Remember how I said that last week I realized I’d started to change my mind about some of the American Idol contestants, some falling out of favor, some gaining it… Yeah, well last night changed all that. Again. Sigh. It’s Elton John week….strap yourselves in!

The one thing I do enjoy about this season is that no one makes me cringe when they perform. Not to say I don’t use the fast forward button. But in some seasons past, it was just soooo bad. As in can’t sing bad. That’s not the case this season. They can all sing. And I like how each has a rather distinctive niche with their vocal style, so it’s more interesting to see how they interpret a main theme, because it’s clear what stamp they should put on it, given their vocal style….it’s just a matter of how and with what song.

Which is why, I think, Thia is standing out as someone having a hard time finding a following. She’s really not true to her niche, just true to the fact that she can sing. It’s her age, I think, specifically how she is handling things at her age. Other young contestants this year have a much better handle on it. She’s very timid about hers I think, and it’s going to cost her here shortly, I’m pretty sure. Stefano suffers the same thing, but in a different way. And I think he’s in jeopardy again this week. Both sang beautifully, but they all sing well. These two just don’t really stand out and make a statement about themselves or the genre we could hope to see them in professionally.

That said, Paul has made his statement enough times now that I get it and I just really — really — don’t like it. It’s not that I don’t like his niche. I love Rod Stewart and most singers in and around that genre. Paul has too much raspy whispery atonal stuff going on and not enough musical depth and quality to his voice. I would never download anything by him. He’s just not my thing. And that was really brought home for me last night when Casey did his stripped down performance. THAT is what I keep hoping Paul will do and of course he won’t because that’s not Paul. Which is why I’ll never be a fan of Paul’s stuff. Casey, on the other hand, completely and entirely turned things around for me last night. I loved that. I love that style, everything about that. Bam. He got me back.

James was unfortunately drowned out by the band, but delivered a good audience oriented performance. Not my favorite, but stays in the running for me. Jacob, on the other hand, this was a complete miss for me. I didn’t feel it at all. Still like the guy, but a notch down. Pia is drifting down the scale for me. Not because she doesn’t sing stunningly, it’s just plug n play, every week. I’m not anxiously awaiting to see what she’ll do, because I know exactly what she’ll do, and how she’ll sound doing it. Which is lovely…but….yawn already. Naima had a great idea with the reggae reinterpretation, but then ruined it by being incredibly rude and condescending to Jamaicans everywhere by adopting some ridiculous faux Jamaican accent. I’m guess she didn’t get out offensive that was…but you can sing reggae and let the music convey the feel, while you stay true to your own damn voice. Wow. She’s very possibly in trouble. Great performer, but… And I was also put off by how Jimmy Iovine suggested how she should give the shout out to everyone who was “still standing” with all the tough stuff in the world, when she was really just interpreting the song as her own self still standing. I thought the sentiment was awesome, but not if someone else tells you to say it. Only if it came from your heart in the first place. Phony sentiment, phony accent. No phone-y in votes, I think….

Scotty stayed right in his lane, as he does, and did well, as he does. But the one who finally grew up and really owned the song, for a change, was Lauren. Incredibly well done. So she went up multiple notches for me with that. Also multiple notches? Haley. While I wouldn’t have pegged it as performance of the night (for me that was Casey, with Lauren a close second) but she did a very good job of being “in the lane.”

All in all, everyone delivered, just, comparatively, on different places on the scale. My pick for Bottom Three? Thia, Stefano, and I think either Paul or Naima. But I think it’s the first two going home. And no save, so done with that drama. Out means out, now. I’ll be tuning in, that’s for sure.

Don’t forget, last day to enter the Free Stuff Friday contest! See yesterday’s post for an update on how to enter. Two blog babes win free books tomorrow, so enter already! It could be you!

Then come back on over here and DISH! Who is your Bottom Three? Who should go? Did anyone change your mind this week? Do tell!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, first result show last night on Dancing With the Stars and….not happy. But a decent program. Entertaining. I mean, no Hulk Hogan and Stevie Wonder singing happy birthday to anyone, or making contestants almost pass out when they learn they are TOO safe, but we all can’t be American Idol, can we. More’s the pity.

A few thoughts…

So, the new dance troupe? Yeah, I’m not getting it. I like the troupe of grownups we have. I liked them when they danced with the Big Boys & Girls, but not so much in their solo routine. However, the young gent with the Irish accent can talk to the camera alllll he likes. Yes, umbrella drinks are being served at the shallow end of the pool. Join me, won’t you?

And speaking of shallow ends…I do love how the teams have partnered up this year. Well, aside from wanting to shout FREE TONY! at my tv every other minute. But, other than that? Adorakable, across the board. I thought it was cute how Hines refers to Kym as Coach Kym. That’s just his football player dynamic. And I liked that during the pro dance, they paired Lacey with Maks for what I think is the first time. Like she’s finally grown up enough to be allowed to play with matches. They worked well together. Me likey. She also works well with Mike. How great is the sense of humor of most of the cast this season? I say most. Wendy. But it is truly a joy to watch.

