Last nights show was a bit of shocker. It didn't go as I thought it would. I knew that Jason Yeager was destined to be cut, but the other three surprised me. I think Amanda Overmyer, KadY Malloy and Luke Menard need to thank the lucky stars they are still there. Both Alaina and Robbie were surprises. I liked the 3 people they cut better than Amanda, Kady and Luke, so it was kind of a bummer. Not to mention, now I'll have to hear Luke sing again, ugh.

I know that most pop stars don't write their own songs anymore, but I had an idea. Since they are letting people use instruments this year, why not test their songwriting ability. Once it gets down to the top 12 or something, have a "sing your own song" week. I'd like to hear some of these contestants original songs. I think that would be interesting to see. Just the contestant on stage, with an instrument, singing their own songs, no band. Very stripped down. Although, there are a lot of people who don't play anything, and that would completely screw up my idea.

I'm going to keep this post short and to the point. The girls need to step it up to compare to the guys. Right now it seems as tho it's very cut and dry. Here's the songs the girls picked for seventies week:

• Carly Smithson - Crazy On You (Heart)
• Amanda Overmyer - Carry on My Wayward Son (Kansas)
• Kady Malloy - Magic Man (Heart)
• Alexandrea Lushington - If You Leave Me Now (Chicago)
• Syesha Mercado - Me and Mrs. Jones (Billy Paul)
• Alaina Whitaker - Hopelessly Devoted to You (Grease Soundtrack)
• Asia'h Epperson - All By Myself (Eric Carmen)
• Kristy Lee Cook - You're No Good (Linda Ronstadt)
• Ramiele Malubay - Don't Leave Me This Way (Thelma Houston)
• Brooke White - You're So Vain (Carly Simon)

My favorites were Ramiele Malubay and Brooke White. Everyone else left me dissapointed. It'll be interesting to see who gets cut tonight.

The Hairstyle Blog did a nice little article on the Emo hairstyle and American Idol. Have some nice pics of Ramiele Malubay there as well. Check it out.

It seems like a trend this year to slow a song down for dramatic effect. Or doing the first verse slow and then having the band kick in. I'm getting tired of this. There are so many great songs from the sixties and seventies, and it would be so easy to make these songs sound modern. I think David Cook has done a great job both weeks, making his song choices sound modern. I think the contestants should consider speeding up the songs rather than slowing them down. Make the song more rocking rather than slower and sappier. I think doing so will make a big difference in votes, if you can take an old song and make it sound current or make it your own. I get tired of people trying to be karaoke or trying to sound just like the original. Make the song unique, give it something different, make me remember your performance. Daughtry was very good at doing this, and I think this years contestants should watch last season and try to learn something from him.

Week two is here, it is seventies week for the guys. They started out pretty weak. Even one of my favorites Michael Johns seemed weak. David Hernandez had a decent performance, song choice could have been better, but he was one of the only guys that didn't embarass himself. David Cook had a solid performance as well. He's been great every time, he's a solid vocal and a decent performer. Lots of confidence.

David Archuleta was the best of the evening, hands down. This guy is great for his age. I think he has a chance of taking it. People love him, the judges love him. He's a great singer and every performance has been killer. David Archuleta is a powerhouse!

Here are the song choices for this week:

Michael Johns - Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac)
Jason Castro - I Just Want to Be Your Everything (Andy Gibb)
Luke Menard - Killer Queen (Queen)
Robbie Carrico - Hot Blooded (Foreignor)
Danny Noriega - Superstar (The Carpenters)
David Hernandez - Papa Was a Rolling Stone (Temptations)
Jason Yeager - Long Train Running (Doobie Brothers)
Chikezie Eze - I Believe to My Soul (Donny Hathaway)
David Cook - All Right Now (Free)
David Archuleta - Imagine (John Lennon)

I think Luke Menard will be cut, can't wait to for him to be gone. I'm also sick of Jason Castro playing guitar everytime. I'd like to see him without the guitar. Seems like he is hiding behind it. Danny Noriega's performance was horrible, it will be a great day when they finally cut Danny, so annoying. Jason Yeager is way too cheesy for me. I don't even like the tone of his voice. He will be gone at the end of the week, mark my word.  read more »

Am I the only one who thinks the group songs are horrible? It is almost an insult to our intelligence that American Idol thinks these are entertaining. It reminds me of some 70's campy Brady Bunch episode. I hate the dancing and the outfits, etc. Not a fan of the group songs.

