So, the American Idol tour is coming to Vegas this summer, and I'm halfway tempted to get a ticket. Just so I can stalk my pretend boyfriend on the right here. I'm pretty sure he's going to win next week, the guide suggests he's going to win, and well, you know, I can lift my ban on making out with musicians just this once. I'm. Just. Saying. Even if he did sing Switchfoot on Tuesday night, I think I can forgive him.

Dancing With The Stars also ends next week, and it seems like Kristi's taking it over, making her the second woman to ever win the whole thing, and I say good for her. Don't let the hottest two men to ever grace the DWTS stage take away your God-given talent for basically skating without skates, girl! Get that disco ball trophy and work it out!

And, yeah, yeah, we know Brangelina's having twins. Woo. Bodog thinks that the first child she delivers will weigh more than the second at -130. Keep on poppin' those perfect little babies out, Angie.

Labels: American Idol, babies, Bodog, brangelina, Dancing With The Stars

posted by Kari at 1:00 PM

She really was looking good last night, I have to say. But I loved how during her first talk with Seacrest she was all like, "I'm just letting go and having fun," meaning "My ass is going home tomorrow so I'm gonna look good and sing well doing it." And I say good for her. I was pretty sure she was going to make it this far in the betting guide, but I think America will collectively drop a brick if a David goes home tonight.

Listen, I don't feel bad for Marissa on Dancing With The Stars. She's cute and all, but she's just not, you know, the other three people left. The betting guide has a certain Olympic gold medalist as the favorite right now.

Labels: American Idol, Dancing With The Stars

posted by Kari at 1:12 PM

Will Syesha mess up on purpose tonight? It's like AI is just another version of Pulp Fiction where the producers are Marcellus Wallace and Syesha is Bruce Willis's character Butch and they're telling her to throw the fight... or else. But this time, she can't just sneak out the back door with the money and take the hog out to Mexico with her French boyfriend.

Yeah, so that dragged out a little too long.

It'll be a battle of the Davids next week. Tonight, though, we'll see how little Archuleta does without his Dad whipping coaching him on what to sing. Considering they are singing three songs and one of them is a song they themselves choose, it's almost too obvious who's the favorite. But I might be biased, because Cook has somehow lost that second chin, and it actually made him more attractive. The betting guide says one David has an advantage over the other.

Dear America,

Please, please, please tell me you didn't vote for Cristi´n. But you probably did because you have a soft spot for hot Latin dudes, even though Jason Taylor was hot enough not to hurt himself for sympathy votes. Do us all a favor and just send him home next week and make him feel the heat from the discoball trophy like Marie did.

Love, us.

Labels: American Idol, Betting guides, Dancing With The Stars

posted by Kari at 10:52 AM

Well, Jocelyn's not quite inconsolable, but it's been a down day in the office today.

But if you really think about it, it was pretty much set up since Brooke went home last week: one girl left, and The Davids are in a catfight for first place, and he conveniently mumbles the lyrics, giving America the reason not to vote for him (or for the producers to kick him off). A sad state of affairs all around, people. The betting guide is updated, and Syesha's got crosshairs on her forehead.


And a quick note on the politics front: the rumor today is that Obama's going to declare victory on May 20 in regards to the Democratic nomination, and betUS has him at -800, people. That would mean in order to make any money on him clinching the nomination, you'd have to bet $800 to see anything. Seriously. That's $200 more than my stimulus check, y'all.

Labels: American Idol, Barack Obama, Betting guide, BetUS, Jason Castro, politics

posted by Kari at 12:49 PM

I just felt like I was in a bad Disney film when he danced. Maybe it was something about his hokey smile that I just couldn't get past. Maybe it was because he's not very good at ballroom dancing, even if he's got rhythm. And Karina couldn't help him be hotter. At the same time, I know you're thinking, "How is is it that an injury and the last really awkward celebrity left can make it further than Mario?" I'm not sure myself, but it makes me wish that Marissa would win. Just because. The betting guide is updated!

And... Jason Castro. Nice coincidence with mumbling through the song last night, dude. That, and the fact that the producers have to keep Syesha in because she's the last girl have pretty much made it nigh impossible for you to stay on the show. I heard Jack Johnson needs a backup singer.

