American Idol -- Top 10

I was immediately worried when I saw that Kara was sleeveless again, but since they are introduced as they walk out on to the stage now she doesn't usually give us that big languorous wave anymore (and we are thankful).

American Idol -- Top 11 Results

OK. This is very late and it may be short. Last night’s show hit an exceedingly high level on the boring scale, even as compared to other results shows.

We must have paused and gone frame by frame for five minutes trying to figure out what was up with the bloody women in the audience. I was only mildly surprised to learn they were fans of Siobhan – Siobhanbies. This girl gets “quirkier” every day.

American Idol -- Top 11

There is a note at the bottom of the screen at the beginning of the episode here. Five ugly, ugly words: Recorded from an earlier telecast. Blecch.

So, the other difference tonight is that I’m working without a net (No access to the performances while writing the post).

[Aside: That reminds me of one of my favorite scenes from Mad About You, which was popular the first time I lived in San Diego. Jamie (Helen Hunt) is talking to her sister Lisa about Lisa’s irresponsibility:

Jamie: That’s the problem. You’re out having fun and I’m running all over town with a net.

Lisa: Who’s Annette?]

Tunnel Vision

It's impossible to come through the Holland Tunnel one last time (for now) without thinking about all the trips through all the tunnels and over all the bridges over the last 12 years.

American Idol -- Top 12 Results

I'll be really pissed about that stupid two-minute intro if they go overtime tonight.

I'm already tired of Simon and Kara being in each other's space.

Great. The judges' save is back. Sigh. (eyes rolling)

American Idol -- Top 12

Note: Starting tonight, I will be posting this as a note on Facebook in addition to posting it on the blog. It feels like some people are reluctant to comment on the blog, so now there will be two ways to give your feedback.

They did this big intro for the judges and Ryan for last year's top 12 (13) show.

When Ryan re-acquainted us with the big stage, he mentioned 450 screaming fans. I had no idea the crowd was so small for these tapings. For whatever reason (naiveté?) I was under the impression that they were performing to about a thousand fans. I did, however, know that the exact number of lights and cameras was "galore" so that didn't surprise me at all. And finally, he told us that this was a platform truly suited for a superstar. How many times do you think Beyoncé is getting dressed and out of her house to do a show for fewer than 500 people?

AI -- Unveiling the Top 12

Let's get right to it.

I wonder if Paula gets irritated watching Simon and Kara buddy up to each other like that.

I think they should have made Randy don a bikini for the picture.

AI Semi-Finals -- Top 8 Boys

This format of very little intro is difficult for me to get used to. I think they still haven't got the rhythm of the four judge format right yet. They may need to go to a 90-minute show when they get in the ten, nine, eight area this year. I don't think they will, but they should.

Here we go.

AI Semi-Finals -- Top 8 Girls

Well, it's only an hour-long show tonight, so already it's better than the last two weeks. That was a little bit of a weird opening. First, Ellen and Simon allegedly hate each other. Now, she's sitting on his lap.

AI Top 20 Results

I guess there will be a post tonight.

When will I learn to fast forward through these group numbers? And you know the ones that have never watched the show before (Crystal, Casey) have to be wondering what the hell they got themselves into.

AI Semi-Finals -- Top 10 Girls

I haven't turned the TV on yet, but I want to say this upfront. This season is a chore right now. Five hours of this every week is making me really grouchy. I like the semi-final format they used last year a lot better because even if the entire group of eight or twelve or however many there were sucked, you had a whole new batch to look forward to the next week. I am dreading this.

AI Semi-Finals -- Top 10 Boys

Thanks to the impending move, my computer is out in the living room with the television. That means I'll be taking my notes right in the word document. It could mean a superfast posting to the blog tonight. I guess you'll know when you're reading this how well the new setup worked.