So, last night on American Idol, due to Crystal Bowersox being ill, they changed it up and put the guys on first. What follows is my MAC (Morning After Commentary for those just joining us…) as the show unfolded…

First up, Michael Lynch and dayum, that was niiiice. Smooth, soulful, lovely. I could rewind and watch that again right now, that’s how smooth that was. Huge improve.

John Park brings us some John Mayer. I’m not a fan of Mayer (seriously, John? Shut up.) But Mr. Park also seemed to learn his lesson from last week’s debut. Sounded good with Gravity. Hard to follow Big Mike, especially doing something soulful, but he did a better job than last week. He’s not in the winner’s position yet, but he shouldn’t go home on that performance.

Mmm, Casey. Killer baby blues. And I honestly just like the guy. And btw, John? The first five seconds of this performance was what they meant by authentic. I don’t think this knocks Bo Bice out of the box as Bo has a much bigger bluesy voice, but the electric guitar was a nice touch. I wish his voice had more power. But there are those baby blues. Yeah. He’s not going anywhere.

Alex Lambert is the cuteness and I can identify with his competitive nerves. My youngest always had to do that before every football game and once he did, he was calm and good to go. I hope he’s comfortable up there this week. I can’t imagine performing for the third time in your life on that stage. Wow. And you know what? I like the guy this week. Serious cuteness and a pretty sweet sound, too. Hunh. Who knew? Wow, the guys are really stepping it up this week!

Toddrick Hall decides to take on Tina Turner, which would have had me rolling my eyes, but his humble interview with Ryan pre-sing had me hoping he keeps the improvement trend going tonight. (And what a dancer. Triple threat! I can see why Christina Applegate and Adam Lambert have been hyping this guy now.) And he’s not hard to look at, either. (Pass me the umbrella drink and just get it over with.) What is with the ballads tonight? Possibly not as deeply soulful as say Big Daddy Mike, but he’s trying. Not sure he has enough to be the winner…and agree, go with your strength. Dance. I also think it’s got to be confusing to know to what degree to implement the advice their getting. He honestly tried to do that, and to learn and grow, and for that he gets mad props from me.

Jermaine Sellers is up next. Not quite as humble, our Jermaine, but I wish him well. Singing Marvin Gaye…(why can’t these guys be current? And STOP changing it up so much.) I really think the ones who are struggling are applying too much of every nuance of what the judges say to their performances and losing themselves in the process. Toddrick I hope gets it figured out. Jermaine? Not so much. He’s not a bad singer, he just doesn’t do anything for me. I’d be okay if he goes home this week. Boot #1 of the night for me.

Onto our seventh performer is Andrew Garcia! Yay! Man, I hope he brings it, because I love him. I love his voice. I could listen to him for a long time. Well…not a step forward. He had a few flat notes and I hope he brings his guitar back next week. Pout. I hope he’s back next week, because he was my number one coming into this, but the judgery is right, he’s not really bringing it.

Aaron Kelly is up and he’s also the cuteness. Surprised he went the non-country route. The opening didn’t get me going, maybe he should have infused a little country into it…but he can truly sing. More confident, this week. And there’s the cuteness, so I’m thinking he’s safe.

Tim Urban is up next and…wow. What do you do when you bombed so spectacularly last week, but didn’t go home? Tough being this guy. But, on the other hand, what have you got to lose, really? It could only get better…or get you sent home for reals. He did a better job, but that’s not saying much. Was it enough to stay? Not thinking so. He’s got the same kind of vibe as Alex Lambert, but Lambert has a better grip on his sound and Tim isn’t going to be special enough to stay. So he’s Boot #2 for me tonight. But then, he was last week, too. We’ll see.

Lee Dewyze winds up the show for us, and I liked his backstory about his school years. Motivational and very true. This guy has such an authentic voice…the one I wish Casey had. Needs to work on the flat stuff, which was harsh tonight….but hope he stays around. He hits it right, it will be memorable.

