Idol….three left, three songs…not much going on with the whole hometown visit thing. Maybe they’ll show it on results night. Odd.

So…

Archie, trying to look all manly and still looking like a puppy (a very cute puppy, but still) sings an incredibly boring Joel song chosen by Paula, then his own choice, not kidding, singing My Boo (no, I’m seriously not kidding) and makes it sound very Up With People (he’s just not a kid who will ever be down with his bad self, sorry) and then, lastly….the producer choice of Longer by Fogelberg, which….lather, rinse, repeat.

Syesha looks glam smash wow in a gold sequin gown, sings Alicia Keys chosen by Randy and does it very well, then in a short spangly black dress does her own choice of Fever, which is right up her actressy alley, great last note, (and she might not have shown her contemporary recording chops, but Broadway producers, I’m telling you…call her,) and lastly, the producer pick for her is Hit Me Up which sounds Broadway popstar-ey. The reason she’s stage and not radio friendly is because her voice is not distinctive. If I played that for you and you didn’t know it was her? You’d never know it was her. Know what I mean?

Cook sings Roberta Flack’s If Ever I Saw Your Face chosen by Cowell, and honestly, even if he weren’t my favorite, that? Got me to actually vote. First time this season. I download, but voting? No. Can’t say that any longer. Then he chooses Switchfoot’s Dare You To Move for himself, played the guitar and sounded uber contemporary, not my fave though, very atonal version, and lastly, the producer chosen tune? I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing. And, yeah yeah yeah, I know, but for me? It’s the ew-iest song by Aerosmith. Producers choices, all told? Sucked. He changed it up a little, but what can you do with that? Not much. His first song was the song of the night, which isn’t saying as much as it should be.

I missed my delightfully dopey forest creature.

I don’t think anyone stepped forward. No one fell down, either. I think they each mostly just maintained. Going tomorrow, prolly Syesha, just because she won’t stand up to the David Duo.

Dancing….

Who makes the finals? First? Small children shouldn’t be able to move like that. It’s just not right. That paso was freaking insane. No way are those kids. Dang. In other news, I totally dug the choreography of the Thriller tribute…the singing? Not so much.

Okay, so now we get to The Moment. Who’s in? Who’s out? Okay, so when they did that part where they each talk about why the other one is in the finals and it’s all dark and intense? First time I was seriously WHOA about Jason. Because that? Was pure, fierce hotness right there. Dayum. I need a fan. And some ice. And whole lot more of that Jason. On my book covers. Where has that been? I was moved, y’all.

First one in the finals? Kristi & Mark. So not a shock there. And I think Marissa is out, only because it would have made much better drama to announce her first, if she was still in it. And, it’s the right move on the talent scale, but I find her more entertaining than Jason, even if she’s not as technically skilled. Except if Edtya can get him to look on the dancefloor like he did in that video clip…then I’m all for him staying. In fact, he can stay right here. With me. Alone.

Next couple in? Jason & Edyta. Okay, Edyta, don’t let me down! And last in the finals is Cheryl & Christian. Woot! Which means Marissa & Tony are out. And she certainly can’t be sorry for the great run she’s had. It’s made for a really entertaining season. I loved her comment about if they’re out, they’re totally in the audience watching the finals. Great job, Shortstack. You were an inspiration and a joy.

I’m very much looking forward to next week’s finals! I couldn’t really predict a winner. Kristi is the frontrunner, Jason is a hottie, and Christian is coming on all Latino heartthrobby at the right time. It’s anyone’s game. I think for the first time ever, I won’t be upset with any of them as a winner, as they’ve all performed up to that par. It’ll just be fun to watch! Can’t wait to see the free styles. Hope they get back up to former season’s glory after a disappointing round last year.

Who do you think will make the finals of Idol? Who will win DWTS? DISH already!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
6 Comments »

I got spoiled before I could watch, which was so incredibly devastating, that I skimmed and you know, I’m just going to have my own little version about how my most favorite season ever of Survivor ended, because my version sure as hell didn’t involve Parvati getting anywhere near that million. In my version, Cirie actually got some damn credit for how she played the game, she got her chance in front of the jury, and if, by some huge freaking cataclysmic mistake, she didn’t win the million, she sure as hell won the Viewer’s Choice (which was obviously only open to people who watched previous seasons, because they for damn sure didn’t watch the one I did. Not that I don’t love James, but he got that last time after a major blunder, and this time after going out on injury and not playing the rest of the game, so….really, America? Really? ) And, so, I understand that in the parallel universe that is reality, it didn’t go down my way. Not even a little. So I’m just going to ignore it. And that’s three hours of my life I don’t have to waste and can use writing. Sometimes it’s good being a fiction writer and being able to make up stuff. Really good. La la la la la……

Dancing With The Stars…

I felt the same about Jason/Edtya - he’s kind of Johnny One Note for me. Graceful for a tall guy, and goodness knows he’s nice to look at, but I don’t feel anything watching them dance.

Same for Mark/Kristi - easily the most technical dances of the evening and incredibly well performed. But I find myself in awe of them for their technical achievements, but feeling nothing for them as a couple or as performers.

I thought Marissa/Tony greatly improved this week. She was a much better technical dancer than ever before and the segment picking on Tony was hilarious. Loved that! She’s still in this, and now, deservedly so.

Interestingly, the couple I enjoyed the most and as the most sincerely captivated by was Cheryl/Christian. He’s a good looking guy, but now he’s just all kinds of hot on the dance floor for me. I think it’s because Cheryl has had to really pull out all the choreography stops for them, but his arm is definitely not slowing them down. Easily my faves of the night in terms of joy of watching.

I realize the judges favor Kristi and Jason, but for me, the entertainment of the show is with Marissa and Christian. I’d have, once again, chosen Marissa to leave this week, but she danced better this week, as well as maintained a great performance. So, honestly, if I could just get rid of who I like to watch the least? I’d send Jason home. Sorry, big guy!

What about you? Now’s your chance to dish!

Don’t forget the SHaQ Attack contest this week - see yesterday’s post for details.

Tags: Writing by Donna
8 Comments »

Okay, so I couldn’t watch. Survivor Finale, a season of recaps, and I had to miss it. Sometime today, or whenever it comes up on CBS’s site, I will get to watch. In the meantime, I will just have to put hands over my ears and close my eyes and sing really loudly so I don’t get spoiled.

Yeah. Fat chance.