The AI betting guide is updated for tonight's elimination.

Labels: American Idol, Betting guides, Dancing With The Stars, Jason Castro, Mario

posted by Kari at 1:24 PM

The really old folks are gone from Dancing With The Stars, and thank God, 'cause at least they all make facial expressions.

Dear Shannon Elizabeth,

Don't talk about not having hips. You're of Middle-Eastern decent. Guess what, you're next. We mean, if Marissa doesn't eat you first. If you don't believe us, check the betting guide. For reals.

love, us.

Mariah on American Idol last night was just an hour of Pure Awesome. Unfortunately, it's looking like Carly, Brooke, and (gasp!) Little Artichoke might be in the bottom three. If it's not Artichoke, it's probably going to be Castro.

Then again, our little Aussie hottie was gone last week just because he went first, so you never know what's going to happen. Again.

Labels: American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, Mariah Carey, Priscilla Presley, Shannon Elizabeth

posted by Kari at 12:59 PM

I mean, in all fairness, it's not really a new year until American Idol starts.

Every year, I think that this year will be the year that the show just blows, and I typically HATE the bad audition shows at the beginning. But last night's episode was SO GOOD. We had some guy waxing his chest hair, a heart wrenching story of a sick child and another heart wrenching story of a sick mother (by which I'm pretty sure we just mean very much over weight mother). We had a girl with a body like a porn star who's never watched a rated "R" movie. We had three guys who can REALLY sing. We had a Carrie Underwood knock off, who actually may be better than Carrie Underwood (she for sure had more personality than Carrie Underwood) who raises horses and fights combat sports. We had a crazy girl. Actually, we had two crazy girls. We had classic Simon and classic Randy. We had Ryan Seacrest doing his deadpan response face to crazy contestants at least a dozen times. He's almost made a career out of that at this point.

Oddly, however, there was no moment where I was convinced that Paula Abdul was on drugs. Until they showed the previews for an upcoming auditions segment in which she dances. Then my faith was restored.

I feel better. I've been home in bed sick for DAYS now. It certainly appears, though, that Randy, Paula and Simon have been good for my soul. I feel much better.

It'll be a female winner again this season.

Labels: American Idol, American Idol 7

posted by pregamejocelyn at 12:13 PM

I mean, if you were ending your weekend watching whatever the heck that Golden Globes ceremony was with that annoying Mary Hart announcing some of the winners, it was really an anticlimax to the weekend: Nicole and Christina had their babies. Jessica Simpson wasn't even nowhere near Dallas, and Tony Romo still effed up the football game against the Giants. Britney was cussing at the paparazzi. Again.

But, if you had bet on Daniel Day-Lewis or Julie Christie to win this weekend, you made a couple of bucks. And the Oscar nominations are next Tuesday, so we'll see what the books make of that, considering there may not even be a ceremony if the writers' strike still goes on. But, if there are odds, we'll be on it.

Then again, none of that may even matter at all because, that's right, American Idol starts tomorrow night. It's like Christmas Day all over again.

Labels: American Idol, babies, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Daniel Day-Lewis, Golden Globes, Jessica Simpson, Julie Christie, Nicole Richie, writers' strike

posted by Kari at 12:34 PM

American Idol got what it deserved for pushing the Jordin Sparks/Blake Lewis train and pre-empting the win of the more deserving Melinda Doolittle. Lewis barely cracked the top ten this week with his debut album. Jordin is long gone from the top ten (though no doubt she's going to get a boatload of promotion once the Idol season starts in January). And I'll just tell you, I certainly didn't download either album.

Know who's sitting on top of the charts?

Josh"You Lift Me Up" Groban and his Christmas album.

No joke.

Also, I own that album.

The man's voice is like butter. I'm not going to apologize.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 11:28 AM

Oh.My.God.

Per eonline, Randy Jackson is preparing to release a new cd, featuring a duet with Paula Abdul.

Why, OH WHY, was this not done in time for me to purchase one for everybody I know for the holidays?

Apparently, Seacrest makes a cameo on the album as well. Oh yes, it's your wildest dreams come true.

Santa came early for Jocelyn with this little ditty.