So, tonight for me? Big Mike owned the night in terms of all around performance. Casey made me want to keep liking him. Same with Andrew and Lee. My surprise this week was Alex Lambert. Cutie patootie…and good chops. In the playback at the end of the night, still really got me. I hope Toddrick stays around, and Aaron already will. Beyond that, Tim, Jermaine, and, sadly, John, are the ones in danger for me.

Tonight it’s the ladies and I hope Crystal, as my frontrunner, is back up and running. I also hope the girls bring it like the guys did last night. Could be getting interesting in here!

What did you think? DISH!!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
No Comments »

Hello Blog Babes Everywhere! I have officially unburied myself from the second (third?) avalanche of snow and am slowly resuming normal life, with electricity and everything!

One fun announcement before we get to all the MAC. The new issue of Cosmopolitan hit the stands this week - March issue, red cover - and that is the very one that contains the excerpt from my current release, HERE COMES TROUBLE, as the Red Hot Read of the Month! Woot! For all you Cosmo Girls out there…enjoy!

Okay, on to the more important things, like did Jake actually even consider inviting Ali back on the show. And HA, no he did not. Even if I hadn’t already started liking the guy for his up front honesty and golly shucks earnestness, this would have earned him my undying love. For once, the mean girl gets hers. (And don’t you just know that when Jake was saying how he couldn’t let any of the women still on the show go to make room for her, she was killing to say he should ditch Vienna? You could just SEE it.) Speaking of Vienna, they did show more of their connection last night, which largely alluded back to their initial terrifying bungee jump together. There was a trust bond made that day that I’ve said all along the rest of the women will never be able to compete with.

After last night, I have to say, I think he was right in sending Gia home. It was clear he was way more caught up in the “I can’t believe the hot chick likes me” than he should have been by then. And while he respected a great deal more about her, I don’t think, even with her opening up to him, he could get past that intimidation factor, overall. And while I had thought that Tenley would make a good match for him spiritually, and in other ways as well, for all that he gushes over Gia and Vienna in terms of how attracted he is to them, he never says this about Tenley (despite the fact that she’s beautiful.) With the preview clip about the sexual incompatibility next week, I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track there. Now whether it’s that he can’t get past the Madonna Complex (no, not the singer) with her, or whether it’s something else, I’m putting all my eggs in the Vienna basket next week.

At least he admitted that Vienna is young and immature, but in so many other ways he feels like “the man” with her, and there’s no game playing there. She’s not capable of being devious, not with him. She’s far too vulnerable there for that. Now, have they privately weathered the absolute bashing she’s taken in the press while the series has aired? I’m guessing probably not. But I do get why he’d pick her from the bunch he had left.

In that regard, I know a lot of folks wanted him to bring Ali back, thinking she was more the full package for him. But I’m sorry, I don’t see that at all. She’d run him right into the ground in no time flat. And I think he knew that, because, only a week later? Yeah, he’d have moved heaven and earth if she’d really been the one. He knew she had the hate on for Vienna and I think his protective instincts where that was concerned, also colored his world.

And if you don’t think that performance by Ali last night wasn’t really her audition piece to be the next Bachelorette, then I have some swamp land I’d like to discuss… The very idea of her as Bachelorette is like nails to a chalkboard for me. That scratchy voice? Urgh. I know why the series brings forward folks we’ve gotten to know as their next Bach or Bach’ette, but I think it’s about time to jump off the recycling train. Especially is this is the best they can do. (And they can’t bring Tenley forward as the next B’ette. She’d never be able to handle that kind of testosterone!)

So…who is your pick to win? I don’t have a horse in this race, but it’s a shame I don’t see him with the chance of coming out of this with a life partner. If anyone was ready for that process to work, it was this guy.