Since I'm griping, the exit songs are horrible as well. These people are getting voted off, why would we want to hear them sing again? Especially when they are all choked up and bawling. Not to mention how tough would that be? America hates me, but here I go singing one last song...and it's the same song I sang yesterday, ya know...the one America hated, the reason I'm being kicked off the show.

I think there's a few things American Idol could do to make the show better.

Well, I called it...almost. I got 3 out of the 4 correct. I think Jason Yeager should be feeling pretty darn lucky, cuz he sucked the other night. I was surprised Colton Berry got cut actually. I thought it would be Jason. Anyways, here's who America voted out this week:

• Garrett Haley
• Amy Davis
• Joanne Borgella
• Colton Berry

No surprise Amy Davis got cut. She should've never made it to the top 24 in the first place. It will be interesting to see how next week goes.

Josiah Leming appeared on Access Hollywood. He talked a little bit about his family and played a song. Josiah also talks about getting his own place in California. Access Hollywood also interviewed Josiah's parents.

Josiah Leming got invited to perform on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (02/19/08). Ellen interviews Josiah and he sings one of his originals, "To Run." Ellen also gave Josiah $8,000 worth of music equipment to get his career started.

The girls started things out pretty weak. Nobody really stood out for me. Everyone seemed very nervous and not that great. I think the boys are going to dominate this season.

Kristy Lee Cook - Rescue Me
Joanne Borgella - Say a Little Prayer For You
Alaina Whitaker - Love You More Today than Yesterday
Amanda Overmyer - Baby Please Don't Go
Amy Davis - Where the Boys Are
Brooke White - Happy Together
Alexandrea Lushington - Spinning Wheel
Kady Malloy - Groovy Kind of Love
Asia'h Epperson - Piece of My Heart
Ramiele Malubay - You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
Syesha Mercado - Tobacco Road
Carly Smithson - The Shadow of Your Smile

If I had to pick my top two favorites tonight it would be Ramiele Malubay and Alaina Whitaker. I thought they both did a great job. If I had to pick my least favorites it would be Amy Davis and Joanne Borgella.

Tonight the 12 girls performed. There were a lot of very mediocre performances. My favorites so far were Ramieled Malubay and Alaina Whitaker.

I think it's anyones guess who will be eliminated. I think Amy Davis is gone for sure. But, they should all be a bit scared. The girls really need to step it up or the guys are going to run away with this competition.

At least tonight, Paula didn't argue with everything Simon said, like last night. She seemed a little more restrained.

Amy Davis is 25 and from Cedar Lake, IN. Amy auditioned in Dallas. Amy is a graduate student at Purdue University where she previously earned a BS in Horticulture. She’s performed with numerous groups, including the Amy Davis Trio and Echoes of Pompeii, a Pink Floyd tribute band. She’s also performed with cover band, 6th element.

Amy Davis is also a model. You can view her model portfolio. Pretty decent looking pictures. Apparently her grandmother is Japanese, which gives Amy her exotic look. If she could sing as good as she looks, she'd go far.

Since this is the first week, I don't know why they just don't let the contestants pick any song they want. Nope, it's sixties week. These songs came out before these contestants were born.

David Hernandez - In the Midnight Hour
David Archuleta - Shop Around
David Cook - So Happy Together
Jason Yeager - Moon River
Chikezie Eze - More Today Than Yesterday
Robbie Carrico - One
Colton Berry - Suspicious Minds
Luke Menard - Everybody's Talkin
Garrett Haley - Breaking Up is Hard to Do
Jason Castro - Daydream
Danny Noriega - Jailhouse Rock
Michael Johns - Light My Fire

I thought Daydream was a great song choice for Jason Castro, and I thought David Cook really made So Happy Together into something hip and modern. I'd like to see Michael Johns try something other than the Doors. Most of the other song choices were horrible.

It will be interesting to see what the girls pick.