And speaking of the humorless, much entitled, entirely unwatchable Wendy (tell us how you really feel, Donna) sometimes I love the editors on this show. Because they did no favors last night to Wendy or Kendra with their clip packages. BFF’s forever, editors! This week. Wendy, who I’ve never seen prior to this show, so am basing solely off what I’m seeing here, somehow managed to make herself even more utterly unlikeable last night. And Kendra, honey, if the whole point is that you so baaaaadly want to be classy, then, just a suggestion, don’t overshare with us that your armpits stink. Seriously? And then sniff them when you win. Klassy. Klaaaas-ay. I could hear my mother, “Were you raised in a barn?” And…I do wonder….

Now, here’s another thing….about Chris (woman beater/choker/biter) Brown. So, I planned to fast forward through his routine, but it turns out it was very probably one of the most entertaining performance from a guest singer on the show, possibly. Sure, he lip synched, but with all the dancers and choreo, who wouldn’t. So…I watched. Not in support, but out of utter curiosity. You see, I’d never seen him perform before, no music videos, nada. I’d only heard his music on the radio and seen him interviewed, the latter always leaving a very bad taste in my mouth about this young man. So it was interesting to see him do what it is he does. And? He does it well. Really, really well.

And as I watching this very clearly incredibly talented young man, I kept thinking…as a mom of two young adult men myself…how incredibly, pathetically, inexcusably sad it was that someone with as many gifts as that young man has, hasn’t figured out a way to rise above and sort out the twisted mess inside his head (and fists…), because he has an out. He has a path. He has something to be thankful for, grateful for, and to work toward. A quite clearly defined something. So what a senseless, senseless waste. Do I believe in second chances? Sure I do. Do I believe he’s reformed? After his antics last week? Not on your life (and it would be just that, remember… your life. Or his next girlfriend’s life. Or his child’s life… Or….you get the drift.) But that young man might be a brilliant performer, but he’s not healthy, not yet. Will he ever figure it out? Get the help he truly needs? Embrace just how badly he needs that help? I don’t know. But I wasn’t smiling, nor was I clapping, when the performance was over. And that performance, on its own, deserved a whole lot of both. Damn shame, isn’t it?

Aaaand, off the soap box, back to the dancing! In the Bottom Three, to the surprise of no one, was Sugar Ray (awwww), Wendy,(thank you!) and (poo!) Mike. Me, I rilly wanted Mike to squeak through and have Stinky Pitt Kendra in the bottom. But, this wasn’t a surprise, any of the three of them.

And then? They killed the joy and hope straight off and announced Wendy safe. REALLY America? REALLY? What on earth about her makes you want to watch her again? Ever? And poor Tony, forced to put on the Happy Face. I know you’re crying on the inside, Tony. I was crying on the outside! So, who goes home? Awww, poo! It’s Mike. I mean, I know. But did you hear that parting speech of his? Why is he gone? HIM I want to see more of!!! I don’t care about the lousy dance, he has a great heart, he’s funny, and he’s cute. I can’t say any of those things about Wendy. Come on! Get it right, US of A! That said, good on you, Sugar Ray (Can I call you Sugar?)! I’m glad he’s still around. Good guy.

So…next week! Are you in? You should be SO in! This is fun!! Can’t wait. And I haven’t said that about a DWTS episode since the days of Kelly Osbourne! Next week, no DVR for me, baby. I want to VOTE. Clearly, America needs my help. I just hope they have a better sense of who to invite to perform on results night. YOu didn’t get my vote for this week’s choice. And clearly, given the understated audience reaction (despite what you know had to be huge neon signs urging them to cheer) neither did they. This is a feel good show, show. So pretty please pick your entertainment accordingly.

Speaking of help, did you help yourself into this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest yet? Check out yesterday’s post for the update on how to enter. Not one, but TWO winners announced this Friday! And later today, you can click on over to Cakes by the Cup Blog and find out what kind of cupcakes have been bakin’ in my kitchen this week! (I’ll give you a hint: they’re cream filled!)

Then come on back over here and DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Last night on Dancing With the Stars….another enjoyable evening! I did find myself disagreeing with the judges more than usual, especially where Ralph Macchio’s dance was concerned, but, overall, everyone really did bring it. Even the lowest scorers from last week showed improvement this week.

Having watched the second attempts now, there are some groups who are more firmly establishing themselves on my Yay List, a few that are on my Eh, Not So Much list, but the thing I liked the best was that everyone truly gave it their best shot. Even Wendy.

The dances that just had me smiling the whole time…Ralph & Karina. I think pairing Karina with adorkable Ralph ups her likability factor by about a thousand. I absolutely loved the whole dance and totally anticipated the judges gushing over him. So, color me surprised when they thought it was too frantic a performance. I thought it was exactly what the dance called for and that he was one of the only ones who really pulled it off. Whatevs. Loved Hines & Kym. I’m a Steelers girl, so he has all my votes, but how lovely were they? And his street slang mixed with Kym’s Aussie slang is hilarious. I heart them together. And while Kirstie wasn’t as in control as last week, she had the killer Quickstep to dance, and given that and Maks’ tough choreo, I think she handled it admirably. I love them, too. Then there were Chris & Cheryl, also bringing the joy and the laughter. Love the two of them together.