So, on to Our Phil and the return of his Amazing Bathmat! Woo hoo! So, the new couples are interesting. No out and out hateful, bickering couple, so that was good. Although when Joe said, “The leader is Big Joe, right here” I said out loud, “Aaaaaand, I’m done with you.” But he hasn’t been overly obnoxious about it yet, so we’ll see.

I’m also concerned that this is the Bubblehead Season. Between the Miss Teen and the Big Bro winner, they’re even giving bubbleheaded blondes a bad name. Scary. I have to admit I like the Stereotypical Gay brother, who I will call Just Jordan! (Will & Grace) I’m not overly bothered by Team Lesbians’ need to shove their class-ay style of living on me yet. But they could easily go the other way. Funnier would help.

I felt bad for Dana and Adrian, the couple who went home. I’m sure he’ll be kicking himself over that for a long time, but it was nice to see how supportive they were to each other.

Love, love, love Triathalon Grannie and her Triathalon granddaughter. Her bio says she also used to do standup. Ha! And love how Just Jordan! did admit that maaaaaybe he’d underestimated them when granny kicked his yellow-sneakered behind. I think he will give me the funny this season, and I will let him.

I also liked Team Dad/Daughter. Seems solid, strong, really respectful of each other. Team Undercover Cop (how does that work, after you’ve been on television tho….just askin) is okay, though I could take or leave at this point. And Ty Murray’s run on Dancing With the Stars has predisposed me to lurve Team Cowboy. They are pretty stinkin’ cute. Jet and Cord. And you all think we make up hero names. Nuh uh. Not sure how far they’ll go, but here’s hoping they stick around awhile.

Also liked Team Lawyer Moms. Shawne’s “God is with me” all the way across that cable did make me smile. I’d have never been able to do that. I would have disappointed God. So, I was with her, too, the whole way.

All in all, looks like a good season! And Phil is smokin’ hot as ever. So all is good. Can’t wait until next week!

Right now, this week? It’s time to DISH! Any faves on the Race? Are you watching the Olympics? I’m loving them so far! Bring on the snowboarders! And tonight on Idol they’re going to spill at least a few of the Final 24 one night early. Too many things to watch!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
1 Comment »

First the Fun News!

My next single title, HERE COMES TROUBLE, will hit the stands the end of January. And I just found out that Santa is going to be very good to me this year as an excerpt from the book is going to be the Red Hot Read in the March issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. Yes, it’s true, I will officially be a Cosmo Girl. (Hey, I’ll take that any way I can get it. ) Woo hoo!

Here’s a sneak peek at the cover and the back copy!

GET LUCKY

A child of Vegas, Brett Hennessey knows about luck–especially the bad kind. But when this poker superstar hops on his Harley to outrun Lady Misfortune and ends up at a pretty B&B run by an even prettier proprietor, he can’t help thinking he’s stumbled onto a winning streak…

Sure, Kirby Farrell’s new B&B ski lodge opened to the warmest winter in Vermont history, but fate brought her a bad boy on a hot bike and settled him into her best room. She’s still broke, but the view across the breakfast table has definitely improved…

Only now Brett’s past has finally caught up to him. He has two choices: run again–and lose the best hand fortune’s dealt him yet. Or stay and risk everything for something he never thought would come his way…

February 2010
Brava Trade Paperback
ISBN 0758231334

And for any of you Cosmo Girls out there, check out the Red Hot Read in the December issue (which just left the stands for the January issue - already!) My anthology, Kissing Santa Claus, was the Red Hot Read in that issue, with HelenKay Dimon’s novella excerpted. Pretty sweet!

Okay, on to Free Stuff! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with Is it my turn yet? in the subject line. I’ll draw one name from all the entries and announce it here in Friday’s blog. Winner gets a free book from my website bookshelf. Good luck!