In the meantime, it’s also Deadline Week for me, along with lovely family committments, so I’m not sure what I’ll be watching, much less recapping, but I’ll try and stick my head up and say hi every once in a while. Next week things should get back to normal. Once I define that.

However! Of course we will have a SHaQ Attack contest. In honor of me being brain dead, we will take it way easy on us both. Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Deadline, schmedline, I want a free book!” in the subject line. Friday, I will pull a name from the pile o’ entries and the winning blog babe gets a free book, signed by moi, in possibly very indiscernible scribble, from my website bookshelf, and mailed, well….it will get there. No, really.

Everyone’s prizes went out except Nicole, Alicia, Judy and Joyce (got to the post office and had two copies of one page of addresses, and none of the other - you guys were on the other page - sorry!) But those will get out later this week!

I hope the finale was great! I can’t stand it that I missed it. CBS….hurry!!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
4 Comments »

First, it’s getting hard to come up with new and interesting ways to say aahahahahahahahahahahaahahaaaha while I recap this season of Survivor. Erik is so adorably “Jeff Probst! Standing Right There! Boobies! Famous People! Talking To Me! Boobies!” You gotta love him.

But, love her, hate her, if there is anyone else left who does not get why I think Cirie is brilliant? After tonight’s episode? I rest my case.

Comes up with the plan, no matter how outrageous, chooses the right people to carry out each leg of the mission, carefully nudges it in the right direction, and then just sits back and watches it fall into place. Seriously. Give her the money.

I had heard there would be another stunning blindside tonight, and given the players left and what had gone previously, I couldn’t for the life of me see how. I could see a very disppointed or backstabbed player, but not a complete blindside, which is what had been hinted at.

But oh, show. Once again, you delivered. Honestly this has now surpassed the Yau-Yul season as my absolute, all time favorite, just for sheer entertainment value. I’m even enjoying watching the jury. This should make for the most fun reunion show of all time. No sourpuss faces, just people all appreciating that, even on your best day, you can get played. Everyone, it seems, totally gets this is a game. I’m looking forward to this reunion and I usually find them very uncomfortable. And as for the final tribal council - well, damn, it’s going to be awfully hard for anyone to get up and be all “you stabbed me” when they were all stabbed. Really, get over yourself, nothing special, been there, done that, move along, nothing to see here. So - what are they going to say? Should be ridiculous fun.

As for who is left? Cirie absolutely should own this thing, but I don’t know how she’ll get to the end since I don’t see her getting immunity. She’ll have to talk someone into believing that she’s the best bet for final two under the theory that since she orchestrated all of it, she won’t get jury votes. Which, I think will work in the exact opposite way. Should, anyway. Amanda has the strongest jury love, at the moment. I don’t want to see Nat or Parvati win, but they’d be awfully smart to take to final two in terms of jury votes against them.

And, for the first time ever, all women in the final four. Wow, I can’t even predict what will happen next. Should be Nat going home, leaving Amanda, Parv, and Cirie in the final three, but hey, truly, literally, anything can happen.

I cannot WAIT for Sunday’s finale. MAC on Monday.

SHaQ Attack Contest: This week you were given three chances to get entries into the free book drawing by picking who went home on Dancing With the Stars, American Idol, and Survivor. The correct answers were: Mario, Jason, and Erik. Not one correct vote on DWTS from anyone! It was a landslide for Marissa. On the flip side, it was a landslide for Jason on Idol, so a lot of you had entries there. And only one person got Survivor right! Natalie was the landslide victim there, with Amanda a close second. Everyone with a correct answer was put in a hat for each correct answer they gave….and the winner is Joyce M! Woo hoo!!!

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! See you Monday!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand, DISH! Seriously.

Tags: Writing by Donna
9 Comments »

Okay, Maroon 5 music? I could take or leave. But Adam Levine? Creeps me right the hell out. Somewhere at the Hitchcock Psycho Shower Scene Level. I can’t watch him sing, I can’t listen to him sing when I know I can watch him. I just had to skip past that entire nightmare inducing segment. And even then, I know as soon as I close my eyes tonight, some kind of Norman Bates singing pop tune torture is just waiting to get me. Thanks, show.

Plus, whoever choreographed those pour, exhausted finalists in that opening number? Should have to put on those shiny matador pants and do that horrifying Ford commerical all by themselves. In front of millions of people. And their mother. Because wow, what the hell were either of those segments thinking? From the quickstepping to every freaking beat of the intro song to the most ill-advised commericial costuming ever. Other than watching Castro basically laughing himself silly throughout the entire theme park performance–both of them–the only moment of note for me was the split second of time when the stage backdrop parted and for a brief, shining moment I thought it was Rock Reunion Time! Wow, Steely Dan??? But no….just a guitar player from the band. A good one, but whatever the hell was that about? So the exhausted singers could do laps and climb scaffolding because why again?

Then we immediately part the Davids from the Chaff…and Ryan acts like he’s going to just announce who goes, fifteen minutes into the show and Castro is all “You’re going to tell us right now?” Oh, Jason.

Parts I loved? My last moments with our very special woodland creature. Boy entertains me to no end. Sometimes it’s even intentional. Loved his cracking up over someone saying his performances last night were essentially “I Shot the Tambourine Man.” Ha. Also loved his very straight answer to why he went brain dead. He doesn’t try and pretend he’s got it going on, you know? Which is just the kind of goofy endearing stuff I’m going to miss. He just says his inexperience is showing, that even when he tried to master two songs he already knew, he screwed up. This child knew he was in waaaaaaay over his head and was soooooo ready to go. But I’m going to miss him.

And do they not screen the damn callers in the equally horrifying Q & A segment? Because Pittsburgh Girl, very seriously asking David Cook to take her on a date for her birthday? On national television? Can we all say aWK-waaaaard? Because, honestly, what was he supposed to do? Yes, sweetheart, I love you. I’ll pick you up at 7. Wear something slutty.

I don’t think they missed a single chance to continue the Jason bash. I was surprised in the pimpmercial after seeing him waving a red cape that it wasn’t a bus coming straight at him. Then there was the recap showing him flub the lines, and Ryan saying “You sang most of Mr Tambourine Man…” and his video package, while endearing in parts, was also rougher than most. Although I loved every minute of it. “A cat sings this? Who knew?” Thank god the kid has a good sense of humor about himself.