Growing on me…Believe it or not, Chelsea Kane & Mark. I’m not a Mark fan. I’m just tired of Mark. But I am really liking Chelsea this week (had never heard of her before) and I thought their performance was a lot of fun last night. I got what the judges were saying about there being too much stage choreo and not enough true jive content — for them — but their out of the box interpretation (for a song that otherwise completely sucked for any style of dance) I thought was clever and charming and actually made me like them more. Go figure. The other dancer who grew a few points with me was Romeo. I mean, he’s a kid, so…I just have to get over expecting him to act more mature than he is. But he seems to have lost the attitude and is more humble towards the demands being placed on him, and that was good to see. And I appreciated his comments for the kids out there at the end. A lot. Anything to boost morale in young people. We need all the help we can get.

And, on a more superficial note (moi?) I loved Chelsea’s dress, she looked lovely dancing with Romeo. So swishy! Actually, I loved a lot of the costumes this week. Other Chelsea’s, Karina’s, and especially Kym’s…

Better this week… Lacey got an actual performance out of Mike and his self deprecating humor might actually get him through a week or two. I hope so. I enjoy the guy. He knows he’s hopeless, but he works hard and his humor about the whole thing is super endearing. Plus? Easy on the eyes. And easier on pretty much everything else than Wendy is. Yes, she was better this week, too, but she’s one that just rubs me the wrong way. I’m simply not a fan. I respect the improvement, but honestly…I do hope she goes home. And if not her? Well, I’m really sorry to say, it would be the other “Poor Meeeeeeee!” contestant, Kendra. Also, just not a fan. I know. And I know she’s also working hard and I would otherwise normally be more sympathetic to the whole “I’m trying to learn to be a girrrrrrl!” thing, but with Kendra, it just makes me roll my eyes. Sorry! On that same score? I heart’d Petra. She’s so lovely and so beautiful, we should all hate her. But her sort of gawky, awkward tallness makes her more endearing to me. And she just seems so nice. I don’t think she’s long for the program, overall, but I hope she outlasts those other two. I know I’ll enjoy her a heckuva lot more while she’s here. Well, and she dances with Dmitry. Keep her around, keep him around. Win-win, really.

So, who are your frontrunners? Who are you enjoying? Who needs to be off your tv screen soonest? Tonight we get the first results of the season. (Whereupon I will be fast forwarding right through Chris Brown’s performance. Because…no. No support for that guy from me.) Will be interesting to see how America responded to this new group!

Don’t forget to enter this Free Stuff Friday contest! Just send an email to me at donna@donnakauffman.com with “More chances! Pick me!” in the subject line. Two winners announced this Friday! And if you haven’t entered to win the free Cupcake Cookbook over on Cakes by the Cup Blog, well? What are you waiting for? Click here, and read the latest Adventure in Cupcake Baking post, then leave a comment. It’s that simple. Winner announced tomorrow! It’s a short contest week there, so your chances, they are good!

Then come back here and DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, last night on Amazing Race the teams left China and headed to India, which is typically the leg where Killer Fatique really starts to set in. And the race designers surely did they’re best to make that happen. Most of the teams, however, hung in there pretty well. The killer task was trying to find the one cup of tea, amongst literally hundreds and hundreds, that tasted like a cup of mango papaya tea the teams had sipped once in China before leaving.

I don’t know if the rules stated that the racer had to actually sip the tea before handing it to the brewmaster, but the teams that finished the soonest were the ones that stopped drinking a gazillion cups and just used their noses to try and first find the one that smelled like papaya and mango. Then sip, then hand in…get your next clue. Which was a bottle of Snapple tea that surprisingly took a bunch of teams a pretty good chunk of time to figure out that the next clue was on the bottom of the bottle lid. (Have they never had Snapple?)

But my favorite part of the leg, hands down, was Kynt and Vyxsyn having to decorate an Indian goddess statue, in all it’s pink, gold lame, arm bling, and painted on eyebrow glory. Those two were definitely back in their groove this leg and it was fun to see. Angry Dad Ron? Yeah, not so much. He whined and bitched about how loud and discordant the music was being played at the goddess painting task (and, to be fair, it did sound all kinds of obnoxious in terms of decibel level) but the man had ear plugs! He tried, for two seconds, to make a joke that if he could just disco to it, he’d be fine, but he was too busy painting, AND? Even shuffled in a bit of a hip wiggle. I almost lost it right then. But, of course, in traditional Angry Ron fashion, he was whining about his migraine from the music the rest of the leg of the race. And, to be honest, I’m kind of over the daughter, too. She’s so over her dad, she’s already bitching at him straight out the gate. I totally get it, I’m sure I’d be worse, but then I don’t like listening to her either.

Other highlights were Zev’s silver tea drinking pajamas and how the other teams totally punked Mallory by making her think she had to run to find some clue box at one of the bunching spots. I do think this group really does get along far better than any previous group. Another highlight was when Luke completely fell apart being the last one at the tea tasting task, that rather than look down their noses at his weakness and vulnerability, which including sobbing all over his mom more than once…when he finally was victorious, the men who had been running and facilitating the task, all cheered for him and tried to hoist him up in the air to celebrate his victory. So, you know….awwwwwww. And I don’t even like Luke. But I do like camaraderie and good sports. You can never have too much of that! I also liked how the Globetrotters, who were second to last to finish that task, also urged on Luke as they saw him falling apart. In that regard, it’s a kinder, gentler race this year. Which is good since the race itself is brutal. No one missed Team Redhead. Hmmm… Neither did I.