Now, on with the Morning After Commentary (MAC) for the finale of The Amazing Race. We had Team Shut Up, Team Cheyne! Cheyne! and Team Calm Down Erika in the final three. I was okay with anyone winning but the Shut Up brothers. And it all worked out okay for me in that regard, though I wish Brian/Erika hadn’t melted down during the Cirque challenge as I’d have wanted it to be closer with them. But, to the surprise of absolutely no one, Team Shut Up had no idea who Wayne Newton was as they raced to the finish in Vegas, and though Team Cheyne! Cheyne! had no idea that Monte Carlo was the famous casino in Monaco, they did managed, as they’ve done so many times before, to cross the mat first. Not my favorite team ever, but certainly a deserving one. I saw a blurb in the Post about them today and didn’t realize they are only 23 years old. Given that, my tolerance for Megan does go up a little. Anyway - another season in the can. Lovely countries, some fun couples. Looking forward to next season!

This week we have more Dance, the finale of Top Chef (go Garden Gnome!) and we find out if it ever occurs to anyone on the old Foa Foa that maybe, just maybe, at some point, somebody ought to discuss voting out Russell. Just sayin.

I hope you all have a fabulous Monday! Now it’s time to DISH!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
3 Comments »

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all the Blog Babes out there!

I did make my deadline! Yay! So there is another Hot Scot coming your way next spring. Look for the cover art and back cover copy to be posted here next week. Free Stuff Friday returns next week, as does the Morning After Commentary (aka the MAC!) Thanks for your patience while I was crushed under this last deadline. But I’m back!

As I write this, I am out here in the balmy 18 degree temps of Steamboat Springs, Colorado to visit my son and his very adorable girlfriend and get to enjoy the holiday with family. I hope you are all able to connect with and enjoy family and friends today, too!

I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your continued support over the years. It means a great deal to me. I love hearing from you all - those who have been with me since the beginning (eighteen years and close to fifty books ago!!) and those new to my books. You’ve all been so great with your notes and letters. I love hearing from you and getting your feedback. Keep spreading the word to the masses, you guys - you are the absolute bestest! (And if you’re feeling particularly happy from all that turkey & pumpkin pie drop in on Amazon or B&N and shout it from the rooftops - every good review helps keep the books out there! Don’t let the grinches win! Blog babes, unite! ) Thank you for all the love & support ~ you guys rock!

I truly hope you enjoy everything that’s coming in the new year. I am thankful for each and every one of you.

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
No Comments »

I just realized this never posted on Friday!!! Sorry - so you get two-for-one today. Scroll down to the last post for Monday (today’s!) blog entry…

Wow, poor Russell, huh? (And no, don’t get your hopes up, not that Russell…) Whether you liked him or not, I felt bad that he had to leave the game the way he did. He obviously hated going out like that, and I felt for him. I’m just glad he’s okay, because that second time he went down? Yeah, that was not fun to watch. Yikies. Otherwise, not a particularly dynamic episode. I’m tired of Survivor: Soggy Samoa. I want my show back.

Over on Project Runway, Christopher uses up what absolutely has to be his last life, right? Nicholas goes home instead, so not a great loss there, but how can Christopher be on that runway in the bottom two that often -and in a row! - and not be packing his pins and needles? Seriously? I want my show back there, too, Tim.

In other news…next week’s Free Stuff Friday is going to be a particular treat since I just got my hands on the advance review copies of my February release, Here Comes Trouble. One could be on its way to you! Check back Monday for details.

In the meantime, we have a winner for this week’s contest. And it’s Blog Babe Linda H! Woo hoo, Linda! Send me an email and let me know what title you’d like. Send a few choices in case I’m out of your first one.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Looking forward to Raaaaace on Sunday. But right now? I’m looking forward to a little DISH!! Who needs to exit Survivor? Possibly the easier question is who should stay? Or do you care if any of them stay? I have absolutely not a single favorite on that show this year. It’s all just a generic blur to me. On Project Runway - still liking Carol Hannah, and Logan (tho yikes this week, L!) Irina…sigh…she’s a good designer, but does she have any concept that what she says on a nationally televised program, week in and week out, could impact her future as a professional designer? Because, yikies there, too. Wouldn’t kill ya to just be decent, huh? And possibly drop the cocky down a few percentage points as well. I wish there was someone more dynamic on this season. I miss the Christian’s and the colorful characters. I know, but it’s borrrrring this year! Your take?