Labels: American Idol, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson

posted by pregamejocelyn at 10:58 AM

So, with the writers' strike still happening, that just means more reality for you and me. That may be good, that may be bad. But it may also be awesome if you're betting on the shows that have odds now or will have odds up in the next couple of months. Don't worry, dear fabulous people, we have you covered!

Right now, not only do we have betting guides on Survivor: China, we're covering The Biggest Loser 4, Project Runway 4, we've got the guide on The Celebrity Apprentice which debuts January 3rd (and will be awesome!)

And, of course, don't forget that American Idol starts up January 15th, people, and we'll be all over it when they get down to the semis in Hollywood.

Get to that holiday cash!

Labels: American Idol, Betting guides, Celebrity Apprentice, Project Runway, Survivor: China, The Biggest Loser

posted by Kari at 1:28 PM

We know. We tried to gather up some kind of enthusiasm for the American Idol spinoff show, The Next Great American Band. We really did, because we (heart) AI around here. Not even kidding.

But we just couldn't find it in our little party hearts to stay home every Friday to watch it. That doesn't mean we won't talk about it if there are odds, and we've actually got some for you. betUS was kind enough to put up some odds on all the bands left in the competition. (To see the odds, click on a number, then "Future/Props," then "Entertainment Props," then "The Next Great American Band."):

Sixwire (+250): They're a little older bar band from Nashville (which gives them a little country tinge) whose lead singer looks just like Kenny Loggins, but has nice charisma when he sings. If they're going for the Adult Contemporary route, they might be able to make it all the way. But is this show really the demographic they're looking for? Doesn't seem like it, but they're more solid that most of the groups left.
Franklin Bridge (+350): In their bio they have a wide array of pop and hip-hop acts as influences, which is interesting for an R&B-ish band from Philadelphia. They sound like a party band that is waiting for that sweet cover to come by in the competition so they can knock it out of the park. And I hope they do.
The Clark Brothers (+250): A trio of adorable brothers from Nashville, they've played for SHeDaisy and Carrie Underwood (surprise, being that this is an American Idol spinoff). They're a solid act, but the thing about country singers, and the reason why Carrie won her season, was versatility. Would they be able to pull out the pop if they had to?
Tres Bien (+450): This Florida band has a bit of a Fall Out Boy look to them, which is worrisome. They're going for a British Invasion (think Kinks) kind of sound, which is a good sound to cop for this kind of show. But watching their videos, they don't seem to quite make the covers their own.
Dot Dot Dot (+750): Are these guys for real? With a new-wave aesthetic, anime haircuts, and a glam-punk sound, it just seems way too overdone. I get it, I get it-- post-irony-indie-pop-culture-doohickey-whatever. Whatever happened to just playing music just because?
Light of Doom (+550): Oh. My. God. A pre-pubescent metal band from San Diego. I love them. They're too cute. But you know the weird thing? They're actually good... when they can remember the lyrics. (Man, and that's not even 'cause they're on drugs. Well, hopefully.)
The Muggs (+2000): I'm sure these guys were doing well in Detroit before they came on this show, but it just seems like they're really out of place here. I mean, they look like they're having fun, but that's about it. And their odds reflect that.
Denver and the Mile High Orchestra (+1000): No kidding, there are 12 people in this band. Awesome. The unfortunate thing is that they draw the line between being great musicians (like Chicago) and sounding like a jazz/swing parody (like Richard Cheese). That just doesn't go far with pop bands.
Rocket (+2500): They're an all-girl punk-ish band from (surprise) L.A. who list Mr. Belvedere as an influence (a plus in my book). The thing about their performance is that they try and do the coy little girl routine that just falls flat. I mean, who can top The Go Gos at this point, right?
Cliff Wagner and the Old #7 (+800): A cute little bluegrass band from Los Angeles of all places, they're a solid band, but bluegrass doesn't really go far in pop circles unless you're willing to go all the way and just do an all bluegrass version of The Wall or something.

Labels: American Idol, BetUS, reality, The Next Great American band

posted by Kari at 12:59 PM

So our Idol boyfriend Blake has just started work on his upcoming debut album. I think we all know that in our hearts and in our souls, Blake was the real American Idol winner and just got screwed by the inclusion of the GB (glory ballad) in the finale.