And after all that, can you blame him for literally beaming in relief when they announced he was finally free to return to the forest and frolic with all his furry nature friends? At least until it’s time for the tour.

I’ve never seen a more relieved contestant in my life. It was like ten years of stress just fell right off of him. And when Ryan asks him if he’s relieved to go, he’s all “Dude, next week we had to do three songs, are you freaking kidding me? THANK, BOB I’m outta here!!” Then he sang out that Marley tune like it was his birthday and Christmas all rolled into one all the while kind of shoving it in the producers faces with each happily sung note. I hated that they cut him off as there was still time left in the production. Wow, way to be the big guy, Nigel. Besides, I wanted to enjoy him enjoying his final moments until they were all completely and totally done. But why should I be surprised they didn’t even give him that. I was like, Mission Accomplished, Nigel, sheesh! You got rid of him. Now let the boy sing.

So now we have our Top 3. Next week they go to their hometowns. Archie’s is in Utah. Who was surprised? Show of hands? Yeah, me either. As to who should win? I still stand by my earlier decision. Cook and Miss Thang have careers all ready to begin. Seriously, let Archie win, America. I double dare you.

What did you think? Who do you want to see win? Sure, Cook deserves it, but do you really want to see him forced to put out an Idol produced album? Yikes. Archie, on the other hand, would be SO honored! He would LOVE to record craptastic Idol tunes that no radio station who hasn’t signed a deal with the devil would ever play. Or he’d love that his daddy would LOVE for him to. Either way, there’s more joy to be had by an Archie win-win than any other scenario. Just sayin.

Don’t forget, one more show left to vote on to get your chance at a prize in this week’s contest. See Monday’s post for details.

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

Okay, Idol first.

Two songs - Rock N Roll Hall of Fame night. And I’m SO glad we have a variety of songs by DIFFERENT ARTISTS to be performed. It’s like being let out of cold, dark cave into sunlight, y’all. Theme weeks? Really Nigel, rethink them as they pertain to pimping single artists who are pimping new record releases. It says a lot when the traditionally tankfest week of country music was the stand out this season, and that’s purely a testament to Dolly Parton’s madddd writing skillz.

So, okay….Cook is up first and he takes on LeBon and Duran Duran. Who I love like no other. And he does a fine cover job of Hungry Like The Wolf, but where that “standing it on its head” part was I must have missed. I mean, a fine song, sung well, but nothing wowza about it. Judges more or less agree. I’m glad there’s another one coming. I agree with Simon, there is SO much he could have done with that, and the other Simon - LeBon - I bet would have been the first to cheer it.

Syesha is next and I, for one, really liked her little miss firecracker performance. It didn’t bring anything new to Proud Mary in terms of the song, and Tina Turner isn’t losing any sleep, but it sure as hell continued to bring us new Syesha. I love her as this performer. Where was this all season? I like watching her now. I’m entertained. Which was a far, far cry from what I was just mere weeks ago when she took the stage. Well done. Judges? What peformance were you watching?

Jason. Oh, my poor little beautiful woodland creature. Wow, you tackle Marley AND Clapton? Yikes. I Shot The Sheriff. Really? First, poor song choice, given the content, for a ‘family show.’ Second…just, where was that all over the place performance coming from? The only thing I liked about it, was that HE seemed totally into it. It was more animated than I can recall seeing him during any performance recently. Which had the unfortunate duality of also making me uncomfortable that he’s finally less awkward, singing a song about, well…that. Judges - pretty harsh, but essentially right on. Could have gotten the point across without flaying the kid, though. (Just a note: tearing into him like that just makes people want to vote more cuz they feel sorry for him. Just sayin.)

Archie. What can I say about him? He sings Ben E King’s Stand By Me and, sure, he’s all Archie up in our faces. He’s a fine young talent, but it doesn’t DO anything for me. And yet, I knew the tongue bath was coming from the judges. And I was right. The closest I came to agreeing with them was with Simon who said it was comparatively better than the others. Not a tough one to pull off so far. Although, for me, personally, Round 1, in terms of entertainment and enjoyability? Went to Syesha.

On to Round 2:

Now we’re talking - Cook takes on The Who’s Baba O’Riley and man, I cannot WAIT to download that one in it’s entirety. It was over just when it was getting started. I was like “No, more! Don’t stop now!” Judges - all on board the Cook train again.

Syesha comes out with the famous Sam Cooke song, A Change is Gonna Come and it’s clear it’s taken on a personal context to her. (Which I understand…if you ignore the whole part about how her making the final four on American Idol ranks up there with the Civil Rights Movement. I’m sure she didn’t mean it that way. I think.) She looked fabulous in both performances tonight, really has matured into her “look” and while this one didn’t grab me like the first one, the emotion in it was clearly there and I felt it for her, if not exactly with her. Then Randy jumps all down deep into her shit and she, who has stayed pretty stoic all season, just starts to tremble and cry. And you can see she’s really trying to keep it together, because this really meant something to her and she thought she stood by it and did it justice, and I think she just doesn’t know what to give them anymore. Her first one rocked and they picked her apart, and now this. And then Paula gives her a Standing O and tells her she felt the arrangement was powerful, and Syesha really starts to lose it.

Again, you can see this one was very, very personal to her, and she tried changing it up, taking a risk with it (because that’s what they tell them to do) and to have Randy jump on her because she dared to mess with a Sam Cooke tune I think just broke her. She’s finally getting confident enough to do her own take on things, and then wham. What was most interesting was Simon’s reaction. First, I know he was digging on the sex appeal in the first song, and it frankly surprised me when he dissed it. I thought it played right to him. But no. This time, when I thought he’d hang tough, her tears completely dismantled him. And he kept looking to Randy going, “You made her cry.” So, he was kind to her, and I think he was being sincere that he liked it, but mostly you could see where he really kind of hated that they’d finally managed to disintegrate her.

And I know this is a tough business, but most of the tough parts come behind closed doors - not in front of millions of people. Even when you’re razed in print, there’s a disconnect between you and the critic, and the public, for that matter. (Not that I’m speaking from personal experience here…) So yeah, wow. I also felt kind of bad for Randy, because he was being honest, and he should stand by what he thinks (which Syesha agreed and said several times as she was pulling it together that it was okay that he didn’t like it.) Tough one all around. But Syesha, I believe, will come through that ahead of the game, as I think she’ll get a sympathy vote, though I know that wasn’t the intent. With the tears or the criticism.