Also… enjoying the Richard Castle/Nikki Heat book. It’s fun! And not just because I can pretend it really was written by the hunky Nathan Fillion, who has quite the nice photo on the back cover…

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
4 Comments »

Last night on Dancing With The Stars, each celeb/pro gave us two dances, one ballroom, one latin. Everyone did a fairly good job. Sort of like American Idol last week. No one really fell down on the job. Which is a good thing since the celebs all had solos in their second dance.

But some teams I am loving more than others. And this doesn’t always relate to dancing talent.

I admire Kim and Derek’s abilities, but neither dance this week did it for me, although I actually liked the ballroom more than the latin, which is surprising. But she seemed all over the place with that latin routine. And the solo? Yikes. Calm down, Kim.

Cheryl and Gilles also kind of disappointed. I thought their fox trot was nicely done, very sensual, but that rumba was just so too much of everything. Calm down Cheryl and Gilles. Sometimes less is more.

Then we had Shawn and Mark. I loved the Alladin routine. Loved the song, loved Shawn, just a very Disney Princess fun routine. Suited her personality to a tee. I thought she did the very best she could with the latin routine, and I know folks are mad at Mark for his rule breaking choreo, which the judges all said cost her the perfect score. But, think about itt, she’s not really all that great with the hip action and Mark did a brilliant job of disguising that with his routine. I think if he’d stuck to the rules, she’d have done worse. Anyway - enjoyed them last night.

Also loved Melissa and Tony. He does a wonderful job with the choreo and I thought both their waltz and their latin routine went really well. I was happy to see her back and wow, a 30 on that second routine. To be honest, I thought she looked a bit stuff in terms of her hip action and did most of her action up top, but given her rib injury, it was amazing she could do any of it, really. So, kudos to them both. And I think Melissa has handled her slot on this show really well - loved her comment last night about getting out of her solo since she’s not really a celebrity. She’s really done right by herself and she’s giving Tony the season of his career on the show.

But my favorite of the night, seroiusly….Ty. Yes, yes, yes, he’s most definitely the worst one out there. But who would you rather watch dance and listen to during all the rehearsal footage - Ty? Or Kim? See, exactly. It’s funny, because normally even if they’re charming, it’s a chore sometimes to actually watch the bad dancers. Not with Ty, not for me. Major major kudos to Chelsie for doing him such justice with the choreo. And I adored, absolutely and completely, his little “solo” for his wife. Because playing that to the crowd simply wouldn’t have worked, because he’s so horrible at it, but playing it to her was wonderfully sweet and cute. And his comments after with Samantha were hilarious. Love, love, love him. Yes, he totally deserves to go home, but boy I’d sure send home Kim first and get to enjoy him one more week. I’m going to miss his commentary, his quiet confidence, and his hard work. One of my all time faves.

What else was good? Watching pros dance without any cutaways to singers. What wasn’t good? Wow, the singing last night. Stoner Music Dude must have recruited all of his crack buddies because, other than the Alladin music, which was just fun, the rest was simply horrible. And the singing was tragically bad. Yikes, show. Yikes.

Back to the pros, though. Louis!! for one, and paired with Lacey, which I thought was so interesting and definitely a major compliment to her. She’s really elevated her stature from last year and you can see all the hard work she has put in on bringing herself up to snuff with the other pros. I’m glad to see that rewarded. And we got Jonathan and his wife, Anna, so double bonus. Also? Dmitry lost the buttons on his shirt. Again. I love it when that happens.

All in all, great night. America? Send Kim home. Keep the bull rider.