I can tell you this, I'll only be purchasing one of the finalists albums, but it will be neither Jordin or Blake.

I still love you most Melinda Doolittle.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 1:53 PM

Really, I'm not sure what the most horrifying part of last night's Idol finale was.

Could it have been Clive Davis blabbering on and insulting all of his own artists? He looked like a zombie, and he made about as much sense as Paula after her fifth bottle of pain killers.

Could it have been the train wreck that was the Sergeant Pepper's medley? Joe Perry! You used to have dignity! You just appeared on Idol in not one but TWO numbers. Ruben Studdard singing a song about LSD? What IS that?

No! It must have been Joe Perry performing with Sanjaya. OHMYGOD. Does your rock god dignity mean NOTHING to you, Joe?

Every time I tried to look away, something pulled me back in.

I feel empty already with no Idol in my future. But I've had fun following the odds, and I'll be back with So You Think You Can Dance when they get down to the final 12. And, sadly, probably that celebrity racing show. Can't wait!

Labels: American Idol, Jordin Sparks

posted by pregamejocelyn at 12:25 PM

I have been grinning Ear to Ear the past couple of days because Blake Lewis OFFICIALLY made it to the FINAL 2!! WOOHOOO!! Oh, nothing can rain on THIS parade!!

One thing is certain, though, the upcoming season finale is going to be interesting. I think it really could go either way - Jordin is fun, young, high energy, and has that pure voice. But Blake exudes originality and is a born performer. Not only would I enjoy listening to him over the radio, but I know that his live performances would/will be an entirely different, yet stimulating event!

So, I am keeping my fingers crossed for Blake, but I won't be horribly saddened if Jordin wins - because, basically, I'll end up buying both of their albums! Oh yeah, and I'll go see them on the American Idol concert tour.

Labels: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Final 2, Jordin Sparks

posted by Bonnie Bentley at 11:38 AM

It took me all damn day to get over Melinda going home. I DO NOT EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. Leave it be. Leave me be. I'M NOT CRYING, I SWEAR.

But if you'd like to check the odds on the final two, click here for the final edition of the official HollyWagers American Idol Guide.

And if, by chance, you won't be checking here religiously after Idol season is over, click here to join our FREE weekly newsletter with the hottest updates of the week's crazy celeb betting action. You know you want to.

Labels: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks

posted by pregamejocelyn at 4:07 PM

Seriously, I'm not. I don't think Melinda should've been the one going home last night.

But I still contend Jordin's going to win because she's going to be the youngest to ever win. Just for that reason. Sure, I got sucked in to her innocent growth over the season, and it's been cool to see a young person with poise and dignity make it this far. But those are all reasons why she should win. The end.

Labels: American Idol, Jordin Sparks

posted by Kari at 12:33 PM

Dear Kari and Bonnie,

Stop talking. You know not of what you speak.

Love,
Jocelyn

I understand that Kari is prone to go for the sweet power vocalist because she enjoys seeing personal growth happen throughout the course of the show. I understand that Blake has beatboxed his way into the heart of Bonnie Bentley. I can understand why each of those crazy girls believes their little favorite will win. But Big Momma is here to tell you the truth: Melinda Doolittle is still going to be the winner of American Idol.

Why not Jordin? She's just too young. If you think that I believe for a second that Jordin can make it through two three-song weeks with the pressure of the finals without cracking, you're wrong. It's already started to happen. Bon Jovi week was just bad, and she choked on her second song last week. She'll Diana Degarmo it - by which I mean probably make it into the finals and then have a really subpar performance to lose it.

Why not Blake? Honestly, two reasons. The first one is - it's obviously a girl's season. They loaded the pack because it was time for a girl winner, and we'd all like to believe that Idol is pure and untampered with, but the winner WILL be a gir this year. Secondly, Blake honestly just doesn't have the vocal chops to win this. He probably was the best male performer, but he wasn't even the best male singer. Even if he makes the finals, there's no way America makes him a winner against the amazing vocals of either of those girls.

Why Melinda? She's the least likely to crack under pressure AND everybody believes that we haven't seen her best performance yet. If you're suspicious of the whole process like I am, you almost believe that she had flat weeks to lull us into not caring so she could blow us away this week. I, for one, would be surprised if she doesn't tear down the house this week.