Tonight the 12 guys performed. There were some great performances, there were some horrible performances as well. My favorites so far David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro and Michael Johns. I think all four of these guys are awesome. It would be hard to pick a favorite at this point.

I think Garrett Haley and Jason Yeager will be eliminated. They were both horrible and don't belong in this competition. I thought some others auditioned better than both of these two. I also think Luke Menard will be gone soon. These three guys can't touch any of the other guys this season.

Am I the only one who thinks Danny Noriega is way too feminine. I like his singing, but his diva attitude really grates on my nerves. I also think Chikezie should keep his mouth shut when the judges are giving him feedback, it didn't help him at all.

Last but not least, why does Paula need to argue with everything Simon says? You could tell that he was getting annoyed, I was too. She needs to learn to keep her medicated big mouth shut.

Tomorrow night is the girls.

Carrie Underwood is on tour, some dates are with Keith Urban. Here are the following dates for the tour:

Tue 02/19/08 Albany, NY Times Union Center
Wed 02/20/08 Amherst, MA Mullins Center
Fri 02/22/08 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center
Mon 02/25/08 Bridgeport, CT Arena At Harbor Yard
Fri 02/29/08 Tallahassee, FL Leon County Civic Center
Sat 03/01/08 Biloxi, MS Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Sun 03/02/08 Bossier City, LA CenturyTel Center
Wed 03/05/08 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Thu 03/06/08 Valley Center, KS Kansas Coliseum
Fri 03/07/08 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha
Sun 03/09/08 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Tue 03/11/08 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion At San Jose
Thu 03/13/08 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Tue 03/18/08 Bethlehem, PA Stabler Arena
Wed 03/19/08 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena
Fri 03/21/08 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place
Sat 03/22/08 Hamilton, ON Copps Coliseum
Tue 03/25/08 Fort Wayne, IN Allen County War Mem. Coliseum
Wed 03/26/08 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium
Thu 03/27/08 Dayton, OH Ervin J. Nutter Center
Sun 03/30/08 Saginaw, MI The Dow Event Center
Mon 03/31/08 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
Tue 04/01/08 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
Thu 04/03/08 East Lansing, MI Breslin Student Events Center
Fri 04/04/08 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
Thu 04/10/08 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
Sat 04/12/08 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center
Thu 04/17/08 North Charleston, SC North Charleston Coliseum
Fri 04/18/08 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Bobcats Arena
Sat 04/19/08 Raleigh, NC RBC Center
Thu 04/24/08 Duluth, GA The Arena At Gwinnett Center
Fri 04/25/08 Duluth, GA The Arena At Gwinnett Center  read more »

Jordin Sparks is on tour with Alicia Keys. Here are the following dates for the tour:

Sat 04/19/08 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum
Sun 04/20/08 Philadelphia, PA The Liacouras Center
Tue 04/22/08 Pittsburgh, PA University Of Pittsburgh
Thu 04/24/08 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena
Sat 04/26/08 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
Sun 04/27/08 Saint Louis, MO Scottrade Center
Wed 04/30/08 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Thu 05/01/08 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Mon 05/05/08 Los Angeles, CA TBA
Wed 05/07/08 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena
Fri 05/09/08 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sat 05/10/08 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion At San Jose
Mon 05/12/08 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
Wed 05/14/08 Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Theatre At Grand Prairie
Sun 05/18/08 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Thu 05/22/08 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
Sat 05/24/08 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
Sun 05/25/08 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena
Wed 05/28/08 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Fri 05/30/08 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
Sat 05/31/08 Cincinnati, OH U.S. Bank Arena
Tue 06/03/08 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
Thu 06/05/08 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Ctr. / Cleveland St. Univ.
Fri 06/06/08 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Sun 06/08/08 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Wed 06/11/08 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
Fri 06/13/08 Washington, DC Verizon Center
Sun 06/15/08 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
Tue 06/17/08 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Wed 06/18/08 New York, NY Madison Square Garden Arena

Don't miss Jordin Sparks and Alicia Keys when they come to your town!

Josiah Leming did not make the top 24. I was a bit surprised last night when they let Josiah go. I thought he was very talented and that a lot of people would like him. The judges apparently felt different about Josiah.