Tonight we get Rock Night on American Idol, with Slash as the mentor. I know. There are no more words. Just sit back and prepare yourself for the ride.

What did you think about the dancing? Who stays, who goes, and who is your pick to win it all? I’d be happy with a Shawn, Melissa, or Gilles win. Not so much with Kim, and Ty, while I heart him, shouldn’t make the top three. But he can beat Kim. Just sayin.

Oh! And would you like to win free stuff? Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Yeah, free stuff is good!” in the subject line. I’ll draw a name from the pile o’ entries this Friday and announce the winner of a free book right here. Check in to see if you win!

In the meantime? DISH!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
6 Comments »

First the MAC….

So, Survivor is on a real love it/hate it ride with me this season. Last week with the Tyson blindside, it was all love. This week Coach wins immunity, everyone picks on the young kid, and they send Sierra home. Honestly, if I was Sierra I’d be glad to be out of there, too. Wow. Talk about a season of “mean girls.” I’m not sure why everyone was on her case so much, but it was like she couldn’t win from the very beginning. I think Coach had a lot to do with her “bad rep” and, as far as I could tell, every time she tried to talk or get her point across, she was shut down by other people having tantrums. Debbie and Erinn.

Yes, she did stalk off a few times, but honestly? Can you blame her? Wow. Again.

And Coach in a bald faced lie…you do know this is all taped, right? Because I think he honestly believed everything he was saying at tribal. In his head, that’s how he has it all recorded. Man, what an irritating season.

Even then, Sierra was pretty classy about her exit. I’d have been spewing venom at that point and she was pretty much just, hey, I made it a hell of lot longer than I thought I would. Which, true. And yay, now she gets to go live with the meanest mean girl of all….Tyson. Lucky her. At least she’ll be clean, fed, and have Brendan there to deflect the asshole. Poor thing, as much as I want them to send Coach there next week, it’s like a never ending nightmare for her.

Moving forward, did anyone howl in laughter as JT is essentially telling Probst in tribal council why everyone should vote him off? (Immunity threat, social threat….) No, they just all love him to death. So do I, but ya gotta laugh. Hopefullly Debbie, Coach and Erinn will be out the door, then things will get real interesting.

And Debbie…how is it that you’re the principal of a middle school, but you can’t handle drama? And young people? Seriously? Shut up, Debbie.

Okay, let’s move on to the fun part of today’s activities! Free stuff! All ya had to do was email me this week, and loads of ya did. But there can be only one winner, and that lucky Blog Babe is? Maureen E! Woo hoo! Just email me with some title ideas (in case I’m out of your first pick) and an address, and it’s on the way.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. My youngest comes home tonight from college in Colorado for the summer. Yay!

So…now it’s your turn. Were you pissed off at how everyone treated Sierra during the reward challenge? Am I the only one who was rooting for her? Who do you want gone next? And who do you want to win? Taj? Stephen? JT? God forbid, Coach? DISH!!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
5 Comments »

Seriously, right? So, on American Idol, 47 million people voted and all of them assumed Adam was safe. Good job, Americker.

Things I loved:

Adam screwing the show’s pacing by going, “Um, this group” in five seconds flat. Ha.

Adam being wrong. Nothing says pick up that phone like putting your favorite son in jeopardy two weeks before the final.

What I also loved?

Adam possibly not winning. Now, I very selfishly want him entertaining me for free for as long as possible. But, for Adam’s sake, it would be so great if the show Daughtry’d him.

The Final Four. Sure, I’m not a Gokey fan ($6000 cleaning bill. Must have been some seriously expensive carpets you smeared icing into, my man) but it will be an entertaining final four, that’s for sure.

What I didn’t love:

Danny giving a two hour answer to Ryan’s short question. Shut up, Danny.

Natalie Cole, though she looks wonderful, considering.

My reaction to Taylor Hicks. I mean, he was kinda hot, y’all. I am so not in like with myself right now.