Bodog has Melinda at 11 to 5. And I have money on Melinda. Click to bet her now. You won't be sorry.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 4:18 PM

If Kari is expressing her support for Jordin, I am going to add my two cents!! I think the winner of American Idol, this year, could (and should) be Blake Lewis! Now, I'm not just saying that because I'm his biggest fan. I am saying this because he has really captivated America with his originality and uniquenss.

Normally, I wouldn't give American Idol viewers enough credibility to know to vote for someone like Blake, but I have to agree with Paula when she says that Blake really celebrates the freedom that the competition allows. I mean, Blake has broken through his comfort zone countless times all in the name of Expression, Creativity, and Entertainment. He takes risks and America has loved him enough to get him to the final 3! The only thing I'm dreading is a nearly 3-way tie where Blake gets the boot - like Elliott Yamin last year (who is, by the way, my most favorite American Idol contestant of ALL TIME! p.s. he's performing Wednesday night as the final 3 are cut to the final 2 - an episode with which Elliott is quite familiar - fitting, huh?)

Bodog says that Blake is the least likely to win, out of the 3 remaining contestants, at 9/2. But, I disagree! I think Melinda will go home tomorrow. What's that? Oh, Jocelyn, you disagree? Please, do tell!

Anyway, I look forward to sounds of Blake beatboxing me to sleep for the next 2 weeks!

Labels: American Idol, beatboxing, Blake Lewis, Bodog, elliott yamin, final 3, jocelyn, kari, Paula Abdul

posted by Bonnie Bentley at 2:02 PM

It's Final Three night tonight, and it's a little hard for me to wrap my head around this season. I mean, from Sundance to Sanjaya, Antonella to skanky Haley, this season's been crazy. And, at times, awesome. (The gay-offs, the Simon-Kiki smooch, crying little girls, and many awkward interviews with celebs in the audience...)

Anyway, everybody's singing songs picked by them and picked by one of the judges tonight, so it'll be, like, half disaster, half non-disaster, we hope.

Bodog has Jordin at 1/2 going into tonight, and I'm saying she's going all the way to the top, y'all!

The way things have been going this season, it would make sense to have the youngest American Idol winner ever at the end of it, right?

Labels: American Idol, Jordin Sparks

posted by Kari at 9:39 AM

We all knew it wouldn't be Blake (even though he had a terrible night) or Jordin (even though that second song was not good), which left Melinda and Kiki. In the end, we cared more about Melinda's self-esteem problems than Lakisha's little daughter and sent her disco dancing out of the room. But not before Ryan embarassed us all by talking about hair color with Jessica Alba.

Odds are up on the final three and it's a tight race. AND there's still time to get a bet in before the big finale. Click here for the official American Idol Betting Guide.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 1:49 PM

We really will miss you and your bald head, Phil. But let's be real, this is the best four for the final four. It's going to be an old fashioned sing-off for the next three weeks, ya'll. You might be surprised who the official Vegas favorite to win is. Click here to see the updated odds.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 1:30 PM

...and what does that mean? Double the fun next week, when they eliminate 2 people! Awesome.

That doesn't mean the odds haven't changed, though. Kiki's now down to 12/1, while Blake improved a tiny bit to 9/2. Melinda's still the favorite at 6/5, but Jordin's waiting at even money.

Get the guide and get betting!

And if you wanna talk American Idol with us anytime, join our boards today and let us know who you think is gonna win!

Labels: American Idol, Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Melinda Dolittle, Pregame Forums

posted by Kari at 1:02 PM

If you haven't yet, you need to get over to the forums and get involved in our American Idol in-show threads, where I'm giving the running commentary during the West Coast broadcast. Last night's recap is here and the thread for tonight's big Charity/Elimination show is here!

If the shocking DialIdol is correct, Melinda will be the bottom 3 for the first time tonight! Phil saved himself this week with a decent vocal, and Chris pulled out a good performance, but he's been so close to the bottom for so long, it's his time to go.

Is it true that it's a Celine Dion/Elvis duet tonight? Yikes.

