Rooms? I didn’t see any of them in the solo round and they did the Doom Room’s so fast you really couldn’t see much.

We did get a few peeks at some new talent, and perhaps gained a little more respect for some of the continuing characters, while, perhaps realizing that while some we’ve come to know really aren’t ready for this. I was as surprised that Ashley On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown got through as I was that Jacee did. Ashley has the chops, but she’s two blinks away from jumping off a roof somewhere. And Jacee is a sweetheart of a 15 year old who needs to grow a bit more into that lovely voice of his. He’s got the chops, too…but I think these leagues this year are a bit too powerful for him. I was surprised John Wayne made it through. I just didn’t think he was all that comparatively speaking. I was, however, totally wowed by the first group of girls who went up last night. Dang! I don’t remember names, but two of them were also 15, and…well, their voices were far more mature than Jacee’s. I wasn’t suprised that Scotty McCreery made it through despite flubbing the words. His deep voice is very distinctive. Now…if he could just learn more than that one song. I admit I’m interested to see what he does with a Beatles tune. (Hey Jude maybe?)

I hope next week is less hop scotching around, but I’m not holding my breath. I’m also done with all the pre pimping before commercials, with little blip clips of these amaaaaaazing performances that are coming that will blow us away….then we only get to see two of them. Seriously? I loved Dude with Bass (whose name I cannot recall, but red beard and really unique. Like him.) And I enjoyed the scat singer who left it all on stage, and left the rest of it in his mother’s arms in the hall. He was unique as well, with a killer range.

So…definitely some interesting talent. I’m rather hoping that Ashlee, Guy w/ Fiance (whose name I should know by now), Guy w/ Mohawk (ditto), and, yes, Jacee, end their journey in Vegas. So much other more developed and well rounded talent without the attendant drama. Chances of that happening? Yeah. I know.

What about you? Any early faves? Frustrated by those we haven’t seen? Those they haven’t followed up on? (Like Molly the White House Intern? Yeah, I saw her in one of the Go Through rooms. Who knew she was still in it? Certainly not us.)

In the meantime, whilst you ponder their relative merits, let’s give away some Free Stuff! Thank you all for entering this week. And the winner of a free book is? Jan W!!! Congratulations, Jan! Drop me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with an address and a few title ideas from my website bookshelf (in case I’m out of your first choice) and I’ll get your prize in the mail.

I hope everyone is set to enjoy a fabulous holiday weekend. I have my shopping destinations all lined up. And I’ll be back in the kitchen this Sunday working on the next Adventure in Cupcake Baking for next week’s Cakes by the Cup Blog post. What? You haven’t checked that out? Well, click here and check out the most recent installment, then leave a comment and you’re in the running for a free book!

See you all back here Monday with a new Free Stuff contest, and (be still my heart ) Amazing Race commentary!! Yes, Phil and his amazing eyebrows are back. Raaaaaaaaaaace! I can’t wait!!!

Tags: Writing //