And it was bye-bye to Team Margie/Luke this week, which, though I was proud of him finishing and I did feel bad for him at the mat when they were Philiminated, of all the teams left, was the one I’d miss the least. Mallory/Dad were in first this week, but the one fun thing about this race this season, is there are absolutely no front runners. Every leg, it’s pretty much anyone’s race. Good job, show!

It’s two weeks until the next episode, and from the previews, it doesn’t appear there’s too much drama in this one, if the clips were the best they could do.

Tonight we get Dancing with the Stars! I was so surprised to enjoy it as much as I did last week, so am actually looking forward to sequins and sparkles this evening. Tune in tomorrow for all the Morning After Commentary!

But right now, don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest! Which actually started last week! Scroll down to last Wednesday’s blog post for all the details, but there will be two winners this Friday, yes, TWO! So get in on the fun!

And if you haven’t entered the contest over on Cakes by the Cup blog, what are you waiting for? Just head over there and leave a comment on the last posted adventure in cupcake baking! The winner of the cookbook used for the current cupcake recipe will be announced this Wednesday! So, it’s just winners all over the place!

Then, most importantly, come on back here and DISH! Who are you rooting for on Raaaaaaace? Who do you want to see head home next? Well, I mean after Team Angry Ron. That’s a given throughout the race. But, after that I think I’m fine with any of the teams left winning, except maybe Team Sisters. They’re running a good race this time, but haven’t really won me over personally as much. I’m enjoying Team Goth, Team Globetrotter, Team Zev/Justin, Team Mallory/Dad, and even Team Cowboy, more.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, I think that was pretty much the most entertaining results show in all eleventy-million results episodes of American Idol. Ever. Ya think? Of course, I like the fun, the wacky, and the unexpected, so this was right up my alley. I truly enjoy the overall lightheartedness and camaraderie this season, which seems to extend beyond just the judging panel and the contestants, but all the way down the line.

Loved the Surprise Stevie Wonder moment last night! I’ll even totally forgive him for forgetting the words to his own song because he sang Happy Birthday to Steven Tyler and he got such a huge kick out of that. So did I! Then there was that kind of off-the-wall wrestling segment, but when they brought out Hulk Hogan and you saw the honest-to-god shock and totally slavish fan-geek reaction James had? So worth it. Plus? Pia has a personality! Who knew?

Then Sugarland came out to sing that earworm candy song which I had to mute immediately, but then was forced to also fast forward because, what on earth was she WEARING? It was like every SNL skit gone wrong, all in one. But then we had JHud back (who, Ryan, is not the only former Idol winner with an Oscar. Not because anyone else on Idol ever won an Oscar, but because Jennifer was not an Idol winner. Seventh place, Ryan. No matter how much you wish you could claim otherwise.) And she’s singing with George Huff as backup!!! (Hi, George! I love George!) And she’s such a gorgeous singer that I forgave her for singing a song that was just…not interesting, and I’m sure she’ll forgive me in return for not actually listening to much of it, but I was wanting to know who was in the Bottom Three, like, hurry!!!!, so I should totally be excused.

And I know you all get it, because not in the Bottom Three? Naima. OR? Haley! Which, yay! But then…who was it to be, America? (And I loved America last night. You’re all officially my new BFFs because you did the right thing and voted for how you were feeling this week, and not because you committed your votes on week 1. You’re so smart like that. Come over here and sit next to me. I have umbrella drinks.)

And then! (Weren’t you just edge-of-seat by this point?) It turns out it’s Thia taking a spot on the Silver Stools of Doom. So, okay, not really a surprise. From a “who do you want to see on tour?” perspective, I’d put her near the bottom, despite her gorgeous voice. She just hasn’t found the right home for it yet. So, I’m thinking, well, whoever else lands there has to be a step up from that, performance wise, at least, so she’s toast. A shame, but…if someone had to go, I was, overall, okay with that choice. At least it made sense.

But still! Gasp! Who else would join her for their temporary scary moment? We already knew James and Paul were safe, and we already knew Pia, Jacob & Lauren were also safe….so that meant? Wow, Stefano is in the bottom two? Now, I did predict that for a week or two from now, but didn’t really see it happening that fast. I thought his Cute Factor would carry him further.

And who joins him? Casey? Wow, America. Because that was kind of…well, right. Now, I love the guy, and I think he’d be fun on tour because he’s so interesting and never boring. But two straight weeks of growl-screaming without much beneath it propping him up…and yeah, he had lost me mostly, so not wholly surprised he lost America along with it, but still…the very bottom? No.

Except, YES! Thia is totally safe, and so is Stefano, so it’s Casey…over and done. Wow. Just like that. We love you, then we discard you. No warning. And, of course, there’s still ten other kids up there, so the chances of the judges using the save? Well, Casey and I were on the same page with that. It was just too soon. And he did do that growl-scream thing, so…

But he still had to sing for his life. And he chose (oh the later irony) I Don’t Need No Doctor. But not even a refrain into it, the judges call for him to stop singing. At first I was all, “What? Technical issue? Whytheface?” But no, Randy informs Ryan they simply don’t need for him to keep singing. They’re the ones who called it off.

Now, this was the kid who has been in the hospital twice the past few weeks, fighting colitis (serious stuff) and getting blood transfusions. So, he’s got that, and now his emotions being jerked all over the place (because, lets face it, growl/scream or not, to be the very bottom of the bottom three, didn’t see that coming, not this week) and now, Stop singing! But! Not because they’re sparing him the indignity of singing for his life, no! Why then? Oh yeah, totally using the save.