And our underdog favorite Heather Mills was eliminated from Dancing With The Stars last night, and we're very sad in the office today. We were really rooting for that leg to fall off, especially after last week's spill. Oh well. We still have the possibility of a Playgirl spread with Ian Ziering looming in the background.

Labels: American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, Heather Mills, Paula Abdul, Pregame Forums, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell

posted by Kari at 12:50 PM

I mean, what's left now that Sanjaya is gone? WHAT'S LEFT, WE ASK?????

Oh, Melinda is left at less than even money. Lakisha is left with seriously dented odds. Phil Stacey is SOMEHOW still there, and Jordin is worth putting money on at 3 to 1. Click here to see the updated American Idol odds!

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 6:18 PM

Last night I live posted on AI on the West Coast at our wonderful forums. Country Night brought out Phil in his niche, and Jordin as a serious contender to take it all.

But the question is: who's going home? Actually very surprisingly Sanjaya is dead last on DialIdol, which actually doesn't mean anything if you take into account Kiki was there last week and somehow she was top 3. Go figure. And Chris. Oy vey. I'm done with him.

But at least there's some controversy over whether or not Simon rolled his eyes when he was talking about the Virginia Tech tragedy:



And there was almost another gay-off with Simon and Ryan, but we won't get into that. Don't be surprised if Justin's going home tonight.

Labels: American Idol, Paula Abdul, Pregame Forums, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell

posted by Kari at 1:03 PM

I'm dating again, which is why this is late. I had to recover from my big date night out last night.

We debated in the HollyWagers office if that entry title was too mean, but she did it to herself.

Sanjaya's odds say he could win this. In fact, they say he's more likely to win than Lakisha or Blake. Yep. This is the world we live in. Click here for the updated American Idol odds.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 1:42 PM

I mean, is it really worth doing a recap if it was all about Jennifer Lopez acting nice to these commoners singing Gloria Estefan songs?

You could tell the whole show was a downhill slide when Melinda comes out swinging with the version of "Sway" that I really don't like (for the record: my favorite version is from the soundtrack to Dark City.) When Simon finally finds something wrong with you, Melinda, the show is going to suck.

I really don't have much else to say about the people who either sang Santana songs (I mean, not even the good '70's Santana songs, the annoying overly-played recent crap) or Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine songs (that will always be dated by their '80's-ness.) There's no singing involved, and as the episode with Gwen Stefani showed a couple of weeks ago, none of these people can move.

At least Haley realized that slutting it up was going to work out for her.

Well, you know, except for Blake. And if he and Sanjaya are the only decent performances of the night, well, you know. God bless us, everyone.

I can't even talk about it anymore.

Anyway, DialIdol has-- gasp!-- LaKisha going home. And every week I keep saying Haley. But she's reaching the critical mass point of the show.

Labels: American Idol, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell

posted by Kari at 12:34 PM

Firstly, for those who are paying attention, it's week three and the boyfriend and I are still broken up. By still broken up, I mean that we briefly got back together and then that didn't work. So really, the only thing of meaning in my life right now is American Idol. There. I said it. And I'm really okay with it. Randy Jackson is like my rebound man.

Toni was a Gina fan, and she announced today that she will not watch Amerian Idol again this season or EVER AGAIN. For the record, she also said that last year when Chris Daughtry got voted off. Send her some love, or some encouraging email at catfight@HollyWagers.com. She needs the upper.

In the meantime, all of the Idol odds have shifted. Favorites aren't quite so favored anymore. Click here to see the official HollyWagers American Idol Betting Guide.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 1:07 PM

Poor Tony Bennett. All these kids who don't know any of the standards they're singing (except for maybe Blake, but that's because he got to sing the song that was in all those McDonald's commercials in the '80's). Don't get me wrong, I love Tony Bennett, always have, but bring back Rod Stewart for Standards Night. At least he was entertaining in the interviews.

Anyway, off to the races.

Blake kicked if off with "Mack The Knife," and really, you can't top Bobby Darin's version of the classic. As being over his little breakdancing/beatboxing crap, I wasn't surprised he didn't drop down and do The Worm at the end. But the squealing girls love him, so he's not going anywhere.