Now, we get Jason on his second round and at first when he said he was sticking with Bob, I about choked, but this time the Bob was Dylan. Tambourine Man is really a perfect song choice for him, so a big sigh of relief for me. Until he started singing. On a stool, guitar in lap, all is good..until he blows a few lines right off. Wow, such bad timing for that. And then it never really goes anywhere from there as he loses all confidence and essentially just sings it out. The judges more or less just shrug, because at this point, they’ve thrown him under the bus for weeks and now they’re just backing up and rolling forward, lather, rinse, repeat. And this week, he handed them the damn keys. A shame. But if he survives this round…. Well, even I think he should pack his bags. Heck, I think he thinks he should.

Archie is last up and I have such mixed feelings for this kid. I think he doesn’t really have any place in popular music, despite the teeny bopper mania that accompanies him every time he so much as blinks and smiles. At best, he’ll be the next Clay Aiken. (And Clay ain’t doin’ too bad, so that’s not a diss.) Except Clay can project a personality all the way to the back row, hence his tour of duty on Broadway. I’m not sure David has that kind of natural charisma or confidence in himself. I just don’t know what to do with him. So my solution? No kidding….give him the Idol title. Seriously. Cook is going to go places and probably will do it better going the Daughtry! route. Castro…wow, who knows and I’m not sure even Jason cares. I really see Syesha as a Broadway diva, a la Jennifer Hudson. No, really. So, just give Archie the win and let the Idol machina take care of him. And his dad. (Wow…have you read interviews with this guy? Whew. Glad he’s not my daddy.)

He sings Elvis. Not kidding. He picks Love Me Tender. And had to look it up since he didn’t know it too well. And really, I should just stop right here. See above. He does a lovely, lovely rendition. Truly. Let him win, America. Go ahead. I dare you.

So, there you have it. Cook was half with us. Syesha continued to come into her own for me. I actually really enjoyed her this evening. Jason self destructed completely. And Archie Archied himself right straight into the finals.

What did you think? Who leaves? Do you really think our lovely woodland creatures fans could save him this week? Because now if Syesha leaves first…I wouldn’t be happy. And whoda thought I’d be typing that sentiment. Like, ever.

Okay…now it’s time for FUN!!! Everyone comes back, and you know, sorry gang, but I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the 100th Episode Celebration of Dancing With the Stars. I’ll be back with the MAC when they get to the results part. Wow, is this going to be great or what?

Impressions from the Best 10 Dances Of The Series…. Yay, Emmitt! And how great to see Cheryl back when I think she was having more fun. Double Yay, Apolo/Julianne! Wow, I forgot how much I enjoyed those two together - what charisma they had - even on their worst night better than Juliane and Helio ever were for me. I’d have ranked that one higher in my Top 10. It really makes me sad we didn’t get more of her great choreo this season. I probably won’t ever get tired of seeing the Drew/Cheryl freestyle. It was fun seeing the original. Wow, I forgot just how long Stacy’s legs were. Dang. Yay, Free Your Mind made it in!! My personal Numero Uno. Hi Maks! Top Dance? Mario Lopez. Not kidding. I was all set to be smug when it looked like he was shut out completely. But no. I just rewound and watched Maks and Mel again. And all was good in my world. You?

Results show….and new stuff from our old faves! Yay!!

And we start off with an all star pro dance and right away HI ASHLEY!!! Yay, Del Grosso, the new mom, is back in the ballroom and that’s just warm fuzzies right there, y’all. And that dance? Ten kinds of hot. Damn. Julianne and Apolo dance while Rascal Flatts sings and…it’s gotta be really hard to come back and train again after being away from it that long. It was nice to see them again. I liked hearing from past stars on their fave moments. Loved seeing all the past stars in the audience. Wish the camera could have done at least one slow pan down the whole row. What’s up with that? I enjoyed The Chorus Line performance, if only because Mario? Yeah, not really a Broadway caliber dancer, as was witnessed by, oh, everyone else on the floor with him. (Still bitter? Me?) And ah, crap. Mel and Maks dance…but they have to do it to Rascal Flatts, too. Sorry, but I was hoping for something all about them. (Greedy? Me?) Not a Flatt’s Fan, sorry. (Props for not lip syncing though!) But Hi Maks! And Mel? Yeah, you bounce back just fine. Wow. That was fun! (Funnier was the lead singer not knowing what in the hell to make of either dancer. Didn’t anyone tell him what kind of show he was singing on? Hahahahahaa. Cute.)

In Safety Land first? Marissa/Tony. Wow. Just…wow. But she’s so freaking thrilled and stunned, and I do love our little Tony winner, so I’m happy for her. Really, how could you look at that absolute, over the top stunned joy and not be? It’s like she just won the pageant. Loved her moment. But…I just…who’s going home then? The camera goes to Mario and Karina, who looks like she’s telling him “yep, it’s us going home.” And I fear she is right. A shame - he really deserved better, our Mario. Have to say I wish he’d gotten a different partner. Kristi/Mark are also safe.

Who else is in the semi-finals? Wow, does Karina have her bitch face on now or what? I do understand - Mario is the better dancer, so it’s got to be hard. But be hopeful, Karina! Anything can happen. Yeah, she’s so not hopeful right now. And I feel not so much sorry for her (at all - the lack of professionalism with her started in her Mario #1 season and we see it hasn’t improved which, I truly believe is a huge factor on why this season’s Mario isn’t taking off with the fans. Just sayin. Karina.) I do feel sorry for Mario 2.0 though, he really gave it his all and took all the crap they’ve thrown at him with style, grace and good manners. Not bad for the kid of this season. Perhaps his (much older) partner could take a few lessons on humility from him…

Christian and Cheryl? Safe. So excited, but if I were Cheryl? Also terrified. Sorry. I would be. Yikes. But cool though. I like them, what can I say. Just keep the arm safe, Latin Heartthrob Guy!

Leaving Jason and Edyta (who looks sad, but not pissed.) Sheesh, could Karina BE any less professional right now? Waving good bye already, all the eye rolls? Not amusing or cute. Not with that face. Sorry, Mario, but she did you no favors. And if you stay, she might be killing whatever chance you have left right now. Seriously.

And…it’s Mario and Karina. I’m so sorry, Mario. Undeserved. Karina? Not so much with the sorry.

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Mario is a complete gentleman on his exit. Seriously, such a classy young man.