Jamie going the vocoder route. Best mentor ever, but can’t anyione just sing, dammit? Altho, props for getting the movie plug in there since Fox hates it that you’re in an NBC owned property. HA! Nobody puts baby in a corner.

Things I am excited about:

Rock Week. Two songs each (they’d better!) and Slash taking the mentor program right into the tanker. (What in the hell is he going to tell someone like Kris?)

What else I am excited about…possibly sending Coach home on Survivor tonight. Come on, it could happen!

Your turn….DISH! Who’s your top three? Who goes home next? And how many lives does Sierra have? More than Matt? Where is the Tribal Save when you need one? Oh, right….last week.

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
2 Comments »

It was Rat Pack night on American Idol and color me disappointed. Not in the performances, they were all pretty decent. But normally when we get down to top 5, we get two songs. So I feel kinda gypped.

Jamie Foxx was the mentor (I know, random, right?) except he was really pretty excellent and did a fair job getting the contestants to pull the best out of themselves in a way that they could actually understand. Except, well, Gokey. Who will never get it because he knows he already has it. He’s from a musical family, doncha know.

So Kris sings The Way You Look Tonight and does a nice, soulful version of it. But, again…nice. Not blockbuster. Jamie loves the adorable dude and wants to cut a record with him. And I will agree that he is the most out-of-the-gate marketable of the 5 remaining. It won’t take much imagination to package him in the Mraz Mold. And it will work. Jamie ain’t stoopid. Still…it was nice. And Simon isn’t wrong about him being more confident about his abilities and how it will raise his game if he grasps that. B+

Alison actually pulls out another really wonderful performance with Someone To Watch Over Me, this one an understated ballad where she keeps her growl in check just enough so that we appreciate her singing. I really - REALLY - wish she’d learn to enunciate the words more clearly, only because the way she growl/slurs her way through the song indicates that while she appreciates the material musically, she’s not actually connecting with the song itself. And that disconnect is, I think, a large part of why America isn’t falling in love the Kelly Clarkson Way with her. Still, a very good job for her. A-

Matt sings Funny Valentine and, once again, he proves why he is all over the brink of really defining himself as an artist, but never quite sealing the deal. Also a very, very marketable guy, but he’s not quite owning it like he should, though he did respect his range more clearly this time. B

Danny. Danny, Danny, Danny. Even Jamie is like, Danny, Danny, Danny. He doesn’t know what to do with the earnest poseur either. He sings Come Rain or Come Shine. And he delivers, as he always does. He’s a very good performer-slash-entertainer. (Cut and paste, cut and paste…) But he’s not a defining presence who will command enduring record sales. Sorry. B+

Adam gets the Broadway entrance, and, really, why not? He gives a very Adam performance, the Muse version of Feeling Good, and, like Gokey, he delivers, as he always does. The difference is, I will download this. And buy a concert ticket. He is both entertainer and artist. I’m not sure there’s much more the guy can give us, but then, brilliance is hard to top. At least he’s consistent with it. A

Who is going home? Alison or Matt. I’d go with Matt. Alison deserves a final 3 slot.

Which leads to who goes home on Dancing With the Stars. And it ain’t Ty! Wooot! Of course, who I’d have sent home? Was Robin Thicke. About five notes into song number one. Yikes with the live singing. Stay in the recording studio, Son of Alan. The dancers were the only saving grace. And no, I don’t mean the dancers on the stage with him. (What was UP with that? Did they not explain how this show works? It was like he didn’t get why suddenly the crowd was cheering…and it wasn’t for him.) Then, on Song 2, we got Pasha and Anya and I was SO psyched. Until they came out. What was that hideous mop of hideousness on Anya’s head? Wow, talk about distracting. And their dance was almost manic, when they are normally stunning together. So, major disappointment there. I will just rewatch Dmitry/Kym and Alec/Edyta from dance–er song 1.