Phil comes out with some weird version of "Night and Day," and Paula must be back on the sauce after hearing that Frank Sinatra comment. If he was singing to his wife, she must not be a great person to be in love with. I was so bored, I changed the channel for a minute. He'll probably be in the bottom 3 (again), if not flat-out eliminated this week.

We don't really need to talk about Melinda anymore. Seriously. She could sing the ingredients off of a Rice-A-Roni box and make us believe it.

Chris. You are the only Chris left. He kept himself safe this week by not trying all that hard. Nice Justin hat, by the way.

Jordin was decent this week. She's really getting there. But everyone has her in the bottom 3, which I'm not sure I agree with. There may be a bit of a sympathy vote this week, even if she wasn't as phenomenal as she's been.

Somewhere inside me I root for Gina. (Maybe it's a fellow tongue-piercing thing, I'm not sure.) But as much as she tried, her look overshadowed her vocal, which actually was pretty decent. DialIdol has her in the bottom 3, and I wouldn't be surprised.

Okay. I admit it. I was oddly mezmerized by Sanjaya this week. I'm not gonna lie. I mean, not that he's really going to have a career after the show, but at least he's stretching out his 15 minutes. And the hunger striker already started eating again, so all is not completely dead. Yet.

Haley tried to slut it up this week, and it's going to fail on her. It's her critical mass week, I think. She's at the bottom on DialIdol, which she has been for pretty much the past month. It's her time to go.

I think there's starting to be a LaKisha backlash, because she's in the bottom 2 on DialIdol today. I'm not quite sure what that means, though: maybe people are in on her Diva-ness, or they're just done with her phoning it in and being told she's awesome every week. It'll be a shock if she really is in the bottom 3, but she won't be going home. At least she looked decent this week.

Haley and Phil are neck-and-neck to go home this week, but I'd hedge on Chris or Gina.

Labels: American Idol, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell

posted by Kari at 10:33 AM

Apparently, it took a sober Britney Spears to make it through the process of finalizing her divorce from K-Fed today. Silly me, I always thought it was easier to get through rough times stoned and drunk! But, I guess this really does mean Britney has been rehabilitated and can face reality as a sober woman. Congratulations! Looks like this truly is one small step for Britney; and one giant leap for Pop Culture!

It also makes me happy to hear that Britney got herself set up with a nice pre-nup agreement. Bet she heard Kanye's song! She is only going to have to pay Kevin approximately $1 Million dollars - and by today's celebrity divorce standards, that's pennies! They will also be sharing custody of their kids 50/50.

I must say that for such an unpredictable group of characters, they have been making some very mature decisions - which makes me happy and gives me hope for the rest of the world. My real question, however, is: If Britney can make it through rehab, divorce K-Fed, and decide what's best for her kids, why can't America vote Sanjaya off American Idol?! Really, people!! Is it THAT confusing!?

Anyway, BetUS (click "Entertainment" on the left column in the Sports Book) has some interesting prop bets up on K-Fed! Since 2006, he has occasionally participated in editions of WWE RAW. I haven't personally seen this, but I'd love to see him scrap it out with another scrawny lookin' dude! But, now that he's going to be sharing little Sean Preston and Jayden James with Brit-Brit, K-Fed is more likely to incorporate them in his business pursuits.

Will he bring the kids ringside to his next WWE appearance? Yes is the favorite, by far, at -4000! Will he win Father of the Year in 2007? Not so surprisingly, No is the expected result with odds at -9999! Some other comical options are whether or not he will get in trouble for giving his kids pot (my goodness). Yes is at +300 and No is at -500. Will Kevin feature the kids in his next music video (like his image isn't damaged enough)? Yes is at +500 and No is at -1000.

Check out the other crazy props BetUS has on K-Fed! There are odds for whether or not he'll get caught driving with the kids in his lap! How likely is it that Kevin will shave the boys' heads completely? Will he get caught, like his former boss Michael Jackson, dangling his kids off a balcony? Oh, people, there is no end to the madness! These props sounds so absurd but I could totally see some of them coming to fruition! Put down some cash and wait for them to happen!

Labels: American Idol, BetUS, Britney Spears, divorce, f-fed, jayden james, kevin federline, Michael Jackson, Sanjaya Malakar, sean preston, sober

posted by Bonnie Bentley at 1:04 PM

Still broken up, in case you were wondering!