SO! Whaddya think? Hard to hate on Marissa who is such an inspiriation to the never-will-be-Edytas of the world, and we could use a whole lot more of that in the public eye. Still feel bad for Mario. Wouldn’t mind a Kristi win since the women celebs? Seriously under represented on this show. But, secretly? I want Christian and Cheryl to find some way to pull it out in the end. Don’t see that being possible with no chance of an injury recovery, but it will at least add to the excitement of the finals, watching them try.

Don’t forget you still have two more shows to vote on for this week’s contest - see Monday’s post for details.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand? DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
8 Comments »

Two dances tonight, Latin and Ballroom. We’re down to five couples left….and it’s LIIIIIIIIVE!

Ballroom Round first:

Kristi/Mark get the quick step and opt to tackle the lift rule (one per dance as long as it’s character with the style.) I thought the blue satin costuming was a bit too…blue, but they danced well. Mark’s guppy face was in full force, and it kind of looked like he was tugging Kristi along for the ride in parts — I didn’t connect with them as much as I did last week, but it’s a fun dance and a nice, upbeat way to start the show. Judges - Len loved. Bruno loved. Carrie Ann agreed with me on the dragging. 9, 10, 10 = 29.

Mario/Karina bring the Viennese Waltz to the floor. He gets hammered a bit more by the judges than I think necessary, and I don’t think Karina has ever been a fave with the viewers, (including this one) so I hope they really knock it out of the park as I think he deserves a bit better than he’s been getting. The bondage gown was a bit much for the waltz, but what do I know. Karina choreographs slinky/sexy, and Mario is supposed to be finding a better ballroom form, so we’ll see how that goes. they seemed a bit off at the start, and Karina overacts, so I just forced myself to watch Mario and he really did a Jason-type job. He’s not the imposing giant that Jason is, but I thought he did well, all things considered. Wonder if he’d have fared better with a different partner. I would have enjoyed seeing him with Julianne. Maybe even Anna. The lift was pretty. Judges - Bruno loves. Carrie Ann says, and I quote “I have to say, it was nice and stiff, just the way I like it.” Yeah. I’m SO not going there. Because, I kinda don’t have to. Len? Adored. Nice to see. 9, 9, 9 = 27.

Sam? Still incredibly lame.

Marissa/Tony get the fox trot. They get New York, New York for their tune, and perfect for her, or what? Way to go, Stoner Music Dude. Plus, they finally stopped setting the makeup gun to whore and she looks really lovely now. Her body is short and stocky, so she can’t do the long, elegant lines or leg extensions, it’s just not there for her frame, but what she lacks there she makes up with sparkling smiles and real devotion to the routine. Not the best dancer left by any measure, but I find myself rooting for her. The lift at the end was triumphant and beautiful, really got the crowd going. Way to go, Tony. (And I never thought I’d type that.) Judges - Carrie Ann loves her sparkle. Len thinks she had elegant lines in hold. Bruno didn’t think it lived up to a quarterfinal routine. Spoil sport. 9, 8, 8 = 25

Jason/Edyta bring us the tango. And, with his size and strength and her athleticism, I think we’re in for wild lifts in both dances tonight. I would think they’d be really strong in this. And they are - it’s a well performed dance and they get actual tango music, and yet, I felt distanced from it. Not sure why, it was very good. Judges - Len wasn’t sold because it was too Argentinian, prompting Bruno to have a complete coronary occlusion, while Carrie Ann thinks they are compelling, and Bruno is still arguing with Len as Tom sends them to the back room. Sam, for the love of God, shut up. 10, 9, 10 = 29.

Pimp spot goes to the injured Christian and Cheryl. Up first for them, the tango. Cheryl says the biggest challenge is choreographing around his injury. I bet. I’m still squeamish and don’t want to watch. (In an interview with Christian this week, he said that Jason got his NFL team trainer for the Dolphins to send up an arm brace which would help stablize the elbow. Kinda cool. Still? I might could get sick watching this.) Here we go with Team One Hand, Two Hearts. Okay, so I wondered about the sparkly gloves they were wearing back stage. Looks like Stoner Music Dude has them dancing tango to….Beat It. Oookay. But you know what? Like with Maksim and Mel and their Free Your Mind routine, I like this kind of dramatic music. I’m already more engaged then I was with Jason/Edyta, but I’m still peeking between my fingers. You know, it’s interesting, but I’ve been saying all season that Cheryl’s choreo was too manic, too rushed, so this week it’s much slower, I’m assuming due to his injury, and they actually look much better. And they managed a pretty cool one armed lift. Honestly? For a guy with one arm, I thought it was pretty damn good. Judges: Bruno applauds. Carrie Ann couldn’t find a flaw. Len bravos Cheryl’s choreo, as well he should. 10, 9, 9 = 28. Christian is totally stoked to get his 10 -and it’s earned, I must say.

Tomorrow night sounds like it’s going to be just stellar. Can’t wait!

Latin Round!

Kristi/Mark and the samba. Okay, so I picked on the royal blue satin, but I can also say that fire colors aren’t Kristi’s friend either. She has an outstanding figure of a world class athlete, so it takes some pretty whack costuming to put that little on that body and have it not be all that flattering. Mark, on the other hand, wears clown colors quite well. Which…to no one’s surprise. Mark really is a stellar dancer, and his obvious pleasure and joy in the motion really comes through, but man, the mugging grates. Kristi does embrace the samba roly-poly-ness, but….maybe it’s the outfit, or her super white skin in a latin dance, I don’t know. The super fast spins were cool, but it wasn’t a love it dance for me. Judges - Carrie Ann says it was a little off for her. Len said the speed was good, but lost the grace. Bruno says she’s a bejeweled hummingbird. Seriously, I love him. And as much as I love Bruno is how much I can’t stand Sam. Wow, I can’t really listen to her anymore. At all. FF. 8, 9, 9 = 26.

