So, over on Dancing With the Stars, America got it so woefully wrong I couldn’t even post about it. I mean, I know, Sugar Ray’s days were numbered and he was at the back of the dancing pack. But at least he and Anna were delightful to watch and be around. Kendra? Not so much. Not at all, actually. I think the only person more disappointed that she was still in it was her partner, Louis. Well, and Kendra. Both of their faces fell when they were announced safe, and even when they struggled to look happy about it, it was kind of a fail. I’m so sorry, Louis! One more week and maybe you’ll be free! FREE LOUIS!

Then, over on Survivor, for the first time, I really didn’t love Rob. I like him when he’s being funny and self deprecating, all the while being devious and a mastermind. But now the mastermind thing has gone way to his head and it’s just not as much fun to watch. I hope he turns that around. I can’t report on the craziness that is Phil because I had to fast forward every time Probst provoked him into speaking. I….just can’t take the crazy. So, shape up show! I miss you.

Fortunately, my reality show run concluded with watching American Idol performance night, where all the songs were featured in movies. A really good performance night that I bet was truly stupendous in house. No way did that carry over to my living room the same power it had to hold in person. First time I’ve truly wanted to be there to hear everyone sing.

Okay, so maybe not Paul. Fortunately they put him on first, so even the producers are begging us to send him and his Velvet Elvis meets Porter Wagner outfit home. I’m begging America, too. But after DWTS….I’m not holding my breath. I honestly felt, though, that this was his weakest performance, which coming on the heels of his barn burner last week, well….can we all agree he’s the weakest left now? Can we?

After that, it was all entertaining. Some more powerfully than others. Singer by singer, I’m being picky when I talk about their performances, but you kind of have to be at this point, because other than maybe Paul, they’re all putting on a great show, every time. So keep that in mind when you read my comments.

Lauren Alaina outdid Miley Cyrus (not a particularly challenging feat) and it was a great performance, but she still lacks that underlying raw grit that shows a true connectedness to the material. So….good job, but not the highlight of the night. She looked lovely, though. Her mother, however, scares me. Truly. Scares me.

Stefano, on the other hand, knocked it not only out of the park, but out of the stratosphere. For the first time he combined the song with stage presence in a way that was actually contemporary and marketable, to where I could see him in today’s music market instead of just on a Broadway stage. His best, by far, and I think it will save him. Comparatively speaking, it should.

We had a lot of performers sticking with their guns last night, even over Jimmy Iovine and Will-i-am’s input. The only one I might have changed up was Scotty’s. I really liked how his voice sounded on his initial choice and wish he’d stuck with it and infused it with his own distinctive tone. By going with a George Strait song instead, it was just Scotty signing George. Very well, mind you, but it wasn’t distinct nor did it feel fresh. In fact, it was kind of boring. Really boring. Just me? Alrighty then. But, while good enough to keep him in, and added to the overall performance value of a good show — he is a very good singer - it was my least fave from him in a while.

Then Casey comes out, and sure, he might have pushed a little too hard and his voice was a bit all over in some parts…but that? Singing Nat King Cole and playing bass on a purely jazz infused song? Utterly snagged me. It was unique, interesting, and had such a good feeling throughout. I wish he had better tonal quality at times, but it’s nothing that wouldn’t be hammered out in studio. For live, and for all the scat, etc? I was blown away. Thank God he didn’t listen to Jimmy because it was easily The Moment of the night for me. Not the best technical delivery, but the most gripping, attention-wise, for me.

Then we had Haley, who, bless her heart, growled through a Blondie song and….it was fun to watch, but I don’t think she did herself any overall favors. I don’t have the same problem with the women exiting this season as some other’s do. I don’t care about gender, just about who I want to hear sing every week, and she’s not as high on my list as the others, who also happen to be guys…so I fear she might be in jeopardy…

Jacob’s turn and my favorite part of the night that didn’t happen on stage happened in rehearsals when Jimmy gave Jacob the utter smackdown he deserved for having the gall to preach to America to vote for him last week. Thank you, Jimmy! About time someone snagged his collar. It totally shut Jacob down at that moment, and he was almost ridiculously low key in his clip telling us what he was singing this week, but rather than come off contrite or honestly humbled, he kind of looked like he was pouting to me. So, you’re still on my list, Jacob, which is a shame. But no redemption here, not that I saw. So what bugged me even more was then he comes out and sings Bridge Over Troubled Water and yep…gave me chills. Dammit. I won’t vote for him, but I do like his voice. I know a lot of people don’t like the over the top-ness and I completely get it. If there wasn’t something about his particular tone that grabbed me, I’d be in that boat, too. But it works the opposite on me. Every time. I just like it. A lot. I really - REALLY - wish, I liked him as well. I’m not back there yet. And after last night, I don’t know that I’ll ever be.

We finish the night with James going full tilt metal. And while not the catchiest of metal tunes, it was a showpiece for sure. They even had Ozzy’s guitarist out there. I thought James nailed it straight across the board. And his little clip just before about Give Metal a Chance? Was both hilarious and endearing. I’m really starting to love this guy. And I bet that was super intense in the building. Wish I’d been there. Great way to close the show, so much energy.

So, another great performance night, where you have to nitpick just to figure out who to ship out. Well, after Paul. Other bottom two…for me, just based on this week, it would be Haley and, purely for me, Scotty. I know he won’t come close to a silver stool of doom. It will probably be Jacob and I’m totally fine with that. It’s not performance for me with him, but karma, baby. But the thing about this crew is it’s all SO week to week. Even Paul had a good week last week with Johnny Cash. Good for Paul, anyway. It’s really anybody’s to lose on any given performance night. I’m interested to see who heads out….and if Stefano stays safe this week. I hope so. He earned it this week!

If you like behind the scenes fun…here are two links. This one is a conversation with the two vocal coaches, which details song choices and what the singers went through during prep week. I don’t always agree with the coaches assessments, but it’s interesting insight. The other is “what you didn’t see on tv” article from the EW correspondent in the audience. I love behind the scenes stuff!

What say you, Blog Babes? Who did you love? Who not so much? And don’t forget to head over to Cakes by the Cup and sneak in one last contest entry. New cupcake adventure goes up this afternoon and the winner announced. This week the recipe is ridiculously decadent. Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake cupcakes. I know! Tune in later this afternoon for a whiff!

But right now? DISH!

Tags: Writing //