Listen, Chris Sligh, you got what you deserved for making me listen to you say "Fro Patro" over and over again. The hair, the blazers, the constant humor that wasn't all that funny anymore. I won't miss you all that much. I'd actually rather have Sanjaya on. At least he entertains me.

Odds have changed, and Lakisha's status as a favorite is slipping, while you can't even get even money on Jordan Sparks any more. Click here for the updated American Idol Betting Guide.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 11:57 AM

So much to say, right? Thank you Jocelyn, for getting the Sunjayahawk mess out of the way so I don't have to talk about it.

Gwen Stefani was the guest, which I think was a plus, because when she said that she likes music that doesn't require a big voice, that meant to me that we probably weren't going to be seeing what I call the "Star Search" big note and hand reaching for the sky move at the end of every. frikkin. song. (Really. You can check the old school mullet-licious Sam Harris on this YouTube video, reaching for the stars with two hands, people. That's talent.)

So LaKisha kicked it all off with Donna Summer, and looked a bajillion times better (and hotter, frankly) than last week. She is the Diva out of all of them, obviously. Though the sad part about watching her last night was the idea that she could have a viable career singing for European producers on House tracks for the rest of her life. But I don't think that's what she was going for.

I wanted to like Chris Sligh this week. But even before he started singing "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," which is not even my favorite Police song, when Ryan Seacrest asked that eternal rhetorical question Who's Going Home This Week, he was the first name to pop into my head. I mean, you can only hold on to the Blues Traveler vibe for so long, dude. And as a classically trained musician, watching him mess up the rhythm of that song made it hard for me to not want to change the channel.

You know, Gina made a good choice this week with The Pretenders. I didn't agree it was her best performance (I still think her Evanescence performance during the elimination shows was the best one), but it's one that was strong enough to keep her safe.

We're skipping over Sunjaya from now on. Call it a hunger strike, except that I'm training for a 5K next month, so I'm not recapping. But I'm eating like a mofo, believe it.

Haley decided she was going back to "Who are you again?"-type of singing last night. I mean, "True Colors"? Seriously? She's bottom 3 on DialIdol, bottom 3 on all other recaps, and she's bottom 3 in my heart. I mean, you could see it in the little cut to Sabrina in the audience during the show: this bitch needs to go home.

Phil Stacey did "Every Breath You Take," a great Police tune (up there, but not my favorite), and there really isn't a whole lot you can do with that song other than re-arrange it, and I'm sure after the stuff we've been seeing Blake and Sligh do over the past month, he's staying far away from that noise. The feeling is that he'll be bottom 3, but will stay, but if he doesn't go home this week, it'll be in the next 2 weeks.

Melinda did some Donna Summer too, and just seemed to breeze through it with no problems. I wasn't a big fan of the outfit, but she pulled it off okay. I'm kinda hoping at this point the voters don't get lazy and pull off a Daughtry.

Blake. I said last week I'm a little over his schtick by now. And when they mentioned The Cure in the opening bump of the show, I knew he was going to be the Cure person this show. And to make it worse, it was the boring 311 arrangement of the song. I lovelovelove The Cure, and I had to change the channel. I could've been listening to the original on my computer and been completely happy with it. But he'll stay in because the ladies love him.

It was hard watching Jordin, I have to say. We all know what she was trying to go for, but I think she showed us last night, and I hate to say it, that she needs some training to be able to sing that kind of upbeat music and roam around the stage for 3 minutes at a time. But she's super cute and wins the award for Most Improved, so I don't think she'll be going anywhere.

I almost forgot about Chris Richardson being the last person on the show, and almost switched the TV off after Jordin. But. He gets a A for effort on the arrangement, but I'm also done with his Justin-ing of his vocals. He just can't get the blue-eyed soul thing down. I say bottom 3.

Who might be going home? Either of the Chrises, or Haley. There's a rumor tonight may be a shocker elimination, and if that's the case, it's gotta be Gina or Jordin.

Labels: American Idol, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell

posted by Kari at 1:53 PM

I have hidden under the covers in fear during the Sanjayahawk performance.

The end is near.

Labels: American Idol

posted by pregamejocelyn at 10:42 PM