Mario/Karina get the jive. And wow, Mario biffs the cartwheel over her head and does some lame wheelbarrow looking thing to the side. Dammit. Ah well, hopefully to be swiftly forgotten. Cute outfits and fun tune, but like the dance before, it seems off a little. He recovered nicely from the biff, but it’s not in as good a sync as it could be. This is really making Cheryl’s choreo shine right now - maybe all she needed was a good reason to slow down and be more careful and methodical in her plotting. Oddly, it seems that Karina has taken on Cheryl’s manic-danciness. She seems rushed. The lift was a bit needlessly complicated, but he pulled it off all right. She’s not on a stretcher right now. About which Tom is really relieved. Judges? Len is squinchy faced, and I get why. Mario whips out the chorus of the song, and boy can surely sing. Maybe he could do a guest spot sometime. Bet that wouldn’t be lip synced! Bruno says Len is harsh and they had the spirit of rock n roll, youthful, and Tom quips that the problem with Len is he’s closer to the Rock of Ages. Ha! Love Tom. Carrie Ann said he brought a good flavor to the jive and didn’t mind the flexed “ugly feet” that turned off Len. 9, 8, 9 = 28

You know what, I really need to take a moment and say what is with the Wonder Woman freak show singer in the band? I mean, I’m sure she can sing, but just, wow that she goes out in public, willingly, thinking that hot mess looks good. Week after week, it’s like Little Shop of Horrors with her. Why? If she has friends? One word: Intervention. Okay….got that out of my system.

Yay, The Mole is coming back! I am SO there. Major MAC. Woo hoo!

Marissa/Tony tackle the mambo. Much more flattering dress than round one. But they’re getting the same traditional carnival type music Jason and Edyta did. Wow, it just really removes a lot from the dance. Otherwise, it’s good. No, not on the technical level of the others, but they’re fun. Sue me. Judges - Bruno says great sexy and hip action. Carrie Ann says she loves how she goes for it. Len says it was too careful, not raunchy enough. OOkay, Uncle Lenny. Backstage Marissa cracks me up when she sighs that “I’ll never be raunchy enough. For Len. Who knew?” Ha! 8, 8, 9 = 25.

Jason/Edyta with the samba. Edyta’s body is ridiculous. And contrasted with big boy Jason, it’s almost just too much. I liked this one more than their first one, but he kind of looks like he’s line dancing some of the time. Kinda weird music, too, but not as bad as their first one. Still, they do bring the sex’ay. Judges - Carrie Ann doesn’t think he pulled off the flamboyant. Len says it was alright but he looked uncomfortable. Bruno says it was a turkey. Wow, I didn’t think it was that bad. They mention that is must be a hard dance if the best two struggled (Kristi had this, too.) 8, 7, 8 = 23. Ouch, Uncle Lenny! Wow.

Cheryl/Christian in the mambo with a kinda awkward sequined arm cover. Hunh. Less could be more. That’s all. With the struggles tonight (and in the Latin Round, whoda guessed?) these two can actually take the top spot with a 28 or more. I loved their tango, so come on Cheryl, do it one more time! Okay, her outfit is all glittery flashy goodness and his bare chest and arms? So not a problem with me. At all. We’re a little back in Cheryl Manic Mode, but it is the nature of the dance, so I forgive. Latin Boy is definitely in his element. Talk about sex’ay. (Really, for one arm? Even for two arms, this is easily the latin dance of tonight. Somewhere, Def Leppard’s drummer smiles.) Cheryl deserves an award for that choreo. Sure, he posed a lot, but come on! Even a lift? That was damn good fun. The crowd, they go wild. Judges? Len says fabulous job, well done. Bruno says one armed magic. Carrie Ann is open mouthed happy. 10, 9, 10 = 29

Overall Scores?

Cheryl/Christian - 57
Kristi/Mark - 55
Mario/Karina - 53
Edyta/Jason - 52
Marissa/Tony - 50

Bottom Two - a guess would be Mario along with Marissa. Going home? I’m thinking Marissa this week. Which, I love her, but it’s her turn compared to who is left. I’d have long since predicted a Jason/Kristi final two, but wow, Christian so brought it this week. Of course, next week they draw dances out of a hat, so it’s highly likely the injury, which isn’t going to heal until he has surgery, will keep them from the finals. Tonight was great, but mostly I’m just glad he didn’t get hurt. Hope that status doesn’t change. I feel sorry for Cheryl having to choreo two more dances around his injury. You could tell she was really nervous the whole time. In that respect, if he went home, that would be fine, too. But I’m doubting that will happen after tonight’s performances.

Who do you pick? Who goes? Who wins it all? Dish time!

Don’t forget to vote in this week’s SHaQ Attack contest. You get three tries to get it right. Details in Monday’s post.

Tonight? We have singing. And what sounds like a better theme. On paper. We’ll see how well that translates to the stage when the Idols bring it at 8, 7 central. Between that and the Dancing Extravaganza, tonight’s gonna be F-U-N!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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More dancing, more singing, more surviving! Some of it even on television!

We’re coming down to the wire on all three of our MAC shows. Survivor Finale this Sunday, AI finale the week after, AND this very week we get a special 100th episode of Dancing With The Stars complete with the return of a bunch of our faves, including Apolo, Maks, and Mel B! Woo hoo!

Fun week. Which, considering I have a deadline next week, might well be a sanity-saver!

And, of course, we can’t be having all this fun and not have it trickle down to the weekly SHaQ Contest. Come on, you knew we were overdue! What?!? You don’t watch - well, it’s never too late to start! But guesses are always welcome. And sometimes winners! (I actually, on a whim, picked Denis of Cork for the Derby this year. No lie. 27 - 1 odds. And he shows. Amazing.) So if you don’t know, guess! I’m a big fan of winging it.

Okay, so the specific rules this week are: You get three tries to get your name in the prize drawing for Friday. By Tuesday night, 8pm EST, pick who goes home on Dancing - Jason, Kristi, Marissa, Mario, or Christian? (What? We’re at five or less. No more wimpy guy or girl picks!) By Wednesday night, 8pm EST, pick who goes home on Idol - Syesha, Cook, Castro, or Archie? By Thursday night, 8pm EST, pick who goes home on Survivor - Amanda, Cirie, Parvati, Natalie, or Erik?

Send emails to donna@donnakauffman.com with either Dancer/Idol/Survivor Go Home! in the subject line, depending on the show you’re voting for.

The more times you’re right, the more entries you get. If the winning blog babe happens to have gotten all three right? Well, double or nothing - you’ll win two books instead of one! Woot squared!

Good luck! Happy voting!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, damn. What a season. Next to Yul and Yao, this is my favorite season, think. Mainly because everyone (except Ozzy) is playing the game hard and gets that it’s a game. Win big, or go home. And even Oz seemed over his pout this evening.