I do agree that he was a bit of a cry baby, and kind of a spoiled diva. You don't point out that something you did took guts, that's for someone else to point out. I think Josiah Leming needs to quit living and his car and go back home to his family. He seems way too unstable to be without family. He is definitely a tortured artist.

I think Josiah Leming's career will probably take off after this. I think there are people who really like him and were dissapointed to see him get cut. He has some songs on his myspace page that aren't too bad. I think if he matures a little bit, he could be a decent recording artist.

I think it'll go either one of two ways, Josiah Leming will have a great career or you'll be reading that he commited suicide. Hopefully, not the later.

Luke Menard, well what can I say about Luke? Nothing! I know nothing about him, nor did the show mention him once along the way. Why did they do these elaborate back stories on ALL of the girls, but we've had 4 guys appear out of nowhere? Not one second of them singing, nothing, nada. So it will be interesting to see what Luke Menard actually sounds like in the coming weeks.

Jason Yeager is another guy who got zero exposure. Apparently Jason was on the show Making the Band. But American Idol failed to give us any type of back story, or let us know who he is...at all. Jason Yeager is another person that we haven't heard sing at all. I'm kind of annoyed with some of the things American Idol is doing this year. Jason Yeager may be great, but we don't know yet.

Jason Castro, who the heck is this guy? Again another contestant that we've never seen before. Jason Castro was on the MTV show Cheyenne. We've never heard Jason Castro sing anything yet. I'd like to know a little about these people. I'm not digging the dreads at all, not a good look for a white dude. It will be interesting to actually hear Jason Castro sing.

Garrett Haley, who the heck is this guy? No mention of him ever. I think it's a bit rediculous that they sent several people to the top 24 that were never mentioned. A little back story would be nice. We've never heard Garrett Haley sing one single note?

David Hernandez is one of the people that they didn't show until Hollywood week. The first time we saw him he was singing Love the One Your With. David did a great version of the song. I think David Hernandez has some serious talent. I think he will do well in the competition. Great voice, good stage presence, and a good looking guy to boot. I thought Simon's comment to him after they put him through was kind of rude and uncalled for. David Hernandez is in my top 3 guys for season 7.

Colton Berry, 17, Staunton, VA. I'm not a huge fan of Colton. Honestly, I don't think he should have made it to the thop 24. I think there were some other contestants that were way more talented than Colton Berry. Anyway, that's my opinion, we'll see what Happens to Colton Berry in season 7.

American Idol anounced it's top 24 contestants for season 7 last night. It was pretty much how I expected it to be. I am really sad that Josiah Leming did not make the top 24. Even tho he was kind of a cry baby every time he was on camera, I thought he had some talent. Very original and seemed like someone I would actually listen to. Check out his original stuff on his myspace page; he’s an awesome song writer for his age and I’m probably gong to buy some of his music. http://www.myspace.com/josiahleming. I think even tho Josiah Leming was eliminated early, this might be the boost he needs to get his career off the ground. Seems like a lot of people liked him and were surprised he got cut.

There were a few other surprises, such as Samantha Sidley. I thought she had a killer audition and we never really heard anything from her again. Some of the other surprises were Colton Berry, nothing special at all about him. I almost wish the geeky Kyle Ensley would have gone on instead of Colton. How can they send Colton thru but cut Josiah, doesn't make any sense.

The other thing I didn't like, was there was like 6 guys that made it to the top 24, that we'd never even seen before. Who the heck are these guys? I'd like to know some more about them.

I think there is a ton of talent this season. It will be very hard to choose a winner. So far I'm really liking Michael Johns and David Archuleta. Guys seem a little stronger this year. We'll have to see how this season turns out. Stay tuned!

Asia’h Epperson did the "my dad just died" sob story thing. Have I mentioned I'm tired of this? She sang How do I Live and it was a pretty emotional performance. Paula Abdul got all choked up and had to leave. I thought Asia'h had a great voice and did very well considering her dad just kicked it. She's a cute girl and we'll have to see how far Asia'h Epperson makes it this year.