At this point, there is so much adrenaline in Casey’s poor, transfused body, that he literally almost passes out on stage. Or pukes all over Ryan. I mean, it was thisclose, blog babes. But he pulled it together, went down and personally thanked every judge, then went and sobbed all over his mama in the audience. (Hey, I would have!)

Wow. I have never once smoked in my entire life, but I could have SO used a smoke right about then. I settled for ice cream (because, who doesn’t?) and sat back, smiling, as the judges gave him some additional critical help in improving and staying around, and Ryan announces all eleven of them get to tour.

Whew.

Seriously. Best show. Top that next week, Uncle Nigel. I dare ya. I double dawg dare ya.

In the meantime, there is that whole Free Stuff Friday contest thing going on, but because I had the nerve to go out of town and totally abandon blog babes everywhere this week, I am extending the deadline to enter until next Friday, whereupon, like Idol will have to send two folks home next week to make up for this week, I will do a way more fun thing to make up for my transgressions and give away books to two winners! Check out Wednesday’s blog post for all the entry details.

Then? Come back here and DISH! So….OMG, did you have fun? Who are you rooting for? Is there anything that could reasonably be called a front runner this season? I think not. Who goes next week? And what will they sing? I will be tuning in!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So…last night was Motown Night on American Idol. I think pretty much all of them brought what they had to bring. I happen to like some of them more than others, but whoever you happen to like, you probably liked them last night.

What I’m figuring out, as the weeks are passing now, is who I am looking forward to seeing again. And again. Some of the singers whose style, even with all the career potential in the world, just don’t happen to be my style of singer. Paul is turning out to be one of those for me. I like aspects of his voice, his style, and I completely get his popularity, but the parts I like are just staying static for me, while the rest is going zzzzz and losing me. I do agree with the judges that if he slows it down and focuses more on the quirk and not stretching and pushing his voice to places it simply does not naturally go, with that rasp, he’d probably be growing on me, rather than losing me. But that’s what I mean. As the weeks unfold…who is grabbing you more, who is losing you?

Casey, who I also love, as the risk taker he is, and still look forward to each week, is starting to show the bald spots in his range. He can’t go much beyond what we see, and the depth of that is starting to prove more shallow than I’d thought or hoped. So…still has heart with me, I like his personality, but…kinda losing me as an actual iTunes buyer.

Thia has this gorgeous voice and sure, she gave the judges the up tempo they wanted, but I wish she was mature enough to be stronger in the way she interprets her song. She has this stunning voice with an alt edge, yet we hardly hear that. She’s too impressionable. (And possibly in trouble this week.) Whereas the other youngster, Lauren, can be almost too stubborn about what works for her. I like her country tone, but I still hear a lack of depth. Maturity, maybe, or maybe that’s all she’s got to deliver. She’s solid, but not special. Scotty is distinctive, a true gift, and was rock solid tonight, even with Motown. He owns his lane. Lauren has all the elements, but she’s not standing out when compared to the market she’s entering. In this competition she’s special, but in her niche of the industry? I don’t hear that yet. The makings of it, but I think she’s got a ways to go to get the depth she needs.

Naima pulled it out a little, but I wish there had been more of the end flavor throughout the song. She has a lot of the elements too, enough to mask her weaknesses. She’s just still trying to pull all that together, and I don’t know if she will in time to go far against this group. Haley really brought it tonight. I was kinda sorta hoping, after last week, that Naima would crash so Haley would get out of the bottom. She certainly didn’t belong there with this performance and even the judges were happy. But, compared to who else is she not going to end up there again? Everyone did well, so I think just based on voting who you voted for last time..she ends up there by default. We’ll see. The big question is…who else lands there this week?

Pia was stunning, as always. This was the first time I saw more of the star power to go with the star voice. But Jennifer has it exactly right. You can’t just stand there for two hours and pound it out. She has to learn now how to have stage presence in addition to voice presence, which she has in bucketfuls. Will be interesting seeing her trying to take that next step, but that’s what it’s going to take to give her the career she wants in music, I think, say, rather than the Broadway stage.

Stefano, again power voice, no connecting to the soul of it. And he doesn’t really get that, I don’t think, so I’m not sure he’ll grow there in time either. Cute will only get him so far. Not sure if he would be in trouble at this point, but I don’t know if he’ll go far.

And the song I thought Paul would take is the one James tackles….Stevie’s Livin’ for the City. I, for one, am very happy about this. I think the opening of the performance, the dancing, took him slightly out of his zone, but still cute. However, when he got back to center stage….yeah, he killed it. Great close. Owned. It. So, he’s one who is growing on me…

As is Jacob. That? That’s the one that gave me the goosies. Best performance for him, and he’s just growing and growing. Jacob’s style could just as easily have sent me to that samey-samey zzzz place, but instead, he’s truly learning from the mentoring process how to harness his powerful gift. It’s a joy to see. Steven running up there to hug him afterward was an absolute extension of how I was feeling.