Where to begin? We get the family reunion special, which I always love, but there was so much to pack into the hour, we didn’t get a whole lot of film on the familia. Reward is swimming in a sea of stingless jellyfish. Alexis wins and takes her very hot brother, Natalie and her mom, Rocky (totally not making that up) and Cirie and her very adorable husband, HB. Erjk goes all fan boy when his brother comes out “Look, Jeff Probst, and he’s just standing there!” Jeff tells him he’s a freak. Great exchange. Then James’ father watches the reward and is confounded when Alexis gives James a whack, muttering, “Oh, we’re gonna talk about her when I get home.” Loved him! You can see where James gets his..well, everything, from.

Then, after reward, James finger takes a turn for the worse, and poof, he’s outta there. Leaving Parv and Erik on the beach, and Amanda out at Exile digging for the idol (she asked Alexis to send her.) She doesn’t find it, but she finds the last clue that tells her it’s under their flag back at camp. (good idol change up!)

Family winners come back, are stunned James is gone, and immediately start plotting to get Erik out. Contingency if he wins immunity is Amanda. Parv states she won’t vote for her. Nice to see she has some boundaries in the game. She tells Amanda immediately after the immunity challenge that they’re all gunning for her, because, of course Erik wins that. Amanda dumps all of her possessions in the sand before they hit camp to prove to everyone she doesn’t have the idol, then gets Parv aside and tells her, so she can provide the necessary distraction while she digs for it.

Which Parv does. Amanda tries to sway Erik to their side, since she helped him, but he tells her that he’s voting for her. Cirie also confesses she has no choice as she’s not willing to risk a tie at tribal at a stage where anybody can get booted. So Amanda sad sacks it around camp, and the viewer is left guessing if her digging spree produces the idol.

At tribal, she throws Erik hard under the bus, and he tells her he has to play the game and she’s too big a threat to win with the jury. Alexis says the same -that would be Alexis with an almost immobilizing knee injury that I wonder how long is going to last her in this game - and Natalie, too. The jury (which James, with his IV drip, gets to be a part of since he didn’t quit - a shame Jonathan didn’t get booted after the jury commenced!) Anyway, the jury watches all interested as everyone is tossing eveyone wherever they can, and can I say how much I enjoy Eliza on the jury? She’s so expressive. It’s hilarious.

So…a very upset and pouting Amanda accepts her fate and holds hands with Nat and Cirie during the vote. Then, when Jeff asks for the idol? Oh yeah, VERY satisfying moment when she pulls that bad boy out and plays it. The jury LOVES this, as do I, blog babes, as do I. Nice to see the damn thing FINALLY played! And played well, my friends, played oh so very very well. No one on the other side saw that coming and it was just freaking brilliant. So, who is going home? Whoever Amanda and Parv voted for….which is gimpy Alexis. And because she’s a game player, she takes it like a pro and just says well done, backstabbers, so very well done. Okay, so she was even nicer than that.

Erik and Nat are all looking dumbfounded and not a little concerned. Cirie just shakes her head (and accepts why they didn’t tell her, I’m sure.) And Amanda beams like she’s already won the million.

So…yet another night of good game play, y’all. Good game play. Next week? Well, who the hell knows at this point! What I do know is that next Thursday is the last regular weekly episode, followed by the all evening long finale and reunion the following Sunday May 11. And I know where I’ll be!

Okay, no Top Chef MAC as my deadline is way too close and I have to spend some time writing the stuff I get paid for. BUT! I do have an awesome SHaQ Attack prize to giveaway first. This week, the winner receives a signed copy of Nora’ Roberts’ upcoming new release, The Hollow (available to the rest of the planet next week.) I asked you to send me an email as an entry, which a whole lotta of you did. But there can only be one winner this go around…and the winning Blog Babe is? Alicia! Woo hoo!!! Hope you enjoy your prize.

And I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. For me, it’s my youngest son’s senior prom. Yes, my baby in a tux. Looking quite studly, I might add, if a mom can add such a thing. His girlfriend agrees, but then she’s biased, too. See you all back here on Monday for more MAC and more SHaQ!

In the meantime….wow! Survivor rockin’ Tribal this season, huh? Who do you think will go final three? Who do you want to win? For me, it’s Cirie all the way. I know, she’s a love her or hate her player, but for me, it’s all about the love with her. Who don’t I want to see win? Parvati. And not Natalie so much, either. So a Cirie, Amanda & Erik final three would be awesome, not to mention fun…and tormenting for the jury as that would be a tough decision to make right there. How about you?

Time to DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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It’s beige-y brown night on Idol. Even Kristy Lee in the audience got the memo. Her’s came with sequins apparently. RyRy tells us that we got 45 million votes last night. Not surprising since everyone was frantic to keep their fave after the night of a thousand trainwrecks. Well, it kind of felt that way. I have to wonder on a show that pulls in this kind of dough for the network (yes, ratings are down, but that’s only comparative to itself. Comparative to everyone else? It’s still the elephant in the room. The very rich elephant.) So why cram it into an hour? I mean, we can laze around and fluff fill endless amounts of time on results night, but nooooo, can’t spare an extra thirty minutes for the double song performance night. Just sayin.

Neil Diamond is performing, as is Natasha Bedingfield. The Top Five do the tribute to the mentor thing. Jason kicks it off with Cracklin Rosie. See? This is why we needed Chikezie. He’d have rocked that one. And been interesting. The choreo is so…amusing. Cook picks up the tune from Archie and wow, see? That’s how you command attention. Aaaaand, we lose it when it kicks abruptly to the ladies and Song Sung Blue. Wow, they suck. (Sorry, there’s no way to pretty that up.) Ah well….my FF finger is itchin, y’all. The Hot August Night opening is not an improvement because someone thought pairing Brooke with, well, anyone, Cook in this case, was a good idea. It’s amazing, in this group sing, how lame the girls are. Truly. Even Jason stands out above them with his understated vocals. Okay, when they all run together and start singing as One, Jason is really just enjoyig the hell out himself, isn’t he? I love him when he gets all…..animated. Archie gets the solo on the Brother Love’s Travelin Salvation Show part. Then Cook just yanks it away from everyone, even with the one line he gets at the end. It’s clear how much more powerful his voice is than any of the rest of them. Dominant, that guy.

We come back from more So You Think You Can Dance commericals - yay! Then–hey! Warn me when you’re going to throw Constantine at me like that. Geez! And Gina Glocksen. (Who actually doesn’t look half bad…) And then RyRy, really? The Face? We do NOT need The Face from Constantine. Ever. Again. But then Hi Ace Young! And the little throw up in my mouth goes away. I know, I know, but he’s a cutie.