Here's the "unofficial" list of American Idol season 7 top 24:

Guys:

• Chikezie Eze
• Colton Berry
• Danny Noriega
• David Archuleta
• David Cook
• David Hernandez
• Garrett Haley
• Jason Castro
• Jason Yeager
• Luke Menard
• Michael Johns
• Robbie Carrico

Girls:

• Alaina Whitaker
• Alexandrea Lushington
• Amanda Overmyer
• Amy Davis
• Asia'h Epperson
• Brooke White
• Carly Smithson
• Joanne Borgella
• Kady Malloy
• Kristy Lee Cook
• Ramiele Malubay
• Syesha Mercado

I don't know how accurate this list is, matter of fact I don't think it is accurate at all. Josiah Lemming and Samantha Sidley are no where to be seen. They were among my top 2 so far. We'll find out later tonight.

Danny Noriega sang Proud Mary. He had a decent audition and deserved to be put through. I think the judges really liked him. He auditioned a few seasons back, but got the boot. He seemed more confident this time around. He seemed a little feminine to me. Reminded me a bit of Sanjaya, but with talent. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Danny Noriega this year.

Chikezie Eze was great, I loved his audition. He sang All the Woman I Need and totally blew off Simon when he was asked to stop singing. Chikezie had a great sounding voice and I think he could do well in this competition. What's up with that name tho, Chikezie Eze...that has to be made up. I'm all for stage names, but pick something good Chikezie. Chikezie Eze had auditioned back in season 6.

Alesha Stezel should have never made it through. I hated her singing, the way she pronounced words, and her R's. No way. Alesha got lucky when the said she sounded like Dolly Parton. Even tho Alesha did better the second time around, it still was no where near up to par. I think Alesha Stezel should be thankful she made it to Hollywood. I think Ms. Stezel will be cut immediately tho.

JoAnne Borgella had a great voice. I really loved her audition. JoAnne is a plus sized model and was very beautiful. Simon said no to her, which really surprised me. Simon has made some interesting choices in season 7, not sure what's up with him this year. I think with some work JoAnne Borgella could do well this year.

Cardin McKinney was great if you asked me. Very good look to her, plus she had a great voice. Seemed very confident and pleasant and the judges really liked her. I think if Cardin works hard this year, she could go very far. I think Cardin McKinney might be in my top 5 girls to watch this year. Although it's hard to say, since it seems like there are a ton of people that made it throught that they didn't show. So there could be a sleeper in there somewhere, but Cardin McKinney will do well.

Amy Davis was a lot better looking than she could sing. I don't think she's all that talented, but will make it far due to her looks. Not to mention she's got pictures all over the internet. Reminds me of Antonella Barba from Season 6. I don't think Amy Davis will make it far on her singing alone. We'll see where Amy gets cut this year, should be interesting.

Josiah Lemming was a kid who lives in his car. He sang an original song and I thought he had an ok voice. Reminded me a bit of Death Cab for Cutie. Simon said Josiah was singing with a british accent. I think Josiah Lemming could do well, but I have a feeling most people won't "get" him.

Amanda Overmeyer was a 22 year old biker chick who is a nurse. Scary nurse. She actually had a decent rock voice. She sang Mean Woman by Janis Joplin. Lots of rocker chicks trying Janis this year. The judges really liked her. I think she was decent, but Amanda needs to step it up. I think Amanda Overmeyer will probably get eliminated early due to her hard edge look. Amanda Overmeyer doesn't fit the mold.

Alexandrea Lushinton was a cute little sixteen year old girl. Alexandrea sang “My Funny Valentine” and did it very well for her age. I think Alexandrea will be one to watch this season. She had great tone and control to her voice, plus she's only 16! Wow. I think Alexandrea Lushington will do well this year.

Brooke Helvie was Miss South Florida or something. I didn't think she looked that good, nothing special. You could tell Brooke Helvie thought she looked good tho. Brooke sang Who's Lovin' You and was ok, but nothing special. She's the same as every other girl they've sent thru this year. Season of the blondes. I was actually surprised by Brooke's voice, she was decent, but not enough to make it far. Brooke Helvie will be cut early on.

Joshua Jones sang Don't Stop Me Now by Queen. Simon did stop him, Josh was doing that weird eye thing that Simon hates. I thought Josh Jones was average, just like his name. I don't think Josh has the skills to make it far this season. I predict Joshua Jones will be cut right away.