So…what do you think? Who is growing on you? Who is losing you? Who wins? But, more importantly…who goes home this week? Starting to get challenging there… I’m afraid Haley will be down there, and probably Naima making a return trip, because I don’t know that they’ll surpass anyone else’s fandom within this one week. They did’t stumble, they did quite well…but so did everyone else, within their pocket. But…who will join them? Thia? Stefano? Casey? Will be interesting to see who’s down that way with the voters. Wonder how close the vote is? And wouldn’t it be even more fun if I’m wrong and we get a total shake up? Mmm. Such a good season!

Now, your turn. DISH!

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Thanks again everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes! I had such a good time this weekend I ended up sticking around until Tuesday, so I’m just now back to the land of telephones, internet, and television (how did I ever survive?) and catching up with all that I missed!

I did watch Amazing Race...wow, hardest leg, and on top of a non-pit-stop stop, the teams looked completely baked. I know a lot of folks probably aren’t happy with the bunching and that Kynt/Vyxsyn are still in it, but I love the way the race works like that, mostly because it makes the teams never give up. You truly never know if you’re out of it until Phil tells you so, so you just have to keep at it. And I also like that team, so there’s that.

In the end, a combination of bad luck and funky dinosaurs crushed Team Redhead and they ended up going home. I read an exit interview with them this morning and they said the dinosaur task took them four hours and that the gas stop actually took an hour, as the driver had to leave the highway and wander into the congested city to find a gas station. That combo was what killed them. And…frustrating, to be sure! But, yeah…not sorry to see them go.

My favorite part of the leg was when they were all at the train station, waiting all day for their departure, and picked up a basketball game with the Globetrotters, and that everyone got into it, cheering, playing, etcetera. A memory for the whole gang, to be sure.

Then….over on Dancing With the Stars… So, okay. I was completely unexcited about this season’s line up. It wasn’t Palin or Gosselin gross, but it didn’t look particularly stellar. Boy am I glad I taped it anyway! Maybe they are taking a page from the New & Much Improved, Kinder & Gentler American Idol, but last night was probably the most fun I’ve seen the teams have, as a whole, maybe in all the seasons. It really leant a playful, fun atmosphere to the proceedings and I found myself grinning through most of the background clips and the performances. Just…fun. The way it should be. Not a lot of useless drama and crap. Yes, they are all working hard, and yes, there is frustration and a few tears (I know I would be part of that group!) but there was a lot of balance, editorially, in what they showed in the clip packages, too. We got the sense, as we always do, as to how hard this is, but we were also treated to the great sense of humor most teams possess and how much fun they’re having while figuring this all out. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

That said, Wendy Williams can exit, stage closest to the door. I know, I’m sorry. But, overall, I think she was the only one that didn’t really grab me performance-wise or personally. We kind of have Kirstie for our “big, brassy” entertainer and Wendy was really kind of a no-go. Sure, Psycho Mark can’t dance, either, but he’s actually pretty entertaining (and not at all hard to look at) so…there you go. And yes, please join me at the shallow end of the pool. Umbrella drinks all around. Mostly I was sad that Tony got stuck with “the emotional one” again. Seriously, show? Give that to Mark! Set Tony Free! That said, welcome back Dmitry! Rrrowr.

Ralph Macchio (is he really 49?) and Kirstie Alley (she’s 60!?!?) were the highlights of the evening. Both were funny and entertaining, but mostly it was their dancing that wowed me. Didn’t expect that from either of them. So much fun. Loved the wrestling guy, he cracked me up, and he’s out there trying, plus he’s hot with Cheryl. Of course, I adored Hines, but then, I’m a Steelers girl. Romeo needs to grow right the heck up, not impressed with the attitude, but hey, at least he wore the shoes, and the Disney chick was cute and a good dancer, but I’m tired of Mark. So…very….tired. Glad to see Lacey but she needs a quick trip to a colorist. So distracting! Supermodel Petra acquitted herself okay (she’s got Edyta legs!) but the reality star chick totally needs to get over her whitegirl-can-shake-it deal. (Poor Louis!) Never watched anything about her, so don’t know her, but let’s just say that she’s a reality fame-ho? Not a surprise. That anyone cares? Much bigger surprise. Hot hubby, though!

And I loved Sugar Ray (”Can I call you Sugar?” Ha!) So, overall, despite the fact that there were a lot more people I’ve never heard of than usual, it was really an engaging night. Loved seeing all the former contestants in the audience, too. (I’d go back!) So, a surprisingly entertaining evening. I’m in!

Are you in for the latest contest? Since it’s such a short week, I’m going to roll this one over into next week, so you’ll have alllll the way until next Friday, April 1, to enter. No foolin’! And I’ll give away two books then! Also, not kidding! To enter, just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “More chances! Pick me!” in the subject line. Two lucky winners announced in April 1st’s blog post!

Also…if you’re waiting with baited breath to find out how I managed to get the cute EMT’s to my kitchen this week, well….you have to wait a teeny bit longer. The next cupcake adventure will be posted over on the Cakes by the Cup blog this Friday, 3/25. But hey, that gives you a few extra days to enter the contest over there. What contest you ask? Well, click here, and read to find out! Good luck!

Now? DISH! Are you into the Race? Who are you rooting for? Zev/Justin all the way for me! And did you watch DWTS? Surprised, bored, feelin’ it, yearning for sequins? Pass the umbrella drinks!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, first…last night on American Idol absolutely nothing surprising happened. Another really bad Ford commercial. The group song number was better and I actually liked the mash up with Born to Be Wild and Born this Way, but the choreo was like making these poor kids do an Up With People halftime event. So…not good. Lee DeWyze sang, and so did the Black Eyed Peas and then Karen went home. Like I said. Nothing surprising. Move along, nothing more to see here. Come back next week. And you know I will! I’m hoping that Haley gets a reprieve as I’d like to see her stick around, but it’s not looking good for her.