We get a Neil As MisterRogers wisdom moment. Then a quick rundown of last nights performances, where - shocking! - they don’t address Paula being Froot Loopie or the fact that they take notes from rehearsal and use them during the live show since they can’t half hear the singers performing live due to the screamy teenybopper mosh pit.

But one thing about the little snippets from last night? I still love Jason on Forever In Blue Jeans. I’m totally downloading the studio version when it’s out today. Just sayin. What else I’m sayin is I hate how they just pump Archie all over the place and come on, he’s Up With America, at best, but thrash Jason. Yes, I’d love to see Jason grow a little and stretch more. I’m not saying the criticism isn’t valid. His sound is an acquired taste. I happened to acquire it.

But Archie sounds just like he did on Night One, and how he will always sound, and it’s becoming clear that in terms of packing a punch that will reverberate in today’s music world…not so much. Sor-ry! I’d be shocked if he had a hit record. Even of the Clay Aiken not-on-the-radio-but-million-copies-sold-anyway variety. Jason? I download and enjoy - surprisingly more than I think I will. Every time. He pops up on my iPod and I’m always “wow, I still like it” and no FF’s. Which I honestly thought I would after a listen or two. You know how many Archie songs are in my iPod? Zero. That’s several less than Chikezie, folks, and he was gone a month ago.

Okay, back to the show. Oh, one thing - Cook? Go back to the new hairstyle. Just sayin.

Woooo, RyRy IS going to address the “live curveball” as he calls it, from last night after all. Oookay. I’m dying to hear this. And, total dodge!! All he says is that he read the rumors about Paula online, and the controversy her behavior sparked last night (not saying exactly what the rumors are, mind you) then just says, “Not true. She’s part of our family.” Yeah. That clears it RIGHT up. Sheesh.

Now it’s time to call the players on deck. First up? Jason Castro. (Thank god, of anyone, he deserves not to sweat it out, good or bad, after last night.) He interviews really well, in regards to why he thinks he’s getting the criticism and what he needs to do if he moves on. Actually, best strung together words for him yet in a live interview. Props, Woodland Dude! And? He’s totally in the Top Four. YAY!!

Archie next. Tweenies go wild. And he’s also Top Four (and seems sincerely surprised.)

Next week is the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame show. No mentor maybe? I dunno. But the themes this year have kind of killed the show a little. Okay, a lot. Beatles? Good once, then they ruined that. Fun with Dolly (shocking for a country night which is usually hard to do) then killed it dead again with Inspirational Night. Someone thought a diva night was a good idea, especially as the kids get thrashed whenever they sing one, so yeah, let’s do that. Then it’s Andrew Lloyd Weber. Really. And then Neil, who should have been more fun than he was, but everything was so damn rushed. And. come on, I love his stuff, but more dated stuff. Yay. No. Song choice buzz kill. Because all the kids can sing. So that’s not it. Now Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Should be great - tons of stuff to work with and modernize that maybe isn’t as stylistic as Neil. Or Mariah. Or any of them, really. I’m not holding my breath.

But first - squeee! - a So You Think You Can Dance break. Yay! Hi Cat Deeley! I’ve missed you! Mostly when I’m forced to watch Samantha. May 22nd - be there!

Ryan calls out David Cook. Aaaaand, at least three out of the four Final Four are the guys. So, from the beginning predictions, no surprise there. Except they’re one guy short.

So, Syesha and Brooke - bottom two. Me? I’m hoping Syesha stays this time around.

Natasha and Neil sing - not together. Natasha asks to run over to the couches and say hi to the idols, but she really just wants to squeeze Archie’s cheeks and maybe take him home. Ryan tries to hook Archie up with Natasha for his prom date, which she fields quite well and he actually looks more cute about it than terror struck, so that’s a step in the right direction.

Oh no. The Q & A’s are back. I hate these. But it makes the hour go by much faster since I don’t watch them. Okay, so I totally had to stop and watch Simon turn ten shades of pink when his first kiss (age 9) is one of the caller. Awwwwww! And to think I almost missed that.

I found out one other thing. I can still listen to Neil Diamond sing all night. Watch him? Not so much. I don’t know why it weirds me out, but it does. Good song, though. All that’s missing are the pros from Dancing With The Stars.

Who’s going home? It’s time to find out. Syesha? Total pro as she awaits the announcement. Brooke? Already crying. Please, America, tell me you us both out of our misery. And WOW! They did! Brooke? Outta there. Dang. That’s two right calls in a row on my Little Reality Show Fest. Hunh. First Shannon, now Brooke. Maybe we can make it a trifecta and boot Parvati next! (Or a double down and get rid of Lisa on Top Chef.) But for now? I will enjoy the knowledge that I’m all done having to worry about her imminent nervous breakdown. Mostly because we might see it right now. Remember how little Ramiele (doesn’t that seem like a lifetime ago she was here?) anyway, remember how she cried and cried and had to pull it together to sing? Take that, and all the other criers, and multiply by infinity…and that’s how hard Brooke is crying right now. She had to be peeled off Ryan and then attached herself, suction cup like, to Syesha. Really. I don’t know how she’s going to sing. On the up side? Her husband can go the barber now. (Except I like his curly locks.) Perhaps mercifully, my tifaux cuts out during her sing out, which was a little wrenching to watch. Like Carly before her (who I thought would lose it like this, but didn’t at all) I hope she takes what this opportunity has given her and does something with it and finds fulfillment. For me? I’m okay that I don’t have to be part of that journey any longer.

So….whaddya think? David, Archie, Castro…and Syesha. Top Four. I’m good with this. Me, I want a Castro-Cook finale, but it’s clear they want Jason off and Archie in the end. And, that wouldn’t be such a bad thing as Archie would do better with the “win” on the show, leaving Cook to get out there and make the record he wants, and not the record Nigel thinks we want. In fact, let’s start rooting for an Archie-Syesha final two, y’all! That way Cook can get in the recording studio early…and Jason can come stay at my house!

Win win, really.

Don’t forget -last day for entries in this week’s Super Special SHaQ Attack contest. See Monday’s post for all the delicious details. Winner of the prize announced tomorrow.

Also tomorrow? Survivor MAC and hopefully some Top Chef Goodness as well.

And THIS…is the time to dish!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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