Then we get the news that Ty is safe and finally it’s down to Chuck/Juliannne and Melissa/Tony and I’m pretty sure it’s Melissa going, which is a shame that she yet again leaves a show with an unfortunate exit…only it’s not Melissa at all! Wow, the troops really rallied for her. Yay! The flip side, is it kind of sucks to see Chuck go when I was just finally falling for the two. But then, it is Chuck. I’m not crushed or anything. And way to throw your teammates under the dance bus, Chuckie. He seemed happy enough to get out of Dodge and by the time he was done saying goodbye, I was ready for him to leave again, too.

The filler commercials were alternately cringe-worthy and kinda funny. The silver mirror balls did make me laugh. The Make Me A Dance Show Pro competition, not so much with the entertainment. Is this really the best they could offer? Not that they can’t dance, they’re all pros, but the personality aspect isn’t grabbing me. Ashley’s sister dimmed for me this week, and the blonde lost me all together with the pageant-y answer (zing, Samantha! Altho shut up and let Mayo answer the question you asked him. Sigh.) I find Mayo strangely appealing in all his tallness, and Alec’s brother in all his unwashed hair sleazy-still-sexiness. And yet, underwhelmed. Just hire Artem and be done with it already.

I’m thinking Ty is history next week. Leaving us with Shawn, Kim, Melissa, Gilles as the Final Four. Which - not a bad deal, really. I just kind of realized how many women are left and will likely make it to the end. Hunh. Not bad!

And! So You Think You Can Dance is almost here. Woooot squared!

Now it’s your turn…who goes home on Idol tonight? Who goes home next on Dancin? Who’s your pick to win it all? DISH!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
5 Comments »

…to the end of Timbira. Ahhhhhh.

I kind of liked how Sierra tried to fight for herself. Attempting to rationalize with Coach was definitely an act of courage. Or…something. And I had no problem with her being happy she was in contention to win with one puck left to slide. I mean, Debbie is all “did you see her celebrate? How dare she?” (And I generally like Debbie…) But then when she won, had no problem at all dancing around and hooting about how it all couldn’t have worked out better, yay them, crush the kids dreams, rub it in her face, woo hoo! And she’s standing right there. So, shut up, Debbie.

And next week, to think that Coach has the audacity to ask where her loyalty is after he wrote her name down? Loyal to what? His whim? And how amusing is it that suddenly it’s Coach and Debbie and….um….is that grasshoppers I hear? Seriously with those two. How quick the (supposedly) might have fallen.

Not that Sierra is in any better position. JT’s got no love for her at all, so she’s still a man without a country. Her only power is the value of her vote. I hope she parlays it all the way to the end. She won’t win, but I won’t care. Just sticking it out would make me happy.

I did feel bad for JT having to go back on his word to Coach, then listen to him spout on about how much he knows JT’s word is worth…which I’m sure in real life, out-of-game context, is probably very true. For JT’s sake, I’m glad he realizes that, ultimately, this is a game. And went with the strong move.

And Tyson? Just one word. HA.

Now on to the giving away of free stuff! Yay! Clearly, no one was guessing that Debbie was going to win immunity, because….whyever would they? So everyone had an equal chance this week as I drew from everyone who entered. And this week’s winner is Joyce M!! Woo hoo!! Just send me an address and a few title ideas (in case I’m out of your first one) to donna@donnakauffman.com. I am actually packaging up weeks worth of winnings here today with every hope and ambition of getting them all shipped out this weekend. Thank you for your patience!

I hope everyone has a fantabulous weekend. It’s stunningly gorgeous here today, so I am heading down to the riverside to work. (Nice office space if you can get it.) Now if my two main characters would just get their act in gear and let me write this %$^%$#% story as I planned, instead of heading off in all manner of other directions that I have no clue what to to with, that would be just peachy.

Also? DISH!!

Tags: Uncategorized by Donna
4 Comments »