Okay, so let’s giveaway some free stuff and then I’m heading out of town! Woo hoo! Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes and the contest entries. The winner this week? Ebeth! Woot!! Just send me some title ideas, an address, and your prize will go out to ya! Speaking of which, all past prizes are currently in the mail, so if yours hasn’t popped up in the next few days, let me know!

Look for new contest info coming next Tuesday! Until then, have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the springlike weather if you’re having it, or curl up with a good book if you’re not! Win win, really. Me, I’m heading for the birthday cupcakes. (You can too have them for breakfast!)

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Right, so, last night on American Idol, not so good. I know! Now, does it matter this week? No. We all know Karen is going home, and taking her beehive with her. But, overall, it does add in to the total thought process. My fast forward finger, it was twitchy last night. Seriously twitchy. First time this season.

So, okay, here’s the rundown…

Naima? I want to love her. If only Bob Marley had had a song out the year she was born. Alas…no. And what she did choose? It was not good. SO not. I tried closing my eyes and just listening. Still, not good. The clip at the end of the show? Still, not good. I think bottom three. Only a lot of folks seemed to be competing for those slots this week, so who knows. Maybe going first this time will work for her because folks will forget how bad it was.

Paul. Now, that was actually the perfect song choice. But I have decided that I simply cannot watch him. Not ever. I feel like I’m going to have some kind of permanent twitch seizure if I do. Like, it actually physically makes me super uncomfortable. And those skinny jeans? Dude. Just…no. But, if I look away from the screen (whereupon…instant twitch relief) then? Well, I like how he sounds. Very much, in fact. Just, my EYES, Paul. My EYES. Yikes.

Thia. Man, I hope she gets it together and goes all Adele on us because her voice is just so pure. We got a lot more personality from her this week and I wish the judges had at least given her props for that.

James. Sure, Bon Jovi was the obvious choice and James rocks it. He’s got range, but he’s not distinct for me. Not in the way I’d know it was him if I heard him on the radio. Adam still owns that. Heck, even Daughtry owns that. James…not so much. Not yet. But I like the guy. I do. He’s got charm.

Haley. See, now here’s the damn shame of the competition. Randy rakes her for being all over the map, but it could be argued that that was a very Alicia take on I’m Your Baby Tonight. Whatevs. I really do like her voice, a lot in fact, but she’s doomed here. Move along. Nothing can save her. She’s not the It Girl, not with this group.

Stefano brings it. As he does. He’s adorable, he’s charming. And he can sing his cute fanny off. However (I know, I’m like Randy or something…) However, he’s not unique enough. He’s got a lot, but…what are we going to do with it? I don’t see him standing out in the music business. However, on Broadway? Killer. Absolutely. Adorable with huge pipes, that’s where that pays. Just sayin. I’m also sayin’ to keep him around. For my personal enjoyment and viewing pleasure. Because, after all, it is all about me.

Pia. First, what in the world did she have on? It was like a giant onesie with no footies. So distracting. So, she can sing. Yes, she can. But…sigh….for all she belts it out and utterly nails it, week after week, with this monster gorgeous voice of hers….I’m also not sure where her slot is in the current music industry. As I’ve said, not a lot of up and coming Celine’s and Whitney’s these days. She belts it, and it’s pure power, almost effortlessly huge and perfect, but there’s not a lot of soul to it. Nothing rrrrrrrr underneath it. So…I dunno. I can’t see her really bringing it in an earthy way that would get us up out of our seats or boogie in our cars. (What? Like you can’t boogie in your car after age 50? HA! I say. HA!) So, gorgeous, insanely talented, and the purest singer, along with the softer Thia. But…Thia has a sound. Pia…not so much. I know, I said it.

Scotty. Sings Travis and it’s his lane. He owns the lane. Essentially, all he has to do is make it through the next few months, win or lose, and sign his contract. Just don’t screw up. Career is waiting. That is all.

Karen Sings. Quite well. And…… yeah. It’s not enough. Not this season. So sorry. She’s heading out tonight. I’ll be stunned if she doesn’t.

So then there’s Casey. Singing Nirvana. Going all Cobain on our collective asses. It really wasn’t that good. Too much growl, not enough tone under it. But that he did it? After spending part of the week in the hospital getting blood transfusions to battle colitis? Yeah, I’m all over that. I love this guy. Will Ferrell sings Cobain. I mean, what’s not to love about that?

Lauren. I felt bad she was sick, and she definitely, sick or not, did better this week. But she still goes soft on the refrains, which is where she should just shove it in our faces and right down our throats. I honestly think that’s just age and inexperience. She has all the charm, talent, and presence in the world. She just has to grow into it, that’s all.

Jacob. Okay, so this dude? Couldn’t possible bottle more emotion into his big ol crazy time voice. He’s like a raw nerve, quivering and set to music. In a beautiful, beyond this realm kind of way. But what he’s truly got going for him, is that, he’s fortunate, in that, unlike Pia, he has R&B and gospel roots to fall back on, and so even his major nutty Broadway belting voice could actually find a home in modern day music. Plus, dayum. I mean, just….dayum. You know? If you don’t feel anything just watching him so utterly feel everything….then you need to check your pulse.

So? What did you think? Oh, and judging… The dawg maintained his wet blanket status, though,sadly, it was largely on point this week. Steven kind of vacated this week and went all super too nice, and I still love him to pieces. Jennifer, on the other hand, went strict mama on her little darlings, with some direct and specific critiques. But she does it with such heart, and true affection. Not to mention she kinda knows what the hell she’s talkin’ bout. That’s how you help someone grow and find their potential. Simon. Love this season. Off week. But love this season.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest! See Monday’s post for details. Winner announced here tomorrow, along with more Idol results DISH. Oh, and over on the Cakes by the Cup Blog…another chance to win! And make scrumptious Brown Sugar Pound Cake cupcakes! Next week over there? Big announcment about the Cakes by the Cup series. Woot!

Oh, and Happy St. Patty’s Day! Or, as I like to call it, My Big Ol Birthday Eve! You can wear green if you want.

Now? Tag. You’re it!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So…last night on Amazing Race, the race organizers continue to torture the racers with the hardest race ever, but reward them once again with some of the most beautiful scenery ever.

Our (fool?) hardy teams race from Tokyo to Li Jiang, China on this leg. There is a mandatory flight out of Tokyo which all teams had more than enough time to make, most cases, an entire night’s worth of time, yet Kynt & Vyxsin still managed to miss by driving many hours in the wrong direction. (You’d think when you don’t see a single sign with your designation on it, anywhere, and the flight time is near…that, even as the driver who totally trusts his navigator…you’d ask. Hey, pink kitten…could you possible be reading the map UPSIDE DOWN?) And I don’t have any clue what was going on with Vyxsin, who is normally a level headed pink kitten, but she totally lost it this leg, right from the start. I’m not sure, after finally making it to the race course in China, many hours behind, and actually catching up with one team (poor Justin & Zev) that Kynt didn’t take on that challenge (especially as it wasn’t physical) and give Vyx an obvious much needed mental break….

With all the stress of worrying about Team Goth pretty much the whole time, and then poor, adorable Zev gets put in a challenge that challenges everything he finds challenging…I needed a mental break! But there were rewards. Li Jiang, for one. Wow, what a stunningly beautiful piece of this planet that is. And the Happy Yak Music! I love Happy Challenge Music! Loved that they had to ride the happy, humpy little beasts across that wild looking river. Humpy yaks lifted my mood immeasurably.

But then it was right back to stress and worry as everyone is hunting for Chinese Zodiac charms and Ron is acting like a petulant two year old, all the time. “Look, food! I’m hungry! Look, live fish! I’m hungry! Look, bright shiny object! I’m hungry! Look, stupid bus driver! Melt down, kicking and screaming and actually throwing things! I’m hungry!) Oh my god, if I’d had a Tazer, I totally would have used it. Right in the neck. He’s absolutely exhausting. Hell, I’d rather race with an actual two year old! Wow, RON.

Then we get Happy Big Honkin’ Horn and Candy Pounding Music, and I stop worrying about Ron and enjoying the leg again. Because all things are more fun when you supersize stuff! Use the super big hammer? Or carry the super long horn? Except maybe they shouldn’t have given Christina that super big hammer, because Ron kept stopping the task to EAT THE CANDY…. Yeah, I’m afraid I might have had an oopsie with the hammer. “Oh….I’m SORRY, candy makers, I SO didn’t mean to hit my dad with the hammer. HOW did that happen?” Yeah….like that.

But there was Flight Time & Big Easy having no clue what Chinese Zodiac sign they were (I’m a Rat! No, a goat! No, wait a minute, a snake!) and having to go through them all to get their next clue. Ha! Good times.

Then back to stress as the serious altitude starts to take its toll and everyone is trying to climb all those stairs to the pit stop, and Zev finally gets his challenging challenge of all challenges done and Justin is the coolest partner ever with him, helping him past his frustration (I adore those two…adore) and we Have Hope Again!…only then Kynt loses the fanny back with their entire race life inside…on a gondola! and it’s All Over For Them…Again. But then teams are making it to the pit stop, completely worn out, seriously oxygen to the brain deprived….only to be told?

Still racing. Here’s your next clue. To be? Yep, Continued.

Wow, race planners. Just wow. Two TBC legs and no Non-Elims? And we JUST started? After I took a deep breath (and I’m at almost sea level) I couldn’t help but think, Thank God, Mike & Mel were ousted last leg. Because this one might have actually caused the first leg related death. Somewhere last night, Mel was thanking his lucky stars.

But it’s Monday now, and I choose to just remember the Happy Yak Music…and maybe give away some free stuff!

Yes, it’a another Free Stuff Friday contest! Send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “It’s your birthday, so give ME a free book!” in the subject line, and come this Friday, we’ll all wear green, sing happy birthday to me, and, yes, I’ll give somebody a free book! Of course, I’ll be eating all the cupcakes, so it all balances out…

So, what are you waiting for? Enter already, then come back here and DISH! Do you think this is the most amazing Amazing Race ever? Who are you rooting for? What would you do if you were stuck with Ron? (I am a cop’s daughter. I can get a Tazer. And I share my toys.)

Tags: Writing by Donna
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